Tirthankar Mahavira Part 2 - Book Summary

The Jain text "Tirthankar Mahavira Part 2" by Acharya Vijyendrasuri, published by Kashinath Sarak, Mumbai, is a comprehensive biographical and philosophical work dedicated to the life and teachings of Lord Mahavira. The book is highly regarded, with Dr. Vasudevsharan Agrawal praising it as a high-quality biography resulting from extensive research. Vijay Singh Nahar, MLA, commends the author's dedication and the book's value for historical scholars.

Key Themes and Content:

The book meticulously details Lord Mahavira's life, covering his 41 Chaturmas (monsoon retreats), his interactions with various individuals, and the establishment of the fourfold Jain community (monks, nuns, laymen, and laywomen).

Detailed Breakdown of Volume 2's Content (based on the provided Table of Contents):

Tirth Sthapna (Establishment of the Tirth): This section likely describes the foundational events of the Jain Tirth, including the initiation of key disciples like Indrabhuti Gautam and Aryachandana, leading to the establishment of the fourfold Sangha. It also discusses the concept of "Uttpannye va vigaye va dhruve va" (existence, destruction, and permanence) and the compilation of the Twelve Angas and Fourteen Purvas.
Tirthankar Jeevan (Tirthankar's Life): This volume delves into specific Chaturmas and significant events in Mahavira's life:
- 13th Chaturmas (Rajgirh): Introduction to King Shrenik, initiation of Meghkumar, and their subsequent spiritual paths.
- 15th Chaturmas: Initiation of Jayanti.
- 16th Chaturmas (Champa): Mahavira's presence in Champa, the initiation of Meghkumar, and the description of Kutikapan (a type of market).
- 14th Chaturmas: Initiation of Rishabhadatta and Devānanda, and Jamali's initial spiritual pursuit.
- 15th Chaturmas: Initiation of Jayanti.
- 16th Chaturmas: The sprouting of grains and the initiation of Shilibre and Dhanya.
- 17th Chaturmas (Champa): Mahachandra's initiation. Lord Mahavira in Sindhu-Sauvira.
- 18th Chaturmas (Varanasi): The initiation of Chullinipita and Suradeva as disciples, Pudgal's renunciation, and the events in Rajgirh including the initiation of Mankati, Kinkra, Arjunmali, Kashyap, and Varatta.
- 19th Chaturmas: Shrenik receives prophecy of becoming a future Tirthankar, initiation of Shrenik's sons (including Ayikumar), and his interactions with the Buddha and Vedavadi.
- 20th Chaturmas (Alabhia): Mrigavati's initiation.
- 21st Chaturmas: Dhanya's renunciation, Sunakshtra's initiation, Kundakolika becoming a lay disciple, and Suddaliputra becoming a lay disciple.
- 22nd Chaturmas: Mahashatak becoming a lay disciple, resolving doubts of the Parshvanath sect.
- 23rd Chaturmas: Skandak's renunciation, Nandinipita becoming a lay disciple.
- 24th Chaturmas: Jamali's separation.
- 25th Chaturmas: Behas, Abhay, etc., attain celestial status. Lord Mahavira in Champa. Proof of King Kunika's devotion to Mahavira. Initiation of Shrenik's grandsons.
- 26th Chaturmas: Initiation of Khemakadi and Shrenik's queens.
- 27th Chaturmas: The Gośāla episode, including his mastery of Tejas Lēshya (psychic heat) and his eventual demise and rebirth as a celestial being.
- 16th Chaturmas (Rajgirh): Discussion on the germination power of grains and the initiation of Shilibre and Dhanya.
- 17th Chaturmas (Champa): Mahachandra's initiation. Mahavira in Sindhu-Sauvira.
- 18th Chaturmas (Varanasi): Chullinipita and Suradeva become lay disciples. Pudgal's renunciation.
- 19th Chaturmas: Information given to Shrenik about becoming a future Tirthankar. Initiation of Shrenik's sons. Ayikumar's interactions with Gośala, Buddhists, Vedavadins, and Hastitapas. Shamanism of a wild elephant.
- 20th Chaturmas (Alabhia): Mrigavati's initiation.
- 21st Chaturmas: Dhanya's renunciation, Sunakshtra's initiation, Kundakolika and Suddaliputra become lay disciples.
- 22nd Chaturmas: Mahashatak becomes a lay disciple, resolving doubts of the followers of Parshvanath.
- 23rd Chaturmas: Skandaka's renunciation, Nandini-pita becomes a lay disciple.
- 24th Chaturmas: Jamali's separation.
- 25th Chaturmas: Behas, Abhay, etc., attain celestial status. Lord Mahavira in Champa. Proof of King Kunika's devotion. Initiation of Shrenik's grandsons.
- 26th Chaturmas: Initiation of Khemaka and others. Initiation of Shrenik's queens.
