Acharya Bhadrabahu Diwakar Chitrakatha 053

Author(s): Jinottamsuri, Shreechand Surana
Publisher: Mahavir Seva Trust Mumbai
Catalog link: https://jainqq.org/explore/006651/1

Page #1

DIWAKAR CHITRA
KATHA
Vol. 53 Rs. 25.00
SHRUT-KEVALI
ACHARYA BHADRABAHU
11
Illustration: Emperor Chandragupta asks the meaning of his strange dreams from Acharya Bhadrabahu.

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ACHARYA BHADRABAHU
Jain tradition has seen six Shrut-kevalis after Jambu Swami, the last omniscient. Shrutkevali is one who is not an omniscient; but he is almost equal to an omniscient in knowledge because he has complete and profound knowledge of all the scriptures. Acharya Bhadrabahu was the fifth in the line of Shrut-kevalis who had complete knowledge of fourteen Purvas (the subtle canon).
SHRUT-KEVALI
Acharya Bhadrabahu's personality was very forceful and radiant. He occupies a place of great respect in both Shvetambar and Digambar traditions. He went into the mountain ranges in Nepal and practiced the Mahapran Dhyan, a higher spiritual practice of yoga. During his time the Nanda family ruled in Magadh.
He was born in Pratishthanapur in southern India in the 94th year of Bhagavan Mahavir's nirvana (376 before the Vikram era or 433 BC). When he was 45 years old he was initiated as a Jain ascetic by Acharya Yashobhadra Suri in 331 BV (388 BC). He left his earthly body in 170 ANM (300 BV or 357 BC).
Acharya Yashobhadra had two chief disciples who had complete knowledge of the Purvas -- Acharya Sambhoot Vijaya and Acharya Bhadrabahu. Arya Sthulabhadra was the disciple of Acharya Sambhoot Vijaya. Acharya Bhadrabahu became the chief of the order after the death of Acharya Sambhoot Vijaya in 314 BV (371 BC). Five hundred ascetics including Sthulabhadra started study of Purvas under Acharya Bhadrabahu but Sthulabhadra alone could acquire the knowledge of the text and meaning of only ten out of the fourteen Purvas.
In Jain tradition there have been numerous acharyas bearing the name Bhadrabahu. There has been a confusing mixing up of the incidents from their lives. Many sources have many varying stories. According to the traditional stories Shrut-kevali Acharya Bhadrabahu and Varahamihir were brothers. But there is a gap of some centuries in the periodicity of Acharya Bhadrabahu and Varahamihir, the author of Varah Samhita. The source of this confusion appears to be the similarity of names. However, based on the popular oral tradition this incident has been mentioned in the Doghatti Tika of Upadesh Mala by Shri Ratnaprabh Suri (1238 V or 1181 AD). This book is based on that story.
Acharyashri Vijaya Jinottam Surishvar ji, the chief disciple of Acharyashri Vijaya Sushil Surishvar ji, has taken the trouble of writing this story. We once again express our gratitude. -Srichand Surana 'Saras
Editor: Srichand Surana 'Saras'
Written by:
Acharya Shrimad Vijaya Jinottam Surishvarji M. S. Managing Editors:
Dr. Mansukhbhai Jain, Sanjay Surana

PUBLISHERS
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SHRUT-KEVALI
It was 125 years past Bhagavan Mahavir's nirvana.
Two scholarly Brahmin brothers lived in ACHARYA BHADRABAHU
Pratishthanapur. One day Bhadrabahu, the elder, was studying a scripture and Varahamihir was writing. Two young men from the city camel and greeted them
ZZAZVALADA
ZA ZAVAZ
AWALA
VA VYVAV VAVAVAWA AVAVAWA
AVV
Our respects to Mahapundit Bhadrabahu.
SUV
Welcome, son ! Where do you come from? AU
Arya ! The city has a festive look today. Thousands of well dressed men and women are going towards the
garden.
Arya ! I have heard that some Acharya of Nirgranth Shramans [Jain ascetics] has come in the garden with his disciples
Yes, Arya !! have also heard that the Acharya is
a great scholar and impressive person. The king of Pratishthanapur is also going there to pay homage
Why? Is there some
special ceremony ?

