Jo Kare So Bhare

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Jo Kare So Bhare" (What You Do, You Shall Bear) by Moolchand Jain, based on the provided pages:

Overall Theme:

The book, presented as a Jain picture story for children, emphasizes the core Jain principle of karma. The title itself, "Jo Kare So Bhare," directly translates to "What you do, you shall bear," highlighting the concept that every action has consequences, both in this life and in future rebirths. The story aims to instill moral values and guide young readers towards righteous conduct.

The Story of Akritpunya and Dhankumar:

The narrative follows two main characters whose lives illustrate the impact of karma:

1. Akritpunya:

   • Origin of Misfortune: Akritpunya's story begins with his mother, Bhogvati, being the wife of Seth Bhograti. Due to the greed of the priest Shri Dutt, who misappropriated temple offerings, the family faced severe financial ruin. Bhograti died, and Bhogvati was left in abject poverty.
   • Life of Hardship: Akritpunya was born into this poverty and was named "Akritpunya" (one without merit). He experienced extreme hardship, lacking basic necessities like food, clothing, and care. He had to work as a laborer from a young age.
   • Irony of Fate: In a poignant turn, Akritpunya ends up working for a wealthy householder named Kritpunya, whose family he had previously served. Despite this, he faces further misfortune: gold ornaments given as wages turn into burning embers, and even triple the amount of chickpeas given as payment are lost due to a torn bag. This signifies that without his own accumulated merit, even good deeds and offerings from others are of no avail.
   • Seeking Refuge and Transformation: Fleeing further hardship and ill-treatment, Akritpunya and his mother find refuge with Ashok, a benevolent householder, and his seven sons. However, the sons' taunts and disrespect towards his mother lead Akritpunya to develop negative thoughts. One day, while tending to calves, they escape, and in his fear of punishment, Akritpunya flees into a cave.
   • Encounter with a Muni and Enlightenment: Inside the cave, Akritpunya encounters a Jain Muni (ascetic) who is delivering a sermon. Hearing the teachings, Akritpunya experiences a profound spiritual awakening. He renounces his negative feelings, vows to follow the principles of Jainism (five vows and twelve contemplations), and feels no more fear.
   • Deva Rebirth: With pure intentions, Akritpunya dies and is reborn as a Deva (celestial being) in heaven, enjoying immense wealth and pleasures. He attributes this heavenly life to the Muni's teachings and the correct understanding of the seven Jain tattvas (principles).
   • Reunion and Guidance: As a Deva, he visits his mother and guides her towards righteousness, encouraging her to listen to the Muni and follow the path of Dharma. He also teaches her the importance of virtue.
   • Ascension to Higher Realms: Following the Muni's advice, Akritpunya's mother, along with Ashok and his sons, also embrace the Jain path and attain heavenly births.

2. Dhankumar:

   • A Fortunate Birth: The story then shifts to the next life. Dhankumar is born as the eighth son to Seth Shri Dutt and Dev Shri in Ujjain, a family known for its religious devotion and good fortune. His birth brings increased prosperity to the family.
   • Early Life and Disdain from Brothers: Dhankumar is a gentle and unassuming child, unlike his elder brothers who are industrious and ambitious. The elder brothers perceive him as useless and a burden, wishing him to work and earn.
   • Business Ventures and Ill Will: Despite his small stature, Dhankumar is sent to trade with initial capital and a servant. His elder brothers, driven by jealousy and a desire to eliminate him, plot his downfall. They give him a wagon and money, urging him to trade.
   • Unintentional Good Fortune: Dhankumar's simple exchanges, like trading a wagon for flour and a bed for flour, result in unexpected prosperity. The bed he receives, though seemingly worthless, is found to contain hidden jewels when his mother washes it. This is attributed to his innate merit.
   • Plot to Kill Dhankumar: The elder brothers, seeing Dhankumar's growing fortune, become even more envious. They devise a plan to drown him in a well by creating a diversion. However, Dhankumar, sensing their malice, manages to escape through a hidden passage in the well.
   • Wandering and Divine Intervention: Alone and without resources, Dhankumar wanders. He encounters a farmer and, by his mere presence, makes the farmer's plow magically work and uncover hidden treasure. Dhankumar, true to his character, refuses to take the wealth, attributing it to the farmer's land.
   • Meeting a Sage and Further Merit: He then meets another sage who reveals that his prosperity is a result of virtuous deeds in past lives, specifically the vows taken in Jainism. The sage advises him to continue on this path.
   • Reunion and Reconciliation: Dhankumar eventually reunites with his father, who had been searching for him. His father, having witnessed Dhankumar's extraordinary good fortune, learns from him about the brothers' treachery and the resulting spiritual awakening of Dhankumar.
   • Building a New Life: Dhankumar, with his innate merit and newfound wisdom, marries several virtuous maidens, including Dhanshri and Gunavati, and lives a happy and prosperous life.
   • The Influence of Jain Practices: The story highlights how Dhankumar's mother, influenced by his virtuous example, also embraces Jain practices.

The Story of Shalibhadra:

The narrative then briefly touches upon Shalibhadra, who, after enjoying worldly pleasures, decides to renounce them and embrace Jain monasticism. Dhankumar is called to meet him.

The Ultimate Goal: Moksha (Liberation)

The story concludes by stating that Dhankumar, after his virtuous life, will eventually attain a heavenly rebirth for 33 sagar years. Subsequently, he will take birth as a human again, become a Jain monk, perform intense penance, and ultimately achieve Moksha (liberation from the cycle of birth and death). This ultimate state is described as eternal happiness, free from any further rebirths or avatars.

Editorial and Publisher's Message:

• Purpose of the Book: The editorial emphasizes that the book introduces children to Jain culture and is based on the Sanskrit poem "Dhanyakumar Charitra" by Acharya Sakal Kirti. The goal is to provide the new generation with inspiration and guidance towards the right path in life.
• Lesson on Greed and Ignorance: The editorial explicitly states that individuals often commit mistakes due to greed or ignorance.
• The Sin of Misappropriating Religious Offerings: A brief example is given of a father explaining to his son why he washes his hands after handling money meant for charity, highlighting the severe consequences of using such funds for personal gain.
• The Concept of Karma: The editorial reinforces that the results of one's actions are known only to omniscient beings or those who have experienced them.
• Success of the Effort: The author hopes that if even one reader resolves to do good because they understand the consequences of evil, the effort will be deemed successful.
• Importance of Religious Conduct: The editorial stresses that religious conduct elevates national character and that life becomes successful when one's actions align with their faith.

Additional Elements:

• Illustrations: The mention of "Jain Chitra Katha" (Jain Picture Story) and the artist's name (Banesingh) indicate that the book is richly illustrated, making the moral lessons more engaging for children.
• Target Audience: The language and presentation suggest the book is primarily aimed at children, making complex Jain philosophical concepts accessible through a narrative.
• Call to Action: The final pages suggest that "Prathamanuyog" (Jain scriptures dealing with historical narratives and biographies) is a good starting point for understanding Jainism, with "Samaysar" (a more advanced philosophical text) being for later study.

In essence, "Jo Kare So Bhare" is a moral tale designed to educate children about the fundamental Jain principle of karma, illustrating how actions, driven by virtue or vice, shape one's destiny across lifetimes, ultimately leading towards spiritual liberation.