Jain Stories 02

This Jain text, "Jaina Stories Vol 2" by Mahendramuni and K.C. Lalwani, is a collection of spiritual and moral tales drawn from canonical Jain texts. The book aims to convey complex Jain philosophy and religious tenets to the common person through engaging narratives.

The book's foreword highlights the timeless role of stories in transmitting wisdom and shaping societal structures. It notes how, throughout history, stories have evolved to meet the needs of different eras, from symbolic animal tales in primitive times to the short stories that dominate modern literature due to time constraints. Jain stories are particularly praised for their deep philosophical underpinnings, their exploration of human nature in its entirety (both positive and negative), and their emphasis on the present while picturing a future, often linked to the concept of karma and reincarnation.

The preface elaborates on the significance of individuals who transcend ordinary life, becoming creators of history and sources of inspiration. It underscores the value of Jain stories, derived from ancient literature, in making the often-difficult philosophy of Jainism accessible. These stories, while diverse in their characters and events, share a common Jain canvas, exploring themes of courage, endeavor, human frailty, and the potential for redemption. The preface also touches upon the concept of past-life memories (jati-smaran) and the role of monks in revealing karmic effects, linking this to the author's own abilities.

The introduction further contextualizes Jain stories within the broader tradition of storytelling used for moral and religious education across cultures, comparing them to Aesop's Fables and Indian legends. It emphasizes that while many stories illustrate ethical norms, Jain stories often have a specific religious purpose: to guide individuals towards monastic life and ultimately liberation. A central theme is the illustration of karma's effect, explaining how actions in this life and previous lives shape experiences. The introduction also discusses the efficacy of the Namokara mantra and the observance of vows, the social and economic conditions depicted in the stories (kings, merchants, professions), and the Jain emphasis on renunciation as a path to the ultimate goal.

The collection itself comprises numerous individual stories, each illustrating specific Jain principles or narratives. These include:

• Aramasobha: The story of a humble Brahmin girl whose virtue and steadfastness lead to divine intervention and a royal marriage, demonstrating the power of good deeds and a pure heart. It also touches upon the trials she faces due to her jealous stepmother.
• Aramasobha's Previous Birth: This narrative explains the origins of Aramasobha's fortunate circumstances through her past life, highlighting themes of purity, penance, and the consequences of one's actions.
• Haribala: A tale about a fisherman who, through a simple vow to a monk, experiences extraordinary events, including divine testing and a transformation in fortune, underscoring the significance of even small acts of adherence to dharma.
• King Hansa: This story illustrates unwavering commitment to truth and vows, even when faced with personal loss (his kingdom) and physical danger. His steadfastness ultimately leads to divine intervention and the restoration of his kingdom.
• Laksmipunja: The story of a man whose life dramatically changes due to his past life's commitment to the vow of adattadana (not accepting what is not rightly given), demonstrating how adherence to principles, even in challenging circumstances, can lead to prosperity and spiritual growth.
• Mairavati: A princess who, through her unwavering adherence to the principle of karma and her refusal to be swayed by pride or coercion, marries a leper (who turns out to be a divine being), showcasing the triumph of purity and the power of destiny.
• Dhanasara: A wealthy but miserly merchant whose fortunes are lost due to his past karmic actions. His realization and subsequent charitable acts lead to the restoration of his wealth and spiritual progress.
• Kesava: The tale of a young man who, along with his brother, takes a vow to not eat at night. Kesava's unwavering adherence to this vow, even when faced with parental anger and demonic trials, highlights the immense power of steadfastness and inner strength, leading him to become a king.
• Charudatta: A man whose life is marked by misfortune due to his indulgence in worldly pleasures and bad company. Through severe trials, he learns the importance of karma and begins his journey towards spiritual reform.
• Dharmakumar: The story of a pious soul whose birth averts a great famine, demonstrating the impact of spiritual merit on the wider world and the importance of virtuous living.
• Surasena and Mahasena: This narrative illustrates how sins from past lives manifest and how spiritual practices (like chanting the Namokara mantra) can bring about miraculous cures and spiritual awakening.
• Kesari: A notorious thief who, through an encounter with a monk and the realization of his past deeds, undergoes a profound transformation and attains enlightenment, showing that even the most sinful can find redemption through sincere repentance and spiritual discipline.
• Sumitra: A minister whose steadfastness to his vows, even when it leads to his dismissal and perceived danger, ultimately proves the practical utility of religion and influences his king towards a more spiritual life.
• Ranasura: A licentious king who, after a series of tests and divine interventions, realizes the futility of worldly pleasures and embraces a spiritual path.
• Jinadatta: A merchant whose life of charity and adherence to vows leads to a miraculous transformation of pebbles into precious stones, demonstrating the rewards of faith and righteous actions.
• Ratnasar: A story that emphasizes contentment, limiting acquisition, and the power of steadfastness in upholding vows, even when tested by divine or demonic forces. It also touches upon the complexities of past lives and the interconnectedness of destinies.
• Singhal Singha: A prince whose bravery, adherence to vows, and eventual reunion with his wives showcase themes of destiny, marital fidelity, and the impact of karma.
• Sahasramalla: The story of a master thief who, through encounters with a monk and the profound impact of spiritual sermons, experiences a complete transformation and achieves liberation.
• Sarana: A dice player whose addiction leads him to criminal activities, but his extreme patience and willingness to endure physical pain for treasure ultimately lead to a realization and a change of heart.
• Dhista: A tale illustrating the consequences of evil actions and the cyclical nature of karma, where characters face transformations and trials due to past deeds.
• Kuladhwaja: A prince whose adherence to his vow and courage in pursuit of love lead him through various trials, demonstrating the importance of virtue and the blessings that follow.
• Damanaka: A story of a boy who, despite facing numerous attempts on his life due to past karma and present machinations, ultimately finds fortune and spiritual fulfillment.
• Asangmata: The narrative of an atheist who, through witnessing miraculous events and the steadfastness of a monk, undergoes a complete spiritual transformation and attains kevala jnana.
• Bhimkumar: A prince known for his strength and adherence to vows, who confronts demonic forces and ultimately helps to liberate a demon, showcasing the triumph of courage, righteousness, and compassion.
• Sagarchandra: A prince whose life is a series of trials, separations, and reunions, all intricately linked to his past lives and the steadfast adherence to a spiritual couplet, demonstrating the profound influence of karma and destiny.

The book concludes with a glossary defining key Jain terms, further aiding the reader's understanding of the philosophical and religious concepts embedded within the stories. Overall, "Jaina Stories Vol 2" offers a rich tapestry of narratives that aim to enlighten, inspire, and guide readers towards a more virtuous and spiritually aware life, grounded in Jain principles.