Jain Dharm Ki Kahaniya Part 05

This document is the fifth volume in a series titled "Jain Dharm Ki Kahaniya" (Stories of Jainism), published by the Akhil Bharatiya Jain Yuva Federation and Shri Kahan Smriti Prakashan.

Key aspects of the publication include:

• Purpose: The series aims to spread the spiritual revolution inspired by Pujya Gurudev Shri Kanji Swami. This particular volume focuses on the "Hanuman Charitra" (The Life of Hanuman).
• Authorship & Editorial:
  • Written by Brahmachari Haribhai (SonGadh).
  • Translated into Hindi by Brahmacharini Vimla Ben (Jabalpur).
  • Edited by Pandit Rameshchandra Jain Shastri (Jaipur).
• Publishers: Akhil Bharatiya Jain Yuva Federation (Khairagarh) and Shri Kahan Smriti Prakashan (SonGadh).
• Dedication/Support: The "Shrimati Dhudhibai Khemraj Gidiya Granthmala" is a significant part of this publication, established with the blessings and support of Shri Khemraj Gidiya and Shrimati Dhudhibai Gidiya. A brief introduction to Shri Khemraj Gidiya highlights his dedication to Jainism, including taking a Brahmacharya vow, supporting temple construction, undertaking pilgrimages, and dedicating his time to spiritual practice.
• Printing and Distribution: The book is printed by Jain Computers in Jaipur. Information on where to obtain the book and contribute to the publication fund is provided.
• Content - The Story of Hanuman:
  • Spiritual Allegory: The text begins with an "Adhyatma Ramayana" allegorizing the Ramayana narrative in Jain philosophical terms. The soul (Ram) is separated from its true experience (Sita), misguided by delusion (Ravan). It seeks guidance from scripture (Sugriv) and is eventually led to true perception (Hanuman) by proper conduct (Lakshman).
  • Hanuman's Jain Lineage: The story traces Hanuman's previous births, emphasizing his path towards liberation (moksha). It details his births as Damayant, Simhachandra, and Simhavahan, highlighting his spiritual practices, adherence to vows, and eventual attainment of divine status in heaven.
  • Hanuman's Birth and Upbringing: The narrative describes Hanuman's birth to Anjana, who had faced societal disgrace due to past actions. It details his upbringing in the forest, his exceptional strength and divine qualities from birth, and the affection and guidance he received from his mother.
  • Hanuman's Spiritual Journey: The text describes Hanuman's adherence to Jain principles, his devotion to Jinendra, his pursuit of knowledge, and his understanding of the soul's nature. It highlights his compassion and his commitment to righteousness.
  • Hanuman's Role in the Ramayana Narrative (Jain Context): The story then weaves in the events of the Ramayana, from the perspective of Jainism. This includes:
    • Rama's Vanvas: The circumstances leading to Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana's exile.
    • Hanuman's encounter with Rama and Lakshmana: Their eventual meeting and the formation of their bond.
    • The abduction of Sita: The events surrounding Ravana's deception and Sita's abduction.
    • Hanuman's mission to Lanka: His journey, his interactions with Ravana's court (including his encounter with Mandodari and his breaking of Ravana's illusory defenses), and his meeting with Sita.
    • Hanuman's devotion to Sita: His role in conveying messages between Rama and Sita and his deep respect for her chastity.
    • The war with Ravana: Hanuman's prowess in battle, his role in rescuing Lakshmana, and his eventual victory over Ravana.
    • The return to Ayodhya: The reunion of Rama and Sita and their subsequent coronation.
    • Hanuman's spiritual pursuits: The text emphasizes Hanuman's ultimate goal of liberation. It describes his pilgrimage to Mount Meru, his deep spiritual practices, and his eventual renunciation of worldly affairs to become a muni.
    • Hanuman's final attainment: The narrative concludes with Hanuman achieving Keval Gyan (omniscience) and attaining Moksha from Tungi-Bhadra on Mount Meru.
  • Other Jain Figures: The story also incorporates the lives and spiritual journeys of other prominent figures like Bharata, Kukshila, Anjana, Sita, and Ravana, framing their actions within the context of Jain teachings on karma, dharma, and spiritual progress.
  • Moral and Spiritual Lessons: Throughout the narrative, the text emphasizes the importance of dharma, renunciation, compassion, truthfulness, and devotion to the Tirthankaras. It highlights how even in challenging circumstances, virtuous beings remain steadfast in their spiritual path.
• Author's Profile: A detailed profile of Brahmachari Harilal Jain is provided, emphasizing his prolific writing, his editorial work on "Adhyatma Dharma," and his dedication to Jain literature, especially children's literature and the "Twenty-four Tirthankara Mahapurana." His peaceful passing while meditating on his true nature is also highlighted.

In essence, "Jain Dharm Ki Kahaniya Part 05" presents the life of Hanuman from a Jain perspective, integrating his spiritual journey and heroic deeds within the broader narrative of Jain cosmology and philosophy. It serves as an inspirational text for readers to understand and follow the path of righteousness and spiritual liberation.