Bhagavana Mahavira

This document is a Gujarati-language book titled "Bhagwan Mahavir" by Jaybhikkhu, published by Shri Jaybhikkhu Sahitya Trust. It is part of the "Jaybhikkhu Janmashatabdi Granthavali" (Jaybhikkhu Birth Centenary Collection).

Here's a comprehensive summary based on the provided pages:

Overall Purpose and Theme: The book is a biographical and philosophical exploration of Lord Mahavir, the 24th Tirthankara of Jainism. It aims to present his life and teachings in an accessible and inspiring manner, highlighting his principles of ahimsa (non-violence), anekanta (non-absolutism), and aparigraha (non-possession). It emphasizes Mahavir's role in promoting spiritual and moral upliftment for all beings.

Author and Publisher:

• Author: Jaybhikkhu
• Publisher: Shri Jaybhikkhu Sahitya Trust, Ahmedabad.

Key Content Sections and Themes:

1. Jaybhikkhu's Legacy and the Trust: Pages 5-7 provide a detailed account of Jaybhikkhu's prolific writing career (297 works) and his dedication to human values, national love, respect for women, and interfaith harmony. It explains the establishment of the Shri Jaybhikkhu Sahitya Trust to promote his works and disseminate humanitarian messages. The trust's activities, including awards, essay competitions, and publications, are highlighted, underscoring Jaybhikkhu's significant contribution to Gujarati literature and social thought.

2. Introduction to Lord Mahavir: Page 16 provides a historical context, placing Lord Mahavir in the 6th century BCE, a period of profound spiritual awakening with contemporaries like Buddha, Socrates, and Confucius. It mentions the lineage of Tirthankaras, starting from Rishabhadeva.

3. Mahavir's Philosophy and Teachings:

   • Ahimsa and its Evolution: Pages 16-17 discuss the progression of the ahimsa (non-violence) principle, tracing its emphasis from Rishabhanatha, Neminatha (who advocated for animal welfare and dietary purity), and Parshvanatha (who laid down four vows: ahimsa, satya, asteya, and aparigraha). Lord Mahavir is presented as the one who gave ahimsa practical form, popularized it through vernacular language, and added Brahmacharya to form the five Mahavratas.
   • Social Reforms: The book highlights Mahavir's radical reforms, including rejecting caste and creed distinctions, valuing knowledge and conduct over birth, and abolishing animal sacrifices (Ashwamedha, Gomeda, Narameda).
   • Spiritual Principles: It explains Mahavir's core tenets: "Atma eva Paramatma" (the soul is the supreme), emphasizing self-effort and personal responsibility; the concept of anekanta (multiple perspectives) for understanding reality; and the importance of aparigraha (non-possession) for societal harmony.

