Tirthankar Parmatmao Ki Lokattar Char Upmaye - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Tirthankar Parmatmao ki Lokattar Char Upmaye" by Sushilsuri:

The book "Tirthankar Parmatmao ki Lokattar Char Upmaye" by Sushilsuri explores four profound and transcendent epithets (Upmaye) used in Jain scriptures to describe the Tirthankar Parmatmas (the Omniscient and liberated souls who guide humanity). These epithets highlight the immense benevolence and guidance Tirthankaras offer to beings trapped in the cycle of birth and death.

The Tirthankar Parmatmas are described as those who show the path to liberation to beings terrified by their wandering in the dreadful forest of existence. They are considered unique and infinitely beneficial, serving as guides and saviors. They are free from eighteen types of impurities (doshas) and adorned with thirty-four perfections (atishayas) and thirty-five virtues. They are the unparalleled support for beings immersed in the ocean of samsara (worldly existence).

The four transcendent epithets are:

Mahagopa (The Great Herdsman):
- Just as a herdsman protects and nurtually feeds cattle by leading them to lush pastures and watering holes, and safeguards them from predators like lions and tigers, the Tirthankaras also protect all beings, from one-sensed to five-sensed souls.
- They guide beings away from violence (arambha, samarambha) and protect them from the "enemy" of karma, which is fueled by delusion (mithyatva), non-restraint (avirati), passions (kashaya), and mental/physical activities (yoga).
- They lead beings towards the beautiful lake of right faith (samyaktva), provide the water of right knowledge (samyak gyan), and nourish them with the fodder of right conduct (samyak charitra).
- Ultimately, they lead beings out of the terrifying jungle of samsara towards the eternal bliss of liberation.
- Therefore, Tirthankaras are rightly called the true protectors of the six-bodied beings (sadkaya), akin to the herdsman protecting cattle. The scripture states, "Arhanto hi Mahagopah" (The Arhats are indeed the great herdsmen).
Mahamahan (The Great Brahman/Non-Killer):
- The term "Mahan" originates from the utterance "Mahan? Mahan?" meaning "Do not kill, do not kill."
- Tirthankara Parmatmas continuously proclaim to all beings: "Do not kill, do not kill," urging them not to harm any living creature.
- This epithet also signifies not being killed by the "enemies" of karma. Even if one has wasted life by being entangled in karma, they are advised to be vigilant and not be "killed" by karma.
- The text uses the example of Lord Rishabhnath's son, Bharat Chakravarti, who, despite his immense wealth and power, realized the potential for spiritual downfall and engaged in devotional practices with other pious individuals. It is narrated that these individuals would remind him, "You have been conquered by the enemy of karma? Your fear is increasing, therefore, do not be killed by the enemy of karma."
- Tirthankaras, through their profound compassion, liberate beings from the clutches of karmic enemies by spreading the message of non-violence. The scripture states, "Arhanti hi Mahamanaah" (The Arhats are indeed the great 'non-killers').
Mahaniryamak (The Great Navigator/Pilot):
- Just as a skilled navigator is essential for a ship's journey across a vast ocean, providing safety and guiding it to its destination, the Tirthankaras are the great navigators for souls in the ocean of samsara.
- They steer the life-boat of beings, which is tossed by the waves of ignorance (ajnan) and lack of discrimination (aviveka), through the turbulent ocean of samsara.
- When a sadhaka (practitioner) is shaken by the storms of worldly desires (vishaya) and passions (kashaya) while climbing the steps of spiritual practice, the Tirthankaras provide them with the invaluable support of faith (shraddha).
- They grant the triple stream of right faith, right knowledge, and right conduct (samyak darshan, samyak gyan, samyak charitra), expertly guiding the sadhaka across the ocean of existence to the great city of liberation, the abode of eternal happiness.
- The scripture states, "Arhanto Mahaniryamakah" (The Arhats are the great navigators).
Mahasarthavaha (The Great Merchant/Caravan Leader):
- In ancient times, wealthy and skilled merchants would lead caravans, often taking with them impoverished or helpless individuals, providing them with protection from dangers like thieves and bandits on their journeys to distant lands. They would ensure their safe arrival at the intended destinations.
- These benevolent merchants would offer shelter, support, and even wealth to those who desired to travel and earn money, fulfilling their aspirations. Such philanthropic merchants were honored with the title of "Sarthavaha" by kings.
- Similarly, Tirthankar Parmatmas bestow the invaluable wealth of right faith and other virtues upon worldly beings. They protect them from the "thieves and bandits" of attachment and aversion (raag-dwesh) and the "violent animals" of birth and death.
- They expertly guide beings through the dangerous forests of samsara, ensuring their well-being, and ultimately lead them to the abode of eternal happiness, liberation.
- As unparalleled protectors of all beings in the universe, their transcendent power is described by the scriptures as "Arhanto hi Mahasarthavaha" (The Arhats are indeed the great caravan leaders).

The book emphasizes that these four epithets are deeply appropriate and truly embodied by the Tirthankar Parmatmas. The text provides supporting verses (gathas) from scriptures like the Shri Avasyak Niyukti to validate these descriptions.

In conclusion, the text highlights the profound and immeasurable benefit that Tirthankar Parmatmas provide to all beings. It urges readers to express their gratitude and reverence through constant devotion, worship, and contemplation of these divine souls. By doing so, one can purify their soul, become a practitioner of the path to liberation, and ultimately attain eternal happiness. The book ends with a heartfelt salutation to the Tirthankaras for these glorious epithets.