Narrative Tale in Jain Literature

SR No.: 006527
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Satyaranjan Banerjee
Publisher: Asiatic Society
Publication Year: 2008
Total Pages: 162
Language: English
Classification: Book_English & Literature
File Size: 8 MB

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NARRATIVE TALE IN JAIN LITERATURE
then again reborn in hell and in the animal world. After a long time he again makes his appearance in the world as the son of a merchant, his "inner" companions now being "Dawn of Virtue" and "Avarice" Sāgara). Through the latter he acquires enormous wealth. He makes friends with a prince, and goes on a sea-voyage with him. In order to secure the riches of this prince, he wants to kill him. The sea-god, however, rescues the prince, and throws the merchant into the sea. He is cast up on shore, wanders about in a wretched condition, and finally, when he wants to bary a treasure, he is devoured by a Vetāla. More rebirths in hell and in the animal world follow. Reborn as Prince Ghanavāhana, he grows up with his cousin Akalanka. The latter becomes a pious Jaina, and through him Ghanavāhana, too, comes into contact with Sadāgama. But Mahāmoha. i.e.. "The Great Infatuation," and Parigraba, ie., "Longing-for-possession" also seek his friendship, and finally obtain complete mastery over him. Hence he becomes a violent ruler, is deposed, and perishes míserably. After many rebirths in hell and in the animal world, he is at length reborn in Sāketa as Amộtodara, and now begins Samsārijīva's ascent to higher forms of existence. He is converted to the Jaina faith, and attains to the world of gods and of men, by turns. Reborn as King Gunadhāraṇa, he is reunited with Sadāgama and Samyagdarśana (“Right Faith"); he becomes a pious layman and a good ruler, especially after he has brought home the ten virgins “Patience," “Pity," "Gentleness," "Love of Truth," "Straightness," "Honesty," "Chastity," "Liberation," "Science" and "Desirelessness” as brides. At the end of his life he becomes a monk, and is then reborn alternately as god or man. Finally, in his last incarnation Samsārijivin is the world-ruler Anusundara. Now at length the retinue of the “Great Infatuation" is powerless, and only the good qualities are his "inner" companions; he attains to the highest knowledge, and remembers his former existences. Now, in the form of the thief condemned to death, he relates his fortunes in the cycle of rebirths. Then he becomes absorbed in meditation, and rises, as a god, to the highest heaven.