4. Biographical Episodes and Teachings (Illustrated through stories):

   • "The Fearless One" (Fear vs. Courage): Pages 18-23 narrate an incident from Mahavir's childhood (as Vardhaman) where he bravely confronts a snake, demonstrating his inherent fearlessness and compassion.
   • "Hero in Body, Mahavir in Heart": Pages 21-26 describe Vardhaman's childhood, his playful nature, and his extraordinary strength and character, exemplified by his encounter with an Aghori, where his courage and compassion prevail.
   • "Which Village, Which Parents?": Pages 27-30 introduce the socio-political context of ancient India, highlighting the republican states like Videha, with Vaishali as its capital. It sets the scene for Mahavir's birth into a royal family.
   • "The Fourteen Dreams": Pages 31-32 detail the auspicious dreams of Mahavir's mother, Trishala, signifying his future greatness as a spiritual leader and ruler.
   • "Matru Devo Bhava" (Worship Your Mother): Pages 17-21 offer a poignant description of the deep care and respect shown by Vardhaman (Mahavir) towards his mother, highlighting the importance of parental devotion as a fundamental virtue.
   • "Birth Festival": Pages 22-24 vividly describe the divine celebrations surrounding Mahavir's birth, involving celestial beings and the joyous atmosphere.
   • "In the School of Learning": Pages 25-27 narrate Vardhaman's early education, showcasing his innate wisdom and understanding, which even impressed scholars and teachers.
   • "As is Our Soul, So is the Other's": Pages 28-33 elaborate on Vardhaman's profound empathy and egalitarian philosophy, where he perceived the interconnectedness of all living beings and advocated for non-violence and compassion towards all.
   • "You are the First Pilgrimage": Pages 34-38 depict the emotional conflict between Vardhaman's spiritual calling and his filial duty, showcasing his unwavering commitment to his mother's wishes while preparing for his renunciation.
   • "Blessed art thou, Yashoda!": Pages 39-43 portray Mahavir's married life with Yashoda and his daughter Priyadarshana, while subtly hinting at his detachment from worldly pleasures, his inner quest for truth, and the growing realization of life's impermanence.
   • "Brother Like Bharat": Pages 45-51 describe the supportive relationship between Vardhaman and his elder brother Nandivardhana, who initially tries to dissuade him from renunciation but ultimately understands and respects his spiritual path. It highlights the philosophical discussions about the nature of true kingship and a spiritual kingdom.
   • "Renunciation of Everything": Pages 52-56 detail the profound moment of Mahavir's renunciation, where he sheds all worldly possessions, including his hair, symbolizing his complete detachment from the material world.
   • "The Poor and God of the Poor": Pages 57-62 narrate the story of a poor Brahmin named Somsharma who, despite his poverty, encounters Mahavir and experiences a transformative realization about true wealth and inner richness.
   • "I am the Only Hero!": Pages 63-67 depict Mahavir's solitary journey and his encounters with challenges, including testing by celestial beings like Indra, emphasizing his self-reliance and internal strength.
   • "Five Vows": Pages 68-71 outline Mahavir's commitment to specific vows (potentially referring to the five Mahavratas), highlighting his detachment from bodily comforts and his focus on spiritual practices.
   • "An Aversion to Aversion": Pages 72-77 recount the story of Mahavir's encounter with the wrathful Yaksha Shulapani, demonstrating how Mahavir's unwavering non-violence and compassion ultimately pacify the Yaksha's anger.
   • "First Chaturmas": Pages 78-80 describe Mahavir's first rainy season retreat (Chaturmas) at the Yaksha temple, where he overcomes temptations and reveals his profound understanding of spiritual truths to the astrologer Utpal.
   • "Good Baba and Bad Baba": Pages 81-84 illustrate Mahavir's encounter with a fraudulent astrologer (Acchedak, implying good intentions) and exposes his deceit, highlighting Mahavir's wisdom in dealing with deception through truth and exposing hypocrisy.
   • "Fear Without Fear": Pages 85-93 portray Mahavir's encounter with the venomous snake Chandakoushik, where his non-violence and unwavering calm completely transform the snake's rage. This episode is elaborated with past life connections.
   • "Four Yugas and Five Yugas": Pages 94-101 explore the teachings on the cyclical nature of time (Yugas) and the path to liberation (Moksha). It details the philosophical debates Mahavir had with prominent scholars of his time, like Indrabhuti Gautama.
   • "The Elephant Stuck by its Tail": Pages 166-168 continue the narrative of Mahavir's encounters, showing how even seemingly insurmountable obstacles (like an elephant trapped by its tail) are overcome through spiritual understanding and compassion.
   • "The Fourfold Sangha": Pages 171-174 describe the establishment of the Jain Sangha, comprising monks (Shravaka), nuns (Shravika), laymen (Shravaka), and laywomen (Shravika), as the foundation for propagating Mahavir's teachings.
   • "Nirgrantha Monk": Pages 172-174 elaborate on the ascetic life of a Nirgrantha monk, emphasizing their detachment, self-control, and rigorous spiritual practices.
   • "The Five Vows": Pages 175-176 detail the five core vows (Mahavratas) of Jain monks, which form the bedrock of their spiritual path.
   • "Twelve Vows of a Householder": Pages 177-178 outline the twelve vows for lay followers, demonstrating how Jain principles can be integrated into daily life.
   • "Birthplace": Pages 179-180 revisits the context of Mahavir's birth, highlighting the spiritual awakening in ancient India and his unique approach to reaching the masses through their own language.
   • "Simple Talk, Simple Wisdom": Pages 181-183 present Mahavir's teaching style through simple parables and analogies, making profound truths accessible to common people.
   • "Are You Like an Animal or Worse?": Pages 184-186 illustrate Mahavir's emphasis on inner spiritual development over external appearances and his critique of unthinking adherence to rituals or social norms.
   • "Jayanti's Questions": Pages 187-190 showcase the intellectual curiosity of the era, with Princess Jayanti engaging Mahavir in a dialogue about life, death, and the nature of existence.
   • "The War is Stopped": Pages 194-195 describe Mahavir's intervention in a potential war between Kausambi and Ujjain, demonstrating the power of his spiritual presence to avert violence and bring about peace.
   • "The Recognition of the Heroic Dharma": Pages 196-198 recount the story of Sadalaputra, a potter who initially adheres to fatalistic beliefs but is converted by Mahavir's teachings on the power of human effort (purushartha) and karma.
   • "One Thousand Miles on Foot": Pages 199-200 highlight Mahavir's arduous journeys and his perseverance in the face of physical hardships, emphasizing his dedication to spiritual practice.
   • "The Userer of One Cowrie Shell": Pages 197-198 tell the story of a man who loses significant wealth due to attachment to a small sum, illustrating the Jaina concept of non-attachment to material possessions.
   • "The Encounter with Kital King": Pages 221-223 narrate Mahavir's spiritual victory over the fierce Kital king, demonstrating how non-violence and compassion can conquer aggression.
   • "Nirvana": Pages 224-229 poetically describe Lord Mahavir's final liberation (Nirvana), the peaceful end of his earthly journey, and the profound impact of his teachings on the world.
   • "One Lamp Lights Another": Pages 230-233 depict the transmission of spiritual knowledge and the ongoing dissemination of Mahavir's teachings through his disciples, symbolizing the continuity of spiritual light.

