Atimuktakmuni Charitram

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Atimuktakmuni Charitram" by Shubhshil Gani:

The "Atimuktakmuni Charitram" narrates the life and spiritual journey of a Muni (ascetic) named Atimukta, written by Shubhshil Gani.

Early Life and Royal Lineage: The story begins by introducing King Vijay and his virtuous queen Shrimati, who ruled the magnificent city of Pedala. They were devoted followers of Jainism, actively engaging in acts of charity, piety, penance, worship, and promoting righteous conduct. Their wealth was not a hindrance to their charitable nature, as the text emphasizes that even those with limited means who give generously are considered blessed. The couple was blessed with a son, who was named Atimukta on the occasion of his birth celebration.

Encounter with Lord Gautam Swami and Renunciation: As Prince Atimukta grew, he became an eight-year-old boy. One day, while playing with his peers, he encountered the revered Ganadhar (chief disciple) Lord Gautam Swami on his alms round. Intrigued, Atimukta approached Gautam Swami, inquiring about his identity and purpose. Gautam Swami explained that they were ascetics seeking pure sustenance. Atimukta, filled with admiration, invited them to his home, promising that his mother would provide pure food.

Upon meeting Gautam Swami, Queen Shrimati was delighted and offered them pure food. As Gautam Swami departed, Atimukta followed him, expressing his desire to become like him. Gautam Swami, acknowledging Atimukta's youth, explained the difficulty of observing the strict vows of Jain asceticism, particularly for a child. However, Atimukta, resolute, declared his determination to embrace these vows and achieve a similar spiritual stature. He insisted on knowing where they resided so he could join them.

Seeking Parental Permission and Embracing Asceticism: Gautam Swami informed Atimukta that his guru, Lord Mahavir, resided in the city, and they all lived together. Atimukta, accompanied by Gautam Swami, went to the Jinalaya (temple) where Lord Mahavir was present. After circumambulating and paying respects to the Tirthankara, Atimukta listened to the religious discourse.

Returning home, Atimukta expressed his newfound aversion to the cycle of worldly existence (samsara) and requested his parents' permission to renounce the world and take diksha (initiation). His parents were distraught, reminding him that he was their only son and the heir to the kingdom, and their sole support in old age. They reiterated the difficulty of the path he wished to embrace.

Atimukta, however, spoke profoundly about the impermanence of life and relationships. He questioned the notions of "elder" and "younger" in the context of samsara, emphasizing that all beings are subject to death and rebirth, forming countless relationships across lifetimes. He quoted verses highlighting that in this transient world, only the teachings of the Jinas offer true refuge, as relationships like parents, friends, spouses, and wealth are impermanent. He asserted that in the cycle of rebirth, one can be a father, son, or mother in different lives, making true identification impossible. He further stressed that even knowing the transient and suffering-filled nature of the world, people fail to follow the path prescribed by the Jinas.

Convinced by his son's wisdom and firm resolve, his parents granted him permission. Atimukta, with great joy and celebration, took diksha at the hands of Lord Gautam Swami.

Spiritual Discipline and a Test of Character: As Atimukta, now a Kshullaka (a novice monk), he diligently practiced the ascetic disciplines taught by Gautam Swami, finding happiness in purifying his soul. One day, while on his alms round in a village, an elderly woman questioned him about taking such strict vows at such a young age. Atimukta, intrigued by her words, responded cryptically, "I know what I know, and I know what I don't know."

The woman, unable to understand his meaning, asked him to clarify. Atimukta explained that he had taken the vows at a young age because he understood that death is inevitable at any point in life. He further elaborated that the term "utsur" (meaning to act with foresight or to be proactive) refers to the time when knowledge is gained. He implied that he had gained sufficient knowledge to act proactively regarding his spiritual liberation. The woman, impressed by his profound understanding, sought his forgiveness for her disrespect and embraced the twelve fundamental vows of a lay follower (Shravak Dharma).

Childlike Play and Ultimate Enlightenment: Later, while with other monks, Atimukta, still possessing some childlike tendencies, played by floating his water pot in puddles filled with rainwater, mirroring the games of other children. The senior monks observed this and brought him back to the monastery. The following day, they presented this incident to Lord Mahavir, suggesting that Atimukta was too young for diksha.

Lord Mahavir, with his omniscience, stated that they should not find fault with the Kshullaka Atimukta, as he would soon attain Kevala Jnana (omniscience). Hearing this, Gautam Swami and the other monks were astonished.

At that very moment, during the Samavsarana (divine assembly), Atimukta, while performing his penances and uttering the word "Dagamatti" (a phrase used in expressing regret and seeking forgiveness for transgressions against living beings), attained Kevala Jnana. The celestial beings celebrated his enlightenment. The text emphasizes that the mind is the cause of bondage and liberation, and that with balanced equanimity, karmas that take countless lifetimes to destroy can be annihilated in an instant.

Preaching and Attaining Moksha: Now an omniscient monk at the age of nine, Atimukta Kevali traversed the land, enlightening beings and leaving people in awe with his wisdom. He arrived at the outskirts of Suryapur, where King Jitshatru, accompanied by a large assembly, came to pay homage and listen to his teachings.

Atimukta Kevali delivered a sermon, eloquently describing the ephemeral nature of life, strength, youth, and wealth. He urged people to strive for spiritual merit while they are healthy, strong, and young, emphasizing that seeking refuge in Dharma is like digging a well before the house catches fire. He highlighted the essence of spiritual practice: worshipping the Jinas, listening to sermons, bowing to ascetics, eradicating pride, respecting the Guru, conquering Maya and anger, uprooting attachment to the world, purifying the mind, and controlling the senses as the path to liberation.

King Jitshatru and many others in the assembly were deeply moved by his discourse and embraced the twelve vows of a lay follower. After a period of spiritual activity, Atimukta Kevali attained Moksha (liberation).

Conclusion: The "Atimuktakmuni Charitram" concludes by stating that the story of Atimukta Muni is complete, signifying the successful culmination of his spiritual journey from a prince to an omniscient liberation.