Jain Dharm Ki Kahaniya Part 19 - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Jain Dharm Ki Kahaniya Part 19" by Rameshchandra Jain, based on the provided text:

Book Title: Jain Dharm Ki Kahaniya Part 19 (Stories of Jainism, Part 19)

Author: Rameshchandra Jain Shastri, Jaipur

Publisher: Akhil Bharatiya Jain Yuva Federation, Khairagarh, and Shri Kahan Smriti Prakashan, Songarh.

Overview:

This book, the 19th in a series, is part of the Shrimati Dhudhibai Khemraj Gidiya Granthamala and aims to disseminate Jain teachings and stories to a wider audience. It contains a collection of fourteen stories, encompassing both Pauranic (mythological) and Shiddhantik (doctrinal) themes, along with short instructive tales. The publication is a collaborative effort between the Akhil Bharatiya Jain Yuva Federation and Shri Kahan Smriti Prakashan, highlighting their commitment to promoting Jain literature.

Key Themes and Stories:

The book delves into various aspects of Jain philosophy and ethics through compelling narratives:

Leshyas (Subtle Passions/Auras): A significant portion of the book explains the concept of Leshyas, the six subtle states of the soul influenced by passions (kashayas). These are colorfully represented by the "Leshyavriksha" (Leshyas Tree) analogy, associating them with colors from black (krishna) to white (shukla), representing the intensity of passions. A story of six friends encountering a mango tree vividly illustrates how their different desires and actions correspond to these Leshyas.
- Krishnaleshya: Represented by the person who immediately attacks the tree's roots to take the entire tree for fuel.
- Neeleshya: Represented by the person who wants to cut a large branch with many mangoes.
- Kapolleshya: Represented by the person who wants to cut a smaller branch with fewer mangoes.
- Peetleshya: Represented by the person who wants to pick ripe mangoes but also breaks off unripe ones.
- Padmaleshya: Represented by the person who carefully picks only the ripe mangoes.
- Shukla Lleshya: Represented by the person who is content with fallen mangoes.
The Impact of Truth: The story of a dacoit who abandons lying to uphold truth, leading to his reform and even employment by the king.
The "He is Saved, But..." Scenario: This story likely illustrates a situation where someone is saved from a predicament, but there's a subsequent consequence or a lesson learned from the experience.
The Significance of Human Life: This narrative likely emphasizes the preciousness and potential of human birth in the context of Jain spiritual progress.
King Muchukunda and Draupadi's Lifespans (Bhava-avali): This story recounts the previous lives of King Muchukunda and Draupadi, explaining the karmic connections and motivations behind their interactions, particularly the events during their hidden exile. It highlights how past actions influence present circumstances and relationships.
The Fruit of Renouncing Night Meals: This story emphasizes the benefits of abstaining from eating after sunset, a practice in Jainism, often illustrated through the tale of Sagardatt, who was saved from a deadly attack because of this vow.
Tradition: To Uphold or To Let Go?: This story addresses the critical question of blindly following traditions versus applying discernment. It likely uses an example, perhaps of two brothers who persist in their family's tradition of theft until a wise teacher intervenes and highlights the logical inconsistency and detrimental effects of upholding wrong traditions.
Increase Self-Reliance! This theme underscores the Jain principle of detachment from external possessions and dependence, emphasizing the importance of inner strength and self-sufficiency. The story of Indrajit and Meghavahana and their past lives illustrates how attachments and desires lead to continued cycles of birth and death.
Shri Jivandhar Swami's Character: A detailed narrative of the life and teachings of Shri Jivandhar Swami, highlighting his wisdom, compassion, and spiritual journey. The story covers his birth, upbringing, the treachery of Kashthangar, his divine intervention through Yakshendra, his marriages, his encounters with various individuals, and his eventual renunciation and attainment of salvation. It also touches upon the nature of suffering and happiness, emphasizing inner peace over external circumstances.
The "Samsara Tree" (Tree of Worldly Existence): This section likely uses the "Samsara Tree" as a metaphor to depict the continuous cycle of birth, death, and rebirth, the illusions and attachments that bind the soul, and the path to liberation.
"You Are a Seth, Not a Beggar!": This story likely conveys the message that every soul, by its inherent nature, is divine and possesses immense wealth (spiritual power), but due to ignorance, it acts like a beggar, dependent on external factors. The narrative might feature a wise person guiding another to recognize their true potential.
The Power of Truth: (Potentially a recurring theme or elaborated within another story, reinforcing the importance of honesty).
"He Has Improved, But..." Scenario: Similar to the earlier mention, this could be a story about someone who has reformed but perhaps still carries a lingering issue or a need for continued vigilance.
The Significance of Human Life: (Reiterated emphasis on the value and purpose of human existence).
"Look! The Fruit of Worshipping the True Form...": This likely refers to the spiritual rewards of worshipping the true nature of the soul or the Tirthankaras with genuine understanding and devotion, as opposed to superficial rituals.
Understanding the Value of Life: This narrative probably reinforces the idea that life is fleeting and should be used wisely for spiritual progress, using an example of a wealthy merchant who realizes the worthlessness of his riches in the face of death.

Key Figures and Contributors:

Shrimati Dhudhibai Khemraj Gidiya: The Granthamala is named in her honor, signifying her support and blessings for the publication of religious literature.
Shri Khemraj Gidiya: The founder of the Granthamala, with a brief biography highlighting his spiritual journey, including his association with Pujya Shri Kanji Swamiji, his Brahmacharya vow, and his commitment to Jain principles.
Pandit Rameshchandra Jain Shastri: The editor of this volume, responsible for compiling and editing the stories.
Pujya Shri Kanji Swamiji: A significant spiritual influence whose teachings have inspired the Akhil Bharatiya Jain Yuva Federation and the publication of this literature.
Bra. Harilal Mehta: Described as a close disciple and scribe of Pujya Shri Kanji Swamiji, whose efforts led to the founding of Shri Kahan Smriti Prakashan.

Publication Details and Support:

The book is presented as the 27th publication under the Shrimati Dhudhibai Khemraj Gidiya Granthamala. The publisher acknowledges the contributions of donors and patrons, listing their names to express gratitude and encourage continued support for Jain literature. The book was released on February 27, 2012, coinciding with the Shri Adinath Digamber Jinabimb Panchkalyanak Pratishtha Mahotsav in Jaipur.

Overall Message:

"Jain Dharm Ki Kahaniya Part 19" serves as a valuable resource for understanding and internalizing Jain teachings through engaging stories. It emphasizes the importance of ethical conduct, spiritual discipline, the consequences of actions (karma), the detachment from worldly desires, and the pursuit of self-realization and liberation, all presented in a relatable and accessible manner. The book aims to inspire readers to lead a life aligned with Jain principles and to achieve true happiness and spiritual progress.