Jain Adarsh Prasango Part 12 - Book Summary

This document is the 12th part of the "Jain Adarsh Prasango" (Jain Ideal Incidents) series, authored by Bhadreshvarvijay. The book is published by Bhadreshvarvijay and its catalog link is provided. It is intended for private and personal use only.

The book contains various inspiring stories and incidents related to Jainism, aimed at promoting virtuous conduct and spiritual understanding. Here's a breakdown of the key themes and stories presented:

Overall Tone and Purpose: The introduction emphasizes the increasing materialism and hedonism in the current era and highlights the importance of spiritual accumulation for the afterlife. It celebrates the rarity of virtuous individuals and aims to encourage their emulation. The author expresses gratitude to those who provided the stories and seeks forgiveness for any unintentional errors.

Key Stories and Themes:

Exceptional Generosity: This story details the extraordinary generosity shown during a Chaturmas (four-month religious retreat) under the guidance of Acharya Kulchandrasurishwarji. The patron, Kumar Palbhai, distributed significant amounts of silver and gold as rewards and honorariums to devotees undertaking various austerities and participating in religious observances. This includes giving silver coins to 3000 attendees at the start, 30,000 silver coins to Ayambil practitioners, gold to those observing Adhaiwala and Siddhitap, substantial gold and silver to a ascetic who observed 151 fasts, and silver coins to 1000 devotees during Paryushan. The story also mentions a significant expenditure for Angi during Paryushan and donations for a eulogy of Muni Chandrashekharvijayji.
Refusal of Abortion: A family, after having a daughter and then a son, faced pressure to not have a third child due to the prevailing "we two, our two" mantra. However, the mother, guided by her maternal and Jain dharma, refused to abort. The third child, a son, later completed his higher education and, inspired by spiritual guidance, took Diksha (renounced worldly life), bringing great honor to his lineage. The story highlights the potential loss if the mother had succumbed to the pressure.
Non-Jains Embrace Jainism: A small village with no Jain households embraced Jainism after the arrival of Pujya Acharya Narsuriji. A Jinalaya (temple) was built, and the villagers, including many non-Jains, actively participate in its worship and religious activities. A "Shri Siddhi Bhadrakar Mahila Mandal" was formed by 48 non-Jain women who practice Samayika and evening Bhakti. The "Shri Navkar Yuvak Mandal" was also established by the village youth. The village has become prosperous and spiritually inclined after the Pratishtha (consecration) of the Shantinath temple, leading them to call the deity "Sankatharan" (remover of troubles).
One Life, Two Outcomes: A young man, engaged to be married, visited his fiancée's hometown in Kashmir. During Samayika in an upashray (monastery), he was recognized by his fiancée, who had mistaken him for a guru and offered respects. This led to a realization of their relationship. The young woman, impressed by his devotion and commitment to his guru, decided not to marry him, stating, "There should not be two outcomes in one life." She then took Diksha.
True Service to Mother: This story narrates the exemplary service of a son to his ailing mother. Despite being wealthy and respected, the son deeply cherished his mother. When she was diagnosed with incurable cancer and given only six months to live, he focused on both her physical and spiritual well-being. He arranged for her to see God constantly in her room, played devotional music, invited monks and nuns to the house, and ensured she participated in devotional acts. He also undertook the task of building a home Jinalaya with his mother's blessings. Both the son and daughter-in-law personally cared for her, dedicating their time and effort to ensure her peace and spiritual upliftment.
Religious Wife, Not Just Wife: A young man with a condition of his father's health, requiring him to sleep beside his father, proposed a condition for marriage: his wife must accept this arrangement. The fiancée, moved by his filial duty, readily agreed and even proposed to sleep between him and his father to ensure everyone's comfort. This act of selfless devotion deeply touched the groom, who considered himself fortunate to have found such a life partner. They maintained this arrangement, demonstrating their commitment to family duty and spiritual principles.
