Tirthankar Mahavira Aur Unki Acharya Parampara Part 3

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Tirthankar Mahavira aur Unki Acharya Parampara Part 3" by Nemichandra Shastri, focusing on the content presented in the English summary:

Book Title: Tirthankar Mahavira aur Unki Acharya Parampara Part 3 (Tirthankar Mahavira and His Succession of Acharyas Part 3) Author: Nemichandra Shastri Publisher: Shantisagar Chhani Granthamala

This section of the book, "Tirthankar Mahavira aur Unki Acharya Parampara Part 3," focuses on the "Enlightened Acharyas and Traditional Propagators of the Lineage" (प्रबुद्धाचार्य एवं परम्परापोषकाचार्य). It delves into the history of Jain tradition, emphasizing the importance of the concept of "Parampara" (tradition/lineage) as a repository of authentic scriptural knowledge and the teachings of revered gurus.

Key Themes and Content:

• The Significance of Parampara: The text highlights that "Parampara" is crucial in understanding the Jain tradition. It signifies authentic scriptural knowledge and the teachings of respected gurus. The prevalence of the phrase "Paramparacharya-Gurubhyo Namah" (Salutations to the Acharyas of the lineage) over "Acharya-Gurubhyo Namah" underscores this importance. The text draws a parallel to the tradition (Parampara) in societal customs where lineage (Gotra) is important, suggesting that understanding the guru-parampara of ascetics is equally essential.

• Two Ancient Traditions in India: India has had two ancient traditions: the Muni-Parampara (ascetic lineage) and the Rishi-Parampara (sage lineage). Historically, the Muni-Parampara is linked to the self-realized ascetics (Shramanas) who were expounders of the path to liberation. The Rishi-Parampara, on the other hand, was associated with popular religious practices, with Rishis performing sacraments for householders. When Rishis sought self-knowledge, they approached the Shramana-munis for guidance.

• The Text's Focus: The book by the late Dr. Nemichandra Shastri is presented as a factual history of the Shramana-muni Parampara. The text quotes from the Taittiriya Aranyaka to illustrate the ancient connections between Rishis and Shramanas, suggesting that Shramanas (Vatarashana Rishis) possessed esoteric knowledge that enabled them to disappear and reappear.

• The Importance of History: The text emphasizes that factual knowledge is necessary for the composition of history. It cites Acharya Jinaseana's statement from the Adi Purana, equating history, narrative, tradition, and scripture as synonymous. History is likened to a lamp that dispels the darkness of delusion and removes misconceptions, illuminating the true reality that underpins the world.

• Merits of Dr. Shastri's Work: The author of the preface praises Dr. Shastri's writing for its intellectual strength and logical argumentation. The book is noted for providing clear insight into the Shramana Parampara. The extensive annotations are expected to add authenticity to the readers' knowledge. Beyond the Shramana tradition, the book also successfully explains the beliefs of Shramanas and Jain principles.

• The Role of Dr. Darbarilal Kothia: The author acknowledges the significant efforts of Dr. Darbarilal Kothia, an close friend of the late Dr. Shastri, in publishing this work, who also extended the invitation to write a foreword.

• Historical Context of Jainism:

  • Indian history is considered to begin with Buddha and Mahavira. Mahavira is the last Tirthankara and the proponent of Jainism. The term "Tirthankara" specifically refers to the twenty-four propagators of the Jain Dharma, though it is a yogic term meaning "one who propagates the stream of Dharma."
  • Hindu scriptures mention only Bhagavan Rishabhadeva in connection with the origin of Jainism, not Bhagavan Mahavira. While contemporary Buddha was accepted as an avatar in Hindu Puranas, Mahavira is not.
  • Conversely, Buddhist Tripitaka literature extensively mentions Nigrantha Nataputta (Mahavira) and his followers.
  • Scholars like the late Dr. Hermann Jacobi, in his preface to the Jain Sutras, argued that Mahavira (Nataputta, Vardhamana) was a contemporary of Buddha and that the Nigantha sect existed before him and was already a significant sect at the time Buddhism arose. He found no evidence to suggest Mahavira founded the sect or that Parshvanatha was its founder.
  • The Jain tradition considers Rishabhadeva the founder of Jain Dharma, a belief that has historical possibilities.
  • Philosopher Dr. Radhakrishnan, in his "Indian Philosophy," states that the Jain tradition originates from Rishabhadeva, who lived centuries before. Evidence suggests Rishabhadeva was worshipped in the first century BCE. Jainism predates Vardhamana and Parshvanatha. The Yajurveda mentions Rishabhadeva, Ajitanatha, and Arishtanemi. The Bhagavata Purana also supports Rishabhadeva as the founder of Jainism.

