Ek Aur Nilanjana - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Ek aur Nilanjana" by Virendrakumar Jain, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Ek aur Nilanjana (एक और नीलांजना) Author: Virendrakumar Jain (वीरेन्द्र कुमार जैन) Publisher: Bharatiya Gyanpith (भारतीय ज्ञानपीठ) Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/090168/1

Overall Theme and Author's Intent:

"Ek aur Nilanjana" is presented as a collection of Jain Puranic tales offered with a modern interpretation and experimentation. The author, Virendrakumar Jain, addresses the perceived irrelevance of ancient stories in today's materialistic and cynical world. He argues that these stories, far from being mere relics of the past, offer profound solutions to the existential crises faced by modern humanity. The book's success, evidenced by its rapid second edition, is attributed to its ability to resonate with the common reader seeking meaning, strength, and inner peace amidst societal failures and the disillusionment with external, political, and material solutions. Jain emphasizes that true liberation and fulfillment lie in an inward journey of self-discovery and spiritual exploration, a path illuminated by the timeless wisdom embedded in these traditional narratives.

Key Arguments and Philosophy Presented in the Preface and Introduction:

Relevance of Puranic Tales: Jain contends that in an era where external revolutions and political ideologies have proven insufficient and disappointing, people are turning inwards. They are seeking meaning, solace, and solutions within themselves. The book's stories are presented as symbolic manifestations of this inner quest.
Critique of Modern Literature: The author criticizes contemporary literature that merely depicts the harsh realities of life without offering hope or a path to spiritual upliftment. He feels such literature becomes repetitive and fails to address the deeper spiritual yearning of the human soul.
Inner Search vs. External Solutions: Jain highlights that the failure of societal and political systems has led individuals to look within for answers to their problems and for true happiness and peace. This inward turn is seen as the core of modern human seeking.
Spiritual Strength and Meaning: The author believes his mythological works provide readers with a sense of purpose, meaning in life, and the strength to overcome challenges. They offer clarity and solutions to life's complexities.
Personal Gratitude: The preface expresses sincere gratitude to his readers whose positive feedback and demand for the second edition have made it possible.

Content and Style of the Stories:

The book contains several stories, each drawing from Jain mythology and history, but reinterpreted with a modern psychological and philosophical lens. The narratives aim to:

Explore Inner Consciousness: The characters are often portrayed as seekers of their true selves, engaged in introspection and self-analysis. They grapple with fundamental questions about existence, identity, and the nature of reality.
Illustrate Spiritual Principles: The stories serve as allegories for Jain philosophical concepts, such as anekanta (multiplicity of viewpoints), atmashakti (inner strength), and the path to liberation (moksha).
Reinterpret Traditional Narratives: Jain takes figures and events from Jain lore and infuses them with contemporary relevance, making them relatable to the modern reader. The approach is not to merely retell but to deeply explore the psychological and spiritual dimensions of these ancient tales.
Focus on Love, Desire, and Liberation: The stories delve into themes of love (kama), desire, and their transcendence towards spiritual liberation. Jain's treatment of kama is presented as healthy and liberating, not suppressed or shunned, but understood as a fundamental cosmic energy that, when transcended, leads to ultimate freedom. He draws parallels with Jain acharyas who, despite being ascetic, depicted kama and romance in their works, ultimately guiding characters towards transcending these emotions.
Psychological Depth: The characters are depicted with psychological complexity, experiencing desires, doubts, and inner conflicts, but ultimately guided by their pursuit of self-knowledge and spiritual growth.

Specific Story Highlights (from the Index and excerpted content):

