Vardhaman Mahavir Ane Indrabhuti Gautam

This Jain text, "Vardhaman Mahavir Ane Indrabhuti Gautam" (Lord Mahavir and Indrabhuti Gautam), compiled by Jitendra B. Shah and published by Shrutratnakar, Ahmedabad, is a devotional and educational work focusing on the profound relationship and dialogues between Lord Mahavir, the 24th Tirthankar, and his chief disciple, Indrabhuti Gautam Swami.

The book aims to enlighten readers about the spiritual journey and philosophical teachings derived from the interactions between the divine master and his foremost disciple. It is structured to provide a comprehensive understanding of Gautam Swami's life, his spiritual awakening, and his crucial role in establishing and propagating the Jain doctrine.

Key aspects covered in the book include:

• Introduction and Dedication: The book begins with a dedication to Lord Mahavir and Gautam Swami, acknowledging Gautam Swami as a repository of divine powers and a bestower of desired fruits. It also includes auspicious verses invoking peace and blessings.
• Publisher's Note: The publisher expresses gratitude to Maheshbhai and Hansaben Shah for their inspiration and financial support, highlighting their interest in learning about Gautam Swami's life and his discourse with the Lord. The note emphasizes the inspirational nature of Gautam Swami's life and the profound philosophical content of his questions and answers found in the Agam scriptures.
• Content Overview: The book comprises several sections, including:
  • Shree Ganadharbhas: A poetic tribute to the chief disciple.
  • Shree Gautam Swami's Ashtak: An eight-verse hymn praising Gautam Swami.
  • A Brief Introduction to Guru Gautam Swami: Providing biographical details.
  • Episodes Featuring Guru Gautam Swami: Narrating significant events and interactions.
  • The "Chaturangiya Adhyayan": This section likely delves into four key areas of spiritual practice or philosophical concepts, emphasizing the rarity of human birth, the opportunity to hear the Dharma, developing faith, and cultivating perseverance in practice. The text illustrates the difficulty of obtaining a human birth through ten analogies and narrates the stories of eight individuals who strayed from the true path.
  • The "Drumapatra Adhyayan": This chapter uses the analogy of a falling leaf to illustrate the impermanence of the body, wealth, and life itself, urging constant remembrance of the Dharma and vigilance against negligence (pramad).
  • The "Keshigautamiya Adhyayan": This segment details the philosophical discussions between Gautam Swami and Keshikumar Shraman, a disciple of Lord Parshvanath. It highlights their dialogue on the differences and similarities in their spiritual paths and doctrines, ultimately leading to the integration of Keshikumar's followers into Lord Mahavir's fold. The exchange focuses on the core principles of Jainism and how they address different temperaments and needs.
  • The "Samyaktvaparakram Adhyayan": This chapter presents a collection of 76 questions posed by Gautam Swami to Lord Mahavir, covering various aspects of Jain philosophy, karma, rebirth, and spiritual practice. The answers provided by Lord Mahavir offer profound insights into the path to liberation.
  • Gautam Swami and Mahavir Swami Bh.ani Prashnottari (Gautam's Questions to Lord Mahavir): This section specifically focuses on the question-and-answer format, illuminating the depth of understanding and the systematic exposition of Jain teachings.
• Gautam Swami's Biography and Key Events: The book provides details about Gautam Swami's lineage, parents, brothers, disciples, age at initiation, the number of years he served as a Gandhar, his attainment of Keval Gyan (omniscience), and his passing away. It narrates several significant incidents:
  • His interaction with Pudgal Parivrajak, a learned ascetic.
  • His recognition of the supreme austerity of Dhanya Angar.
  • His role as a messenger of Lord Mahavir, conveying important messages and reprimands.
  • Resolving doubts for Shravakas regarding the teachings of Lord Parshvanath's followers.
  • His encounters with various individuals like Ambada Parivrajak, Kalodayi, and others, demonstrating his wisdom and compassion in bringing them to the right path.
  • His role in the composition of the "Nalanda Adhyayan" within the Shrutaskandha.
  • His deep intellectual curiosity, even in old age, as seen in his questions about astronomical matters.
  • His encounter with the child Atimuktak Kumar, leading to the child's prompt enlightenment.
  • His understanding of the destiny of disciples, like the 50,000 Kevalis initiated by him.
  • His humility and adherence to Lord Mahavir's guidance, such as being cautioned against even a moment's negligence.
  • His judicious use of his immense powers, only twice for specific spiritual purposes.
  • A unique attribute: anyone initiated by him attained Keval Gyan, a rare power not known to have been possessed by other Gandharas.
• Philosophical Insights: The text explores core Jain principles such as:
  • The Rarity of Human Birth: Emphasizing the preciousness of human life as the only means to attain liberation.
  • The Importance of Faith (Shraddha) and Right Conduct (Samyak Charitra): Highlighting that mere knowledge or austerity is insufficient without proper faith and conduct.
  • The Nature of Reality: Discussing the subtle distinctions between soul, non-soul, and other categories.
  • The Path to Liberation: Outlining the steps and practices necessary to overcome obstacles and achieve spiritual freedom.
  • The Role of Asceticism and Austerities: Illustrating the power of penance in purifying the soul.
  • The Significance of Dialogue and Doubt Resolution: Demonstrating how philosophical inquiry, guided by enlightened beings, leads to spiritual clarity.
  • The Impermanence of Material Existence: Using vivid analogies to convey the transient nature of life, body, and worldly possessions.

In essence, "Vardhaman Mahavir Ane Indrabhuti Gautam" serves as a guide to understanding the spiritual depth and philosophical intricacies of Jainism, particularly through the lens of the pivotal relationship between Lord Mahavir and his primary disciple, Gautam Swami. It provides both biographical information and profound spiritual lessons for seekers of truth.