Trishashti Shalaka Purush Charitra Part 1

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Trishashti Shalaka Purush Charitra Part 1," in English:

Book Title: Trishashti Shalaka Purush Charitra Part 1 Author(s): Ganesh Lalwani, Rajkumari Bengani Publisher: Prakrit Bharti Academy, Jaipur

Overview:

This is the first part of a larger work, focusing on the life and deeds of the first Tirthankara, Lord Rishabhadeva (also known as Adinath). The title "Trishashti Shalaka Purush Charitra" refers to the lives of the sixty-three "Shalaka Purushas" (illustrious individuals) who are considered the greatest beings in each time cycle of the universe in Jainism. These include 24 Tirthankaras, 12 Chakravartis (universal monarchs), 9 Vasudevas (powerful heroes), 6 Baladevas (strong brothers), and 9 Prativasudevas (rivals to Vasudevas).

Publisher's Note (Pages 4-6):

The publishers express their pleasure in presenting this Hindi translation of Acharya Hemchandracharya's monumental work, originally composed in Prakrit. The book is explained as a compilation of the lives of the sixty-three great souls who shaped the history of this world during the current descending time cycle (Avasarpini). Acharya Hemachandra divided the entire work into ten parts, covering the lives of Tirthankaras from Rishabhadeva to Mahavira. This first part, dedicated to Rishabhadeva, is divided into six chapters (Sargas).

The publishers acknowledge the earlier work of Acharya Shilaanka, "Chauppanna Mahapurush Charitam," which focused on 54 great men. They highlight Acharya Hemachandra's brilliance as a 12th-century scholar whose writings spanned various literary genres, including grammar, poetry, lexicography, rhetoric, prosody, logic, philosophy, and yoga. Hemachandra's influence extended beyond literature; he was a prominent Jain scholar who influenced Chalukyan rulers like Siddharaja Jayasimha and Kumarapala, promoting the principles of non-violence and interfaith harmony.

The "Trishashti Shalaka Purush Charitra" is described as a Mahakavya (epic poem) of 36,000 verses. The impetus for its creation came from King Kumarapala, who requested Hemachandra to illuminate the lives of these sixty-three great individuals for his spiritual enlightenment. The publication date is estimated to be around Vikram Samvat 1220. The publishers express gratitude to Shri Ganesh Lalwani for the Bengali translation and to Shrimati Rajkumari Bengani for the excellent Hindi translation, praising its fluency and clarity. They also express hope for the prompt translation of the remaining nine parts.

Author's Note by Ganesh Lalwani (Page 7-8):

Ganesh Lalwani, the translator, reiterates that Acharya Hemachandra's work is divided into ten parts and comprises 34,000 verses, detailing the lives of the 63 Shalaka Purushas. He emphasizes that while some lives are more detailed due to their eventful nature, the inclusion of popular narratives and Jain philosophical tenets makes the work unique. Lalwani expresses his admiration for Hemachandra, considering him a world-class genius whose contributions enriched both Indian and world literature. He mentions that his endeavor to translate this work began nine years prior, inspired by a friend's interest in translating the Jataka tales. He started translating the "Trishashti Shalaka Purush Charitra" daily, publishing the Bengali version in "Shravan" (a Bengali monthly) and Shrimati Rajkumari Bengani simultaneously created the Hindi adaptation published in "Tithyayar" (a Hindi monthly). He expresses gratitude to Mahopadhyay Shri Vinaysagarji for his encouragement and to Prakrit Bharti Academy for publishing the first part.

Table of Contents (Page 9):

The table of contents lists the first part with the following chapters (Sargas):

• First Chapter (Pratham Sarga): Life of Lord Rishabhadeva (Bhagavan Rishabhadeva-Charitra)
  • First Incarnation (Pratham Bhava)
  • Second Incarnation (Dwitiya Bhava)
  • Third Incarnation (Tritiya Bhava)
  • Fifth Incarnation (Pancham Bhava)
  • Sixth Incarnation (Shashtha Bhava)
  • Seventh Incarnation (Saptam Bhava)
  • Eighth Incarnation (Ashtam Bhava)
• Second Chapter (Dwitiya Sarga): (Details not provided in the excerpt)
• Third Chapter (Tritiya Sarga): (Details not provided in the excerpt)
• Fourth Chapter (Chaturtha Sarga): (Details not provided in the excerpt)
• Fifth Chapter (Pancham Sarga): (Details not provided in the excerpt)
• Sixth Chapter (Shashtha Sarga): (Details not provided in the excerpt)

Summary of the Content of the First Chapter (Pratham Sarga):

The first chapter begins with prayers and praises to the Arihants (perfected beings) and then specifically to the first Tirthankara, Lord Rishabhadeva (Adinath). It then proceeds to praise the other 23 Tirthankaras in order, highlighting key attributes and invoking their blessings.

