Shantidas Virachit Gautamswami Ras Chaupai - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Shantidas Virachit Gautamswami Ras Chaupai" by Shilchandrasuri, based on the provided pages:

Title: Shantidas Virachit Gautamswami Ras Chaupai (Verse Compilation in Chaupai Meter by Shantidas on Gautamswami)

Author: Shilchandrasuri (Editor/Presenter), Shantidas (Original Author)

Publisher: ZZ_Anusandhan

Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/229523/1

Overview:

This text is a relatively short composition (66 verses or 'kadis') dedicated to Gautamswami, the chief disciple and Ganadhar (foremost disciple) of Lord Mahavir. A significant aspect of this work is that it was composed by a lay follower (grihasth, shravak) named Shantidas, which is considered a unique feature as most existing compositions about Gautam Ganadhar were created by monks. The composition is dated to Samvat 1732 (1675 CE), placing Shantidas in the 18th century.

Content Breakdown:

The compilation begins with a devotional invocation to Saraswati and a remembrance of the Tirthankaras and Siddhas. It then proceeds to narrate the life and glory of Gautamswami.

Key Narrative Points:

Origin of Gautamswami: The text traces the lineage of Gautamswami. It describes the village of Gobar Gram (described as akin to Indra Puri in grandeur), inhabited by many Brahmins who studied the Vedas and Puranas. The chief among them was a Brahmin named Vasubhuti, whose wife was Prithvi.
Prithvi's Dream: A significant and unique detail presented here for the first time in compositions about Gautamswami is Prithvi's dream. She dreamt of the Indra Sabha (court of Indra).
Prophecy and Birth: Based on this dream, Vasubhuti prophesied that his son would be learned in all four Vedas, would propagate the Jain dharma, and become revered in all three worlds. This son was named Indrabhuti.
Early Life and Education: The text briefly mentions Indrabhuti's growth from birth, his mastery of Sanskrit, and his comprehensive study of scriptures. He is described as a "storehouse of knowledge" and a "conqueror of debaters."
Encounter with Lord Mahavir: The narrative shifts to the arrival of Lord Mahavir. Indrabhuti was performing a grand Yajna (sacrifice) when Lord Mahavir arrived with his retinue. Indrabhuti, initially proud and mistaken about the nature of divinity, witnessed the divine assembly (Samosharan).
Conversion and Discipleship: Overcoming his pride and doubts (e.g., mistaking divine beings for Brahma or Ishvara), Indrabhuti realized the true nature of Lord Mahavir's teachings. He shed his pride and sought refuge at Lord Mahavir's feet, becoming his disciple.
Formation of the Twelve Angas: After his initiation, Indrabhuti, now Gautamswami, received the teachings of the twelve Angas (limbs of Jain scripture) directly from Lord Mahavir.
Attainment of Knowledge and Nirvana: Gautamswami attained various forms of knowledge, including Manparyav-gyan (knowledge of others' minds), and ultimately omniscience (Kevalgyan). He also attained the state of a Kevali (one with omniscience). The text mentions his attainment of 28 "Atishayas" (special powers) and his eventual liberation (Nirvana) and ascent to the fifth state (Pancham Gati).
The Glorification of Gautamswami's Name and Meditation: The latter part of the composition extensively details the immense power and efficacy of chanting Gautamswami's name and meditating upon him. This section highlights how invoking his name brings:
- Prosperity and Well-being: Long life, strong senses, comfortable housing, well-maintained animals (horses, elephants), virtuous offspring, respectful relationships, delicious and varied food, pleasant attire, beautiful ornaments, and enjoyable leisure activities.
- Protection and Success: Protection from enemies, fulfillment of desires, victory in endeavors, success in trade, immunity from accidents, good fortune, auspicious omens, and the turning of enemies into friends.
- Spiritual and Mundane Powers: Fulfillment of nine types of treasures, attainment of wealth, possession of mythical items like the Kamadhenu cow and Kalpa-vriksha tree, mastery of mantra knowledge, and the achievement of the eight great Siddhis (supernatural powers).
- Protection from Evils: Relief from diseases, protection from fatal accidents, overcoming poisonous effects, warding off evil spirits, protection from witchcraft and black magic, prevention of negative astrological influences, and liberation from captivity.
- Wider Influence: Overcoming obstacles, repelling invasions, and averting famines and calamities.

Unique Contributions and Significance:

Lay Author: The authorship by a lay follower, Shantidas, is highlighted as a significant aspect, differentiating it from monastic compositions.
Prithvi's Dream: The inclusion of Prithvi's dream as the catalyst for Indrabhuti's birth and destined greatness is presented as a novel narrative element.
Popular Appeal: The detailed account of the benefits of remembering and chanting Gautamswami's name indicates the author's intention to create a text with widespread popular appeal, meant to be easily understood and appreciated by the common people.
Focus on Devotion: The latter half of the text strongly emphasizes the devotional aspect and the immense power of faith in Gautamswami.

Manuscript Information:

The text exists in at least one manuscript copy, located in the Shri Rangvijay-Shastra-Sangraha-Bhandar in Dabhoi. This manuscript is believed to have been written in the 19th century. The author appeals to any knowledgeable individuals to share information about other copies or further details about the work and its author.

In essence, "Shantidas Virachit Gautamswami Ras Chaupai" is a devotional composition that celebrates the life, teachings, and profound spiritual power associated with Gautamswami, a pivotal figure in Jainism. Its uniqueness lies in its lay authorship and the specific narrative details presented about his birth and the widespread devotional benefits derived from remembering his name.