Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra

by Helen M. Johnson | 1931 | 742,503 words

This page describes Initiation of Jitashatru which is the fifth part of chapter III of the English translation of the Ajitanatha-caritra, contained within the “Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra”: a massive Jain narrative relgious text composed by Hemacandra in the 12th century. Ajitanatha in jainism is the second Tirthankara (Jina) and one of the 63 illustrious beings or worthy persons.

One day, King Jitaśatru, who was disgusted with existence, and his brother said to their sons who had reached the age of eighteen lacs of pūrvas: “Sons, all our ancestors took the vow, which is fundamental for acquiring emancipation, after they had protected the earth fittingly for some lacs of pūrvas and had transferred it to their sons. Henceforth, this same action of others is our action. Now, princes, we two are going to take the vow, and the custom in our family is the reason for our action. Then you two will be king and heir-apparent, like us. Give your consent now to our mendicancy.”

Ajita Svāmin replied: “Father, this is fitting for you. It would be fitting for me also, if karma with pleasure as its fruit were not an obstacle. A discerning man places no obstacle in the way of another taking the vow. How much less shall I hinder my esteemed father who has appointed a suitable time! Whoever wards off the fourth object of existence (mokṣa) from his father, even though from devotion, has certainly arisen as his enemy in the guise of a son. Nevertheless, father, I beg you, let my uncle take the kingdom. For the younger brother, well-trained, is superior to the son.”

Sumitra replied: “I will certainly not abandon my master’s feet to take the kingdom. For who would abandon much for the sake of little? Service to the elder is more important to the wise than a kingdom, or great sovereignty, or the rank of a Cakravartin, or even the state of a god.” Then Ajitanātha said to him, “If you do not wish to take the kingdom, uncle, nevertheless remain here for our happiness, after becoming an ascetic in spirit.”

Jitaśatru said, “Brother, consider what my son says urgently. An ascetic in spirit is an ascetic. He (Ajita) is a Tīrthakara before your eyes. In his congregation your desire will be accomplished. Consider! Do not be over-eager, dear brother. Seeing one son[1] become a dharmacakrin and the other a Cakravartin, you will attain happiness surpassing the happiness of all.”

Though eager for the vow, Sumitra agreed to his speech. For the command of the elder is not to be crossed by the noble, like the shore by the oceans. Jitaśatru, delighted, himself crowned Ajita Svāmin with a very great festival. All the earth rejoiced at this coronation. For who is not pleased when a leader, capable of protecting everyone, has been obtained? Ajita Svāmin established Sagara as heir-apparent, like a friend of Atanu (Kāma) establishing his second body.[2]

Then Holy Ajitanātha held the departure-festival of Jitaśatru fittingly with great magnificence. Jitaśatru adopted mendicancy, the mother of emancipation, in the presence of the elders of Ṛṣabha Svāmin’s congregation. Then subduing the internal enemies,[3] as well as the external ones, he maintained the vow uninjured like his kingdom. Omniscience having arisen, engaged in śaileśī-meditation,[4] having the eight karmas destroyed successively, he attained emancipation.

Footnotes and references:

[1]:

Really his nephew.

[2]:

I.e., Sagara was like a second Kāma.

[3]:

See I, n. 5.

[4]:

See I, n. 8.

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