Jain Dharm Ki Kahaniya Part 09

Here is a comprehensive summary of "Jain Dharm Ki Kahaniya Part 09: Tirthankar Bhagwan Mahavir," a Jain text that details the lives and previous births of Tirthankar Bhagwan Mahavir, drawing heavily on the teachings and spirit of Pujya Gurudev Shri Kanji Swamiji.

Overall Purpose:

This book, "Jain Dharm Ki Kahaniya Part 09: Tirthankar Bhagwan Mahavir," is part of a larger series aimed at disseminating Jain religious literature and stories. It specifically focuses on illustrating the spiritual journey and profound past lives of Lord Mahavir, the 24th Tirthankar. The narrative aims to inspire readers towards self-realization and adherence to the path of righteousness by showcasing the immense effort and virtue accumulated over countless lifetimes.

Key Themes and Content:

The book chronicles the extensive spiritual journey of Lord Mahavir's soul across numerous lifetimes, spanning across different realms and experiences in the Jain cosmology. The core objective is to demonstrate how through consistent adherence to Jain principles, particularly the pursuit of Samya</em>gdarshan* (right faith), Samyak Jnan* (right knowledge), and Samyak Charitra (right conduct), the soul progresses towards liberation.

Summary of Lord Mahavir's Previous Births and Key Incidents:

The narrative traces the soul's journey through various significant births that contributed to its spiritual evolution:

