Tirthankar Mahavira Aur Unki Acharya Parampara Part 1

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Tirthankar Mahavira aur Unki Acharya Parampara Part 1" by Nemichandra Shastri, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Tirthankar Mahavira aur Unki Acharya Parampara Part 1 (Lord Mahavira and His Lineage of Acharyas, Volume 1) Author: Dr. Nemichandra Shastri, Jyotishacharya, M.A., Ph.D., D.Litt. Publisher: Shantisagar Chhani Granthamala

This work, the first volume of a larger four-volume series, aims to provide a comprehensive introduction to Lord Mahavira, the 24th and last Tirthankara of Jainism, and the tradition of his lineage of Acharyas.

Key Themes and Content:

• The Concept of Tradition (Parampara): The text begins by emphasizing the profound significance of "Parampara" (tradition) in the Jain context. It signifies authenticity, the connection to scriptures (Agamas), and the guidance of virtuous preceptors. The practice of addressing the tradition as "Paramparacharya Gurubhyo Namah" instead of "Acharya Gurubhyo Namah" highlights this importance. The author draws a parallel to societal traditions like Gotra in marriages, underscoring the necessity of understanding one's lineage, even for ascetics. India has historically had two prominent traditions: the Muni-parampara (ascetic tradition) and the Rishi-parampara (lineage of sages). The former is associated with the pursuit of liberation (Moksha), while the latter is connected to societal rituals. When Rishis sought spiritual knowledge, they approached ascetics for guidance.

• History and Authenticity: The book stresses the need for factual knowledge in constructing history, citing Acharya Jinsen's definition of history as "Iti ha asit," meaning "it was indeed like this." History is likened to a lamp that dispels the darkness of ignorance and illusion, revealing the true nature of reality that is upheld by the entire world.

• The Author and the Work: Dr. Nemichandra Shastri is lauded for his scholarly rigor and logical arguments. The work is seen as a valuable contribution that will illuminate the pure Shraman (ascetic) tradition for readers, with its annotations providing authenticity. Beyond the Shraman tradition, it also successfully outlines the beliefs of ascetics and Jain principles. The author's passing shortly after completing this monumental work is noted with sorrow, highlighting the dedication invested. His close friend, Dr. Darbarilal Kothia, is acknowledged for his efforts in bringing this publication to fruition.

• The Antiquity of Jainism and Tirthankaras: The work asserts that Indian history begins with Buddha and Mahavira, founders of Buddhism and Jainism respectively. The term "Tirthankara" is primarily associated with the 24 Tirthankaras, though it is a compound word meaning "one who propagates the 'Tirtha' of Dharma." Lord Rishabhanatha is considered the first Tirthankara and founder, with Lord Mahavira being the last propagator of the same Dharma-Tirtha. Hindu Puranas mention only Lord Rishabhanatha in relation to Jainism's origins, while the Buddha, Mahavira's contemporary, is accepted as an avatar of Vishnu. Conversely, Buddhist Tripitaka literature extensively references Nigantha Nataputta (Mahavira) and the Nirgranthas. Dr. Jacobi's preface to his Jain Sutras suggests that Nataputta, known as Mahavira or Vardhamana, was a contemporary of Buddha, and that the Nirgrantha sect, today known as Jains or Arhats, existed even before Mahavira, possibly as a large and established community.

• Mahavira's Predecessors and Historical Context: The text indicates that figures like Parshvanatha (the 23rd Tirthankara) predated Mahavira, and the Jain tradition consistently recognizes Rishabhanatha as the founder, a belief supported by the possibility of historical truth. Yujurveda mentions Rishabhanatha, Ajitanatha, and Arishtanemi, and the Bhagavat Purana supports Rishabhanatha as the founder of Jainism. The author, Dr. Radha Krishnan, is quoted stating that the Jain tradition traces its origins to Rishabhanatha, who lived centuries before, and evidence suggests Rishabhanatha was worshipped in the 1st century BCE. This confirms that Jainism predated both Mahavira and Parshvanatha.

• The Shraman Tradition and Mahavira: The Shraman tradition in India is as ancient as the Vedic tradition. Both traditions together formed ancient Indian culture. Lord Mahavira emerged from the Shraman tradition. Like Buddha, he was a Kshatriya prince who renounced his home for arduous ascetic practices. A notable difference is highlighted: while Mahavira and Buddha embraced renunciation, Hindu figures like Rama and Krishna, though also Kshatriyas, did not abandon their worldly lives and royal positions. Krishna is called a Yogi, but a "Karma Yogi," while Mahavira is a "Jnana Yogi" (Yogi of knowledge). The text distinguishes between Karma Yoga (externally focused) and Jnana Yoga (internally focused).

• The Nature of Spiritual Practice: The book delves into the essence of spiritual practice, emphasizing that the "mind, speech, and body" are the roots of external action. However, the soul, in its pure state, is devoid of mind, speech, and body; these are merely karmic manifestations. Those attached to these manifestations are not self-realized. For the self-realized, these attachments are seen as ailments. The text posits that liberation from worldly actions is impossible without controlling these faculties. Mahavira's renunciation and journey into the wilderness exemplify this. While perceived as "escapism" by worldly observers, it is presented as the path to liberation. The Gita's verse about the wise being awake when others sleep is quoted to illustrate the distinct rhythm of a yogi's life. Mahavira attained Nirvana through self-practice.

