Jain Legend Vol 3

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"Jain Legend Vol 3: Jain Dharma k Maulika Itih sa (abridged)" is an English translation of a Hindi work by Acharya Shri Hastimal Ji Maharaj, edited by Shugan C. Jain and P.S. Surana. This volume, part of a four-volume series, focuses on the history of Jainism from Vira Nirvana (V.N.) 1000 to V.N. 1475.

Core Focus and Purpose: The series aims to present a detailed and authentic history of Jainism, preserving the original writings and scholarship of Acharya Shri Hastimal Ji Maharaj, who dedicated over twenty years to this research. The English edition maintains definitive Jain terms and uses diacritical marks for proper pronunciation and understanding.

Key Historical Period Covered (V.N. 1000 - V.N. 1475): This volume delves into a crucial and often "dark" or "forgotten" period of Jain history following the era of scriptural "general knowers." It highlights significant changes, challenges, and developments within the Jain tradition.

Major Themes and Content:

• The Era of Partial Knowledge: The period after V.N. 1000 is characterized by the decline in the complete knowledge of scriptures among Jain Acharyas, leading to a shift from original doctrines and practices.
• Emergence of Pervert Traditions: The text extensively details the rise of practices that deviated from the core tenets of Jainism. These include:
  • Temple Dwelling Monks: The origin and growth of monks residing permanently in temples, leading to a relaxation of monastic conduct. They introduced material offerings, attractive rituals, and ten significant changes to the monastic code to make life more comfortable and appealing to the common populace. This led to a stark contrast between scripture-based conduct and their practices, akin to the difference between "Hell and Heaven."
  • Bha raka Tradition: The emergence of administrator monks in both Digambara and Svetambara sects, who gradually moved away from forest dwelling and wandering, establishing fixed seats (mahas) and engaging in educational activities. This tradition, particularly in its later stages, also saw deviations from strict scriptural conduct.
  • Y pan ya Tradition: This tradition, emerging from Southern India, is described as a significant link between the Svetambara and Digambara sects. They were known for their literary contributions, popularizing practices like idol worship and allowing women to attain liberation in the same life, which set them apart from the Digambara tradition. Their influence waned after foreign invasions destroyed their major centers.
• Political and Social Context: The volume interweaves the history of Jainism with the prevailing political conditions, mentioning dynasties like the Gamga, Kadamba, R rak a, Hoyasala, and Solamk. It highlights how royal patronage influenced the direction and practices of Jainism, and conversely, how Jain Acharyas sometimes influenced political decisions and even the establishment of dynasties.
• Challenges and Decline of Pure Tradition: The text attributes the decline of the pure, spirituality-based Jain tradition to several factors:
  • Impact of the Avasarpi Era: The natural progression of the time cycle, leading to a decrease in human virtues and tolerance for hardship.
  • Influence of Other Religions: Jain monks emulated rituals and practices of Buddhism, Shaivism, and Vaishnavism to retain followers.
  • Political Patronage: Seeking royal support sometimes led to compromises on monastic ideals and even indulgence in activities prohibited by Jain doctrine.
  • Decline in Scholarly Capacity: The absence of Acharyas with complete knowledge of prior canons after Devarddhiga i Kṣamāśramaṇa created a vacuum.
  • Introduction of Materialism: The shift from spiritual contemplation to material offerings and external rituals attracted the masses and many monks.
• Notable Figures and Literary Contributions: The volume details the lives and contributions of numerous influential Acharyas, including:
  • Acharya Harila Shri: A distinguished scholar who opposed adversities non-violently and influenced key figures.
  • Acharya Bhadra Bahu II: The composer of important Niryuktis, crucial commentaries on Jain scriptures.
  • Acharya Mallavādi Shri: A formidable debater and scholar who composed influential texts like 'Naya Cakra.'
  • Acharya Samanta Bhadra: Revered by both Digambara and Svetambara traditions, known for texts like 'Yuktyānuśāsana' and 'Ratnakaraṇḍa śrāvakācāra.'
  • Acharya Akalanka: A prominent Digambara scholar who composed numerous logical and philosophical texts.
  • Acharya Hari Bhadra: A prolific writer and scholar who significantly contributed to Jain literature and revised texts like 'Mahāniśītha.'
  • Acharya Bappa Bhatti: Known for his deep spiritual understanding, poetic skills, and conversion of prominent figures, though his close association with royalty raised concerns about monastic conduct.
  • Acharya Puṣya Mitra: Credited as the last knower of the complete Bhagavatī Sūtra, whose death marked the loss of this scripture.
  • Acharya Jina Sena: Author of 'Harivamśapurāṇa' and 'Di purāṇa,' significantly contributing to Jain historical literature.
  • Acharya Guṇa Bhadra: Completed 'Mahāpurāṇa' and 'Uttarapurāṇa,' further enriching Jain scriptures.
  • Acharya Yaśobhadra: An influential Acharya of the Temple Dweller tradition, known for his mastery of mantras.
  • Acharya Dhanapala: A great poet and scholar who composed 'Tilakamañjarī' and later embraced Jainism.
  • Acharya Śrī Śacarya: A prominent poet and scholar who debated effectively and contributed to Jain prestige.
  • Acharya Vidyānandi: A prolific composer of various philosophical and devotional texts.
• Schisms and Gaccha Development: The volume traces the origin and development of various Gacchas (sects or sub-sects) like the Hārila Gaccha, Dhrmapada Gaccha, Kāraṇḍi Gaccha, Rāja Gaccha, Sāmdhara Gaccha, and Hathīmaḍa Gaccha, indicating the diversification and sometimes internal conflicts within Jainism.
• The Catastrophe in Southern India: The text details the severe persecution of Jainism in Tamil Nadu during the 7th century AD by Shaiva saints like Tiru Jñānasambandhara and Tiru Appar, leading to mass conversions and destruction of Jain centers.
• The Second All-India Catastrophe: This refers to the organized efforts of Kumārila Bhaṭṭa and Śaṅkarācārya to re-establish Vedic traditions and suppress Jainism and Buddhism.

Methodology and Approach: The authors have strived for authenticity by relying on various historical manuscripts and texts, acknowledging the challenges of reconstructing history from fragmented or "forgotten" periods. They express a commitment to presenting facts without offense to any Jain tradition.

In essence, "Jain Legend Vol 3" provides a detailed, albeit complex, historical narrative of a transformative period in Jainism, highlighting the interplay of religious practices, political events, and the scholarly efforts to preserve and understand the tradition amidst significant internal and external challenges.