Bhagwan Shree Mahavir Dev

This document is a promotional booklet for a book titled "Bhagwan Shree Mahavir Dev" by Chimanlal Nathalal Shah. It is part of a series called "Prabhavana-Pustika-Shreni" (Propagating Booklet Series).

Here's a summary of the content:

• Purpose of the Series: The author states that small booklets presenting pure ideals have been well-received. This series aims to provide such booklets to those who wish to propagate them, and to present pure ideals to readers. The series has already published successful booklets like "Kuberdatta," "Rajarshi Prasannachandra," and "Adarsh Arya," with high sales figures.

• Content of "Bhagwan Shree Mahavir Dev": This booklet is the fourth in the series and focuses on the life of Lord Mahavir, the founder of the current Jain era. The author acknowledges his limited knowledge in undertaking such a task but does it out of devotion. He states that even with extensive writing, much about the Tirthankar's life remains unsaid, and in this small booklet, only a limited amount of factual information can be presented. He emphasizes that the information provided is as accurate and free from fabrication as possible, and apologizes for any unintentional inaccuracies due to his limited understanding.

• Critique of Sagarānanda Sūri: A significant portion of the author's introduction is dedicated to addressing and refuting the views of Sagarānanda Sūri.

  • The author expresses his strong belief that Sagarānanda Sūri is a promulgator of "un-scriptural" (utsūtra-prarūpak) teachings in the current era.
  • He recounts an instance where he was offered a paid position to manage a weekly publication by Sagarānanda Sūri. He refused, stating that he considers Sagarānanda Sūri a dangerous promulgator of un-scriptural ideas and would not work for him, even if offered a higher salary. He further explains his readiness to change his opinion and publicly apologize if Sagarānanda Sūri can prove his writings to be in accordance with the scriptures, even offering to have his own booklet reprinted at his expense.
  • The author explicitly states that this booklet is not written with the primary intention of opposing Sagarānanda Sūri's views, but it has become a secondary outcome. He welcomes anyone who wishes to challenge Sagarānanda Sūri's incorrect views.

• Theological Discussions and Refutations:

  • Lord Mahavir as the 24th and Final Tirthankar: The booklet delves into the concept of Tirthankars and explains that while Mahavir is the 24th and final Tirthankar of the current avasarpiṇī (descending era), he is also an infinite Tirthankar and not the ultimate one when considering all cyclical time. This concept is explained through the lens of Syadvāda (the doctrine of manifoldness).
  • Sagarānanda Sūri's Alleged Misinterpretation of Scriptures: The author refutes Sagarānanda Sūri's claim that scriptures state all sentences are false. He argues that scriptures actually condemn those who make such ignorant claims and highlights the importance of Syadvāda in understanding Jain scriptures.
  • Cycles of Time and Tirthankars: The text explains the Jain cosmology of avasarpiṇī and utsarpiṇī (ascending and descending eras), their six ārās (stages), and how Tirthankars, Chakravartis, and other prominent figures appear within these cycles. It emphasizes that there have been and will be infinite Tirthankars.
  • Jainism as Eternal: The booklet asserts that Jainism is an eternal principle, not originating with Lord Rishabhdev and not ending with Lord Mahavir. It exists in all cycles of time.
  • Types of Souls: It discusses the categories of souls: bhavyā (capable of liberation), jāṭibbhavyā (inherently capable), and abhavyā (incapable).
  • The Nature of Tirthankar Souls: The text explains that Tirthankar souls are inherently superior (tathābhavyatva) and possess qualities like altruism even before achieving the highest spiritual state. It criticizes those who claim Mahavir's altruism was unique before his enlightenment, stating it is an insult to other Tirthankaras.
  • Past Lives of Lord Mahavir: A significant portion of the booklet details the previous births of Lord Mahavir, focusing on key events and moral lessons from those lives. This includes:
    • Nayasār: A virtuous minister who exemplified humility and service.
    • Marichi: The first Tirthankar Rishabhdev's grandson, Marichi, who eventually renounced the world but later fell from grace and adopted a heretical lifestyle, influencing others and binding negative karma. This section heavily critiques Sagarānanda Sūri's interpretation of Marichi's life and motivations.
    • Vishvabhūti: A king's son who took initiation, later fell into error due to anger, and bound karma for future lives.
    • Triprishtha: A Vasudev who was born in a human womb, achieved the status of a king, and then descended into hell.
    • Nandan: A king who renounced the world and diligently followed the path of austerity, ultimately attaining a higher spiritual state.
    • Garbha Samkramaṇ: The miraculous transfer of Mahavir's embryo from Devānandā's womb to Trishala Devi's womb, orchestrated by Indra to ensure Mahavir's birth in a noble lineage despite his past karma. This section also addresses and refutes criticisms regarding the possibility of such an event.
    • Birth and Early Life: The birth of Mahavir, the prophecy of his future greatness, his marriage to Yashodā, and his eventual renunciation after his parents' death are described.
    • Asceticism and Enlightenment: The text details Mahavir's rigorous penance, his adherence to vows, his attainment of manahparyaya knowledge, and finally, his omniscience (Kevalajnana) and establishment of the Jain order.
    • Nirvana: The booklet concludes with Mahavir's passing into Nirvana and the origin of Diwali from the lamps lit in his memory.

• Author's Call for Accuracy and Respect: The author reiterates his commitment to accuracy and his critique of Sagarānanda Sūri stems from a desire to uphold scriptural truth. He also encourages respectful adherence to the teachings of the Tirthankaras, rather than merely imitating external rituals.

In essence, the booklet is a devotional account of Lord Mahavir's life, intended to inspire readers with his teachings and life examples, while also serving as a platform to counter what the author perceives as erroneous interpretations by another Jain scholar.