Trishasti Shalaka Purusa Caritra Part 1 - Book Summary

Here is a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Trishasti Shalaka Purusa Charitra Part 1" (Ādiśvaracaritras), translated by Helen M. Johnson:

I. Overview and Context:

Title: Trishasti Shalaka Purusa Charitra (Lives of the Sixty-three Illustrious Men), Part 1: Ādiśvaracaritras (Life of Ādiśvara).
Author: Hemacandracharya (a renowned Jain scholar and poet, 1088-1172 A.D.).
Translator: Helen M. Johnson, Ph.D.
Publisher: Oriental Institute, Baroda.
Series: Gaekwad's Oriental Series, Volume LI.
Publication Year: 1931.
Purpose of the Work: The Trishasti Shalaka Purusa Charitra is a monumental epic in Jain tradition, detailing the lives of the 63 great men who shaped Jainism. This first volume focuses on Ādiśvara (Ṛṣabha), the first Tirthankara, and his disciple Bharata, the first Cakravartin (universal ruler).
Translator's Approach: Helen M. Johnson aimed to make the text accessible to a general reader unfamiliar with Sanskrit or Jainism, while also including technical notes and appendices for specialists. She consulted multiple manuscripts to ensure textual accuracy and discussed technical points with Jain ascetics for clarification. The translation highlights the rich linguistic material and offers a Jain perspective on traditions distinct from Hindu ones.

II. Key Content of the Translated Volume (Part 1 - Ādiśvaracaritras):

The book is structured with extensive introductory and supplementary material, followed by the narrative.

