Abhinava Bhagawat Part 2

Abhinava Bhagawat Part 2: A Comprehensive Summary

This is a summary of "Abhinava Bhagawat Part 2" by Santbal, published by Mahavir Sahitya Prakashan Mandir, Ahmedabad. The book is a detailed narrative retelling of the life and teachings of Lord Krishna, presented from a Jain perspective. The author, Santbal, aims to illuminate Krishna's life not just as a divine incarnation but also as a pre-cursor to Tirthankara status, emphasizing his virtues of equanimity, wisdom, yogic power, and pure love.

The book draws heavily from the Bhagwat Purana, specifically focusing on the tenth canto, which deals with Krishna's childhood and his interactions in Vraja and Vrindavan. It highlights the Ras Leela as the essence of Krishna's life, where innocent love transcends worldly boundaries and enriches the entire creation with sweetness. The author argues that poets, devotees, dancers, playwrights, and storytellers become so engrossed in Krishna's life that they themselves become Krishna-centric.

Key Themes and Perspectives:

• Krishna as a Jain Pre-Tirthankara: A central theme is the portrayal of Krishna as a future Tirthankara. His childhood and village life are seen as embodying pure-hearted love, leading to the attainment of the Tirthankara lineage. His life is presented as a path that fosters love, equality, and spiritual growth.
• Universal Divinity and Truth: The text aligns with Jain philosophy by emphasizing that God is One, and names like "Khuda," "Ishwar," "Ram," "Rahman," "Mahadev," "Parasnath," "Brahma," and "Christ" are merely different linguistic expressions for the same universal truth and the same God. God is omnipresent and the entire universe is His. Those who become embodiments of truth are also considered divine.
• The Essence of Bhagwat: The book emphasizes that the Bhagwat Purana is the heart of all eighteen Puranas. Krishna's life, particularly the Ras Leela in the tenth canto, is the nectar of that heart, filling the world with sweetness and love.
• Krishna's Actions as Symbolic: Santbal interprets Krishna's actions as symbolic lessons. For instance, lifting the Govardhan hill is seen as a demonstration of devotion and the power of collective effort and faith. His interactions with various demons are interpreted as overcoming negative traits and establishing righteousness.
• Emphasis on Character and Virtue: The book prioritizes character over miracles, arguing that true devotion lies in emulating Krishna's virtuous conduct. It champions charitra-parasti (devotion to character) over charmat-parasti (devotion to miracles).
• Holistic Approach to Life: Krishna's life is presented as a model for a complete life, integrating personal development, societal well-being, and spiritual aspirations. His activities, from tending cows to engaging with the Gopis, are all viewed as part of a larger spiritual and ethical framework.
• Interfaith Harmony: The author bridges the gap between different religious traditions, suggesting that the path of truth, righteousness, and divine love is universal. Krishna's life, as interpreted through a Jain lens, is shown to be accessible and relevant to Hindus, Vaishnavas, Jains, and truth-seekers alike.
• Transformative Power of Devotion: The narrative highlights how devotion to Krishna purifies the senses and leads to a new life, making the body and soul subservient to the service of the divine. This devotion is seen as a means to overcome worldly attachments and achieve liberation.

Narrative Highlights (as presented in the summary):

The summary meticulously details various episodes from Krishna's life, interpreting them through the lens of Santbal's philosophical framework. Some of the key episodes covered include:

• Krishna's Birth and Early Life: The divine birth, the transfer to Gokul, the divine playfulness, and the cosmic vision within Krishna's mouth by Yashoda.
• Conquering Demonic Forces: The slaying of Putana, Shakatasura, Trinavarta, Kesi, Vatsasura, Aghasura, Bakasura, Vyomasura, Kamsa, and other demons, all interpreted as overcoming inner vices and external negativities.
• The Ras Leela: The essence of Krishna's divine love and its transformative power. The "Vastra Haran" (disrobing) is explained as the shedding of ego and physical consciousness.
• Govardhan Lila: Krishna lifting the Govardhan Hill to protect the Vrajavasis from Indra's wrath, symbolizing the triumph of devotion and righteous action.
• Life in Dwarka: Krishna's establishment of Dwarka, his marriages, and his role in establishing order and justice.
• The Mahabharata Context: Krishna's role as Arjuna's charioteer and guide in the Bhagavad Gita, emphasizing the teachings on duty, dharma, and the nature of the soul.
• The Puranic Message: The book concludes by reiterating the transformative power of the Bhagwat's narrative, which offers a path to liberation and spiritual fulfillment through pure love and devotion.

In essence, "Abhinava Bhagawat Part 2" by Santbal aims to provide a profound and spiritually enriching understanding of Lord Krishna's life, presenting him as a beacon of pure love, righteous conduct, and universal truth, resonating deeply within the framework of Jain philosophy.