Kamalsen

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Kamalsen" by the JAINA Education Committee:

The story of "Kamalsen" focuses on a young boy named Kamalsen whose parents, Shripat Sheth and Sundari, are devout followers of Jain principles. They observe daily vows like reciting the Namaskär Mantra and practicing principles like Navakärashi (eating after sunrise) and Sämäyika (meditation). However, they are deeply concerned and unhappy because their son, Kamalsen, shows no interest in spiritual practices or observing any vows.

Seeking guidance, they approach Shri Shilandhar Ächärya, a respected Jain monk, and request his help in inspiring their son. The Acharya agrees to offer advice. Upon returning home, Kamalsen's father attempts to engage him by mentioning a learned Acharya visiting their town and recommending his lectures. The next day, they take Kamalsen to hear the Acharya's discourse, which covers topics like hell, heaven, suffering, and Keval-jnän (omniscience). However, Kamalsen's attention is entirely diverted; when asked for his thoughts, he admits he was preoccupied with observing the Acharya's neck movements. This response deeply disappoints his parents.

Later, another revered sage, Acharya Gunasagar-suri, arrives. This Acharya captivates the audience, including Kamalsen, by sharing religious messages through engaging stories of bravery, humor, sorrow, and family relationships, recognizing that such narratives resonate with common people. Kamalsen becomes a regular attendee, listening with interest.

As the Acharya prepares to leave, a farewell ceremony takes place. Many people pledge to observe vows. When Kamalsen is asked, he jokingly declares he will not lie "except during the day or the night" and makes other absurd commitments, like not eating a whole watermelon or cow dung. The Acharya, recognizing the boy's playful disregard for the sanctity of vows, decides to guide him towards a more meaningful commitment. He suggests that Kamalsen take a vow not to eat food without seeing the bald head of Simelo, a local potter. Though strange, Kamalsen accepts this vow. The Acharya is pleased that Kamalsen has, in some way, engaged with the concept of taking a vow.

One day, while Kamalsen is about to eat, his mother reminds him of his vow. He rushes to find Simelo in the forest. He discovers the potter digging and unearthing a pot filled with gems and precious stones. Simelo, upon seeing Kamalsen, immediately tries to hide the treasure. Kamalsen, needing to fulfill his vow, exclaims, "Yes! I have seen it," referring to Simelo's bald head. Simelo, misinterpreting Kamalsen's statement as having witnessed the hidden treasure, offers to share half the riches if Kamalsen keeps it a secret. Kamalsen, initially confused but then understanding, happily accepts the treasure.

This unexpected gain prompts Kamalsen to reflect deeply. He realizes that even a jokingly taken vow brought him wealth. He concludes that had he taken vows with genuine devotion and discipline, the benefits would have been far greater. This realization marks a turning point in Kamalsen's life. He begins to observe many vows with sincerity and becomes a much happier individual.

The story concludes with a moral emphasizing that vows, to be beneficial and meaningful within Jainism, must be undertaken with true devotion, discipline, and a spirit of sacrifice. Vows taken lightly or without sincerity are deemed useless. The rewards of observing vows, whether in this life or future ones, contribute to the soul's purification and the individual's overall discipline.