Aagamkalin Shravak Shravika Jivan Ane Kavan

This document, titled "Aagamkalin Shravak Shravika: Jivan ane Kvan" (Ancient Jain Laypersons: Life and Ideals) by Muni Deepratnasagar, is a detailed exploration of the lives and conduct of Jain lay followers (Shravaks and Shravikas) as depicted in the Agamas, the sacred scriptures of Jainism.

The author begins by expressing a desire to document the exemplary lives of ancient Jain householders, drawing inspiration from the Agamas. He notes that while the "Upaasakadasha" Agama is commonly cited for lay followers, many other Agamas also offer valuable insights.

The book then delves into various aspects of the lives of these ancient Shravaks and Shravikas, illustrating them with examples from the Agamas:

The Meaning of "Shravak": The term "Shravak" is explained as synonymous with "Shraddhalu" (believer) and more formally as "Shramanopasak" (one who serves the ascetics), signifying someone who listens to and follows the teachings of the ascetics (Shramans).

Key Themes and Examples:

• Devotion to Dharma and the Guru: The text highlights the deep respect and meticulous behavior of Shravaks towards their gurus. An example describes Shravaks of Tungika city approaching their guru with reverence, performing circumambulations, and listening attentively to religious discourses, experiencing joy and satisfaction afterward.
• Perseverance in Faith: The document emphasizes the unwavering faith of Shravaks even in the face of adversity. The story of Kamdev Shravak, who remained steadfast despite terrifying illusions and physical torment inflicted by a deity, exemplifies this. Similarly, the example of Nandishen, who despite renouncing monkhood, maintained his vow to enlighten others, showcases immense devotion.
• Quest for Knowledge (Tattva Jijnasa): The text showcases the intellectual curiosity of ancient Shravaks. King Pradeshi's profound questions to Keshishraman about the soul, body, and afterlife, and Jayanti Shravika's inquiries about the nature of karma and liberation, illustrate this intellectual pursuit.
• Renunciation and Detachment (Charitra-raag): The book presents examples of individuals who, despite worldly prosperity, experienced intense detachment and a longing for spiritual life. Mrigaputra's decision to renounce worldly pleasures and seek initiation, and the examples of Krishna Vasudev and Padmavati's inclination towards renunciation, highlight this.
• Family and Social Conduct: The story of Rohini, the virtuous daughter-in-law who expertly managed household resources, demonstrates the intelligence and responsibility of Shravikas in family management. Abhaykumar's devotion to his stepmother also showcases the importance of filial piety.
• Hospitality and Charity (Dana-bhavana): Lepa Gathapati is presented as an example of a generous householder who provided alms to ascetics, food to the needy, and showed compassion to the suffering. Vijay Gathapati's meticulousness in offering alms exemplifies the purity of giving.
• Bravery and Integrity (Shaurya-pratibha): The text mentions that even householders like Nagpoutra Varun possessed bravery and fought in battles, showcasing their warrior spirit while upholding their vows.
• Spiritual Discourse and Mutual Understanding: The example of Shravaks in Ahalika city engaging in deep spiritual discussions about the lifespan of deities, and their humility in seeking clarification from Rishibhadrapur, highlights their commitment to learning and understanding.
• Vigilance and Spiritual Awakening (Dharma Jagaran): The examples of King Udayan and Bhadrannadi Shravak, who experienced profound spiritual awakenings and desired to pursue the spiritual path, emphasize the importance of being ever-vigilant in one's spiritual journey.
• Virtuous Conduct and Moral Integrity: The text touches upon the elevated moral standards of Shravaks, such as their adherence to vows, their respectful conduct towards elders and teachers, and their righteous living, exemplified by figures like Chakravarti Bharata.
• Devotion to God and Reverence (Bhagavad Vinay): The profound reverence shown by King Ajatashatru and Devanda Brahmani towards Lord Mahavir, their respectful approach, and their adherence to prescribed conduct, illustrate the ideal way to approach the divine.
• Prosperity and Spiritual Wealth (Riddhi-Siddhi): The document details the immense wealth and prosperity of ancient Shravaks like Anand Gathapati and Mahabal Kumar, emphasizing that their material richness was matched by their spiritual discipline and adherence to religious practices.
• Final Devotion and Peaceful Demise (Antim Aradhana): The example of King Pradeshi, who, even while being poisoned, peacefully accepted his fate and performed the final rituals with equanimity, showcases the ideal of a death with spiritual consciousness.

In essence, the book aims to present the multifaceted lives of ancient Jain lay followers, portraying them as individuals deeply rooted in their faith, committed to spiritual growth, ethical conduct, intellectual curiosity, and social responsibility. It serves as a guide and inspiration for contemporary Jain householders to understand and emulate the virtues and practices of their predecessors as described in the sacred Agamas.