Harikesh Bal Diwakar Chitrakatha 049

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Harikesh Bal Diwakar Chitrakatha 049" in English, based on the provided pages:

This comic book, "Harikesh Bal," is presented by Mahavir Seva Trust and is based on the Jain scripture Uttaradhyayan Sutra. It aims to convey the importance of good deeds and self-discipline over caste.

The story centers on Harikesh Bal, a boy born into a poor and ostracized family. His dark complexion, unusual appearance, and aggressive, jealous temperament made him an object of hatred and ridicule for everyone, even within his own community.

The narrative illustrates the profound impact of this constant negativity on Bal. He struggles with his anger and often retaliates against those who insult him, further cementing his negative reputation. A pivotal moment occurs when Bal observes boys cruelly beating a non-poisonous snake (Dumuhi) to death, while a poisonous snake is left unharmed. This observation leads him to a profound realization: people target those who cause harm. If he can shed his "poison-like anger," he too can live peacefully and be loved.

This realization triggers a recollection of his past lives. He remembers being Somdatt, a handsome but short-tempered and jealous priest. In that life, Somdatt, driven by envy, misguided a muni onto a scorching hot path, intending to cause him pain. However, the muni's austerities protected him, and Somdatt, filled with remorse, became the muni's disciple. Despite this, Somdatt remained proud of his appearance and Brahmin caste, leading to the nullification of his spiritual gains and a rebirth as a god. After that life, he was reborn into his current unfortunate circumstances.

Bal understands that his pride and anger from past lives have led to his current suffering. He resolves to abandon these negative traits, recognizing them as inner poisons. He seeks forgiveness from his community and then departs for the forest to practice austerities.

In the forest, he is formally initiated as ascetic Harikesh Bal. He undertakes rigorous penances, enduring extreme conditions like scorching sun and prolonged fasting. His austerities become so powerful that even wild animals are drawn to him.

To test his control over anger and pride, Harikesh Bal meditates in a Tendu forest near Varanasi. A powerful yaksh residing in a Tendu tree is disturbed by his presence. The yaksh attempts to frighten the ascetic with a fearsome display, but Harikesh Bal remains unmoved.

The yaksh, impressed, becomes his devotee. Later, Princess Bhadra visits the yaksh temple and, in a moment of arrogance, insults ascetic Harikesh Bal, spitting on him. This act causes her to fall into a state of madness. The yaksh, angered by her disrespect, punishes her.

The King and Queen, desperate to save their daughter, seek the ascetic's forgiveness. The yaksh reveals that Princess Bhadra's insult caused her suffering and that marriage to the ascetic would be her atonement. Ascetic Harikesh Bal, having renounced worldly life and vowed celibacy, refuses the princess, explaining that all women are like mothers or daughters to him.

However, the yaksh intervenes, stating that the ascetic has forgiven them all. The King, following the yaksh's advice, marries Princess Bhadra to the state priest Rudradev.

Later, Harikesh Bal attends Rudradev's yajna (a ritualistic feast). He is again met with scorn and physical abuse from the Brahmins and Rudradev, who consider him an unholy outcast. The yaksh, inhabiting Harikesh Bal's body, retaliates, causing many to fall ill and vomit blood.

Bhadra, recognizing the ascetic from her previous encounter, intervenes and stops Rudradev. She explains the ascetic's power and the grave error of their actions. Rudradev and the Brahmins beg for forgiveness. Harikesh Bal, free from anger, accepts their apology and agrees to break his fast at their yajna pavilion.

Upon accepting the food, divine blessings descend, signifying the power of his austerities. The incident highlights that true reverence comes from conduct and spiritual practice, not caste. The story concludes with Harikesh Bal teaching the true meaning of yajna and a Brahmin, emphasizing the importance of the soul, pious thoughts, and discipline. He then returns to the jungle to continue his spiritual journey, ultimately taking his final vow.

The book also includes a section on Fifteen Prohibited Trades that a devout Jain (Anand Shramanopasak) would discard, outlining various activities that cause harm or are considered unethical within the Jain framework.

Finally, a separate narrative, "Astonishing Oxen," recounts the story of Merchant Mamman, who collects driftwood from the Ganges to complete the incomplete horn of one of his two golden oxen, studded with precious gems. King Shrenik and Queen Chelana witness this, realizing that desire is insatiable and the root of all suffering, as wealth cannot truly satisfy endless cravings.