• Comparison of Shramana and Vedic Traditions: Both the Vedic and Shramana traditions are ancient. Their confluence shaped ancient Indian culture. Bhagavan Mahavira emerged from the Shramana tradition. Like Buddha, Mahavira was a prince who renounced worldly life for rigorous spiritual practice. A significant difference noted is that while Hindu deities like Rama and Krishna were Kshatriyas, they did not renounce their household life and thrones. Krishna is called a Yogi, but a Karma Yogi, whereas Mahavira was a Jnana Yogi. The text contrasts Karma Yoga (outward-focused) with Jnana Yoga (inward-focused), highlighting that one engrossed in knowledge is not considered a doer of action, even while acting, while one engrossed in action, even without doing it, is considered a doer. This leads to the discussion of Nishkama Karma (action without attachment) and the inherent difference between the paths of enjoyment (Bhogi) and yoga (Yogi).

• Mahavira's Nirvana and Legacy: Mahavira attained Nirvana at sunrise on the morning of the new moon of Kartik Krishna, an event commemorated by the Deepavali festival. The text mentions the completion of 2500 years of his Nirvana, leading to worldwide celebrations.

• Structure of the Book (Tirthankara Mahavira aur Unki Acharya Parampara): The book is published in four volumes. Volume 3 specifically discusses "Enlightened Acharyas and Traditional Propagators of the Lineage" (प्रबुद्धाचार्य एवं परम्परापोषकाचार्य).

  • First Section: Enlightened Acharyas (प्रबुद्धाचार्य): This section details the Acharyas who, with their own unique talent, composed not only original works but also commentaries and elucidations. It lists over fifty such Acharyas, including Jinasena I, Gunabhadra, Vadi Simha, Mahaviracharya, Somadeva, and Vadinaraja, discussing their works.
  • Second Section: Traditional Propagators of the Lineage (परम्परापोषकाचार्य): This section focuses on Acharyas who, by writing new works based on the texts of ancient Acharyas, kept the Digambara tradition alive and dynamic. It lists about fifty such Acharyas, including Parshvadeva, Bhaskaranandi, Brahmadeva, and Somakirti, discussing their biographies and works.

• Specific Historical Discrepancies: The text notes a dispute regarding Mahavira's place of Nirvana. While the consensus is that it occurred in Pava (near Rajgriha in Magadha), a second Pava exists near Kushinagar in Uttar Pradesh. Dr. Shastri accepts the Magadha Pava as the Nirvana place.

• In-depth Analysis of Early Acharyas (Included in Part 3): The summary then transitions into a detailed exploration of specific Acharyas, likely forming the core of this volume. It covers:

