Buddha Ane Gopa - Book Summary

Here is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Buddha ane Gopa" by Sukhlal Sanghavi, based on the provided PDF excerpt:

The article "Buddha ane Gopa" by Sukhlal Sanghavi, published in "Darshan ane Chintan Part 2," explores the marriage of Siddhartha (later the Buddha) and Gopa, drawing heavily from the "Lalitavistara," a Mahayana Buddhist text composed around the early centuries CE. The author argues that while the historical existence of Buddha and his marriage is certain, the "Lalitavistara" embellishes these events with poetic flair and philosophical insights that offer valuable lessons for marital life applicable across different times and cultures.

Central Theme: An Ideal Marriage and Gender Equality

Sanghavi posits that an ideal marriage hinges on mutual understanding and equality between partners. He contrasts the marriages of famous figures like Rama, Krishna, and Arjuna with that of Siddhartha and Gopa, highlighting a key difference: in most traditional accounts, the courtship and marriage, while perhaps involving mutual affection, often lack open intellectual exchange and the partners do not thoroughly test each other's suitability for household life.

The "Lalitavistara," however, presents Siddhartha and Gopa's union as remarkably different. Both are portrayed as intellectually equal, with Gopa demonstrating a clarity of thought and freedom of expression comparable to Siddhartha's. Their marriage narrative, according to Sanghavi, is a powerful depiction of gender equality, even in ancient times, showcasing a level of mutual respect and intellectual partnership that predates similar notions in other traditions. The author believes that if this aspect of the "Lalitavistara" had been more widely accessible, it could have served as a superior model for Indian women, particularly those of higher castes, potentially mitigating the societal decline observed later.

The "Lalitavistara" Narrative and Key Characters:

The article then delves into the specific events leading to the marriage as described in the "Lalitavistara," identifying four key characters and their roles:

Shuddhodana (Siddhartha's Father):
- Respect for Progeny's Choice: Shuddhodana, as a father, is commended for not forcing his decision on his son Siddhartha regarding marriage. He consults Siddhartha and allows him ample time to consider.
- Emphasis on Qualities: His primary criterion for a suitable bride is not lineage or caste but qualities. He explicitly states that caste (Brahmin, Kshatriya, Vaishya, Shudra) is irrelevant; what matters is the girl's character and abilities.
- Creating Opportunity: He devises a plan to present valuable vessels to eligible girls, allowing Siddhartha to subtly indicate his preference.
- Breaking Tradition: When Gopa, as a new bride, challenges the custom of veiling her face before elders, Shuddhodana, instead of dismissing her arguments as insolent, supports her nuanced and spirited defense, thereby breaking a restrictive tradition.
Dandapani (Gopa's Father):
- Pragmatic Condition: Dandapani, Gopa's father, although aware of his daughter's willingness to marry Siddhartha, sets a condition for the marriage. This condition serves a dual purpose: to ensure Siddhartha's capability and to give Dandapani a say in his daughter's future, preventing him from unilaterally disregarding her wishes. The condition is that Siddhartha must prove his prowess in warfare, arts, and crafts.
Siddhartha:
- Thoughtful Response: Siddhartha's initial hesitation about entering household life, given his inclination towards solitude and meditation, is presented. However, he resolves to marry for the welfare of the world, drawing parallels with past Bodhisattvas who remained detached in household life.
- Detailed Criteria for a Bride: He meticulously outlines his expectations for a bride, emphasizing virtues like lack of envy, truthfulness, obedience to his will, good lineage, beauty without vanity, a loving heart, generosity, contentment, humility with self-respect, absence of addiction, lack of greed, steadfastness, thoughtfulness, love for parents-in-law and servants, adherence to social customs, and friendliness.
- Demonstrating Prowess: To fulfill Dandapani's condition and to reassure his father and Gopa, Siddhartha participates in various competitions in warfare, arts, and intellectual pursuits, emerging victorious in all. This demonstrates his all-round capability.
Gopa:
- Confidence and Self-Assurance: Upon reading Siddhartha's criteria, Gopa expresses absolute confidence that she meets all of them.
- Intellectual Wit: When she doesn't receive a vessel during the distribution, she approaches Siddhartha and engages him in a witty and insightful conversation, subtly asserting her worth and winning his admiration.
- Challenging Social Norms: Gopa's most striking demonstration of her independent spirit and intellectual prowess is her defense of not veiling her face. She argues that true beauty and virtue shine from within, regardless of external coverings. Her arguments are profound, rational, and empowering, emphasizing inner purity and contentment over outward modesty enforced by custom. Her eloquent speech impresses Shuddhodana and the entire assembly, leading to a shift in societal perspective.

Conclusion and Significance:

Sanghavi concludes by highlighting the profound wisdom and gender equality presented in this narrative. He notes that the author of "Lalitavistara," likely a Buddhist monk, emphasizes qualities and mutual respect above social divisions. The text's portrayal of the ideal marriage and Gopa's independent spirit is seen as a valuable, albeit perhaps challenging, aspect of Buddhist tradition for its time. The author speculates that the narrative's core message of equality and respect could have served as a powerful counterforce against later societal regressions for women in India. The article ultimately presents the marriage of Siddhartha and Gopa, as depicted in the "Lalitavistara," not just as a historical event but as a timeless model of partnership and mutual respect, particularly in its celebration of female intellect and agency.