Abhishapta Nalanda

Here is a comprehensive summary in English of the provided Jain text, "Abhishapta Nalanda":

This text, "Abhishapta Nalanda" by Ganesh Lalwani, narrates a fictionalized account of the destruction of Nalanda, likely in response to an ancient curse. The narrative centers on the monk Muditabhadra and his disciple Utpal, and the atmosphere of dread that descends upon the monastic university.

The story begins with an oppressive and unnatural stillness in the air, foreshadowing disaster. The next morning, the sun appears a coppery red, an ominous sign that Utpal points out to Muditabhadra. Utpal believes this signifies the success of a curse laid by certain Brahmins twelve years prior.

The text then recounts the incident from twelve years ago: two argumentative Brahmins arrived during Muditabhadra's sermon, not to debate, but to insult him. When the insults became unbearable, some young monks, in anger, threw the water used for washing their robes onto the Brahmins' heads. Enraged, the Brahmins left, but not before declaring their intention to perform a twelve-year ritual sacrifice of Nalanda to the sun, vowing to reduce it to ashes and erase it from existence.

Muditabhadra, however, remains serene, accepting the event as "the Buddha's will." He has achieved such detachment that nothing can disturb his inner peace. In contrast, other monks and students are gripped by fear and anxiety. An elderly monk laments their impending doom, believing the Brahmins' curse will be fulfilled.

Utpal, concerned for Muditabhadra, suggests they leave Nalanda. Muditabhadra, however, refuses, stating that monks are an integral part of Nalanda, and if the monastery is to be destroyed, they will be destroyed with it. He emphasizes that true refuge cannot be found elsewhere. Utpal accepts his master's wisdom.

As the day progresses, the coppery sun is obscured by smoky clouds, mirroring the pervasive sense of foreboding. Utpal finds the other monks and students still in a state of panic. He tries to comfort an elderly monk overwhelmed by the fear of death, reminding him of the importance of courage. He then encounters Subhadra, a young student, who is paralyzed by fear. Utpal tries to reassure him, explaining that true death is a transition, and the fear of it is what truly binds one.

Suddenly, a commotion arises. Students are dragging two bound monks, accusing them of causing Nalanda's impending destruction and vowing to throw them into a ravine. Utpal intervenes, asserting his authority as Sanghārik (treasurer/administrator) and teacher. He rebukes the students, reminding them that punishment for monastic transgressions belongs solely to the Sangha. He highlights that one of the accused, Soumil, has rejected the Sangha itself, a crime punishable by expulsion. Utpal declares Soumil's expulsion and commands him to leave Nalanda before sunset. He then frees the two monks, who fall at his feet, expressing gratitude.

Muditabhadra, upon seeing the monks, is moved to tears and assures them that their wrongdoing has been forgiven by the Buddha. The monks, however, remain troubled, questioning where the light (hope) can be found. Muditabhadra advises that true light comes from a repentant heart.

As midday arrives, the oppressive atmospheric condition persists. Despite the ongoing fear, the monks and students begin to resume their daily activities. Utpal, unable to concentrate on his studies, reflects on the day's events. He contemplates the nature of death, realizing that the fear of it is the true impediment, not death itself. He also thinks about Soumil's fate and the concept of karma.

Utpal's thoughts shift to the decline of Nalanda, questioning the causes – lack of royal patronage, or perhaps barbarian invasions. He contemplates the elderly monk's attachment to his physical body, contrasting it with the Buddha's teachings on detachment.

The narrative then shifts to the arrival of the Turks, who have already plundered and burned the monastery, resulting in the massacre of monks. Utpal recalls Muditabhadra's efforts to rebuild and restore the monastery after the initial destruction, acknowledging the immense labor involved. He expresses concern that the monks' efforts might be in vain.

A disembodied voice, echoing Muditabhadra's phrase "Bhagwan Tathagata ki abhiruchi" (the Buddha's will), is heard, confirming Utpal's belief. The coppery sun reappears, described as a "ball of fire," further intensifying the ominous atmosphere. The elderly monk, leaning on his staff, points to the sun, declaring it signifies the Brahmins completing their twelve-year ritual.

Suddenly, the earth begins to tremble violently. The monks and students cry out in terror as parts of the monastery collapse. Utpal, momentarily stunned, feels the ground shift beneath him. He rushes to find Muditabhadra, who remains steadfast, refusing to leave. Muditabhadra orders Utpal to save himself, but Utpal hesitates. He then sees the vast library, "Ratnodadhi," engulfed in flames.

Driven by a desperate need to save the knowledge, Utpal rushes towards the library, slipping and falling but continuing. He sees Subhadra praying to Vajrapani for protection and urges him to flee. He hears a conversation about protecting the monastery's "wealth," implying a betrayal.

Utpal reaches the burning library, where monks and students have given up trying to save the precious texts. The smoke and heat are overwhelming. As he moves forward, he stumbles upon a half-burnt body, which identifies itself as a Brahmin. Utpal realizes this might be the perpetrator of the fire, but offers forgiveness.

Before he can help the Brahmin, the earth shakes again with even greater force. The entire Nalanda monastic university sinks into the earth. Utpal, trying to save the Brahmin, collapses and does not rise again. The text concludes with the description of the earth cracking and mud erupting as the sky is filled with the screams of monks and students. The next day, no trace of the magnificent monastery remains, swallowed by the earth. The narrative highlights the brutal indifference of nature amidst the destruction.