Shantinath Purana

Here is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Shantinath Purana," based on the provided pages:

Title: Shantinath Purana (श्री शान्तिनाथ पुराण) Author: Asag Mahakavi (श्री मन्द् असग महाकवि) Publisher: Lalchand Hirachand Doshi Solapur (श्रीमान् शेठ लालचन्द हिराचन्द जैन संस्कृति संरक्षक संघ, सोलापुर) Editors (Granthmala Sampadak): Late Dr. Hiralal Jain, Late Dr. Pradinath Nemnath Upadhye, Pt. Kailashchandraji Siddhant Shastri Hindi Translator: Dr. Pt. Pannalalji Sahityacharya

Overall Purpose and Significance:

The "Shantinath Purana" is described as an unparalleled work of the Charananuyoga (which deals with conduct and practice) within Jain literature. Its primary purpose is to narrate the life story of the sixteenth Tirthankara, Bhagwan Shantinath, in great detail. The text emphasizes not just the Tirthankara's current life but also his numerous past lives, illustrating the journey of a soul through various births, experiencing upliftment and downfall, ultimately achieving the highest spiritual state. The goal is to inspire readers to achieve self-realization and progress towards the Tirthankara state.

Key Aspects of the Text:

1. Hero (Bhagwan Shantinath): Bhagwan Shantinath is presented as a Shalaka Purusha (a highly revered figure in Jain tradition) who held the prestigious titles of Tirthankara, Chakravarti (Universal Monarch), and Kamadeva (Cupid). The text highlights that while the Tirthankara position is rare and attained through extensive spiritual practices over many lifetimes, Shantinath achieved it through diligent self-cultivation in his previous births, which are described in detail.

2. Structure and Content:

   • The Purana comprises 16 Sargas (chapters).
   • The initial 12 Sargas are dedicated to narrating Shantinath's past lives.
   • The final 4 Sargas focus on his life as a Tirthankara.
   • The narrative prominently features the Pancha Kalyanakas (five auspicious events) in a Tirthankara's life: Conception, Birth, Renunciation, Omniscience (Keval Gyan), and Nirvana.
   • The religious teachings imparted by Shantinath as a Tirthankara are heavily influenced by texts like the Tattvartha Sutra and its Sarvartha Siddhi commentary.

3. Author Asag Mahakavi:

   • Asag Mahakavi lived around 610 AD (according to the Vardhamana Charita).
   • He composed the Shantinath Purana after his Vardhamana Charita.
   • The text itself provides a brief autobiography of Asag. He was the son of Patumati and Vairati, disciples of Acharya Naganandi. His friend Jinap is also mentioned.
   • The mention of these individuals in the prefaces suggests Asag was a householder at the time of writing.
   • Asag resided in Virala Nagari in the Chola region of South India, where he composed eight texts. As his mother tongue was Kannada, it is presumed his other six works were in Kannada and may be found in South Indian libraries or are lost.
   • The language is described as beautiful and simple, making the text accessible despite its profound content.

4. Jain Purana Literature and Authenticity:

   • Jain Purana literature is known for its authenticity, primarily due to the scholars who authored them. Texts like the Padma Purana, Adipurana, Uttarapurana, and Harivamsha Purana were written by scholars like Raviṣena, Jinasena, and Gunabhadra, who were deeply knowledgeable in Jain principles.
   • The text asserts that Asag Kavi's Shantinath Purana also describes factual events, with its references being deeply touching and its analysis of Jain principles being subtle.

5. The Concept of Tirthankara:

   • The text contrasts the Jain concept of a Tirthankara with that of an "Ishvara" (God) in other theologies. While Ishvara is considered eternal and the creator, a Tirthankara is sadisiddha (perfected from a beginning point) and, before attaining Tirthankarahood, was like any other being, progressing through births by his own efforts.
   • Tirthankaras are not divine beings who bestow favors or inflict punishment; they are ideal exemplars who inspire others. They are free from attachment and aversion, remaining unaffected by praise or blame.
   • Every living being has the potential to become a Tirthankara through the right means and practice.

6. Key Jain Principles Discussed:

   • Shalaka Purush: The text explains the concept of 63 Shalaka Purushas, including 24 Tirthankaras, 12 Chakravartis, etc. Notably, Tirthankaras Shantinath, Kuntunath, and Aranath were also Chakravartis.
   • Tirthankara Bandha (Bonding): The Prastavana (Introduction) discusses the 16 bhavanas (virtues/practices) that lead to the bonding of Tirthankara gotra (celestial karma). These include Darshan Vishuddhi (Purity of perception), Vinay Sampannata (Possession of humility), Sheelavratanvanechar (Unwavering adherence to vows), Avashyakapariheenata (Non-negligence in duties), Kshanlavapratibodhanata (Constant awakening), Labhisamvegasampannata (Enthusiasm for spiritual attainments), Yathashthama Tap (Penance according to capacity), Sadhu Prasuk Tyag (Renunciation of pure food for monks), Sadhu Samadhi Sandharana (Steadfastness of monks), Sadhu Vaiyavrutya Yogyukta (Engagement in service of monks), Arhant Bhakti (Devotion to Arhats), Bahushrut Bhakti (Devotion to scholars), Pravachan Bhakti (Devotion to the scripture), Pravachan Vatsalata (Affection for the scripture), Pravachan Prabhavana (Propagation of the scripture), and Abhikshana Gyanoapyogayukta (Constant engagement in knowledge). These are further elaborated based on the Shatkhandagama and Tattvartha Sutra.
   • The role of Karma: The text implies that the Tirthankara nature is a result of specific karmic bonding through righteous actions and spiritual discipline over many lifetimes.

