Suhastisuri

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text about Acharya Suhastisuri:

This text, likely an excerpt from a larger work on Jain ascetics, focuses on Acharya Suhastisuri, a prominent figure in the history of Jainism. He was a successor to Acharya Mahagiri and the tenth in line from Sudharmaswami, the chief disciple of Lord Mahavir.

Key Aspects of Acharya Suhastisuri's Life and Contributions:

• Lineage and Education: Suhastisuri was a spiritual younger brother of Acharya Mahagiri, who was a leader of the Jain order (Yugpradhan) and a holder of vast scriptural knowledge (Dasha Purvdhar). Although his direct tutelage under his initiation guru, Acharya Sthulibhadra, was brief, Suhastisuri completed his extensive study of the eleven Angas and ten Purvas under the guidance of Acharya Mahagiri. He managed the Jain Sangha even during Mahagiri's lifetime, formally assuming the role of Yugpradhan after Mahagiri's demise.

• Conversion of Emperor Samprati: Suhastisuri's most significant contribution was his role in converting the Mauryan Emperor Samprati to Jainism, a period of great "Shasanprabhavana" (spreading the glory of the faith).

  • The Origin of Samprati's Devotion: A pivotal event led to Samprati's conversion. During a severe famine in Kausambi, Suhastisuri's disciple encountered a starving pauper. The pauper, wishing to follow the ascetic path after witnessing the discipline and purity of the monks, was given initiation by Suhastisuri. Tragically, this new monk died within ten days due to overeating after his prolonged starvation. However, due to the merit of his brief asceticism, he was reborn as Samprati, the grandson of Emperor Ashoka.
  • Recognition and Acceptance: Samprati, upon seeing Suhastisuri during a religious procession, experienced a recollection of his past life and recognized Suhastisuri as his former guru. He humbly sought Suhastisuri's guidance and accepted him as his spiritual preceptor.
  • Samprati's Support: Inspired by Suhastisuri, Samprati became a devout follower of Jainism and a significant propagator of the faith. He played a crucial role in spreading Jainism to non-Aryan regions. He also encouraged his family, relatives, and vassals to become ascetics, thereby facilitating the spread of Jain teachings.

• Religious Infrastructure and Propagation: Under Samprati's patronage, facilitated by Suhastisuri's teachings, a massive expansion of Jain religious structures occurred. This included:

  • Installation of 12.5 million (sawa crore) Jain idols.
  • Renovation of 36,000 ancient Jain temples.
  • Construction of 125,000 new Jain temples.
  • Samprati also organized a Jain council in Ujjain under Suhastisuri's presidency, where scriptural recitations took place.

• The Story of Avantisukumal: The text also recounts the story of Avantisukumal, the son of a merchant named Bhadra.

  • Past Life Connection: While listening to Suhastisuri reciting the "Nalini Gulm" scripture, Avantisukumal experienced a past-life memory. He realized he had been a celestial being in the Nalini Gulm celestial abode and desired to return there.
  • Renunciation: Suhastisuri explained the difficulties of the ascetic life, but Avantisukumal was resolute. Despite the allure of his wealth, his 32 wives, and his mother's affection, he renounced the world.
  • Extreme Austerity and Liberation: Avantisukumal, after receiving initiation from Suhastisuri, embarked on a rigorous path of fasting and austerity. He died a painful death on his first night of initiation, being devoured by jackals in a cremation ground while meditating. However, his immense fortitude and detachment led him to attain the Nalini Gulm abode.
  • Impact on Family: Upon learning of Avantisukumal's death, his mother Bhadra and his wives were deeply affected. Bhadra's grief transformed into spiritual realization, and she, along with most of his wives (except one who was pregnant), took initiation under Suhastisuri. Avantisukumal's son later built the Avantipārśvanāthji temple in Ujjain, now known as Mahakal, in memory of his father.

• Legacy and the Threefold Ascetic Tradition: Suhastisuri's era marked the beginning of a distinct three-part tradition within the Jain monastic order:

  1. Ganacharya: Responsible for the care and administration of their specific monastic division (gana).
  2. Vachanaacharya: Responsible for teaching and lecturing on the scriptures to disciples.
  3. Yugpradhanaacharya: The overarching leader who guided the spiritual and ethical direction of the entire Jain community, influencing the era through their teachings and activities. This tradition continued sequentially, with the next leader embodying the qualities of Yugpradhan upon the passing of the previous one.

• Disciples: Suhastisuri had a larger following than Acharya Mahagiri. The Kalpasutra mentions twelve principal disciples, including Ary Rahana, Yashobhadra, Meghagani, and others, who founded various sub-lineages (gana).

• Longevity and Period of Influence: Suhastisuri lived for 100 years, spending 23 years in his lay life and 77 years as a monk. He served as Yugpradhan for 46 years, the longest tenure among his predecessors. He passed away in Ujjain in the year 291 of the Vikrama era.

In essence, the text portrays Acharya Suhastisuri as a highly influential and learned Jain monk who played a crucial role in spreading Jainism, particularly through his spiritual guidance and the conversion and patronage of Emperor Samprati. His life story, including the tragic yet spiritually significant tale of Avantisukumal, highlights the extreme practices and profound spiritual ideals of Jain asceticism. His leadership also laid the foundation for a more structured monastic organization.