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Varahamihir
Brother! Who is a Chaturdash Purvadhar?
As in our Vedic religion there is a course of fourteen subjects, in
the Nirgranth tradition there is the knowledge of fourteen Purvas. A scholar
of these has knowledge of past, future,
divining, and all.
Arya ! His name
is Yashobhadra Suri. It is said that he is Chaturdash
Purvadhar."
What is the name of the Acharya ?
In the garden Acharya Yashobhadra Suri was sitting on a grand pedestal under a huge Ashoka tree and giving his discourse
Scholars indulging in sinful activities like violence cannot avoid a bad end even through all their knowledge of many subjects and languages. A person indulging in violence may consider himself to be a scholar but, in fact, he is an ignorant.
Then this Acharya must be a great
scholar ? Shouldn't we meet him ?
Of course! Meeting scholars
increases one's knowledge. Come, we go to meet
him today.
Both the scholars left for the garden with their students.
# न चित्ता तायए भासा कुओ विज्जाणुसासण। विसन्ना पावकम्मेहिं बाला पंडियमाणिणो ।
# Scholar of fourteen Purvas or subtle canon.

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Son ! Don't presume
so. Let's meet him. Brother ! Are
There is a chance his comments that we may defeat directed at us? It him in a debate. Then
we will have whole appears that he
Pratishthanapur is taunting our under the influence scholarship of our wisdom.
At the end of the discourse the two great pundits approached Acharyashri and saluted
Bhadrabahu, the I am the great son of Brahmin Soma Astrologer Varahamihir of Pratishthanapur,
the younger brother of convey my reverence
Mahapundit Bhadra
bahu. Please accept to you.
my salutation.
INVE
VA
VE
ASS
LA
.
Acharyashri
Scholar Bhadrabahu ! I am pleased to meet great
scholars like you.
O sage ! Did you taunt at our abilities by reciting the verse
'Na chitta tayayebhasa'?
Gentleman ! Why do you think so ?
A Jain Shraman never taunts anybody. To taunt wisdom or
a wise is a great sin.
It appears that he knows everything about us.
Why not, we are famous throughout the south for our knowledge.

www.
ale

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Then for what purpose did you recite that verse ?
Wise Bhadrabahu !
These are the words of Mahavir, the Omniscient, the Detached
and the Supreme Soul. The words of the Detac hed convey eternal
truth only
Would you kindly elaborate this verse and explain the purpose ?
Why not! I would be pleased to explain the meaning of dharma
to scholars like you. Please sit comfortably
and listen attentively.
VOS
Low
Explaining the text of Agam". Acharyashri said
It is good to acquire knowledge but knowledge alone cannot
lead to spiritual wellbeing. When knowledge turns into action then
only it leads to
spiritual beatitude. For example
A bird a chariot
cannot fly cannot move
with just with a single
one wing. wheel
In the same way isolated practice of either knowledge or action can never lead to salvation of soul from miseries
# Bhagavan Mahavir's sermon. Jain Education international
For Private 84 ersonal Use Only

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Bhadrabah
Acharyavar! Till now we tried to acquire knowledge alone. What is the path) of conduct? Please explain us.
A
Stating many examples. Acharyashri explained the secrets of Bhagavan Mahavir's path of right knowledge and right conduct to the two scholars. Bhadrabahu was convinced
Acharyavar! Today
you have opened my inner eyes. The spiritual insight that I could not acquire even after twelve years of studies, you have given me in two seconds. I am gratified,

A blind man can walk but cannot see 34 the path. A crippled person can see the path but cannot walk. When they join hands they can reach their goal.
In the same way, Bhagavan has said, salvation can be attained only when knowledge and action are combined.
Son! Your name is Bhadra (gentle). You should be gentle by heart and action as well. Enlighten the self and others with the lamp of knowledge lighted just now. You are destined to greatly increase the influence of Jain order.
For Private Personal Use Only
Gurudev ! Please make me your
disciple.
1035
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Then he turned towards his younger brother
Brother! I will get initiated right now. Please return home to our family. Bon voyage!
Acharya Yashobhadra Suri formally initiated the two scholars to be Shramans.
Each day ascetic Bhadrabahu devoted many hours to studies and meditation.
Brother Would
you deprive me of the good food you have got? No! I will follow you steps.

