Jain Dharm Ki Kahaniya Part 14

Here's a comprehensive summary of "Jain Dharm Ki Kahaniya Part 14" by Rameshchandra Jain, based on the provided text:

This book, "Jain Dharm Ki Kahaniya Part 14," is part of a series aiming to disseminate Jain religious literature. Published by Akhil Bharatiya Jain Yuva Federation and Shri Kahan Smriti Prakashan, it is dedicated to the memory of Shri Hemraj Gidiya and Shrimati Dhudhibai Khemraj Gidiya, who established a trust for publishing religious works annually.

The book contains several stories and a play, focusing on themes of renunciation, karma, devotion, and the true nature of dharma.

Key Narratives and Themes:

• King Shri Kantha's Renunciation:

  • The story begins with King Shri Kantha witnessing his past-life brother going to worship Nandiishwar Island. Inspired, he decides to go with his family and friends.
  • However, due to limitations in reaching beyond the Manushottara mountain, he attains spiritual insight and, renouncing worldly life, takes up the monastic path.
  • The play adaptation of King Shri Kantha's story is presented in three acts.

• King Shri Kantha's Past Life (Merchant's Son):

  • First Act: Depicts Shri Kantha's former life as a merchant's son. He embraces Jainism after his elder brother inspires him with the teachings of a monk about the essence of the soul and its similarity to Arhant Lords. He learns that understanding the true nature of Arhants leads to understanding one's own soul and overcoming delusion. He experiences immense joy from achieving Samyagdarshan (right faith).
  • Second Act: Shows Shri Kantha as Shantilal Seth, a merchant's son, whose friends are involved in gambling. Inspired by his brother's profound words about the preciousness of human life and Jain dharma, Shantilal renounces gambling and persuades his friends to do the same. He emphasizes the importance of worshipping Jinendra Bhagwan and understanding their path to liberation. He highlights the suffering of hell that gambling leads to and the need to focus on soul-benefiting actions.
  • Third Act: Takes place in heaven, where the lifespan of Indra has ended, leading to his rebirth in the human world. The story emphasizes the impermanence of even celestial life and the ultimate attainment of liberation (Siddhashila). It then shifts to the newly reborn Indra, who, remembering his past life as a merchant's son and the impact of his elder brother's spiritual guidance, resolves to worship Jinendra. He discusses the superiority of the soul's inherent bliss over Indra's luxurious position, outlining the eight main virtues of a Samyagdarshi (possessor of right faith) like Nihshankit (doubtlessness) and Vatsalya (affection). The narrative then foresees future great saints who will spread Jainism after the era of Tirthankaras. The Indra, having had a vision of his former elder brother (now an Indra himself), decides to visit Nandiishwar Island, promising to fly over King Shri Kantha's palace to trigger his Jatismaran Gyan (memory of past lives) and lead him to renunciation.

• King Shri Kantha's Present Life:

  • Fourth Act: Depicts King Shri Kantha in his royal assembly. He discusses state affairs and the propagation of Jain dharma. His birthday is celebrated with acts of charity, including donations for temple construction and the establishment of a Jain school. The conversation turns to cosmology, the nature of the universe, and the possibility of liberation from the Middle Continent (Madhyalok). He expresses a desire to go to Nandiishwar Island. Upon seeing the celestial chariot carrying his former elder brother (now Indra), he experiences Jatismaran Gyan. Realizing the limitations of the human body and the confinement of the 2.5 continents, he decides to renounce his kingdom and take up monastic vows to achieve liberation. His ministers and treasurer agree to follow his path.

