Aaimutta Muni

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Aaimutta Muni" in English, based on the provided Gujarati text:

Aaimutta Muni: The Story of a Young Ascetic's Path to Enlightenment

This Jain text, titled "Aaimutta Muni," recounts the inspiring life story of a young prince named Aaimutta, who renounced his worldly life to become a Jain monk and ultimately attained omniscience (Kevaljnana).

Early Life and Encounter with Gautam Swami:

Aaimutta was the six-year-old son of King Vijay and Queen Shrimati of Polaspur. While playing with his friends, he encountered Gautam Swami, a principal disciple of Lord Mahavir Swami. Impressed by Gautam Swami's appearance and the spiritual aura he radiated, Aaimutta invited him to his palace for alms (gochari). His mother, Queen Shrimati, was delighted to welcome Gautam Swami and offered him food with devotion.

Curiosity and Understanding of Diksha:

As Gautam Swami departed, Aaimutta noticed the weight of his begging bowl (jholi) and offered to help carry it. Gautam Swami explained that only those who have taken initiation (diksha) and become monks are permitted to carry such items. This sparked Aaimutta's curiosity about diksha. Gautam Swami explained that diksha is the renunciation of all worldly pleasures, family ties, and social and business relationships. It is undertaken to shed past karma and break the cycle of birth and death. He further elaborated that monks and nuns do not accumulate new karma because they abstain from activities that create it.

Aaimutta, demonstrating a deep intellectual curiosity, questioned whether monks truly avoid all activities that lead to karma, given the necessities of eating and living. Gautam Swami patiently clarified that monks consume food only for sustenance and not specially prepared for them, reside in shared accommodations (upashray) without ownership, do not possess wealth, and do not engage in business. This lifestyle ensures they do not participate in activities that generate negative karma.

Desire for Renunciation and Parental Consent:

Convinced by this explanation, Aaimutta expressed his desire to take diksha. He accompanied Gautam Swami to Lord Mahavir Swami's discourse. Aaimutta conveyed his aspiration to Lord Mahavir, who stated that diksha could not be granted without his parents' permission.

Aaimutta returned home and informed his mother of his decision, explaining his understanding that worldly life is filled with sins and violence, and he wished to be free from them. Queen Shrimati, though initially surprised, was pleased with her son's spiritual inclination. To test his resolve, she questioned his readiness to endure the hardships of monastic life without parental care. Aaimutta responded that even worldly life has its difficulties, and monastic hardships would lead to the destruction of karma and liberation.

When his mother suggested he wait, citing his youth and the need to care for his aging parents and his own future family, Aaimutta wisely replied that there is no guarantee of tomorrow, and one should not miss an opportunity for spiritual growth. His mother, now assured of his understanding and commitment, gave him her blessing and permission, expressing pride in his aspiration for liberation and his commitment to non-violence. With his mother's consent, he also obtained permission from his father, King Vijay.

A Life of Monasticism and a Moment of Error:

Aaimutta took diksha and became known as Balmuni Aaimutta (the young monk Aaimutta). One day, at the age of seven, he saw other boys playing with paper boats in a puddle and felt a strong urge to join. He momentarily forgot his vows and approached the children. The children were excited to have a monk join them. Aaimutta opened his alms bowl, used it as a boat, and joined their play.

However, other monks observed this and gently admonished him, reminding him that monks should not play with water as it can harm aquatic life. They pointed out that his actions violated his vow of non-violence.

Remorse, Penance, and Enlightenment:

Aaimutta immediately realized his mistake and felt deep remorse. He regretted his actions, recalling his promise to his mother to avoid sinful deeds. He was grateful to the other monks for reminding him of his duty. He performed sincere penance (prayshchitt) for his actions. Upon returning to the upashray with the other monks, he was to perform the Iriyavahiya sutra as penance for any unintended harm caused to living beings on his way.

This incident marked a turning point. While reciting the Iriyavahiya sutra at the age of thirteen, he reflected deeply on the meaning of the words, recalling his mistake in the puddle. He sincerely apologized for any harm he might have caused to water creatures, plants, or soil, even unknowingly.

His remorse was profound. He questioned how he would be freed from the sin of causing suffering to so many living beings for mere amusement. He earnestly begged for forgiveness from all sentient beings. His genuine and heartfelt penance led to the shedding of all his destructive karma, and he attained omniscience (Kevaljnana), becoming a Kevalimuni.

Recognition and Final Liberation:

Kevali Aaimutta then went to Lord Mahavir Swami's assembly and attempted to sit with other Kevalis. Some senior monks objected, telling him to sit with the other monks. Lord Mahavir intervened, instructing them not to disrespect the Kevali Muni, and revealed that Aaimutta had attained Kevaljnana while performing the Iriyavahiya sutra, signifying the destruction of his deluding karma. The other monks realized their error and bowed to him, understanding that age is no barrier to attaining omniscience.

Finally, Balmuni Aaimutta found liberation from the cycle of birth and death. The text concludes by emphasizing that understanding and following the principles of Jainism are not limited by age, but rather require true faith, comprehension, and the patience to implement Jain teachings. It cautions against intentionally committing errors, believing that subsequent penance can rectify them, as such deliberate mistakes render penance futile.