Trishasti Shalaka Purusa Caritra Part 5

Here's a comprehensive summary of Volume V of the Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Charitra, focusing on Books VIII and IX, translated by Helen M. Johnson:

Overall Purpose and Context:

This volume continues the monumental work of Hemacandracharya, translating and summarizing the lives of the sixty-three illustrious Jain figures (the Trishashti Shalaka Purusha). Volume V specifically covers the lives of Neminatha, the 22nd Tirthankara (Book VIII), and two significant historical figures: Brahmadatta, the 12th Cakravartin (universal emperor), and Pārśvanatha, the 23rd Tirthankara (Book IX). The translation aims to make this vast Jain scripture accessible to an English-speaking audience, preserving the narrative and doctrinal richness of the original Sanskrit text.

Book VIII: Neminathacaritra (The Life of Neminatha)

Book VIII is primarily dedicated to the life of Neminatha, the 22nd Tirthankara. However, it begins with a detailed account of his previous incarnations, which are essential for understanding his spiritual journey and the development of his virtues.

• Previous Incarnations: The book traces Neminatha's soul through several births, highlighting the karmic seeds sown and the eventual path to Tirthankarahood. These incarnations include:

  • Dhana: A righteous king whose life is marked by devotion to dharma, leading to a significant spiritual life.
  • A God: Enjoying heavenly pleasures due to past merits.
  • Citragati: A cakravartin (universal ruler) whose life demonstrates the cycle of kingship, virtue, and eventual renunciation. This section details his interactions and adventures, including his relationships and encounters with other significant figures.
  • A God: Experiencing heavenly bliss.
  • Aparajita: A virtuous prince whose life is filled with righteous actions and encounters that shape his spiritual destiny. This section includes his interaction with a robber, his defeat of a Vidyadhara, and his participation in a svayamvara.
  • A God: Experiencing heavenly bliss.
  • Sankha: A noble prince whose life is characterized by valor and adherence to dharma, eventually leading him to renunciation.
  • A God: Enjoying heavenly pleasures.

• Neminatha's Birth and Early Life: The narrative then focuses on Neminatha's birth into the Yadu dynasty, specifically as the son of Vasudeva and the princess Devaki (though the narrative also connects his soul to various other significant figures like the powerful Baladeva and the epic hero Kṛṣṇa). The text details his exceptional beauty, strength, and his initial involvement in worldly affairs.

• Neminatha's Renunciation: A pivotal aspect of Neminatha's story is his aversion to worldly pleasures and his eventual decision to embrace asceticism. This is prompted by a vision or realization of the suffering inherent in existence, particularly the suffering of animals destined for slaughter at a wedding feast. This profound compassion leads him to renounce his royal life, despite the pleas of his family and the efforts of the Yadava clan to dissuve him.

• Initiation and Omniscience: The book describes Neminatha's solemn initiation and his subsequent practice of severe penance. Through his unwavering devotion and purification, he attains omniscience (kevala jñāna), becoming a Tirthankara and a guide for humanity.

• Sermon and Congregation: Upon attaining omniscience, Neminatha delivers a profound sermon that clarifies Jain principles, emphasizing the importance of right-belief, right-knowledge, and right-conduct. He details the ethical conduct required for both ascetics and laypeople, elaborating on forbidden practices like wine-drinking, meat-eating, and eating at night. The sermon leads to the formation of a fourfold congregation (caturvidha sangha) consisting of monks, nuns, laymen, and laywomen, all dedicated to the path of liberation.

• Rajimati's Story: The narrative also includes the story of Rājimati, Neminatha's intended bride, who, upon learning of his renunciation, also adopts asceticism. Her profound devotion and her own spiritual journey are depicted.

Book IX: Brahmadattacaritra and Pārśvanathacaritra

Book IX is divided into two major sections, covering the lives of Brahmadatta and Pārśvanatha.

• Brahmadattacaritra (The Life of Brahmadatta):

  • Previous Incarnations: Similar to Book VIII, Brahmadatta's story begins with his previous births, illustrating the long and arduous path of spiritual development. These include incarnations as animals (deer, serpent, lion), gods, and humans, each contributing to the purification of his soul.
  • Birth and Youth: Brahmadatta is born a prince, destined for greatness as a cakravartin. The narrative highlights his virtuous upbringing and his exceptional talents in various arts.
  • Cakravartin Reign: The text details his rule, his conquest of the known world, and his establishment of righteous governance. His reign is characterized by justice, prosperity, and the promotion of Jain dharma.
  • Renunciation: Despite his worldly success, Brahmadatta eventually experiences disgust with existence and embraces asceticism, following the teachings of the Jinas. His renunciation is a culmination of his spiritual progress.
  • Enlightenment and Emancipation: The book concludes with Brahmadatta's attainment of omniscience and his final emancipation (moksha).

• Pārśvanathacaritra (The Life of Pārśvanātha):

  • Previous Incarnations: This section meticulously details Pārśvanatha's extensive journey through numerous births. These include challenging existences as animals (serpent, lion, elephant), hell-beings, and even gods, demonstrating the gradual shedding of karma and the accumulation of virtues. These lives showcase his enduring compassion, his patience, and his steadfast adherence to righteous principles.
  • Birth and Youth: Pārśvanātha is born as a prince in the city of Vārāṇasī into the Ikṣvāku dynasty, as the son of King Aśvasena and Queen Vāmā. His extraordinary beauty, strength, and noble character are emphasized from birth.
  • Aversion to Worldly Life: Even in his youth, Pārśvanātha exhibits a profound detachment from worldly pleasures, particularly sensing the suffering inherent in life. This leads him to reject worldly temptations and embrace a spiritual path.
  • Encounter with Meghamālin: A significant episode involves the demon Meghamālin, who, driven by past animosity, attempts to disrupt Pārśvanātha's penance through various supernatural means, including creating floods and hostile creatures. Pārśvanātha's unwavering equanimity and spiritual strength in the face of these trials are highlighted. The Nāga-king Dharanendra plays a crucial role in protecting Pārśvanātha during this ordeal.
  • Initiation and Omniscience: The narrative culminates in Pārśvanātha's initiation and his attainment of omniscience, marking him as the 23rd Tirthankara. His sermon then further illuminates the Jain path to liberation.

Key Themes and Elements:

• Karmic Causality: The text consistently emphasizes the principle of karma, demonstrating how actions in past lives directly influence present circumstances and future destinies.
• Spiritual Progression: The lives of these illustrious figures illustrate the arduous but ultimately rewarding path of spiritual purification, characterized by renunciation, penance, and unwavering adherence to dharma.
• Compassion and Non-Violence (Ahimsa): These virtues are central to the teachings of both Neminatha and Pārśvanātha, influencing their actions and their ultimate message to the world.
• Ethical Conduct: The detailed explanations of acceptable and unacceptable practices for laymen and ascetics provide practical guidance for spiritual life.
• The Importance of Renunciation: The theme of abandoning worldly attachments, even kingdoms and families, is a recurring motif, highlighting the ultimate goal of liberation (moksha).
• Divine Intervention and Support: The text frequently depicts the intervention of gods and supernatural beings, either to aid the virtuous or to test them, underscoring the interconnectedness of the cosmic and human realms.

In essence, Volume V of the Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Charitra serves as a rich tapestry of Jain history and philosophy, offering profound insights into the lives of key spiritual figures and the enduring principles of Jainism.