Tirthankar Mahavir And His Sarvodaya Tirth

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Tirthankar Mahavir and His Sarvodaya Tirth" by Hukamchand Bharilla, translated by K.C. Lalwani:

Overall Purpose and Scope:

This book aims to present a detailed and authentic account of the life, teachings, and philosophy of Lord Mahavira, the 24th and last Tirthankara of this era in Jainism. It seeks to illuminate his role as a reviver of an eternal faith and the founder of the "Sarvodaya Tirtha" (the path of universal welfare). The text emphasizes the timeless relevance and practical applicability of Mahavira's teachings for contemporary life, focusing on the path to liberation and universal well-being.

Key Themes and Content:

The book is structured into several parts, delving into various aspects of Jain philosophy and Mahavira's life:

1. Tradition and Background:

• Mahavira did not start a new religion: The book establishes that Mahavira didn't found a new religion but rather revived and re-presented an eternal faith that had existed since time immemorial.
• The Antiquity of Jainism: It argues for the ancient origins of Jainism, citing evidence from Vedic texts, Puranas, and archaeological findings to support the existence of Tirthankaras and the Jain tradition long before Mahavira.
• The Time Cycle (Kalpa): The Jaina concept of cyclical time (Utsarpini and Avasarpini) is explained, detailing the progression of human development and the appearance of Tirthankaras within these cycles.
• Previous Tirthankaras: The lives and significance of important Tirthankaras preceding Mahavira, such as Rishabhadeva, Neminatha, and Parshvanatha, are discussed, highlighting key events and their contributions to the Jain tradition. This section also touches upon the concept of Salaka Purushas (exemplary figures).
• The concept of a Bhagavan/Tirthankara: The text clarifies that a Bhagavan or Tirthankara is not a creator but a knower and seer who understands the nature of reality and guides others to liberation.

2. Bhagavan Mahavira: Previous Lives:

• The Path to Perfection: This section delves into Mahavira's numerous past lives, illustrating the arduous journey of the soul (Marichi, Pururava, Visvanandi, Tripristha, etc.) through various realms and experiences, marked by both suffering and spiritual progress.
• The Role of Karma and Effort: It emphasizes how actions (karma) and sincere self-exertion across lifetimes shape the soul's destiny, leading eventually to the attainment of omniscience and liberation.
• The Lion's Transformation: A detailed narrative of a lion's transformation through the teachings of Carana monks is presented to illustrate how spiritual readiness and opportune guidance can lead to profound change, even for beings in lower forms of life.

3. Bhagavan Mahavira: Present Life:

• Birth and Early Life: The book describes Mahavira's birth in Kundalapura to King Siddhartha and Queen Trishala, detailing the auspicious dreams and the spiritual significance of his advent. His childhood names (Vardhamana, Vira, Sanmati) and his inherent qualities of bravery, intellect, and fearlessness are highlighted.
• Mahavira's True Heroism: The text distinguishes Mahavira's heroism not from worldly battles but from his inner conquest of self, particularly his victory over delusion, attachment, and greed.
• The Path to Omniscience: It chronicles Mahavira's period of severe penance and his ultimate attainment of Kevala Jnana (omniscience) under a Sala tree.
• The Sarvodaya Tirtha and His Sermons: The establishment of the Sarvodaya Tirtha through Mahavira's sermons is described, including the unique organization of the Samavasarana (congregation hall) where beings of all forms and statuses are addressed equally. The initial silence before his divine voice began flowing is explained by the absence of a suitable principal disciple (Ganadhara).
• Indrabhuti Gautama and the First Sermon: The narrative of Indrabhuti Gautama, a prominent Vedic scholar, being drawn to Mahavira and becoming his chief disciple is central to the commencement of Mahavira's public teachings.
• The Core Teachings (Sarvodaya Tirtha): The fundamental principles of Mahavira's philosophy are summarized:
  • Independence of each soul.
  • Equality of all souls.
  • Inherent knowledge and bliss within the soul.
  • The universe's constant transformation without external interference.
  • The soul's responsibility for its happiness and misery.
  • The importance of self-knowledge.
  • The concept of God as the knower and seer, not creator.
• The Ganadharas: The names of Mahavira's twelve chief disciples (Ganadharas) are listed.
• Nirvana: The book concludes the account of Mahavira's present life with his final liberation (Nirvana) at Pavapuri, marking the end of his earthly activities. The Diwali festival's association with this event is also mentioned.

