Bunkachula Diwakar Chitrakatha 057

Here is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Bunkachula Diwakar Chitrakatha 057" in English:

Title: Bunkachula Diwakar Chitrakatha 057 (The benefits of vows and codes) Author(s): Virendramuni, Sanjay Surana Publisher: Mahavir Seva Trust Mumbai

Overall Theme: This book is a Jain picture story (Chitra Katha) that narrates the life of Prince Pushpachula, who later becomes known as Bunkachula due to his corrupt nature. The story highlights the transformative power of adopting vows and codes of conduct in overcoming a life of sin and leading to spiritual upliftment and eventual divine rebirth. It emphasizes that even a person deeply entrenched in bad habits can change their life's trajectory through strong determination and adherence to ethical principles.

Summary of the Narrative:

Introduction (Pages 1-2): The introduction sets the context that life's journey is often filled with ups and downs. To navigate this complexity, the support of vows and codes of conduct is essential as they strengthen willpower and guide one towards the right path. The story of Bunkachula is presented as a prime example of how determination in observing vows can lead a person from ruin to redemption. The book is attributed to the discourses of Muni Shri Vimalchandra ji M. Sa.

Bunkachula's Early Life and Downfall (Pages 3-6):

• Kingdom and Family: The story begins in the prosperous city of Dhinpuri, ruled by the just and benevolent King Vimalyash and Queen Kamalvati. They had a son, Pushpachula, and a daughter, Pushpachulaa.
• Spoiled Upbringing: Due to excessive indulgence and doting affection, Prince Pushpachula grew up with bad habits and a corrupt mindset.
• Early Signs of Corruption: As a child, he was shown stealing sweets and exhibiting a dismissive attitude towards moral teachings.
• Education and Defiance: During his studies, Pushpachula displayed a perverse logic regarding the killing of animals, arguing for their consumption to prevent overpopulation and decay. He showed a lack of remorse when his teacher reported his misconduct to the king.
• Bad Habits: He became addicted to gambling and theft, viewing stealing as an "art."
• The Name Change: His corrupt nature and negative thinking led to him being nicknamed "Bunkachula" (meaning bent or crooked mind), a name that stuck and eventually replaced his birth name. His sister also adopted a similar corrupt demeanor.

Escalation of Criminal Activities (Pages 7-9):

• Royal Edict: The king, influenced by Jain saints, banned hunting, the sale of meat, and the consumption of wine.
• Prince's Defiance: Despite the royal decree, Bunkachula continued his meat-eating habit by bribing the royal cook.
• Horrific Crimes: The cook, on Bunkachula's orders, kidnapped and killed children to provide meat for the prince, leading to public outcry.
• Thievery: Bunkachula and his sister also engaged in nighttime robberies, stealing from wealthy merchants.

Confrontation and Exile (Pages 10-12):

• Citizen Complaint: Distressed citizens reported Bunkachula's crimes, including child murder and theft, to the king.
• Royal Investigation: The king, initially disbelieving, ordered an investigation, which confirmed the allegations.
• Failed Reform: Despite attempts at advice, reprimand, and threats, Bunkachula remained unrepentant.
• Exile: The king, unable to tolerate his son's crimes, exiled Bunkachula and his sister from the kingdom. Bunkachula's wife chose to accompany him.

Life Among Bandits (Pages 13-16):

• Encounter with Bandits: While traveling, Bunkachula and his companions were ambushed by bandits.
• Demonstration of Skill: Bunkachula's courage and swordsmanship impressed the bandit chief, who recognized him as a fellow thief.
• Becoming Chief: Invited to a colony of thieves, Bunkachula eventually became their chief due to his cunning and courage. He further honed their thieving skills, leading successful raids.

