Jain Itihas Ki Prasiddh Kathaye

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Jain Itihas ki Prasiddh Kathaye" by Upadhyay Amarmuni, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Jain Itihas ki Prasiddh Kathaye (Famous Stories from Jain History) Author: Upadhyay Amarmuni Publisher: Sanmati Gyan Pith, Agra Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/001345/1

Overall Purpose and Content:

This book, "Jain Itihas ki Prasiddh Kathaye," is part of the "Jan Sahitya-Katha Mala" series and aims to present inspiring and historically significant stories from Jainism to the general public. The author, Upadhyay Amarmuni, emphasizes the richness and vastness of Jain narrative literature, which includes numerous anecdotes, biographies, events, and allegories. These stories are not merely entertaining but are crafted to convey essential virtues like courage, patience, forgiveness, wisdom, and renunciation, drawing inspiration from the lives of historical Jain figures. The book seeks to instill moral values and provide intellectual joy to its readers.

Key Themes and Stories Highlighted in the Provided Pages:

The book compiles twelve well-known events from Jain history, chosen for their historical importance and engaging narratives. These stories offer timeless inspiration through the lens of history.

Here's a breakdown of the stories covered in the provided excerpts:

1. Amrit Jeeta, Vish Haara (Amrita Won, Poison Lost):

   • Narrative: This story recounts the tale of Arjuna, a florist in Rajgir, who worshipped a Yaksha named Mudgarpani. When six wicked youths and Arjuna's wife, Bandhumati, assaulted Bandhumati in front of him while he was praying, Arjuna, bound and helpless, cried out to his deity. His earnest plea, fueled by anger and humiliation, caused the Yaksha to possess him. Empowered by the Yaksha, Arjuna broke free and, wielding the Yaksha's mace (mudgar), killed all seven wrongdoers.
   • Consequences: Overwhelmed by rage, Arjuna continued his killing spree, becoming a terror in Rajgir. King Shrenik's attempts to stop him failed. Lord Mahavir arrived in Rajgir, and the brave layman Sudarshan, undeterred by Arjuna's ferocity, approached him. Sudarshan, embodying non-violence and courage, faced Arjuna. His unwavering composure and faith caused the Yaksha's power to wane, leading it to abandon Arjuna. Arjuna, realizing his actions and Sudarshan's divine nature, was filled with remorse. Sudarshan guided him to Lord Mahavir, where Arjuna renounced his violent ways, took monastic vows, and eventually attained omniscience.
   • Moral: This story highlights the triumph of non-violence (ahimsa), forgiveness, and inner strength over violence, anger, and brute force. It shows how even the most corrupted individual can find redemption through righteous guidance and self-reflection.

2. Jeevan-Drishti (Life Perspective):

   • Narrative: During Lord Mahavir's sermon, a peculiar old man, afflicted with leprosy, addressed King Shrenik, wishing him well ("Live long!"). He then told Lord Mahavir, "May you die," and addressed Minister Abhaykumar, saying, "Whether you live or die." Finally, he told a butcher, "May you neither live nor die." The old man then vanished.
   • Explanation by Lord Mahavir: Lord Mahavir explained that the old man was a divine being. He told Shrenik, "Live long," because while Shrenik enjoys worldly pleasures now, his future is filled with suffering in hell. Thus, for him, continuing to live is better than dying. To Lord Mahavir, he said, "May you die," because Mahavir, though liberated from worldly attachments, is still experiencing the residue of past karma. For him, death signifies complete liberation. To Abhaykumar, he said, "Live or die," because Abhaykumar lives a balanced life, enjoying worldly comforts but remaining unattached, making his present life happy and his future life also excellent. To the butcher, he said, "Neither live nor die," because his current life is filled with sin, and dying would lead him to hell, so neither option is truly beneficial for him.
   • Moral: This story emphasizes the importance of having the right perspective on life and death, karma, and detachment. It illustrates that true happiness lies in living a balanced life with detachment and understanding the consequences of one's actions.

3. Samayik ka Moolya (The Value of Samayik):

   • Narrative: King Shrenik, facing a destined hellish rebirth due to his past deeds, seeks a way to escape. Lord Mahavir tells him that he could be saved if he could attain the spiritual merit of "one Samayik" performed by Purniya Shravak. Shrenik, thinking Samayik can be bought, offers immense wealth to Purniya Shravak for it.
   • Explanation of Value: Purniya Shravak directs Shrenik to Lord Mahavir to understand the true value of Samayik. Lord Mahavir explains that Samayik cannot be bought with material wealth. It is a state of equanimity, inner peace, and detachment from desires and aversions. It's about conquering one's passions and achieving self-mastery. The true "Samayik" is an internal achievement, a state of pure consciousness, not an external transaction.
   • Moral: This story highlights the profound spiritual value of Samayik (a Jain meditative practice of equanimity) as an internal state of being, not a commodity to be purchased. It teaches that true salvation comes from inner purification and detachment, not material possessions.

