Karemi Bhante Sutra Athva Bhagwan Mahavirnu Jivan Rahasya Part 01

This is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Karemi Bhante Sutra athva Bhagwan Mahavirnu Jivan Rahasya Part 01" by Prabhudas Bechardas Parekh, based on the provided pages.

Book Title: Karemi Bhante Sutra athva Bhagwan Mahavirnu Jivan Rahasya Part 01 (Karemi Bhante Sutra or The Life Mystery of Lord Mahavir, Part 1)

Author/Publisher: Prabhudas Bechardas Parekh

Key Themes and Content:

This first part of the book focuses on the profound significance of the "Karemi Bhante!" mantra, equating it with the essence of the entire twelve-limbed Jain scriptures (Sakal Dwadashango Panishad) and as the secret to Lord Mahavir's life. The core idea is that this simple mantra, "Karemi Bhante!", is the seed, center, and essence of all Jainism.

Detailed Summary:

• Introduction and Purpose: The book aims to explain how the seemingly simple "Karemi Bhante!" mantra is, in fact, the core of all Jain philosophy and the key to understanding Lord Mahavir's life. The author emphasizes that while the mantra is widely known, its deeper significance as the "seed of the entire twelve-limbed scriptures" is not widely understood. The book seeks to bridge this gap.

• Lord Mahavir's Great Vow (Maha Pratigna): A central theme is Lord Mahavir's "great vow," which is intrinsically linked to the "Karemi Bhante!" mantra. The book posits that Lord Mahavir uttered this mantra at the time of his renunciation (Diksha) and that this vow guided his twelve-and-a-half years of rigorous spiritual practice and struggle against hardships, ultimately leading to his Kevala Jnana (omniscience).

• The Mantra's Universality and Significance:

  • Origin and Reach: The mantra is stated to be uttered by Lord Mahavir himself, making it ancient. It's considered the "seed of the twelve-limbed scriptures," making it the central point for all Jainism. The author even suggests that other Tirthankaras (spiritual guides) also uttered this mantra during their renunciation, implying its foundational importance in Jain thought.
  • Educational Value: The author chose "Karemi Bhante! Sutra" as the title because the mantra is familiar to Jain children, women, and the general populace, acting as a gateway to understanding the deeper Jain teachings.
  • Core of Jainism: The book argues that the rest of the six required practices (Avashyaka) are expansions of this fundamental mantra, and indeed, the entire Jain literature can be seen as an elaboration of its meaning.
  • Inter-sectarian Acceptance: A unique point highlighted is that the "Karemi Bhante!" mantra is accepted by all Jain sects: Svetambara, Digambara, and Sthanakavasi, making it a unifying element within Jainism, unlike some other scriptures.

• Lord Mahavir's Life and the Mantra: While not a complete biography, the book uses incidents from Lord Mahavir's life to explain the mantra. It speculates on the philosophical depth and concise, meaningful nature of his speech, as well as the symbolic meaning of his silence.

• Structure and Approach:

  • The book intends to explain the "Karemi Bhante!" mantra, with Lord Mahavir's life events serving as contextual examples.
  • The author acknowledges the possibility of facing criticism for the language style used, explaining it as an attempt to convey the profound meaning within a concise framework, befitting the nature of Lord Mahavir's teachings.
  • The writing style is described as requiring energetic reading, emphasizing specific words and emotions to convey the intended rasa (aesthetic flavor).
  • The use of dialogues with both historical and imagined characters is employed to clarify the context and themes.
  • The author expresses his hope that the book will provide new insights into Jainism for discerning readers and students.

• Future Parts: The preface outlines the planned content for subsequent volumes, including:

  • Part 2: Analyzing Lord Mahavir's spiritual power and the spread of his teachings, tracing the history of the "Samayika Dharma" (the practice associated with the mantra) after his Nirvana, and how its influence waned.
  • Part 3: Comparing modern science with Lord Mahavir's spiritual science of "Samayika," discussing its relevance in current life, and outlining methods for its practice.
  • Part 4: Delving into the ritualistic science ("Vidhi Vigyan") of Jain practices, explaining the interconnectedness of the six "Avashyaka" and the central role of the "Karemi Bhante!" mantra within them.

