Vimalnath Prabhu Charitra

The Vimalnath Prabhu Charitra, authored by Gyansagar and published by Atmanand Jain Sabha, Bhavnagar, is a hagiographical account of the 13th Jain Tirthankara, Vimalnath. This comprehensive summary, based on the provided text, outlines the book'1s structure, content, and philosophical underpinnings.

Book Overview:

• Title: Vimalnath Prabhu Charitra (The Biography of Lord Vimalnath)
• Author: Gyansagar
• Publisher: Atmanand Jain Sabha, Bhavnagar
• Series: Shrimad Amarchand Harjivandas Granthamala, Number 1
• Objective: To present the life story of Lord Vimalnath, interwoven with teachings of Jainism, including the glory of Dharma, its various facets, the vows of a lay follower (Shravak), and the path to spiritual liberation. The book aims to enhance the religious faith of its readers and guide them towards righteous conduct.
• Language: Gujarati, with Sanskrit and Magadhi influences from the original texts.
• Structure: The book is divided into five chapters (Sarg), each focusing on different aspects of Dharma and the Tirthankara's life.

Key Themes and Content:

The book emphasizes the importance of Dharma (righteousness, duty, religion) as the highest pursuit in life, comparing it to a Kalpavruksha (wish-fulfilling tree) with four main branches: Daan (charity/giving), Shil (virtue/morality), Tap (austerity), and Bhav (inner disposition/meditation).

Chapter Breakdown:

1. Chapter 1: Daan Dharmaadhikaar (The Chapter on the Virtue of Charity):

   • Begins with auspicious invocations to Rishabhdev, Shantinath, Neminath, Parshvanath, Mahavir Swami, Vimalnath, and important spiritual figures like Pundarik and Gautam.
   • Discusses the profound influence of Dharma, highlighting Paropkar (benevolence/helping others) as the supreme Dharma.
   • Details the vastness of the Jain cosmology, describing Meru Parvat, different continents (Ayidveep), karma and akarma lands, and Jambudveep and Dhatkikhand.
   • Introduces the story of King Padmasen, who, guided by the teachings of Suryajee Brahmana, reflects on the importance of a spiritual guide for achieving Moksha (liberation).
   • The teachings of Acharya Brahmagupta to King Padmasen explain the soul's journey from basic life forms to higher consciousness, detailing the nature of karma, the different realms of existence (Naraki, etc.), and the preciousness of human life.
   • The chapter stresses that human birth is the only opportunity to attain Dharma, which is described as a source of wealth for the poor, help for the helpless, and the cause of obtaining virtues, divine status, and even the Tirthankara state.
   • It includes the story of Subuddhi, a wise minister, who educates King Jitashatru about Dharma, contrasting it with the detrimental effects of adhering rigidly to principles (Kadagraha) and the ultimate attainment of Moksha through Dharma.
   • The chapter elaborates on the glory of Daan Dharma, emphasizing that it not only elevates the donor but also the recipient. The story of Ratnachud Kumar illustrates the benefits of charity, leading to fame, greatness, and self-realization.

2. Chapter 2: Shil-Tap Dharmaadhikaar (The Chapter on the Virtue of Chastity and Austerity):

   • Focuses on Shil Dharma (chastity, moral conduct), stating that its observance transforms adversity into prosperity, turns enemies into friends, makes desolate places auspicious, and leads to divine favor.
   • Highlights the story of Shilotvati, which exemplifies the profound merits of observing chastity, leading to fame in this life and heavenly bliss and Moksha in the next.
   • Explains Tap Dharma (austerity), citing the example of Rishabhdeva and the celestial beings who revered him. It notes that even great sins can be eradicated through Tap, and that inner conquest is achieved through austerity, leading to spiritual radiance.
   • It describes the twelve types of Tap and their efficacy in overcoming inner enemies. The chapter stresses that without restraining the intake of food and drink, the inner enemies of karma cannot be defeated. Tap leads to supernatural powers in this life and ultimate bliss in the next.
   • The story of the unfortunate (Nirbhagya) who, contemplating suicide, encounters Kevali Bhagwant, is used to illustrate the power of Dharma and the guidance received from enlightened beings, which includes stories of Devpal, the nature of divinity, the essence of Guruship, and the tales of Amarsinh and Purnakalash, culminating in Purnakalash achieving liberation through austerity.

3. Chapter 3: Bhavadhikaar (The Chapter on Inner Disposition):

   • Explains Bhav Dharma (inner disposition, mental state) as the fourth and most crucial branch of Dharma. It asserts that while Daan, Shil, and Tap are important, it is Bhav that holds the ultimate power to attain Moksha.
   • Emphasizes that a pure inner disposition (Bhav) strengthens all virtues, making them effective, akin to how adding ghee enhances food. Dharma becomes complete through Bhav.
   • Discusses the difficulty of practicing these virtues in the Kali Yuga, where beings are engrossed in worldly activities.
   • Highlights the story of Chandrodar, who achieved rapid spiritual progress through Bhavana (meditation/devotion). The chapter also delves into the significance of the Panch Parmeshthi mantra, its method of worship, and its practical application. It further narrates the story of King Chandrodar and the teachings he received on cultivating inner spiritual qualities.
   • The chapter then details King Padmasen's journey, starting with his acceptance of limited vows (Deshavirati) and later progressing to taking full initiation (Diksha). His devotion is shown through building grand temples, commissioning golden idols, writing philosophical texts, protecting innocent beings, serving ascetics, and practicing the twelve Bhavanas. His story culminates in his attainment of liberation.

