Story of Lord Shantinath, 16th Tirthankara, Jainism

In ancient times, there was a city named Hastinapur where King Visvasena ruled the land. The wise and noble king had a son named Shreyans. Even as a young boy, Shreyans displayed a spiritual bent of mind and compassionate heart. After being initiated into Jainism by Acharya Vajranandi, he further cultivated virtues like non-violence, detachment and meditation.

Renouncing Kingdom

When Shreyans came of age, his parents wished him to take over the kingdom. However, Shreyans had no desire for worldly power or wealth. He wished to dedicate himself to spiritual pursuits instead. With his parents’ reluctant approval, Shreyans renounced the throne and lavish lifestyle to become an ascetic. Going forth homeless, he took on rigorous penances to conquer his senses and mind. He travelled from place to place, enduring difficult weather and conditions with patience and dispassion.

Omniscience

Years passed as Shreyans meditated in seclusion. He observed complete silence, fasting for days while meditating motionless in kayotsarga posture. Over time, he attained keval jnana, pure transcendental knowledge unhindered by ego. He could now comprehend the true nature of reality in all its complexity. Having conquered ignorance and achieved omniscience, Shreyans had become a Jina or victorious one.

The 16th Tirthankara

It is said there have been 24 Tirthankaras, great teachers who attained enlightenment through their own efforts. Shreyans was the 16th Tirthankara of this cosmic time cycle. He came to be known as Lord Shantinath, meaning ‘Lord of Peace’. His symbol was a deer, representing innocence and gentleness.

Teachings

Lord Shantinath taught people the path to liberation from the cycles of birth and death. He emphasized self-control, penance, meditation, pursuit of knowledge and non-violence as means to achieve moksha or nirvana. He instructed householders to live ethically by not killing or hurting any living beings. Lord Shantinath was especially committed to creating harmony between Jains and non-Jains through his peaceful, compassionate nature.

Miracles

It is said Lord Shantinath displayed many miraculous powers owing to his spiritual acumen. Once, a devastating famine swept over Magadha province. When Shantinath learnt of this, he brought down torrential rains to relieve the people. Another time, Shreyans observed a religious fast that required him to pray continuously. Legend says he stood still in meditation for so long that anthills grew around his feet without breaking his focus. Such tales depict his equanimity and meditative powers.

Visiting Parents

Years after renunciation, Shantinath decided to visit his hometown to see his aged parents despite the monsoon season. His parents warmly welcomed their enlightened son. However, the rival kingdom’s king, Yashovarman, also came to pay respects out of reverence. His father Visvasena did not recognize him and accidentally insulted him. The infuriated king vowed vengeance and war seemed imminent.

Preventing War

To make amends, Shantinath approached king Yashovarman’s palace alone. Unperturbed by the dangers and soldiers, he preached compassion. His words appeased the king’s heart and Shantinath brought about reconciliation. Preventing a destructive war, he spread the message of peace and tolerance. Thereafter, Visvasena also renounced his kingdom to live with his ascetic son till the end of his life.

Last Sermon

Lord Shantinath spent his life guiding people and propagating Jain values. When he was 72 years old, he delivered his last sermon to a large spiritual congregation in Hastinapur. He emphasized living without attachment, conquering the senses with wisdom and meditating to realize one’s true eternal nature. Preaching non-violence and compassion till the end, Lord Shantinath finally attained nirvana, ending the cycle of birth and rebirth forever.

Nirvana

Lord Shantinath fasted again for his final liberation. At Pavapuri, he meditated for days without food or water while standing still. As his soul left his body, divine flowers rained from the skies in celebration of his salvation. Lord Shantinath’s eternal liberation is believed to be marked by the presence of five extraordinarily coloured cows and bulls. They stood guarding his body after he achieved nirvana.

Legacy

Acharya Pushpadanta and Bhutyaraja were two of Lord Shantinath’s principal disciples who compiled his teachings. Generations have revered Shantinath for his message of non-violence, tolerance, knowledge and detachment. His life serves as an inspiration to tread the spiritual path, overcoming ego and anger. For Jains, Lord Shantinath occupies an exalted position among the 24 Tirthankaras, as an embodiment of peace and compassion.

Thus, Shantinath Bhagwan’s story conveys how material pleasures and power are impermanent. His life’s work was to guide others towards finding inner tranquility and liberation from the cycle of birth and death. Lord Shantinath remains an important Tirthankara whose teachings light the path that frees the soul.

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