Gautamniti Durlabhbodh

This document is the Gujarati text of "Gautam Niti Durlabh Bodh," published by the Jain Dharm Prasarak Sabha of Bhavnagar, India. The title translates to "Gautam's Policy, Rare Enlightenment." It is a compilation of questions and answers between Lord Gautam Swami and Lord Mahavir Swami, along with excerpts from the Bhagavati Sutra.

Here's a breakdown of the content:

Core Content:

• Gautam Prichha (Questions of Gautam): The primary focus is on 48 questions posed by Lord Gautam Swami to Lord Mahavir Swami. These questions explore the karmic causes and consequences of various human experiences, states of existence (heaven, hell, animal, human), physical attributes, mental qualities, and life circumstances. Lord Mahavir's answers, often illustrated with moral stories (Katha), explain how specific actions in past lives lead to present-day outcomes.
• Bhagavati Sutra Excerpts: The text also includes selected questions and answers from the Bhagavati Sutra, further expanding on Jain philosophical and ethical principles. These sections delve into topics like types of vows, karma vedana (experiencing karma), and the nature of existence.

Key Themes and Topics Covered:

The 48 questions and their corresponding stories address a wide range of topics related to karma and its effects:

• States of Existence: Birth in hell, heaven, animal realm, and human realm.
• Gender and Identity: Becoming male, female, or eunuch.
• Life Span and Enjoyment: Short vs. long life, experiencing or renouncing worldly pleasures.
• Fortune and Misfortune: Good and bad luck, prosperity and poverty.
• Intellect and Knowledge: Wisdom vs. foolishness, skill in learning.
• Character Traits: Courage vs. fearfulness, humility vs. pride.
• Wealth and Family: Gaining and losing wealth, having children or being childless.
• Physical Attributes: Blindness, deafness, speech impediments, hunchback, servitude, poverty, wealth, illness, good health, physical deformities, speechlessness, lameness, beauty, ugliness, suffering, and spiritual liberation.
• Causes of Misfortune: The text elaborates on how specific negative actions lead to these undesirable outcomes.
• Causes of Well-being: Conversely, it highlights how virtuous actions lead to positive outcomes.

Structure and Publication Details:

• Publisher: Jain Dharm Prasarak Sabha, Bhavnagar.
• Sponsors: The publication was financially supported by Parekh Chunilal Durlabhji and Parekh Tribhuvan Durlabhji.
• Compiler/Editor: Acharya Vijaynitisuree and the author himself (referred to as "Durlabh").
• Format: The book contains the original Prakrit verses (Gathas) where appropriate, along with Gujarati explanations and illustrative stories.
• Appendices: It includes sections from the Bhagavati Sutra as well.
• Objective: The book aims to educate readers about the principles of karma and motivate them to follow the path of righteousness to achieve happiness and spiritual progress.

Narrative Style:

The text is presented in a didactic manner, using stories and parables to illustrate complex Jain philosophical concepts. The stories often feature kings, merchants, ascetics, and ordinary people, showcasing the universal applicability of karmic laws.

Overall Purpose:

"Gautam Niti Durlabh Bodh" serves as a guide for spiritual aspirants, emphasizing the importance of right conduct, detachment, and devotion to the Jain Tirthankaras, Gurus, and Dharma. It reinforces the Jain belief that every action has a consequence and encourages individuals to cultivate virtuous qualities to ensure a better future and ultimately attain liberation (moksha).