The Influence of the Namaskar Mahamantra: A story from Surat highlights the power of the Namaskar Mahamantra. During a Chaturmas, a massive Masakshaman (austerity involving fasting for a month) was undertaken by over 801 individuals. Hemantbhai, whose father performed this austerity at 69 years old, participated in the bidding for the parna (breaking of the fast). Despite exceeding his financial capacity, he recited the Namaskar Mahamantra nine times and prayed for the opportunity. He then bid a higher amount, which he won. Miraculously, his struggling company turned profitable soon after, attributing his success to his devotion and the mantra's power.
Magnificent Devotion (Philanthropy): This section praises the philanthropic deeds of various individuals and families:
- Seth Dipchandbhai Gardo donating one crore every five days, supporting hospitals, and adopting 1200 children.
- The K.P. Sanghvi family donating seven crores annually to a panjrapole (animal shelter) in Pavapuri.
- Jain youth in Mumbai providing relief to flood victims, rebuilding homes, and rescuing and caring for 3500 pigeons.
- An incident in Ratlam where 400 man (units of weight) of laddu were distributed to non-Jains during a temple consecration, fostering respect for Jain practices. The author defends the construction of temples and religious buildings, asserting their superior merit compared to secular institutions, and criticizes corruption and negative practices in hospitals and colleges.
The Vastness of the Soul (Spiritual Practice): An 87-year-old devotee, who has chanted the Navkar Mahamantra over five crore times, continued his spiritual practices even after his gold and diamond shop was looted. His son, despite losing a finger during the robbery, prioritized not missing the opportunity to become parents to the deities in a temple consecration. This elderly devotee, despite losing his sight, memorizes scriptures by listening. He is also the brother of Acharya Vijay Hemchandrasurishwarji and proudly gave his daughter Diksha.
Glory to Ahimsa (Non-violence): An 88-year-old woman, Prabhavatiben, suffering from a fatal illness, was advised by doctors to prepare for the worst. Along with medical treatment, she began practicing Abhaydaan (granting fearlessness to living beings) daily. After 40 days without water, she started recovering and eventually became fully healthy. The story emphasizes the power of Ahimsa.
Praise for Fellow Devotees: Navnitbhai Shah, who overcame immense poverty to establish a successful pharmaceutical business, has built a Viharadham (place for monks' stay) and a temple with a nursing home and animal shelter. His wife, Chandrikaben, actively helps monks and nuns by providing food and medicines when other villages cannot. The story highlights the dedication of devotees who support religious travelers and maintain religious sites.
Caring for Sisters Through Hardship: Hemendrabhai Shah, despite a meager salary, divorce, and financial struggles, selflessly cares for his three mentally challenged sisters. He took on this responsibility from his dying father and mother. He faced legal battles with his ex-wife over the sisters' care, incurring significant debt. He continues to care for them with unwavering love and devotion, even though they cannot reciprocate his efforts. The story emphasizes his sacrifice and dedication.
Devotion Amidst Adversity: A young man, a devout Jain who daily worships and attends discourses, faces opposition from his wife who believes in other deities and performs their rituals. Despite her objections and even destruction of his worship clothes, he perseveres in his faith, chanting the Navkar Mahamantra and observing fasts, even taking the twelve Vratas (vows) of a Shravak. His unwavering devotion is lauded.
Marriage Feast of Renunciation: Kirtibhai Panchasara, after taking the fourth vow, decided to host a Swamivatsalya (communal meal for fellow devotees) for his son's wedding instead of a traditional reception, which he considered a gateway to hell. He invited 300 fellow devotees, washed their feet, and provided them with dry rations for three months, accumulating immense merit.
The Power of Auspicious Timing: Nottamhbhai, while constructing a temple, faced delays due to insufficient stone supply. Upon advice, he acquired a deity idol from Nandasan, which was installed during the auspicious Pushya Nakshatra. This led to rapid progress in the temple construction, which was completed quickly and consecrated with a grand celebration, including Panchkalyanaka and Anjanshalaaka.
Transformation of a Non-Jain: Anil Wagh, a 12-year-old boy cleaning an upashray, showed an inclination towards Jainism despite his family's non-vegetarian background. He attended weekly camps, developed faith, and eventually renounced meat. He studied Sanskrit and became a Pandit, now teaching in a school.
The Miracle of the Namaskar Mahamantra: Alakaben's brother developed a severe infection in his leg, requiring amputation. Alakaben, through intense chanting of the Namaskar Mahamantra and observing Ayambil fasts, experienced a miraculous recovery for her brother within 24 hours. Doctors were astonished by this outcome.
