Arpan Kshamashraman

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Arpan Kshamashraman" by Sushil, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Arpan Kshamashraman (અર્પણ – ક્ષમાશ્રમણ) Author: Sushil (સુશીલ) Publisher: Shrutgyan Prasarak Sabha (શ્રી શ્રુતજ્ઞાન પ્રસારક સભા), Ahmedabad Publication Year: Samvat 2014 (Vikram era) / AD 2008

This book, "Arpan Kshamashraman," is a collection of inspiring narratives and teachings rooted in Jain philosophy, aiming to enlighten and uplift the reader. The work is divided into two main parts: "Arpan" (અર્પણ) and "Kshamashraman" (ક્ષમાશ્રમણ), suggesting a focus on offering devotion and embodying forgiveness or forbearance.

Part 1: Arpan (અર્પણ)

The introductory sections of "Arpan" highlight the purpose behind its creation. The first edition's statement emphasizes the power of exemplary tales to revitalize a nation's spirit. The author (or editor) expresses an intent to present the lives of influential figures from Jain history in the form of inspiring novels. The text acknowledges a rich tapestry of great individuals—royal sages, great seers, luminaries, national servants, benefactors, and diplomats—who have significantly contributed to the world over the past twenty-five centuries since Lord Mahavir. The goal is to illuminate these "stars" of the Jain community for the benefit of society.

The foreword by Devchand Damji Sheth, editor of "Jain" newspaper, dated February 25, 1928, reveals that the author, Bhimji Harjiwan (Sushil), embarked on this project to fulfill a desire to present these stories in a captivating manner. Sheth expresses gratitude to Sushil for undertaking this task and also acknowledges the valuable review by Zaverchand Meghani, a renowned folklorist. Meghani's critique, titled "Vivekdrushtine Vandana" (વિવેકદૃષ્ટિને વંદના - Salutations to the Vision of Discretion), is included as a preface.

Meghani's preface praises Sushil's writing style, describing it as simple, profound, and popular, blending Gujarati traditions with refined sensibilities, akin to Kakasaheb Kalelkar. Meghani notes that Sushil, a known writer for "Saurashtra" and currently for "Jain" weekly, has a unique ability to infuse his articles with his inner thoughts despite the constraints of political or denominational publications. Meghani points out that Sushil's personal reticence and his commitment to studying the world's best literature had previously limited his own writing output, confining him mostly to translations. However, "Arpan" is seen as a significant exception, a release of his "unfettered flow of thought, language, and spirit."

Meghani further elaborates on the need to bring Jain historical narratives, rich with themes of penance, restraint, inner struggle, boundless forgiveness, and immense compassion, to a wider audience. He criticizes the tendency to keep such stories confined within sectarian boundaries, suggesting they should be shared globally. He questions why Jain heroes' accounts are excluded from educational curricula when those of other religions are included. Meghani's personal desire to collect such stories led him to motivate Sushil, who, with his deep study of Jain scriptures and interaction with learned Jain monks, was deemed the right person for this task. Meghani highlights the importance of presenting these stories with discernment, avoiding blind faith and superstitions, and focusing on the human element and psychological depth. He praises Sushil's approach in tales like "Adrakumar," emphasizing the careful portrayal of internal struggles and motivations.

The "Arpan" section contains ten stories:

1. A Disciple of Gautam Swami (ગૌતમસ્વામીનો શિષ્ય): This story likely explores the teachings and experiences of a disciple of Gautam Swami, possibly highlighting aspects of faith and spiritual practice.
2. Unwavering Faith (નિઃશંકા શ્રદ્ધા): This narrative seems to focus on the unwavering faith of King Shrenik in Jainism, even when tested by divine intervention.
3. The Ugly Nandishen (કદરૂપો નંદીષેણ): This story probably deals with the challenges faced by Nandishen due to his appearance and how he overcomes them, potentially through spiritual or inner strength.
4. Sadalputra's Determinism (સદાલપુત્રનો નિયતિવાદ): This tale might explore the philosophical concept of determinism through the character of Sadalputra and his interactions, possibly with Lord Mahavir.
5. Haribal the Fisherman (હરિબળ માછી): This story likely narrates the life of Haribal, a fisherman, and his spiritual journey, possibly involving an act of compassion or adherence to a vow.
6. Adrakumar (આર્દ્રકુમાર): Meghani's preface specifically mentions this story, praising Sushil's portrayal of Adrakumar's internal struggles and transformation, emphasizing the difficult journey of inner purification.
7. The Affectionate Mother (વાત્સલ્યઘેલી માતા): This story appears to delve into the profound and perhaps overwhelming love of a mother, possibly depicted through Bhadra's devotion to her son.
8. Harikeshi Bal (હરિકેશીબળ): Meghani also highlights this narrative, which likely deals with the transformation of Harikeshi, possibly starting from a low social standing, and his spiritual realization.
9. Kalakumar (કાલકકુમાર): This story likely focuses on Prince Kalak, perhaps detailing his actions, spiritual path, or significant events in his life.
10. King Namiraja of Mithila (મિથિલાપતિ નમિરાજ): This tale is likely about King Namiraja of Mithila, possibly depicting his wisdom, adherence to principles, or his interactions with spiritual figures.

