Trishasti Shalaka Purusa Caritra Part 6

This comprehensive summary outlines the key elements of Trishashți Shalaka Purusha Charitra Part 6 (Mahaviracharitra) by Hemchandracharya, translated by Helen M. Johnson.

Book Title: Trishashți Shalaka Purusha Charitra Part 6 (Mahaviracharitra) Author: Ācārya Śri Hemacandra Translator: Helen M. Johnson, Ph.D. Publisher: Oriental Institute, Baroda Year of Publication: 1962

Overview:

This volume, the sixth in the series and Book X of the Trishashți Shalaka Purusha Charitra, focuses exclusively on the life and teachings of Lord Mahāvīra, the 24th Tirthankara of the Jain tradition. It meticulously details his past lives, birth, childhood, initiation, ascetic wandering, the development of his omniscience, and his final emancipation (Nirvāṇa). The text also chronicles the emergence of his principal disciples and the establishment of the fourfold Jain community (monks, nuns, laymen, and laywomen). A significant portion of the volume is dedicated to the complex relationship between Mahāvīra and his close associate and later antagonist, Gośāla Mankhaliputta, highlighting Gośāla's deviations from Jain principles and his eventual death. The text also incorporates various stories and legends that illustrate the principles of Jainism, the consequences of karma, and the spiritual journey towards liberation.

Key Sections and Narratives:

1. Previous Births of Mahāvīra (Chapters I-IV):

   • The volume begins by tracing Mahāvīra's soul through numerous prior incarnations, emphasizing the gradual purification and accumulation of merit that leads to Tirthankara-hood. These births include figures like Nayasāra, a village overseer; Marici, who fell prey to pride and false doctrines; various Brāhmans and gods; and finally, Visvabhūti and Triprstha, who embody the Vāsudeva and Baladeva roles, respectively, in the lineage of righteous heroes. These detailed accounts serve to illustrate the Jain doctrine of karma and reincarnation.

2. Mahāvīra's Birth and Childhood (Chapter II):

   • The narrative details the divine intervention that led to Mahāvīra's conception in the womb of Queen Trisala of King Siddhartha, despite Devānandā's initial pregnancy. The fourteen auspicious dreams seen by Trisala are described, signifying Mahāvīra's destined role as a Tirthankara. His childhood is portrayed as exceptionally virtuous and serene, marked by divine attention and extraordinary demonstrations of power, foreshadowing his future greatness.

3. Mahāvīra's Ascetic Wandering (Chapters III-VII):

   • This extensive section describes Mahāvīra's rigorous ascetic practices over a period of twelve and a half years following his initiation. It highlights the numerous challenges and attacks (upasargas) he endured from various sources, including natural phenomena, hostile humans, demonic beings (Vyāntaras), and even divine entities (Indras and gods).
   • Gośāla Mankhaliputta: The narrative extensively covers Mahāvīra's early association with Gośāla. It details Gośāla's own flawed doctrines (especially the doctrine of fate) and his repeated misconduct, such as causing harm to Mahāvīra, appropriating his teachings, and acting with malice. Their eventual separation is a significant event, marking the beginning of a schism in the Jain tradition.
   • Stories of various devotees and incidents: The text interweaves Mahāvīra's ascetic journey with numerous illustrative stories, such as:
     • The story of Candakausika, the serpent, who attacked Mahāvīra and was eventually enlightened.
     • The story of the heretic Acchandaka, who was exposed by Mahāvīra's divine knowledge.
     • The story of the bulls, Kambala and Sabala, who were mistreated and eventually attained higher birth through their devotion.
     • The story of the potter, Kūpanaya, and the Yakṣa Śūlapāņi.
     • The story of Candană, a pious woman who fulfilled Mahāvīra's difficult vow and was rewarded.
     • The story of the conversion of King Śreņika and his family, including his son Abhayakumāra.
     • The story of Meghakumāra, who renounced his kingdom for asceticism.
     • The story of Nandişena, who struggled with his vows but eventually attained emancipation.
     • The story of the one-pillared palace of Queen Celanā.
     • The story of the mango-thief and the charm for taking mangoes.
     • The story of the truthful bride, highlighting the power of integrity.
     • The story of Durgandhā, the odoriferous girl, and her transformation.
     • The story of Ardrakakumāra and his spiritual quest prompted by a vision of an Arhat statue.
     • The story of Śrimati and her devotion to the Muni.
     • The story of the conversion of Rauhiņeya, the former thief, and his subsequent life.
     • The conflict between Udayana and Pradyota, leading to Udayana's eventual enlightenment and initiation.
     • The story of the Yakṣa Surapriya and the painter Dāraka.

