Shilankasuri

This document appears to be a biographical sketch of two prominent Jain figures, Acharya Shilanka Suri and Shri Krishnakrishi (Krishnarpishi) Maharaj, along with a mention of the author and the context of a work potentially related to them.

Here's a breakdown of the key information:

Part 1: Acharya Shilanka Suri

• Fame: Acharya Shilanka Suri is presented as a leading commentator, particularly on the Nyaya style of commentary, and a capable interpreter of the Jain Agamas.
• Other Names: He was also known by other names such as Shilankacharya, Shilaacharya, Vimalmati, and Tattvaditya.
• Language Proficiency: He possessed mastery over both Sanskrit and Prakrit languages.
• Innovation in Commentary: He is credited as being the first to compose commentaries in the Nyaya style.
• Scholarly Works: His extensive commentaries on the Acharaṅga Sūtra and Sūtra-kṛtāṅga Sūtra are highlighted as testaments to his scholarship.
• Guru Tradition: His spiritual lineage traces back to the Nivritti Kula (sect/lineage). His guru was Acharya Mandev Suri of the Nivritti Kula. He identifies himself as belonging to the Nivritti Kula in his commentary on the Acharaṅga Sūtra and as a disciple of Mandev Suri in his work Catuppannamahapurisa-chariya.
• Other Works: He also composed commentaries on Catuppannamahapurisa-chariya, Bhagavati Sūtra, and a Vritti (commentary) on the Jiva-samasa.
• Scope of Commentary: According to Prabhavak-charitra, he had composed commentaries on eleven Angas (Agamas), but currently, only the commentaries on the Acharaṅga Sūtra and Sūtra-kṛtāṅga Sūtra are available.
• Commentary on Acharaṅga Sūtra: This commentary covers both Shrutakhandas and is 12,300 shlokas (verses) in length. It is mentioned that the seventh chapter of the first Shrutakhanda, named Mahaparijna, was unavailable due to a break in tradition before the commentary was written. The commentary concludes with a humble request for textual revision and a notification of its completion. The commentary was completed in Shaka 898 (V.S. 933).
• Commentary on Sūtra-kṛtāṅga Sūtra: This is described as an important work on philosophical subjects. The commentary is based on the original Agama and its Niyukti (commentary). It is 13,325 grantha-pramana (a unit of measure for texts) in length. It extensively discusses philosophical viewpoints and offers a rational critique of opposing as well as other schools of thought, showcasing the commentator's broad knowledge. The text also expresses the hope that the merit of composing this commentary will benefit the welfare of humanity. The commentary was composed in the village of Gambhu between Mehsana and Mesh. It is estimated to have been completed around V.S. 907.
• Assistance: Shri Vahari Gani assisted him in the creation of both these available commentaries.
• Time Period: Based on his literary output, Acharya Shri Shilanka Suri is believed to have lived between the ninth and tenth centuries of Vikram Samvat.

Part 2: Shri Krishnakrishi (Krishnarpishi) Maharaj

• Identity: He was a highly accomplished ascetic, immensely influential, and the progenitor of the Krishnarshipi Gaccha (sect/lineage). He was originally a Brahmin named Krishna.
• Renunciation: Deeply affected by the death of a friend, he experienced intense renunciation and took initiation.
• Initiation Lineage: He received initiation from Shri Yakshamahattar, a disciple of Shri Tattvacharya, who was a disciple of Shri Vateshwar Kshamasraman, who was a disciple of Shri Yakshadatta Gani Kshamasraman, who was a disciple of Shri Shivachandramani, who was a disciple of Shri Devagupta Suri, a disciple of Acharya Haril Suri (Hariguptasuri), the progenitor of the Harila lineage.
• Influence and Devotion: Munishri Krishnakrishi became exceptionally influential among kings, emperors, and the general populace due to his unparalleled devotion to Jin (Tirthankara), devotion to pilgrimage sites, and his practice of asceticism and self-control.
• Lineage Name Change: The Harila lineage, which began in V.N. 1055, later became widely known as the "Krishnarpishigaccha" due to the significant influence of Shri Krishnakrishi.
• Asceticism: Shri Krishnakrishi was a rigorous ascetic and an ardent tapasvi (one who practices austerities). He remained steadfast like Mount Meru in meditation and practice amidst various obstacles in cremation grounds. He undertook severe austerities like ekasana (eating once a day), dvimasakhamana (fasting for two months), trimasakhamana (fasting for three months), and choumasikhamana (fasting for four months). He would not break his fast for more than 34 days in a year.
• Miraculous Powers: Due to the immense power of his austerities, he became a living embodiment of penance. It is stated that performing his bhavapoorvak maran (death with sincere devotion) could alleviate human ailments like disease, grief, sorrow, suffering, obstacles, planetary afflictions, spirit possession, enmity, theft, the adverse effects of proud rulers, and bad dreams. His charanodaka (water touched by his feet) was also considered beneficial.

Other Mentions:

• Author(s): Nandlal B Devluk
• Publisher: Z_Shramana_Bhagwanto_Part_1_004596.pdf and Shramana_Bhagwanto_Part_2_004597.pdf
• Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/249078/1
• Usage Restriction: JAIN EDUCATION INTERNATIONAL FOR PRIVATE AND PERSONAL USE ONLY.
• General Context: The first part mentions a text that is primarily Dharma Kathanuyoga (narrative exposition of dharma). Its descriptions can be applied to all four Anuyogas (divisions of Jain literature). The narrative encompasses subjects like logic, philosophy, Ayurveda, astrology, physiognomy, auspicious signs, metallurgy, trade, and warfare. It has eight sections, with the fourth being particularly important. It also mentions that after the completion of the Upamitibhava-prapancha Katha, its reading took place in the city of Bhinmal. A manuscript of this text was prepared by a Sadhvi named 'Ganā', who was a disciple of Dushwami. This work was completed on Thursday, Jeth Sud 5th in V.S. 962. The audience was pleased by this narration filled with serenity, and the Jain Sangha awarded Acharya SiddhRishi Suri the title of 'Siddha Vyakhyata' (accomplished expounder). Since this Katha was composed in V.S. 992, Acharya SiddhRishi's time is established as the tenth century of Vikram.

In essence, the document provides biographical details and highlights the scholarly and spiritual significance of Acharya Shilanka Suri, a renowned Jain commentator and philosopher, and Shri Krishnakrishi Maharaj, a powerful ascetic and the founder of a prominent Jain lineage. It also gives a glimpse into a significant Jain narrative work.