Jivan Jivi Jano - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Jivan jivi Jano" by Purnabhadrasagar, based on the pages you've shared:

The book "Jivan jivi Jano" (Know how to live life) by Muni Shri Purnabhadrasagarji emphasizes the profound mystery and meaning of human life, highlighting how true understanding and fulfillment are achieved through virtuous living and spiritual practice. The text contrasts those who waste their lives with those who live them purposefully, drawing inspiration from the lives of great Jain saints.

The author begins by stating that only a rare few can truly comprehend the cycle of birth, life, and death and the underlying reality of creation and dissolution in the world. Human life's secrets lie in its depths, often hidden. However, many saints and ascetics, through dedicated spiritual practice, have unraveled the essence and non-essence of life. Just as a lotus in a verdant forest has a limited lifespan, some flowers bloom to guide others with their diligent adherence to duty, demonstrating how to live life. Others wither away, consumed by the "fire of desires."

The text criticizes the entanglement in worldly attachments and affections, observing how individuals often squander their most precious asset – their soul – and devalue their lives. Such individuals are urged to take the path of proper spiritual practice under the guidance of omniscient beings. Through this practice, they can achieve liberation and build a bridge of mindfulness, ultimately understanding the true essence of life, a concept that has remained unsolved for ages. The lives of saints, mahants, acharyas, and other great souls, who understood how to truly live, are celebrated in Jain history and offer an eternal message.

The essence of great souls is described as follows:

Birth: A lamp to dispel the darkness of ignorance in the inner world.
Life: A mirror for self-realization.
Sacred practice: A perpetual source of benevolence.
Heart: A pure spring of selfless compassion and affection.

The text laments those who witness their vast inner power being crushed by the flood of attachment to material possessions. These souls cry out for the protection of their life, spirit, and soul. Conversely, others begin to sing the immortal sagas of renunciation, austerity, and detachment embedded in the very soil of Aryabhumi (sacred land of India), dedicating their entire lives to the welfare of themselves and others. Praising the virtues of such pious souls is considered the seed of our own welfare. Even their death becomes a symbol of the soul's upliftment.

The book emphasizes that life is the segment between birth and death. It is within this phase that the doors to the material and spiritual worlds open, leading to turmoil and the calculation of good and bad deeds. The outcome of this calculation reveals the soul's progress or regress, highlighting the awareness of one's actions (right and wrong). Birth and death are both uncertain. The crucial aspect is life, which one must learn to live well. It is in life that an individual has the power to shape their destiny. Those who forget the value of life after birth tend to lose it meaninglessly, drifting aimlessly in the endless flow of existence. The wise state that losing a life, gained after years of spiritual practice, is a black stain on one's honor. The text poses a rhetorical question: Will we willingly brand ourselves with such a stain? It urges readers to look at the examples of great souls who cared for their well-being and learn to live life purposefully.

The text then introduces three prominent figures from Jain history whose lives exemplify this ideal:

Adya Suri Shri Aryarakshit Surishwarji Maharaj: Revered as the founder of the Vidhipakshgachcha and a supreme emperor of his era. He is noted for his impeccable conduct, praised even by Lord Simandhar Swami in Mahavideh Kshetra. Born in a pious family in Rajasthan, his brilliance was evident from childhood. He renounced the world at the tender age of ten and possessed an extraordinary intellect and thirst for knowledge. He initiated a rigorous spiritual path after being inspired by a verse in the Dashavaikalik Sutra, particularly "siyeggan sevā," which challenged him to uphold pure conduct amidst the prevailing laxity in spiritual life. His dedication to pure conduct led to divine recognition, with goddesses Maha Kali, Chakreshwari, and Padmavati seeking his guidance, acknowledging his role as the leader of the Vidhipakshgachcha.
Achalgachhadhiraj, Kalyansagar Surishwarji Maharaj: Known for his immense influence and for his role in making the Achalgachcha ambitious. He was born in the Raddiyali region of Vidhyar. A wise and learned guru, he became initiated at the age of nine and was appointed as an Acharya at sixteen, showcasing his exceptional capabilities. His adherence to ascetic vows was of the highest order. He was also a master of profound knowledge and mantras, utilizing his powers for the service of the faith. The text highlights instances of his miracles, such as curing the incurable ailment of the king of Bhuj, Bharmall, and impressing him with Jain dharma. A historical mention of a swing made of sisam wood in the Bhuj Achalgachch Upashray is a testament to his divine powers. He also influenced Mughal emperor Jahangir to become a devotee of Jainism during the security of a Jain temple in Agra.
Kriyaddharak, Gautam Sagar Surishwarji Maharaj: Considered the most immediate benefactor. Hailing from Pali in Rajasthan, his householder name was Gulab. Though born into a Brahmin family, he was drawn to Jainism. At a young age, he took Diksha as a Yati. However, the laxity of ascetics of that time impacted the proper rituals. This deeply affected Pujya Shri, and he dedicated himself to upholding pure rituals and conduct, thus revitalizing the rituals of the Achalgachcha. He is credited with strengthening the Sangha (community) through his tireless efforts throughout his life. His immense contributions serve as a shining example.

The book concludes by urging readers to heed the call of duty and utilize the strength derived from the lives of these great souls. To find the pearls of wisdom at the bottom of the ocean of life, one must dive like a pearl-diver into the depths of the spiritual realms practiced by these saints. It contrasts the current human tendency to build bridges between people with the effortless compassion and selfless service of these great beings, who dedicated their lives to the welfare of all. It questions how these great yogis understood the true mysteries of life and where they found its ultimate welfare. Comparing our own lives to the ideals of these magnanimous beings reveals that we are often lost in the storm of untruth.

Given the precious human birth, the sacred land of Aryadesha, the teachings of the omniscient Vitaraag, and the dharma that liberates one from the cycle of birth and death, the text asks if we will still lose our lives. Will we drown just as we reach the shore? Will we remain hungry when the feast of devotion is before us? The text implores readers to turn towards the path of duty, lamenting the regret we will feel for our unrighteous actions. It questions the disparity between the value of the life we have received and how we choose to live it. It challenges the notion that this precious life is meant to be extinguished in pursuit of worldly desires. The book highlights how humans, preoccupied with "mine" and "yours," often fail to decide what truly belongs to them even at the time of death. It suggests that the divine wisdom of saints, who understand the root of worldly existence, offers a "red flag" to momentarily halt the life-boat speeding uncontrollably in the vast ocean of the world. The disciplined practice of these enlightened souls guides humanity to realize its duties and move towards true liberation of the soul. The soul of the saint, seated at the pinnacle of achievement after ages of practice, calls out: "O human! Know how to live life!"

The overall message is a strong exhortation to live a meaningful, virtuous life, guided by the examples of Jain saints, and to seek spiritual liberation through dedicated practice.