As you
wish.
With the intensity of his meditation his intellect became so purified that he soon acquired the profound knowledge of the fourteen Purvas and became a Shrut-kevali.
Land
6

2674

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Acharya Yashobhadra Suri was sick due to old age. Realizing that his end was near, Acharya Yashobhadra Suri one day called the four-limbed Sangh and said
Varahamihir was an egotist hungry of worship and rituals. He started showing miracles to people after studying scriptures like Chandra Prajnapti, Surya Prajnapti, and Ashtanga Nimitt.
Go eight miles O sage! to the east of this Please tell me I place and dig the how to acquire roots of a Kadamb wealth. tree there. You
will get wealth प्रेत बाट
Among my disciples ascetic Sambhoot Vijaya and Bhadrabahu are two eyes of the Sangh. They both are Chaturdash Purvadhar. I make the two of
them my successors.
Fiat,
One householder said
Ascetic Varahamihir is also a scholar
of many subjects. Yes. But he
considers his little knowledge
to be as vast as an ocean
Giving an example Acharyashri explained there attitude Bhadrabahu is
Varahamihir like a great fish that is like a small moves calmly and fish with a rapid smoothly even in the and swift movevast water body of Ament in handful an ocean.
of water.
S.
750.00

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Acharyashri's frank opinion irritated Varahamihir. He raised his eyebrows. He got up and went to an isolated corner.
After the death of Acharya Yashobhadra Suri the Sangh ceremoniously installed Sambhoot Vijaya and Bhadrabahu on the position of Acharya
Hail Acharya Bhadrabahu!
Hail Acharya Sambhoot Vijaya
16
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Such insult ! I will see them all.
a
o
When Bhadrabahu became Acharya, the ego of Varahamihir turned into animosity. He addressed the SanghOur Guru has
Guru is like shown partiality. In
God. One who scholarship I am no less
slanders him than Bhadrabahu. I am goes to hell. You also qualified to be should be patient
an Acharya and reasonable.
But conceited Varahamihir left the Sangh and started influencing masses with his knowledge of astrology, mantra, tantra, etc. Many rich and influential people became his devotees. He announced before his devotees
I have spent twelve years in the orbit of the sun. The sun god himself has taught me astrology. My
prediction are never wrong.
SOS

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He wrote a book on astrology and went to the king's assembly
Please work for the
well-being of people My this book,
with the help of all your Varaha Samhita,
knowledge. I give you contains the knowl
the prestigious post edge given to me by
of the State Priest the sun god.
On getting the post of the State Priest, Varahamihir was in the seventh heaven. Now he moved about in the palanquin provided by the state. Four staff-bearers accompanied. Ahead moved bards singing in his praise. Innocent people offered him gifts.
Hail State Priest
Varahamihir!
Joyous king asked Varahamihir about the future of the child
After some time Acharya Bhadrabahu arrived in the garden of Pratishthanapur. The king came to pay homage to Acharyashri with his family and Varahamihir. Just then a person came and congratulated the king
O priest! Tell me about the future of the child ? How long
will he live?
Congratulations,
sire ! The queen has just now given
birth to a son.
BR
CHAVE

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The king also requested Acharyaar
Tam lucky to have an omniscient-disciple Shrutkevali as well as great astrologer Mahapundit Varahamihir before me. I request both of you to
answer my questions. man
TAcharyashri remained silent. Impulsive Varahamihir said at once
This newborn child will live hundred years. He will be more intelligent famous and valourous
than you.
Aura
C
The king now turned towards Acharyashri
At these words Varahamihir was irritated with hurt ego
Bhagavan ! Why
an omniscientdisciple like you
is silent?
King ! Bitter truth is painful. One who listens to it gets sad. Therefore it is better
to remain silent.
Tell me, what is so bitter about it? Is my predic
tion wrong?
On repeated requests from the king Acharyashri
Varahamihir was red with anger
Listen, O king! The truth is that this newborn has a very short life. On the seventh day from now he will die
because of a cat. STE
This is a white lie. My knowledge
of astrology can never go
wrong.
We will know of the truth just in
seven days.
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On the advise of Varahamihir, the king appointed guards all around the delivery-room
XSTE
Take all care day and night. Stock all food and water. The deliveryroom will remain closed for seven days.
At nightfall Varahamihir was checking each gate by hammering in the middle.

