Tirthankar Charitra - Book Summary

Here is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Tirthankar Charitra" by Sumermal Muni and Rohit Shah, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Tirthankar Charitra (Life Stories of the Tirthankaras) Author(s): Sumermal Muni (Ladnu), Rohit Shah (Translator/Editor for Gujarati edition) Publisher: Anekant Bharti Prakashan, Ahmedabad Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/022702/1

Core Theme and Jain Philosophy:

The book, "Tirthankar Charitra," aims to provide a simple and concise biographical account of the twenty-four Tirthankaras of Jainism. A central tenet highlighted early in the text (Page 2) is Jainism's rejection of the concept of avatarvad (incarnation). Unlike some other traditions that believe deities descend to earth in human form, Jainism asserts that Tirthankaras are born as ordinary children. Their exalted status is achieved through their own immense purusharth (self-effort) and adhyatmik bal (spiritual strength). The text contrasts this with the Vedic tradition of avatarvad, where God incarnates to re-establish dharma when adharma prevails, and where God may perform actions driven by attachment and aversion for the welfare of the world. Jainism believes that once an soul achieves Siddhahood or Ishvaratva (divine status), it never returns to the cycle of rebirth or engages in activities driven by attachment or aversion. The book emphasizes that any individual can attain the status of a Tirthankara or Kevali (omniscient being) through dedicated sadhana (spiritual practice).

Historical and Scriptural Context:

The text acknowledges that while the lives of Tirthankaras are extensively documented in Jain scriptures, comprehensive accounts of all twenty-four are rare. This book aims to fill that gap. It also notes that there are minor differences between Shvetambara and Digambara traditions regarding details such as the number of dreams a mother of a Tirthankara has (14 vs. 16), the names of the dreams, and birth dates. These differences, whether in understanding or actual fact, are attributed to factors like the interpretation of the transition of days after midnight or the calculation of lunar constellations. Despite these minor variations, the core life narratives remain largely consistent. The text traces the historical timeline of Tirthankaras, mentioning the 20th Tirthankara Munisuvrat in the Ramayana period and the 22nd Tirthankara Arishtanemi in the Mahabharata period, placing them in pre-historic times. The 23rd Tirthankara, Lord Parshva, and the 24th Tirthankara, Lord Mahavir, are identified as historical figures, with the current Jain tradition being directly linked to Lord Mahavir.

Purpose and Approach of the Book:

The book was written at the suggestion of Acharya Pravar Shri Tulsi, who encouraged Muni Sumeranmal to write the life stories of the Tirthankaras in a concise and simple language for the benefit of all. The author, Muni Sumeranmal, states his intention was to present the life facts in a conversational style, making the book accessible to every new person seeking a glimpse into the lives of the Tirthankaras. It is particularly aimed at students. The writing style avoids elaborate ornamentation, aiming for a narrative, story-like presentation.

Key Concepts Explained:

Jainism's Antiquity: Jainism is presented as one of the oldest religions in the world, with the name "Jain" becoming prevalent after Lord Mahavir, attributed to Jinvishakshama. Before that, it was known by various names like Shraman Dharma, Ahl Dharma, and Nirgrantha Dharma during Mahavir's era. Jainism's origins are traced back to pre-Vedic times.
Purusharth and Spiritualism: The religion emphasizes self-effort, detachment from material possessions, and a focus on spirituality, advocating for self-interest rather than altruism and renunciation over indulgence.
Aatmakartvavaad (Principle of Self-Action): Jainism upholds the principle that every soul is responsible for its own actions and can attain divinity through its own efforts.
Kalchakra (Wheel of Time): Jain philosophy views the universe as eternal, without beginning or end, constantly undergoing cycles of descent (Avasarpini) and ascent (Utsarpini). The text briefly describes the six Aras (stages) within each cycle.
Yauglic Era: The book describes the initial era of humanity (Yauglic Yug or Aranya Yug) where beings were born in pairs, lived in blissful ignorance, and were sustained by Kalpavriksha (wish-fulfilling trees). Labor was unnecessary, and there was no concept of ownership, conflict, or complex social structures.
Kulkara System: As the Yauglic era declined and resources became scarce, the need for organization led to the establishment of the Kulara system, where leaders like Vimalvahan, Chakshuman, Yashasvi, Abhichandra, Prasanjit, Marudev, and Nabhi are mentioned.
Tirthankar's Significance: Tirthankaras are described as souls liberated from all karmas, embodying omniscience and omnidirection. They are the founders of the Tirth (religious order) and are revered before even the Siddhas in the Namaskar Mahamantra due to their role in guiding humanity.
Tirthankara vs. Sarvajna: While both have attained omniscience, Tirthankaras are in the first state of omniscience and are responsible for establishing the fourfold Jain community (monks, nuns, laymen, laywomen). Sarvajnas, on the other hand, may exist in any of the five states of soul-perfection and do not necessarily establish a Tirth.
Reasons for 24 Tirthankaras: The text explains that within the framework of the Jain cosmology (Aḍhaidveepa), there are 15 karmabhumi, and the specific cyclical nature of time in Bharat and Airavat regions allows for a maximum of 24 Tirthankaras in each half-cycle of time (Avasarpini and Utsarpini).
Tirthankara Gotra Bandhana: The acquisition of the Tirthankara Gotra is achieved through specific virtuous actions and devotion throughout past lives, with twenty specific causes listed, including devotion to Arhats, Siddhas, the teaching, gurus, and the practice of virtues like non-violence, truth, non-stealing, chastity, and non-possession.
Thirty-four Atishayas and Thirty-five Vachanatishayas: These are extraordinary qualities and powers attributed to Tirthankaras, distinguishing them from ordinary Kevalis. The book details these attributes, categorizing them into those present from birth, those acquired through karmic destruction, and those bestowed by celestial beings.

