Trishasti Shalaka Purusa Caritra Part 2

The provided text is Volume II of the English translation of Hemachandracharya's Trishashți Shalaka Purusha Charitra, translated by Helen M. Johnson and published in 1937 by the Oriental Institute, Baroda, as part of the Gaekwad's Oriental Series. This volume covers the lives of two important figures in Jain tradition: Ajitanātha, the second Tirthankara, and Sambhavanātha, the third Tirthankara.

Here's a comprehensive summary of the content based on the provided pages:

Overall Structure:

• Title: Trishashți Shalaka Purusha Charitra OR The Lives of Sixty-Three Illustrious Persons.
• Volume: Vol. II.
• Translator: Helen M. Johnson, Ph.D.
• Publisher: Oriental Institute, Baroda.
• Publication Year: 1937.
• Content: Book II (Ajitanāthacaritra) and Book III (Sambhavajinacaritra).
• Supporting Materials: Preface, Abbreviations, Bibliography, Introduction, Appendices (Additional Notes, Botanical Notes, New and Rare Words, Text Corrections), and Indices (Names and Subjects, Sanskrit and Prakrit Words).

Book II: Ajitanāthacaritra (The Life of Ajitanātha)

This book details the life story of Ajitanātha, the second Tirthankara.

• Previous Incarnation as Vimalavāhana (Pages 26-52):

  • The narrative begins with a description of the province of Vatsa and its beautiful city Susīmā.
  • King Vimalavāhana is introduced, depicted as a virtuous, just, and powerful ruler who governed his subjects like his own children.
  • Vimalavāhana engages in deep reflections on the nature of saṁsāra (the cycle of birth and death), recognizing its transient and painful nature. He contemplates the impermanence of youth, life, and physical existence.
  • His disgust with saṁsāra is intensified by a visit from Muni Arindama, whose teachings further solidify his resolve.
  • Vimalavāhana decides to renounce worldly life and prepare for initiation.
  • He summons his ministers and his son, informing them of his decision to take the vow. He delegates the responsibility of the kingdom to his competent son, ensuring a smooth transition of power.
  • The coronation of his son takes place, followed by Vimalavāhana's own initiation, where he renounces his royal possessions and embraces the life of an ascetic.
  • His monastic life is described, highlighting his observance of strict disciplines (samitis and guptis), severe penances (tapas), and enduring the "trials" (pariṣaha).
  • After a life of rigorous spiritual practice, he attains death by fasting (samlekhanā) and is reborn as a god in the palace Vijaya in the Anuttara heavens, enjoying immense bliss for an incredibly long period (thirty-three sāgaras).

• Birth of Ajita and Sagara (Pages 53-91):

  • The narrative shifts to the birth of Ajitanātha. He is born in the city Vinītā to King Jitaśatru and Queen Vijayā.
  • The conception is marked by auspicious dreams seen by Queen Vijayā (an elephant, a bull, a lion, Śrī being sprinkled by elephants, a garland of flowers, a moon, a sun, a jeweled flag-staff, a full pitcher, a lotus pool, an ocean, a jewel palace, a heap of jewels, and a smokeless fire).
  • Indra, the king of the gods, recognizes the birth of a Tīrthankara by the shaking of his throne and orchestrates divine celebrations.
  • The birth-rites are elaborately described, involving various classes of gods (Dikkumārīs, Abhiyogika-gods, Vaimānikas, etc.), who descend to perform the ceremonies.
  • Ajitanātha is described as having remarkable divine qualities from birth.
  • The birth of Sagara, son of Sumitravijaya (Jitaśatru's brother), is also mentioned.
  • The text details the interpretation of the fourteen dreams, confirming Ajitanātha's status as a Tīrthankara and Sagara's as a Cakravartin.
  • The divine celebrations, including adorning the city and holding festivals on Mt. Meru, are described.
  • The text touches upon the concept of atiśayas (supernatural attributes) associated with Tīrthankaras and celestial beings.

• The Initiation and Omniscience of Ajita (Pages 92-123):

  • Ajita's childhood and youth are described, highlighting his innate knowledge and skills, and his play with gods.
  • Sagara, in contrast, begins his education from a teacher and excels in various arts and sciences.
  • The marriages of Ajita and Sagara are mentioned, although Ajita's are noted as being for the purpose of destroying his karma.
  • King Jitaśatru, inspired by his ancestors, decides to take initiation, and after much persuasion, his brother Sumitra agrees to take over the kingdom, with Ajita appointed as king.
  • Ajitanātha rules justly and benevolently for a long period.
  • He eventually experiences disgust with worldly existence and resolves to take initiation. The Lokāntika-gods appear to encourage him.
  • Ajitanātha relinquishes his kingdom to Sagara (who is hesitant but ultimately accepts).
  • The initiation ceremony is described, including the ritualistic plucking of hair and the attainment of mind-reading knowledge (manaḥparyāya).
  • Ajitanātha's omniscience (kevala-jñāna) arises on the eleventh day of the bright half of Pauşa.
  • The construction of the samavasaraṇa (divine preaching hall) by the gods is detailed, including its architectural features, various levels for different beings, and the placement of the caitya-tree and the Lion Throne.
  • The sermon delivered by Ajitanātha focuses on the nature of saṁsāra, the eight karmas, and the path to liberation through meditation (dharmadhyāna). The cosmic structure of the universe, including the lower, middle, and upper worlds, is extensively described.
  • The sermon concludes with an explanation of the various divisions of beings (gatis), the types of karmas and their channels (āsravas), and the importance of samvara (restraint) and nirvāņa.
  • The text mentions the formation of the congregation, the role of the gaṇabhrts, and the funeral rites of Ajitanātha and his thousand monks.
  • Ajitanātha's total lifespan is given as 72 lacs of pūrvas.

