Haryanvi Jain Kathayen - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Haryanvi Jain Kathayen" by Subhadramuni, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Haryanvi Jain Kathayen (Jain Stories in Haryanvi) Author: Jain Dharma Prabhavak Shri Subhadramuni Ji Maharaj Publisher: Munish Mayaram Sambodhi Prakashan Date of Publication: January 24, 1996 (Sanyam Day)

Core Theme and Purpose:

This book, "Haryanvi Jain Kathayen," is a significant and pioneering work as it presents Jain stories for the first time in the Haryanvi language. The author, Subhadramuni, was inspired by the power of storytelling, particularly the method used by Lord Mahavir himself, to convey profound spiritual and ethical messages. The primary goal is to make these valuable Jain teachings accessible and relatable to the common people of the Haryana region through their mother tongue, Haryanvi. The book aims to connect Jain philosophy with the cultural ethos of Haryana, fostering spiritual growth and moral upliftment.

Significance of Haryanvi Language:

The author emphasizes the unique charm and directness of the Haryanvi language. He contrasts the perceived artificiality of formal Hindi address ("aap," "tum") with the inherent intimacy and openness of Haryanvi, where "tu" and "tera" are used with affection and respect, even for elders and revered figures. This linguistic characteristic, the author argues, makes stories told in Haryanvi deeply resonant and easier to internalize, akin to the fragrance within gold. The book also discusses the linguistic nuances of Haryanvi, acknowledging its connection to Hindi while highlighting its distinct features, and the author's efforts to standardize its written form.

Historical and Cultural Context of Haryana:

The introduction provides a rich context for Haryana, highlighting its historical significance as the land where Lord Krishna imparted the Bhagavad Gita and was declared a "Dharmakshetra" (Field of Dharma) by Vyasa. It notes the confluence of Vedic, Jain, and Buddhist cultures in Haryana, citing archaeological evidence of Jain and Buddhist artifacts. The text praises the people of Haryana for their simplicity, honesty, vegetarianism, and strong connection to agriculture and spiritual traditions.

Dedication and Influences:

The book is dedicated to several revered spiritual figures, including Lord Mahavir, Guru Shri Mayaram Ji Maharaj (who spread Jainism in Haryana), Gurudev Yogiraj Shri Ramji Lal Ji Maharaj (who guided the author), and Gurudev Muni Shri Ramkrishna Ji Maharaj (under whom the author walks the spiritual path).

Content and Structure:

The book comprises 22 stories, each drawing from the vast repository of Jain literature. These stories are designed to be simple, engaging, and insightful, offering life lessons and moral guidance. They are categorized as follows:

Stories of Lord Mahavir: Several narratives are directly attributed to Lord Mahavir's teachings.
Stories from Jain Acharyas: Other stories are attributed to the wisdom of Jain scholars and saints.

Key Stories and Their Lessons (as illustrated in the provided excerpts):

The excerpts showcase several stories that exemplify the book's core messages:

