Madanrekha

Here is a summary of the Jain text "Madanrekha" by Jayaben Thakor, based on the provided pages:

The story begins with Madanrekha waking up from a disturbing dream, filled with premonitions of impending disaster. She expresses her fear to her husband, Yugbahu, pleading with him not to go anywhere without her permission the next day, citing "inauspicious omens." Yugbahu, initially amused and dismissive, lovingly embraces her and assures her of his safety, questioning the need for a promise between two people bound by love. Madanrekha, however, remains troubled by her dream and Yugbahu falls back asleep.

Madanrekha's thoughts then turn to the unsettling behavior of Manirathbhai, Yugbahu's elder brother. She reflects on how he had been scrutinizing her intensely the previous day, questioning the sudden surge of brotherly affection. She perceives a hidden jealousy in his words, especially when he remarked on their "envy-invoking married life." She fears that Manirath's envy stems from their happy marital bliss and worries about how to deal with this inner turmoil. She debates telling Yugbahu, fearing he might dismiss her concerns as female vanity or her suspicious nature, but also fears the consequences if she remains silent and Manirath acts on his desires. This contemplation causes her to sweat, highlighting her beauty and anxiety. She holds Yugbahu tightly, a gesture driven by her love and fear.

As morning arrives, Madanrekha performs her morning ablutions and seeks the "dust of her husband's feet" (a sign of deep respect). Yugbahu is surprised by this gesture, and Madanrekha expresses a desire to become insignificant compared to the dust, hinting at her premonition. Their conversation is interrupted by a palace guard informing Yugbahu that his elder brother is calling for him. Madanrekha is immediately alarmed, equating the guard to a messenger of death. She firmly declares that Yugbahu will not go. Yugbahu is taken aback by her sudden timidity, contrasting it with her usual valor and courage. He tries to reassure her, emphasizing her chastity and his well-being under her protection. Madanrekha, however, is insistent, unable to articulate the true reason for her fear, which is her dream.

Yugbahu, trying to understand her reluctance, gently chides her for being so weak and asks for the reason behind her fear, fearing she might make him weak too. Madanrekha, feeling a surge of self-awareness and offended by the accusation of weakness, decides to let him go. She asserts that her soul is strong, not weak, and tells him to go happily. Yugbahu then leaves.

In the garden, Manirath waits for Yugbahu. As Yugbahu approaches, Manirath is initially drawn to his noble demeanor, but as Yugbahu gets closer, hatred ignites within him. He recalls advice from his experienced friends: "one cannot drink nectar without removing the thorn from the path." He believes his strength will overcome even a virtuous woman and that he can distract Yugbahu with tales of pleasure. He is waiting for Yugbahu.

When Yugbahu arrives, he asks if he was remembered. Manirath replies that he hasn't spoken to Yugbahu in a while, implying Yugbahu is too absorbed in his married life to remember other duties. Yugbahu is momentarily embarrassed and bows his head, awaiting instructions. Suddenly, Manirath strikes a fatal blow with a sharp weapon to Yugbahu's neck. Yugbahu cries out, calling for his wife and God, and collapses.

Madanrekha, who was praying, hears the cry and rushes to the garden. Amidst the commotion, she cradles her dying husband. Her eyes are dry as she strokes his head, her gaze not even falling on Manirath. She silences her angered family with a look. To Yugbahu, she whispers words of comfort, encouraging him to remember his deity and accepting his death as a consequence of their karma or misfortune. She then shifts her tone, calling his death a sacred transition, urging him to let go of all anger and not harbor any ill will towards his brother. She emphasizes that forgiveness is the jewel of the brave and asks him not to worry about her, but to pray for her inner strength. She accepts his passing as a natural event, encouraging him to face it with equanimity, free from attachment and aversion.

As Yugbahu's life ebbs away, Madanrekha continues to speak, accepting the transient nature of the body and world. She believes their true love and souls are eternal and that Yugbahu's soul will always be with her. As Yugbahu's physical form dissolves, Madanrekha recites prayers.

Seeing Manirath surrounded by guards, Madanrekha momentarily feels the shock of widowhood and cries out in anguish. However, she looks at her husband's peaceful face, still radiating youth and innocence. She reassures herself that he is still with her, that their bond is not broken by death, but merely a transition. She questions the pity directed at a grieving wife, stating she is simply a separated one. Regarding Manirath, she contemplates past lives and karmic debts, suggesting that perhaps she, too, had wronged him in a previous existence. She realizes that true liberation from karmic bonds comes from seeking true insight rather than blaming others and succumbing to pride.

Madanrekha's thoughts are profound and her heart, though empty, is filled with spiritual light. A ray of this light touches Manirath's soul, and he falls at her feet, begging the "great chaste one" to save his soul.