All of a sudden the inner door-bolt of a door broke
and fell on the newborn's head.
Yes! It is strong and perfectly closed.
Oh! What is this?
Then on one of the gates Varahamihir himself stood guard with a drawn sword. Six days passed.
Today is the seventh day. Everyone should be alert. Not even a bird should enter the delivery-room.
The child uttered a weak shriek and died.
Oh! The door-bolt fell on his head.
11

Oh! What
has happened to my darling
child.
28

Page #14

The king rushed as soon as he got the news. On seeing the dead child he said
What great sage Bhadrabahu had told
Just then a maid said
has come true but what about the cat?
Look here, sire! On the edge of this door-bolt is engraved the face of a cat. The child died when this. bolt fell on him.
doooo

www.
MAIN
The king rushed to Acharya Bhadrabahu
102
All what Acharyashri had told turned out to be true.
Bhagavan! You are, indeed, like an omniscient. What you predicted has come true verbatim.
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12
But, Bhagavan! Why the prediction of a great astrologer like Varahamihir
went wrong ?

Bin 20
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He has gone against his guru and religion. That is why his knowledge is incomplete and misdirected.

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The king requested
Next day when Varahamihir was on the street people started taunting him
Bhagavan ! I was foolishly caught in his vainglory. Please show me the path of true religion.
What sort of pundit is this who cannot predict the future of even a kid. How would he tell our future ?
Brother! He is a mere fraud. He called himself to be the son of the sun-god. Today he non
is an open book.
The pious company of Acharyashiri the king into a devotee.
When he reached the court, the king also insulted him
Varahamihir ! considered you to be gold but you have proved to be a scrap of iron. Now never show
your face to me.
Oh ! Misfortune has befallen me. The knowledge
and prestige 1 acquired in years has turned to dust today
Saddened by this, Varahamihir straightway went into the forest. Dressed as a Parivrajak mendicant, he wandered around without food and water. I cannot
One day he died in the jungle and
reincarnated as a Vaan-vyantar even show my interstitial) god. With his perverse face to any- mental power he sawbody now.
Oh ! My brother Bhadrabahu is the cause of all • my misery. I will
take revenge.
1000000
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Driven by the vengeance, the evil god He would convert food and water started showering stones and fire on in the bowls of alms-seeker ascetJain buildings
sics into meat and blood
Sometimes he would set fire to the dresses of female ascetics
va
He spread epidemic in the city. Youth and children started dying.
There was hue and cry all around and thousands of people were terror stricken
Oh ! From where this affliction has
come.
The disturbed Sangh came to Acharyashri and requestedBhagavan ! The Jain order reels under a great torment. Please
save us from it.
Bhadrabahu, the epitome of knowledge, meditated. He saw evil god Varahamihir laughing loudly in the sky
Ha ! Ha ! You got me insulted. Now I will destroy
you all.

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Acharyashri concluded his meditation and called the whole Sangh. He said
The source of this affliction is Vyantar Dev
Varahamihir. To protect everyone I have composed
a mantra-loaded Stotra (panegyric) based on the mantra-science of Purvas. Every one should listen
to me calmly
Uvasaggaharam pasam pasam vandam
kammaghan-mukkam. Visahar visaninnasam mangal kallan
cavasam."
After the recital Acharyashri sprinkled the mantraloaded water on the audience.
This way everyone experienced the miracle of the mantra. Acharyashri instructed
Hey! My fever has gone.
Every one should observe Ayambil Tap for three days and should collectively recite this stotra every morning.
My pain is gone.
# I bow to Parshva, the remover of afflictions, to get liberated from intense karmas. Parshva, who is remover.
and destroyer of poison, who is the abode of well-being and beatitude. -- Uvasaggahara Stotra. th Eating once in a day food cooked or baked with a single ingredient even without any salt or other
condiments.

