Gautam Pruccha

The book "Gautam Pruccha" (Gautam Questions) is a Jain text authored by a Purvacharya (ancient Jain scholars). Published by Indrachand Agarchand Seth, it delves into the causes and consequences of various life situations and conditions based on Jain philosophy and karmic principles. The text is structured as a series of questions posed by Gautam Swami, the chief disciple of Lord Mahavir, to Lord Mahavir himself, seeking clarification on a wide range of human experiences.

The book addresses questions concerning:

• Rebirth and Destinations: Why a soul goes to hell, heaven, the animal realm, or becomes human.
• Gender and Sexual Identity: How a soul becomes male, female, or eunuch.
• Life Span and Enjoyment: Why a soul has a short or long life, and why they are or are not able to enjoy pleasures.
• Well-being and Fortune: What causes a soul to be fortunate or unfortunate, intelligent or dull-witted, wise or foolish, brave or fearful.
• Knowledge and Wealth: What makes knowledge fruitful or fruitless, why wealth is destroyed or gained, and what makes wealth stable.
• Family and Health: Why children do not survive or why someone has many children, and what causes deafness, blindness, or digestive issues.
• Physical Conditions and Suffering: What leads to leprosy, hunchbackedness, servitude, poverty, wealth, illness, or health.
• Appearance and Experience: What causes physical deformities, mutations, or freedom from suffering.
• The Cycle of Existence and Liberation: How the cycle of existence continues or is shortened, and how a soul achieves liberation.

Each question is followed by Lord Mahavir's answer, often explained through narratives and illustrative stories (kathas) of past lives of individuals. These stories serve to demonstrate the principles of karma and the impact of one's actions on their present and future lives. The text emphasizes that all experiences are a result of past karma and that right conduct, devotion, knowledge, and adherence to Jain principles are key to overcoming negative karma and achieving spiritual progress.

The book also includes a detailed table of contents (Anukramanika) that lists the questions (Prashna Vishay) and the corresponding stories (Prashnantargat Katha) with their page numbers, providing a clear roadmap of the text's content.

Furthermore, the text includes biographical information about some of the key figures involved in its publication and dissemination, such as Acharya Shri Kailassagarsuri and Acharya Shri Vijayharsuri, highlighting their contributions to Jain literature and practice.

In essence, "Gautam Pruccha" is a comprehensive guide to understanding the Jain perspective on karma, the human condition, and the path to spiritual well-being, presented through insightful questions and illuminating stories.