Chandrayash Charitram

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Chandrayash Charitram" by Vardhamanasuri, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Chandrayash Charitram Author: Vardhamanasuri Publisher: Shravak Hiralal Hansraj Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/020143/1

Overall Theme: The "Chandrayash Charitram" is a Jain narrative that focuses on the life and spiritual journey of Prince Chandrayash, illustrating the Jain principles of detachment, renunciation, and the pursuit of liberation from the cycle of birth and death. It highlights the ephemeral nature of worldly pleasures and the profound consequences of attachment, particularly to sensual desires.

Synopsis of the Narrative (as presented in the provided pages):

The text begins by introducing the city of Suryapur, a prosperous and virtuous place where righteous people reside, possessing wealth akin to a garden of wish-fulfilling trees for the king of Dharma.

The story then introduces King Mahendra, a renowned ruler of Suryapur, who was victorious over both internal and external enemies. He possessed knowledge that made him victorious both inwardly and outwardly.

Prince Chandrayash is introduced as the son of King Mahendra, who has received a comprehensive education from his gurus. He identifies himself and begins his narrative.

King Mahendra, filled with joy and wisdom, speaks to his sixteen-year-old son, Chandrayash, privately. The King imparts profound teachings about the nature of the world and the dangers of attachment.

Key Teachings and Metaphors Used:

• The World as a Crossroads: The King describes the worldly state of existence as a crossroads in the forest of Samsara (the cycle of birth and death).
• The Peril of Wealth: Wealth, personified as a deceptive enchantress (Pashachi), is shown to cause stumbling and downfall.
• Attachment to Wealth and Greed: Gems are described as bright lamps of the king of delusion (Mohamhipa). Those who are blinded by greed (Lobhalolubha) fall like moths towards them.
• The Path to Liberation: Those who wish to cross the ocean of existence (Bhavambhodhi) board the boat of enlightenment (Bodhiboithya). They wisely steer clear of pitfalls like elephants and mountain ranges.
• The Worldly Forest: The forest of Samsara is likened to a place with deer-like beings and swift-moving horses, representing creatures susceptible to the attractions of wealth and desire. The wise avoid such places.
• The Illusion of Power and Delusion: The seat of the king of delusion (Mohabhubhujanga) is described as a temporary assembly hall, pervaded by sins and servants. The umbrella of wisdom (Vivekamartanda) that dispels the darkness of delusion is neglected by the ignorant.
• The Danger of Attachment to Women: Women are depicted as deep treasures in the ocean of Samsara. A man who gets entangled in the act of taking a woman's hand (Panigrahana) sinks and cannot rise.
• The Nature of Attachment: Worldly affairs, like fire for the cold, are difficult to abandon but must be engaged with without excessive attachment.
• The Prince's Struggle with Attachment: Chandrayash admits his own struggle with attachment, particularly to his queen, Ratnavali. He describes his mind being deeply entrenched by her love, making it impossible for him to detach.
• The Power of Sensual Desire: Chandrayash laments how his mind, consumed by the demon of lust (Kamapishacha), could not be freed even by wise ministers.
• The Queen's Allure: The queen's beauty, grace, and captivating qualities are described in vivid detail, highlighting her powerful influence over Chandrayash. Her eyes are compared to lotuses, her voice to a conch shell, and her presence to a force that dims the sun.
• The Prince's Internal Conflict: Chandrayash grapples with his overwhelming attachment, questioning how he can overcome it and find a path to liberation. He even considers death to be preferable to his current state of infatuation.
• A Dream and Revelation: He experiences a dream of climbing the peak of Siddhagiri. Upon waking, he reflects on the dream, recognizing it as an auspicious sign for spiritual liberation, but feels his attachment to his queen prevents him from attaining it.
• The Queen's Contemptuous Gaze: He witnesses the queen, his beloved, showing indifference and even contempt towards him, further fueling his internal turmoil.
• The Arrival of the Minister: His minister arrives with an army, signaling the onset of a conflict.
• The Prince's Determination for Revenge: Driven by the insult and the queen's actions, Chandrayash, filled with anger, vows to take revenge.
• The Battle: A fierce battle ensues. Chandrayash engages in combat, fighting with his army against the enemy. He experiences moments of prowess and peril.
• Defeat and Humiliation: Despite his efforts, Chandrayash is ultimately defeated and humiliated by his enemy. He is thrown from his elephant and feels a profound sense of disgrace.
• A Vision of the Past: In his despair, Chandrayash falls into a well and experiences a vision. He realizes that his current predicament is a result of past actions and a play orchestrated by a divine being. He recognizes this divine being as a friend from a past life who had promised to help him escape the ocean of delusion.
• Renunciation: Understanding the lessons and guided by this divine intervention, Chandrayash embraces the path of renunciation and takes up the Jain vows, ultimately achieving liberation.

Key Jain Principles Illustrated:

• Anekantavada (Non-absolutism): The text implicitly suggests multiple perspectives and realities, especially in the divine intervention and the prince's spiritual awakening.
• Ahimsa (Non-violence): While the story involves warfare, the ultimate goal is spiritual liberation, achieved through detachment and renunciation, which are core to Ahimsa.
• Aparigraha (Non-possession): The narrative powerfully demonstrates the detrimental effects of attachment to worldly possessions, including wealth, status, and sensual pleasures.
• Brahmacharya (Celibacy/Chastity/Spiritual Conduct): The prince's struggle with sensual desire and his eventual renunciation highlight the importance of controlling desires for spiritual progress.
• Karma: The prince's realization of his past actions influencing his present situation underscores the Jain principle of Karma.
• Moksha (Liberation): The ultimate aim of the narrative is to show the path to Moksha through detachment and spiritual discipline.

Significance of the Publisher and Translator: The publication by Shravak Hiralal Hansraj, with Gujarati translation and commentary, signifies an effort to make this Jain scripture accessible and understandable to a wider audience. The mention of "Jain Education International" and the preface indicating "Private and Personal Use Only" suggests a scholarly and reverent approach to the text.

In essence, "Chandrayash Charitram" serves as a moral and spiritual guide, warning against the pitfalls of worldly attachment and illustrating the transformative power of renunciation and adherence to Jain principles on the path to ultimate salvation.