Preface, Abbreviations, Bibliography, Introduction: These sections provide essential context, explain the translation's origins, list key terms and works referenced, and introduce Hemacandra and the significance of the Trishasti Shalaka Purusa Charitra, particularly the Ādiśvaracaritras as a foundational text for understanding Jainism.
Text: The core narrative begins with invocations and praises to various Tirthankaras preceding Rṣabha.
- Introduction to the 63 Great Men: The text introduces the concept of the Trishasti Shalaka Purusa, who are divided into 24 Tirthankaras, 12 Cakravartins, 9 Pratīvasudevas, 9 Rāmas (Balarāmas), 9 Vasudevas, and 9 Pratyardhacakrins. These individuals are born in the Bharata-zone during the avasarpiņi (descending) cycle of time.
- Life of Rṣabha (Ādiśvara):
  - Previous Incarnations: The text traces Rṣabha's soul through multiple rebirths, detailing his actions and the resulting karma that led him to become a Tirthankara. These include:
    - Merchant Dhana (farmer).
    - A twin in Uttarakuru.
    - A god in Saudharma heaven.
    - Mahābala, son of a Vidyādhara king.
    - Lalitānga, a god in Iśāna heaven, whose wife Svayamprabhā falls from heaven.
    - Vajrajangha, son of a king; his wife Śrīmatī (formerly Svayamprabhā) becomes Nirnāmikā, later reborn as Śrīmatī again.
    - Lalitānga (reborn as god Dṛḍhadharma, consoles Lalitānga).
    - Jīvānanda, son of a physician (incarnation of Vajrajangha's soul).
    - Vajrajangha (reborn as a god).
    - Vajranābha, son of King Vajrasena, a Tirthankara in a future life.
    - Mahābala (reborn as a god).
    - Vajrajangha (reborn as a god).
    - Jīvānanda (incarnation of Vajrajangha's soul).
    - Vajranābha (who attains omniscience).
  - Birth of Rṣabha: The narrative then details the auspicious descent of Rṣabha's soul into the womb of Marudevī, wife of King Nābhi. Marudevī experiences 14 auspicious dreams, which are interpreted by the gods, foretelling Rṣabha's future greatness. The text describes the divine celebrations surrounding his birth, including the involvement of various classes of gods and the Dikkumāris.
  - Childhood and Youth: Rṣabha's extraordinary divine qualities are described from childhood, including his immense strength, pleasant voice, and the presence of his 34 superhuman powers (atiśayas). His playtime with gods disguised as children highlights his inherent divinity.
  - Marriage: Rṣabha marries Sundari and Sumaṅgalā, twin daughters of King Vajrasena, and later takes ninety-eight additional wives. The wedding ceremonies are elaborately described.
  - Kingship and Administration: Bharata, Rṣabha's eldest son, is crowned king. The text details the establishment of the kingdom of Vinītā (also Ayodhyā), the introduction of customs, administration, the four social divisions (ugra, bhoga, rājanya, kṣatriya), the system of weights and measures, and the origins of various arts and professions.
  - Conquest by Bharata: Bharata embarks on a military expedition (digvijaya) to establish his universal sovereignty. The text describes his conquests, including:
    - Magadhatīrtha (and the submission of its king).
    - Varadāmatīrtha (and the submission of its goddess).
    - Prabhāsatirtha (and the submission of its deity).
    - The southern district of the Sindhu (and subduing Mleccha tribes).
    - The cave Tamisrā (and opening its doors).
    - The northern half of Bharatakṣetra (and conquering the Kirātas).
    - Mt. Kṣudrahimavat (and the submission of its prince).
    - The Vidyādharas (Nami and Vinami), and the establishment of their cities.
    - The Gangā river (and subduing its goddess).
    - Khaṇḍaprapātā cave.
    - The nine treasures.
  - Confrontation between Bharata and Bāhubali: Bharata summons his younger brother Bāhubali, who has renounced worldly pleasures and is living as a muni. Their differing views on duty and respect for elders lead to a confrontation. After a verbal exchange and a series of physical contests (voice-fight, arm-fight, staff-fight, cakra-fight), Bāhubali gains the upper hand and overpowers Bharata.
  - Bahubali's Renunciation and Omniscience: Witnessing Bharata's defeat and deeply moved by compassion and remorse, Bāhubali renounces his own pride and the world. Upon his first step toward asceticism, he attains omniscience (kevalajñāna).
  - Bharata's Grief and Renunciation: Overcome with grief at Bāhubali's departure and his own realization of worldly attachment, Bharata establishes his son Adityayaśas as king, makes funeral rites for his departed brothers and father (Rṣabha), and then takes initiation as a muni.
  - Foundation of the Sangha and Tirtha: Rṣabha establishes the fourfold Jain congregation (sangha) and the first tirtha on Mt. Satruñjaya.
  - Rṣabha's Nirvāṇa: After performing penance for a long period, Rṣabha attains mokşa on Mt. Aṣṭāpada, marking the end of his earthly existence. The gods perform his funeral ceremonies.
  - Marici's Heresy: The text briefly introduces Marici, Rṣabha's grandson, who deviates from Jain principles due to pride, leading to the origin of heresy.
  - Arrival at Aṣṭāpada: Rṣabha's arrival at Mt. Aṣṭāpada is described with elaborate details of the samavasaraṇa.
  - Bharata's Pūjā and Stutis: Bharata performs elaborate worship of Rṣabha's statue and other Tirthankaras, reciting hymns of praise.
  - Bharata's Return to Normal Life: After Rṣabha's departure to mokşa, Bharata, despite his grief, gradually resumes royal duties, indulging in pleasures, but eventually experiences a profound realization.
  - Bharata's Omniscience and Death: Through deep meditation, Bharata attains omniscience, followed by his death and ascent to mokşa.
  - Future Prophecies: The text concludes the first part by detailing the future Tirthankaras, Cakrins, Vasudevas, and Baladevas, along with their family lineage, lifespan, height, and destination after death. It also mentions Marici's future births, culminating in his becoming the 24th Tirthankara, Mahāvīra.
Appendices:
- Appendix I: Cosmography: Provides a detailed Jain view of the universe, including the structure of the three worlds (lower, middle, upper), the various hells, the dwelling places of gods (bhavanapati, vyantara, jyotiṣka, vaimānika), the central mountain Meru, the 24 continents and oceans, and the Manuşottara mountain.
- Appendix II: Karma: Explains the Jain theory of karma, its sources, phases (bandha, udaya, satta), and its classification into 148 types, categorized into knowledge-obscuring, conation-obscuring, feeling, deluding, age, body-making, family-determining, and obstructive karmas.
- Appendix III: The Fourteen Guṇasthānas: Details the 14 stages of spiritual evolution, from complete delusion (mithyātva) to omniscience and liberation (mokşa), explaining the associated karmic states and mental developments.
- Appendix IV: The Nine Tattvas: Outlines the fundamental principles of Jainism, primarily focusing on the Jiva (Soul) and Ajiva (Non-Soul), along with Punya (Merit) and Pāpa (Sin), Āśrava (inflow of karma), Saṁvara (prevention of inflow), Nirjarā (destruction of karma), Bandha (bondage), and Mokşa (Emancipation).
- Appendix V: Qualities of the Pañcaparamęṣṭhins: Lists the 108 qualities attributed to the five supreme beings in Jainism: Arhats, Siddhas, Ācāryas, Upādhyāyas, and Sadhus.
- Appendix VI: New and Rare Words: A glossary of terms not commonly found in standard Sanskrit dictionaries, essential for understanding the text.
- Text Corrections: Lists emendations and corrections made to the text based on manuscript consultation.

III. Key Themes and Significance:

Exemplary Lives: The Trishasti Shalaka Purusa Charitra serves as a guide, showcasing the paths of righteousness, renunciation, and spiritual achievement through the lives of these 63 great souls. Rṣabha's life exemplifies the journey from worldly king to spiritual teacher, while Bharata's life illustrates the ideal ruler who ultimately embraces renunciation.
Jain Cosmology and Philosophy: The appendices provide a thorough grounding in core Jain concepts such as karma, reincarnation, the structure of the universe, and the stages of spiritual progress (guṇasthānas).
Linguistic and Cultural Insights: The translation highlights the linguistic richness of Hemacandra's work and offers insights into ancient Indian customs, social structures, and philosophical debates (e.g., the refutation of Cārvāka and other philosophical schools).
Moral and Spiritual Instruction: The narrative is replete with moral lessons about the consequences of actions, the importance of dharma, the impermanence of worldly life, and the ultimate goal of liberation (mokşa).

In essence, this volume of the Trishasti Shalaka Purusa Charitra is a foundational text that meticulously chronicles the genesis of Jainism through the lives of its first Tirthankara and Cakravartin, interwoven with intricate philosophical and cosmological details.