Exemplary Adherence to Jayan (Restraint): Minakshiben Vardhamani, for her daughter's wedding during the Ashadhi Atthai (a specific period of austerity), strictly avoided all green vegetables, lemons, ice cream, and even Asopalav decorations. She used plastic flowers and cooled water in earthen pots. The reception was limited to breakfast and departure, emphasizing Ahimsa. She also does not serve anything other than water to guests after sunset.
A Silver Temple: A community that prospered after building a simple stone temple decided to encase the entire temple in silver at a cost of 5 crore rupees, inspired by a guru's suggestion. The story also mentions a large, foldable silver temple within a family's bungalow that can be transported.
Anumodana (Appreciation): This section lists various acts of devotion: a 3-month-old baby fasting, a 3-year-old observing an Atthai, a woman completing 51 Chauvihar fasts, a man completing 31 Chauvihar fasts in intense heat, a person who never watched TV or movies, a devotee completing 11,000 Ayambil fasts and 154 Oli fasts, and a devotee offering 1 crore Khama-sama and spending 14 lakh to place the deity during the breaking of a fast.
Lord's Birthday Becomes Death Festival: In a town celebrating Prabhu Neminath's birthday with a stage program featuring young girls as Dikumaris, one girl's family could not afford the Rs. 200 for her costume. Despite her deep desire, she couldn't participate. She met a Sadhviji, expressed her sorrow, and received permission to dance without the costume. Later, she achieved Pandit-maran (a death with complete consciousness and devotion) right after witnessing the deity and expressing her desire to take Diksha.
Rejection of Temple Wealth: A devotee, Sompura, who was instrumental in getting many temple construction projects, refused 100 grams of gold offered by a temple builder, stating that temple wealth (Devadravya) should not be accepted for personal gain. The builder, in turn, offered over 500 deity idols at cost price, showing great devotion.
The Magnificence of Giriraj: A mute Muslim youth, Haiderali, who was known for his devotion and efforts to spread Jain principles, had his speech restored after visiting Shatrunjay Giriraj, a miracle attributed to Acharya Vijay Udaysurishwarji's prophecy. He now frequently visits the holy mountain.
The Eye-Giving God: A young woman, on the eve of her wedding, suddenly lost her eyesight. Despite the impending ceremony, she insisted on informing her fiancé and his family. The fiancé, a man of great character, accepted her condition without hesitation, stating he would have done the same if the situation were reversed. They then visited the temple of Lord Munisuvratat in Dantrai, where after performing rituals and applying the Shantikalash water to her eyes, her vision was miraculously restored.
The Virtuous Mother: A 6-year-old girl named Moksha, born into a highly religious family, was raised with strict adherence to Jain principles, including abstaining from all abhakshya (forbidden foods) and consuming only boiled water. During a school trip, despite her friends enjoying treats like ice cream and chocolate, she refused them, adhering to her mother's teachings and her own fear of sin. She even went without food and water for the entire day, eating only two puris. Her mother praised her adherence to dharma.
True Samvatsari: A society president, known for his strict demeanor, demonstrated immense humility and forgiveness. When a fellow trustee was to be appointed, he threatened to resign if the person, whom he disliked, was chosen. However, on Samvatsari day, he publicly apologized to the man he had opposed, even bowing at his feet. Though rejected with contempt, the president's regret was not for his personal insult but for failing to resolve the other man's anger. The story emphasizes the importance of forgiveness and overcoming ego.
A Child's Devotion: A young child, Devansh, insisted on having a deity idol for a temple consecration and funded it with his savings of Rs. 2.5 lakh.
Dress Code for Temple Visits: In Palitana, a dress code has been implemented for temple visitors to maintain religious decorum. Visitors are provided with traditional attire if they are not dressed appropriately. This initiative is praised for protecting Jain culture and ensuring a proper pilgrimage experience.
The Power of a Monk's Blessing: A distressed father sought a monk's blessing for his daughter, who had fallen into a coma. Upon the monk's call, the daughter briefly opened her eyes, agreed to take Diksha, and passed away peacefully. This event highlights the spiritual significance of a monk's presence and blessings.

The book concludes with advertisements for other Jain books and donation opportunities for temple construction, highlighting the continuous efforts to promote Jain teachings and practices.