Jain Story Book - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the "Jain Story Book" by Manu Doshi, based on the provided text:

The "Jain Story Book" by Manu Doshi, dedicated to his grandmother Deewalima, is a collection of 40 stories from the Pre-Christian Era of Jainism. The author notes that stories are a crucial part of Jain literature, specifically within the "Kathänuyoga" division, used to explain spiritual precepts to laypeople. This book is a reprint, with minor changes, of a compilation originally published by the Jain Society of Greater Boston.

Doshi mentions that he has attempted to set aside the "role of divinity" that often features prominently in Jain stories, aiming for a more engaging narrative style. The book includes illustrations from "Diwakar Chitrakatha" by the Mahavir Seva Trust.

The book covers a wide range of significant figures and events in Jain history, chronicling lives from the time of the first Tirthankar, Lord Rushabhdev, to important figures associated with Lord Mahavir. The stories are presented in a chronological or thematic order, covering the lives and teachings of revered individuals.

Here's a breakdown of the figures and themes covered in the stories:

Early Tirthankaras and Figures:

Lord Rushabhdev (Adinath): The first Tirthankar, credited with ushering in material civilization by teaching agriculture, weaving, and building. He established the four-fold Jain order. The story highlights his sons, Bharat (after whom India is named) and Bahubali, and his daughters, Brahmī (credited with developing the Brahmi script) and Sundari. It also details Bahubali's immense strength and his renunciation, and Bharat's journey to becoming a Chakravarti.
Bharat and Bahubali: Further elaborates on the legendary conflict and eventual renunciation of Bahubali, emphasizing the concepts of ego and detachment.
Emperor Sanatkumar: A story of a prince who, after a series of adventures and experiences, realizes the vanity of worldly attractions and renounces to become a monk.
King Meghrath and his justice: Focuses on the king's profound sense of justice and sacrifice, exemplified by the legend of weighing himself against a pigeon to save it from a hawk, and his eventual rebirth as Lord Shantinath.
Nami Rajarshi: The story of a king who renounces worldly life after a philosophical realization, emphasizing detachment and the nature of true happiness. It also touches upon the concept of Pratyekbuddhas.
Kapil Muni: A tale of a young man who, motivated by his mother's desire for him to achieve status, pursues knowledge and ultimately attains omniscience through understanding attachment and detachment.
Shripal and Mayanäsundari: A story about overcoming adversity through devotion and faith, particularly highlighting the power of religious practices to cure ailments and transform lives. It emphasizes the law of Karma.
Lord Neminäth and Räjimati: The 22nd Tirthankar, Neminath, renounces his wedding upon hearing the cries of animals destined for slaughter. The story also features Räjimati's devotion and her spiritual journey.
Lord Pärshwanath: The 23rd Tirthankar, known for his compassion and detachment. The story includes his encounter with the serpent Dharanendra and his perseverance through extreme hardships, leading to omniscience.

Life and Teachings of Lord Mahavir:

