Drudh Samyaktvi Chandralekha - Book Summary

Here is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Drudh Samyaktvi Chandralekha" by Suryodaysuri, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Drudh Samyaktvi Chandralekha (Firm Right Faith Chandralekha) Author: Pujya Acharya Shri Vijay Suryodaysuri Ji Maharaj Publisher: Shri Nemi-Vigyan-Kastur Smarak Trust, Ahmedabad Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/001800/1

Overall Theme: The book, "Drudh Samyaktvi Chandralekha," narrates the inspiring story of Chandralekha, a woman who exemplifies unwavering right faith (Samyaktva) and wisdom. The narrative highlights the intricate workings of karma, the importance of virtuous conduct, and the ultimate triumph of righteousness and faith, even amidst life's complexities and adversies. The text emphasizes that true happiness and liberation are attained through sincere devotion to Jain principles and the pursuit of spiritual knowledge.

Summary of Key Narrative Points:

The Tale Begins with a Parrot and Mynah Couple: The story starts by describing a devoted parrot and mynah couple living peacefully on a large banyan tree on Mount Malayanchal. Their melodious voices attract a Vidyadhar (celestial being) who, captivated by their charm, takes them to his abode on Mount Vaitadhya. He provides them with a jeweled cage and teaches them human language, philosophy, and various arts.
Encounter with a Muni and the Concept of Liberation: The Vidyadhar takes the birds to pay respects to a Charana Rishi (a sage with supernatural powers). Upon witnessing the birds' confinement, the Rishi advises the Vidyadhar about the importance of freedom and liberation. This prompts the Vidyadhar to release the parrot and mynah back to Mount Malayanchal.
Conflict and Separation: The parrot and mynah couple have a son. However, their relationship deteriorates into frequent arguments. The male parrot brings a new female mynah. The original mynah, though deeply devoted to her husband, endures hardship. She negotiates to have their son raised by her so he can perform her final rites for spiritual merit. The parrot, driven by attachment and possessiveness, refuses.
Seeking Justice at the Royal Court: The mynah, seeking justice, proposes taking the dispute to King Durvalita in Kanchipuri. The parrot, with his new mate and son, agrees. In the royal court, both birds, surprisingly, speak human language, demonstrating the knowledge imparted by the Vidyadhar. The parrot argues that the son belongs to him, citing the saying, "As you sow, so shall you reap."
The King's Flawed Judgment and the Myah's Sorrow: The king, influenced by his pride and perhaps a biased interpretation of justice, rules that the son belongs to the parrot. The mynah, devastated by this injustice, faints. A compassionate minister offers her solace and invites her to his home. The mynah, however, decides to go to the Giriraj (mountainous holy place) for spiritual contemplation and fasting (Anashan).
Rebirth as Chandralekha: The mynah's devotion and spiritual practices lead to her rebirth in her next life as Chandralekha, the beloved daughter of Seth Chandandas in the city of Kanchipuri. She is named Chandralekha due to her steady growth in beauty and intellect, like the waxing moon. Chandralekha retains knowledge of her past life and harbors a desire for retribution against King Durvalita for the injustice she suffered as a mynah.
Chandralekha's Plan for Revenge: Driven by her past grievances, Chandralekha devises a plan. She asks her father to acquire eleven exceptionally rare and expensive horses from Sindh. These horses are kept near the riverbank, drawing the attention of King Durvalita, who becomes fascinated by them.
The King's Request and Chandralekha's Conditions: The king, impressed by the horses, desires to purchase them. Chandralekha, through her father, agrees to give the horses only if the king promises to return them after five years, along with any offspring they produce. The king, eager to possess the horses, agrees to the terms.
The Clever Retrieval of the Horses and Offspring: After five years, Chandralekha instructs her father to have the horses and their offspring retrieved. When the king questions this, Chandralekha reveals her identity as the mynah from their past encounter, reminding the king of his previous unjust judgment. She asserts her claim over the offspring based on his own past ruling. The king, astonished by her intelligence and the fulfillment of his past promise, is humbled.
The Royal Marriage and a Deeper Game: The king, impressed by Chandralekha's intellect and beauty, proposes marriage. Chandralekha agrees, but with the intention of enacting a more profound revenge. She warns her father that she will fulfill her vow to the king.
Chandralekha's Calculated Revenge: Chandralekha marries King Durvalita, but from the outset, she declares her intention to repay his past insult. She makes him carry her bed and bedding to her chambers, fulfilling a vow to never make him carry her belongings, thus establishing her superiority. She then dedicates herself to spiritual practices, including fasts and religious observances.
The Enchanting Music and the King's Obsession: Chandralekha, using her spiritual powers and the assistance of a powerful yogini, creates an enchanting underground sanctuary. She orchestrates beautiful music and performances nightly, which captivate the king. He becomes obsessed with identifying the source of this music, his sleep and royal duties suffer.
The Yogini's Intervention and Chandralekha's Test: The yogini, acting on Chandralekha's behalf, visits the king and offers to reveal the source of the music. She takes the king, blindfolded, to the underground sanctuary where he witnesses Chandralekha, adorned as a celestial being, surrounded by other beautiful maidens. He is utterly smitten.
The King's Humiliation and Chandralekha's Fulfillment: The yogini arranges for the king to dine with Chandralekha and eat her leftovers, fulfilling another part of Chandralekha's plan. The king, mesmerized and controlled by his desire, complies. He is then married to Chandralekha in a celestial fashion, with the yogini's blessing. Chandralekha, having fulfilled her vows, reveals her true identity and her clever strategy to the king.
The King's Realization and Chandralekha's Steadfastness: The king is astonished and impressed by Chandralekha's intelligence and strategic prowess. He realizes the extent of her cleverness and repays his debt. Chandralekha's unwavering dedication to her vows and her pursuit of spiritual merit become evident.
The Teachings of Acharya Abhayankarsuri: Later, the king and Chandralekha visit Acharya Abhayankarsuri, a learned ascetic. The Acharya delivers a sermon emphasizing the importance of Samyaktva (right faith) as the foundation of spiritual progress and liberation. He highlights that attachment to worldly pleasures and the cycle of birth and death are caused by Mithyatva (false belief).
Chandralekha's Attainment of Kevaljnana: Inspired by the Acharya's teachings and reflecting on her own life experiences, Chandralekha embraces the twelve vows of a lay follower (Shravak Dharma) with firm conviction. She dedicates herself to spiritual practices and austerities. During a meditation session, she faces trials from spirits but remains steadfast in her faith. Ultimately, she attains Kevaljnana (omniscience) and liberates herself from the cycle of birth and death.