"Parbhu ke Darsan" (Lord's Vision): This story illustrates the consequences of breaking vows and the importance of purity of intention. A god, disguised as a king, tests Lord Mahavir's disciple. The story highlights how past karma influences present births and the dangers of attachment.
"Anand ka Khujjāna" (The Revelation of Bliss): This narrative follows Kapil, a young man whose father was a royal priest. After his father's death, Kapil abandons his studies, falls into worldly desires, and faces consequences. Through a series of events, including an encounter with King Prasenjit, Kapil realizes the futility of worldly pleasures and attains spiritual bliss through self-realization and renunciation.
"Dayallu Rajjā" (The Compassionate King): This story recounts the tale of King Meghrath, who, in a test of his compassion by Indra (disguised as a hawk), offers his own flesh to save a pigeon. The king's unwavering commitment to dharma and compassion is rewarded, and he eventually attains salvation and becomes the 16th Tirthankar, Lord Shantinath.
"Anath Koon Se" (Who is Orphaned?): King Shrenik, proud of his kingdom and power, encounters a young ascetic named Anathi Muni. The muni challenges the king's perception of being a true "nath" (protector), highlighting that worldly possessions and power cannot protect one from old age, sickness, or death. The story emphasizes that only the soul is the true protector.
"Chhima ki Murat" (Embodiment of Forgiveness): This story features Arjan, a gardener who, after an incident of violence against his wife, becomes consumed by anger and commits murders. He is eventually pacified by the presence and forgiveness of Sudarshan, a Jain devotee, and Lord Mahavir's teachings, leading him to renounce his violent ways and attain liberation.
"Rohiniya Chor" (Rohiniya the Thief): This tale describes Rohiniya, a cunning thief whose criminal activities plague Rajgir. Despite efforts to catch him, he evades everyone. However, after hearing Lord Mahavir's words about the nature of deities, he realizes the truth and surrenders, ultimately transforming his life and becoming a monk.
"Suthrai ka Ghamand" (Pride of Beauty): The story of Sunat Kumar, a handsome prince, illustrates the impermanence of physical beauty and the dangers of vanity. Two celestial beings test his pride, revealing the ephemeral nature of external appearance and the importance of inner purity.
"Sadhu ka Satsang" (The Company of Saints): This story highlights the transformative power of righteous company. King Pardesi, initially arrogant and irreligious, is influenced by his minister's positive encounter with Jain Acharya Kesshi Swami, leading to his own spiritual awakening and adherence to Jain principles.
"Bhagwan ka Dhyan" (Lord's Meditation): A merchant named Arhantak, facing a storm at sea, remains steadfast in his devotion to Lord Mahavir. His unwavering faith and meditation are rewarded when a deity appears and saves him, emphasizing the power of devotion and inner strength.
"Ek Din Main Mukti" (Liberation in a Day): The story of Gaj Sukumar, brother of Lord Krishna, showcases the profound impact of spiritual teachings. After hearing Lord Neminath's sermon, Gaj Sukumar renounces worldly life and, through intense meditation and the acceptance of suffering, attains liberation in a single day.
"Maman Set ke Bald" (Maman Seth's Oxen): This story critiques materialism and greed. Maman Seth, despite his immense wealth, is perpetually unhappy due to his insatiable desire for more. Lord Mahavir teaches that true wealth lies in using resources for good deeds, not just accumulating them.
"Karni aur Bharani" (Action and Consequence): This narrative illustrates the principle of karma. King Dandak, after a dispute with his brother-in-law Skandak, tragically retaliates, leading to the destruction of his kingdom and his own demise, demonstrating that malicious actions have severe repercussions.
"Megh Kumar Muni": This story recounts the spiritual journey of Megh Kumar, a prince who, after experiencing worldly life, renounces it to become a monk. His past karmas, including suffering in animal births, are revealed, highlighting the importance of spiritual discipline and the acceptance of consequences.
"Daya ke Samundar" (Ocean of Compassion): Dharmaruchi, a Jain ascetic, is accidentally given poisonous food by a householder. Demonstrating immense compassion, he consumes the entire offering to protect other beings from harm and ultimately attains heaven, underscoring the supreme value of compassion in Jainism.
"Subh Bhaona" (Auspicious Feeling): The story of Balram (brother of Lord Krishna) describes his spiritual path after renouncing worldly life. His devotion and the auspicious feelings of others lead to positive karmic outcomes for those who supported him, highlighting the impact of virtuous intentions.
"Jo Maut pe bhi na Digya" (He Who Did Not Waver Even in Death): This tale of Arnak, a disciple who falls into worldly temptations, emphasizes the importance of perseverance in spiritual practice. Despite initial lapses, his mother's influence and his own eventual realization lead him to rigorous penance and liberation.
"Mantar ka Chimtkar" (Miracle of a Mantra): A merchant, devout in the "Navkar Mantra," demonstrates its power by protecting his caravan from bandits and a headless apparition through his faith and recitation of the mantra.
"Bhagwan Mahavir aur Chandkosiya Saanp" (Lord Mahavir and Chandkosiya Serpent): This powerful narrative depicts Lord Mahavir's encounter with a venomous serpent, Chandkosiya. Through Mahavir's compassion and teachings, the serpent is freed from its anger and past karmas, transforming into a devotee.
"Sacha Bhagat Kamdev Saravag" (True Devotee Kamdev Saravag): This story highlights the unwavering devotion of Kamdev, a Jain follower, who endures severe trials from a divine being testing his faith. His steadfastness and inner purity earn him divine recognition.
"Jo Kare Se Oye Bhare Se" (As You Sow, So Shall You Reap): This story illustrates the principle of karma through the lives of Kalasaukarik (a butcher) and his son Sulas. Despite his father's profession, Sulas chooses the path of righteousness, demonstrating that one must face the consequences of their own actions.
"Akkal Aapni Aapni" (To Each Their Own Intelligence): This tale uses a simple test by a father-in-law regarding five grains of rice to reveal the different approaches and intelligence of his four daughters-in-law. Rohini, the youngest, who plants the grains and cultivates them, is recognized for her wisdom and foresight.
"Saachche Guru Yogiraj Shri Ramjilal Ji Maharaj": This section provides a biographical sketch of Yogiraj Shri Ramjilal Ji Maharaj, highlighting his spiritual journey, his reformist activities, his disciples, and his enduring influence on the spiritual and social landscape of Haryana and beyond.

Overall Message:

"Haryanvi Jain Kathayen" is a valuable contribution to Jain literature, making timeless ethical and spiritual lessons accessible through the relatable medium of Haryanvi. The stories emphasize the importance of compassion, forgiveness, truthfulness, devotion, detachment from worldly desires, and the unwavering pursuit of spiritual knowledge, all presented within the cultural context of Haryana.