Suvarnabhumi Me Kalakacharya

This is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Suvarnabhumi me Kalakacharya" by Dr. Umakant P. Shah, based on the provided PDF excerpt.

The book delves into the life and journeys of the Jain Acharya Kalak, particularly focusing on his travels to Suvarnabhumi (Southeast Asia). The central argument presented is that the Kalakacharya associated with the Suvarnabhumi expedition is historically identifiable and is likely the same prominent Kalakacharya known for other significant events in Jain history.

Key Points and Arguments:

• Origin of the Information: The primary source for Kalakacharya's journey to Suvarnabhumi is the commentary by Malayagiri on the Vrihat Kalpa Bhashya (specifically verse 236). Malayagiri provides a detailed account of Kalakacharya's activities in Suvarnabhumi.

• The Journey to Suvarnabhumi:

  • Acharya Kalak, residing in Ujjain, was concerned that his disciples were not attentive to his religious discourse (Anuyog).
  • To set an example and perhaps to encourage introspection among his disciples, he decided to travel incognito to Suvarnabhumi, a land where his prominent disciple Sagar Shraman was residing.
  • He instructed his attendant, Shyyatar, to inform his disciples, if they pressed for answers, that Kalakacharya had gone to Suvarnabhumi to join Sagar Shraman, having felt disinterest from his current disciples.
  • Upon arrival in Suvarnabhumi, Kalakacharya, presenting himself as an aged monk, joined Sagar Shraman's monastic community. However, due to his disguised appearance and advanced age, he was not given due respect or formal recognition by Sagar Shraman initially.
  • Later, after Kalakacharya delivered a discourse, Sagar Shraman inquired if he liked the teachings. Kalakacharya responded positively, advising Sagar not to be arrogant about his knowledge.
  • To illustrate the point about humility, Kalakacharya used the analogy of a handful of dust being moved from place to place, leaving some particles behind. He explained that just as parts of the dust are lost in transit, so too, over generations from Tirthankaras to his own time, parts of the sacred knowledge (Shrut) might have been lost. He cautioned against pride in possessing complete knowledge.
  • Sagar Shraman, realizing his disrespect and realizing the true identity of the "aged monk," apologized to Kalakacharya.
  • Kalakacharya then imparted his knowledge of Anuyog to Sagar Shraman and his disciples.

• Historical Verification and Sources:

  • The author, Dr. Shah, emphasizes that Malayagiri's account is not baseless, as it aligns with ancient traditions and is largely extracted from the older Brihat Kalpa Churni.
  • The Uttara Adhyayana Niyukti (verse 120) also mentions Kalakacharya of Ujjain and Sagar of Suvarnabhumi, corroborating the journey.
  • The Brihat Kalpa Bhashya itself mentions Kalak-Sagar and Kalak-Garbhill, suggesting a connection between these events. The dating of the Bhashya to the 6th century CE, and Kalakacharya's association with the Garbhill episode (dated around 74-60 BCE), are crucial for establishing a timeline.

• Kalakacharya's Identity and Accomplishments:

  • The book strongly argues that the Kalakacharya who traveled to Suvarnabhumi, the author of Anuyog texts, the one who learned Nimitta Shastra (astrology/divination) from the Ajivikas, and the one who defeated King Gardabhilla are all the same historical figure.
  • This unified identity is supported by the lack of any distinction made by ancient commentators like Malayagiri and the Churnikars.
  • Kalakacharya is presented as a scholar and author who created Lokanuyog (related to worldly matters, including astrology) and Prathamanuyog (dealing with the lives and previous births of Tirthankaras, Chakravartis, etc.).
  • His knowledge of Nimitta Shastra is highlighted, including his learning from the Ajivikas, especially regarding auspicious times for initiation.
  • The book connects Kalakacharya's expertise in astrology to his supposed advice on the timing of ordinations, which even influenced Varahamihira (as per Utpalabhatta's commentary on Brihat Jataka).

• Evidence of Indian Presence in Southeast Asia:

  • The text provides strong evidence of ancient Indian contact with Suvarnabhumi (which likely encompassed regions like Burma, Indo-China, Malaya, and Sumatra) during the early centuries CE, and even earlier, in the 1st and 2nd centuries BCE.
  • Mentions of this trade and cultural exchange come from Greek authors like Ptolemy and Pliny, Jain texts like the Vasudevahindi and Kalpasutra, and Buddhist scriptures like the Mahaniddesa.
  • The author emphasizes that these interactions were not limited to trade but also included the spread of Indian culture and religion.

• The "Kalakacharya" Name and Traditions:

  • The book addresses the possibility of multiple Kalakacharyas but argues for a single prominent figure. The confusion often arises from later interpretations and chronologies.
  • The author relies heavily on early sources like Niyukti, Bhashya, and Churni, considering them more reliable than later Patawalis (lineages).
  • The connection between "Shyamarya" and "Kalakacharya" is explored, suggesting they are likely the same person. The Nandi Sutra's mention of Aryasamudra as a disciple of Shyamarya, and the description of Aryasamudra's travels, further support the idea that the Kalakacharya who went to Suvarnabhumi was indeed Shyamarya.

• Chronological Placement:

  • While acknowledging scholarly debates on the exact dating, the book places Kalakacharya between the 2nd century BCE and the 1st century CE, aligning with the period of early Indian interactions with Suvarnabhumi and the Sak invasions.

• Kalakacharya's Personality and Impact:

  • Kalakacharya is depicted as a revolutionary, courageous, and learned individual who dared to challenge conventions and innovate.
  • His actions, like bringing the Shakas to India (to defeat Gardabhilla) and potentially altering religious observances (like the date of Paryusana), are seen as evidence of his proactive nature.
  • The author suggests that Kalakacharya's unconventional ideas and actions likely faced opposition from conservative elements within the Jain community, similar to other great spiritual leaders throughout history.

• The Significance of Suvarnabhumi: The term "Suvarnabhumi" referred to a broad region east of the Bay of Bengal, including parts of mainland and islands. The book highlights that the Jain tradition was aware of these distant lands and their cultural connections with India.

Conclusion:

Dr. Umakant P. Shah's work "Suvarnabhumi me Kalakacharya" meticulously reconstructs the journey of Acharya Kalak to Suvarnabhumi using ancient Jain scriptures. It argues for the historical existence of Kalakacharya and strongly advocates that the figure in the Suvarnabhumi narrative is the same accomplished and influential Acharya known for his other major contributions, including the composition of Anuyog texts and his role in defeating King Gardabhilla. The book emphasizes the importance of Jain Agamic literature for understanding ancient Indian history, culture, and its overseas connections, urging scholars to pay greater attention to these valuable resources.