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Thousands of people sitting in upashraya Frecited the stotra.
Uvasaggaharam pasam
pasam vandami.....
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After three days people informed
оооооо
Gurudev ! Nothing untoward has happened for last three days. It appears that the
affliction is pacified.
# Since that day the practice of reciting this miraculous stotra started. Wherever there was any affliction or disturbance, it was pacified on reciting this stotra.-Doghatti Tika of Gachhachar Painna.
16

Page #19

One day Acharyashri called his disciples and
said
I want to do the
Mahapran Dhyan practice.
Gurudev! How much time is required for this meditational practice?
He himself left for Nepal with a few chosen disciples.

na
Mother! give some bread. Sir! give some thing to eat.
It requires twelve years. I will do practice in the hills in Nepal. Some ascetics will go with me and the remaining members of the Sangh will continue to move around in eastern and southern India.
17

Eve
After this, eastern India saw a terrible drought. Food and water became scarce. Thousands of beggars filled streets begging around door to door
Acharyashri gave the responsibility of the Sangh to an able disciple.

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Rich people ate food behind closed doors. The guards on their gates would disperse beggars by hitting with batons.
Go away. Move We will
from here need protection against these
beggars.
Kill us but give us a bread.
Two ascetics approached their guru
Gurudev ! Even after seeking for three hours we did not get
proper alms.
At some house there is a crowd of beggars. At others gates are closed. People eat stealthily inside their
own houses.
Two other ascetics came
Gurudev ! We could collect just a fistful of grains from
grains from the whole city.
Gurudev ! What should we do during such difficult times. We could not put even a grain in the stomach. We did not
get even water to drink. We are dying of hunger and thirst,
Son ! Stick to your codes and vows without caring for life. We are sure to abandon this body one day, see that we don't abandon religion

Page #21

Many aged and scholarly ascetics came and requested
Gurudev! We want to accept the ultimate vow
Gurudev! We want to accept the vow of santhara.
Soon hundreds of senior ascetics died.
During this terrible drought hundreds of senior ascetic scholars of scriptures have died. The
tradition of the fourteen Purvas given by Bhagavan Mahavir is in shambles.

A group of Shramans came to Acharyashri
Gurudev Should we migrate to south India, which is free of drought ?
It rained after twelve years and the land became green once more. Alms were easily available to Shramans. The scattered ascetic organization once again collected in Pataliputra. The ascetics. deliberated
Yes! You may go there.
Hundreds of ascetics migrated to distant states.
19

snt

Page #22

Some aged Shramans said
The guru instructed some ascetics
You all go and on behalf of the Sangh request Acharyashri to come here and teach the ascetics.
But he is busy with his Mahapran
Dhyan in Nepal. Who will teach
us the Purvas?
We are left with only one Chaturdash Purvadhar, Acharya
Bhadrabahu.
We five Shramans will go to Nepal.
Those ascetics left for Nepal.
The ascetics reached there and paid homage to Acharyashri and informed his disciples
Then one of the disciples got up and pressed Acharyashri's right toe to make him conclude his meditation.
The Sangh has send us to Acharyashri with a request. Thousands of ascetics have died during the drought. There is not a single Chaturdash Purvadhar left. How can we save the tradition/
of Shrut Jnana ?*
Acharyashri opened his
Weyes
Gurudev ! Representatives of the Sangh have come
from Pataliputra:
I will inform gurudev about
your visit.
# The knowledge given by Bhagavan Mahavir.
20
Jain Education Internatiogal

Page #23

Acharyashri asked
Now it is in your hands to save the
dwindling, tradition of Shrut Jnana
Son ! Has the Sangh suffered some grave affliction 24
Weding
But I have retired to my spiritual uplift. I have no concern for any other activity.
When Acharya Bhagrabahu declined, the ascetics returned to maputra. Getting further instructor Trom the Sangh they went back to Acharya Bhadrabahu.

