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In Search of the Ultimate
(5) SELECTION FROM KALPA-SUTRA
What is the Kalpa-Sutra?
It is considered a most sacred text. Devout Jains almost worship this book. The reason is very simple, this book consists of a biography of Lord Mahavir in detail, and brief lives of the other prophets-- Tirthankaras. The book also contains a list of monks from 527 BC to approximately 500 AD and the code of conduct for Jain-monks. However, it is the life of Lord Mahavir which is a favourite among all Jains.
The original text was written by Bhadrabahu Swami, who died in the year 357 BC (the list of monks is not his work).
Nowadays the Kalpa-Sutra is read by Jain monks during the holy festival of Paryushan.
There are hundreds of manuscripts of the Kalpa-Sutra in India. Some manuscripts contain superb miniature paintings and beautiful art work. Some rich people used to spend quite a lot of money to have this text prepared for them in beautiful handwriting with multi-coloured miniature drawings.
More than 35 manuscripts have been kept in various British institutions.
The oldest one, preserved in London, was written in 1201 AD.
The word "Kalpa" has got several meanings, one of the meanings is this.
"An item which fulfils all wishes". Some people believe that a persons wishes are fulfilled on reading this book. Some people on the other hand believe that it is too sacred and should not be read by an ordinary person!
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