The narrative then shifts to the life of Rishabhadeva, starting with his First Incarnation (Pratham Bhava). The story begins with a description of Jambu island and the Meru mountain. It introduces King Prasannachandra of Kshiti pratishthitpura and a wealthy merchant named Dhan. Dhan, a philanthropic merchant, is described as embodying virtuous qualities. He decides to travel to Vasantpur for trade, offering assistance to all who wish to join his caravan. The journey begins auspiciously, but the merchant is joined by the Jain monk Acharya Dharmaghosha. During the journey, the scriptures' principles regarding the monk's conduct (like not accepting food prepared for them) are highlighted. The merchant encounters difficulties, such as the harshness of summer and the challenges of the monsoon season, which test the caravan.

Later, during a period of hardship, the merchant's friends and companions suffer due to a lack of provisions. The merchant is deeply concerned. The narrative then shifts to a conversation where the merchant expresses his regret for not remembering the Acharya's needs during the difficult times. He decides to seek forgiveness from the Acharya. Upon meeting the Acharya, the merchant is reassured and receives spiritual instruction from him. The teachings encompass the importance of Dharma, which is described as the four types: Dana (charity), Shila (virtue), Tapa (penance), and Bhavana (meditation). The text elaborates on the types of Dana (Gyan-dan, Abhay-dan, Dharmopagrah-dan) and Shila (Mula-vrata, Guna-vrata, Shiksha-vrata), as well as the categories of Tapas (Bahya and Abhyantara) and Bhavana.

The story then follows Dhan's transmigration through various births:

• Second Incarnation: Born as a coupled being in Uttar Kurukshetra, experiencing heavenly pleasures.
• Third Incarnation: Born as a Vidyadhar king named Mahabala in Gandhar country, experiencing further worldly pleasures. His father, King Shatabal, renounces the world, inspiring his ministers to contemplate Dharma. Mahabala, influenced by his father's renunciation and the teachings of a minister named Swayambuddha, eventually renounces his kingdom and attains spiritual liberation.
• Fourth Incarnation: Born as a celestial being named Lalitanga in the Ishaan heaven, experiencing heavenly bliss. He witnesses the impermanence of celestial life and is reminded of his past lives by a minister, eventually leading him to renounce and follow the path of righteousness.
• Fifth Incarnation: Born as Vajrajangha in Pushkalavati, a prince, and his beloved, Shrimati, is born as a princess. They experience various life events, including the influence of ministers with differing philosophies on life and spirituality, which ultimately leads Vajrajangha to take vows of renunciation and achieve liberation.
• Sixth Incarnation: Born as a celestial being named Suvarna Kumar and his consort. This life also involves experiencing the cycle of birth and death, highlighting the transient nature of worldly pleasures.
• Seventh Incarnation: Born as the son of King Vajrasena and Dharini in Pushkalavati, named Vajranabha. This life details the succession of kings in his lineage, the evolution of societal customs, and the eventual enlightenment of Lord Rishabhadeva. It also introduces the concept of the "ha-kar" and "ma-kar" doctrines of social control and the eventual rise of the Rishabha lineage, culminating in the birth of Lord Rishabhadeva. The narrative details the divine birth of Rishabhadeva, the auspicious dreams of his mother Marudevi, the interpretations of these dreams by the Indra, the divine celebrations, and the celestial beings' visit to mark the auspicious occasion. It further describes the birth of Rishabhadeva's first son, Bharata, and his twin sister, Sumangala, and later Bahubali and Sundari. The text delves into the customs surrounding childhood, the establishment of kingdoms, the development of various arts and sciences, and Rishabhadeva's eventual renunciation and attainment of omniscience. The life of Bharata as the first Chakravarti is also extensively narrated, covering his conquests, administration, and eventual renunciation. The chapter also introduces the concepts of the time cycles in Jainism and the lineage of Tirthankaras and Chakravartis in the current era.

Overall Tone and Significance:

The "Trishashti Shalaka Purush Charitra" is a foundational text in Jainism, providing moral and ethical guidance through the exemplars of these great souls. It emphasizes virtues like non-violence, truthfulness, detachment, and spiritual pursuit. The narrative style is devotional and didactic, aiming to inspire readers towards a righteous path and ultimate liberation. The first part, in particular, sets the stage by introducing the first Tirthankara and the initial steps of cosmic and social order as understood in Jain philosophy.