Book III: Sambhavajinacaritra (The Life of Sambhavanātha)

This book details the life of Sambhavanātha, the third Tirthankara.

• Incarnation as Vipulavāhana (Pages 225-232):

  • The narrative begins with King Vipulavāhana of Kṣemapurī, described as virtuous and just.
  • A severe famine strikes the land, leading to immense suffering.
  • King Vipulavāhana, demonstrating great compassion, prioritizes the needs of the congregation over his own comfort, sharing his food and ensuring alms are available.
  • He reflects on the impermanence of life and the futility of worldly pleasures, leading him to renounce his kingdom and take initiation under Suri Svayamprabha.
  • His ascetic life is briefly described, emphasizing his observance of vows and penances, which eventually lead him to a heavenly rebirth.

• Incarnation as Sambhava (Pages 232-253):

  • The story shifts to the birth of Sambhavanātha in Śrāvasti, to King Jitāri and Queen Senādevi.
  • The conception is marked by fourteen auspicious dreams seen by Queen Senādevi.
  • The divine celebrations surrounding his birth, involving various gods, are described.
  • The King names him Sambhava, relating it to the timely cultivation of rice and the performance of rituals during his conception.
  • His childhood and youth are depicted as filled with innate knowledge and divine play.
  • He marries eight princesses, fulfilling his pleasure-karma.
  • His father, Jitāri, renounces the world and takes initiation, passing the kingdom to Sambhava.
  • Sambhava rules wisely for a long period.
  • He experiences disgust with worldly existence and resolves to take initiation. The Lokāntika-gods appear to urge him.
  • He begins a year of charity before his initiation.
  • The initiation ceremony is described, including the plucking of hair and the attainment of mind-reading knowledge.
  • He breaks his fast, wanders as an ascetic for fourteen years, and then attains omniscience (kevala-jñāna) on the eleventh day of Caitra.
  • The samavasaraṇa is constructed, and Sambhavanātha delivers a sermon on saṁsāra and the importance of renunciation.
  • The formation of the congregation is described, including the gaṇabhrts, monks, nuns, lay people, and the associated śāsanadevatās.
  • His mokşa (emancipation) occurs on the fifth day of Caitra on Mt. Sammeta, along with a thousand munis.
  • His lifespan is detailed: 15 lacs as prince, 44 lacs plus 4 pūrvāṅgas as king, and 1 lac less 4 pūrvāṅgas as a mendicant, totaling 60 lacs of pūrvas.
  • The funeral rites and subsequent worship of his relics by the gods are described.

Chapter IV: Sāgaracaritra (The Life of Sagara)

This chapter, which is integrated into Book II, details the life and achievements of Sagara, the Cakravartin.

• Appearance of the Cakra (137-139): The divine cakra, Sudarśana, appears in Sagara's armory, signaling his destiny as a Cakravartin. Sagara performs elaborate worship of the cakra.
• Conquest of Bharatavarṣa (139-158): The majority of this chapter describes Sagara's military campaigns across Bharatavarṣa.
  • He conquers Magadhatīrtha, Varadāmatīrtha, Prabhāsatīrtha, the Sindhu region (both north and south districts), Vaitāḍhya mountains, Tamiśrā cave, northern Bharatavarṣa, the Kirātas, and the Vidyādharas.
  • Each conquest involves a similar pattern: Sagara's arrival, a three-day fast directed towards the local ruler, the ruler's submission (often after receiving an arrow from Sagara), the presentation of gifts, and an eight-day festival.
  • The narrative highlights Sagara's immense power, his divine jewels (chakra, staff, skin, gem, umbrella), and his efficient army.
  • The story of the magician who tests Sagara's impartiality and wisdom is recounted. This magician demonstrates powerful illusions to Sagara, initially fooling him but ultimately leading him to a profound understanding of saṁsāra's impermanence and the futility of worldly attachments. This realization prompts Sagara to renounce the kingdom and become an ascetic.
• Sagara's Reign and Renunciation (209-218): Sagara, disillusioned with saṁsāra, gives his kingdom to his grandson Bhagiratha and takes initiation.
• Bhagiratha's Role (209-214): Sagara's sixty thousand sons, who had gone to dig a moat around Mt. Aṣṭāpada, are destroyed by Jvalanaprabha, the Nāga-king, for disturbing their abode. Bhagiratha, fulfilling Sagara's desire to find the bones of his sons, diverts the river Gangā to the Eastern Ocean, which is then named Jāhnavi. The origin of the practice of immersing ancestral bones in the Gangā is explained through this event. Bhagiratha learns the reason for his forefathers' death from an omniscient muni.
• Sagara's Grief and the Brahman's Advice (176-217): Sagara is overwhelmed with grief at the death of his sons. A Brāhman, through a staged dramatic performance, enlightens Sagara about the impermanence of life and the nature of saṁsāra, ultimately leading Sagara to renounce the world and become an ascetic.
• Sagara's Initiation and Subsequent Life (215-218): Sagara takes initiation, and after practicing severe penances, eventually attains omniscience. His congregation is described.
• Sagara's Emancipation (220): Sagara, along with a thousand munis, attains liberation (mokṣa) on Mt. Sammeta.

