Mahabharat Ane Uttaradhyayan Sutra

This book, "Mahabharat ane Uttaradhyayan Sutra," by Upendrarai Jaychand Sandesara, is a comparative study that draws parallels between the epic Mahabharata and the Jain text Uttaradhyayan Sutra. The author, Upendrarai Jaychand Sandesara, aims to highlight the shared ethical and philosophical underpinnings of these two significant Indian traditions.

The book begins by acknowledging the common ground found in Brahmanical (Vedic), Jain, and Buddhist traditions, emphasizing shared values like righteousness, compassion, adherence to vows, and equanimity. It notes that while there are areas of agreement, there are also instances of sharp disagreement, particularly in philosophical interpretations, rituals, and the rationalizations behind them.

The author posits that due to their birth and development in India, these traditions have drawn from a similar root of ethical principles. While philosophical systems and methodologies may differ, the underlying pursuit of moral purity and conduct remains a common thread. This shared heritage, the book suggests, has fostered an environment where good ideas from different traditions could be assimilated.

A key example provided is the "Bindu" story, which appears in the Stri Parva of the Mahabharata and has Jain, Buddhist, and even Christian and Islamic adaptations. This cross-cultural dissemination of narratives and ideas is presented as evidence of the continuous process of assimilation and shared human values. The book mentions that even the story of Barlaam and Joasaph, which became popular in Christianity and even had its figures canonized, is believed to be a transformation of the Bodhisattva narrative, illustrating how cultural and linguistic shifts can lead to the integration of concepts across different religious frameworks.

The core of the book lies in its attempt to identify and present parallel verses and ideas from the Mahabharata and the Uttaradhyayan Sutra. The author's intention is to illuminate the fundamental unity present in these traditions, not by forcing philosophical congruences, but by highlighting the shared ethical contours.

The book includes discussions on various themes, such as:

• Death: Comparing descriptions of the inevitability and impact of death in both texts.
• Craving (Trishna): Exploring the understanding of insatiable desire and its consequences, and the emphasis on contentment and detachment.
• Brahmin and Shraman: Examining the definitions and characteristics of an ideal Brahmin and a Shraman (ascetic/monk) in both traditions, often revealing a focus on inner conduct and spiritual attainment over birthright.
• Yajna (Sacrifice): Contrasting the ritualistic sacrifices in the Mahabharata with the internal, virtue-based "sacrifices" (like self-control and asceticism) emphasized in the Uttaradhyayan Sutra.
• Bath (Snana): Differentiating between ritualistic bathing and the concept of spiritual purification or inner cleansing.
• Vigilance (Apramada): Highlighting the importance of constant mindfulness and effort in spiritual progress.
• King Janaka: Presenting King Janaka as an example of a wise ruler who practiced detachment and detachment while governing, a theme present in both traditions.
• Living Beings (Jivakaya): Discussing the reverence for all forms of life and the interconnectedness of beings.
• Self-Victory (Atmavyaya): Emphasizing the internal battle against one's own passions and ego as the true victory.
• Leshya (Disposition/Color): Exploring the classification of beings based on their mental states and dispositions, a concept found in both Jainism and some interpretations within the Mahabharata.

The author notes that while this book focuses on Jain and Vedic literature, it also draws from Buddhist texts like the Dhammapada, further reinforcing the idea of a shared Indian spiritual heritage. The book is presented as a contribution to fostering greater understanding and harmony between different religious traditions in modern times, aiming to reduce friction and promote a more inclusive societal structure.

The book also includes a bibliography of referenced works in Sanskrit, Ardhamagadhi, Pali, English, and Gujarati, as well as a list of abbreviations used. It is dedicated to the author's niece, Hasumati, who passed away at a young age, and is presented as a tribute to her virtues of forbearance and compassion.