Drusthant Katha - Book Summary

This is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Drushtant Katha" by Shrimad Rajchandra and Hansraj Jain, as presented in the provided pages.

Book Title: Drushtant Katha (दृष्टांत कथा) Author(s): Shrimad Rajchandra, Hansraj Jain Publisher: Shrimad Rajchandra Ashram

Overall Purpose: The booklet "Drushtant Katha" is a compilation of stories and teachings from two key Jain texts: "Bhavana Bodh" (भावनाबोध) and "Mokshmala" (मोक्षमाला). Its primary aim is to instill vairagya (detachment/renunciation) and promote Bhavana (contemplation) of twelve essential principles for spiritual progress. The book uses colorful illustrations to make the stories and their underlying philosophical messages easily understandable for spiritual seekers (mumukshus).

Core Themes and Sections:

The book is divided into two main parts, drawing from "Bhavana Bodh" and "Mokshmala":

Part 1: From Bhavana Bodh (भावनाबोधमेंसे)

This section focuses on the Twelve Bhavanas (Twelve Contemplations), which are considered the "mother of renunciation" and reveal the true nature of existence, the body, and worldly pleasures, making them highly beneficial for the soul. The introduction emphasizes that detachment and absence of attachment are crucial for self-knowledge, and without self-knowledge, liberation from suffering is impossible. The text urges repeated contemplation of these twelve Bhavanas.

The Bhavanas covered, along with their illustrative stories, are:

Anitya Bhavana (अनित्यभावना - Impermanence): Illustrated by the story of a Beggarly Lament (भिखारीका खेद). The story highlights how worldly pleasures and possessions are as fleeting as a dream or lightning. The beggar experiences a dream of royal luxury but wakes up to his impoverished reality, leading to a realization of impermanence. The lesson is that clinging to transient worldly joys leads to eventual sorrow, much like the beggar's false happiness in his dream.
Asharan Bhavana (अशरणभावना - Helplessness/Lack of Refuge): Illustrated by the story of Anathi Muni (अनाथी मुनि). This Bhavana emphasizes that in the cycle of birth and death (samsara), there is no true refuge except for the path shown by the omniscient (Sarvajna) Jinasena. The story of King Shrenik and Anathi Muni illustrates that worldly possessions, family, and power cannot save one from suffering. Anathi Muni, experiencing severe eye pain, realized that even his wealthy family and skilled physicians couldn't help him, demonstrating his initial helplessness (Anathata). He ultimately found refuge in the Dharma taught by the Jinas. The key takeaway is that the soul itself is responsible for its suffering and liberation; external reliance is futile.
Ekatva Bhavana (एकत्वभावना - Oneness/Singularity): Illustrated by the dialogue between Nami Rajarshi (नमिराजर्षि) and Indra (Shakrendra). This Bhavana stresses that one is alone in experiencing one's joys and sorrows, and ultimately, one departs from this world alone. The story depicts Indra testing Nami Rajarshi's detachment by presenting various worldly temptations. Nami Rajarshi, through his unwavering focus on his true self and detachment from external objects, demonstrates the principle of oneness. The story of Nami Rajarshi's experience with the bracelet further reinforces this, showing how even a collection of beautiful things loses its charm when separated from its context, and how true peace lies in embracing one's singular essence.
Anyatva Bhavana (अन्यत्वभावना - Otherness): Illustrated by the story of Chakravarti Bharateshwar (चक्रवर्ती भरतेश्वर). This Bhavana teaches that "this body is not mine, this beauty is not mine, these children are not mine," and so on, leading to the realization that all worldly possessions and relationships are external. Bharateshwar, while admiring his rings, realizes that the beauty of his finger comes from the ring, the hand from the finger, and the body from the hand. This leads him to understand that his perceived beauty and possessions are not inherently his but dependent on external factors. This realization triggers profound detachment and ultimately leads him to Keval Gyana (omniscience).
Ashuchi Bhavana (अशुचिभावना - Impurity): Illustrated by the story of Sanatkumar (सनत्कुमार). This Bhavana focuses on the inherent impurity of the physical body, which is a source of disease, decay, and ultimately, death. The story of Sanatkumar and the visiting gods highlights this. Initially, when Sanatkumar had Ubtan (body paste) applied, the gods praised his beauty. Later, when they saw him after bathing and perceived a change in his body's "toxicity" (due to a karmic influence), they expressed dismay. This experience leads Sanatkumar to realize the true impure nature of the body, fostering detachment.
Nivritti Bodh (निवृत्तिबोध - Understanding of Renunciation): Illustrated by the story of Prince Mrigaputra (मृगापुत्र). This Bhavana emphasizes the understanding and practice of renunciation. Prince Mrigaputra, upon witnessing a Muni, recalls his past lives and the immense suffering experienced in the cycle of rebirth (samsara). He eloquently describes the horrors of hellish existence to his parents, arguing that worldly pleasures are fleeting and ultimately lead to more suffering. Despite his parents' pleas and highlighting the difficulties of the ascetic path, Mrigaputra remains steadfast in his resolve to embrace renunciation and attain liberation.
Asrava Bhavana (आस्रवभावना - Influx of Karmas): Illustrated by the story of Kundarik (कुंडरिक). This section introduces the concept of Asrava, the influx of karmic particles into the soul through passions, senses, and activities. Kundarik, after taking diksha (initiation), suffers from illness due to inappropriate diet. He becomes disillusioned with the ascetic life and contemplates returning to worldly life. His brother, Pundrik, seeing his plight, advises him. Kundarik's improper contemplation and attachment lead to his downfall, eventually resulting in his rebirth in hell due to his negative thoughts and actions.
Samvara Bhavana (संवरभावना - Cessation of Karmic Influx): Illustrated by the stories of Pundrik (पुंडरिक) and Vajraswami (वज्रस्वामी). Samvara is the stoppage of karma. Pundrik, witnessing Kundarik's downfall, reinforces his commitment to the path shown by his guru and progresses to a divine existence. Vajraswami exemplifies unwavering steadfastness. When a wealthy merchant's daughter, Rukmini, tries to tempt him with worldly pleasures, Vajraswami remains unmoved. Rukmini, realizing the futility of her efforts, herself takes diksha, demonstrating the power of Samvara through detachment and self-control.
Nirjara Bhavana (निर्जराभावना - Shedding of Karmas): Illustrated by the story of Dridhaprahari (दृढप्रहारी). Nirjara is the shedding of accumulated karmas, primarily through austerities (tapas). Dridhaprahari, a notorious bandit who commits grave sins like murder and robbery, experiences remorse after an act of violence. He embraces severe penance and extreme suffering (like standing at city gates and enduring public abuse). Through this arduous tapas and shedding of karmas, he eventually attains omniscience and liberation. This demonstrates how even severe penance can lead to the eradication of past negative karma.
Lok Swarup Bhavana (लोकस्वरूपभावना - Nature of the Universe): This section briefly describes the structure of the Jain universe, resembling a tilted plate or a drum, with hells below, the earth and continents in the middle, and heavens above, culminating in the Siddha Shila at the top. Understanding the universe's nature helps in detaching from it.
Bodhi Durlabha Bhavana (बोधदुर्लभ भावना - Rarity of Right Knowledge): This contemplation emphasizes the rarity of attaining true knowledge and the path to liberation in this world.
Dharma Durlabha Bhavana (धर्मदुर्लभ भावना - Rarity of Right Conduct/Religion): This contemplation highlights the rarity of finding a true spiritual guide and the opportunity to listen to their teachings.

Part 2: From Mokshmala (मोक्षमालामेंसे)

This section presents educational lessons and illustrative stories, often highlighting specific virtues and their outcomes.

