Sanskruti Nirmata Yugadideva - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Sanskruti Nirmata Yugadideva" by Shantilal K Shah, based on the provided pages:

This book, "Sanskruti Nirmata Yugadideva" (The Culture Creator, the First of the Ages), by Shantilal K. Shah, positions Lord Rishabhdev, the first Tirthankara of Jainism, as a pivotal figure in the development of human civilization and culture. The text asserts that Rishabhdev's influence extends far beyond Jainism, impacting various aspects of Indian and even global traditions.

Rishabhdev as the Foundation of Civilization:

From Nature to Nurture: Rishabhdev is credited with guiding humanity from a primitive, animalistic existence in the jungles, focused solely on survival and sensual pleasures, towards civilization. He revealed the "immortal treasure of the soul" to humans, elevating them from mere sustenance to a higher spiritual awareness.
Practicality and Spirituality: The book emphasizes that Rishabhdev didn't just preach abstract philosophy; he provided practical guidance for daily life. He established a robust foundation for culture upon which civilization could flourish for ages.
Universal Root: Rishabhdev is presented as the "root" from which all religions, practices, behaviors, knowledge, meditation, customs, and ethics stem. While different traditions branch out and adopt different names, the underlying essence, according to the text, traces back to him.

Rishabhdev in Other Traditions:

Vishnu's Avatar: The text highlights that Vedic traditions recognize Rishabhdev as the eighth avatar among Vishnu's twenty-four avatars. In this avatar, he is said to have shown the path of the "Paramahansa." His parents are identified as King Nabhi and Queen Marudevi. The Bhagavat Purana, particularly the fifth canto, extensively details Rishabhdev's life and teachings, which are described as similar to the teachings of the Tirthankaras. This avatar is specifically mentioned as being for those of a "rajasic" disposition to guide them towards liberation.
The Bhagavat Purana Connection: The Bhagavat Purana, in its "Bhavavatar" chapter, conceives of seven avatars corresponding to seven "Kulakars" (lineage creators), with Rishabhdev being the eighth.

Key Contributions of Rishabhdev:

Introducing Civilization (Jungle to Prosperity): Rishabhdev taught humans the importance of Asi (weaponry for defense), Masi (writing and knowledge), and Krishi (agriculture). He guided people towards civilization during a time when survival was paramount, and basic needs like food and shelter were barely met through natural means.
Establishing Marriage and Family: As populations grew and resources dwindled, Rishabhdev introduced the first marriage ritual (Lagna Vidhi). This was not just about regulating physical desires but also about fostering a spirit of mutual dedication for the welfare of two individuals.
Promoting Agriculture and Animal Husbandry: Recognizing the dependence of agriculture on oxen, Rishabhdev educated people on the significance of bulls. This act is suggested as the reason why he is also known as Vrishabhdev or Rishabhdev.
Establishing Governance and Social Order: When people faced continuous crises and were bewildered, they voluntarily chose Rishabhdev as their king. He demonstrated that a king's true role is to be a servant of the people. He governed through justice, curbing enemies with his royal authority.
Creating Artisans and Arts: Rishabhdev is credited with creating five artisan classes: the potter, blacksmith, painter, weaver, and barber. He also propagated 72 arts for men, 64 arts for women, and 18 scripts, with Brahmi being a prominent one.

Spiritual Journey and Enlightenment:

Renunciation and Asceticism: Once people were established in a life of peace and prosperity, Rishabhdev turned their attention towards self-knowledge. He passed on the kingdom to his eldest son, Bharat, and his 100 other sons, along with his two daughters, Brahmi and Sundari. He then became a monk.
Varrseedan (The Great Donation): To break attachments necessary for asceticism, Rishabhdev practiced "Varrseedan," a great act of charity where he satisfied all supplicants for a year before renouncing the world.
Receiving Sustenance: Many kings and nobles joined him as monks. Due to the strict ascetic vows, they struggled to find pure food for a year. Eventually, on the third day of Vaishakh Shukla, his great-grandson Shreyans Kumar offered him sugarcane juice at Hastinapur, marking his first Parana (breaking the fast).
Attaining Omniscience and Preaching: Upon achieving complete knowledge (Keval Gyan), he would sit in the Samovsaran (divine assembly) and preach. His teachings were so profound that people felt he was speaking directly to each individual, leading them to perceive him as the four-faced Brahma.
Nirvana: His liberation (Nirvana) occurred on Mount Ashtapad, also known as Mount Kailash. Bharat Chakravarti built eighty-four steps on the mountain to protect Rishabhdev's monument, hence its name "Ashtapad."

