Bhagwan Mahavirswaminu Divya Jivan

Here is a comprehensive summary in English of the Jain text "Bhagwan Mahavirswaminu Divya Jivan" by Purnanandvijay:

This book, "Bhagwan Mahavirswaminu Divya Jivan" (The Divine Life of Lord Mahavirswami), authored by Panyas Purnanandvijayji (Kumar Shraman) and translated into Gujarati by Girishbhai Dhrangdharawala, presents a detailed exploration of the life and teachings of Lord Mahavir, the 24th Tirthankar of Jainism. The publisher is Jagjivandas Kasturchand Shah.

The book emphasizes that Lord Mahavir's life was not just a historical event but a profound blueprint for humanity. The author expresses his gratitude to his guru, Muniraj Shri Vidyavijayji Maharaj, under whom he was initiated 40 years prior to the writing of this book. The author's intention is to present Lord Mahavir's life from a perspective that awakens human consciousness and guides individuals towards their duties.

Key Themes and Aspects Discussed:

• Lord Mahavir's Universality and Compassion: The book highlights that Lord Mahavir was a Tirthankar, omniscient, a master of truth, and filled with boundless compassion. His teachings were for the upliftment of all beings, regardless of their social status, background, or past deeds. The "Samavasaran" (divine assembly) was classless and inclusive, welcoming kings like Shrenik, ascetics like Rajarshi Chetak, Harijans like Metaraju, Chandalas like Harikeshi, wealthy individuals like Shresthiputra Shalibhadra, and humble householders like Puniyashravak. Similarly, women like Sulsa, Revati, Mrigavati, and Jayanti, as well as fallen or abandoned women, found a place in his spiritual fold.
• Equanimity and Detachment: Lord Mahavir remained unaffected by praise or condemnation, honor from Indra and Indrani, or the suffering caused by beings like Sangam Dev or the serpent Nagaraj Chandakoushik. He was neither pleased by the divine cloth offered by devas nor displeased by the hardships inflicted by celestial beings during challenging times (upasarga). His equanimity extended to receiving the best food for alms as well as boiled urad dal from Chandanbala.
• Relevance in the Kali Yuga: The author contrasts the spiritual purity of the Satya Yuga with the materialistic influences prevalent in the Kali Yuga. He points out the pervasiveness of cinema, TV, alcohol, hotels, and other such elements that erode spiritual values. The book urges readers to consider how Lord Mahavir's life can be relevant in contemporary times and how to infuse the spirit of the Satya Yuga into their daily thoughts, speech, and actions.
• The Importance of Pure Conduct and Righteousness: The book stresses that true religious life begins with the purity of human life. Without a beautiful and virtuous human life, religious rituals and appearances remain superficial. It highlights the necessity of "Samyaktva" (right faith/view) as the foundation, which is achieved through a combination of revering Arihants and ascetics, and cultivating virtues like equanimity, gentleness, and simplicity.
• Overcoming Negative Karmas and Qualities: The text emphasizes the need to subdue and eliminate "Anantanubandhi Kashay" (attachment-causing emotions like anger, pride, deceit, and greed) which hinder spiritual progress. It states that without this, true remembrance, control over emotional states, detachment, and simplicity are unattainable. The absence of Samyaktva renders all religious practices futile.
• The Significance of "Ahar Shuddhi" (Purity of Sustenance): The author links purity of sustenance to purity of business practices. He defines "Ahar Shuddhi" as honesty in trade, fair dealings, accurate measurements, avoidance of usury, theft, breach of trust, and exploitation. Unjustly acquired wealth is considered impure food, which can corrupt one's Samyaktva.
• Lord Mahavir's Past Lives (Bhavaavali): The book delves into the previous births of Lord Mahavir, detailing his journey towards omniscience and liberation. It describes his lives as:
  • Nayasaar: A devoted villager who showed immense respect and hospitality to a monk.
  • Marichi: Son of Bharat Chakravarti, who, despite having renounced the world, fell due to attachment to the body and desire for disciples.
  • Vishvabhuti: A muni who fell due to anger and the insult from his cousin, leading to a vow to take revenge, ultimately resulting in rebirths in hell and as a celestial being.
  • Balabhadra Achal and Trivasudev: Brothers who experienced immense power and prestige but ultimately faced the consequences of their actions. Trivasudev, who killed the anti-Tirthankar Ashwagriva, went to the seventh hell.
  • Vimal Kumara: A prince who was compassionate and virtuous, renouncing worldly life to pursue asceticism.
  • Dhananjaya's son in Muka city: A prince who received fourteen auspicious dreams, indicating his future greatness.
  • Chakravarti: Experiencing immense worldly glory but maintaining detachment and spiritual focus.
  • Lord of Pranat Heaven: Reaching a celestial realm after a life of devotion.
  • Nandan Kumara: A prince who practiced intense asceticism (Maaskaphan) and attained Sayakshik Samyaktva (perfect right faith) and Tirthankar Gotra.
  • Other Lives: The narrative traces his journey through various lives, highlighting the lessons learned and the karmic journey leading to his Tirthankarhood.
• The Importance of Right Conduct and Renunciation: The book emphasizes that material possessions and worldly power are temporary. True liberation comes from renouncing attachments, controlling desires, and practicing austerities and self-discipline.
• Lord Mahavir's Teachings on Social Reform: The author discusses Lord Mahavir's profound insights into social issues prevalent during his time. He highlights the rampant violence, the commercialization of religion, the exploitation of women, the rise of materialistic philosophies, and the moral decay in society.
  • Non-violence (Ahimsa): The book elaborates on the principle of Ahimsa, explaining its application for monks and householders. For monks, it involves absolute non-violence in thought, word, and deed, strict adherence to the five great vows, and meticulous conduct. For householders, it involves minimizing violence, especially against sentient beings, and abstaining from intentional harm.
  • Socialism and Equality: Lord Mahavir's teachings promoted equality and social justice. He welcomed people from all strata of society into his spiritual fold, advocating for the upliftment of the downtrodden and the eradication of social discrimination. His emphasis on compassion, charity, and selfless service aligns with the principles of true socialism.
  • The Fight Against Inequality: The author critiques the prevailing inequality, where wealth and power were concentrated in the hands of a few, leading to the suffering of the masses. He points out how materialism, greed, and lust corrupted societal values and spiritual practices.
  • The Power of Renunciation: The book celebrates the spirit of renunciation exemplified by Lord Mahavir and his followers, who sacrificed worldly pleasures and possessions for spiritual liberation.
• Lord Mahavir's Discourses and Philosophy: The text touches upon key Jain philosophical concepts like "Syadvada" (the doctrine of manifold aspects), which emphasizes that truth is multifaceted and can be viewed from different perspectives. This philosophy was instrumental in clarifying societal and religious confusion.
• The Panch Kalyanak: The five auspicious events in a Tirthankar's life – Chyavan (descent into the womb), Janma (birth), Diksha (renunciation), Kevalgyan (omniscience), and Nirvana (liberation) – are briefly mentioned.
• The Author's Appeal: The author concludes by urging readers to study, reflect upon, and internalize the teachings of Lord Mahavir to lead a more beautiful and virtuous life. He also expresses gratitude to his guru, the publisher, and the financial supporters of the book, and humbly requests readers to point out any errors for future editions.

In essence, "Bhagwan Mahavirswaminu Divya Jivan" is a profound exposition of Lord Mahavir's divine life, his transformative teachings, and their enduring relevance for achieving spiritual liberation and societal well-being. It serves as a guide for living a life of truth, non-violence, compassion, and self-discipline in a world often consumed by materialism and spiritual ignorance.