Life of Lord Mahävir: Introduces Lord Mahavir as the 24th Tirthankar, born into a royal family, who renounced the world at 30 to seek lasting happiness. It details his 12 years of severe austerities and his teachings on non-violence, restraint, and tolerance. His Nirvana marks the celebration of Diwali.
Lord Mahävir and Chandkaushik: Narrates the story of Chandkaushik, who was reborn as a poisonous cobra due to his anger. Lord Mahavir's compassion helps Chandkaushik realize the futility of anger and attain peace.
Lord Mahävir and Chandanbälä: A tale of a princess who endures great hardship but maintains her faith and devotion, ultimately fulfilling Lord Mahavir's vow for accepting food and becoming a leader of nuns.
King Shrenik and Abhaykumar: Introduces King Shrenik, his intelligent son Abhaykumar, and their administrative prowess. The story highlights Abhaykumar's intelligence in solving complex problems and his pivotal role in the kingdom.
Abhaykumar and Ärdrakumar: Focuses on the friendship between Abhaykumar and King Ardrak's son, Ardrakumar, and how a gift of a Jain idol leads Ardrakumar to spiritual awakening and renunciation.
Abhaykumar and Chandapradyot: Illustrates Abhaykumar's strategic brilliance in outwitting King Chandapradyot and his clever methods to secure his release from captivity.
Dhannä and Shalibhadra: Explores themes of business acumen, generosity, and the impact of jealousy. It highlights Dhanna's intelligence in commerce and his eventual renunciation alongside his friend Shalibhadra.
Abhaykumar and Rohineya: A story about a burglar named Rohineya who is apprehended due to Abhaykumar's intelligence. Rohineya's eventual repentance and embrace of Jainism demonstrate the transformative power of spiritual teachings.
Abhaykumar and Mätangpati: Tells of a tribal chief, Mätangpati, who steals mangoes for his pregnant wife. Abhaykumar's wisdom leads to Mätangpati's life being spared, and he learns from him.
Anäthimuni: The story of a young man who renounces the world due to his realization of helplessness in the face of physical pain, emphasizing the ephemeral nature of worldly happiness and the importance of spiritual well-being.
Prasannachandra Räjarshi: A king who renounces his kingdom for spiritual pursuit. The story highlights the impact of mental state on one's destiny and the power of sincere repentance.
Sulasä: A devout follower of Lord Mahavir, who faces immense personal loss with equanimity. Her steadfast devotion is tested through various temptations, and she is recognized for her unwavering faith.
Kämdev: One of the ten principal householder disciples of Lord Mahavir, known for his devotion and resilience in the face of temptations from celestial beings.
Meghakumar: A prince who renounces to become a monk, faces challenges in his spiritual journey, but ultimately perseveres after realizing the importance of enduring happiness over worldly comforts.
Shrenik and His Destiny: King Shrenik learns about his future destiny through Lord Mahavir and the stories illustrate the unalterable nature of Karma, but also the possibility of mitigating its impact through virtuous actions and sincere repentance.
Muni Kulwaluk: A story about a monk whose arrogance and animosity towards his preceptor lead to a tragic downfall, emphasizing the importance of humility and sincere spiritual practice.
Haribal's Vow: A fisherman who takes a simple vow to release his first catch and is rewarded for his strict observance. The story highlights the positive outcomes of even partial adherence to religious tenets.
Sushamä and Chilätiputra: A tale of a young woman whose life is tragically cut short by a burglar's lust. The burglar's subsequent remorse and spiritual awakening underscore the consequences of one's actions.
Ilächikumar: A prince who gives up his worldly life to pursue a love for an acrobat girl, eventually realizing the futility of worldly desires and attaining enlightenment through self-reflection.
Pushpachool alias Vankchool: A dacoit king who, influenced by Jain monks, takes simple vows that ultimately save his life and lead him to a religious path.
Sudarshan and Queen Abhayä: A story of a virtuous merchant who faces false accusations from a queen due to his adherence to monogamy and righteousness, ultimately being vindicated by a miracle.
Vasavadatta and Upagupta: Explores the contrast between worldly pleasures and spiritual pursuits, showing how Upagupta's compassion and adherence to his vows transform Vasavadatta's life and lead her to repent.
Gundhar The Caravaneer: A successful businessman who strictly adheres to the vow of Adattadan (not taking anything unless offered), facing various temptations and adversities with unwavering integrity.
Jambuswämi: The last omniscient of the current time cycle, who renounces his luxurious wedding to become a monk. His teachings form a significant part of Jain scriptures.
Four Daughters-in-law: A story illustrating different approaches to following religious precepts, with Rohini's wisdom and foresight leading to prosperity, contrasting with others who fail to grasp the deeper meaning.
Subhadra: A devoted Jain girl who faces persecution from her Buddhist in-laws but remains steadfast in her faith, eventually influencing her family to embrace Jainism.
Kalävati: A princess whose quest for a suitable match leads her to question the nature of true happiness. She endures hardship and her story emphasizes the importance of chastity and spiritual devotion.
Sumitra: A wise minister who prioritizes his religious commitments even at the cost of his position, demonstrating the power of faith and the unforeseen ways in which spiritual practices can bring about positive outcomes.

The book aims to provide moral and spiritual lessons through these narratives, encouraging readers to reflect on their own lives and the principles of Jainism.