Chudant ki Prabha (चूडान्त की प्रभा): This story seems to focus on Prince Parshva and Princess Prabhavati. It explores themes of destiny, desire, unconventional love, and a quest for something beyond the ordinary, possibly hinting at a spiritual calling overriding worldly concerns. Parshva's unique philosophical outlook and his detachment from worldly pleasures are evident. The story touches upon the Kalinga king's aggression and Parshva's non-violent yet decisive resolution. The narrative also touches upon Parshva's ultimate journey, perhaps related to Sammet Shikhar.
Swayamnaath: Sarvanath (स्वयंनाथ : सर्वनाथ): This story features Queen Chellana and King Shrenik of Magadha. It delves into the King's inner turmoil, his search for something beyond his vast empire and worldly possessions, and his queen's spiritual depth and understanding. The king's "search for kashmiri" (meaning something elusive and precious) within his wife and his kingdom symbolizes his inner search. Chellana's wisdom guides him towards an inner realization, suggesting that true self-possession leads to universal lordship. The story highlights the limitations of external power and the discovery of the self as the ultimate refuge.
Ek aur Nilanjana (एक और नीलांजना): This tale centers on Tirthankar Rishabhdev and the Apsara Nilanjana. It explores Rishabhdev's existential questioning and his feeling of incompleteness despite his vast creation. The narrative delves into the nature of reality, the illusion of external possession, and the realization that true fulfillment comes from within. The story highlights the author's belief that Rishabhdev's encounter with Nilanjana and his subsequent quest is about finding a deeper, more profound beauty and truth that transcends the material and the temporal. The title itself suggests a deeper, perhaps spiritual, encounter beyond the superficial.
Lingateet (लिंगातीत): This story focuses on Rajul and Tirthankar Neminath. It portrays Rajul's deep love, her bewilderment at Neminath's renunciation, and her own arduous spiritual journey in search of him. The narrative explores themes of divine love, its challenges, and the ultimate realization of the self beyond physical and relational bonds. Rajul's journey is depicted as a quest for her own true identity and her connection to Neminath on a spiritual plane, transcending the limitations of the physical world.
Vasudev Krishna's Letter to Tirthankar Neminath (वासुदेव कृष्ण का पत्र : तीर्थंकर नेमिनाथ के नाम): This is a unique narrative, presented as a letter from Krishna to Neminath. It reflects on their shared spiritual understanding, the divergence of their paths (Krishna as a temporal leader and exponent of karma yoga, Neminath as an ascetic exponent of jnana yoga and liberation), and the misinterpretations of their teachings by their respective followers. Krishna expresses his affection for Neminath and his concern about the sectarian divides and the distortion of Dharma. He also hints at his own future role and the cyclical nature of divine intervention for the establishment of Dharma.
Rupantar ki Dwaabha (रूपान्तर की द्वाभा): This story features Mainasundari and Shripal. It highlights the theme of transformation and redemption through devotion and spiritual perseverance. Shripal's affliction with leprosy and Mainasundari's unwavering commitment and compassionate care lead to his miraculous recovery and their ultimate spiritual ascent. The narrative emphasizes the power of inner transformation and the efficacy of true devotion in overcoming even the most daunting adversities.
Anekant Chakravarti: Bhagavan Samantabhadra (अनेकान्त चक्रवर्ती : भगवान् समन्तभद्र): This narrative focuses on Kumar-Yogi Samantabhadra. It places him within the historical context of the 2nd-3rd century CE, a period of intellectual ferment where logic and reason began to challenge spiritual experiences. Samantabhadra is presented as a formidable intellectual and spiritual figure who championed the Jain doctrine of anekanta. The story depicts his rigorous debates, his multifaceted personality (as a poet, logician, physician, astronomer, etc.), and his ability to synthesize diverse philosophical viewpoints. His journey, marked by extreme asceticism and the concept of bh'smak vyadhi (a hunger that consumes everything), is portrayed as a path to realizing the interconnectedness of all existence and achieving ultimate liberation.
Jab Pukaregi, Aaunga (जब पुकारोगी, आऊँगा): This story tells the tale of Kumar Vardhaman (Mahavir) and Chandanbala. It explores the spiritual calling and the inherent detachment of Vardhaman from worldly life and familial ties. Chandanbala's connection to him is depicted, and the story touches upon their destined paths and the author's own philosophical stance on fulfilling one's duty while remaining detached. The narrative suggests a deep, almost predestined connection that transcends conventional relationships.
Tribhuvan Mohini Maan (त्रिभुवन मोहिनी माँ): This story centers on Kavi-Yogeshwar Arya Jinsen. It recounts a theological and artistic debate where Jain Acharya Jinsen is challenged by Pandit Jayatungadeva regarding the depiction of Mother Marudevi's beauty in his work Mahapurana. The story highlights Jinsen's defense of his artistic and philosophical approach, arguing for the intrinsic beauty and spiritual significance of the divine feminine, and the potential for transcending worldly desires through profound aesthetic appreciation. The climax involves a demonstration of spiritual power and wisdom that silences critics and affirms the Jain perspective.

Conclusion:

"Ek aur Nilanjana" is more than just a collection of stories; it's an invitation to embark on an inner journey. Virendrakumar Jain uses Jain Puranic narratives as a vehicle to communicate profound philosophical insights, offering solace, guidance, and a path to self-realization for the modern reader. The book underscores the enduring relevance of ancient Jain wisdom in addressing contemporary existential questions and achieving lasting peace and fulfillment.