Jain Kathaye

This Jain text, "Jain Kathaye" (Jain Stories) by Purushottam Jain and Ravindra Jain, presents Jain philosophy and ethics through narratives. The book is structured around four core principles: Dana (Charity/Giving), Shīla (Virtue/Morality), Tapa (Asceticism/Penance), and Bhāvanā (Aspiration/Devotion).

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Introduction to Indian Culture and Jainism:

• The text begins by dividing Indian culture into two main streams: Brahmana (Vedic) and Sharmana (ascetic traditions).
• Brahmana culture is based on texts like the Vedas, Upanishads, Dharma Shastras, Puranas, Mahabharata, and Ramayana. Its goal is often described as attaining heaven, with emphasis on rituals, caste, and animal sacrifice.
• Sharmana culture, which includes Jainism, prioritizes the ascetic life. It rejects casteism, untouchability, Vedic rituals, and Brahmanical practices. Jainism, a prominent part of Sharmana culture, places high importance on the ascetic (Muni) life.

Core Principles of Jainism and Moksha:

• The book highlights that Jainism aims for Moksha (liberation) of the soul from the cycle of birth and death.
• The primary means to achieve Moksha are identified as the four pillars: Dana (Charity), Shīla (Virtue), Tapa (Asceticism), and Bhāvanā (Aspiration/Devotion). While these principles are present in other religions, Jainism considers them the central path to Moksha.
• The text explains that karma binds the soul through passions like anger, pride, deceit, and greed. There are eight types of karma, and liberation is achieved by destroying these karmic bonds.
• The ultimate goal is to become a Sarvagya (all-knowing), Jin, Kevali, or Arhant, who attains Nirvana and resides in the Siddha Shila. Jainism defines this liberated soul state as the divine.
• The cycle of existence (four gati) includes human, animal, celestial, and infernal realms. Liberation means escaping this cycle.
• Five causes of karmic bondage are identified: Mithyatva (false beliefs), Avriti (non-observance of vows), Pramāda (negligence), Kashāya (passions), and Yoga (combination of mind, speech, and body).
• Four types of karmic bondage are described: Prakriti (nature), Sthiti (duration), Anubhava (intensity), and Pradesha (quantity of soul-particles).
• Eight principal types of karma are detailed with allegorical explanations:
  1. Gyanavaraniya (Knowledge-obscuring karma): Like a bandage over the eyes, it obstructs true knowledge.
  2. Darshanavaraniya (Perception-obscuring karma): Like a gatekeeper, it limits perception without understanding the essence.
  3. Vedaniya (Feeling karma): Compares to a honey-coated sword, bringing both pleasure and pain.
  4. Mohaniya (Delusion karma): Like alcohol, it causes foolishness and hinders self-realization. It has two types: Darshana Mohaniya and Charitra Mohaniya.
  5. Aayush (Lifespan karma): Like a prison sentence, it determines the length of life in different realms.
  6. Nama (Name karma): Like a painter, it influences the characteristics and experiences of the soul.
  7. Gotra (Status karma): Like a potter, it determines one's birth into high or low families.
  8. Antaraya (Obstruction karma): Like a king's treasury, it obstructs the manifestation of abilities, gain, enjoyment, and strength.
• Five types of knowledge are explained: Mati (sense-based), Shrut (scriptural), Avadhi (clairvoyance within limits), Manah-paryaya (telepathy), and Keval (omniscience). Keval Gyan, attained without senses or mind, destroys four types of karma and leads to liberation.

The Four Kulakas (Sections) and Stories:

The book is primarily a collection of stories illustrating the four principles.

