Jivan Ka Safar

Here is a comprehensive summary in English of the provided Jain text from "Jivan ka Safar" by Banechand Malu:

The text, "Jivan ka Safar" (The Journey of Life), presents a metaphorical dialogue between the "I" (presumably the soul or the narrator) and "Bolo" (meaning "He said" or the inner voice/mind). It explores the stages of human life, highlighting the illusory nature of worldly pleasures and the eventual disillusionment that arises.

The journey begins with the narrator’s childhood, described as sweet, innocent, and free from deceit. During this phase, the mind is unburdened by the outside world, and time seems to pass quickly through play and laughter.

The inner voice then urges the narrator to move beyond childhood and embrace adolescence, portraying it as a beautiful phase free from responsibilities, where one can indulge in play and enjoyment without fear. However, when the narrator asks about what comes next, the voice advises against rushing, celebrating the intoxicating allure of youth. This period is characterized by romanticism and the pursuit of immediate gratification, with time slipping away unnoticed.

The narrator then reflects on the short journey from birth to cremation, acknowledging the many turns and efforts required to traverse it. Upon birth, the narrator expresses a desire to quickly complete this short path. However, the inner voice counters that it's too early, as much of the world has yet to be experienced.

The narrator expresses a desire to leave the world, seeing it as ultimately meaningless, and to achieve liberation through a little spiritual practice. The voice, however, suggests patience, promising the "real taste" of life ahead. This involves the establishment of a full household, the marriage of daughters, the arrival of daughters-in-law, and the birth of grandchildren, creating a large and prosperous family where the passage into middle age goes unnoticed.

The inner voice then describes the perceived benefits of old age. In this stage, one is respected, consulted for advice, and revered as the eldest in the family, enjoying the fruits of their life's experiences. This prospect fills the narrator with joy and a desire to live fully, questioning the urgency to depart.

However, the tone shifts dramatically as the narrator admits to being misled by the mind's illusions and the allure of superficial pleasures. The narrator recounts the consequences of this indulgence: drug and alcohol abuse in adolescence led to fear from the results; excessive pleasures in youth caused a loss of direction and pride; and middle age, though marked by family establishment, was plagued by domestic strife, jealousy, and malice.

Old age arrives, but not as envisioned. The narrator experiences hearing and vision impairments, lost teeth, a stooped back, and reliance on a walking stick. Instead of being sought for advice, any attempt to correct others is met with dismissive remarks about senility.

At this point, the narrator, regretting the pursuit of worldly pleasures and the lack of spiritual guidance, calls out to God in despair, praying for a swift end to the prolonged journey from birth to cremation. The narrator reflects that even in childhood, observing the surroundings filled the mind with frustration, a sentiment that was not conveyed by the inner voice, which had promised a different, more pleasant path and failed to offer guidance on how to avoid getting lost. The respect expected in old age never materialized; the narrator's presence was barely tolerated.

In essence, "Jivan ka Safar" is a cautionary tale within the Jain philosophical framework, illustrating how the allure of fleeting worldly pleasures, driven by the mind, leads to a life of regret and disillusionment. It emphasizes the importance of spiritual guidance and detachment from worldly desires to navigate life's journey meaningfully and attain true liberation.