Key Takeaways and Moral Lessons:

The Power of Samyaktva (Right Faith): Chandralekha's story is a testament to the profound power of unwavering right faith. Her adherence to this principle guides her through immense challenges and ultimately leads to spiritual liberation.
The Intricacies of Karma: The narrative illustrates how past actions and karmic connections influence present lives. Chandralekha's rebirth and her subsequent experiences are directly linked to her past life as a mynah.
The Importance of Wisdom and Strategy: Chandralekha's intelligence and her ability to strategize effectively are highlighted. She uses her wisdom not only for personal revenge but also for her ultimate spiritual upliftment.
The Value of Spiritual Practice: The book emphasizes that true happiness and lasting peace are found through diligent practice of Jain principles, austerities, and devotion.
The Transience of Worldly Pleasures: While Chandralekha experiences worldly success and power, the ultimate message is about transcending these and focusing on spiritual attainment.
The Role of Guidance: The influence of spiritual teachers like the Charana Rishi and Acharya Abhayankarsuri is shown to be crucial in guiding individuals towards the right path.

In essence, "Drudh Samyaktvi Chandralekha" is a captivating Jain narrative that weaves together elements of justice, revenge, worldly allure, spiritual discipline, and the ultimate triumph of right faith and wisdom, offering profound lessons for spiritual seekers.