Shantiavatar Shantinath Diwakar Chitrakatha 007

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Shantiavatar Shantinath Diwakar Chitrakatha 007" based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Shantiavatar Shantinath Diwakar Chitrakatha 007 Author(s): Vidyutprabhashreeji, Shreechand Surana Publisher: Diwakar Prakashan

This is the seventh installment of the "Diwakar Chitrakatha" series, focusing on Lord Shantinath, revered as the "Incarnation of Peace" in Jainism.

Core Theme: The book highlights Lord Shantinath's journey through multiple lifetimes, emphasizing his compassionate nature, his pursuit of spiritual enlightenment, and his eventual attainment of the status of the 16th Tirthankara. It aims to instill good values, purity of thought, knowledge enhancement, and provide entertainment through its narrative and illustrations.

Key Narratives and Themes:

• Parallels with Vedic Tradition: The introduction draws a parallel between the 24 avatars in Vedic tradition and the 24 Tirthankaras in Jain tradition, positioning Lord Shantinath within this significant lineage.

• Past Life as King Megharatha:

  • Lord Shantinath's past life as King Megharatha is recounted, where he selflessly sacrificed his own flesh to save a dove that sought refuge with him. This act of "self-sacrifice for the sake of living beings" is presented as a glorious tale of compassion, and it's noted that a similar story is famous in the Vedic tradition as King Shivi.

• Birth and Renown as the "Incarnation of Peace":

  • Lord Shantinath was born in Hastinapur, the capital of the Ikshvaku dynasty.
  • During his birth, the land was plagued by an epidemic. This affliction subsided after his mother, Achira Devi, recited a "Shanti Stotra" (hymn of peace).
  • His very presence in the Hastinapur region prevented famines and diseases, earning him the title "Incarnation of Peace" (Shantiavatar) in the world.
  • He became the 5th Chakravarti (Universal Emperor) before renouncing his royal splendor to pursue spiritual practice and ultimately became the 16th Tirthankara.
  • Lord Mahavir himself testified to Shantinath's renown as the "Incarnation of Peace" with the statement: "Shanti Shantinath Loke" (Shantinath is the peacemaker of the world).
  • Jains continue to venerate him as the "Incarnation of Peace," performing peace rituals and prayers during times of distress like disease, fear, or fire.

• Illustrative Past Lives (Tales of King Shrisen and others):

  • King Shrisen: The narrative begins with Shrisen, a virtuous and generous king of Ratnapur. He had two beautiful and chaste queens, Abhinandita and Shikhanandita. Abhinandita was particularly admired for her character.
  • The Conflict over a Maid: Shrisen's two sons, Indrasen and Bindusen, were highly intelligent and skilled. When a princess from Kaushambi visited with a beautiful maid, both brothers became infatuated with the maid. This led to a bitter quarrel between the brothers, culminating in drawn swords.
  • The King's Distress and Demise: King Shrisen's attempts to reconcile his sons were in vain. Heartbroken by their fratricidal conflict over a mere maid, he died of grief. His queens also followed him in death.
  • Rebirth in Uttara Kurukshetra: The souls of King Shrisen and Queen Abhinandita were reborn as husband and wife in Uttara Kurukshetra.
  • Rebirth as Vidyadhar Amitatej and King Shreevijay: After completing their lifespan, they became celestial beings in the first heaven. The soul of Shrisen became Amitatej, the king of Vidyadhars on Vaidayshila mountain, and Abhinandita's soul became Shreevijay, a king.
  • The Abduction of Sutara: Amitatej's beloved sister, Sutara, was married to King Shreevijay. During a forest excursion, a Vidyadhar named Agnighosh saw Sutara and became infatuated. He abducted her.
  • Deception and Illusion: To deceive Shreevijay, Agnighosh created an illusion of Sutara calling out for help, claiming she was bitten by a serpent. He then created a false image of Sutara, who appeared to die. Shreevijay, in his grief, prepared to immolate himself.
  • The Rescue and Revelation: Two servants of Amitatej arrived and revealed that the "dying Sutara" was a magical illusion created by Agnighosh, and the real Sutara had been abducted.
  • Confrontation and Resolution: Shreevijay, along with a large army sent by Amitatej, confronted Agnighosh. After a fierce battle involving powerful magic, Amitatej, who had mastered the "Mahajwala Vidya," defeated Agnighosh.
  • The Lesson of Forgiveness and Transformation: The defeated Agnighosh sought refuge before a Kevali (omniscient being). Amitatej and Shreevijay also went there. The Kevali's teachings on anger, hatred, and the power of forgiveness transformed them. Agnighosh repented, and Amitatej forgave him.
  • Prophecy of Future Births: The Kevali prophesied that Amitatej would become the 5th Chakravarti in his ninth life and, after renouncing worldly possessions, would be born as the 16th Tirthankara, Shantinath. Shreevijay would become his first Ganadhara (chief disciple).