Rishabhdev's Descendants and Their Influence:

Namesakes of Nations: Many modern countries are named after Rishabhdev's sons.
Origin of Suryavansh (Solar Dynasty): The lineage of the Suryavansh begins with Rishabhdev, followed by Bharat and Suryayasha.
Origin of Chandravansh (Lunar Dynasty): The Chandravansh lineage also starts with Rishabhdev, followed by Bahubali and Chandrayasha.

Origin of Other Traditions:

Tapaso's Tradition (Ascetics): When Rishabhdev and his followers as monks could not find pure food for a year, they began subsisting on roots and fruits. This marked the beginning of the ascetic tradition.
Brahmins' Origin: When King Bharat attacked his brothers to become a Chakravarti (universal emperor), they approached Rishabhdev and became yogis. Bharat, feeling ashamed, went to his brothers to ask for forgiveness and offer them food. Rishabhdev advised him that food prepared for oneself is unacceptable to a sage, so Bharat began to feed the pure and knowledgeable disciples (Shravaks). These disciples, in turn, would caution Bharat, saying, "Jito bhavan, vardhate bhayam, tasmat ma han, ma han" (Live well, fear grows, therefore do not kill, do not kill). The text suggests that these "Mahan" or Brahmins originated from this "Ma han" (do not kill) teaching. The word "Vudhsavaya" is also mentioned in the Anuyog Dwar related to them.
Yajñopavīta (Sacred Thread) Origin: As the number of people partaking in royal meals increased, King Bharat, using a Kakinī gem, created three lines representing the "Darshan-Gyan-Charitra" (Faith-Knowledge-Conduct) – the three jewels of Jainism. Due to the unavailability of the Kakinī gem, Suryayasha used gold, and later Chandrayasha used silver to create the sacred thread, which eventually evolved into the thread made of string.
Vedas' Origin: Enlightened Brahmins compiled Rishabhdev's teachings into four Vedas: 1. Sansar Darshan (Perception of the World), 2. Sansthan Paramarsh (Consideration of Social Structure), 3. Tattvavabodh (Understanding of Principles), and 4. Vidyaprabodh (Awakening of Knowledge). The text notes that later, after the 8th Tirthankara, new Vedas incorporating animal sacrifice were created.
Agni Hotri and Fire Worship: The Vedic saying "Agni mukha vai devah" (The gods have fire as their face) became prevalent after Rishabhdev's Nirvana. The honor of lighting his funeral pyre was bestowed upon the Agnivaishya gods. The Brahmins who took fire from this pyre came to be known as Agnihotris and continued to worship and maintain that fire, which is the essence of fire worship.
Sāṅkhya Philosophy: The lineage of Sāṅkhya philosophy is traced from Rishabhdev to Bharat, then to Marichi (who became a mendicant), Marichi's disciple Kapila Muni, Kapila Muni's disciple Āsuri, and finally Āsuri's disciple Shankha, who is considered the founder of the Sāṅkhya school.

Rishabhdev and Other Religious Interpretations:

Idol Worship in Arabia: The text points out that the practice of idol worship, found in the Kaaba with 36,000 idols, might have originated from Jain traditions. It also mentions that Rishabhdev's son, Bahubali, was the king of Takshashila, and Rishabhdev had likely visited that region. The crescent moon and star symbol, always considered by Jains as a representation of Siddhashila (the liberated soul's abode), is also noted. The prohibition of animal violence in a region of Mecca Sharif is also highlighted.
Mahadeva Interpretation: The book questions the difficulty in reconciling the Puranic narratives about Mahadeva (Shiva) with his nature or character. It posits whether Rishabhdev might be considered as Mahadeva, drawing a parallel with Mahadeva riding a bull, which could be symbolic of Rishabhdev. The text quotes Acharya Mantung, who describes Rishabhdev as Buddha (due to his enlightened intellect), Shankara (benefactor of the three worlds), Dhata (creator of the path of liberation), and the supreme Purushottama.

In essence, "Sanskruti Nirmata Yugadideva" presents Lord Rishabhdev as a multifaceted, foundational figure who not only established Jain principles but also laid the groundwork for much of the civilization, social structures, and even religious and philosophical ideas that have shaped India and potentially beyond.