Yasastilaka: An Ancient Jaina Story About Karma and Its Karmic Complexity

Summary

"Attributed to the 10th-century Jain ācārya Somadeva of the Devasangha order, Yasastilaka (composed in 959 CE at Gangadhara) is a philosophical narrative combining courtly romance, karmic causality, and Jain moral teachings. The story, summarized and discussed by Dr. Bruce Costain, follows the tragic and redemptive saga of Yasodhara, his consort Amṛtamati, and his mother Candramatī—across multiple rebirths, culminating in the moral transformation of the fierce prince Maradatta. A) Key Elements: i) Historical and Cultural Context: Somadeva, also a political thinker, composed Yasastilaka in a royal setting and temple life environment, reflecting deep engagement with Jain philosophy and Sanskrit literary tradition. ii) Main Plot: Maradatta, a reckless and hedonistic king, is advised by a Tantric to sacrifice humans to gain supernatural power. He unknowingly captures his own nephew and niece—Abhayaruci and Abhayamati, young Jain ascetics—for sacrifice. Their calm demeanor moves him, prompting Abhayaruci to narrate their karmic past. iii) Rebirth Cycle of Yasodhara and Candramatī: Through Abhayaruci’s autobiographical revelation, readers learn of Yasodhara’s royal life, his wife Amṛtamati’s infidelity, his decision to renounce the world, and their poisoning by Amṛtamati. This leads to a prolonged cycle of painful rebirths for Yasodhara and Candramatī: Peacock and dog, Stag and snake, Fish and crocodile, Goat and she-goat, Rooster and hen, these lives end tragically due to residual karmic effects, reflecting the Jain idea of karmic bondage. iv) Moral and Philosophical Reflections: a) Yasodhara’s refusal to perform animal sacrifice and his argument with Candramatī reflect Jain non-violence. b) His eventual act of symbolic flour-dough sacrifice ironically still leads to karmic suffering, showcasing karmic subtlety. v) Role of Sage Sudatta: Sudatta, once a king turned ascetic, emerges as the moral and philosophical anchor. He explains the karmic implications and guides multiple characters—including Maradatta and Candakarman (a cursed Vidyādhara turned executioner)—toward Jainism. vi) Redemption and Conclusion: After many lives, Yasodhara and Candramatī are reborn as Abhayaruci and Abhayamatī. Maradatta, moved by their story, renounces violence and becomes a Jain novice under Sudatta’s guidance. The narrative concludes with the ascension of all major characters—Sudatta, Maradatta, Yasomati, and the twins—to celestial realms due to their adherence to Jain dharma.\