Sthulibhadrasuri

Here is a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text about Acharya Sthulibhadra Suri, translated into English:

This text, likely an excerpt from a larger work titled "Shramana Bhagwanto" (Venerable Ascetics), focuses on the life and significance of Acharya Sthulibhadra Suri, a highly revered figure in the Shvetambara Jain tradition.

Key Points about Acharya Sthulibhadra Suri:

• Successor to a Great Tradition: After the passing of Acharya Bhadrabahuswami's four chief disciples, the lineage of spiritual knowledge faced a challenge. It was Acharya Sthulibhadra who revitalized and expanded the disciple tradition, particularly after Acharya Sambhutivijaya.
• A Scholar and Conqueror of Desire: Acharya Sthulibhadra is praised as a scholar, a "Shrutakevali" (one who has mastered all scriptures), and notably, as someone who conquered desire (Kama-vijeta). He held a prestigious position as the eighth successor in the lineage of Lord Mahavira's teachings.
• Role in Preserving Jain Scriptures: His sharp intellect is credited with saving the chain of scriptural knowledge that was threatened by a severe famine.
• Early Life and Education:
  • Born in Pataliputra (the capital of Magadha) in 170 BCE, Sthulibhadra was the son of Shakala, a high-ranking minister to King Nanda, and Lakshmi, a pious and virtuous woman.
  • He came from a family of intellectuals, with his seven sisters possessing remarkable memory.
  • Initially, Sthulibhadra was sent to the renowned courtesan Kosha for education. However, at sixteen, he became infatuated with her beauty rather than focusing on his studies. This experience served as a lesson for his father, Shakala, who then kept his younger son, Shreyaka, close for political training.
• Overcoming Obstacles and Demonstrating Wisdom: The text details a significant episode involving Shakala, the minister, and the poet Vararuchi. To gain favor with King Nanda, Vararuchi tried to impress Shakala's wife, Lakshmi, with his poetry. Lakshmi, in turn, asked her husband to praise Vararuchi to the king. Shakala, discerning that Vararuchi was reciting poems composed by his daughters, cleverly exposed this through a public demonstration where his daughters recited the poems flawlessly, diminishing Vararuchi's stature and royal patronage. This incident highlights Shakala's intelligence and his ability to uphold truth.
• The Saga of Sthulibhadra's Renunciation:
  • After his father, Shakala, was unjustly executed due to a conspiracy by Vararuchi (who framed him as a traitor), Sthulibhadra witnessed the tragic events and the subsequent succession of his brother, Shreyaka, as minister.
  • The unfolding events, including his father's death and his brother's new responsibilities, deeply affected Sthulibhadra. He realized the impermanence of worldly life and experienced profound detachment.
  • He decided to embrace asceticism, renouncing his worldly life and family. He shaved his head and took the path of renunciation.
  • When King Nanda heard of Sthulibhadra's decision, he was initially surprised but later understood the depth of his renunciation when his spies reported Sthulibhadra's indifferent passage past Kosha's residence and his stoic demeanor even when passing a foul-smelling garbage heap.
• Joining the Ascetic Order and Spiritual Growth:
  • Sthulibhadra joined the ascetic order under Acharya Sambhutivijaya in 146 BCE, at the age of thirty.
  • He diligently studied the Jain scriptures and became a beloved figure within the monastic community.
• Conquering the Temptations of Kosha:
  • Seeking the welfare of Kosha, Sthulibhadra requested to spend his Chaturmas (a four-month period of monastic retreat) at her residence.
  • Despite Kosha's attempts to seduce him with luxury, jewels, and dances, Sthulibhadra remained steadfast in his vows, demonstrating his immense control over desires.
  • Impressed and humbled by his unwavering resolve, Kosha reformed her life, became a lay follower (Shravika), and took vows of celibacy.
• Restoration of Scriptural Knowledge:
  • After the twelve-year famine, the Jain canon was fragmented. A council was convened in Pataliputra to recompile the scriptures.
  • During this council, the entire canon except for the twelfth Anga, the "Drishtivada," was compiled.
  • Recognizing Sthulibhadra's extraordinary capacity, he was sent to Acharya Bhadrabahuswami in Nepal to learn the Drishtivada and the fourteen Purvas (parts of the scriptures).
  • He acquired extensive knowledge, particularly the last four Purvas, and received the first major recitation around 160 BCE.
• Leadership and Legacy:
  • Around 160 BCE, Sthulibhadra assumed the leadership of the Jain Sangha and the position of Acharya, greatly influencing the Jain tradition.
  • Prominent ascetics like Acharya Mahagiri and Arya Suhamsti were his chief disciples.
  • Acharya Sthulibhadra lived for approximately 70 years, spending 30 years as a householder and 45 years as an Acharya. He attained Nirvana at Vebharagiri after a 15-day fast, around 105 BCE.
  • His passing marked the discontinuation of the knowledge of the last four Purvas.

The text also introduces Acharya Arya Mahagiri Suri:

• Successor to Sthulibhadra: He was the ninth in the lineage of Acharyas following Lord Mahavira.
• A Man of Great Intellect and Austerity: Mahagiri was a highly intelligent, detached, and virtuous ascetic, known for his strict adherence to vows.
• Inheriting the Legacy: He received his spiritual lineage from Acharya Sthulibhadra, who was the successor of Acharya Sambhutivijaya and a spiritual descendant of Acharya Bhadrabahuswami.

In essence, the text portrays Acharya Sthulibhadra as a pivotal figure who, through his intellect, renunciation, and unwavering spiritual discipline, played a crucial role in preserving and transmitting the profound teachings of Jainism during a critical period. His life story is a testament to overcoming worldly temptations and dedicating oneself to spiritual pursuit.