Jain Dharm Ki Kahaniya Part 15

This document is the 15th part of a series titled "Jain Dharm Ki Kahaniya" (Stories of Jainism), authored by Rameshchandra Jain and published by Akhil Bharatiya Jain Yuva Federation. The catalog link provided is jainqq.org/explore/032264/1.

The book is presented as the 23rd offering from the Shrimati Dhuribhai Khemraj Gidiya Granthmala, established in 1988 with the significant support of Shri Khemraj Gidiya and Shrimati Dhuribhai Gidiya. Shri Khemraj Gidiya was born in 1918, pursued business from a young age, and became devoted to Jainism after meeting Pujya Shri Kanji Swami in 1950. He took a temporary vow of celibacy at 34 and was instrumental in the construction of a Jain temple in Khairagarh. He also organized a pilgrimage and spent his later years in self-purification.

This volume contains a compilation of various short stories and inspiring anecdotes, collected by Ku. Samta Jain and edited by Pandit Rameshchand Jain Shastri. It features 5 stories, 1 quiz session, 3 children's gatherings, and 25 motivational anecdotes, all based on Puranic accounts and the lives of historical figures. The stories aim to impart spiritual knowledge and detachment.

The introductory pages also include acknowledgments of generous donors and patrons who supported the publication through the Shrimati Dhuribhai Khemraj Gidiya Granthmala. It also offers contact information for obtaining the book.

The main content of the book consists of several stories illustrating Jain principles:

• Kasauti Dharm Ki (The Test of Faith): A story about a merchant's daughter, Bandhushri, and her unwavering faith in Jainism, even when the king proposes marriage. Her parents and she prioritize dharma over royal status, leading to the king's contemplation and eventual embrace of Jainism.

• Lalach Buri Balay (Greed is a Curse): The story of Lubdhak Seth, a wealthy but extremely greedy merchant who amassed a vast collection of jeweled animals. His greed leads him to neglect his family, and upon death, he is reborn as a serpent guarding his wealth, eventually suffering in hell.

• Sharanya Kiski? (Whom to Seek Refuge In?): An emphasis on taking refuge in the four jewels of Jainism: Arihants, Siddhas, Sadhus, and Dharma, highlighting their role in overcoming suffering.

• Shiyar Chala Siddhon Ke Marg (The Jackal Walks the Path of the Siddhas): This story recounts how a jackal, by observing the principles of Jainism, particularly refraining from night-time eating, is reborn as Pritikar Kumar, who later attains liberation. It emphasizes the transformative power of even simple adherence to Dharma.

• Vivahmandap Se Vairagya (Renunciation from the Wedding Pavilion): The tale of Princess Sumati, who renounces her wedding upon remembering her past lives and the teachings of a goddess, ultimately leading to spiritual progress. It also details the contrasting fates of her brothers, one attaining heavenly status and the other suffering in hell due to their respective actions and inclinations.

• Chakraratna Bhi Kumhar Ke Chaak Saman (The Chakra Jewel is Like a Potter's Wheel): This story narrates the life of Chakravarti Shripal, who realizes the impermanence of worldly possessions and power, comparing his Chakra jewel to a potter's wheel, and ultimately renounces worldly life for spiritual liberation.

• Prashnottari Sabha (Question and Answer Session): A dialogue between Prince Vajrayudha and a learned scholar (revealed to be a disguised divine being) where the prince eloquently explains Jain philosophical concepts like anekanta, karma, and the nature of the soul.

• Bal Sabha (Children's Gathering): Two short stories for children, one about an elephant named Vankeli who attains spiritual realization after witnessing the renunciation of his owner, and another about the importance of adhering to principles and seeking spiritual guidance.

• Gyan-Vairagya Vardhak Prerak Prasang (Knowledge-Detachment Increasing Motivational Anecdotes): Several short inspirational stories, including:

