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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
Jain Education International
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