4. Chapter 4: Vimalnath Prabhu's Birth, Initiation, and Kevalgyan (Omniscience):

   • This chapter narrates the celestial transference (Chyavan), birth, initiation, and attainment of Kevalgyan of Lord Vimalnath.
   1. Chyavan and Birth: The soul of Padmasen Muni, after enjoying celestial pleasures, descends from the Sahasrar heaven to the womb of Queen Shyama, wife of King Kritavarma of Kampilya city, possessing Samyak Darshan (right faith). Queen Shyama experiences fourteen auspicious dreams, interpreted by Indra, foretelling the Tirthankara's birth. Vimalnath is born on the twelfth day of Vaishakh month.
   2. Nurturing and Education: The divine cradle ceremony is performed by celestial beings. Vimalnath grows up, receives royal coronation from his father Kritavarma, who then takes initiation. Vimalnath rules the kingdom for thirty lakh years, has a son named Arimardan, and eventually decides to renounce the world.
   3. Initiation: On the fourth day of Magh month, Vimalnath performs the Varrshidaan (charity for a year), donating vast wealth. He then bathes, is adorned with divine attire, mounts a divine palanquin named Devadatta, and proceeds to the Sahasramra forest. Under the Ashoka tree, he renounces all possessions, performs a five-time fist hair plucking (Panchamushti Loh) and takes initiation, immediately attaining fourth-level knowledge (Manahparyav Gyaan).
   4. Kevalgyan: After two years of wandering and austerity, Lord Vimalnath attains Kevalgyan (omniscience) on the sixth day of Shukla Paksha in Magh month, under the Uttarabhadrapada Nakshatra. Indra and other celestial beings erect a Samavasaran (divine assembly hall) for his sermons.
   • Ghanadhara stories: The chapter includes intertwined stories of other significant figures, like the King Nandisumitra of Anandpuri, Baldev, Balaram, and Vimalnath's past lives, particularly focusing on the lives of Dhanmitra Muni and Bali Raja, and their journeys through karma and eventual liberation. It also narrates the story of the Varna Seth's sons and their entanglement with attachment and aversion.
   • Lessons from stories: The stories highlight the consequences of attachment, aversion, and the path to spiritual progress through detachment and right conduct.

5. Chapter 5: Vimalnath Prabhu's Sermons, His Congregation, Liberation, and Family:

   • Details the sermons (Deshna) of Lord Vimalnath after attaining Kevalgyan, covering the importance of the twelve vows for lay followers (Shravaka), their spiritual benefits, and the process of attaining salvation.
   • The Twelve Vows: The chapter meticulously explains each of the twelve vows, starting with the five main vows (Anuvratas) – Ahimsa (non-violence), Satya (truthfulness), Asteya (non-stealing), Brahmacharya (celibacy/continence), and Aparigraha (non-possession/non-attachment). It then discusses the three supplementary vows (Gunavratas) – Digvirati (restraint of directions), Bhogopbhogavirati (restraint of usage), and Anarthdandvirati (abstinence from pointless activities). Finally, it covers the four training vows (Shikshavratas) – Samayik (equanimity for a period), Deshavakashik (limited spatial restraint), Paushadh (fasting/observance on specific days), and Atithi Samvibhag (offering to guests). Each vow is illustrated with relevant stories and examples.
   • Gundhar Deshna: The discourse by Gandhar (chief disciples) is also presented.
   • Moksha Gaman: The chapter describes the Tirthankara's ultimate liberation (Moksha). Lord Vimalnath, after a lifespan of sixty lakh years (including childhood, asceticism, and kingship), attains Nirvana at Samet Shikhar mountain along with six thousand ascetics.
   • Family and Successors: Information about his immediate family and the spiritual lineage (Ganadhar) is provided.

Key Literary and Philosophical Aspects:

• Kathanuyog (Narrative Approach): The book primarily uses Kathanuyog, a narrative style, to convey spiritual teachings. The stories are designed to be engaging and easily understandable, especially for children and beginners in spiritual learning.
• Allegorical Narratives: The stories often serve as allegories, with characters and events representing spiritual concepts. For instance, the characters in Subuddhi's story and the descriptions of the four princes in Chandrodar's narrative have deeper philosophical meanings.
• Emphasis on Bhav: The text consistently returns to the theme of Bhav (inner disposition) as the crucial element that makes rituals and external actions truly effective in spiritual progress.
• Role of Guru: The importance of a Guru (spiritual teacher) is repeatedly highlighted, as seen in King Padmasen's quest and the guidance provided by Acharya Brahmagupta and others.
• Moral Guidance: The book provides practical moral guidance through its narratives, teaching about the virtues of charity, chastity, austerity, contentment, truthfulness, and non-violence.
• Influence of Preceptors: The text acknowledges the contributions of previous acharyas and their Sanskrit and Prakrit works, aiming to make these teachings accessible in a simpler Gujarati language.
• Sponsorship: The publication is supported by Seth Amarchand Harjivandas, a devout follower, highlighting the communal effort in disseminating religious knowledge.

In essence, the "Vimalnath Prabhu Charitra" is a rich tapestry of stories, moral teachings, and cosmological insights from Jainism, presented in an accessible narrative format to inspire readers towards a virtuous life and spiritual liberation.