  • Sukh-Dukh Dono Mein Jeev Swayambhu Hai (The Soul is Self-Sufficient in Both Happiness and Sorrow): A story illustrating that actions and destiny are determined by one's own karma, not just divine intervention.
  • Keemat Lagao Mat, Keemat Samjho! (Don't Price It, Understand Its Value!): The story of a weaver whose patience and understanding of the true value of his labor, beyond monetary price, leads a wealthy boy to realize his folly and seek forgiveness.
  • Abhaykumar Ki Nishchal Dridhraddha (Abhaykumar's Steadfast Faith): Abhaykumar's unwavering devotion to Jainism, even when threatened by a powerful deity.
  • Chakravarti Ka Bhi Abhiman Gal Gaya! (Even the Emperor's Pride Melted Away!): Emperor Bharat's realization of the impermanence of worldly glory when he sees the names of countless other Chakravartis inscribed on a mountain.
  • Jeev Nar Bhav Pay Ye Kaaj Kiya! (Living Beings Who Got Human Birth Did This Work!): A parable about using the precious human life for spiritual gain, using the example of a farmer who, after becoming wealthy, delays spiritual practice, leading to rebirths as a dog and a bull, and eventually hell.
  • Chamatkar Bhakti Ka Ya Aayu Karma Ke Uday Ka (Miracle of Devotion or the Rise of Life Karma): A story where a scholar is so engrossed in prayer that he is initially unaware of his child being bitten by a snake, but the child miraculously recovers due to a combination of karma and the father's devotion.
  • Matra Shastra Gyan Nahi, Atm Gyan Chahiye! (Not Just Scripture Knowledge, Self-Knowledge is Needed!): The story of Shivbhooti Muni, who, despite forgetting scriptures, attains self-realization through understanding the essence of "Ma Tush Mash" (do not be angry, do not be attached).
  • Ab Tak Vasa Khaya, Ab To Taza Khao! (Until Now We Ate Stale, Now Eat Fresh!): A parable about embracing true life by practicing Dharma, as exemplified by a son and daughter-in-law who understood the meaning of life in terms of spiritual practice.
  • Saccha Mitra Kaun? (Who is the True Friend?): A story illustrating that true friendship is found in Dharma, which accompanies one even after death, unlike wealth or relatives.
  • Moh Kisse Karna? (With Whom to Be Attached?): A story about a farmer who, through multiple births, is repeatedly tempted by worldly attachments and delays spiritual practice, ultimately leading to suffering.
  • Sarvasva Daan, Sarvasva Samarpan (All-Giving, Complete Surrender): The story of a poor old woman who gives her entire meager savings to a temple, demonstrating the great value of selfless devotion.
  • Mujhe Bilkul Samay Nahi Milta (I Get Absolutely No Time): A conversation highlighting the importance of prioritizing spiritual study, even amidst busy lives, and the folly of postponing it to old age.
  • Kya Hum Divaswapna Nahi Dekh Rahe Hain? (Are We Not Dreaming Daydreams?): A reflection on the illusory nature of worldly possessions and pleasures, as exemplified by King Bhoj's realization that his material wealth would not accompany him after death.
  • Samdrishti Sahajta (Equanimity: Naturalness): The story of Prime Minister Jinavijaya, a wise and virtuous minister who, despite his worldly responsibilities, maintained spiritual detachment, illustrating that true wisdom lies in maintaining equanimity.
  • Seth Ki Darshan Pratigya (The Merchant's Vow of Darshan): A merchant's transformation from a worldly person to a devoted follower of Jainism after fulfilling a vow to see the potter first, which leads him to realize the greater reward of seeing the divine.
  • Kiski Jinendra Bhakti Shreshth Hai? (Whose Devotion to Jinendra is Superior?): A dialogue between King Indera and Queen Shachi, discussing the depth of their devotion to Jinendra and the ultimate path to liberation.
  • Tirne Ki Kala Sabse Badi Kala (The Art of Crossing is the Greatest Art): The story of a scholar who drowns while a humble boatman, skilled in swimming, survives, emphasizing the importance of spiritual knowledge for overcoming life's difficulties.
  • Jaag Sake To Jaag (Wake Up If You Can): The tale of Prince Jivandhar, who, after his father's betrayal and his own spiritual awakening, reclaims his kingdom and embodies the principle of spiritual awareness.
  • Dravyadrushti Ki Kshama (Forgiveness from the Perspective of True Substance): The story of Poet Ratnakar, whose calm response to false accusations showcases the power of spiritual detachment and forgiveness.
  • Kshama Virasya Bhushanam (Forgiveness is the Ornament of the Brave): King Udayana's sincere apology to King Chandrapraḍyota, demonstrating that true forgiveness involves mutual understanding and reconciliation.
  • Saja Usi Ko Do Jo Doshi/Apradhi Ho (Punish Only the Guilty/Offender): A story where a man blinds himself for lustful thoughts, but is told that the mind, not the eyes, should be disciplined.
  • Vah Dharmashala Nahi To Aur Kya Hai? (If Not a Dharmashala, Then What?): King Vikramaditya's realization that his palace, like a temporary abode, is also impermanent, akin to a Dharmashala.
  • Apne Ka Jaan Lo (Know Your Own Self): Prince Chandraketu's realization that true knowledge comes from understanding the self, which is the ultimate truth.
  • Jinke Sir Par Bhaar Ve Doobe Majhdhar Mein! (Those Who Carry Burdens Drown in the Middle!): King Ajitvirya's renunciation of worldly burdens after hearing a spiritual discourse, leading him to liberation.
  • Samrat Sikandar Ki Kalyana Muni Se Bhent! (Emperor Alexander's Meeting with Muni Kalyana!): Alexander the Great's encounter with Jain monks, leading him to appreciate their austere lifestyle and inspiring him to spread Jain teachings in Greece. It also touches upon Alexander's death and his final wishes.

The book concludes with a list of other published works by the same publisher, highlighting their dedication to disseminating Jain literature. It also pays tribute to Bra. Harilal Mehta, a prolific writer and editor who significantly contributed to Jain literature.