5. The Fourfold Sangha (Chaturvidh Sangha): Pages 171-174 explain the structure of the Jain community established by Mahavir, consisting of monks, nuns, laymen, and laywomen.

6. The Five Vows (Pancha Mahavratas) and Twelve Vows (Dvadasha Vratas): Pages 175-176 detail the stringent vows of monks, while pages 177-178 outline the vows for lay followers, showing the practical application of Jain principles in different life stages.

7. Gautama's Questions and Mahavir's Answers: Pages 160-165 present a significant dialogue between Mahavir and Indrabhuti Gautama, a renowned scholar, where Mahavir systematically dispels Gautama's doubts and leads him to spiritual realization.

8. Goashala's Divergence: Pages 113-118 describe the separation of Mahavir's initial follower, Goashala Mankhaliputra, who deviates from Mahavir's teachings and forms his own sect (Ajivika), highlighting the importance of correct understanding and practice.

9. Mahavir's Encounters and Transformations: The book is replete with stories of Mahavir's interactions with various individuals and phenomena—serpents (Chandakoushik), deities (Indra), hostile beings (Yakshas, Vyantaras), ordinary people (farmers, merchants), and even animals—showing how his presence and teachings brought about transformation, peace, and enlightenment.

Overall Tone and Style: The writing style is narrative and engaging, using parables, dialogues, and vivid descriptions to convey Mahavir's life and philosophy. It balances historical accounts with spiritual insights, making the complex teachings of Jainism accessible and relatable. The book is intended to inspire readers towards a life of righteousness, compassion, and self-realization.