Tirthankaras of the Future

Author(s): Nalini Balbir
Publisher: Z_Aspect_of_Jainology_Part_3_Pundit_Dalsukh_Malvaniya_012017.pdf

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Tirthankaras of the Future
recorded in the Svet. texts and sixteen in the Dig.18: on the whole, they summarize the essentials of morality or good conduct charity, compassion, self-control, right faith, etc.
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Their enumeration appears to be closely related to the avasarpini-mythology and they represent, as it were, an attempt to give a rational account of the Ts' existence on earth, in accordance with the law of karman and rebirth. In the Avasyakaniryukti, for instance, the Tnk notion is adduced as a theoretical excursus (ga. 179-184) justifying the passage from Rṣabha's last previous birth to the present one when he will become a T.79 The same verses come again in Mahavira's case (ga. 451-456-179-184) before the account of his birth in Devänanda's family. They are also quoted in the Näyädhammakahão 880 to account for Mahabala's rebirth as a god then as Malli. And Hemacandra proceeds likewise for each of the twenty-four Ts. through stereotyped recurring phrases (Trişaști, ed. III, 1,100; etc.) 1
Though the Tnk-causes do not occur explicitly in the context of utsarpini, they probably have to be applied there also. On the other hand, the later literature shows an extension of the field of Tirthamkarahood, as is seen from the Mediaeval Vimfatisthanakacarita (or Vicaramṛtasarasamgraha) by Jinaharsa: this work is based on the twentyfold enumeration of the Avaiyaka-piryukti. A few introductory verses detail each of the terms; ad hoc stories, all built on the same pattern, unavoidably end with the remark that the heroes will become Ts. in their third rebirths. Whether a name is given to them or not, they have absolutely no link with any of the Ts. found in the mythological lists.88 Here, the intention is. merely to illustrate the idea that any layman who observes one or more of the sthanas (i.e. one of the many aspects of the Jaina ethics recommended to him) can attain Tirthamkarahood. Thus, through a shift of emphasis, this notion is adapted to. the daily didactic purposes of the monks. It is an element of the "marvellous" appealing atmosphere that they have to present to the layman as a possible reward for his good conduct. This is equally confirmed by the late religious popular literature in Gujarati and the so-called olla sthanaka ni caityavandana stuti (git, düha, etc.), hymns extolling the "twenty causes".
3. Notes on Buddhist counterparts.
Theravada Buddhism as handed down in the Pali Canon gives only limited information and refers to Maitreya as the unique coming Buddha who will renew the Teaching (see below (i) and (ii)). But interesting elements may be gleaned from later Theravada texts such as the Anägatavamsas and the Dasabodhisattuppattikatha (ca. 14th cent. A. D.) which both list the same ten Future Buddhas, as well as from the Mahāyāna tradition which is characterized by the absence of any limitation in their number.