4. Mahāvīra's Omniscience and Sermon (Chapter V):

   • This section details the attainment of omniscience (kevala-jñāna) by Mahāvīra under a Śāl tree. The divine proclamation of this event and the subsequent sermon to the assembled gods, humans, and other beings are described. The founding of the fourfold Jain congregation (monks, nuns, laymen, laywomen) is also narrated, along with the roles of the primary disciples, particularly Indrabhūti Gautama.

5. Sermon on Samsara and Conversion of Disciples (Chapters V-VII):

   • Mahāvīra's sermon emphasizes the cyclical nature of existence (saṁsāra) driven by karma and the importance of adhering to the Jain path (dharma) for liberation.
   • The conversion of numerous learned Brāhmans, including the eleven Gautamas (Indrabhūti, Agnibhūti, Vāyubhūti, Vyakta, Sudharman, Mandika, Mauryaputra, Akampita, Acalabhrāts, Metārya, Prabhāsa), who were initially skeptical or hostile, is a major focus. Their doubts are resolved through Mahāvīra's profound knowledge and teachings.

6. Mahāvīra's Nirvāṇa (Chapter XIII):

   • The final chapter describes Mahāvīra's last sermon, emphasizing detachment from worldly pleasures, the path to emancipation, and the importance of dharma. It recounts the circumstances of his final illness, which was a result of past karma, and his subsequent emancipation (Nirvāṇa) at the age of 72.
   • The elaborate funeral ceremonies performed by the gods and the subsequent distribution of his relics are detailed.
   • The establishment of the future order of Jainism, including the succession of leaders (gaṇadharas) after Mahāvīra, is outlined, culminating in the prophecy of the diminishing state of dharma in the future epochs (spokes of the wheel of time).

Significance:

• Encyclopedic Nature: The Trishashți Shalaka Purusha Charitra is considered an encyclopedia of Jain mythology, legends, and traditions. This volume, in particular, provides a comprehensive account of Mahāvīra's life, covering his past incarnations, his spiritual journey, and his teachings.
• Illustrative Stories: The numerous stories integrated within the narrative serve to illustrate complex Jain philosophical concepts such as karma, reincarnation, non-violence (ahiṁsā), non-attachment (aparigraha), and the path to liberation (mokṣa).
• Historical and Cultural Context: While primarily a religious text, it offers insights into the social, cultural, and philosophical milieu of medieval India, particularly Gujarat, referencing various customs, beliefs, and practices of the time.
• Literary Merit: The text is lauded for its remarkable poetic quality and intricate Sanskrit prose, showcasing Ācārya Hemacandra's mastery of language and literature.

Translator's Contribution:

Dr. Helen M. Johnson's translation is noted for its scholarship, industry, and perseverance. Her dedicated work over several years, including a significant period spent in Baroda at the Oriental Institute, brought this crucial and extensive work to completion in English, making it accessible to a wider audience. The foreword highlights the long-standing need for such an English translation and acknowledges the challenges and support involved in its publication.

In essence, Volume VI provides a detailed and profound exposition of the life and teachings of Lord Mahāvīra, offering a foundational text for understanding Jainism's core tenets and its rich narrative tradition.