• The Structure of the Work: The entire work is planned in four volumes:

  1. Tirthankar Mahavira aur Unki Deshna: Focuses on Lord Mahavira and his teachings.
  2. Shrutdhara aur Sarasvatacharya: Deals with the guardians of scriptures and learned Acharyas.
  3. Prabuddhaacharya aur Paramparaposhakacharya: Covers enlightened Acharyas and those who sustained the tradition.
  4. Acharya Tulya Kavyakar evam Lekhak: Discusses poets and writers of Acharya caliber.

• Detailed Contents of Volume 1 (Tirthankar Mahavira aur Unki Deshna): This volume is extensive, comprising eleven chapters and approximately 640 pages. It covers:

  • The Tirthankara Tradition and Mahavira: Explains the significance of human life, the necessity of Dharma and Philosophy, the Tirthankara lineage from Rishabhanatha to Mahavira, the historicity of Parshvanatha, and Mahavira's place in this lineage.
  • The Sadhana of Many Lifetimes: Traces Mahavira's soul's journey through numerous past lives, detailing periods of downfall and subsequent upliftment, highlighting key life forms like Pururava, Singh, Kankojwal, Harisena, and Priyamitra, and culminating in the binding of Tirthankara nature in the Nand dynasty.
  • Contemporary Circumstances: Great Thinkers and Sects: Examines the socio-political and economic conditions, as well as the activities of various thinkers and sects preceding Mahavira's birth.
  • Mahavira's Birthplace, Birth, and Childhood: Delves into the details of his birth in Kundagrama, his parents Siddhartha and Trishala, her dreams, the auspicious events surrounding his birth, his names (Vardhamana, Vira, Ativira, Sanmati), his childhood exploits, his early contemplative nature, and his extraordinary physical and mental prowess.
  • Youth, Struggle, and Resolve: Describes his physical beauty, strength, youthful entry into public life, parental affection, public admiration, his inclination towards detachment, attainment of self-reliance, and his renunciation and initiation into the Nirgrantha-Shraman order.
  • Asceticism, Vow observance, and Kevala (Omniscience): Chronicles his severe austerities in caves and forests, his silent practices, overcoming obstacles, his unusual vows, the episode of Chandana, his attainment of detachment, and the location of his Kevala Jnana.
  • Ganeadharas, Samavasarana, Royal Figures, and Nirvana: Details the period after Mahavira attained Kevala Jnana, the establishment of the Samavasarana (divine assembly), the conversion of prominent figures like Indrabhuti Gautama and his brothers, the first sermon, the formation of the four-fold Sangha (monks, nuns, laymen, laywomen), the participation of King Shrenika Bimbisara, the influence on royal figures, the linguistic analysis of the divine speech (Divya Dhwani), Mahavira's extensive travels and teachings, and his Nirvana at Pavapuri.
  • Teachings: Discussing the Knowable (Geya-Tattva): Explains the nature of the knowable, its anekantic (multi-faceted) nature, the three aspects of origination, continuation, and cessation, the six Dravyas (Jiva, Pudgala, Dharma, Adharma, Akasha, Kala), the seven Tattvas (principles), and the nine substances (Navapadarthas).
  • Teachings: Discussing Knowledge (Jnana-Tattva): Explores the nature of knowledge as a means to cognition, its five types (Mati, Shruta, Avadhi, Manahparyaya, Kevala), and the concepts of Pramana (means of valid knowledge) and Nayavada (theory of standpoints), including the Sapta-bhangi (sevenfold predicate).
  • Teachings: Discussing Dharma and Conduct: Elucidates the necessity of Dharma for human progress, its nature, right conduct and thought, the importance of the Three Jewels (Samyak Darshan, Samyak Jnana, Samyak Charitra), the causes and types of Samyak Darshan, the eight angas (limbs), the three delusions (mudhatas), and eight types of pride (madas). It also details the conduct of lay followers (Shravakacharya) and ascetics (Muni Acharya).
  • Social System: Presents Mahavira's concept of a society based on qualities and actions, highlighting the family, its responsibilities and rights, spiritual equality, ethical principles, and the enduring value of his teachings on Ahimsa, Satya, Asteya, Brahmacharya, and Aparigraha for universal peace and well-being.

The Author's Legacy: The summary also includes a brief biographical sketch of the late Acharya Nemichandra Shastri, detailing his educational achievements, prolific writing career with numerous awards, and his significant contributions to Jainology and Indian philosophy. His passing is mourned, with his work being remembered as his immortal legacy.

In essence, "Tirthankar Mahavira aur Unki Acharya Parampara Part 1" is presented as a foundational text for understanding Lord Mahavira's life, teachings, and the rich philosophical and historical tradition that emanated from him, meticulously researched and articulated by Dr. Nemichandra Shastri.