Kundakunda Acharya and Jain Philosophy

SR No.: 007643
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Jayantilal Jain
Publisher: Research Foundation for Jainology Chennai
Publication Year: 1997
Total Pages: 66
Language: English
Classification: Book_English
File Size: 3 MB

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One day, Padmanandi had a keen desire to know the facts about Agam scriptures. Only Tirthankara Seemandhar of Mahavideha could tell this. But it was not possible for him to go there at that time. By a strange coincidence of events, Tirthankara Seemandhar, although millions of miles away, said, "May the Dharma prosper". Chakravarti of Mahavideh asked God," who could do that and who is the noblest ascetic in Bharat region?" The reply was, "Acharya Kundakunda is the excellent ascetic there". When this was going on, two heavenly Devas heard this and desired to see such a great ascetic, Padmanandi. The two left for Bharat region. People who have gathered there to know the teachings of Kundakunda Acharya, saw two human bodies coming down from the sky. On arrival on earth, the two Devas praised ascetic Kundakunda Acharya and gave their introduction. They asked, "have you no desire to have a glimpse of Tirthankara Dev?" He replied, "why this weakness is still there?". They asked, "then why do you not accompany us?". Then Kundakunda Acharya accompanied them and went to Mahavideh and had a direct glimpse of Seemandhar and gathering of noble souls known as Samosharan. People in the gathering were surprised at a strange visitor. He was a tiny human being of less than six feet compared to the giant sized human beings of hundreds of feet in Videha. There people asked, "Who is he?" Then he was introduced as the great ascetic, Kundakunda Acharya of Bharat Region. Kundakunda Acharya stayed there for eight days and gained subtle knowledge of Jinvanee. Then he came back to Bharat Region.
The earth on which we live, known as Bharat Kshetra, is a part of larger island called "Jambu Dweep". The Jambu Dweep has Videha Kshetra where Thirthankaras are present at all times. These are other two islands as well in the middle part of the Universe where Videha Kshetras are there. So Thirthankaras are always present in these middle part of the Universe and the latter are never devoid of them. Seemandhar is one of the names of Thirthankaras. Thus, the continuity of Jain Philosophy and the path to Mokshya in the middle part of the Universe is always ensured. Heavenly beings and human beings quite often go to Videha to pray and attain enlightenment in the august presence of Thirthankaras. There are exceptional cases when sages like Kundakunda Acharya could also visit Videha Kshetra from Bharat Kshetra and bring with them the preachings of Thirthankara, thus reinforcing formidable faith in Mokshya and its path.
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