4. Man ki Ladai (The Battle of the Mind):

   • Narrative: King Shrenik encounters a stern ascetic performing intense penance. He asks Lord Mahavir about the ascetic's destiny. Lord Mahavir cryptically states that depending on his current mental state, the ascetic could go to the seventh hell, then the sixth, then the fifth, and eventually even to the highest heavens and attain Keval Gyan (omniscience).
   • Explanation: The ascetic was actually King Prasannachandra of Kaushambi, who, while meditating, overheard soldiers discussing a dire situation in his kingdom. His mind was agitated by thoughts of his son, kingdom, and enemies. Lord Mahavir explained that at that moment, the king was battling his own inner demons. When his thoughts were focused on worldly aggression and anger, he was creating karma leading to hell. However, as his thoughts shifted towards self-reflection and the spiritual path, he progressed through heavenly realms and ultimately attained Keval Gyan. The entire drama of his ascent and descent was a reflection of his inner mental battle.
   • Moral: This story powerfully illustrates that the mind is the battlefield where ultimate destinies are decided. Our thoughts, intentions, and the battles we fight within ourselves determine our spiritual trajectory, far more than external austerities.

5. Bina Vichare Jo Kare (He Who Acts Without Thinking):

   • Narrative: King Shrenik and Queen Chellana see an old ascetic enduring extreme cold while meditating. Later that night, Queen Chellana, feeling the cold herself when her hand slipped out of the blankets, worried about the ascetic. Shrenik, misinterpreting her concern as affection for another man, becomes suspicious and orders the entire harem, including the Queen, to be burned. Minister Abhaykumar, understanding Shrenik's irrational anger, burns a haystack instead, saving the women. Shrenik, still in doubt, consults Lord Mahavir, who clarifies that Chellana's concern was for the ascetic's plight, not a sign of infidelity. Realizing his rashness, Shrenik rushes back, relieved to find his palace intact but ashamed of his hasty judgment.
   • Moral: This story emphasizes the dangers of acting impulsively and without thinking. It highlights how suspicion and hasty judgments can lead to terrible consequences, and the importance of clear communication and verification before taking drastic actions. It also shows the wisdom of Abhaykumar in averting a disaster.

6. Udayan ka 'Paryushan' (Udayan's Paryushan):

   • Narrative: King Udayan of Sindhu-Sauvir declares war on King Chandpradyota of Avanti for stealing his slave girl and a sacred idol. During his campaign, his army suffers from intense heat and thirst in a desert. Remembering his deceased wife, his divine intervention brings forth rain and a sacred pond, which becomes Pushkar Tirth. Udayan defeats Chandpradyota in a chariot duel and captures him.
   • Paryushan Observance: On his return journey during the Paryushan festival, Udayan, a devout follower of Lord Mahavir, decides to observe the fasts. He offers the captive Chandpradyota the opportunity to eat, showing compassion even to his enemy. Chandpradyota, initially suspicious, declares he too will fast for Samvatsari. Udayan, showing true forgiveness, releases him and seeks his forgiveness.
   • Moral: This story showcases Udayan's valor in war, his devotion to his late wife, and his adherence to Jain principles during Paryushan. It highlights the Jain virtue of forgiving even enemies and the importance of seeking mutual forgiveness as a core aspect of Samvatsari.

7. Adhoori Jodi (The Incomplete Pair):

   • Narrative: King Shrenik and Queen Chellana see a poor old man collecting firewood in a stormy river at night. Shrenik is moved by his plight and orders him brought to the court. The man, Mamman Seth, turns out to be wealthy but is laboriously collecting firewood. He reveals he is trying to complete a pair of golden, gem-studded bulls he is having made. He is short of funds for the final details of the second bull.
   • Moral: The story reveals the peculiar obsession of Mamman Seth. Queen Chellana observes that even with immense wealth, one's desires and attachments can remain unfulfilled, making the "pair" (his desire) forever incomplete. It subtly critiques the pursuit of materialistic desires and the potential for eternal dissatisfaction.