Biographical Accounts of the First Few Tirthankaras (detailed in the provided pages):

The book then proceeds to detail the lives of the Tirthankaras, starting with:

Lord Rishabhadeva (Adinath):
- His soul's journey through various lives, including a wealthy merchant (Dhanna Sarthavah) where he first gained right perception (Samayaktva).
- His birth as the 24th Tirthankara to King Nabhi and Queen Marudevi, the significance of the fourteen auspicious dreams, and his birth time.
- The naming ceremony and the establishment of the Ikshvaku dynasty.
- His marriage to Sunanda and Sumangala, and the birth of his 100 sons (including Bharat and Bahubali) and 2 daughters (Brahmi and Sundari).
- His coronation and the subsequent establishment of societal structures, including the beginning of agriculture, crafts (like Asu-karma, Masi-karma), the varna (class) system, and the introduction of justice and governance.
- His renunciation (Abhiniṣkramaṇa), the first alms-giving ritual (Pratham Daan) which led to the tradition of Akshaya Tritiya, and his attainment of Keval Gyan (omniscience).
- The accounts of the Bharat-Bahubali war and their subsequent enlightenment.
- His Nirvan (liberation) on Ashtapad Parvat, his lifespan of 84 lakh Purva, and the details of his family, physical characteristics, and Panch Kalyanaka (five auspicious events).
- Mention of his depiction in non-Jain literature, including Vedic texts.
Lord Ajitanatha:
- His previous lives, including that of King Vimalvahan and a divine being.
- His birth to King Jitashatru and Queen Vijayadevi, the fourteen dreams, and the naming ceremony, where his name 'Ajitanatha' (invincible) was given due to his parents' feeling of invincibility during his conception and his reign.
- His marriage, reign, and eventual renunciation, followed by Keval Gyan and Nirvan.
Lord Sambhavanatha:
- His previous lives, including that of King Vipulvahan, where his charitable actions during a famine earned him great merit.
- His birth to King Jitar in and Queen Senadevi in Savatthi.
- His marriage, reign, and eventual renunciation, leading to Keval Gyan and Nirvan.
Lord Abhinandananatha:
- His previous life as King Mahabal, who renounced his kingdom for spiritual pursuits.
- His birth to King Samvara and Queen Siddharth in Ayodhya.
- His naming ceremony, influenced by the joy and prosperity during his conception.
- His marriage, reign, and eventual renunciation, leading to Keval Gyan and Nirvan.

General Structure for Each Tirthankara:

For each Tirthankara, the book generally follows a structure:

Previous Births (Purvabhav): Narratives of significant past lives that contributed to the soul's journey towards Tirthankara status.
Birth (Janma): Details of their birth, including the mother, father, city, auspicious dreams, and the celestial celebrations.
Naming Ceremony (Namkaran): The significance behind their chosen name.
Marriage and Reign (Vivah aur Rajya): Their life as a householder and ruler.
Renunciation (Diksha/Abhiniṣkramaṇa): The event and process of their spiritual quest.
Keval Gyan (Omniscience): The moment of achieving complete knowledge.
Nirvan (Liberation): Their final liberation from the cycle of birth and death.
Family and Key Figures: Information about their immediate family, disciples (Gana-dhar), and significant followers.
Physical Attributes: Symbol (Chinh), complexion (Varn), and height (Sharir ki Unchai).

Appendices:

The book includes appendices providing valuable reference material:

Appendix 1: Table of past, present, and future Tirthankaras in the current Avasarpini cycle.
Appendix 2: Time duration between Tirthankaras.
Appendix 3: The subject matter of the first discourse of each Tirthankara.
Appendix 4: Chronological list of Chakravarti, Baldev, Vasudev, and Prativāsudev along with their periods.
Appendix 5: Month and specific Tithi (lunar day) for each Kalyanaka (auspicious event) of the Tirthankaras.
Appendix 6: Introduction to the Tirthankaras of the next twenty-four Tirthankaras (though only the first few are detailed in the provided pages).
Appendix 7: List of twenty Viharamana Tirthankaras (currently living Tirthankaras in the Mahavideh Kṣetra).
Appendix 8: Symbols, wives, parents, cities, clans, etc., of the Tirthankaras.

In essence, "Tirthankar Charitra" serves as an accessible and informative resource for understanding the lives and teachings of the twenty-four spiritual guides in Jainism, emphasizing the power of self-effort and adherence to ethical principles for spiritual liberation.