Sanmati Tirth Ki Sthapana

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Sanmati Tirth Ki Sthapana" by Amarmuni, focusing on the key themes and arguments presented:

The book excerpt, "Sanmati Tirth Ki Sthapana" (Establishment of Sanmati Tirth), by Amarmuni, delves into the spiritual journey of Lord Mahavir and the foundational principles of the Jain faith, particularly emphasizing the concept of Sanmati (right understanding or wisdom) as central to the establishment of the Jain Tirth (spiritual order or pilgrimage site).

Lord Mahavir's Enlightenment and the Genesis of the Tirth:

• Mahavir's Renunciation: The text begins by highlighting Lord Mahavir's princely upbringing and the purity of his renunciation. Unlike those driven by personal suffering, Mahavir's detachment stemmed from a deep empathy for the suffering of humanity, misled by religious hypocrisy and ignorance.
• The Quest for Light: Mahavir's rigorous 12.5 years of penance, including prolonged periods of meditation in harsh wilderness and dark caves, is presented as a profound search for inner light and truth. This struggle against darkness symbolizes the human condition and the need for true knowledge.
• Attainment of Kevalgyan (Omniscience): The text describes Mahavir's attainment of Kevalgyan on the banks of the Rijukvala river (now known as the Barakara river) on the tenth day of the waxing moon of Vaishakh. This moment marked his complete liberation from passions (rage, hatred, desire, anger, pride, greed) and his transformation into an Arhant and Vitrag (one who has conquered passions).
• The First Sermon and the Birth of the Tirth: Mahavir's first sermon occurred on the banks of the Rijukvala river. Although his divine message was profound, the immediate audience did not fully comprehend it, indicating that the Tirth (establishment of the religious order) had not yet been formally initiated at that location.

The Significance of Sanmati and the Establishment of the Tirth:

• The Urgency to Share Truth: The text uses the analogy of a philosopher who, upon realizing a profound truth, rushes out naked to share it, highlighting the irrepressible urge to disseminate enlightenment. Similarly, Mahavir, upon attaining Kevalgyan, was driven to share his wisdom, regardless of whether others were immediately ready to receive it.
• Opposition to Ritualistic Sacrifice: The narrative then shifts to Mahavir's arrival at Pawapuri, where a large Vedic sacrifice involving the slaughter of animals was being conducted. Mahavir's immediate journey to Pawapuri signifies his mission to counter violence and preach ahimsa (non-violence).
• The Debate with Indrabhuti Gautam: The text details the intellectual challenge posed by Indrabhuti Gautam, a prominent scholar leading the sacrifice. Gautam, initially driven by pride and the belief that a Kshatriya (Mahavir) should not teach Brahmins, confronted Mahavir.
• Gautam's Enlightenment and the Formation of the Sangha: The encounter with Mahavir's divine discourse profoundly impacted Gautam. His ego dissolved, and he, along with his 500 disciples, embraced Mahavir's teachings and became initiated. This event is presented as a crucial step in the establishment of the Tirth.
• The Importance of Right Understanding (Sanmati): The text emphasizes that Mahavir's teachings are fundamentally about Samyak Bodh (right understanding) and Samyak Gyan (right knowledge), rather than mere ritualistic practices. The name Sanmati (meaning "best wisdom" or "right mental disposition") is highlighted as the most significant of Mahavir's epithets, as it encapsulates the core of his philosophy.
• Sanmati as the Foundation of Action: The author argues that without Sanmati, one's actions cannot be righteous. Sanmati is the prerequisite for ethical conduct and leads to personal and societal well-being.
• The Ideal of the Tirth: Equality and Non-Discrimination: The text extols the egalitarian nature of Mahavir's Tirth. Upon entering the order, distinctions of caste, class, and lineage disappear. Whether a Shudra or a Brahmin, a queen or her maidservant, all are equal within the Tirth, bowing to those initiated before them, irrespective of their former social status. This is presented as a testament to Mahavir's emphasis on Samvaya (harmony and synthesis).

Critique of Contemporary Jain Practices:

• The Erosion of the Tirth's Ideal: The author expresses concern over the fragmentation of the Jain community into various sects and sub-sects, often based on geographical locations or the names of spiritual leaders. This, according to the text, dilutes the original spirit of Mahavir's unified Tirth.
• The Neglect of Core Principles: There is a critique of how the focus has shifted from the core principle of Sanmati to rigid adherence to rituals and traditions, sometimes leading to internal conflicts based on lineage or perceived status within the monastic order.
• The Need to Reclaim the Spirit of Sanmati: The author advocates for re-establishing the Sanmati Tirth in its true spirit, emphasizing the continuous pursuit of truth, self-understanding, and the dissemination of this wisdom to others.

Declaration of the Sanmati Tirth:

• Commemoration and Commitment: The text announces the proclamation of the Sanmati Tirth on the auspicious occasion of the 2543rd anniversary of Mahavir's establishment of the Tirth on the Samavasaran ground.
• Respect for the Tirth: The author draws upon scriptural references (Bhagavati Sutra and Lalit Vistara) to illustrate the importance of the Tirth, which is respected even by the Tirthankaras themselves as a means for world welfare.
• A Pledge for Truth and Wisdom: The declaration concludes with a solemn pledge to connect oneself with the holy name of Sanmati-Mahavir, not through sectarian divisions but through a commitment to seeking truth, understanding it, and sharing it with humanity. The goal is to awaken Sanmati and imbue minds with good intellect.

In essence, "Sanmati Tirth Ki Sthapana" is a call to return to the foundational principles of Jainism as embodied by Lord Mahavir, emphasizing the paramount importance of right understanding (Sanmati) for individual liberation and societal harmony. It critiques the deviations from these ideals and aims to re-establish the spirit of the Jain Tirth as a beacon of truth, equality, and universal welfare.