JES 202G Jain Katha Sangraha

This document is a Gujarati Jain Story Collection, titled "Jain Katha Sangraha" (JES 202 - Level 2), compiled and edited by the JAINA Education Committee. Published in January 2011, it is the first edition with ISBN: 1-59406-011-8. The publisher and distributor is the Federation of Jain Associations in North America (JAINA). The translation was done by Kusumben J. Shah.

The book is dedicated to the Young Jains of America (YJA), Young Jain Professionals (YJP), and Jain Päthashälä Teachers of North America for their commitment to promoting religious awareness, non-violence, reverence for all life, environmental protection, and a spirit of compassionate interdependence. It also acknowledges their commitment to a vegan and alcohol/drug-free lifestyle, which stems from minimizing harm to animals and oneself.

The collection aims to instill Jain values, principles of non-violence, and compassion in youth and adults. It highlights the connection between Jain beliefs and lifestyle choices, emphasizing the avoidance of animal products and addictive substances.

The book acknowledges contributions from numerous individuals and organizations across North America, India, and other parts of the world, including specific guidance from Acharya Shri Vijayanandisurishwarji M.S. and Punyash Shri Ajay Sagardji M.S. It also lists contributors for revising, compiling, and editing the Gujarati edition, as well as those involved in design, printing, and distribution.

The JAINA Education Series (JES) includes books categorized by level and age group, covering basic principles of Jainism, philosophy, practice, and reference material. JES 202, the "Jain Story Book," is presented as a means to understand and learn Jainism. The publication cost of the entire series was approximately Rs. 3,00,000, supported by various Jain groups and individuals. The committee clarifies that they are Päthashälä teachers, not scholars, and welcomes feedback for any perceived shortcomings. The series has no copyright, encouraging respectful use.

The Table of Contents reveals a structured collection of 40 stories divided into seven sections:

• Section 1: Tirthankaras: Stories of Bhagwan Mahavir, Bhagwan Adinath, Bhagwan Mallinath, Bhagwan Neminath, and Bhagwan Parshvanath.
• Section 2: Ganadharas and Acharyas: Biographies of Ganadhar Gautam Swami, Ganadhar Sudharma Swami, Kevali Jambuswami, Acharya Sthulibhadra, Acharya Kundakunda, and Acharya Hemchandra Suri.
• Section 3: Stories from Before the Time of Bhagwan Mahavir: Tales of Bharat and Bahubali, King Megharath, Sadhu Nandishen, Shripal and Mayanasundari, Ilachikumar, and Sadhu Kurgadu.
• Section 4: Stories from the Time of Bhagwan Mahavir: Narratives involving Mahavir Swami and the cowherd, Chandkaushik, Chandanbala, the story of nails hammered into the ears (the last Upasarga), Meghkumar, Aimutta Muni, and Anand Shravak.
• Section 5: Stories from After the Time of Bhagwan Mahavir: Accounts of Vajrakumar, King Samprati, the Delvada Temples, Minister Udayan and his sons Ambhad and Bahad, and the lineage of Savachand and Somchand.
• Section 6: Contemporary Jain Luminaries: Lives of Shrimad Rajchandra and Virchand R. Gandhi.
• Section 7: Moral Stories: Tales of King Hans, Kamalssen, Vipul and Vijan, and Two Frogs.

The book also includes the Namaskar Mantra (Panch Parmeshthi Mantra) with its Gujarati transliteration and meaning, followed by Chattari Mangalam (Four Auspiciousness) and Chattari Sharanam (Four Refuges), and devotional verses praising the Tirthankaras and Jain principles.

The summaries of the individual stories, as seen in the text, focus on:

• Bhagwan Mahavir: His birth, courageous nature (earning him the name Mahavir), renunciation at 30, 12.5 years of severe penance, attainment of Keval Gyan (omniscience), his teachings on non-violence (Ahimsa), truth (Satya), non-stealing (Achaurya), celibacy (Brahmacharya), and non-possession (Aparigraha), and the establishment of the Chaturvidh Sangh (four-fold monastic community).
• Bhagwan Adinath (Rishabhdev): His role as the first Tirthankara, the cyclical nature of time (Utsarpini and Avsarpini Kal), his teachings on agriculture and crafts, the establishment of social order, and his eventual renunciation and attainment of Keval Gyan.
• Bhagwan Mallinath: His past lives, the story of his devotion, and the Jain tradition of interpreting him as a female Tirthankara (though Digambar tradition considers him male). The story highlights the ephemeral nature of physical beauty and the importance of inner purity.
• Bhagwan Neminath: His birth in the Yadava dynasty, his association with Krishna and Balaram, his compassionate decision to not marry after witnessing the suffering of animals meant for his wedding feast, his renunciation, and attainment of Keval Gyan. The story emphasizes compassion for all living beings.
• Bhagwan Parshvanath: His birth in Varanasi, his encounter with the serpent Chandkaushik (who he calmed with compassion), his penance, and his victory over suffering and adversity, demonstrating the power of equanimity and inner strength.
• Gautam Swami: His initial pride as a scholar, his debate with Mahavir Swami, his subsequent discipleship, and his eventual attainment of Keval Gyan after overcoming his attachment to his guru. The story highlights humility and overcoming attachment.
• Sudharma Swami: His role as a successor to Mahavir Swami, his efforts in compiling the Jain Agamas, and his teachings that emphasize the importance of following the principles of Jainism.
• Kevali Jambuswami: His renunciation after marriage, his perseverance in spiritual practice, and his role as a spiritual leader.
• Acharya Sthulibhadra: His initial materialistic life, his transformation into a dedicated Jain monk after witnessing his father's demise, his rigorous spiritual practices, and his role in preserving Jain scriptures. The story emphasizes overcoming worldly attachments.
• Acharya Kundakunda: A prominent Jain philosopher and writer, known for his profound spiritual texts like "Samaysar" and "Pravachansar," which explain Jain philosophy and ethics.
• Acharya Haribhadra Suri: A scholar who converted to Jainism and wrote extensively on Jain philosophy, synthesizing Jainism with other Indian philosophical traditions. His story highlights the pursuit of truth and the importance of intellectual humility.
• Acharya Hemchandra: A revered Jain scholar and reformer who significantly influenced Gujarat's cultural and religious landscape, promoting Jainism and ahimsa. His association with King Kumarapala is notable.
• Bharat and Bahubali: The story of two brothers, sons of Lord Adinath, highlighting their rivalry, the importance of overcoming ego (pride), and the path to spiritual liberation. Bahubali's story emphasizes renunciation and the pursuit of inner peace.
• King Megharath: A tale of profound compassion and self-sacrifice, where the king offers his own flesh to save a dove, demonstrating the ultimate act of non-violence and empathy.
• Sadhu Nandishen: His unwavering patience and compassion in serving a difficult ascetical figure (tested by celestial beings), showcasing the virtues of forbearance and contentment.
• Shripal and Mayanasundari: A story of karma, penance, and devotion, where Mayanasundari's faith in the power of observing the Navapad Oli (a Jain ritual) leads to Shripal's healing and their eventual spiritual upliftment.
• Ilachikumar: A story that illustrates the concept of detachment and the understanding that true happiness lies not in worldly possessions but in spiritual realization, influenced by the example of a Jain monk.
• Munishard Kurgadu: A story about overcoming limitations through perseverance and a positive attitude, even when facing criticism and hardship, highlighting the importance of inner strength and faith in one's karma.
• Mahavir Swami and the Cowherd: A narrative that shows the importance of not jumping to conclusions and understanding the situation before reacting, emphasizing patience and non-violence.
• Chandkaushik: A story about the transformative power of compassion and understanding, where Bhagwan Mahavir's benevolent approach pacifies a venomous serpent.
• Chandanbala: Her story of resilience and unwavering faith amidst suffering and hardship, showcasing the strength of devotion and the eventual triumph of righteousness.
• The Nails in the Ears (Last Upasarga): An account of Bhagwan Mahavir's extreme tolerance and equanimity in the face of immense physical pain, demonstrating the power of inner peace.
• Meghakumar: A tale about the consequences of past actions and the importance of compassion, where past karma influences present circumstances and the path to spiritual growth.
• Anand Shravak: A story that highlights the importance of humility and respecting the knowledge of others, even when one is spiritually advanced, emphasizing the virtues of truthfulness and seeking correct understanding.
• Puniyashravak: A narrative that underscores the value of true devotion and righteous conduct, where simple acts of piety and adherence to principles are shown to be more significant than material wealth or status.
• Shalibhadra: A story about the spiritual transformation of a wealthy individual, emphasizing the importance of renunciation and the pursuit of spiritual liberation over material possessions.
• King Shrenik and Queen Chellana: A story illustrating the importance of understanding and respecting different faiths, and how true devotion can lead to spiritual growth, even across religious differences.
• Abhaykumar and Rohineya the Thief: A tale that explores the influence of upbringing, the consequences of actions, and the possibility of redemption through spiritual guidance.
• Vajrakumar: A story about the allure of spirituality and renunciation even at a very young age, emphasizing the quest for true happiness beyond worldly pleasures.
• King Samprati: A historical account of a devout Jain king who played a significant role in the propagation of Jainism, highlighting the impact of religious conviction on governance and societal well-being.
• Delvada Temples: Descriptions of the magnificent Jain temples at Mount Abu, their architectural brilliance, and the stories of their patrons, Vimal Shah and Vastupal-Tejpala, showcasing devotion and artistic achievement.
• Minister Udayan and his sons Ambhad and Bahad: A narrative about the rise of a humble merchant to a position of influence, and the contributions of his sons to Jain heritage and governance, emphasizing integrity and perseverance.
• Savachand and Somchand's Integrity: A story that highlights the immense value of integrity, trust, and mutual respect in business dealings, especially within the Jain community, where a misplaced i.e. a handwritten note of credit (i.e. a hundi) leads to a test of character.
• Shrimad Rajchandra: A biographical sketch of a highly influential modern Jain saint, poet, and spiritual guide, known for his profound spiritual insights and his influence on Mahatma Gandhi.
• Virchand R. Gandhi: A biography of the first Jain representative to the Parliament of Religions in Chicago, highlighting his role in promoting Jainism globally and his intellectual prowess.
• King Hans: A moral tale illustrating the paramount importance of truthfulness and non-violence, even in the face of danger, and the power of inner conviction.
• Kamalsen: A story that emphasizes the importance of genuine understanding and devotion over superficial rituals, and how sincere effort can lead to spiritual realization.
• Two Frogs: A parable illustrating the power of a positive mindset and perseverance, showing how one frog's "deafness" to negativity allows it to achieve its goal, while the other succumbs to despair.

Overall, "Jain Katha Sangraha" is a comprehensive collection of stories designed to educate and inspire readers about Jain principles, history, and the lives of important figures within the Jain tradition. It aims to connect readers with the core values of Jainism through engaging narratives.