Gurudev! The Sangh has sent us to you with a request.
After some deliberation Acharyashri said
What you say is true. I will impart knowledge of Shrut Jnana to deserving disciples but at the same time I will not disturb my practices.
4.
Gurudev! This is a request from the Sangh. To reject Sangh's request amounts to insulting the Sangh. You are well aware of the penance prescribed for the person who insults the Sangh.
An elderly Shraman conveyed the disciplinary messagerom
the Sangh
21
Gurudev Hundreds of scholarly senior ascetics have died
in the twelve year drought,

360
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These ascetics are telling the truth. Defying the order of the Sangh amounts to defying Jinendra Bhagavan. If the Shrut Jnana becomes extinct it will cause great harm to the Jain order,
S

Page #24

Acharyashri added
With Acharyashri's message the Shramans returned to Pataliputra. The Sangh sent 500 able disciples lead by Sthulabhadra to Nepal for learning Drishtivad Shrut."
You may send deserving Sascetics here.
Crossing difficult hilly terrain the group reached Nepal. The intelligent ascetics including Sthulabhadra commenced taking lessons of Drishtivad. Every day Acharyashri gave seven lessons. As the subject was very tough some Shramans lost patience
So much time has passed since
Let's return. lwe started learning with This learning of rigorous penance and
Shrut is beyond discipline. But we have gained nothing.
US
One after another 499 ascetics left. Only Sthulabhadra took the lessons without a break. One day ascetic Sthulabhadra asked Acharyashri
Gurudev! How much of the Drishtivad I have
learnt during the past eight years ?
# The twelfth Anga that contains the fourteen Purvas. 22

Page #25

Acharya Bhadrabahu smiled at these words
Son ! You have just got a drop out of the endless ocean
of knowledge.
Sthulabhadra was disappointed
Gurudev ! How
will I be able to acquire this unlimited knowledge during my
short life span ?
Son ! Don't worry. As soon a my special practice is over I will speed up the process
of teaching
By the time the Acharyashri's meditational mission was accomplished. Sthulabhadra had gained the knowledge of ten Purvas. Acharyashri said
Son ! Now we will go to Pataliputra and meet the Sangh. Your lessons will continue there.
As you
say, Gurudev
Thousands of ascetics and the Sangh warmly welcomed Acharyashri. Seven ascetic sisters of Sthulabhadra, including Daksha, paid homage to Acharyashri and asked
He is studying Gurudev ! and meditating in Where is our
a cave outside elder brother
the city. Sthulabhadra ?
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Page #26

The sadhvis went outside the garden to the opening of the cave
Hey! There
is a lion sitting here.
Brother!
When we came earlier you were not here. A lion was sitting.
The sadhvis once again rushed to the cave. Ascetic Sthulabhadra was engrossed in his studies.
125-25
It appears that something untoward has happened. Let's go and inform Acharyashri.
Mon

It was me. I had done all
that to give you a surprise.
The sadhvis returned after some time.
The nervous sadhvis came to Acharyashri with the news. He meditated for two minutes and said
[明]]
That is your brother not a lion, Go and pay homage to him.
24.

DA
In the evening ascetic Sthulabhadra came to Acharyashri. The guru said in harsh tone
Son! Pride of knowledge blocks progress. You acquired knowledge but could not digest it.

Page #27

Understanding Acharyashri's indication, Sthula- bhadra sought forgiveness. Acharvas said
Son ! It is better to let knowledge become Gurudev ! extinct rather than to give it have committed to the non-deserving. I feel an unpardonable that you don't deserve more mistake. I will do
than what you have whatever penance already acquired.
you prescribe. But please don't stop teaching
me.
Other senior ascetics and citizens requested
Gurudev ! At present only ascetic Sthulabhadra. has the ability to acquire the knowledge of Purvas. If you don't teach him, this vast store of knowledge will
be extinct.
KAYBA
On repeated requests from the Sangh, Acharya shri said
This is how Acharya Bhadrabahu imparted the knowledge of fourteen Purvas (the text and the meaning of Ten purvas and only the text of four Purvas) to Arya Sthulabhadra.
I have respect for Sangh's feelings. Although unwillingly, I will give only the text of the remaining
four Purvas.
25

