Sthaviravali

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Sthaviravali," a part of the "Sramana Bhagavan Mahavira" series:

Book Title: Sthaviravali Author: Muni Ratna-Prabha Vijaya Publisher: Sri Jaina Grantha Prakasaka Sabha

Overview:

"Sthaviravali" is the first part of the fourth volume of the "Sramana Bhagavan Mahavira" series. It focuses on providing a serial description of the lives of venerable ascetics, referred to as "Sthaviras." The text defines Sthaviras as ascetics of three kinds:

1. Vaya Sthavira: Ascetics aged sixty years and more.
2. Pravrajya Sthavira: Ascetics whose consecration (initiation into monastic life) is of twenty years' duration.
3. Shruta Sthavira: Ascetics possessing complete knowledge of important Jain scriptures like the Thānanga and Samavāyanga Sutras.

The "Sthaviravali," also known as "Pattavali," primarily contains a concise, serial account of the life incidents of the chief disciples of the Tirthankaras and the subsequent preachers of their religion.

Content of this Volume:

This specific volume details the lives of:

• The eleven Ganadharas (chief disciples) of Sramana Bhagavan Mahavira.
• The first four of the twenty Yuga Pradhanas (pre-eminent personages of their age):
  1. Sudharma Swami
  2. Jambu Swami
  3. Prabhava Swami
  4. Sayyambhava-sūri

Sources and Compilation:

The text acknowledges its reliance on various Jain scriptures and works for its information, including:

• Kappasutta Theravali (Prakrit) by Devardhi Gani Ksamasramana
• Nandi Sutra Pattavali (Prakrit) by Devardhi Gani Ksamasramana
• Dusamā Kāla Samana Sangha Thayam (Prakrit) by Dharma Ghosa Suri
• And several other Sanskrit and Prakrit texts related to lineage, guru traditions, and specific sectarian histories.

The compiler, Muni Ratna-Prabha Vijaya, dedicates the book to his revered Guru, Acārya Maharaj Sri Vijaya Nemisurisvaraji.

Detailed Account of the Eleven Ganadharas:

The book then proceeds to give detailed biographical accounts of each of the eleven Ganadharas of Bhagavan Mahavira:

1. Shri Gautama Swami (Indrabhuti Gautama): The first and chief Ganadhara. Born in 607 B.C., he was a learned Brahmin well-versed in the Vedas and Upangas. The text recounts his intellectual prowess, his conversion to Jainism after engaging in a debate with Bhagavan Mahavira where his doubts were resolved, and his composition of the twelve Angas and fourteen Purvas after understanding the concept of "Tripadi" (Utpada, Vyaya, Dhrauvya). It elaborates on his spiritual development, his numerous supernatural powers (Labdhis), and his exemplary devotion to Bhagavan Mahavira. It also narrates significant events in his life, including the circumstances of his disciples' conversions and the interactions with other prominent figures.

2. Agnibhuti: Younger brother of Gautama Swami, also a learned Brahmin. The text describes his conversion after hearing about his elder brother's initiation and his own intellectual pursuits. He attained Kevala Jnana at the age of 58.

3. Vayubhuti: The youngest brother of Gautama Swami, a learned Brahmin with a doubt about the identity of the body and soul. Bhagavan Mahavira clarified his doubts, leading to his initiation. He attained Kevala Jnana at 52 and Moksha at 70.

4. Vyakta: Born to Dharma-mitra and Varuni, he was a learned Brahmin who doubted the existence of the five elements. Bhagavan Mahavira resolved his doubts and he initiated into monkhood with 500 disciples. He attained Kevala Jnana at 62 and Moksha at 80.

5. Sudharma Swami: A learned Brahmin with doubts about the interpretation of Vedic verses regarding future lives. Bhagavan Mahavira clarified his doubts. He lived for 100 years, attaining Moksha at the end. He became the head of the Jain Sangha after Bhagavan Mahavira's Nirvana.

6. Mandita: A learned Brahmin with doubts about bondage (Bandha) and liberation (Moksha). Bhagavan Mahavira resolved his doubts. He attained Kevala Jnana at 67 and Moksha at 83.

7. Mauryaputra: A learned Brahmin with doubts about the existence of celestial beings (Devas). Bhagavan Mahavira resolved his doubts by demonstrating the presence of gods. He attained Kevala Jnana at 79 and Moksha at 95.

8. Akampita: A learned Brahmin who doubted the existence of hellish beings (Narakas). Bhagavan Mahavira explained that wicked actions lead to rebirth in hell. He attained Kevala Jnana at 57 and Moksha at 78.

9. Achalabhrata: A learned Brahmin who doubted the concepts of merit (Punya) and demerit (Papa). Bhagavan Mahavira explained how these are evident in worldly life, leading to his initiation. He attained Kevala Jnana at 58 and Moksha at 72.

10. Metarya: A learned Brahmin who doubted the concept of the next life (Para-bhava). Bhagavan Mahavira clarified that the soul is distinct from the body and that rebirth is a reality, supported by the principle of Jati Smarana (remembrance of past lives). He attained Kevala Jnana at 46 and Moksha at 62.

11. Prabhas: A learned Brahmin who doubted the nature of Moksha due to contradictory Vedic verses. Bhagavan Mahavira explained the true path to Moksha through Right Knowledge, Right Perception, and Right Conduct, distinguishing it from rituals like Agnihotra. He attained Kevala Jnana at a young age (24) and Moksha at 40.

Key Themes and Concepts:

• The Role of Ganadharas: The text highlights the intellectual brilliance, spiritual attainment, and exemplary conduct of these chief disciples.
• Resolving Doubts: A recurring theme is how Bhagavan Mahavira patiently and intellectually resolved the doubts of these learned Brahmins, leading them to renunciation and spiritual realization.
• Supernatural Powers (Labdhis): The text enumerates and explains various supernatural powers possessed by these ascetics, emphasizing their origin from spiritual development and austerities.
• The Importance of Right Conduct: The stories underscore the significance of Right Knowledge, Right Perception, and Right Conduct (the Three Jewels) as the path to liberation.
• The Power of Asceticism: The lives of these Ganadharas demonstrate the transformative power of severe penances and devotion.
• The Nature of Samsara: Through allegorical stories (like the Madhu Bindu, the Monkey, the Jackal, etc.), the text illustrates the transient and often deceptive nature of worldly pleasures and the dire consequences of attachment and carelessness.
• The Path to Liberation: The narrative consistently points towards renunciation, self-control, and adherence to Jain principles as the means to achieve Moksha.
• Lineage and Succession: The text traces the lineage of disciples, showing the continuity of spiritual teachings.

Significance:

"Sthaviravali" serves as a crucial historical and spiritual document within Jainism, providing biographical details of the foundational figures who propagated and preserved the teachings of Bhagavan Mahavira. It offers profound insights into Jain philosophy, ethics, and the lives of its most revered ascetics.