7. Literary Style and Translation:

   • The text is praised for its beautiful and simple composition.
   • The Hindi translation by Pt. Pannalalji Sahityacharya is noted for its quality, including the provision of Sanskrit tippani (commentaries) on difficult Sanskrit words, benefiting Sanskrit-loving readers.

8. Publisher and Editorial Support:

   • The publication is a significant effort by the Jain Sanskriti Sanrakshak Sangh, Solapur, as part of the Jivraj Jain Granthmala.
   • The preface expresses gratitude to the late Dr. A.N. Upadhye for the initial inspiration and to Pt. Pannalalji for undertaking the translation.
   • Kamal Printers, Madanganj-Kishangarh, is thanked for the timely and efficient printing.
   • The publisher expresses a wish that the text be widely read, promoting spiritual practice and pilgrimage.

9. The Story Highlights (from Chapter Summaries):

   • Chapter 1: Introduces the prosperous land of Vatsakavati, its capital Prabhakari, King Stimit Sagar, his sons Aparajit and Anantvirya, their encounter with Tirthankara Swayamprabha, and King Stimit Sagar's initiation. Aparajit takes vows, while Anantvirya remains worldly. The story touches upon the recollection of past lives triggered by an event involving a jewel.
   • Chapter 2: Deals with the demand for singers by Chakravarti Damitari, the ensuing discussions among ministers, and the plan by Aparajit and Anantvirya to disguise themselves as singers to assess the situation.
   • Chapter 3: Describes the journey to the beautiful Vijayardh mountain and the arrival at Damitar's capital, Shivmandir Nagar.
   • Chapter 4: Reveals the deception of the singers being Aparajit and Anantvirya, the subsequent anger of Damitar, and the initiation of war preparations.
   • Chapter 5: Narrates the fierce battle where Aparajit and Anantvirya display great valor. Anantvirya defeats Damitar, and Aparajit is declared Balabhadra, and Anantvirya Narayan.
   • Chapter 6: Describes Aparajit's consoling of Kankashri, the funeral of Damitar, the subsequent journey, the vision of Kevali Muni, and the revelation of Kankashri's past lives. It also covers Anantvirya's death and Aparajit's subsequent ascent to Indraloka.
   • Chapter 7: Achyutendra (Aparajit's soul) encounters a Vidyadhar king, leading to a discussion of past lives involving King Jvalanjati, his children Arkakirti and Swayamprabha, and the lineage of Tritihak Narayana and Balabhadra. It delves into complex rebirth cycles involving various characters, including Kapil, Kapila, Ashanighosh, and the origin of certain relationships.
   • Chapter 8: Continues the narration of past lives, tracing the origins of Ashanighosh, Satyabhama, and the connection to the King Srishena's family. It explains the cycle of karma and rebirth through the stories of King Srishena's sons Indra and Upendra, and their subsequent reincarnations.
   • Chapter 9: Introduces the land of Mangalavati and the king Kshemakara. It details the birth of Vajrayudha and Sahasrayudha in his family. The chapter also touches upon the concept of spiritual development and the formation of Tirthankara karma.
   • Chapter 10: Describes Vajrayudha becoming a Chakravarti, obtaining the Chakraratna, and later taking Diksha. It also details Sahasrayudha's spiritual path. The narrative includes the story of Vajrayudha's interaction with a scholar-deity.
   • Chapter 11: Introduces the land of Pushkalavati and the king Dhanarath. It narrates the stories of his sons Megharath and Drudharath, their marriages, and Megharath's spiritual journey. The complex rebirths and connections between various characters are further elaborated.
   • Chapter 12: Focuses on Megharath's reign, his adherence to Dharma, his encounters with various beings, and his eventual attainment of the highest spiritual states. It also describes the afterlife of his sons.
   • Chapter 13: Details the birth of Lord Shantinath in Hastinapur, the son of Vishwasen and Airā. It recounts the divine occurrences surrounding his birth, the ceremonies, and the early life of the Tirthankara. The text also elaborates on the blessings bestowed upon him and the spiritual significance of his presence.
   • Chapter 14: Covers Lord Shantinath's childhood, his understanding of Jain principles, and his subsequent ascension to the throne as Chakravarti. It describes his virtuous reign, his renunciation of worldly pleasures, and his taking of Diksha. The text also narrates the divine reception for his initiation.
   • Chapter 15: Describes the attainment of Keval Gyan (Omniscience) by Lord Shantinath under the shade of a Nandi tree. It details his divine preaching on Saptatattva (seven realities), Pramanas (means of knowledge), Nayas (standpoints), and the path to liberation.
   • Chapter 16: Concludes with the Lord's spiritual discourse, focusing on Asrava (influx of karma), Bandha (bondage), Samvara (cessation of karma), Nirjara (shedding of karma), and Moksha (liberation). It delves into the detailed classifications of karmas, virtues, vows, austerities, and the spiritual path, emphasizing the importance of Samvara and Nirjara for achieving liberation.

In essence, the "Shantinath Purana" is a detailed spiritual biography aimed at enlightening and guiding Jains towards a life of righteousness and spiritual attainment, drawing profound lessons from the life and teachings of Tirthankara Shantinath.