Page #28

It was during this period that Maurya empire came into power in India. Chandragupta Maurya had destroyed the Nanda clan with the help of Chanakya and ascended the throne of Magadh @ge dan Chanakya got a news
Chaturdash
Purvadhar Acharya Bhadrabahu has come to Pataliputra. With him is his disciple
Arya Sthula- o a bhadra. S1000 manat
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On getting the news, minister O king ! Arya Chanakya said
Sthulabhadra is my childhood friend. While paying homage to the guru we will also meet
my friend.
Prime minister ! You have stolen my words. For many days I have been worried about my strange dreams. Today I will ask about their significance from the great sage Acharya Bhadrabahuand remove my doubts:
000db
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Go
SOCARE
Paco0000000
Next day Chanakya and Chandragupta went to the garden. After paying homage to Acharyashri they sat down to listen to the discourse. When the discourse ended, the king joined his palms and said,
Gurudev ! Some days King ! State your back I saw sixteen strange dreams in detail. dreams. I have doubts in my mind about them. Please help
me resolve those doubts.
2012
WAVAAN
26

Page #29

Meaning o the crean
Chandragupta started telling his sixteen dreams one by one- Gurudev ! In my
first dream I saw that a branch of the Kalp-vriksha has broken and fallen on the ground.
King ! Your dreams indicate the future. In future no king will get initiated
as an ascetic.
In my second dream I saw that the sun has set in the afternoon and/ darkness has spread
all around.
King ! Now the sun of omniscience has set. No one born
in this Kalikaal will become omniscient.
The light of knowledge will gradually
fade.
53
nonnen an
mudelim
Third dream.
Meaning.
In the third dream I saw
so many holes in the moon that it looked like a sieve.
There will be so many holes of schools, sects, and sub-sects in this moon of religion
that it will lose its LEAVE glow of piety,
1222241U22292

27

Page #30

Fourth dream.
In the fourth dream I saw ghosts dancing
in the sky and people enjoying there perfor
mance.
People will loose faith in true deities and gurus. Devotion
for and worship of false gods and gurus
will be more
popular.
Gurudev ! In the fifth dream1 saw that a serpent with twelve hoods is hissing and terrori
zing people.
In near future there will be a terrible drought Wale lasting twelve years and
the masses will be
awestruck.
IN
In the sixth dream I saw a beautiful celestial
vehicle coming towards the earth
but it returned before landing.
In future the coming of gods, Vidyadhars, and airborne ascetics
will stop.
In the seventh dream I saw a beautiful lotus blooming on a heap of
trash.
In future the lotus of religion will bloom in lower castes also and not just higher castes.
AD
28

Page #31

10000
Maring
AMAZ
In the eighth dream I saw complete darkness all around. The only light is of a few scattered glow-worms.
In the darkness of ostentation and false rituals there will be occasional glow-worm-like light of true religion.

The tenth dream was very strange. A dog is eating in a golden plate.
O king! Its meaning is clear. Now flatterers and thieves will have more wealth. Upright people will have Kos less wealth.
In the ninth dream I saw that except for the south, the vast ocean has dried all around.
The ocean of religion will start getting dry in east, west and north. Influence of religion will prevail only in the south.
Clarifying further, Acharyashri said
Influence
of religion
will dwindle
Eleventh dream.
29

in the places of auspicious events of Tirthankars,
Gurudev ! I saw that a monkey is jumping on the back of the divine elephant Airavat.
In future lower caste and fickle minded people will rule the state. They will willfully play around with the elephant of political power.

