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Jinamañjari, Volume 24, No.2, October 2001
YAŞASTILAKA: An Ancient Jaina Story About
Karma and Its Karmic Complexity
Dr. Bruce Costain, Nashville, TN
The original work is attributed to a Jainācārya named Somadeva, of Devasangha Jaina ascetic order, who respectfully mentions his guru Nemideva, whose preceptor was Yaşodeva. Somadeva was, besides, a political thinker, who was certainly intimately acquainted with court life. It is clear that in 966 C. E. Somadeva was in charge of the Subhadhama temple, and seems to have carried on his literary activities undisturbed. He was held in the highest esteem by his contemporaries, and kings and feudatory chiefs are described as reverently bowing at his feet.
Somadeva indicates that Yaşastilaka was composed in şaka 881 (959 C. E.), at an obscure place called Gangadhara, which seems to have been the capital of a prince named Vagaraja, the eldest son of a Cāļukya king Arikesarin.
Yaşastilaka is an ancient story about Karma and the grave Karmic complexity that can occur unexpectedly, even if the action is done with the best of intentions. It is a story that combines mystery with insight and leaves us on guard as to the consequences of our own actions. In addition, the story is an example of the culture of that time, as well as the Indian scholarly writing style.
Yaşastilaka: The Story
In country of ancient India there was a beautiful city named Rajapura, adorned with magnificent temples and lofty mansions belonging to the wealthy. Here reigned Maradatta, a powerful prince who surpassed in valor the powerful kings. Ascending the throne while still quite young he embarked on a wild career of reckless adventure, along with companions who had passions and traits of
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