Encounter with an Ascetic and the Vows (Pages 16-19):

• The Ascetic's Arrival: An austere Jain ascetic, seeking shelter from monsoon rains, lost his way and arrived at the thief-colony.
• Bunkachula's Offer: Bunkachula provided the ascetic with lodging and requested him to remain silent about their profession.
• The Ascetic's Condition: In return, the ascetic requested Bunkachula to abstain from meat and harming living beings for the four months of the monsoon. Bunkachula agreed.
• The Four Vows: At the end of the monsoon, the ascetic, impressed by Bunkachula's service, offered him four vows:
  1. Do not eat any fruit about which you are ignorant.
  2. Before hitting someone, take seven-eight steps backward and pause.
  3. Always consider a queen to be like your mother or sister.
  4. Never eat flesh of a crow.

Testing the Vows (Pages 19-30):

• Vow 1: Unknown Fruits: Bunkachula's gang attacked a merchant caravan. While hiding from pursuing guards, they were offered unknown, fragrant fruits. Bunkachula, remembering his vow, refused to eat them and warned his men. Those who ate the fruits died, as they were poisonous (Kimpak), thus saving Bunkachula's life.
• Vow 2: Pausing Before Action: Upon returning home, Bunkachula found his wife with another person. Enraged, he drew his sword. However, remembering his second vow, he stepped back. This pause allowed him to discover that the other person was his sister, Bunkachulaa, disguised as a man. The vow prevented him from an act of incest and sibling conflict.
• Vow 3: Respecting Queens: Bunkachula attempted to steal from a king's palace and was attracted to the queen. When the queen propositioned him, Bunkachula recalled his third vow and respectfully refused her advances, treating her like a mother or sister, thus saving himself from a potentially disastrous entanglement and false accusation.
• Vow 4: Crow Meat: Bunkachula was later wounded by a poisoned arrow. The doctor advised that the antidote could only be administered mixed with crow meat. Despite facing death, Bunkachula steadfastly refused to break his fourth vow, demonstrating unwavering commitment.

The Climax and Divine Rebirth (Pages 31-33):

• Seeking Conviction: The king, desperate to save Bunkachula, called a respected Jain layman, Jinadas.
• Divine Intervention: On his way, Jinadas encountered goddesses who explained that Bunkachula was destined to be their husband in a future divine birth. They feared Jinadas would convince him to break his vow, thus preventing his heavenly rebirth.
• Jinadas's Counsel: Jinadas reassured them and proceeded to advise Bunkachula to uphold his vow even at the cost of his life.
• The Ultimate Vow (Santhara): Bunkachula, joyfully accepting the guidance, took the ultimate Jain vow of Santhara (voluntary fasting unto death).
• Heavenly Rebirth: Bunkachula died observing his vows and was reborn as a god in the Achyut heaven, fulfilling the goddesses' prophecy.

Conclusion (Pages 33-36):

• Moral of the Story: The story concludes by reiterating that strict adherence to vows and codes of conduct, even for someone like Bunkachula, can lead to a noble rebirth. It encourages everyone to adopt vows to the best of their ability, particularly emphasizing the abandonment of meat, alcohol, and the practice of celibacy and non-stealing.
• Additional Story: Page 34 contains a brief anecdote about two merchant friends and their contrasting approaches to a peacock egg, illustrating the theme of faith and doubt.
• Publisher's Information: The remaining pages (35-36) provide information about various Jain illustrated books and contact details for publishers like Shree Diwakar Prakashan and Mahavir Seva Trust.

Key Takeaways:

• Power of Determination: The story powerfully illustrates that a strong will can overcome deep-seated bad habits.
• Transformative Nature of Vows: Jain vows are presented not as restrictions, but as tools for spiritual progress and protection.
• Consequences of Actions: The narrative clearly depicts the positive outcomes of virtuous conduct and the severe consequences of sinful deeds.
• Jain Principles: The book promotes core Jain principles such as Ahimsa (non-violence), truthfulness, non-stealing, celibacy, and detachment.
• Hope for Reformation: It offers a message of hope that individuals can change their lives through sincere repentance and commitment to ethical living.