Additional Chapters (Book III onwards):

• Chapter III: Sumatināthacaritra (The Life of Sumatinātha):

  • Details the previous incarnation of Sumatinātha as King Vipulavāhana.
  • Describes the birth of Sumatinātha to King Jitāri and Queen Senādevi.
  • Mentions the interpretation of the fourteen dreams, his childhood, youth, marriage, and rule.
  • His initiation, omniscience, and mokşa are narrated, along with the founding of his congregation.

• Chapter IV: Padmaprabhacaritra (The Life of Padmaprabha):

  • Covers the previous incarnation of Padmaprabha as King Aparajita.
  • Describes his birth to King Dhara and Queen Susīmā in Kauśāmbī.
  • Details his youth, marriage, rule, initiation, omniscience, and mokşa. The story of disputed parentage is presented as an example of the discerning judgment of Queen Mangalā (though this seems to be misplaced here as it relates to Sumatinātha's birth).

• Chapter V: Supārśvanāthacaritra (The Life of Supārśvanātha):

  • Covers the previous incarnation of Supārśvanātha as King Nandiseņa.
  • Describes his birth to King Pratiṣṭha and Queen Pṛthvi in Vārāṇasī.
  • Includes descriptions of the birth-rites performed by gods, Sakra's visit, and the hymns of praise.
  • Details his childhood, youth, marriage, rule, initiation, omniscience, and mokşa.

• Chapter VI: Candraprabhacaritra (The Life of Candraprabha):

  • Covers the previous incarnation of Candraprabha as King Padma.
  • Describes his birth to King Mahāsena and Queen Lakṣmaņā in Kauśāmbī.
  • Narrates his childhood, youth, marriage, rule, initiation, omniscience, and mokşa.
  • A sermon on the impurity of the body is included.

• Chapter VII: Suvidhināthacaritra (The Life of Suvidhinātha):

  • Details the previous incarnation of Suvidhinātha as King Mahāpadma.
  • Describes his birth to King Sugrīva and Queen Rāmā in Kākāṇḍī.
  • Includes the birth-rites, Sakra's visit, and hymns of praise.
  • Narrates his childhood, youth, marriage, rule, initiation, omniscience, and mokşa.
  • A lengthy sermon on āsravas (channels of karma) is presented.
  • The story of the extinction of the congregation after Suvidhinātha is also mentioned.

• Chapter VIII: Šītalanāthacaritra (The Life of Šītalanātha):

  • Covers the previous incarnation of Śītalanātha as King Padmottara.
  • Describes his birth to King Drdharatha and Queen Nandā in Bhadrilapura.
  • Includes birth-rites, Sakra's visit, and hymns of praise.
  • Narrates his childhood, youth, marriage, rule, initiation, omniscience, and mokşa.
  • A sermon on saṁvara (restraint) is included.

Appendices and Supporting Matter:

• Preface: By Helen M. Johnson, detailing her gratitude to Muni Sri Jayantavijayaji and the institutions that facilitated her research, mentioning the sources of manuscripts used.
• Abbreviations: A comprehensive list of abbreviations for various Jain and other relevant Sanskrit and Prakrit texts, dictionaries, and scholarly works.
• Bibliography: A very extensive list of both General and Sanskrit/Prakrit texts, indicating the breadth of research.
• Introduction: Briefly outlines the content of Book II and Book III.
• Appendices:
  • Additional Notes: Provides explanations and clarifications for specific textual references, readings, and interpretations.
  • Botanical Notes: Identifies various plants mentioned in the text.
  • New and Rare Words: A glossary of words that are either new, rare, or have specific meanings within the Jain context.
  • Text Corrections: Lists errata and suggested emendations for the Sanskrit text.
• Indices: Crucial for navigating the extensive text, providing alphabetical listings of names, subjects, and Sanskrit/Prakrit words.

Overall Significance:

This volume of the Trishashți Shalaka Purusha Charitra provides detailed narratives of the lives of two significant Jain figures, Ajitanātha and Sambhavanātha, and the Cakravartin Sagara. It offers insights into Jain cosmology, mythology, philosophy, and the rigorous practices of asceticism and monasticism. The meticulous translation by Helen M. Johnson, along with the extensive scholarly apparatus (notes, bibliography, indices), makes this volume a valuable resource for understanding Jain tradition. The detailed descriptions of celestial events, divine beings, and cosmic geography are characteristic of classical Indian religious literature.