Page #32

Fourteenth I dream.
dream.
Twelfth dream. The sea is cross
ing its limits. Its water splashes beyond its
limit.
This dream is also very strange. A huge chariot is being driven by tiny
calves.
There is a
heap of a variety of gems but its glow is
very dull
X
In future son, disciple, servant will break their discipline and insult parents, guru and master. They will act willfully and not obey
orders.
In future the influence of
sacrifice, good conduct and King ! This means Vlother virtues will diminish. The that the huge chariot glow of virtues like love and/ of knowledge will be he tolerance will fade. drawn by children.
4
Fifteenth dream.
Sixteenth dream.
A handsome prince is riding
a buffalo instead of a horse.
Gurudev ! I saw that black elephants are coming in an arena to fight. But they return
without fighting.
In future even religious and upright persons will resort to wrong doings and hollow rituals. They will embrace immorality instead of morality.
O king ! The weather cycles will also get disturbed in the future. In monsoon season black clouds will
approach but scatter without any rain. In other words it will not rain when
needed but will rain when not needed.
30

Page #33

On hearing about the meaning of his dreams Chandragupta started thinking about the future conditions of life. This gave rise to feelings of detachment. He said to Acharyashri
Gurudev ! The predictions you have made on the basis of my dreams indicate that the future will be very complex, awful and LNB
tormenting. Ya, au TV Yes, O king ! You
have understood
correctly.
Gurudev ! | want to attain spiritual bliss as soon as possible. Please tell me what to do.
O king ! Renounce the mundane pleasures and pursue the religious path. Only religion will lead to ultimate bliss and spiritual peace.
Chandragupta accepted Acharyashri's advise. He handed over his empire to his son Bindusaar and started spirit
editor
Namo Arihantanam..... Namo...
RUUD
ONLY

Page #34

One day Acharya Bhadrabahu invited the whole Sangh and said
After me the responsibility of directing the religious order rests with ascetic Sthulabhadra.
My end is near In your presence I want to accept the ultimate vow and abandon my
earthly body.
DAGEN
O
In presence of the Sangh Acharyashri commenced his meditation and critical introspection. After some time he abandoned his earthly body.
FORES
Alas! The sun of knowledge has set.
YA112
THE END
32
# His period - 94 to 170 ANM (433-357 BC).

Page #35

DRAN SIRETTOT, णमो सिद्धाणं, णमो आयरियाणं,
णमो उवज्झायाणं,
णमो लोए सव्व साहूणं ।
एसो पंच णमोक्कारो, सव्व पाव-प्पणासणी मंगलाणं च सव्वेसिं, पढमं हवइ मंगलं
THE NAMOKARA MAHAMANTRA
Jains throughout the world chant this great incantation (mantra) with full faith and belief. Through this mantra one invokes pure soul, not any individual. It has five lines, meaning:
I bow before the Arihantas. (Paying homage I convey my venerations to the conquerors of Karmas.)
I bow before the Siddhas. (Paying homage I convey my venerations to the perfected and liberated souls.)
I bow before the Acaryas. (Paying homage I convey my venerations to the leaders of Jain order.)
I bow before Upadhyayas. (Paying homage I convey my venerations to the teachers of the scriptures.)
I bow before all the Sadhus in the world. (Paying homage I convey my venerations to all the mendicants/monks in the world.)
Sincerely done, this five-fold veneration to pure souls wipes away all sins. It is the most auspicious.
There are 35 letters in the five mantra-lines and 33 in the auxiliary lines. This 68 letter maha-mantra is an all-fulfilling, beneficent and eternally perfect mantra.
Illustration: In the illustration it is shown that this mantra is supreme in all the three worlds-the Nadir (symbolised by water), the Earth (symbolized by land) and the Zenith (symbolized by sky). It is revered by the sun, the moon, gods, demi-gods, demons, human beings and all the other beings in the universe.
The sounds inherent in the Namokara Mantra have inconceivable power. Every single letter here is a mantra in itself. When one meditates over it with pure and stable mind he becomes safe from torments, fear and evil; it protects like a shield.
it subdues the astrological mis-influences of the planets and saves from the torments caused by evil spirits and ferocious creatures. It enhances well-being, happiness and wealth.
He who practices its meditation attains heaven and liberation.
N.B. Both the pronunciations of the first letter-Namo' (H) and 'Namo'() are correct.
ucation International

Page #36
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