Shikshapath 17: Bahubal (बाहुबल): The story of Prince Bahubali, son of Adinath Bhagwan, who initially refused to bow to his elder brother Bharateshwar due to pride. After a fierce conflict and the failure of Bharateshwar's celestial discus against him, Bahubali realized his pride and renounced the world, eventually achieving omniscience. This highlights the destructive nature of pride.
Shikshapath 22: Kamdev Shravak (कामदेव श्रावक): This story showcases the extreme devotion and steadfastness of Kamdev, a lay disciple. An envious god tests his resolve by tormenting him throughout the night in various terrifying forms (elephant, serpent, demon, lion). Kamdev remains unperturbed in his meditation (kayotsarg), demonstrating the power of faith and inner strength.
Shikshapath 23: Satya (सत्य - Truth): The story of King Vasu (वसुराजा) illustrates the dire consequences of speaking even a small untruth. Vasu, forced to support a friend's incorrect interpretation of a Sanskrit word to save his teacher's wife from a curse, faces divine retribution. This emphasizes the paramount importance of truth, even in difficult situations, as upholding falsehood leads to downfall.
Shikshapath 25: Parigraha ko Sankochana (परिग्रहको संकोचना - Limiting Possessions): The story of Subhum Chakravarti (सुभुम चक्रवर्ती) illustrates the downfall that comes from insatiable greed and lack of limit on possessions. Subhum, after conquering six continents, desired to conquer more. His pursuit led to his demise and rebirth in the seventh hell, highlighting that unchecked desire for possessions leads to immense suffering.
Shikshapath 29 & 30: Sarva Jiv ki Raksha - Bhag 1 & 2 (सर्व जीवकी रक्षा - भाग १, २ - Protection of All Living Beings): These sections emphasize the Jain principle of Ahimsa (non-violence) and the importance of compassion for all life forms. The stories of King Siddharth and Prince Abhayakumar are used to illustrate this. Abhayakumar cleverly devises a plan to make flesh-eating ministers realize the cruelty of their actions by asking for a piece of their "own flesh" in return for meat, thus instilling empathy.
Shikshapath 32: Vinay se Tattva ki Siddhi Hai (विनयसे तत्त्व की सिद्धि है - Truth is Achieved Through Humility): The story of King Shrenik (श्रेणिक राजा) and the Chandal (outcaste) highlights the importance of humility and respect in gaining knowledge. Shrenik, despite being a king, has to humble himself and offer his throne to learn a magical skill from a Chandal, demonstrating that true knowledge requires humility and submission to the teacher.
Shikshapath 33: Sudarshan Seth (सुदर्शन सेठ): This story portrays unwavering chastity and adherence to one's principles. Sudarshan Seth is falsely accused by a queen of misconduct. Despite being sentenced to death and placed on a pyre, his truthfulness and chastity are divinely revealed, leading to his salvation and the queen's downfall. It underscores the power of truth and chastity.
Shikshapath 43: Anupam Kshama (अनुपम क्षमा - Unparalleled Forgiveness): Illustrated by the story of Gajsukumar (गजसुकुमार). Gajsukumar, a young ascetic, is subjected to extreme torture by a Brahmin whose daughter he was to marry. The Brahmin fills his head with hot coals. However, Gajsukumar, with his immense forgiveness and understanding of karma, sees this as a means to shed his own karmas and attains liberation, showcasing the ultimate power of forgiveness.
Shikshapath 46-48: Kapil Muni - Parts 1, 2, 3 (कपिलमुनि भाग-१-२-३): The story of Kapil Muni illustrates the destructive nature of desire and greed. Kapil, initially pursuing knowledge, gets entangled in worldly pleasures and greed, experiencing a tumultuous journey of fluctuating desires before ultimately realizing the truth and attaining omniscience through detachment from these worldly pursuits.
Shikshapath 73: Moksh Sukh (मोक्षसुख - Bliss of Liberation): The story of the Bhylik Bhil (भद्रिक भील) is used to describe the ineffable nature of the bliss of Moksha. The Bhil, after experiencing royal luxury, finds it difficult to describe its bliss to his simple-minded family because there is no comparable experience in their lives. Similarly, the profound bliss of Moksha, being beyond worldly comprehension, cannot be adequately described by any earthly analogy.

Conclusion: "Drushtant Katha" serves as a guide for spiritual aspirants, using engaging narratives and profound philosophical insights from Jainism. It emphasizes the core principles of detachment, self-knowledge, and righteous conduct, aiming to lead the reader towards spiritual liberation. The combination of "Bhavana Bodh" and "Mokshmala" stories provides a holistic approach to understanding and practicing Jain philosophy in daily life.