Set Of Eight Books

This document outlines a comprehensive set of eight books titled "Śramaṇa Bhagavān Mahāvīra" authored by Muni Sri Ratna Prabha Vijayaji, published by Sri Jaina Siddhanta Society in Ahmedabad, India, in 1947. The set aims to provide an in-depth account of the life and teachings of Lord Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara of Jainism, drawing from authentic Jain scriptures and other sources.

Key details about the publication:

• Author: Muni Sri Ratna Prabha Vijayaji, a disciple of Acharya Vijay Nemi-suriśvaraji.
• Publisher: Sri Jaina Siddhanta Society, Ahmedabad, India.
• Publication Year: 1947.
• Motivation for Expansion: Initially, four volumes were published in 1941-42. Due to increased costs of printing paper and other charges caused by war difficulties, the printing had to stop. After obtaining paper from England, the work resumed, leading to an expansion from four books to eight, with significantly augmented content.
• Pricing and Discounts: Prices were kept reasonable, considering the enhanced costs. A substantial discount of 50% was offered to universities, recognized societies, associations, institutions, public libraries, and religious institutions.
• Publication Schedule: Volume IV, "Nihnava-vāda," was prioritized due to high demand and was to be published the following month (relative to the document's date). Volumes I (Parts I & II) and II (Parts I & II), focusing on the life incidents of Lord Mahavira, were to follow, with Volume I Part I expected by the end of the current year.

The eight-book structure of the series is as follows:

1. Vol. I Part I: Life
2. Vol. I Part II: Life
3. Vol. II Part I: Life
4. Vol. II Part II: Life
5. Vol. III: Gaṇadhara-vāda (Discussions with the eleven chief disciples)
6. Vol. IV: Nihnava-vāda (Discussions with various philosophical objectors)
7. Vol. V Part I: Sthaviravali Part I (Summaries of life incidents and an index of chief works of prominent Jain Acharyas)
8. Vol. V Part II: Sthaviravali Part II (Continuation of the Sthaviravali)

Detailed Content Overview (based on the provided table of contents for Volumes I and II):

Volume I, Part I (Life):

• Chapters I-III: Cover fundamental Jain philosophical concepts like Jiva and Ajiva Tattva, Sudeva, Suguru, Sudharma, Kusystems, Samyaktva, and the nature of Souls and the Universe.
• Chapters IV-IX: Delve into the previous births (Bhavas) of Lord Mahavira, detailing his incarnations as:
  • King Satru-mardana of Jayanti Nagari (Fourth Previous Bhava)
  • A celestial being in Saudharma Deva-loka (Fifth Previous Bhava)
  • Raja Rṣabha-dèva of Vinita Nagari, including the story of Marici (Sixth Previous Bhava)
  • Gods in Brahma Deva-loka, Saudharma Deva-loka, and Ishana Deva-loka, and various Brahmanas named Kausika, Pushpamitra, Agnidyota, Agnibhuti, Bharadhvaja, and Kapila (Seventh to Fifteenth Previous Bhavas).

Volume I, Part II (Life):

• Chapters I-II: Continue the narrative of previous births:
  • As Viśvabhūti Kumāra, who renounced the world and faced hardships (Sixteenth Previous Bhava).
  • As a brilliant god in Mahāśukra Deva-loka (Seventeenth Previous Bhava).
  • As Triprishtha Vasudeva, detailing his heroic deeds, battles, and eventual birth in a hellish realm (Eighteenth Previous Bhava).
• Chapters III-VI: Cover subsequent previous lives, including:
  • Priya-mitra Cakravartin (Twenty-third Previous Bhava).
  • A prosperous god in Shukra Deva-loka (Twenty-fourth Previous Bhava).
  • Nandana Kumara, detailing his spiritual journey (Twenty-fifth Previous Bhava).
  • The Twenty-sixth Previous Bhava is also mentioned.

Volume II, Part I (Life):

• This volume focuses on the immediate past life of Lord Mahavira before his final incarnation.
• Chapters I-VIII: Detail his descent from Pranat Deva-loka, conception, the significance of his mother's dreams, his birth, horoscope, early life, education, marriage, renunciation (Diksha), and the arduous twelve years of his ascetic life (Chadmastha Kala). This section describes numerous events, challenges, interactions with various individuals (including mendicants, kings, and lay followers), and his spiritual progress during this period.

Volume II, Part II (Life):

• This volume continues the account of Lord Mahavira's ascetic life and the establishment of the Jain order.
• Chapters I-IX: Cover the acquisition of Kevala Jnana (omniscience), the establishment of the "Catur-vidha Sangha" (four-fold Jain community), the preaching of Dharma, the conversion of disciples (including prominent Brahmins and kings like Shrenika), his extensive travels, and his activities over several decades leading up to his Nirvana. It also touches upon the social and political history of the time and prominent figures associated with Mahavira.

Volume III: Gaṇadhara-vāda:

• This volume is dedicated to discussions and clarifications of doubts raised by the eleven Gaṇadharas (chief disciples) of Lord Mahavira.

Volume IV: Nihnava-vāda:

• This volume focuses on discussions and refutations of various heterodox or dissenting philosophical views (Nihnava-vada) prevalent during Mahavira's time.

Volume V, Part I & II: Sthaviravali:

• These volumes are dedicated to biographical sketches (Sthaviravali) and summaries of the key works of prominent Jain Acharyas (Sthaviras or elders) who followed Lord Mahavira. The content lists a significant number of Acharyas, spanning from the immediate disciples to later influential figures, highlighting their contributions to Jain philosophy and literature.

In essence, this eight-book series provides a monumental and detailed exploration of Lord Mahavira's life, his previous existences, his ascetic practices, his teachings, and the lineage of his spiritual successors, forming a foundational resource for understanding Jainism.