Jain Stories 03 - Book Summary

This document, "Jain Stories Vol. 3," is a collection of traditional Jain narratives translated into English by K. C. Lalwani, with a foreword by Rajaram Shastri. Published by A. B. Jain Shwetambar Terapanth Samaj, it aims to make Jain philosophy and teachings accessible to a wider audience through engaging short stories.

The preface highlights that Jain stories, drawn from canonical literature, depict various aspects of life, including struggles, moral dilemmas, and the pursuit of spiritual goals. They emphasize the Jain belief in the soul's infinite capacity and the message that individuals are the architects of their own destiny. The stories illustrate both "golden" and "dark" patches of human life, serving as both examples and warnings.

The book contains twelve stories:

Surasundari: This story details the journey of Surasundari, a virtuous and intelligent princess, who faces abandonment by her husband Amarkumar due to a misunderstanding from their school days. Through trials and tribulations, including encounters with a monster, a lustful merchant, and even being swallowed by a fish, she demonstrates immense strength, chastity, and resourcefulness. She eventually reunites with Amarkumar, who has also undergone hardships, and they both embrace the spiritual path.
Mrigasundari: The story of Mrigasundari, a princess married to Prince Sajjankumar. After his mysterious disappearance, Mrigasundari embarks on a quest to find him, disguised as a yogini. She encounters various challenges, including a wicked yogi who transforms her husband into a parrot. Mrigasundari, with her courage and wisdom, rescues Sajjankumar and others, eventually leading them back to their kingdom. The story highlights the importance of perseverance and the consequences of evil actions.
Nala-Damayanti: A Jain adaptation of the famous Nala-Damayanti legend. King Nala, due to his passion for gambling, loses his kingdom and exiled with his devoted wife Damayanti. They face numerous hardships and separations, but their steadfastness and virtuous conduct ultimately lead to their reunion and restoration. The story explores the role of karma and the importance of maintaining one's integrity even in dire circumstances.
Mrigankalekha: This narrative follows Mrigankalekha, a virtuous merchant's daughter, who endures immense suffering and separation from her husband Sagarchandra due to his misjudgment and external influences. Her journey is marked by betrayals, abandonment, and difficult circumstances, but she maintains her chastity and resilience. The story emphasizes the long-lasting impact of karma and the eventual triumph of virtue.
Anjana: The story of Princess Anjana, wife of Pavananjaya, who is publicly humiliated and exiled due to her perceived infidelity. Despite enduring immense hardship and the loss of her child, Anjana maintains her virtue and spiritual discipline. She is eventually reunited with Pavananjaya, who realizes his mistake, and they both embrace a life of spirituality. The narrative underscores the importance of truth, chastity, and the consequences of hasty judgments.
Narmada Sundari: The tale of Narmada Sundari, a devout Jain woman married into a non-Jain household. She faces adversity and abandonment by her husband, Mahesvaradatta, due to a misunderstanding. Her life is filled with trials, but she steadfastly adheres to her spiritual path. Through her unwavering faith and the resolution of past karma, she is reunited with her husband and eventually renounces the world to become a nun.
Madan and Dhanadeva: This story narrates the intertwined lives of Madan and Dhanadeva, who both face marital discord and personal misfortunes. Madan abandons his wives and later finds himself in a difficult situation, while Dhanadeva is transformed into a parrot by his vengeful wives. Both men, through their experiences and encounters with spiritual guidance, eventually understand the pitfalls of their actions and embrace a life of penance and liberation.
Lalitangakumar: Prince Lalitangakumar, known for his piety and generosity, is exiled by his father for his charitable nature, influenced by his envious friend Sajjan. Despite facing betrayal and the loss of his eyes, Lalitangakumar's faith in virtue leads him to a miraculous cure and a new life. The story highlights the ultimate victory of virtue over vice and the consequences of jealousy.
Uttamkumar: Prince Uttamkumar, a virtuous prince, embarks on a journey of self-discovery and faces numerous dangers, including a sea monster and a treacherous merchant. He demonstrates bravery, intelligence, and adherence to Jain principles throughout his adventures. He rescues a princess, overcomes deceit, and eventually becomes a just and righteous ruler before renouncing the world.
Seth Akalasa: This story focuses on Seth Akalasa, a pious merchant who initially adheres to a simple life but is persuaded by his wife to engage in business. Despite his integrity, a risky venture leads to a significant financial loss. However, through his unwavering honesty and the unexpected support from an exiled prince, his reputation is restored, and he ultimately finds peace through spiritual practices.
Bhadrasingh: King Bhadrasingh is renowned for his absolute adherence to truth. He faces numerous trials orchestrated by a god to test his steadfastness, including the loss of his kingdom, the apparent death of his son, and unjust accusations leading to capital punishment. Through all these adversities, Bhadrasingh and his queen remain firm in their commitment to truth, ultimately proving their virtue and regaining their kingdom.
Bankachula: The story of Bankachula, a prince banished for his wicked deeds. After settling with a tribe of criminals, he encounters Jain monks and receives four vows that guide his life. These vows prove instrumental in saving him from dangerous situations and leading him towards spiritual redemption. The story illustrates how adherence to vows, even in unconventional circumstances, can lead to merit and liberation.
Ambika: This narrative recounts the life of Ambika, a queen who is unjustly insulted and driven out of her palace due to her act of kindness towards Jain monks. She endures great hardship with her sons but finds solace in spirituality. Her tragic end, along with her sons, is presented as a consequence of past karma, leading to her rebirth as a celestial deity. The story emphasizes the impact of karma and the devotion of the soul.

The book serves as a collection of moral and spiritual lessons, illustrating the Jain principles of non-violence (ahimsa), truthfulness (satya), non-stealing (asteya), chastity (brahmacharya), and non-possession (aparigraha) through the lives of various characters facing diverse challenges.