Trishasti Shalaka Purusa Caritra Part 3 - Book Summary

Here is a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Trishasti Shalaka Purusha Charitra, Part 3," translated by Helen M. Johnson:

Overall Context:

This volume, the third in a multi-volume English translation of Acharya Shri Hemachandra's Trishasti Shalaka Purusha Charitra, continues the narrative of the lives of significant figures in Jain tradition. The Trishasti details the lives of the sixty-three "Shalaka Purushas" (illustrious persons) of Jainism, divided into Tirthankaras (spiritual leaders), Chakravartins (universal monarchs), Baladevas (strong heroes), and Vasudevas (foremost devotees). Volume III covers Books IV and V of the original Sanskrit work.

Book IV: Sreyānsanāthacaritra, Vāsupūjyacaritra, Vimalanāthacaritra, Anantanāthacaritra, Dharmanāthacaritra, Maghavacakravarticaritra, Sanatkumāracakracaritra

Book IV is structured around the biographies of several key figures. The preface by Helen M. Johnson highlights the significant delay in publication due to factors including wartime loss of press copy and the need for a trip to India for consultation with scholars. She expresses gratitude to various Indian scholars and institutions for their assistance. The text itself focuses on the lives of:

Śreyānsanāthacaritra: The biography of the 11th Tirthankara, Śreyānsanātha.
- Previous Incarnation: The text describes his virtuous past life as King Nalinagulma, who renounced his kingdom for spiritual pursuits and attained heaven.
- Birth: His descent into the womb of Queen Vişņu, wife of King Viṣṇurāja of Sinhapura. The narrative details the fourteen auspicious dreams she experienced, indicating the birth of a Tirthankara.
- Birth-Rites: A lengthy description of the celestial ceremonies performed by Dikkumāris (attendant deities) for the newborn and his mother.
- Early Life: His upbringing, naming as Śreyānsa, marriage at his father's insistence despite his disinclination for worldly existence, and his reign as king for forty-two lacs of years.
- Initiation: His renunciation of the world, donation of charity for a year, and the initiation ceremony with one thousand kings.
- Omniscience and Sermon: The manifestation of his omniscience on the 15th day of the dark half of Māgha, followed by his sermon on nirjarā (destruction of karma).
- Founding of the Congregation: The establishment of the Jain community.
- Death and Emancipation: His death at the age of eighty-four lacs of years and attainment of mokşa.
- Previous Incarnations: The book also details the pre-births and lives of Triprstha (Vāsudeva), Acala (Baladeva), and Aśvagriva (Prativāsudeva).
  - Acala: His previous life as Subala and his birth as the son of King Ripupratiśatru and Queen Bhadrā.
  - Tripṛṣṭha: His prebirth as Muni Viśvabhūti and his birth as the son of King Ripupratiśatru and Queen Bhadrā (who was controversially married to her own father). The narrative includes the episode of Triprstha's encounter with a door-keeper and his subsequent renunciation. It also details his life as Vasudeva, his powerful exploits, and his eventual death and birth in hell.
  - Aśvagriva: His birth as the Prativāsudeva, son of Mayuragriva and Nīlāñjanā, his oppressive rule, his quest to know his slayer, and the fateful encounter with the lion. The text vividly describes the battle between Triprstha and Aśvagriva, culminating in the latter's death. It also includes the story of Svayamprabhā, a Vidyādhara princess, and her betrothal and marriage to Triprstha, despite the rivalry with Aśvagriva.