- 27th Chaturmas: The Gośāla incident, Tejas Lēshya, study of omens, Gośala becoming a Tirthankar, Gośala's life, Paniabhumi, Gośala's knowledge of Tejas Lēshya, discussion between Gośala and Ananda, the poisonous snake, Anand's informing Mahavira, Mahavira's warning, Gośala's arrival, Mahavira's reply to Gośala, Gośala's demonstration of Tejas Lēshya, a doubt and its solution, Gośala's attempt to transfer Tejas Lēshya to Mahavira, Mahavira's prophecy, Gośala losing his powers, Gośala's illness, Pulika and Gośala, Gośala's desire to die, Gośala's death, Gośala becoming a deity. Mahavira in Mandiyagram. Revati's donation. What Revati donated. Revati donation in a different context. Discussion on the Bhagavati text. Those who consider Abhayadeva doubtful are themselves mistaken. The meaning of the words and the meaning are different. Clarification of the Yuktiprabodha play. The meaning of Āmiṣa. Violence is condemned in Jainism. Attaining hell through meat-eating. Some examples of attaining hell. Sin of having any connection with meat-eating. Jain Ahimsa in other religious texts. Death by meat-eating is good. Jains were true to their Ahimsa vow. Deviations regarding cow's milk. Who is the donor of the donation? Revati will be a Tirthankar. What disease was Lord Mahavira suffering from? Diagnosis of Pitta Jvara. Nature of meat. Meaning of the word 'meat'. Use of meat in Ayurveda. Proofs from Vedic texts. Animal names for plants. Meaning of Kachoya. Meaning of Kukkuta. On Pariyasie. First alms why unacceptable. Jacobi's clarification. Stieno's opinion. Meaning of Matsya-meat. Contribution of those who oppose Agamas. First Nihnava: Jamali. Sudarshana. Vayasa. Lathidanta. 28th Chaturmas: Dialogue between Keshi Gautam.
- Shivrajrishi's Initiation: Shivrajrishi's initiation.
- Pothil's Initiation: Pothil's initiation.
- Lord Mahavira in Mok-Nagar: Gautam Swami's answers to questions.
- 30th Chaturmas: Shala-Mahashala's initiation. Kamdev occasion. Dasharbhadra's initiation. Somila becomes a lay disciple.
- 31st Chaturmas: Ambada Parivrajaka. Discussion on the word 'Chaitya'. Discussion on the Bhagavati text. Some other virtuous Parivrajakas. Ambada Parivrajaka's final life.
- 32nd Chaturmas: Gangeya's doubts resolved. Four types of men. Aradhana. Pudgala transformation. Madhuka and other non-Jain ascetics.
- 33rd Chaturmas: Kālodayi resolves doubts.
- 34th Chaturmas: Explanation regarding Pudgala transformations.
- 35th Chaturmas: Questions about Astrology.
- 40th Chaturmas: Lord Mahavira in Videha region. Mahanshatak's penance. Hot water spring. Explanation regarding Ayushya Karma. Human settlements in the human world. Sukh-Dukh outcome. Explanation regarding exclusive suffering.
- 42nd Chaturmas: Description of the Sixth Arā.
- Classification of Vratis.
- Lord Mahavira in Apapapuri.
- Lord Mahavira's Nirvana.
- Kalyanaka.
- Nandivardhana informed.
- Indrabhuti attains Kevala Jnana.
- Lord's family.
- Ascetics.
- Sudharma Swami on the throne.
- Lord Mahavira's total lifespan.
- Nirvana date.
- 18 Ganrajyes.
- Mahavira Nirvana Samvat.
- A misleading mention in Buddhist texts.
- Shraman-Shramani.
- A comprehensive list of disciples (Sramanas and Sramanis) including Akampita, Agnibhuti, Achalabhraata, Atimuktak, Anathi, Abhay, Arjunmali, Alakshya, Ananda, Ananda Thera, Aryak, Indrabhuti, Udrāyan, Upapalik, Usuyar, Rishabhdatta, Rishidas, Kapil, Kamalavati, Kali, Kalodayi, Kashyap, Kinkram, Kailas, Keshikumar, Krishna, Khemaka, Garg Thera, Gridhadanta, Chandana, Chandima, Chilata, Jamali, Jayaghosh, Jayanti, Jahli, etc.
- Lay Disciples (Shravaka-Shravika): Shravaka Dharma, Anuvrata, Gunavrata, Shikshavrata, Pratima, Atichara, and detailed explanations of transgressions related to vows and practices.
Tirthankar Jeevan (Tirthankar's Life): This section would likely continue the detailed narrative of Mahavira's missionary activities, preachings, and the growth of the Sangha. The inclusion of specific Chaturmas events suggests a chronological account of his post-enlightenment life.
Gośāla Episode: A significant portion of the book is dedicated to Gośala's life, his philosophical differences with Mahavira, his mastery of Tejas Lēshya, and his eventual downfall. This highlights the intellectual and spiritual debates of the era.
Discussions on Jain Philosophy: The text likely explores core Jain concepts such as Ahimsa (non-violence), the nature of soul (Jiva) and non-soul (Ajiva), karma, liberation (Moksha), and the means to achieve it (Samyak Darshan, Samyak Jnana, Samyak Charitra). The detailed discussions on the meaning of terms like 'Chaitya' and the interpretation of controversial scriptural passages demonstrate the author's scholarly approach.
Historical Context: The book places Lord Mahavira's life within its historical and socio-political context, mentioning contemporary kings like Shrenik (Bimbisar) and Kunik (Ajatashatru), and discussing the prevailing religious and philosophical landscape of ancient India.
Scriptural Interpretation: Vijayendrasuri's work emphasizes rigorous research and interpretation of Jain scriptures, including the Agamas, Nandi Sutra, Samavāyānga, Anuyogadvāra, and various commentaries (Niyukti, Churni, Bhashya, Tikā). The author also draws from Buddhist literature where relevant.
Critique of Misinterpretations: The book actively addresses and refutes misinterpretations of Jain principles, particularly concerning Ahimsa, vegetarianism, and the meaning of scriptural terms that have been wrongly attributed to meat-eating or other non-Jain practices.

In essence, "Tirthankar Mahavira Part 2" is a monumental work that provides a deep dive into the life, teachings, and philosophical underpinnings of Lord Mahavira, making it an invaluable resource for understanding Jainism.