Tirthankar Ke Suvarna Kamal Vihar Ka Rahasya - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Tirthankar ke Suvarna Kamal Vihar ka Rahasya" by Nandighoshvijay in English:

The book explores the mysterious practice of Tirthankaras (Jain spiritual conquerors) stepping on golden lotuses when they walk or sit, rather than directly on the earth, after attaining Keval Gyan (omniscience).

The Central Question and Traditional Answers:

Some question this practice, pointing out that Tirthankaras are ascetics, renunciates of material possessions like gold and sensual pleasures, and non-possessive. Why, then, would they use golden lotuses and thrones? Traditionally, Jain scriptures do not provide a clear and direct answer.

An Earlier Modern Interpretation (and its Critique):

A common explanation offered by some modern scholars and Jain monks is that Tirthankaras, after achieving Keval Gyan, emit a tremendous amount of energy from their bodies. This energy is said to be too intense for the Earth to bear, and only gold, being a stable element, can contain it. Therefore, deities are believed to create golden lotuses for Tirthankaras to step on.

However, the author presents a critique of this view, quoting his guru, Acharya Shri Vijay Suryodaysuri Ji Maharaj. The critique argues that this explanation is not supported by scripture and is illogical. If the Earth cannot withstand this energy, how can gold, which is also derived from the Earth and is considered Earth-bodied (Prithvikaya), possess this capacity? Thus, the author concludes that the reason for the golden lotuses must be something else.

A Scientific and Philosophical Explanation:

The author then delves into a scientific and philosophical explanation based on the concept of Bio-electromagnetic Energy.

Bio-electromagnetic Energy: Modern science has proven that all living beings emit a constant energy field, termed Bio-electromagnetic Energy. This energy, though invisible, can be experienced and, in some cases, seen by individuals with extraordinary perceptive abilities. This energy is intrinsically linked with magnetism. Michael Faraday's work in 1833 established the interconnectedness of electricity and magnetism. The presence of bio-electromagnetic energy creates a bio-electromagnetic field.
Aura (Abhamandal): In ancient times, this bio-electromagnetic field was known as the "aura" (Abhamandal). Experts believe that any disease manifests in the aura three months before it appears in the physical body. Kirlian photography can capture colored images of this aura, and the analysis of these images can aid in diagnosing and treating diseases before they fully manifest.
Factors Influencing Bio-electromagnetic Energy: The intensity and type of bio-electromagnetic energy emitted by a living being depend on its physical, mental, and spiritual evolution. It is also influenced by the presence and intensity of good and bad karma and the extent to which these karmas veil the soul's inherent power.
Tirthankaras' Unique Energy: Tirthankaras possess the highest levels of physical, mental, and spiritual evolution. They have the strongest physical constitution (Vajra-rushabhanaracha Samghanan), leading to superior mental fortitude and concentration. Their spiritual development is also unparalleled. They have accumulated immense positive karma from past lives, particularly the Tirthankara Namakarma, resulting in the strongest bio-electromagnetic energy. Crucially, they are free from the adverse effects of negative karma, ensuring no obstructions to their energy field.
The Role of Ghātikarmas: Jain philosophy identifies four main Ghātikarmas (karma that veils the soul's inherent qualities): Jñānāvaraṇīya (knowledge-obscuring), Darshanāvaraṇīya (perception-obscuring), Mohanīya (delusion-inducing), and Antarāya (obstacle-creating). These are completely eradicated by Keval Jñānīs, allowing their soul's infinite power to manifest.

The True Reason for the Golden Lotus:

The author posits that the immense bio-electromagnetic energy emanating from Tirthankaras makes the environment highly potent. This energy, while beneficial, can be too intense for ordinary beings to handle without potential harm, or it might not be absorbed effectively by the Earth.

To facilitate the grounding of this powerful energy and ensure its beneficial effects, deities create golden lotuses. Gold is an exceptionally sensitive and highly conductive material, far more so than copper.

Grounding and Protection: Similar to how a copper rod is used to ground electricity in tall buildings, the golden lotus acts as a conductor to channel the Tirthankara's bio-electromagnetic energy into the Earth. This process prevents the intense energy from negatively impacting the surroundings.
Beneficial Effects: The presence of the Tirthankara on the golden lotus and the subsequent grounding of their energy create a protective field. For six months after the Tirthankara leaves an area, that place is free from diseases, famines, floods, droughts, and pests like insects and mosquitoes. Furthermore, negative tendencies in humans and animals in that area are also pacified.

Conclusion:

The author concludes that this practice is a manifestation of the Tirthankara's profound compassion and their vow to guide all beings towards their spiritual path. The golden lotus is a divine mechanism to safely transmit their powerful, life-benefiting energy to the Earth and its inhabitants. The sanctity of the pilgrimage sites of Lord Mahavir Swami, like the banks of the Rujupalika River and Pavapuri, even after 2500 years, is attributed to this continuous beneficial influence.