Tirthankar Charitra - Book Summary

The provided text is a detailed compilation of the lives of the Tirthankaras, the spiritual conquerors in Jainism, along with introductory and concluding sections. Here's a comprehensive summary in English:

Book Title: Tirthankar Charitra (Lives of the Tirthankaras) Author(s): Jayanandvijay (Editor) Publisher: Ramchandra Prakashan Samiti Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/002231/1

This book, titled "Shri Tirthankar Charitra," is a biographical account of the twenty-four Tirthankaras, the spiritual guides in Jainism. The compilation is edited by Muni Shri Jayanandvijayji and is attributed to Shri Krishnalal Verma. The publisher is Shri Gururamchandra Prakashan Samiti, Bhinmal, Rajasthan.

The book begins with invocations to Shri Shatrunjayadhipati Adinath and Prabhu Shrimadvijay Rajendrasurishwarji. It includes blessings from Acharyadev Shri Vidyachandra Surishwarji and Muniraj Shri Ramchandra vijayji. The publication is supported by various individuals and families, as listed on pages 4-10, indicating widespread patronage and community involvement in its creation.

The core of the book is dedicated to the life stories of the Tirthankaras, starting with Shri Adinath (Rishabhdev). Each Tirthankara's life is presented in a chronological narrative, often spanning multiple lifetimes (Bhav), detailing their past actions, births, spiritual development, renunciation, ascetic practices, attainment of Kevalgyan (omniscience), and eventual liberation (Moksha).

Key aspects covered for each Tirthankara include:

Previous Lives (Bhav): The text often recounts the Tirthankara's previous births, highlighting the karmic seeds sown through virtuous or unvirtuous actions that led to their ultimate birth as a Tirthankara. These stories emphasize the Jain principles of karma and reincarnation.
Birth Details:
- Conception Ceremony (Chyavan Kalyanak): Marks the descent of the soul from a celestial abode into the mother's womb.
- Birth Ceremony (Janma Kalyanak): Celebrates the birth of the Tirthankara.
- Birthplace and Dynasty: Details the kingdom, city, and lineage (e.g., Ikshvaku dynasty) of the Tirthankara.
- Parents' Names: Identifies the father and mother.
- Dreams of the Mother: The mother of a Tirthankara experiences fourteen auspicious dreams, which are interpreted by learned individuals to signify the child's future greatness.
- Lanchhan (Symbol): Each Tirthankara is associated with a specific symbol (e.g., bull for Adinath, lion for Parshvanath, snake for Mahavir).
- Physical Attributes: Describes their imposing physique, including body height, complexion, and strength.
Youth and Household Life: Details their royal upbringing, marriage (though they were inherently detached from worldly pleasures), and sometimes their role as Chakravarti (universal emperors).
Renunciation (Diksha): The moment of renunciation, often prompted by witnessing worldly suffering or divine pronouncements, is a significant event.
Asceticism and Penance: Describes their rigorous spiritual practices, including fasting, meditation, and enduring hardships (parishaha).
Attainment of Kevalgyan (Omniscience): The moment they achieve complete knowledge and understanding of the universe, breaking free from karmic bonds.
Preaching and Establishing the Jain Order (Tirth): Their role in spreading the Jain dharma, establishing the four-fold community (monks, nuns, laymen, and laywomen), and delivering sermons (deshna).
Supernatural Powers and Miracles (Atishaya): The text mentions the extraordinary powers and miraculous occurrences associated with the Tirthankaras, often attributed to their immense spiritual merit.
Nirvana (Moksha): The final liberation from the cycle of birth and death, achieved through destruction of all karmas.
Family and Disciples: Mentions the key figures in their immediate families and their chief disciples (Ganadharas).

Key Themes and Concepts:

Karma: The narrative consistently illustrates how actions in past lives (karma) shape future destinies, emphasizing the Jain doctrine of cause and effect.
Renunciation: The ultimate detachment from worldly pleasures and possessions as the path to spiritual liberation is a recurring theme.
Ahimsa (Non-violence): The principle of non-violence is central, evident in the Tirthankaras' lives and teachings.
Spiritual Purity: The pursuit of inner purity and self-realization is the overarching goal.
Importance of the Three Jewels (Ratnatraya): Right Faith (Samyaktva), Right Knowledge (Samyak Gyan), and Right Conduct (Samyak Charitra) are repeatedly highlighted as the means to liberation.
The Cycle of Time (Avasarpini and Utsarpini): The introductory sections explain the concept of cosmic time cycles and the gradual decline and ascent of virtues and happiness through these cycles, influencing the lives and characteristics of Tirthankaras.
The Five Great Events (Panch Kalyanak): The text details the significance of these five auspicious events in a Tirthankara's life: Chyavan, Janma, Diksha, Kevalgyan, and Nirvana.

Introductory and Concluding Sections:

Introduction (Bhumika): This section provides foundational knowledge about Jain cosmology, the concept of time cycles (Aaras), the different realms of existence (hells, heavens, human world, Moksha), and the classification of beings. It also explains the significance of the fourteen auspicious dreams of Tirthankara mothers and the elaborate celebrations of the Panch Kalyanakas.
Appendix (Parishisht): This section contains tables summarizing key details about each Tirthankara, including their name, lifespan, body height, parentage, birthplace, symbol, and the number of disciples. It also includes details about the concept of 'Atishaya' (miraculous qualities) and 'Aara' (time cycles).

The book aims to educate and inspire readers by:

Presenting the exemplary lives of the Tirthankaras as a guide for spiritual living.
Illustrating the profound philosophical principles of Jainism through compelling narratives.
Reinforcing the importance of ethical conduct, self-discipline, and detachment.

The extensive list of financial contributors at the beginning underscores the communal effort and reverence with which this work was undertaken and published. The detailed biographical accounts, spanning multiple lifetimes, offer a rich tapestry of spiritual journeys, illustrating the Jain path to ultimate liberation.