Abhaykumar Mantrishwar Jivan Charitra Part 02 - Book Summary

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Book Title: Abhaykumar Mantrishwar Jivan Charitra Part 02 Author(s): Motichand Oghavji, Satyasundarvijay Publisher: Jinshasan Aradhana Trust

This is the second part of a biography of Abhaykumar, the minister, based on a Sanskrit Mahakavya by Upadhyay Shrimad Chandratilak. It has been translated into Gujarati by Motichand Odhavji Bhavnagari and inspired by Acharyadev Shrimad Vijay Hemchandrasurishwarji Maharaj and Acharyadev Shrimad Vijay Ratnasurishwarji Maharaj, with editing by P.P. Nyas Pravar Shrimad Satyasundarvijayji Ganivar. The book is published by Shri Jinshasan Aradhana Trust.

The summary of the content is structured chapter by chapter (Sarga):

Sixth Sarga (Chapter 6): This chapter covers several significant events and stories:

King Shrenik and the Gifts: King Shrenik gives a beautiful necklace to Queen Chelana and decorative balls to Queen Nanda. Nanda's jealousy leads her to throw the balls, which miraculously transform into divine earrings and exquisite garments, bringing her great joy. Chelana's desire for these items and the king's refusal highlight the nature of human desire and contentment.
Illustrative Stories: The chapter includes several moralistic tales and parables:
- The dialogue between Hastipalk and the courtesan Mahasena, emphasizing that one shouldn't compromise their values for personal gain ("Don't burn your house to go on a pilgrimage").
- The story of a Brahmin and the Kesudo tree, illustrating how excessive effort without understanding can be counterproductive.
- The tale of Emperor Brahmadata and his interactions with animals, emphasizing the importance of true character and virtue. This includes a narrative about a celestial maiden's unusual transformation and an encounter with a righteous king.
- The story of King Chandravatamsak of Saketpur, his spiritual practice, and his renunciation of the world due to a servant's devotion. It also touches upon the subsequent challenges faced by his son and the unworthiness of his nephews.
- The birth and life of Metarya, emphasizing his humble origins, reliance on divine aid, and eventual acceptance by King Shrenik, leading to his marriage and later renunciation of the world.
The Afterlife and Happiness: The chapter concludes with a discussion on the nature of happiness in the afterlife, using the example of a Pulinda (a tribal person) to illustrate its ineffable quality.

Seventh Sarga (Chapter 7): This chapter focuses on the incident with Queen Chelana's necklace and Abhaykumar's subsequent mission:

The Broken Necklace: Chelana's favorite necklace breaks. The jeweler who tries to fix it dies and is reborn as a monkey.
The Necklace Theft: The monkey steals the necklace. King Shrenik tasks Abhaykumar with retrieving it.
Abhaykumar's Encounter with the Ascetic: While searching, Abhaykumar, seeking spiritual contemplation, enters an Upashraya (monastic dwelling) where Acharya Susthit is performing Kayotsarg (a form of meditation). The monkey, later, places the stolen necklace around the Acharya's neck.
The Disciples' Dilemma: Abhaykumar observes four disciples, each discovering the necklace on the Acharya and experiencing personal dilemmas and recounting their internal struggles. This leads to a philosophical discussion with Abhaykumar that lasts the entire night.
Resolution and Parental Joy: Upon leaving the Upashraya, Abhaykumar sees the necklace around the Acharya's neck and feels joy that his efforts were not in vain. He returns the necklace to his father, King Shrenik, who expresses his immense happiness, praise, and blessings.

Eighth Sarga (Chapter 8): This chapter details events involving King Chandapradot of Ujjain and King Udayan of Kaushambi:

Chandapradot's Greed and Abhaykumar's Strategy: King Chandapradot of Ujjain, driven by greed, attempts to capture Rajagriha. Abhaykumar devises a clever strategy to overcome Chandapradot's forces.
Abhaykumar's Abduction: A cunning courtesan devises a plot, resulting in Abhaykumar's abduction. This section includes a sub-story about a "Khetarputri" (daughter of the field) and the conflict with a rival.
The Story of Udayan and Vasavadatta: The narrative shifts to the tale of King Udayan of Kaushambi, a skilled musician, and his pursuit of Princess Vasavadatta. Due to political machinations, Udayan is captured and brought to the court as a music teacher. The story includes elements of disguise, escape, and the eventual abduction of Vasavadatta by Udayan.
Chandapradot's Boons and Abhaykumar's Liberation: The chapter mentions four "boons" that Chandapradot had previously granted to Abhaykumar. The simultaneous demand for these boons creates a crisis for Chandapradot, leading to Abhaykumar's release and his subsequent challenge to Chandapradot, culminating in the "Pradyotmardan" (destruction of Pradyot).

Ninth Sarga (Chapter 9): This chapter delves into the life and lineage of Kritapunya and the arrival of Lord Mahavir:

Dhanadatta and Vasumati: The story begins with the wealthy merchant Dhanadatta and his wife Vasumati, who are sorrowful due to their childlessness.
The Birth of Kritapunya: Vasumati's karmic obstacles are overcome, and she gives birth to a son named Kritapunya.
Kritapunya's Marriage and Downfall: Kritapunya marries Jayashri, the daughter of Seth Sagardatta. However, Kritapunya's aversion to worldly pleasures leads his mother, Vasumati, to expose him to bad company, including the courtesan Devadatta. He falls into ruin, loses his wealth, and experiences remorse. He is welcomed back by his wife, but his subsequent journey for wealth leads him to a wealthy widow.
Kritapunya's Unusual Fate: The narrative describes a series of extraordinary events in Kritapunya's life, including being transported while sleeping and living with four daughters-in-law for twelve years, having children, and experiencing further dramatic turns of fortune involving a jewel-filled sweet and a murderous elephant.
Nandishen's Birth and Captivity: Shrenik's son, Nandishen, is born. The ungrateful elephant is imprisoned in Shrenik's stables, where it recalls its past life.
Devadatta's Influence and Kritapunya's Redemption: The chapter highlights the wisdom of Devadatta the courtesan and Abhaykumar's clever intervention to help Kritapunya regain his family and fortune.
The Arrival of Lord Mahavir: The narrative culminates with the arrival of Lord Mahavir's Samavsaran (divine assembly). King Shrenik, Kritapunya, and others go to pay their respects. The Lord's sermon covers topics like the nature of Dharma, the story of a thief to illustrate fearlessness, and the twelve Bhavanas (contemplations). Kritapunya's past life and the consequences of consuming temple wealth are also discussed, leading to Kritapunya's detachment and acceptance of Diksha (renunciation).

Appendix/Notes: The book also includes an appendix with commentaries and notes.

This summary provides a detailed overview of the various stories, moral lessons, and spiritual teachings presented in the second volume of "Abhaykumar Mantrishwar Jivan Charitra." The narrative is rich with illustrative tales and emphasizes the consequences of actions, the pursuit of Dharma, and the ultimate goal of liberation.