Vāsupūjyacaritra: The biography of the 12th Tirthankara, Vāsupūjya.
- Previous Incarnation: King Padmottara, who renounced his kingdom and became a mendicant.
- Birth: Descent into the womb of Queen Jayā, wife of King Vāsupūjya of Campā. The fourteen dreams are described.
- Birth-Rites and Stuti: Celestial ceremonies and hymns of praise by Indra.
- Early Life: Childhood, playful interactions with gods and princes.
- Refusal to Marry: Vāsupūjya's rejection of worldly pleasures, including marriage, despite his parents' pleas and citing the examples of former Tirthankaras.
- Initiation: His renunciation and adoption of mendicancy with six hundred kings.
- Previous Incarnations: The text includes the previous births of Vijaya (Baladeva) and Dviprstha (Vāsudeva), and Tāraka (Prativāsudeva).
  - Vijaya: His previous birth as King Pavanavega.
  - Dvipṛṣṭha: His prebirths as Vindhyashakti (who fought Parvata) and his birth as the Prativāsudeva Tāraka.
  - Tāraka: His former life as Vindhyasakti, his defeat by Parvata, and his subsequent pursuit of penance and rebirth as a god. The narrative details the conflict between Dvipṛṣṭha and Tāraka.
- Omniscience and Sermon: The manifestation of omniscience and his sermon on the tenfold dharma, which critiques other religious systems.
- Congregation and Emancipation: The formation of his religious community and his eventual emancipation.
- Deaths: The deaths of Dvipṛṣṭha and Balabhadra (Vijaya).
Vimalanāthacaritra: The biography of the 13th Tirthankara, Vimalanātha.
- Previous Incarnation: King Padmasena, who became a mendicant and attained heaven.
- Birth: Descent into the womb of Queen Syāmā, wife of King Kṛtavarman of Kāmpilya. The fourteen dreams are described.
- Birth-Rites and Stuti: Celestial ceremonies and hymns of praise by Indra.
- Early Life: Naming as Vimala, his upbringing, marriage, and reign.
- Initiation: His renunciation and adoption of mendicancy with a thousand kings.
- Previous Incarnations: The text describes the prebirths of Bhadra (Baladeva), Svayambhū (Vāsudeva), and Meraka (Prativāsudeva).
  - Bhadra: His previous birth as King Nandisumitra.
  - Svayambhū: His prebirth as King Dhanamitra, his loss of kingdom in gambling, his renunciation, and his nidāna to kill his enemy Bali.
  - Meraka: His former life as Caṇḍaśāsana and his subsequent birth as the Prativāsudeva Meraka. The narrative details the conflict between Svayambhū and Meraka.
- Omniscience and Sermon: The manifestation of his omniscience and his sermon on enlightenment.
- Congregation and Emancipation: The formation of his religious community and his eventual emancipation.
- Deaths: The deaths of Svayambhū and Bhadra.
Anantanāthacaritra: The biography of the 14th Tirthankara, Anantanātha.
- Previous Incarnation: King Padmaratha, who renounced his kingdom and became a mendicant.
- Birth: Descent into the womb of Queen Suyaśas, wife of King Sinhasena of Ayodhyā. The fourteen dreams are described.
- Birth-Rites and Stuti: Celestial ceremonies and hymns of praise by Indra.
- Early Life: Naming as Anantajit, marriage despite disinclination, and reign.
- Initiation: His renunciation and adoption of mendicancy with a thousand kings.
- Previous Incarnations: The text details the prebirths of Suprabha (Baladeva), Purusottama (Vāsudeva), and Madhu (Prativāsudeva).
  - Suprabha: His previous birth as King Mahābala.
  - Puruṣottama: His prebirths as King Samudradatta and his loss of his wife Nandā to Caṇḍaśāsana, leading to his renunciation and nidāna.