1. Dāna Kulaka (Stories of Charity):

• Shreyāns Kumar: The story highlights the importance of giving to the deserving. Shreyāns Kumar’s act of offering sugarcane juice to Lord Rishabhdev (the first Tirthankar) resulted in divine blessings and the celebration of Akshaya Tritiya. This story emphasizes that even a simple act of charity can yield immense merit.
• Chandanbala: This narrative recounts the hardships faced by Chandanbala, who was enslaved and mistreated but maintained her virtue. Her offering of food to Lord Mahavir, despite her suffering, demonstrates the power of devotion and virtue even in dire circumstances.
• Revati: Revati's offering of medicine to Lord Mahavir during his illness is presented as an act that earned her the Tirthankar Gotra, showing that selfless service and charity can lead to spiritual elevation.
• Cowherd: A story about a cowherd who gave a portion of his milk to a monk, resulting in a rebirth as a wealthy prince and son-in-law to King Shrenik.
• Sangam the Cowherd: Sangam’s selfless offering of milk to a fasting monk led to his rebirth as the wealthy Seth Shalibhadra, illustrating the merit of giving to the deserving.
• Dhanna the Merchant: Dhanna's pure-hearted charity is credited with his rebirth as the first Tirthankar, Lord Rishabhdev, emphasizing the power of pure intention in giving.
• Bahubali Muni: Bahubali Muni's vow to feed 500 monks daily brought him great happiness and led to his spiritual progress.
• King Mul Dev: A king who, in a past life, gave his food meant for breaking a fast to a mendicant, resulting in him becoming a king with vast wealth and intellect. This story highlights the reward of selfless giving.

2. Shīla Kulaka (Stories of Virtue/Morality):

This section emphasizes the paramount importance of chastity and moral conduct, presenting numerous examples of virtuous women and men who upheld their principles even in extreme adversity.

• Rajamati: Daughter of King Agrasen, she showed immense strength of character by remaining steadfast in her virtue and inspiring Muni Rathnemi.
• Sita: Wife of Lord Rama, her unwavering chastity in the face of great trials, including the fire ordeal, is presented as an exemplary act that earned her eternal fame.
• Subhadra: A story of a devout Jain woman who refused to marry anyone outside her faith, demonstrating unwavering commitment to her principles.
• Narmada Sundari: She endured immense suffering, including being considered mentally unsound, but maintained her virtue, highlighting the enduring power of Shīla.
• Kalavati: Her limbs were severed, but her virtue ensured their regeneration, showcasing the miraculous power of chastity.
• Sheelvati Sati: She tested four ministers and successfully preserved her virtue and protected herself.
• Susa Upāsikā: Blessed by Lord Mahavir for her pure and virtuous nature.
• Acharya Suribhadra Muni: Praised for overcoming the desires of the Kandarpa (god of love) and inspiring others with his conduct.
• Vajra Swami: A great sage who remained steadfast in his vows despite temptations from young women.
• Seth Sudarshan: Endured immense hardship orchestrated by Queen Abhay but remained virtuous, highlighting the impossibility of breaking true chastity.
• Sundari, Sunanda, Chelana, Manoramā, Anjana, Mirgavati: These are mentioned as famous Jain saintly women who upheld their virtue.
• Bhatta: A character who, despite facing severe persecution and humiliation from thieves and even her own family, maintained her chastity, demonstrating unyielding resolve.
• Sheelvati: A woman whose virtue protected her from attempts to compromise her character, proving the strength of adherence to principles.
• Subhadra: Her virtue was tested by a Buddhist youth who feigned conversion, but she remained steadfast, and her virtue ultimately led to the opening of city gates, signifying her importance to the community.
• Narmada Sundari: She faced betrayal, abandonment, and false accusations but maintained her virtue and eventually found peace through her devotion and adherence to Jain principles. Her story emphasizes the rewards of unwavering faith and chastity.
• Kalavati: A queen who, despite having her limbs cut off, was miraculously restored due to her virtue, showcasing the power of Shīla.
• Sheelavati: Her stories illustrate how virtue protects one from deceit and misfortune, even when tested by family and society.
• Susa Upāsikā: Recognized by Lord Mahavir for her pure character.
• Anjana, Mirgavati, Chelana, Manoramā: These are again mentioned as examples of steadfast virtue.
• Bhatta: Her story, similar to others, emphasizes enduring hardship and maintaining virtue against all odds, even leading to a positive transformation.
• Upanishads, Upadravya, Bhāva: These are referenced as principles that are also tested and confirmed through the adherence to virtue.

3. Tapa Kulaka (Stories of Asceticism/Penance):

This section focuses on the power of ascetic practices in overcoming obstacles, purifying the soul, and achieving spiritual goals.

