Chitra Aur Sambhuti Muni

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Chitra aur Sambhuti Muni" by Rajmal Lodha, based on the provided PDF pages:

The Story of Chitra and Sambhuti: From Outcasts to Ascetics and Beyond

The narrative begins by introducing two brothers, Chitra and Sambhuti, who are strikingly similar in appearance, stature, and possess gentle, captivating voices. They arrive in Hastinapur and captivate the public with their melodious singing, drawing crowds and admiration. Their performance is so enchanting that even the King orders them to perform again after hearing of their talent.

During a royal court performance, the King and his minister are mesmerized by their music. However, the minister, Namuchi, recognizes them as the sons of a Chandala (an outcast). This revelation quickly spreads through the city, causing the populace, who had been showering them with affection, to turn against them with disdain. The story highlights the fickle nature of public opinion, comparing it to the waves of the ocean that embrace and then cast aside.

Despite the public's sudden rejection, the brothers' talent and pleasant nature have already left a deep impression. However, Namuchi, the minister, plays a pivotal role in their downfall. He vehemently denounces them and expels them from the city. The narrative emphasizes that in that era, being born into a Chandala family was considered an unforgivable offense, treating them worse than animals and necessitating complete avoidance.

The text then delves into the backstory of Namuchi's treachery. It is revealed that Namuchi was once in a dire situation, facing execution by the King of Kashi. Chitra and Sambhuti, despite their Chandala lineage, displayed a noble spirit and humanity by saving Namuchi's life, even defying their father's orders. Namuchi, however, lacked gratitude and possessed a corrupt character.

Namuchi's betrayal is not limited to exposing their identity. The jailer who initially spared Namuchi and took him in was later betrayed by Namuchi. Subsequently, the jailer's sons, who had been taught by Namuchi, were ordered to kill him. However, moved by Namuchi's past kindness and teaching, they ultimately spared him. Namuchi then cunningly maneuvered his way back to become the minister of the King of Hastinapur.

Cast out and disheartened, Chitra and Sambhuti wander into a forest, feeling utterly despairing of finding any refuge. They contemplate ending their lives in the dense jungle. It is here that they encounter a meditating ascetic monk. The monk's radiant countenance brings them a sense of peace, but their shame as Chandala sons initially weighs heavily on them.

The monk, noticing their distress, reassures them, stating that in his presence, there is no distinction of high or low. He declares that they are all human and have the right to seek spiritual liberation. His compassionate words alleviate their fear, and they approach him.

Chitra and Sambhuti recount their life story to the monk, who, like a skilled physician, offers them solace and guides them towards the path of liberation from worldly suffering and the cycle of birth and death. He emphasizes the rarity of such an opportunity and urges them to face their hardships with courage.

The brothers are deeply touched by the monk's teachings and request him to grant them initiation. The monk bestows upon them the Bhagvati Deeksha (sacred initiation), effectively washing away the stain of their Chandala birth. They are reborn through their ascetic practice.

Now as ascetics, Chitra and Sambhuti engage in rigorous spiritual practices, meditating day and night in the wilderness, enduring severe austeries like Mas Kshaman (fasting for a month). They visit the city once a month for alms, having relinquished all worldly concerns and finding solace in their inner peace.

One day, while on an alms-seeking round in Hastinapur, Muni Sambhuti encounters Namuchi. Namuchi, recognizing him, is incensed, believing Sambhuti to be a deceitful Chandala masquerading as a monk. He accosts Sambhuti, accusing him of cheating the public. In his anger, Sambhuti unleashes his spiritual power, causing a conflagration. The King, Sanatkumara Chakravarti, intervenes, begging for forgiveness. Muni Chitra arrives and calms Sambhuti with his soothing words, bringing peace back to the city. Namuchi, remorseful, seeks forgiveness from Sambhuti.

Despite the external peace, the incident leaves a deep impact on Sambhuti Muni. The memory of Namuchi grabbing him by the throat haunts him, preventing him from fully recovering his spiritual composure. The text explains the fragile nature of spiritual progress, highlighting how a single lapse can lead to a downfall.

Muni Chitra attempts to counsel Sambhuti, urging him to repent and purify himself. However, Sambhuti, intoxicated by his newfound powers, is unaffected by his brother's advice. While both brothers adhere to ascetic practices, their inner motivations differ. Chitra seeks lokottar (transcendent) bliss, while Sambhuti is driven by a desire for laukik (worldly) pleasures.

Sambhuti's inner turmoil intensifies when he encounters Queen Sunanda. Her beauty and adornments ignite his dormant desires. A mere touch of her hair on his feet shatters his spiritual resolve. He vows to attain a wife like Sunanda in this or a future life.

Muni Chitra is devastated by Sambhuti's spiritual decline, urging him not to squander his hard-won asceticism for a fleeting desire. He reminds Sambhuti of his noble intentions and the discipline he has practiced. However, Sambhuti remains resolute in his corrupted ambition.

The story concludes by stating that due to his karma and desires, Sambhuti Muni is reborn in his next life as King Brahmadaatta, the twelfth Chakravarti of Kapilaypur. Muni Chitra, on the other hand, attains Kevalgyana (omniscience) and achieves liberation (Moksha). The text emphasizes that although both brothers embarked on the path of renunciation with the same intention and under the same guru, their differing mental states led to vastly different outcomes. Sambhuti's attachment to worldly desires led him down a different path, while Chitra's pure aspiration for liberation led him to Moksha. The text reveres Chitra Muni's elevated spirit.

The concluding message emphasizes the importance of keeping one's mind constantly immersed in detachment to overcome the sorrows of birth and death and achieve inner bliss. It warns that delusion (mithyatva) is more dangerous than a venomous snake, as its influence is far harder to overcome.