Ananda Shravaka

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Ananda Shravaka" by the JAINA Education Committee:

The text tells the story of Ananda Shravaka, a devout Jain householder living in a prosperous commercial town in India, ruled by King Jitashatru. Ananda was a wealthy and respected individual, possessing vast riches in gold coins, cash, business capital, jewelry, and movable and immovable assets, including a herd of 40,000 cows. He was highly esteemed by the king and the town's populace.

One day, Lord Mahavir Swami visited the town and delivered a discourse. Impressed by the teachings, Ananda embraced Jainism and took vows of twelve Anuvratas (minor vows) as a Shravaka (devout householder). He diligently followed these vows for fourteen years, making significant spiritual progress. Through intense penance, self-control, and meditation, Ananda attained a special, elevated form of Avadhijnana (clairvoyance). His Avadhijnana was exceptionally pure and powerful, surpassing that of ordinary individuals practicing spiritual disciplines.

During this period, Lord Mahavir Swami and his chief disciple, Gautam Swami, were traveling in the same city. While on his alms round, Gautam Swami observed people flocking to pay respects to Ananda Shravaka, who had attained this extraordinary power. Intrigued, Gautam Swami decided to visit Ananda himself, also wishing to learn more about the life stories from the time of Lord Mahavir.

Ananda was overjoyed to see his spiritual guru, Gautam Swami. Despite being physically weakened by his penance, he warmly welcomed Gautam Swami. Gautam Swami inquired about his well-being and then asked about his exceptional Avadhijnana. Ananda humbly replied that his special clairvoyance allowed him to perceive the first heaven (Saurdharma Devaloka) above and the first hell below.

Gautam Swami, surprised by the vastness of Ananda's vision, explained that even with the attainment of Avadhijnana, ordinary individuals typically couldn't perceive such an extensive range. He suggested that Ananda might be imagining this vast perception and therefore needed to perform Prayashchitta (penance or expiation) for speaking something untrue.

Ananda was perplexed. He was certain that what he had said was the truth, yet his revered guru doubted his sincerity and asked for penance. With great humility, Ananda asked Gautam Swami if one should perform penance for speaking the truth. Gautam Swami was also momentarily confused and replied that one should never perform penance for speaking the truth. He then left Ananda's home to consult Lord Mahavir Swami.

Upon meeting Lord Mahavir Swami, Gautam Swami explained the situation regarding Ananda's extraordinary Avadhijnana. Lord Mahavir Swami confirmed that Ananda was speaking the truth and had indeed attained a truly expansive form of Avadhijnana, a power rarely achieved by ordinary individuals. Lord Mahavir advised Gautam Swami that he (Gautam Swami) needed to perform Prayashchitta for his mistake in doubting Ananda.

Gautam Swami immediately set aside his alms bowl and returned to Ananda to apologize for doubting his honesty and truthfulness. The text highlights a unique characteristic of Jainism: even a guru must apologize to a disciple if they make a mistake, and a monk must apologize to a layperson if they err.

In the later part of his life, Ananda remained on a fast until his death. After his demise, he was reborn in the Saurdharma Devaloka (first heaven) in the celestial realm. The text concludes by stating that upon completing his lifespan in heaven, he will be reborn as a human again and eventually attain Moksha (liberation).

The story serves as an illustration of the principles of Jainism, emphasizing the importance of observing the twelve vows for householders and the unwavering faith of a householder. It also showcases the simplicity, humility, and true discipleship of Gautam Swami, who readily accepted his error when pointed out by Lord Mahavir and sought forgiveness from Ananda. Furthermore, it demonstrates Lord Mahavir's impartiality and lack of prejudice, as he did not overlook the mistake of his chief disciple but upheld the truth, guiding Gautam Swami towards rectifying his error.