Kar Bhala Ho Bhala

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Kar Bhala Ho Bhala" by the Jain Education Board, based on the provided pages:

The book "Kar Bhala Ho Bhala" (Do Good, Have Good) is a Jain comic book presented by the Jain Education Board. It is inspired by the teachings of Gurudev Shri Namramuniji M.S. and is part of the "Look N Learn" series designed to impart Jain knowledge to children and adults through engaging, colorful comics.

Core Message and Initiative:

The overarching message of the book is the principle of "Kar Bhala Ho Bhala," emphasizing that good deeds lead to good results. This philosophy is actively promoted through the "Arham Yuva Group," an initiative inspired by Gurudev Shri Namramuniji M.S. This group, comprised of enthusiastic young men and women, engages in philanthropic activities.

The "Arham Yuva Group" Activities:

The Arham Yuva Group's activities are structured around Sundays, with a focus on spiritual growth and selfless service:

• First Sunday: Members participate in prayer and meditation (specifically chanting of Lord Parshvanath) for inner peace and spiritual solace, instead of engaging in leisure activities.
• Second Sunday: They collect old newspapers and waste paper (pasti) door-to-door. This practice is intended to humble their ego, develop resilience through various experiences, and foster politeness.
• Third Sunday: The proceeds from selling the collected waste paper are used for charitable causes. This includes helping the poor, tribal communities, the sick, disabled, blind, and elderly. They provide not only material aid but also love, comfort, assurance, and respect. They listen to people's stories, play with orphaned children, and even take the elderly for darshan (visits to temples). They also engage in rescuing animals going to slaughterhouses and treating injured or sick animals and birds.
• Fourth Sunday: Members meet with Gurudev for his blessings, guidance, and to purify their aura, emotions, and thoughts through his positive energy, leading to successful endeavors and renewed inspiration.

The book highlights that this practical, experiential approach of the Arham Yuva Group transforms the lives of the youth, allowing them to understand the deeper realities of life beyond mere pleasure.

Rationale for Comic Format:

The Jain Education Board explains the choice of the comic format as a simple and effective way to impart knowledge. They believe that attractive and colorful illustrations are easily imprinted on a child's mind and remembered for a long time. In today's fast-paced world, where children have many activities, comics provide a concise and engaging way to learn, as they are read multiple times. The book draws a parallel to popular comics like Panchatantra, Richi Rich, Archie, and Tinkle, suggesting that Jain teachings can also be conveyed effectively through this medium. They aim to reach children and adults with the knowledge and science of Jainism, fostering positive change.

The Story of Aram Shobha (the central narrative):

The book then delves into the story of Aram Shobha, which illustrates the principle of "Kar Bhala Ho Bhala" through past and present life events:

• Past Life (as Nirbhaga):

  • The story begins with Kuladhar, a merchant, who, influenced by his wife Kulananda, steals valuable jewels from his destitute aunt. This act of dishonesty leads to the downfall of Kuladhar's business and family.
  • His daughter, Nirbhaga, is born amidst this poverty. Despite her difficult circumstances, she grows up with good qualities.
  • Nirbhaga is married to Nandan, who abandons her shortly after the wedding.
  • Left alone and destitute, Nirbhaga finds refuge with Seth Manibhadra.
  • When Seth Manibhadra's beautiful garden suddenly withers, Nirbhaga undertakes a penance (fasting and chanting the Namokar Mantra) to restore it. Her devotion and good deeds (Paryushan) miraculously revive the garden and avert the crisis, earning her the respect of Manibhadra. She is honored as a virtuous woman.

• Present Life (as Aram Shobha):

  • After dying with virtuous thoughts, Nirbhaga is reborn as Vidyutprabha in a Brahmin family. She faces hardships, including the early death of her mother and mistreatment by her stepmother.
  • One day, while grazing cattle, she selflessly hides a snake (a snake charmer was pursuing it). This act of compassion and "Abhaydan" (giving fearlessness) impresses the snake-god (Nagdev).
  • The snake-god, pleased by her kindness, grants her a magical garden that follows her everywhere and provides her with sustenance.
  • This magical garden attracts the attention of King Jitsatru. He is captivated by Vidyutprabha's beauty and the magical garden.
  • Vidyutprabha marries King Jitsatru. The king bestows upon her the name "Aram Shobha" because the garden (Aram) enhances her beauty (Shobha).
  • Her stepmother, driven by jealousy, conspires to kill Aram Shobha by giving her poisoned sweets. However, the snake-god intervenes, neutralizing the poison.
  • The stepmother then plots to have her own daughter take Aram Shobha's place as queen. She sends poisoned sweets to Aram Shobha through her husband, the Brahmin.
  • The snake-god again protects Aram Shobha by changing the poison to nectar. The King enjoys the sweets, and the stepmother's plan is foiled.
  • The stepmother then devises a plan to kill Aram Shobha by having her look at her reflection in a well at dawn, then pushing her in. The snake-god intervenes again, saving her and taking her to the snake-world (Naglok).
  • The stepmother's daughter takes Aram Shobha's place. However, her deception is eventually revealed to the King by the real Aram Shobha.
  • The King, informed of the whole plot, is initially angry but is swayed by Aram Shobha's compassion towards her stepmother and sister. He forgives them.
  • Aram Shobha lives happily with her husband and son.
  • Later, listening to the teachings of Muni Virabhadra, Aram Shobha learns about the karmic connections from her past life as Nirbhaga and the role of her past good deeds (like saving the snake) in her present fortune.

Conclusion:

The book concludes by reiterating the message that good deeds, no matter how small, eventually bear fruit, emphasizing the universal truth of "Kar Bhala Ho Bhala." It also highlights the "Parasdham" center in Mumbai, an initiative of Gurudev Shri Namramuniji M.S., which serves as a hub for spiritual learning, meditation, and Jain cultural activities.

Overall Purpose:

"Kar Bhala Ho Bhala" aims to educate and inspire its readers, particularly the younger generation, by presenting Jain principles and ethical values through an accessible and engaging narrative. It underscores the importance of compassion, honesty, service, and the long-term consequences of one's actions.