Bhimsen Harisen Charitra

This Jain text, "Bhimsen Harisen Charitra" by Amolakrushi Maharaj, published by Pannalal Jamnalal Ramlal, is a narrative that illustrates the consequences of actions (karma) and the rewards of righteousness (dharma). The book emphasizes that liberation (moksha) is unattainable without experiencing the fruits of one's deeds.

The text begins by stating that both souls and karma are eternal. It categorizes souls into two types: the liberated souls (Siddha Bhagwant), who have destroyed all karma and reside in eternal bliss, and the worldly souls, who are bound by karma since time immemorial. The individual soul is the doer and enjoyer of karma, which are experienced in two ways:

1. Good Karma (Punya): These actions may appear difficult to perform but yield pleasant results.
2. Bad Karma (Papa): These actions may seem appealing initially but result in suffering.

The narrative then recounts the lives of various virtuous individuals and paragons of conduct, highlighting their perseverance through immense hardships (parishaha) and trials. It mentions figures like:

• Tirthankaras: Such as Adinath and Parshvanath, who endured immense suffering.
• Emperors and Kings: Like Sanat Kumar (who shed his body in a forest), Ram and Lakshman (who lived in exile), and the Pandavas (who lived in hiding after losing Draupadi).
• Renowned Virtuous Individuals: Including Harishchandra (who sold his wife and son and lived with an outcaste), Nala and Damayanti (who lived in exile and wandered in forests), Vikramaditya (who lost his limbs), and Munja.
• Virtuous Women (Sati): Such as Brahmisundari, Chandana, Rajamati, Draupadi (who invoked her chastity to defeat Kichak), Kaushalya, Mrigavati, Sunanda, Sita, Shulsha, Shivabal Brahmacharini, Kunti, and Aniruddha, who maintained their chastity and virtue amidst severe difficulties.

The text then describes the prosperous city of Ujjain, located in the southern part of Jambudvipa, highlighting its beauty, wealthy inhabitants, lack of criminals, and the prevalence of religious places and righteous people who respect ascetics and virtuous individuals. It praises King Jeetari of Ujjain for his just and benevolent rule, his strength, intelligence, and love for his subjects.

The story then focuses on King Jeetari and his virtuous queen, Gun Sundari. The queen has a dream of a beautiful horse, which a scholar interprets as the birth of a virtuous, brave, and illustrious son. This dream brings joy to the king and queen.

The narrative then shifts to the birth of their sons, Bhimsen and Harisen, who grow up to be virtuous and skilled in arts and sciences. They receive excellent education in politics and righteousness.

A significant portion of the text deals with the consequences of envy and negative karma, particularly through the characters of Harisen and his queen, Surasundari. Surasundari, driven by ambition and envy, conspires against Bhimsen, her husband's elder brother. This leads to a series of unfortunate events:

• Surasundari's plot results in the unjust banishment of Bhimsen and his wife, Sushila, along with their children, from the kingdom.
• They endure severe hardship, losing all their wealth and facing destitution.
• King Jeetari, influenced by Surasundari's machinations and the deceitful advice of a minister, also suffers greatly.
• The text details the struggles of Bhimsen and Sushila as they wander, facing hunger, thirst, and exposure to the elements. They encounter thieves, are robbed, and are forced to seek refuge in difficult circumstances.
• Bhimsen, despite his noble birth, is forced to work as a laborer, enduring humiliation and hardship. He finds work with a merchant, Dhanadatta, whose wife, Nadra, is cruel and abusive.
• The text vividly describes the suffering inflicted by Nadra, highlighting the injustice and the immense patience of Bhimsen and Sushila.
• Meanwhile, Harisen rules the kingdom, but his reign is marked by the absence of his virtuous brother and the influence of his ambitious queen.

The narrative then details Bhimsen's transformation and eventual rise:

• Through extreme perseverance and by gaining the favor of a virtuous merchant, Dhanadatta, Bhimsen eventually finds a way to recover lost treasures through the guidance of a Siddha (a perfected soul).
• He encounters a Siddha who helps him understand the true nature of karma and the path to liberation. The Siddha teaches him about the preciousness of human life and the importance of righteous conduct.
• Bhimsen, with the Siddha's help, is able to recover treasures and re-establish his fortune.
• He returns to Ujjain, where Harisen has ruled in his absence.

The story culminates in reconciliation and the ultimate triumph of virtue:

• Harisen realizes the error of his ways, especially after hearing about the suffering of Bhimsen and the positive influence of the Siddha.
• A grand reconciliation takes place. Harisen repents for his actions and restores Bhimsen to his rightful place.
• Both brothers rule justly, promoting dharma and righteousness.
• The text emphasizes the importance of family harmony, forgiveness, and the enduring power of good deeds.
• Ultimately, both Bhimsen and Harisen, along with their wives, achieve liberation after a life of virtue and adherence to Jain principles.

The book also includes a section on Lakshmipati Charitra, which highlights the story of a wealthy merchant named Lakshmipati whose immense fortune is a result of his past good karma. Despite his worldly success, he experiences a spiritual awakening and, along with his family and retinue, embraces the Jain path of renunciation and asceticism, ultimately achieving liberation.

Throughout the narrative, the text reinforces the Jain principles of karma, dharma, non-violence (ahimsa), chastity (brahmacharya), and the pursuit of liberation through righteous living. It serves as a moral guide, illustrating that virtue, even in the face of extreme adversity, ultimately leads to happiness and spiritual fulfillment.