Sudharma Swami No Ras

Here is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Sudharma Swami no Ras" in English, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Sudharma Swami no Ras Author: Diptipragnashreeji Publisher: ZZ_Anusandhan Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/229476/1

Introduction and Context:

The introduction states that while many works praise Gautam Swami, the chief disciple of Lord Mahavir Swami, texts detailing the virtues of Sudharma Swami, the fifth in succession, are rare. This "Ras" (a type of devotional poem or narrative) is particularly significant for being composed in Gujarati, spanning six "Dhal" (sections or verses) and seventy-two "Kadi" (couplets or lines). The Ras was composed in Vikram Samvat 1640 (1583 CE) by Shri Punyaratnasuriji of the Achalgachha (Vidhipaksha branch) in Petlad. The sole available manuscript was found in the collection of Pandit Bhaktivijay in Bhavnagar, and this is its first editorial effort, with a hope for scholarly correction and improvement.

The Narrative and Virtues of Sudharma Swami:

The Ras begins with salutations to Lord Mahavir and Goddess Saraswati, then focuses on praising Sudharma Swami, a chief disciple. It emphasizes Sudharma Swami's crucial role in preserving and propagating the teachings of Lord Mahavir, stating that the current Jain way of life is due to him and his followers.

Key Events and Narratives Depicted:

• Lord Mahavir's Enlightenment: The text describes Lord Mahavir attaining Kevala Jnana (omniscience) and his subsequent journey to Pavapuri.
• Gautam Swami's Initial Doubt: The narrative touches upon Indrabhuti Gautam's (later Gautam Swami) initial doubts and his realization when he encounters Lord Mahavir. It highlights Lord Mahavir's omniscience, knowing Gautam's thoughts, his lineage, and his doubts about Vedic rituals.
• The Conversion of Gautam and others: The Ras recounts how Indrabhuti Gautam, along with his brothers and other scholars, were converted to Jainism after their intellectual pride was humbled by Lord Mahavir's divine knowledge. The text mentions that 500 scholars (or followers) accepted renunciation.
• Sudharma Swami's Ascension to the Throne: After Lord Mahavir's passing, Sudharma Swami is established as the next spiritual leader. He receives the fourteen Purvas (ancient Jain scriptures) from Lord Mahavir.
• Sudharma Swami's Preaching and Disciples: The Ras details Sudharma Swami's travels, preaching the Dharma in various towns and villages. It highlights his vast knowledge and the caliber of his disciples.
• The Story of Jambu: A significant portion of the Ras narrates the story of Jambu, a prominent disciple.
  • Jambu is described as being attracted to sensual pleasures and marrying eight daughters in a single day.
  • However, he eventually renounces worldly life and embraces Jain monasticism.
  • The text mentions an incident involving robbers, where Jambu, with his spiritual strength, overcomes them. The leader of the robbers, Prabhavu, is also converted along with 500 robbers.
  • Jambu, along with Prabhavu, 500 robbers, and the eight daughters who also accepted monasticism, receives initiation from Sudharma Swami. It is stated that 500 disciples (including Prabhavu and Rishabhdatta) and 28 others received vows from Sudharma Swami.
• Sudharma Swami's Qualities and Nirvana: The Ras repeatedly praises Sudharma Swami's serene demeanor, his divine voice, his physical characteristics (like a well-proportioned body and a golden complexion), his immense knowledge, his detachment from worldly desires (anger, pride, greed), and his profound compassion. He is described as being like a steady mountain or a cloud that showers blessings. He attained Kevala Jnana through diligent practice of Dharma Dhyana (religious meditation) and Shukla Dhyana (pure meditation). He is said to have lived for a long time as an embodied soul (Chadmasth) for 45 years and as a Kevali for 8 years. He attained Nirvana in Rajagriha through a month-long fast (Mas-khamana), shedding his remaining karmas.

Structure and Composition:

The Ras is structured into various "Dhal" (sections) which often follow traditional poetic forms, making it engaging for recitation and singing. The language is devotional and aims to inspire faith and adherence to Jain principles.

Historical and Scholarly Information:

The Ras mentions that it was composed in Vikram Samvat 1640 by Shri Punyaratnasuriji. It also provides a lineage of gurus, mentioning Shri Sumatisagarsuriji and Shri Gajasagarsuriji, with Punyaratnasuriji being a disciple of the latter.

Overall Theme:

The central theme of "Sudharma Swami no Ras" is the glorification of Sudharma Swami as a pivotal figure in Jainism, highlighting his spiritual prowess, his role in the transmission of sacred knowledge, and his exemplary life that led to omniscience and liberation. It serves as a devotional narrative to inspire followers to emulate his virtues and follow the path of Dharma.