• Chakravarti Vajrayudha (Past Life):

  • The story then shifts to another past life of Amitatej, where he was born as Vajrayudha, the son of King Kshemankar.
  • Vajrayudha was valiant and courageous. After marrying Princess Lakshmavati, he inherited the kingdom from his father.
  • Upon the appearance of the "Chakra Ratna" (Wheel Jewel), King Vajrayudha conquered the six divisions of Bharat Kshetra, becoming a Chakravarti Emperor.
  • After ruling for many years, he renounced his kingdom, took diksha (initiation), and attained celestial rebirth.

• The Miraculous Birth of Shantinath:

  • The narrative returns to the life of King Vishwasen of Hastinapur. A severe epidemic struck the city, causing widespread death.
  • The desperate people approached the king for help. Vishwasen vowed not to eat or drink until the epidemic subsided.
  • Indra, the celestial king, appeared to Vishwasen, informing him that the "Incarnation of Peace" was gestating within his queen, Achira Devi, and advised her to recite the "Shanti Stotra."
  • Upon the recitation of the Shanti Stotra, the epidemic subsided, and peace returned to the land.
  • On the thirteenth day of the dark fortnight of the month of Jyeshtha, Queen Achira Devi gave birth to a son, who was named Shanti Kumar (Prince Shanti) because his birth brought peace to the world. The entire world was filled with joy, and celestial beings descended to celebrate.

• Shantinath's Reign as a Benevolent Ruler:

  • Prince Shantinath grew up, married, and eventually inherited the throne from his father, King Vishwasen, who then took up spiritual practice.
  • As king, Shantinath was deeply compassionate, opening the state granaries and providing food and clothing to the needy, including those suffering from a famine in neighboring kingdoms. He established charitable kitchens and animal shelters.
  • His reign was characterized by prosperity, peace, and an absence of crime, famine, or unrest.
  • After 25,000 years of just and righteous rule, the Chakra Ratna appeared again. Shantinath, as Chakravarti Shantinath, conquered the six divisions of Bharat Kshetra, accepting the submission of regional rulers like Magadha Dev without conflict.
  • He ruled justly for thousands of years, extending his influence through dharma (righteousness) and power.

• Renunciation and Attainment of Keval Gyan:

  • Reflecting on the impermanence of worldly pleasures, Chakravarti Shantinath decided to renounce his kingdom to pursue ultimate, eternal self-happiness through renunciation and penance.
  • He generously opened his treasury to his subjects for a year.
  • On the eleventh day of the dark fortnight of Jyeshtha, he abdicated his throne to his son Chakrayudha, along with a thousand followers, and took the vows of a monk.
  • A year after his initiation, Lord Shantinath returned to Hastinapur and attained Keval Gyan (omniscience) under the Nandi tree in the Sahasramra Garden. His presence brought an atmosphere of profound peace, with animals of different species coexisting peacefully around him.
  • The celestial beings created a Samavsara (preaching assembly) where Lord Shantinath delivered his first sermon.

• The Sermon on the Poisonous Tree:

  • Lord Shantinath's sermon included a parable about a beautiful but poisonous tree. Travelers resting under its shade became ill, and those who ate its fruits died. The king ordered the tree to be cut down to prevent harm.
  • The Lord explained that "Kashayas" (emotions like anger, pride, deceit, and greed) are like this poisonous tree, with their manifestations being the poisonous fruits. Consuming these fruits leads to the corruption and eventual death of one's good virtues. Only by cutting down this tree of Kashayas through self-effort can one achieve liberation from the cycle of birth and death.
  • He also elaborated on the negative consequences of sensory attachment, using examples of moths attracted to flames, fish caught by sound, and deer trapped by hunters. He emphasized how attachment to pleasures leads to the degradation of the soul.
  • Following the sermon, his son Chakrayudha and thirty-five other kings took diksha, with Chakrayudha becoming the first Ganadhara.

• Nirvana:

  • As a Tirthankara, Lord Shantinath continued to benefit beings through his teachings. As his end approached, he went to Sammed Shikhar mountain and attained Nirvana (liberation) along with a thousand ascetics after a month of fasting.

• Historical Significance of Hastinapur:

  • The book concludes by highlighting the historical and religious importance of Hastinapur, the birthplace of Lord Shantinath. It mentions that Lord Rishabhadeva (Adinath) visited Hastinapur and was given his first sustenance (parana) there by Shreyanshkumar.
  • Hastinapur is also the birthplace of Lord Kunthunath and Lord Aranatha, meaning it has been the site of 12 auspicious events (Kalyanaks) for these three Tirthankaras.
  • Six of the twelve Chakravarti Emperors were also born there. The city has a rich history as a center of political and religious power, being the capital during the Mahabharata era.

Overall Message: The "Shantiavatar Shantinath Diwakar Chitrakatha" serves as an inspiring narrative of compassion, renunciation, and spiritual pursuit, illustrating the profound virtues that lead to the ultimate goal of liberation within the Jain tradition. It aims to educate and inspire readers, particularly younger generations, about the life and teachings of Lord Shantinath.