• Veer Varang Kumar's Renunciation:

  • This story, adapted from the Varang Charitra by Jayasinghnandi, narrates the life of Prince Varang Kumar. Despite facing numerous attempts on his life from his jealous stepmother and brother, he survives through good fortune and the help of divine beings. He finds refuge with a merchant, Sagarbuddhi, who treats him like a son. Varang Kumar later becomes a valiant protector and king, establishing peace and spreading Jain dharma.
  • Upon hearing the discourse of a Kevali (omniscient being), Varang Kumar experiences profound detachment. He performs religious rituals, wishes for the victory of Jain dharma, and instructs his queens on Jain principles. He reflects on the futility of worldly pleasures and the impermanence of life.
  • He addresses his concerned father, King Dharamsen, and his foster father, Sagarbuddhi, explaining his unwavering resolve for monastic life. He compares worldly attachments to being thrown back into a burning house or a dangerous ocean.
  • His queens and even his foster father, Sagarbuddhi, are moved by his devotion and decide to join him in renunciation.
  • Before departing for the forest for his initiation, Varang Kumar imparts valuable advice to his sons, emphasizing the importance of following the teachings of the Tirthankaras and serving the four-fold Jain community.
  • He embraces the path of renunciation, leaving his palace and his worldly attachments. His virtuous decision inspires many to follow him, including some who were initially skeptical.
  • He attains Kevala Gyan (omniscience) from the Kevali Varadatt and eventually attains liberation from Sarvarthasiddhi Vimana, with his final abode being Moksha.

• Bhagwan Deshabhushan and Kulbhushan:

  • This section recounts the story of two princes, Deshabhushan and Kulbhushan, who were brothers in many past lives. In their current life, while witnessing a beautiful princess, they fall prey to infatuation and develop enmity towards each other.
  • Their wise minister intervenes, revealing that the princess is their younger sister, which shocks them and leads to a realization of the deceptive nature of worldly attachments and the cycle of birth and death. This triggers their desire for renunciation.
  • Their mother's attempts to dissuade them are met with their firm resolve for spiritual practice. Their sister also expresses the difficulties of monastic life, but the princes eloquently describe the joy of true spiritual companionship.
  • The story then details an instance where Rama and Lakshmana protect the two muni brothers from a demon named Agniprabha who was causing them distress. The demon's efforts to disrupt their meditation fail due to the princes' unwavering spiritual focus.
  • The muni brothers ultimately attain Kevala Gyan. Their father, reborn as Garudendra, appears and expresses gratitude for Rama and Lakshmana's service, offering them a boon. Rama asks for help in times of crisis.
  • The story highlights that the mountain where this event occurred is now known as Ramtek Tirtha. The two muni brothers, after spreading Jain dharma, attained liberation from Kuntalgiri.

• Punnyaprakash in Court:

  • This section presents a dramatic debate in a courtroom setting between two friends, Dharmachand and Punnyaprakash, representing differing views on Jain dharma, particularly concerning the role of good deeds (Puṇya) and rituals.
  • Dharmachand, influenced by Pandit Kanji Swami and texts like "Mokshamarg Prakashak," argues that while good deeds like worship and charity are necessary, they are not the ultimate goal of Jainism. The true path to liberation lies in Shuddhopayog (pure spiritual consciousness) and detachment from both good and bad karma. He criticizes the misinterpretation of scriptures that equate rituals with liberation.
  • Punnyaprakash strongly defends the traditional view that good deeds, rituals, and adherence to vows are essential and lead to liberation. He argues that dismissing these practices will lead to the decline of Jain dharma and temples.
  • The court case involves legal arguments, witness testimonies (including the insights of scholars like Pandit Danitaray, Pandit Banarasidas, Pandit Daulatram, Pandit Swaroopchand, and Pandit Gyanachand), and scriptural interpretations.
  • The core of the debate is whether Puṇya (merit from good deeds) is a means to liberation (upadeya) or an obstacle to be transcended (heya).
  • The evidence presented highlights that while good deeds lead to favorable rebirths and are part of the path, true liberation comes from Vitraag Bhav (passionless state) and Atm anubhava (self-realization). The court ultimately rules in favor of Dharmachand's argument, affirming that while good deeds are important and have their place, they are not the ultimate goal. True liberation lies in transcending all karma, including Puṇya, through pure consciousness. The court warns against misinterpreting scriptures and causing division.

The book is a valuable resource for Jains seeking to understand the deeper philosophical aspects of their religion, emphasizing the importance of renunciation, self-realization, and the correct interpretation of Jain scriptures. It aims to inspire readers to follow the path of true dharma and attain liberation.