Part 2: Kshamashraman (ક્ષમાશ્રમણ)

The "Kshamashraman" section, published in Samvat 1995 (Vikram era) / AD 1939, also by Sushil, appears to be a separate but related work, perhaps focusing more directly on the concept of forgiveness, patience, and forbearance in the context of Jain monasticism ("Shraman").

The introductory statement for "Kshamashraman" in the context of the reprint (2008) mentions the author's early fascination with Sushil's works, including "Arpan-Kshamashraman" and "Vair no Vipak." The author recalls attempting to translate the Gujarati stories into Sanskrit, appreciating Sushil's writing style. The rarity of these books prompts the desire for re-publication, believing the modern style will appeal to the new generation. The statement also hints at a demand for an English translation.

The provided text then includes an essay titled "Shraman Sanskriti-ma Kshama ane Upsham" (શ્રમણ સંસ્કૃતિમાં ક્ષમા અને ઉપશમ - Forgiveness and Composure in Shraman Culture). This essay defines "Shraman" as a synonym for monks, ascetics, and spiritual seekers, emphasizing that forgiveness (Kshama) is paramount in their lives. It draws a parallel between the auspicious concept of "Kshamasundar Chakshu" (forgiving eyes) in Rabindranath Tagore's poetry and the Jain ideal. The essay argues that "Kshamashraman" encapsulates the entire history and essence of the Shraman tradition, symbolizing the goal of achieving inner peace and forgiveness.

The essay highlights Lord Mahavir as the epitome of forgiveness, citing his interactions with the venomous serpent Chandakoushik and his former disciple Goshala, who became a fierce adversary. Despite Goshala's attempts to harm him, Lord Mahavir maintained compassion and equanimity. The essay contrasts Lord Mahavir's life, which silently preached composure and forgiveness, with other religious figures who engaged in more vocal doctrinal debates.

The text defines Upsham (ઉપશમ) as the calming or suppression of passions like attachment, aversion, anger, and delusion. It states that Upsham and Kshama are the lifeblood of the Shraman tradition and Jain principles. Without them, even strict adherence to rituals or doctrines loses its true meaning. The essay emphasizes that the Shraman culture's symbol is "Kshamashraman," a concept that remains clear and misunderstood unlike other symbols. It asserts that Shramans not only pursued self-liberation but also served humanity by living simply, spreading dharma through their travels, and patiently enduring the hardships and opposition from the ignorant and adversaries. The essay concludes by stating that the term "Kshamashraman" is appropriate given the Shramanas' ability to endure, and the author's compilation is based on studying the lives of these "Kshama-shramans" from texts like "Updeshmala," though acknowledging the blending of historical and mythological elements.

Overall Themes:

• Inspiration from Exemplary Lives: The book aims to inspire readers by recounting the lives of significant figures in Jainism, highlighting their virtues and spiritual journeys.
• The Power of Forgiveness and Composure: The "Kshamashraman" aspect underscores the importance of forgiveness, patience, and the control of passions (Upsham) as central tenets of the Jain spiritual path.
• Discernment and Inner Strength: The narratives often emphasize the importance of inner strength, wisdom, and discretion in navigating life's challenges, whether external persecution or internal desires.
• Universal Values: The stories aim to transcend sectarian boundaries, presenting universal human values and spiritual principles applicable to all.
• The Journey of Transformation: Many stories likely depict individuals overcoming personal flaws, societal limitations, or spiritual obstacles to achieve enlightenment.

In essence, "Arpan Kshamashraman" is a significant contribution to Jain literature, offering a collection of edifying stories that explore profound spiritual and ethical dimensions, with a particular focus on the virtues of devotion, forgiveness, and composure.