  • Acharya Jinasena I: Known for his descriptive ability and poetic talent, author of Harivamshapurana. His lineage, place of writing, and timeline are discussed, linking him to the Punnat Sangha.
  • Acharya Gunabhadra: A great poet in Sanskrit, disciple of Jinaseana II. Author of Adipurana (completion), Uttarapurana, and Atmashasan. His residence, disciples, and timeline (around 898 CE) are discussed, along with his unique interpretations of stories like the Ramayana.
  • Acharya Shakatayana/Palyakirti: A grammarian, distinct from the earlier Shakatayana. He authored the Shakatayana Shabdānushasana with his commentary Amoghavritti. His affiliation with the Yapaniya sect and his time around Amoghavarsha's reign (mid-9th century CE) are detailed.
  • Vadi Simha: Considered the equivalent of Banabhatta in Jain Sanskrit prose literature, author of Gadyachintamani. His real name was Odyadeva. His possible origins in Tamil Nadu or nearby regions are discussed, along with his guru Pushyaseana. His dating is debated, with proponents suggesting the 8th-9th century CE, early 11th century CE, late 11th century CE, or 12th century CE.
  • Mahaviracharya: Recognized for his contributions to Indian mathematics, systematizing Jain mathematics. His works include Ganitasarasangraha. His time is placed around Amoghavarsha's reign (9th century CE). His innovations in arithmetic, algebra, and zero are mentioned.
  • Brihat Anantvirya: Known for his commentary on Siddhivinischaya. He was well-versed in Vedic and other Indian philosophical systems. The text notes the existence of multiple scholars named Anantvirya.
  • Manikyanandi: A pivotal figure in Jain logic, author of Parikshamukha. His lineage, residence in Dharanagari, and intellectual prowess are discussed. His time is placed around the 10th century CE, predating Prabhachandra.
  • Acharya Prabhachandra: Author of the extensive commentary Prameyakamala-martanda on Manikyanandi's Parikshamukha. He was a profound scholar of Vedic and non-Vedic philosophies. His dating is around the 11th century CE, possibly predating Jayasena.
  • Acharya Shubha-chandra: Author of Gyanarnava (Yoga Pradipika). His historical context is placed between Somadeva and Hemachandra (around the 11th century CE), with later manuscripts dating to the 13th century.
  • Acharya Viranandi: Author of Chandaprabhacharitam, a significant kavya. He is placed before Vadinaraja (pre-1025 CE), possibly in the late 10th to early 11th century CE.
  • Acharya Mahasena II: Author of Pradyumnacharitam. His time is placed in the latter half of the 10th century CE, coinciding with the reign of kings Muñja and Sindhurāja.
  • Harishena: Author of Brihat Kathakosa. His work is dated to 931 CE, placing him in the mid-10th century CE. His detailed kathakosa is noted for its extensive narrative, offering insights into Jain legends and traditions.
  • Acharya Somadeva Suri: A prolific and influential Acharya, known for Nitivakyāmṛta (on politics and economics) and Yashastilaka Champu (a historical cultural narrative). His time is established around 959 CE, during the reign of Rashtrakuta rulers.
  • Acharya Vadinaraja: A philosopher, thinker, and poet, author of Parshvanatha Charita, Yashodhara Charita, Ekibhavastotra, Nyayavinishchaya Vivarana, and Pramananirnaya. His time is placed in the late 11th or early 12th century CE.
  • Acharya Vijayanandi: Author of Yashodhara Charita. His time is estimated to be in the 12th century CE.
  • Acharya Jinasena II: Mentioned in the context of completing Mahapuraana, he is placed in the 9th century CE.
  • Acharya Gunabhadra: Disciple of Jinaseana II, author of Uttarapurana and Atmashasan. His time is around 898 CE.
  • Acharya Shakataayana/Palyakirti: A grammarian, author of Shabdānushasana with Amoghavritti, belonging to the Yapaniya sect, active around the mid-9th century CE.
  • Acharya Anantkirti: A prominent logician, author of several works on logic. His time is estimated to be between the 10th and 11th centuries CE.
  • Acharya Manikyanandi: Author of Parikshamukha, a foundational text in Jain logic. He is placed around the 10th century CE.
  • Acharya Prabhachandra: Author of Prameyakamala-martanda and Nyaya-kumuda-chandra, significant works in Jain logic. His time is placed in the 11th century CE.
  • Acharya Shubha-chandra: Author of Gyanarnava. His work is placed between the 11th and 12th centuries CE.
  • Acharya Viranandi: Author of Chandaprabhacharitam. He is placed before Vadinaraja, likely in the late 10th to early 11th century CE.
  • Acharya Mahasena II: Author of Pradyumnacharitam. His time is placed in the latter half of the 10th century CE.
  • Harishena: Author of Brihat Kathakosa. His work is dated to 931 CE, placing him in the mid-10th century CE.
  • Acharya Padmanandi I: Author of Jambudvipa-prajnapti. His time is estimated around the 10th century CE.
  • Acharya Jinasena I: Author of Harivamsha Purana. His timeline is placed around 783 CE.
  • Acharya Anantkirti: Author of Sarvajna Siddhi. His time is estimated in the late 9th century CE.
  • Acharya Ishthivar: Mentioned as a disciple of Vidyanandi.
  • Acharya Brahmadeva: Author of a commentary on Mahaviracharya's Ganitasara. His time is estimated in the 12th century CE.
  • Acharya Nayanandi: Author of Sudarshana Charita. His time is placed in the late 11th or early 12th century CE.
  • Acharya Yashahkirti: Known for his prolific writings in Sanskrit and Rajasthani, including Pandavapurana and Harivamshapurana. His time is estimated to be in the late 15th century CE.