1. Previous Births Leading to Samyakdarshan:
   • Pururava the Bhil: In this life, the soul was a cruel Bhil named Pururava. His encounter with Muni Sagarsena, who was lost in the forest, led to a pivotal moment. Pururava's wife advised him to show compassion. Influenced by the Muni's spiritual demeanor and teachings on Ahimsa (non-violence), he renounced hunting and meat-eating. This act of initial adherence to Ahimsa earned him a rebirth in the Saudharma heaven.
   • Dev in Saudharma Heaven: Enjoying celestial pleasures for immense periods, the soul remained in ignorance of the true nature of the soul. Upon exhausting his good karma, he was reborn as Marichikumar.
   • Marichikumar (Grandson of Lord Rishabhdev): Born as the grandson of the first Tirthankar, Lord Rishabhdev, and son of Emperor Bharat, Marichikumar was born into a spiritually rich environment. However, despite this proximity to spiritual teachings, he fell into misguided practices. He became a dravya-lingi (one with the outward appearance of a monk but without inner realization) and later propagated false doctrines (Sankhya philosophy). This led to numerous births in hell and further wandering in the cycle of birth and death.
   • Various Lives as Brahmins and Devas: The text details subsequent births as a Brahmin named Priyamitra, a deva in the first heaven, then as a Brahmin Pushpamitra, a deva in the second heaven, and so on, as Agnishah, Agnimitra, Bharadwaj, and other Brahmins, interspersed with births in various heavens. In all these lives, despite his lineage or religious pursuits, the soul remained trapped in ignorance and attachment due to the absence of true Samyagdarshan.
   • Singh (Lion) in the Forest: This is a crucial birth highlighted in the text. While living as a powerful lion, the soul encountered two Muni-s, Amitkirti and Amitprabh. They imparted profound spiritual knowledge, including the concept of the true soul and the path to liberation. Through their grace and the lion's attentive listening, he attained Samyagdarshan. This pivotal experience marked the beginning of his unbroken spiritual progress. The Munis foretold his future as the 24th Tirthankar, Lord Mahavir. The lion, after observing strict Samyama* (restraint) and performing intense penance, attained the Haridhvaj Deva form in Saudharma heaven.
   • Haridhvaj Deva (Ninth Previous Life): After his lion birth, he was reborn as Haridhvaj Deva, a celestial being who enjoyed immense pleasures. He was profoundly devoted to the Munis who had guided him as a lion, remembering their teachings and contributing to their well-being. Upon the completion of his celestial lifespan, he was reborn as Kanakdhwaj.
   • Kanakdhwaj and Devanand Deva (Seventh and Sixth Previous Lives): In subsequent lives as Kanakdhwaj and later as Devanand Deva, he continued to refine his spiritual understanding and conduct, progressing further on the path.
   • Harishen (Seventh Previous Life): As Harishen, he lived a life of detached royalty, ultimately renouncing his worldly possessions and becoming a Muni, eventually attaining the Mahashukra heaven.
   • Priyamitra Chakravarti (Fourth Previous Life): As Priyamitra, he became a Chakravarti (universal emperor), experiencing immense worldly power and pleasure. Despite ruling a vast empire, his core spiritual inclination remained, and he ultimately renounced his kingdom to embrace Jain monasticism. He then attained the twelfth heaven.
   • Nand King (Third Previous Life): As Nand, he was born a king and later became a Muni, even binding the Tirthankar Namakarma* through intense spiritual practices and the observation of sixteen Karan bhav* (causes for spiritual progress). This led to his rebirth in the Praanat heaven.
   • Triptrishth Vasudev (Second Previous Life): This birth is depicted as a significant one where, as Triptrishth Vasudev, he achieved great worldly power but also fell victim to rage and attachment, leading to his rebirth in the seventh hell. This illustrates how even with immense strength, the absence of true spiritual insight can lead to downfall.
   • Lion Reborn in Hell and then as Lion Again: After suffering in hell, the soul was reborn as a lion, this time experiencing immense suffering again due to its cruel nature and the consequences of its past actions.
   • As a Lion Again (Tenth Previous Birth): The narrative emphasizes the "tenth previous birth" (from the perspective of Samyagdarshan attainment) as a lion. This life is crucial as it marks the stage where, after countless cycles of suffering, the soul finally attains Samyagdarshan under the guidance of the two Munis. This rebirth is pivotal for his unbroken progression towards Tirthankarhood.
   • Further Lives (Deva and Human): The text continues to describe his subsequent births as devas and humans, each contributing to his spiritual growth and refinement.
   • Triptrishth Vasudev and Vijay Baldev (Previous Lives): The narrative includes the story of Triptrishth Vasudev and Vijay Baldev, highlighting the contrasting paths of worldly power and spiritual attainment, and the consequences of choices made.
   • Chandanbala's Role: An important mention is made of Chandanbala, Lord Mahavir's maternal aunt. Her steadfast devotion and spiritual realization are highlighted, demonstrating the impact of righteous association.
   • Lord Mahavir's Conception and Birth: The book details the auspicious sixteen dreams of Queen Trishala, indicating the birth of a Tirthankar. It describes the divine environment, the showering of gems, and the immense joy that pervaded the land upon Lord Mahavir's descent from the heavens into Queen Trishala's womb.
   • Childhood and Youth: The text portrays Lord Mahavir's extraordinary childhood, marked by his innate spiritual knowledge, his detachment from worldly pleasures, and his innate bravery and peaceful nature. It highlights his early adherence to Jain principles and his mastery over his senses.
   • Tirthankar Namakarma Binding: The narrative explains how through specific spiritual practices and virtuous vows, the soul binds the Tirthankar Namakarma*, a prerequisite for becoming a Tirthankar.
   • Renunciation and Asceticism: The book vividly describes Lord Mahavir's renunciation of his royal life at the age of thirty, his embrace of asceticism, and his twelve years of severe penance and meditation.
   • Kevalgyan (Omniscience) and the First Sermon: The text narrates how Lord Mahavir attained Kevalgyan at the bank of the Rujubalika river, followed by the establishment of the Samavasaran (divine assembly) and his first sermon. It details the conversion of Indrabhuti Gautam, the chief of a group of scholars, into the first Ganadhara (chief disciple) of Lord Mahavir.
   • Lord Mahavir's Teaching: The sermon focuses on the essence of Jainism: the soul's true nature, the path of liberation through the three jewels (Ratnatraya), the cycle of karma, and the importance of Ahimsa, truthfulness, non-stealing, celibacy, and non-possession.
   • Nirvana (Liberation): The book concludes with Lord Mahavir's attainment of Nirvana at Pavapuri, the complete annihilation of karmas, and his dwelling in the Siddhashila as a liberated soul.

Author and Publisher:

The book is a publication of the Akhil Bharatiya Jain Yuva Federation. The text itself is attributed to Bra. Haribhai Songadh and edited by Pandit Rakesh Jain Shastri, Nagpur. The book is part of the Smt. Dhudibai Khemraj Gidia Granthamala.

Inspirational Aspect:

The primary aim of these stories is to instill faith in the Jain path and inspire readers to follow the footsteps of the Tirthankaras. By illustrating the immense struggle, unwavering determination, and profound virtues displayed by Lord Mahavir across his numerous lifetimes, the book aims to motivate individuals to embark on their own spiritual journey with similar dedication. The text emphasizes that through consistent practice and righteous conduct, liberation is achievable for every soul.

In essence, "Jain Dharm Ki Kahaniya Part 09" is a biographical account of the spiritual evolution of Lord Mahavir's soul, presented through vivid narratives of his past lives, highlighting the principles of karma, rebirth, and the ultimate attainment of liberation through Jain teachings.