8. Sneh ke Dhaage (Threads of Affection):

   • Narrative: Prince Ardrakumar of Ardradev Island befriends Abhaykumar, the minister of Magadha. Ardrakumar receives a Vitaraga (detached) symbol from Abhaykumar, which awakens memories of his past lives and a strong desire for spiritual practice. Despite his parents' opposition and surveillance, Ardrakumar escapes to India, becomes a monk, and seeks Abhaykumar. On his journey, he encounters Shrimati, a merchant's daughter, who falls in love with him. Ardrakumar eventually accepts her, and they have a son. However, he later feels remorse for leaving his spiritual path and wishes to rejoin Lord Mahavir. Shrimati's plea, and her son tying his father's feet with threads, momentarily halts his departure, but he eventually leaves to pursue his spiritual goal.
   • Moral: This story explores the complexities of attachments and spiritual pursuits. It shows how past life karma and present worldly affections can intertwine, posing challenges to spiritual discipline. It highlights the conflict between worldly duties and spiritual aspirations.

9. Nath Kaun? (Who is the Protector?):

   • Narrative: King Shrenik encounters a young, radiant ascetic and asks him why he became a monk when he had so much potential. The ascetic replies he became a monk because he was "anatha" (without a protector). Shrenik, misunderstanding, offers to be his protector. The ascetic then profoundly asks, "How can one who is himself 'anatha' be a protector to others?" Shrenik, initially proud of his power, is humbled when the ascetic explains his own past life of immense wealth and family, yet ultimately felt helpless and alone during his severe illness. He realized true protection comes from within, from the self.
   • Moral: This story emphasizes that true protection comes from within, from self-reliance and spiritual strength. It teaches that worldly possessions, power, and even loved ones cannot ultimately protect one from suffering; the self is the only true protector and refuge. The phrase "Atta hi attano natho" (The self is the protector of the self) is central.

10. Tyag ka Moolya (The Value of Renunciation):

    • Narrative: Minister Abhaykumar witnesses a former woodcutter, now a renunciate monk, being mocked by his courtiers for his humble origins. To illustrate the true value of renunciation, Abhaykumar offers a huge reward (three crores of gold coins) to anyone who can renounce three things: raw water, fire, and sexual intercourse. When no one volunteers, he explains that the monk they mocked has already achieved this and much more by conquering desires.
    • Moral: This story underscores the immense spiritual value and strength of renunciation. It contrasts superficial mockery with the profound inner victory achieved by a true ascetic, highlighting that true wealth lies in detachment from worldly pleasures.

11. Mans ka Moolya (The Value of Meat):

    • Narrative: King Shrenik asks his courtiers what is the cheapest and most accessible food item. The courtiers, mostly hunters, declare meat to be the cheapest, as animals are abundant in the forest and can be easily hunted. Abhaykumar, however, spends the night contemplating this. The next day, he reveals the true cost of meat. He tells Shrenik that the king is gravely ill and needs two tolas of human heart meat for a cure. He then approaches the courtiers who declared meat cheap, offering them vast wealth for just two tolas of their own heart meat. All refuse, valuing their own lives above any treasure.
    • Moral: This powerful story exposes the hypocrisy and ignorance of meat-eaters. It argues that all life is precious and that no amount of wealth can compensate for the value of a single life. It advocates for empathy and understanding the equal value of all sentient beings' lives, highlighting that the true value of meat is the life sacrificed.

12. Terahvan Chakravartee (The Thirteenth Chakravartin):

    • Narrative: King Ajatashatru Kunik, a devoted follower of Lord Mahavir, is told he will go to the sixth hell after his death, despite his devotion, due to his violent past (killing his father and brothers, sacking Vaishali). He later asks about Chakravartins. Lord Mahavir explains that in this era, twelve Chakravartins have already lived and that Kunik cannot become one. Arrogant, Kunik creates fake divine jewels and sets out to conquer the world to become the "thirteenth Chakravartin." He reaches a cave guarded by a deity. The deity warns him that his "jewels" are fake and that he cannot become a Chakravartin. Kunik's arrogance escalates, and when he tries to force his way, he is consumed by flames.
    • Moral: This story illustrates the futility of worldly ambition driven by ego and the illusion of power. It emphasizes that true spiritual attainment and destiny are not dictated by worldly conquest or material possessions but by one's actions and adherence to dharma. It serves as a stark warning against arrogance and the delusion of exceeding cosmic laws.

Publisher's Note:

The publisher, Sanmati Gyan Pith, expresses its commitment to making inspiring literature accessible, especially to younger generations, to build character and good values. They see this book as a valuable contribution to this effort and a testament to the prolific writing of Upadhyay Amarmuni.