Maharshi Metaraj - Book Summary

This is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Maharshi Metaraj" by Jaybhikkhu, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Maharshi Metaraj Author: Jaybhikkhu Publisher: Sarabhai Nawab Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/032850/1

Overview:

"Maharshi Metaraj" is a novel by Jaybhikkhu, published by Sarabhai Nawab, and is the 19th publication in the "Shri Jain Prachin Sahityoddhar Granthavali" series. It is dedicated to Shri Maneklal Chunilal Shah J.P. and Sou. Kamalaben Maneklal Chunilal Shah. The book chronicles the life of Maharshi Metaraj, a significant figure from the era of Lord Mahavir, emphasizing the theme of "samarpan" (dedication).

Publisher's Note (Prakashaknu Nivedan):

The publisher, Sarabhai Nawab, expresses his motivation to present the life of Metaraj Munivar as a novel. He acknowledges the author, Shri Balabhai Virchand Desai (Jaybhikkhu), for his exceptional writing. He also thanks the Surya Prakash Printing Press for timely printing, Shri Ravishankar Raval for the attractive illustrations and jacket design, and Shri Bachubhai Rawat of Kumar Printing Press for printing the jacket and illustrations. The publisher highlights that his previous work, "Kamvijeta Shri Sthulibhadra," was also written by the same author, and this is his second novel within a short period.

Author's Note (Lekhaknu Nivedan):

Jaybhikkhu explains his reason for writing religious stories despite friends' advice against it. He firmly believes that Jainism is not a sectarian religion and does not promote communalism. He states that the sole aim of religion is to teach humanity to fellow humans, and any path that achieves this is considered divine and respectable. He asserts that Jainism has successfully demonstrated this. His intention with these novels is to showcase the vastness of Jainism, which has been supported by many Jain and non-Jain readers of his first book, "Sthulibhadra."

He notes that Maharshi Metaraj is not as renowned as Sthulibhadra, with scant historical and societal recognition, primarily known as an example of equanimity. After extensive research, only a few lines and incomplete devotional songs could be found about him, suggesting that religious orthodoxy might have concealed his life or diminished his importance through debates.

Jaybhikkhu describes his unexpected encounter with Maharshi Metaraj's story while engrossed in daily life. He found Metaraj's short yet vibrant life, encompassing all four Purusharthas (Dharma, Artha, Kama, Moksha), to be inspiring. This brief life story quickly transformed into a serialized narrative for a weekly magazine. He reiterates that while Sthulibhadra's story unfolded, Metaraj's narrative gained more life. Though Metaraj's life was brief, it revealed many forces of revolution. The surrounding characters' personalities and the teachings of Lord Mahavir, the proponent of Ahimsa, provided a continuous vision of the spread of his message. The author finds a crucial lesson for the present era: a time of dedication and the desire to achieve something for humanity, valuing sacrifice over greed for wealth, power, or fame, can lead to a new revolution. He believes this era was characterized by the devotional spirit of Lord Mahavir and Lord Buddha.

Key Themes and Narrative Elements (from the provided pages):

Focus on Lord Mahavir's Era: The novel is set in the youth of Lord Mahavir, the great proponent of Ahimsa.
Metaraj's Life: The narrative centers around Maharshi Metaraj, despite his life being sparsely documented. The author highlights that Metaraj's life often fades behind other prominent characters, yet his essence pervades the atmosphere.
Diverse Characters: The book features a range of characters, including Virupa (a sweeper woman), Surupa (a wealthy woman), Matang (Virupa's husband, a garden keeper), Devadatta (a dancer), Chellana, Sulsa, Rohineya (a robber), and Magadh King Bimbisara, King Prasenjit, and Mahamatya Abhay. The narrative emphasizes the importance of these characters in enriching the story of Metaraj.
Social Commentary: The text touches upon the social realities of the time, including caste distinctions, the plight of lower castes (Chandalas), and the influence of religious traditions. The description of Virupa's life as a sweeper and the societal prejudice she faces, contrasted with the spiritual teachings of Jainism advocating equality, is a significant theme.
Thematic Exploration: The novels aim to showcase the "vishal dharma" (vast religion) of Jainism, highlighting its expansive nature.
Narrative Style: The author emphasizes "dedication" and presents a story where characters like Virupa and Matang, despite their low social standing, embody principles that shape their lives. The narrative also delves into the complexities of human emotions, societal norms, and the impact of spiritual teachings.
Introduction of Key Characters and Setting: The initial pages introduce characters like Virupa and Matang in Rajgir, highlighting their daily lives and societal roles. The narrative vividly portrays the morning ambiance of Rajgir. The contrast between Virupa's social standing and her inherent beauty and dignity is evident. The encounter with a Brahmin also highlights the societal hierarchy and the influence of religious dogma.

Content of Specific Pages:

Pages 1-7: Title page, publisher details, dedication, publication information, and acknowledgments.
Pages 8-13: Publisher's and author's notes, setting the context and themes of the novel.
Page 14: Table of Contents, listing chapters like "Purva ane Paschim" (East and West), "Bhavna Dukhiyara" (Sorrowful Beings of the Cycle of Birth), "Karma ni Gat" (The Course of Karma), etc., indicating a diverse range of stories and philosophical exploration.
Pages 17-46 (Chapters 1 & 2): "Purva ane Paschim" (East and West) and "Bhavna Dukhiyara" (Sorrowful Beings of the Cycle of Birth) begin the narrative. These chapters introduce characters like Virupa and Matang, and the setting of Rajgir. They depict the societal norms, the struggles of marginalized communities, and the contrast between outward appearances and inner dignity. The initial conflict with a Brahmin highlights the rigid social structure and religious prejudices of the time.
Pages 47-51 (Chapter 3): "Karma ni Gat" (The Course of Karma) continues the story, likely exploring the consequences of actions.
Other Chapters (indicated in TOC): The table of contents suggests chapters dealing with "Karma," "Renineya," "Ajab Purush" (Strange Man), "Rajvarta" (Royal Tale), "Hazar ma Ek" (One in a Thousand), "Kirti ne Kanchan" (Fame and Gold), "Jagat nu Ghelu Prani" (The Mad Creature of the World), "Magadh na Maharane" (Queens of Magadh), "Abhutpurva" (Unprecedented), "Punhya Pravas" (Pilgrimage of Merit), "Hath Tali" (Sleight of Hand), "Bandhanmukti" (Liberation), "Kalchakra" (Wheel of Time), "Soni ne She Dosha?" (What is the Goldsmith's Fault?), "Arpan" (Dedication), and "Guru-Shishya" (Guru-Disciple). These titles suggest a rich narrative exploring various aspects of life, morality, spirituality, and the Jain philosophy.

In essence, "Maharshi Metaraj" is a historical and philosophical novel that uses the life of Maharshi Metaraj as a vehicle to explore Jain principles, societal dynamics, and the human condition during an important period in ancient India. The author strives to present a nuanced view of religious ideals and the complexities of life, moving beyond rigid dogma.