  - Madhu: His former life as Caṇḍaśāsana and his subsequent birth as the Prativāsudeva Madhu. The narrative details the conflict between Purusottama and Madhu.
- Omniscience and Sermon: The manifestation of his omniscience and his sermon on the Tattvas (principles).
- Congregation and Emancipation: The formation of his religious community and his eventual emancipation.
- Deaths: The deaths of Purusottama and Suprabha.
Dharmanāthacaritra: The biography of the 15th Tirthankara, Dharmanātha.
- Previous Incarnation: King Drdharatha, who renounced his kingdom and became a mendicant.
- Birth: Descent into the womb of Queen Suyratā, wife of King Bhānu of Ratnapura. The fourteen dreams are described.
- Birth-Rites and Stuti: Celestial ceremonies and hymns of praise by Indra.
- Early Life: Naming as Dharma, marriage, and reign.
- Initiation: His renunciation and adoption of mendicancy with a thousand kings.
- Previous Incarnations: The text details the prebirths of Sudarśana (Baladeva), Puruṣasinha (Vāsudeva), and Niśumbha (Prativāsudeva).
  - Sudarśana: His previous birth as King Puruşavṛṣabha.
  - Puruṣasinha: His prebirth as King Vikața, his defeat by Rājasinha, and his nidāna to destroy Rājasinha.
  - Niśumbha: His former life as King Vikata and his subsequent birth as the Prativāsudeva Niśumbha. The narrative details the conflict between Puruṣasinha and Niśumbha. It also includes the story of the sati-like conduct of Puruṣasinha's mother.
- Omniscience and Sermon: The manifestation of his omniscience and his sermon on the kaṣāyas (passions) – anger, conceit, deceit, and greed, and their opposites.
- Congregation and Emancipation: The formation of his religious community and his eventual emancipation.
- Deaths: The deaths of Puruṣasinha and Sudarśana.
Maghavacakravarticaritra: The biography of Maghavan, a Cakravartin.
- Previous Incarnation: King Amarapati, who became a mendicant and attained heaven.
- Birth: Descent into the womb of Queen Bhadrā, wife of King Samudravijaya of Śrāvastī.
- Conquest of Bharata: Details the conquest of the six-part Bharata, including subjugating various regions and rulers, and the acquisition of the fourteen jewels.
- Life as Cakravartin: His reign, administration, and devotion to religious duties.
- Death: His death and subsequent birth as a god in Sanatkumāra.
Sanatkumāracakracaritra: The biography of Sanatkumāra, a Cakravartin.
- Previous Incarnations: King Vikramayaśas (who abducted Vişnuśrī, leading to her death and his renunciation), and Nāgadatta (the merchant whose wife Vişnuśrī was abducted). Also includes the story of Jinadharma and Agniśarman (prebirths of Sanatkumāra and Asitākṣa).
- Birth: Descent into the womb of Queen Sahadevi, wife of King Aśvasena of Hastinapura. The fourteen dreams are described.
- Childhood: His upbringing, education, and attainment of youth.
- Horse Incident: A lengthy narrative about Sanatkumāra being carried away by an untamed horse, his subsequent adventures in the forest, and the search for him by his friend Mahendrasinha.
- Marriages: His marriage to eight Vidyādhara maidens, and subsequently to Candrayaśas and Sunandā.
- Battle: The conflict with Aśanivega, the Vidyadhara who had kidnaped Sunandā, and the subsequent victory of Sanatkumāra (aided by his brother Śrīvijaya and others).
- Conquest: His conquest of the six-part Bharata.
- Coronation: His installation as a Cakravartin, with celestial ceremonies.
- Renunciation: His father, King Aśvasena, becoming a mendicant. Sanatkumāra also eventually renounces the world.

