Shantinath Charitra Gujarati - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Shantinath Charitra Gujarati" by Bhavchandrasuri, based on the given pages:

Book: Shantinath Charitra Gujarati Author: Bhavchandrasuri Publisher: Jain Dharm Prasarak Sabha, Bhavnagar Publication Year: Vikram Samvat 1978 (1922 CE), Veer Samvat 2448

Overall Purpose and Content:

This book is a Gujarati translation of Bhavchandrasuri's Sanskrit text detailing the life and past lives of Lord Shantinath, the 16th Tirthankar in Jainism. The translation was made possible by the financial assistance of Seth Nagardas Purushottamdas of Ranpur. The book aims to make the life story of Lord Shantinath accessible to a wider Gujarati-speaking audience.

Key Information and Structure:

Introduction/Preface (Page 4): The Jain Dharm Prasarak Sabha expresses their pleasure in presenting this translation. They highlight that Lord Shantinath's virtuous nature is evident in his life story. The preface also lists several other existing biographies of Lord Shantinath, including those by Hemchandracharya, Ajitprabhacharya, Munisurishri, and Meghavijayganiji, noting the varying lengths and styles. Bhavchandrasuri's work is distinguished as a prose composition (Gadya Bandh) of over 6000 verses, differentiating it from the others which are primarily verse compositions (Padya Bandh).
Author's Work: Bhavchandrasuri's contribution is noted as a prose (Gadya Bandh) account, with over 6000 verses, which is the sole prose version among the mentioned works.
Previous Publications: The text mentions that this Sanskrit prose biography was also published by the Sabha, with a minor error in attributing it to Ajitprabhacharya in the second or third chapter.
Structure of the Charitra: The biography is divided into six chapters (Prastav), detailing Lord Shantinath's past lives and his final birth as the Tirthankar:
1. First Chapter: Covers the first three lives, including King Shreepaal (where he attains Samkit), his rebirth as a Yuklik in Uttarkuru, and then as a deity in Saudharma heaven. It also mentions Chakrayudh, who becomes the first Ganadhar in his first life.
2. Second Chapter: Details the fourth and fifth lives, where he is born as Vidyadhar Amitatej and later as a deity in Praanat Kalpa.
3. Third Chapter: Describes the sixth and seventh lives, where he is Balabhadra Aparajit in Mahavideh and then a deity in Dwadash heaven.
4. Fourth Chapter: Covers the eighth and ninth lives, where he is Chakri Vayudh (son of Tankar Mankara Jin) in Mahavideh, attains Avadhijnan, and then becomes an Ahimindra in the ninth Saivdeyaka heaven.
5. Fifth Chapter: Details the tenth and eleventh lives. In the tenth life, he is born as Meghanath, son of Tirthankar Meghanath, where he sacrifices his own flesh to save a pigeon, attains Avadhijnan, takes vows, achieves Tirthankar Namakarma, and becomes a deity in Sarvarthasiddhi Vimana.
6. Sixth Chapter: Describes the twelfth and final life as Lord Shantinath. This includes his birth, the 14 auspicious dreams of his mother, his universal reign (Chakravarti), the five auspicious events of his life (Panch Kalyan), his sermons after attaining Kevalgnana, including discourses on Pramad (negligence) and the twelve vows of a householder.
Praise for Lord Shantinath's Virtues: The text repeatedly emphasizes Lord Shantinath's immense virtuous qualities and the significant spiritual achievements across his many lives. The instances of attaining Avadhijnan in non-Tirthankar lives and being the son of a Tirthankar and a Chakravarti are highlighted as testaments to his great merit.

Sponsorship and Publication Details:

The book was printed by Shah Gulabchand Lallubhai at Shri Anand Printing Press in Bhavnagar.
The price of the book was Rs. 2.00.
The financial support for printing was provided by Seth Nagardas Purushottamdas of Ranpur, in memory of his late younger brother, Ujamshibhai.
Ujamshibhai is described as a person of peace, simplicity, devoted to the divine, devoted to his Guru, helpful to his brother, and had a strong, though not extensive, faith. He was also a merchant who traveled widely and practiced austerity. He passed away at the age of 50 in Mumbai in Samvat 1978.
The translation was done by Shastri Jethalal Haribhai and reviewed by Seth Kunverji Anandji, the president of the Sabha.
The text concludes with a prayer for the departed soul of Ujamshibhai and expresses hope that the engaging nature of the Charitra will make it popular among Jains.

Detailed Summary of Past Lives (Prastav-wise):

Prastav 1 (Lives 1-3): King Shreepaal, Yuklik, Saudharma Dev.
Prastav 2 (Lives 4-5): Vidyadhar Amitatej, Praanat Kalpa Dev.
Prastav 3 (Lives 6-7): Balabhadra Aparajit, Ashrutkap Dev.
Prastav 4 (Lives 8-9): Chakri Vayudh (son of Tankar Mankara Jin), Avadhijnan, Saivdeyaka Dev.
Prastav 5 (Lives 10-11): Meghanath (son of Tirthankar Meghanath), sacrificing flesh, Avadhijnan, Tirthankar Namakarma, Sarvarthasiddhi Dev.
Prastav 6 (Life 12 - Shantinath): Description of his birth, the 14 dreams of his mother, his universal reign, his five auspicious events (Panch Kalyan), his teachings after enlightenment, including sermons on diligence and the twelve vows of laypeople. It also mentions the story of Ratnachuda told by Ganadhar Vayudh.

Narrative Style and Content:

The text is presented as a narrative that follows the transmigration of the soul of Lord Shantinath through various lives, highlighting the virtuous deeds and spiritual development that led him to become a Tirthankar. Each chapter (Prastav) focuses on specific past lives, detailing the characters, events, and the moral or spiritual lessons learned. The stories often involve kings, celestial beings, and other significant figures. The content emphasizes the accumulation of good karma through virtuous actions, devotion, and adherence to Jain principles.

Overall Impression:

The "Shantinath Charitra Gujarati" is a devotional and instructional text that aims to inspire the readers by showcasing the exemplary life of Lord Shantinath, emphasizing his compassion, righteousness, and relentless pursuit of spiritual perfection across numerous lifetimes. The detailed accounts of his past lives serve as moral exemplars for the followers of Jainism.