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Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra

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

This page describes Suvidhi’s samavasarana which is the eighth part of chapter VII of the English translation of the Suvidhinatha-caritra, contained within the “Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra�: a massive Jain narrative relgious text composed by Hemacandra in the 12th century. Suvidhinatha in jainism is one of the 63 illustrious beings or worthy persons.

Go directly to: Footnotes.

Part 8: Suvidhi’s samavasaraṇa

Then the gods and asuras made a samavasaraṇa and the Teacher of the World entered it by the east door. Then the Lord, adorned with all the supernatural qualities, circumambulated the caitya-tree twelve hundred bows tall. Saying “Reverence to the congregation,� the Lord sat down on the lion-throne, facing the east, and the gods made images of him in the other directions. The others, the gods, etc., sat down in their proper places.

Śakra bowed to the Lord and began a hymn of praise as follows:

Stuti:

“If you are free from passion, why is there red in your hands and feet? If crookedness has been abandoned, why is your hair curly? If you are the herdsman of your subjects, why haven’t you a staff in your hand? If you are free from worldly interest, why the lordship of the three worlds? If you are free from affection, why are you compassionate toward every one? If you have given up ornaments, why do you like the three jewels? If you are well-disposed to every one, why are you the enemy of wrong-believers? If you are straightforward by nature, why were you formerly a chadmastha?[1] If you are merciful, why did you suppress love? If you are devoid of fear, why do you fear existence? If you are devoted to indifference, why are you beneficent to all? If you are unagitated (adīpta), why do you have a blazing halo? If you are tranquil by nature, then why have you practiced penance for a long time? If you are not inclined to anger, why are you angered with karma? Homage to you, Blessed One, whose nature is undiscernible, greater than the great, possessing the four infinities of siddhas.�

Footnotes and references:

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[1]:

With reference, of course, to the literal meaning of chadman, ‘deceit.� He was a ‘chadmastha� until he attained omniscience.

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