Book V: Śāntināthacaritra

Book V focuses on the biography of the 16th Tirthankara, Śāntinātha.

Śāntināthacaritra: The biography of Śāntinātha.
- Previous Incarnations: The text details five previous births of Śāntinātha:
  - Śrīṣeņa: A virtuous king who, with his wives Abhinanditā and Sikhinanditā, had sons Induşena and Binduşena.
  - Twins: Śrīṣeņa and Abhinanditā, along with Sikhinanditā and Satyabhāmā, were reborn as twins in Uttarakuru.
  - God: Śrīṣeņa and his wives were reborn as gods in Saudharma.
  - Amitatejas: Śrīṣeņa's soul was reborn as Amitatejas, son of Arkakirti and Jyotirmālā. This section also covers the stories of Śrīvijaya (son of Triprstha) and Sutārā (daughter of Arkakirti), and the former lives of Kapila and Aśanighoșa.
  - Aparājita: Vajrāyudha's soul fell from Graiveyaka and became Aparājita, son of King Stimitasagara. The text narrates the birth of Anantavīrya (son of Megharatha's soul) and their early lives. It includes the story of Kanakaśrī and her interaction with the princes, and the conflict between the brothers and the Vidyadhara King Damitāri. It also mentions the story of Sridattā, who practiced penance and became Kanakaśrī.
- Birth: Śāntinātha's descent into the womb of Queen Acirā, wife of King Viśvasena of Hastinapura. The fourteen dreams are described.
- Birth-Rites and Stuti: Celestial ceremonies and hymns of praise by Indra.
- Childhood: His upbringing and attainment of youth.
- Marriage and Reign: His marriage and his reign of twenty-five thousand years.
- Initiation: His renunciation and adoption of mendicancy with a thousand kings.
- Omniscience and Sermon: The manifestation of his omniscience and his sermon on the senses.
- Congregation and Emancipation: The formation of his religious community and his eventual emancipation.
- Previous Incarnations: The text re-emphasizes some earlier incarnations and provides further details on the stories of Kapila and the merchants.
- Stories of Previous Incarnations: The book extensively details the previous births connected to Śāntinātha's lineage:
  - King Kurucandra: The story of King Kurucandra, who was guided by a muni regarding his former births as merchants, elephants, buffaloes, rams, and cocks, and the karma associated with those lives.
  - Vidyādharas' Concert: A narrative about Vidyadharas performing a concert before King Megharatha, revealing the former births of the characters involved.
  - Dharmila: Kapila's rebirth as Dharmila, a Brāhman boy practicing foolish penance, and his subsequent nidāna for becoming a Vidyadhara.
  - Conquest of Bharata by Santi: The text details Śāntinātha's conquest of the six-part Bharata.
  - Kirātas' Attack: The confrontation with the Kirātas and their subsequent submission.
  - Megharatha's Conversion: Megharatha's prior incarnation as a king who encountered a muni and was enlightened, leading to his renunciation.
  - Dove and Hawk Story: A prominent story illustrating karma and the consequences of actions, where King Megharatha sacrifices his own flesh to save a dove from a hawk, only to discover it was a divine test. This story also reveals the former births of the hawk and dove as merchants.
  - King Sinharatha: His story of renunciation and the conversion of his sons.
  - Vajrāyudha: His birth as the eighth incarnation, his early life, the conflict with Vidyuddanṣṭra, his encounter with Sakra, his coronation as Cakravartin, and the story of Śāntimatī.
  - Kanakaśakti: His life and marriage to Vasantasenā.
  - Megharatha's Renunciation: Megharatha's decision to become a mendicant after being enlightened.
  - Death: The deaths of Megharatha and Drdharatha.

Key Themes and Elements:

Karma: The pervasive influence of past actions (karma) on present and future lives is a central theme, with characters' destinies often determined by their actions, including their nidānas (vows made with specific intentions).
Renunciation (Mendicancy): The text emphasizes the importance of renouncing worldly pleasures and adopting the life of a mendicant as the path to liberation.
Virtues and Vices: The biographies highlight the cultivation of virtues like compassion, forbearance, sincerity, and contentment, while condemning vices like anger, conceit, deceit, and greed.
Celestial Beings: The constant presence and intervention of gods, Dikkumāris, and Vidyadharas in the lives of the Shalaka Purushas are a prominent feature.
Rituals and Ceremonies: Detailed descriptions of birth-rites, initiation ceremonies, coronations, and funeral rites add depth to the narrative.
Auspicious Dreams: The fourteen (or seven) dreams experienced by mothers indicate the birth of Tirthankaras, Baladevas, or Vasudevas.
Sermons: The sermons delivered by Tirthankaras and prominent monks are presented as key moments for spiritual enlightenment.
The Trishasti as a Whole: The work aims to provide a comprehensive account of the most important figures in Jain tradition, illustrating Jain ethical and philosophical principles through their exemplary lives.

This volume, Volume III, covering Books IV and V, offers a rich tapestry of narratives, weaving together the lives of spiritual exemplars and powerful rulers, all within the framework of Jain cosmology and ethics.