Akaal Ki Rekhaein

Here is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Akaal ki Rekhaein" (Lines of Famine), authored by Pawan Jain, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Akaal ki Rekhaein (Lines of Famine) Author: Pawan Jain Publisher: Garima Creations Subject: This graphic novel (चित्रकथा - chitrakatha) is based on the life and biography of the last Shrutakevali Bhadrabahu.

Core Message & Themes:

The primary message of the book, as highlighted in the editorial, is to illustrate how compromise with Jain traditions during times of crisis can lead to major deviations and schisms later on. It aims to show how the seed of laxity sown in the monastic life can eventually blossom into a new sect. The book also emphasizes the dignity of the monastic path while simultaneously warning against the dangers of compromising principles.

Narrative Summary (Chronological):

1. Birth and Early Life of Bhadrabahu (Pages 3-7):

   • The story begins over 2300 years ago in the country of Pundravardhan, under the reign of King Padmadhar.
   • Somasharma, a learned Brahmin priest, and his beautiful wife Somashri have a son named Bhadrabahu.
   • Bhadrabahu exhibits extraordinary intelligence and wisdom from a young age, performing feats like stacking marbles with remarkable dexterity.
   • Gowardhanacharya, a sage returning from Girnar mountain, recognizes these signs as indicative of a great soul and the last Shrutakevali.
   • Gowardhanacharya asks for permission to educate Bhadrabahu, which Somasharma and Somashri happily grant, recognizing the rare opportunity of having such a guru.

2. Education and Early Public Life (Pages 8-10):

   • Bhadrabahu receives comprehensive education in Dharma, philosophy, logic, grammar, literature, and astrology from Gowardhanacharya and other disciples in the forest.
   • He quickly masters all subjects, proving to be an exceptional student, attributing his success to the guru's guidance.
   • After completing his education, Bhadrabahu visits his parents. His parents are overjoyed at his growth and scholarly achievements.
   • Bhadrabahu then goes to the court of King Padmadhar to propagate the true knowledge of the soul (Veetaraagi Tatva Gyan). The King is impressed and honors him.

3. Embracing Monasticism (Pages 11-12):

   • Despite his worldly success, Bhadrabahu's mind is not attached to domestic life.
   • He expresses his desire to renounce the world and embrace monasticism (Muni Dharma) to his parents, who reluctantly agree, recognizing his calling.
   • He accepts Jain initiation (Jindiksha) from Gowardhanacharya, despite his parents' initial concern about the harshness of asceticism.
   • After his initiation, Bhadrabahu is taught the Twelve Angas of Jain scripture. His knowledge and devotion inspire the laity (Shravaks).
   • Upon Gowardhanacharya's aging, he bestows the position of Acharya upon Bhadrabahu and then retires for solitary meditation.
   • Acharya Bhadrabahu travels extensively with a large monastic order (Sangh).

4. The Great Famine and the Division (Pages 13-28):

   • During his travels, Bhadrabahu arrives in Ujjaini. His presence miraculously causes dry trees to bear fruit and flowers.
   • Meanwhile, Emperor Chandragupta Maurya in Magadha has prophetic dreams.
   • The royal gardener informs Chandragupta about the miraculous fruits and flowers, attributing them to the sage Bhadrabahu.
   • Chandragupta seeks Bhadrabahu's interpretation of his sixteen dreams, which predict a severe famine in the land.
   • The dream interpretation instills a sense of detachment in Chandragupta, and he requests initiation from Bhadrabahu.
   • Later, while on his alms round, Bhadrabahu sees a crying child in a cradle. He senses a connection and, using his knowledge, realizes the child's future and without taking his alms, returns to the forest.
   • Bhadrabahu calls all the monks and declares that a devastating 12-year famine is coming to North India. He advises that it is not suitable for ascetics to remain there.
   • The citizens plead with Bhadrabahu to stay, promising to support the monastic order with their wealth. However, Bhadrabahu insists that asceticism cannot be properly practiced in a famine-stricken land and decides to travel south.
   • As Bhadrabahu departs, the laity implore other senior monks like Ramalya and Sthulabhadra to stay. They agree due to the strong insistence of the followers.
   • This decision by Sthulabhadra and others to stay, contrary to Bhadrabahu's counsel, is identified as a historical mistake that eventually led to the division of Jainism into Digambar and Shvetambar sects.
   • Bhadrabahu travels to Karnataka, where he renounces his position as Acharya and the Sangh to undertake solitary meditation (Samadhi) at Shravanabelgola.
   • Young Chandragupta, now a monk, requests to stay with Bhadrabahu. Bhadrabahu eventually allows him, but warns him against relying on the laity for sustenance in the jungle.
   • Chandragupta proves his devotion and purity. The forest goddess tests him by creating a city and offering alms, which he refuses as it was not obtained through proper channels.
   • Bhadrabahu passes away peacefully (Samadhi).
   • Upon Bhadrabahu's death, a severe famine begins in North India.
   • In Ujjaini, during the famine, the monks, despite being offered alms, face extreme hardship and the desperation of the starving populace.
   • To protect the monks from the mob and ensure their alms, the laity suggest they adopt certain relaxations, such as wearing a loincloth at night and accepting alms in vessels.
   • These minor compromises gradually lead to further concessions, with monks starting to accept possessions like bags and utensils.
   • The famine ends after 12 years. Acharya Vishakhacharya, who had gone south, returns and visits Shravanabelgola.
   • He finds Chandragupta Muni there. Vishakhacharya is surprised to see Chandragupta without any followers and suspects him of impurity, refusing to greet him properly.
   • When Chandragupta suggests that the Sangh can get alms from a nearby city, the monks are astonished.
   • During their alms round, a monk forgets his water pot (Kamandal) and returns to find a city that was divinely created.
   • Acharya Vishakhacharya realizes Chandragupta's purity and the divine intervention. The entire Sangh undergoes a period of penance for their mistakes.
   • Vishakhacharya then visits Ujjaini, where Sthulabhadra, now the Acharya, comes to meet him. Sthulabhadra admits to the compromises made during the famine, including wearing clothes, and after Vishakhacharya's counsel, he sheds his clothes and returns to the original Digambar practice.
   • However, some younger monks refuse to change, continuing with their corrupt practices and establishing their own sect. This marks the division within the Mahavir's teachings.
   • The citizens worry about the disappearance of Emperor Chandragupta. They approach Vishakhacharya, who explains that Chandragupta also attained his end after performing Bhadrabahu's final rites.
   • The book ends with a reflection on the unfortunate division within Jainism and the enduring legacy of Bhadrabahu, the last Shrutakevali.

Key takeaway: The graphic novel "Akaal ki Rekhaein" serves as a cautionary tale, illustrating the consequences of deviating from core religious principles, particularly under duress like a famine, and the subsequent schisms that can arise from such compromises. It highlights the importance of unwavering adherence to tradition and the exemplary life of Acharya Bhadrabahu.