• Detailed Chapters (as per the index):

  1. Devotional Offering
  2. Preface
  3. Introduction
  4. The "Karemi Bhante!" Sutra!
  5. Mangal (Auspiciousness/Invocation)
     1. Preparation
     2. Comparison
     3. Vow and Departure
     4. Meaning or Mental State
     5. On the Anvil of Experience
     6. From Action to the Peak
     7. Result
     8. Manifest Light and Establishment of the Tirth
     9. Samayika Dharma and the Governance of the Tirth

• Content of Early Pages:

  • Page 1-2: Title page, publisher details, and mention of the book being published through donations following the advice of Muni Maharaj Shri 1008 Shri Kapurvijayji Maharaj. It also notes the first edition in V.S. 1984 and the current printing in V.S. 2454 (1928 CE).
  • Page 3: Table of Contents.
  • Page 4-5: Images of revered Gurus (Param Pujya Muni Maharajshri Shri 1008 Shri Sanmitra Kapurvijayji Maharaj and Shri 1008 Shri Ravijayji Maharaj).
  • Page 6: A devotional offering letter from the author, Prabhudas Bechardas Parekh, to the Gurus.
  • Page 7-12: The "Prastavana" (Preface) by the author. This section elaborates on the book's title choices, the rationale behind focusing on the "Karemi Bhante!" Sutra, its philosophical depth, its place within Jain scriptures, and the author's aspirations for the book's reception. He also touches upon the institutional structure of the Jain Tirth and its enduring governance.
  • Page 13-45: The "Bhumika" (Introduction) which details the significance of the "Karemi Bhante!" Sutra as the core of Jainism and the starting point of Lord Mahavir's journey. It includes preparatory scenes, a comparison of his spiritual state, his vow, and his departure. It also includes dialogues and descriptions of Lord Mahavir's early life, his interactions with family and ministers, and his deep contemplation, setting the stage for his renunciation.
  • Page 45-71: "Pratigna ane Prasthan" (Vow and Departure) depicting the events leading up to Lord Mahavir's renunciation, his interactions with his family, his resolve, and his final departure from the palace. It showcases the emotional turmoil of his loved ones and his unwavering commitment to his path.
  • Page 72-118: "Anubhavni Erannu par" (On the Anvil of Experience) detailing Lord Mahavir's austerities, his encounters with hardships, and his encounters with his disciples and followers. It highlights his profound control over his senses and his unwavering adherence to his vows even in the face of extreme suffering and persecution.
  • Page 119-143: "Parinam" (Result) and "Pragat Prakash ane Tirth Pravartan" (Manifest Light and Establishment of the Tirth) describing the attainment of Kevala Jnana by Lord Mahavir and his subsequent preaching. It explains the establishment of the Jain Tirth and the governance structures within it.
  • Page 143 onwards: The summary continues to outline the foundational principles of the Jain Tirth and its governance, emphasizing the importance of Samayika Dharma as the core practice, the role of the Tirthankaras, the structure of the Sangha (community), and the systematic approach to spiritual progress within Jainism. It also delves into the interconnectedness of various Jain scriptures and concepts.

Overall Impression:

This first volume lays a strong philosophical and narrative foundation, presenting the "Karemi Bhante!" mantra as the central pillar of Jainism and Lord Mahavir's spiritual journey. It combines devotional reflection with philosophical exposition, aiming to provide readers with a deep understanding of this foundational mantra and its connection to the life and teachings of Lord Mahavir. The author's meticulous approach, evident in the detailed planning of future volumes, suggests a comprehensive exploration of this profound aspect of Jainism.