4. Sarvodaya Tirtha: The Jain Philosophical Framework: This extensive section forms the core of the book, elaborating on the philosophical underpinnings of Mahavira's teachings:

• The Six Objects (Dravyas): The universe is explained as a conglomeration of six eternal objects: soul (Jiva), matter (Pudgala), motion (Dharma), rest (Adharma), space (Akasha), and time (Kala). Their nature and interrelations are detailed.
• Dharma (Religion/Nature): Dharma is defined as the inherent nature of a thing, its capacity to "hold together." In the context of the soul, it signifies right faith, right knowledge, and right conduct.
• The Triple Jewels (Triple Path to Liberation): Right Faith (Samyak Darshan), Right Knowledge (Samyak Jnana), and Right Conduct (Samyak Charitra) are presented as the integrated path to liberation.
  • Right Faith: Understanding of the fundamentals (soul, matter, karma, etc.) without error.
  • Right Knowledge: Accurate perception of reality as it is, without distortion.
  • Right Conduct: Living in accordance with one's true nature, characterized by detachment and the absence of passions.
• Karma Theory: The concepts of Karma (objective and subjective) and their role in bondage and suffering are thoroughly explained.
• The Doctrine of Check (Samvara) and Exhaustion (Nirjara): These are presented as the means to stop the influx of karma and to shed accumulated karma, leading to liberation. This involves practices like controls (Guptis), disciplines (Samitis), virtues, penances, and meditation.
• The Doctrine of Moksha (Liberation): The ultimate goal is described as complete freedom from all karmic bondage and limitations, leading to the soul's inherent state of omniscience and bliss.
• Deva (God), Sastra (Texts), Guru (Spiritual Master): The true nature of perfect beings (Arhantas, Siddhas), the authenticity of Jain scriptures, and the qualities of a genuine spiritual guide are discussed. The book cautions against misinterpretations and emphasizes the importance of detachment and self-knowledge in worship.
• The Science of Differentiation (Bheda-Vijnana): This crucial doctrine explains how to distinguish the soul from matter and other non-soul entities, leading to self-realization.
• Anekanta and Syadvada: These foundational Jain doctrines are explained in detail. Anekanta (multifacetedness) asserts that reality has infinite aspects, while Syadvada is the method of expressing this multifacetedness, acknowledging that a statement is always "may be" (syat) relative to a particular perspective. The importance of understanding these for achieving tolerance and peace is highlighted.
• Pramana and Naya: The concepts of valid knowledge (Pramana) and partial viewpoints (Naya) are discussed as tools for understanding reality and discerning truth.

5. Ahimsa (Non-Violence) - Appendix:

• The True Meaning of Ahimsa: The appendix re-emphasizes that ahimsa in Jainism primarily refers to the absence of passions like attachment, malice, and delusion within the soul (subjective violence). External violence is a consequence of this internal state.
• Karma and Responsibility: It clarifies that life, death, happiness, and misery are ultimately determined by one's own karma, not by external factors or other beings. Claims of killing or saving others are deemed ego-driven and ignorant.
• Vows and Conduct: The lesser and greater vows (non-violence, truth, non-theft, celibacy, non-accumulation) are discussed in the context of both monks and householders, emphasizing the internal attitude and the gradual reduction of violence and attachment.
• The Ideal of Detachment: The ultimate goal is complete detachment from all worldly pleasures and experiences, a state of pure consciousness that leads to liberation.

Author's Perspective and Publisher's Intent:

The book is presented with deep reverence for spiritual luminaries like Sri Kanji Swami. The publisher, Shri Kundakunda Kahan Digambar Jain Tirtha Suraksha Trust, aims to widely disseminate the teachings of the Jinas in various languages. The author, Dr. Hukamchand Bharilla, is praised for his diligent research, analytical approach, and ability to present complex philosophical ideas in an accessible and engaging manner. The book is intended to provide comprehensive knowledge about Lord Mahavira and his teachings, promoting spiritual welfare and universal well-being (Sarvodaya).

Overall Impression:

"Tirthankar Mahavir and His Sarvodaya Tirth" is a scholarly and devotional work that offers a deep dive into the life, philosophy, and eternal teachings of Lord Mahavira. It aims to connect ancient Jain wisdom with modern life, providing a roadmap for spiritual growth, ethical conduct, and ultimately, liberation. The book is praised for its authenticity, clarity, and its ability to inspire readers towards a more meaningful and purposeful life.