• Lord Rishabhdev (Adinath): His year-long tapasya in Kayotsarga (a meditative posture) and the fulfillment of his vow are highlighted.
• Bahubali Muni: His severe penance and devotion are praised, showing how rigorous asceticism can lead to spiritual attainment.
• General principle of Tapa: The text states that through the power of penance, the impossible becomes possible, and the body is purified like gold.
• Gautam Swami: The first Ganadhar, praised for his continuous penance and the attainment of Akshaya labdhi (inexhaustible powers).
• Chakravarti Sanatkumar: His penance led him to attain Khadga labdhi (the power of a sword) and heal leprosy with a lick of his finger, demonstrating the transformative power of tapas.
• Daridra Bahmani: Even a person who committed sins like killing a cow, brahmin, or causing miscarriage, attained purification through penance.
• Nandi Sen Muni: His birth as Vasudev and his subsequent strict penance are described as leading to immense spiritual powers and a virtuous life.
• Hari Keshin Muni: A muni who, despite his difficult birth circumstances and facing temptations, adhered to strict penance and service, eventually achieving Keval Gyan.
• Karkandu Muni: His penance, even with rough food, is lauded for its purity of intention.
• Dhundhan Muni: His difficult tapasya and the devotion of Sri Krishna are mentioned.
• Arjan Mali Muni: His harsh penance (Abhagraha) after committing seven killings led him to achieve Keval Gyan.
• Vishnu Kumar Muni: His ability to traverse mountains and ascend to heavens through penance is highlighted.
• Dhanna Muni: Praised by Lord Mahavir for his penance, leading to spiritual advancement.
• Shalibhadra: His devotion and tapasya are mentioned as leading to spiritual well-being.
• Sundari Sati: Her continuous Ayambil tap (a specific type of penance involving eating once a day) for 60,000 years demonstrates extreme dedication.
• Shiv Kumar: His 12 years of Ayambil tap, leading to his rebirth as Jambukumar and recognition by King Konika.
• Jinakalpi and Prāhāras Munis: Their rigorous asceticism and adherence to vows are highlighted as surpassing ordinary penances.
• Balbhadra Muni: His detachment and penance, even amidst wild animals, showcase the power of asceticism.
• Vishnu Kumar Muni: His victory in battles through penance is presented as a testament to its power.
• General statement on Tapa: The section concludes by stating that all worldly happiness and spiritual attainments are ultimately due to penance.

4. Bhāvanā Kulaka (Stories of Aspiration/Devotion):

This section focuses on the power of pure intentions, devotion, and righteous contemplation in achieving spiritual goals, including Keval Gyan (omniscience).

• Lord Parshvanath: His marriage to Lakshmī, who had pure aspirations, is mentioned.
• General principle of Bhāvanā: It is stated that without pure intentions, charity, virtue, and penance are meaningless, like betel leaf without lime. True happiness and spiritual attainment come from pure aspirations.
• Prashan Chandra Raja Muni: His pure intention and service to his guru led him to Keval Gyan within a short period.
• Sati Mirgavati: Her devotion and service to her guru, despite suffering, resulted in Keval Gyan.
• Ilaiichi Putra: His spiritual awakening while witnessing a Muni’s devotion led him to Keval Gyan through pure aspiration.
• Kapil Muni: Initially driven by lust, his reflection on the ephemeral nature of worldly desires and his aspiration for self-knowledge led him to Keval Gyan.
• Kapil Muni's story: His journey from a lustful life to becoming a sage and eventually attaining Keval Gyan highlights the transformative power of pure intentions.
• Marudevi Mata: The mother of Lord Rishabhdev, she attained Keval Gyan while sitting on an elephant due to her pure thoughts and devotion, making her the first woman to achieve liberation in this era.
• Pushpachula: Her sincere devotion and service to her guru, even in challenging circumstances, led her to Keval Gyan.
• Skandak Muni's disciple: The disciples' pure devotion and adherence to principles, even when facing unjust punishment, led them to Keval Gyan.
• Durddar (Turtle): A deity who, due to his past karma and subsequent pure aspiration, achieved a celestial birth and eventual liberation.
• Chandrarudra Acharya: His initial anger and subsequent reflection and remorse led him to Keval Gyan.
• General statement on Bhāvanā: The text concludes that pure intention is the essence of truth and the foundation of dharma, leading to liberation and ultimate happiness.

The book emphasizes that through the diligent practice of Dāna, Shīla, Tapa, and Bhāvanā, individuals can overcome obstacles, purify their souls, and attain the highest spiritual state of Moksha. The stories illustrate the profound impact of these principles in the lives of various individuals, highlighting the Jain path to liberation.