  • Acharya Shubha-chandra: Author of many works in Sanskrit and Hindi, including Gyanarnava and Padmanandi Panchavishati commentary. His time is estimated to be in the 11th century CE.
  • Acharya Vijayakirti: A disciple of Bhattaraka Shubha-chandra. His time is estimated to be in the 16th century CE.
  • Acharya Jinasena II: Author of Prakrit Panchasamgraha commentary. His time is estimated to be in the 12th century CE.
  • Acharya Madhavachandra Vidya: Author of a commentary on Gommatsara. His time is estimated to be in the 11th century CE.
  • Acharya Bhaskaranandi: Author of Tattvartha Sutra Vritti. His time is estimated to be in the late 12th or early 13th century CE.
  • Acharya Hasti-malla: Author of Vikramakaurava, Maithili-Kalyana, etc. His time is debated but likely falls within the 13th century CE.
  • Acharya Dharmakirti: Mentioned as a disciple of Vishal-kirti and later of Surendrakirti. His time is estimated in the 17th-18th centuries CE.
  • Acharya Surendrakirti: A disciple of Deva-kirti. His time is estimated in the late 18th century CE.
  • Acharya Mohana-nandi: A disciple of Virachandra. His time is estimated in the late 16th century CE.
  • Acharya Vigyan-Bhushan: A disciple of Bhattaraka Bhuvan-kirti. His time is estimated in the late 16th century CE.
  • Bhattaraka Jinachandra: A significant figure in the Delhi line of Bhattarakas, active in the 15th century CE.
  • Bhattaraka Prabhachandra: A disciple of Jinachandra, later moved the seat to Chittor. His time is estimated in the 15th century CE.
  • Bhattaraka Shubha-chandra: A disciple of Bhattaraka Vijayakirti. His time is estimated in the late 16th century CE.
  • Bhattaraka Vijayakirti: Disciple of Bhattaraka Shubha-chandra, active in the 16th century CE.
  • Bhattaraka Gunachandra: Disciple of Bhattaraka Yashahkirti, prominent in the 16th century CE.
  • Bhattaraka Yashahkirti: A prolific writer and influential figure in the 15th century CE.
  • Bhattaraka Mahendra-seana: Mentioned in relation to King Bhoja. His time is likely around the 12th century CE.
  • Bhattaraka Narendra-seana: A significant logician and scholar, active in the 12th century CE.
  • Bhattaraka Vidyānandi: An important Acharya from the Surat branch of the Balatkara Gana. His time is estimated in the 15th century CE.
  • Bhattaraka Malla-bhūṣaṇa: A disciple of Vidyānandi, also active in the 16th century CE.
  • Bhattaraka Vijaya-kīrti: A disciple of Mallibhūṣaṇa, active in the 16th century CE.
  • Acharya Ratnakirti: Mentioned in several inscriptions, with his timeline placed between the 11th and 13th centuries CE.
  • Acharya Dharma-kirti: Active in the 17th century CE.
  • Acharya Shrutamuni: Author of works like Paramagam-sara. His time is placed in the 13th century CE.
  • Acharya Brahma-nemidatta: Author of Aradhana-kathakosa. His time is estimated in the 16th century CE.
  • Acharya Hasti-malla: A playwright and scholar, likely active in the 13th century CE.
  • Acharya Shri-dhara-charya: A mathematician and astronomer, known for Ganitasara. His time is estimated in the 8th-9th centuries CE.
  • Acharya Mahaviracharya: Author of Ganitasara-sangraha. His time is placed around the reign of Amoghavarsha (9th century CE).
  • Acharya Jinachandra: Associated with the Delhi Bhattarka lineage, active in the 15th century CE.
  • Bhattaraka Padmanandi: Active in the 14th-15th centuries CE.
  • Acharya Mahendra-seana: Contemporary of Somadeva Suri and possibly influential on Ramasena.
  • Bhattaraka Bhava-seana: Active in the 13th century CE.
  • Acharya Ravi-chandra: An astronomer and scholar, possibly active in the late 12th or early 13th century CE.
  • Acharya Dharma-kirti: Active in the 17th century CE.
  • Acharya Shrutamuni: Author of Paramagama-sara. His time is estimated in the 13th century CE.
  • Bhattaraka Yashahkirti: A prolific writer, active in the late 15th century CE.
  • Bhattaraka Mohana-nandi: A disciple of Virachandra, active in the late 16th century CE.
  • Bhattaraka Vijaya-kirti: A disciple of Shubha-chandra, active in the 16th century CE.
  • Bhattaraka Shubha-chandra: A prominent Acharya, active in the late 16th century CE.
  • Bhattaraka Jinachandra: Active in the 15th century CE, associated with the Delhi Bhattarka lineage.
  • Bhattaraka Malla-bhooshan: A disciple of Vidyānandi, active in the 16th century CE.
  • Bhattaraka Abhaya-chandra: An influential logician, whose time is estimated in the 13th century CE.
  • Acharya Virachandra: Author of Chandaprabhacharitam. His time is estimated in the mid-12th century CE.
  • Bhattaraka Malla-bhūṣaṇa: A disciple of Vidyānandi, active in the 16th century CE.
  • Acharya Durgadeva: Author of Rishta-samuchchaya. His time is estimated in the first half of the 10th century CE.
  • Acharya Mahendra-seana: Mentioned in relation to King Bhoja.
  • Acharya Mahesena II: Author of Pradyumnacharitam. His time is placed in the latter half of the 10th century CE.
  • Acharya Ananta-kīrti: Author of Sarvajna Siddhi. His time is estimated in the late 9th century CE.

The text emphasizes the preservation and propagation of Jain teachings through this long lineage of Acharyas. It aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of Tirthankara Mahavira's teachings and the contributions of his successor Acharyas in shaping Jain philosophy, literature, and culture.

This summary provides a structured overview of the key figures, concepts, and historical context presented in the provided text.