Mahabharat Ane Jain Agam

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Mahabharat ane Jain Agam" by Bechardas Doshi:

The article challenges the common perception that the Mahabharata, a text of the Brahmanical tradition, and the Jain Agamas, from the Jain tradition, are inherently contradictory and possess no similarities or connections due to the historical and ongoing differences between the Shraman (Jain) and Brahmanical traditions. The author argues that viewing these traditions solely through the lens of difference and opposition leads to a limited understanding. Instead, by adopting a perspective of equanimity and seeking common ground, one can discover a profound and intimate relationship between the Brahmanical and Shramanic traditions, as well as between seemingly disparate individuals and beliefs.

The author emphasizes that fostering a vision of harmony, even within apparent opposition, is crucial for societal well-being and the preservation of goodness. A tendency to focus only on differences can lead to internal distress and conflict. Therefore, for the welfare of both individuals and society, cultivating a conciliatory approach is essential. This approach allows for the recognition of greater consistency, intimacy, and even a sense of unity among diverse opinions, texts, and traditions.

While acknowledging that Brahmanical scriptures have criticized those outside their tradition, and Jain scriptures have described texts like the Mahabharata as "false," the author attributes this to a narrow, sectarian viewpoint. The overarching message for future generations, regardless of religious affiliation, language, profession, or lineage, is unity. With this unifying perspective in mind, the article proceeds to a comparative analysis of the Mahabharata and the Jain Agama, specifically the Uttaradhyayana Sutra.

The author points out that in ancient times, the Brahmanical tradition was primarily focused on ritualistic practices, including sacrifices that sometimes involved animal or even human sacrifice. The Vedas, it was claimed, led to heaven, and rituals like the Sautramani were cited as endorsing the consumption of alcohol alongside animal sacrifice, thus supporting unethical practices. This situation, where unethical acts were justified in the name of the Vedas, caused discomfort even among some Brahmins, leading to the emergence of the Upanishads.

The article cites the opinion of Mathara, a proponent of the Brahmanical tradition, who questioned the efficacy of sacrificing animals for heavenly reward. It also highlights that Lord Krishna, in the Bhagavad Gita, explicitly advised his friend Arjuna against adhering to those Vedic passages that promoted violence, thereby advocating for non-violence and self-control. Four verses from the second chapter of the Bhagavad Gita are quoted to illustrate how Vedic texts were misused by priests during Krishna's time, and how Krishna himself discouraged such interpretations.

The text also discusses the Vedic notion that a person without a son (aputrapunya) does not attain salvation, and other Vedic practices like studying the Vedas, procreating, and feeding Brahmins. The author suggests that these practices, when their underlying purpose was not understood, naturally led to negative consequences within the ritualistic tradition.

The core of the article lies in the comparative analysis of a dialogue between a priest's son (Medhavi) and his father in the Mahabharata and a similar dialogue between two sons of a purohit (priest) and their father in the Jain Agama, Uttaradhyayana Sutra.

Mahabharata Comparison (Shanti Parva, Moksha Dharma Parva, Chapter 175): The dialogue features King Yudhishthira asking Bhishma about what path leads to liberation. Bhishma narrates an ancient story of a wise son, Medhavi, and his ritualistic father. Medhavi questions his father's emphasis on Vedic studies, procreation, and sacrifices, given the fleeting nature of life and the prevalence of suffering. He argues that such pursuits are futile in the face of inevitable death and the constant cycle of birth and suffering. Medhavi advocates for renouncing worldly desires, embracing non-violence, truth, and self-control, and dedicating oneself to spiritual seeking. He criticizes animal sacrifices as violent and pointless.

Jain Agama Comparison (Uttaradhyayana Sutra, Chapter 14 - Ishakariya): This chapter details the story of a purohit, his wife Jasa, King Ishkara, and his queen Kamlavati. The purohit's two sons, upon reaching maturity, decide to renounce the worldly cycle and the ritualistic tradition they were born into. They reject the emphasis on Vedic studies, sacrifices, procreation, and feeding Brahmins, deeming them to be meaningless and ultimately unhelpful in escaping suffering. They embrace the path of a mendicant (Shraman), renouncing worldly pleasures.

The father, clinging to the traditional Brahmanical practices, tries to dissuade his sons, citing the Vedic dictum about the necessity of sons for salvation and the importance of wealth and progeny. The sons, however, counter by explaining that worldly pleasures are temporary and filled with obstacles, and that life is too short to pursue them. They emphasize the importance of understanding the true nature of the soul, which is imperceptible to the senses but eternal and the cause of worldly bondage through false impressions. They highlight that true liberation comes from renouncing desires, anger, and attachment, and embracing non-violence, truth, and self-discipline. They declare their commitment to the Shraman path, which promises liberation from the cycle of rebirth.

The article concludes by stating that the story of the father, mother, king, queen, and the two sons all eventually embracing the Shraman path is discussed in verses 29-53. The author then presents specific verses from both the Mahabharata and the Uttaradhyayana Sutra that exhibit remarkable textual similarity, demonstrating the profound commonalities in their philosophical and narrative structures, despite belonging to different traditions.

In essence, the article argues that by looking beyond superficial differences and recognizing the shared concerns about suffering, the transient nature of life, and the pursuit of liberation, one can see a deep connection between the Mahabharata and the Jain Agamas, particularly in their portrayal of spiritual seekers questioning traditional practices in favor of inner realization and non-violence.