Shantinath Charita Part 03

This document is the third fasciculus (part) of the Shantinath Charita (The Life of Shantinath), authored by Shri Ajita Prabhacharya and edited by Muni Indravijaya. It was published by the Asiatic Society of Bengal in Calcutta in 1910. The text is written in Sanskrit.

The provided pages are primarily from the "Chathurtha Prasthavaha" (Fourth Chapter/Section) of the work. This chapter details various narratives and teachings, often framed as moral stories or parables related to the Jain path.

Here's a summary of the key narratives and themes found in these pages:

Narratives and Teachings:

• The King and the Lion Slayer (Pages 5-7): This section describes a king who, upon returning from a hunt, is told by his attendant, Shubhankara, that he, the king, killed the lion. The attendant had actually killed the lion while the king was distracted. The king initially praises the attendant but later realizes the deception and the attendant's desire for glory. The king's queen is also involved, revealing the attendant's deceit. This leads to the attendant's downfall, as the king orders his secret to be exposed. The queen criticizes the king for taking credit for the attendant's deed. The king, enraged, orders the attendant killed.
• The King and the Horse (Pages 9-11): A king acquires a fine horse from a merchant. During a ride, the horse, which was poorly trained, acts erratically, causing the king to fall and the horse to die. The king, lost in a forest, finds a large banyan tree. He observes water dripping from its branches into a leaf-bowl. A bird repeatedly knocks the bowl over. The king becomes angry and eventually kills the bird, only to discover that the bird was saving him from poisoned water dripping from a snake coiled in the tree. The king regrets his harshness and honors the bird.
• The King and the Birds (Pages 11-12): This appears to be a continuation or related narrative where the king, upon reflecting on the events involving the bird, regrets his actions.
• The Merchant and his Daughters-in-Law (Pages 16-17): A wealthy merchant, Dhanajaya, tests his daughters-in-law by giving them five grains of rice (shalikanas) to cultivate.
  • The eldest daughter-in-law is given the grains but gives them away to her relatives without cultivating them.
  • The second daughter-in-law eats the grains.
  • The third daughter-in-law carefully preserves the grains, tying them with rich cloth and jewelry, and eventually gives them to her relatives.
  • The fourth daughter-in-law, Rohini, cultivates the grains, which grow into a large harvest, making her the mistress of the household. The merchant uses this as a parable to illustrate different qualities and their outcomes, associating the daughters-in-law with different types of discipleship or spiritual progress.
• The Story of Yashovijaya and the Demon (Pages 12-15): This section describes a king who encounters a demon (Pishacha). The demon reveals that a queen named Gauri was born in a merchant family and became a source of misfortune. She became a devout follower of Jainism after developing renunciation. She then entered the king's palace, taking the form of a demon, and was instructed by her tutelary deity. The demon further reveals that a powerful Vidhyadhara (celestial being) named Devendra overcame a great serpent, highlighting divine power.
• The Story of Ajitasena and Mohini (Pages 21-23): This narrative introduces Ajitasena, a Vidhyadhara, and his daughter Shantimati. Shantimati's former husband, Pawanvega, who was also a Vidhyadhara, is mentioned. A conflict arises involving Shantimati being abducted by Pawanvega. The story emphasizes the power of knowledge and past actions. It highlights the transformation of characters through their past lives.
• The Story of Punyasara (Pages 25-45): This is a lengthy narrative about Punyasara, a merchant's son. He faces challenges related to gambling, theft, and family discord. He is banished by his father, encounters divine beings, and eventually marries multiple wives. The story illustrates themes of karma, the consequences of actions, and the importance of wisdom and ethical conduct. It also involves a significant interaction with his family deity. The narrative includes moral lessons derived from his experiences, particularly concerning the need for careful consideration before acting.
• The Story of Rohaka and the King (Pages 47-56): This section describes Rohaka, the son of a stage performer, who demonstrates exceptional intelligence and problem-solving skills by answering the king's riddles and fulfilling complex tasks. The king is impressed by his wisdom and appoints him as a minister. The story highlights the value of intelligence and wit.
• The Story of Haripriya the Monkey and Nishada the Hunter (Pages 72-86): This is a significant parable illustrating compassion and the consequences of actions. A monkey, Haripriya, saves a hunter, Nishada, from a tiger. The hunter, ungrateful, later kills the monkey's offspring. The tiger, witnessing this, criticizes the hunter's ingratitude. The story emphasizes that even animals can exhibit moral understanding, and the consequences of one's actions are inevitable. It also includes sub-narratives about other characters and their karmic journeys.
• The Story of the King and the Pigeon (Pages 73-83): A king is approached by a pigeon seeking refuge from a hawk. The king agrees to protect the pigeon. The hawk demands its prey. The king offers his own flesh in exchange for the pigeon's life, illustrating extreme compassion and selflessness. This act is revealed to be a test by a celestial being.
• The Story of King Megharatha and Devapriya (Pages 93-96): This part of the narrative focuses on King Megharatha, who is devoted to spiritual practices. He is visited by celestial beings who try to tempt him. He remains steadfast in his devotion and renounces worldly pleasures.
• The Story of Viryasena and the King's Sons (Pages 95-104): This narrative introduces King Viryasena and his sons, Devaraja and Vatsaraja. Due to political intrigue and the king's declining health, a succession dispute arises. The story highlights themes of righteousness, duty, and the consequences of improper actions by ministers.

Overall Themes:

• Karma and Rebirth: Many stories illustrate the principle that actions in this life have consequences in future lives. Past deeds influence present circumstances and future destinies.
• The Importance of Righteousness and Virtue: The text consistently promotes Jain virtues like non-violence (ahimsa), truthfulness (satya), non-stealing (asteya), chastity (brahmacharya), and non-possession (aparigraha).
• Wisdom, Intelligence, and Foresight: The narratives often showcase characters who possess wisdom and foresight, contrasting them with those who act impulsively or out of greed and ignorance.
• The Power of Devotion and Renunciation: The stories emphasize the transformative power of devotion to spiritual principles and the benefits of renunciation.
• The Consequences of Deceit and Ungratefulness: The text highlights the negative outcomes that befall those who engage in deceit, betrayal, and ingratitude.
• The Nature of the Soul and Liberation: Underlying the narratives is the Jain concept of the soul's journey towards liberation (moksha) through righteous living and the eradication of karmic impurities.

The text uses allegorical stories to convey complex Jain philosophical concepts and ethical teachings. The detailed accounts of human and animal interactions, kingly duties, and spiritual practices aim to guide the reader towards a virtuous and enlightened life.