Mahavir Charitra Bhashantar

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Mahavir Charitra Bhashantar" by Gunchandra Gani, based on the provided pages:

Overview:

"Mahavir Charitra Bhashantar" is a Jain text that chronicles the life and teachings of Lord Mahavir Swami, the 24th Tirthankar. It elaborates on his divine life, highlighting key events, spiritual insights, and the challenges he faced. The book is a translation or adaptation of the original "Mahavir Charitra" by Muni Gunchandra Gani, published by Atmanand Jain Sabha, Bhavnagar. The text emphasizes the importance of studying the lives of great souls for spiritual upliftment and achieving salvation.

Key Themes and Content:

1. Lord Mahavir's Life and Teachings:

   • The text aims to present Lord Mahavir's biography in a detailed, engaging, and informative manner, filled with interesting facts and historical accounts.
   • It details the twenty-seven previous lives of Lord Mahavir, including the hardships and circumstances faced by his soul, even after attaining the highest spiritual states.
   • The narrative traces the soul's journey from the life of Nayasar, who attained Samyak-darshan, to his birth as Marichi, the son of Bharat Chakravarti (grandson of Adinath Bhagwan), where he acquired the low-Gotiya karma.
   • It vividly describes the soul's fall from grace as Marichi, the subsequent descent into lower realms, and the cycle of births across various states of existence, including periods of penance, divine life, and human life.
   • The text highlights specific significant lives, such as Marichi Koushik, Pushyamitra, Agnijyoti, Ananibhati, Bharadwaj, and Sthavir, detailing his births in poor families, lives of hardship, and occasional divine births.
   • The account emphasizes the devastating impact of negative karmic actions, particularly the consequences of attachment to worldly pleasures, as exemplified by Marichi's story.
   • It traces the soul's eventual path towards spiritual progress, including the critical moment of Niyana (vow) binding during his life as Vishwabhuti, which led him to become a Triprishtha Vasudeva and later a Chakravarti.
   • The text details how, after rigorous penance and spiritual practice, the soul eventually earned the Tirthankar Namakarma and finally attained omniscience (Keval-gyan) and liberation (Moksha).

2. Spiritual Guidance and Adherence to Jain Principles:

   • The book stresses that in the current era (Veshi), when Tirthankaras are not physically present, individuals can achieve welfare through the worship of Jinabimb (idols) and Jinagam (scriptures).
   • It underscores the significance of studying and following the teachings of the great souls whose lives serve as inspiration.
   • The text highlights virtues like forgiveness, tolerance, generosity, compassion, and magnanimity, which are exemplified in Lord Mahavir's life.
   • It emphasizes the importance of right faith (Samyak-darshan), right knowledge (Samyak-gyan), and right conduct (Samyak-charitra) as the path to ultimate salvation.
   • The narrative suggests that by reflecting on the lives of Tirthankaras, individuals can cultivate these virtues and progress on the path to becoming like Mahavir himself.

3. Historical and Cultural Context:

   • The publication is supported by financial contributions, specifically mentioning the significant donation from Seth Manakchand Jeychandbhai Panthamala No. 1, Bhavnagar, which enabled the printing of the book.
   • The preface expresses gratitude to revered spiritual leaders like Maharaj Shri Hansvijayji and Panyasji Shri Sampatvijayji Maharaj for their guidance and inspiration.
   • The text acknowledges the meticulous effort in translating and presenting the original Prakrit work by Gunchandra Gani into Gujarati, ensuring it is accessible and appealing to a wide audience, including those outside the Jain faith.
   • The book's prologue also mentions the importance of Jain literature in the current times to uplift the world and the need for its propagation.
   • It reflects on the societal conditions during Lord Mahavir's era, noting the prevalence of violence in the name of religion, pervasive ignorance, and the need for a divine personality to restore righteousness.

4. Detailed Account of Mahavir's Rebirths:

   • The book meticulously outlines the twenty-seven rebirths of Lord Mahavir's soul, starting from Nayasar and progressing through various lives where karmas were accumulated or shed.
   • Key lives described include:
     • Naysar: Attaining Samyak-darshan.
     • Marichi (son of Bharat Chakravarti): Acquiring nichagotra karma and initiating a fall.
     • Lives as Bhikshuk: Experiencing poverty and false beliefs.
     • Lives as King Visakhbhuti: Performing strict penance and making vows, but binding himself through Niyana (a specific vow with a worldly desire).
     • Life as Triprishtha Vasudeva: Facing consequences for past actions.
     • Life as Priyamitra Chakravarti: Practicing conduct and shedding karma.
     • Life as Nandan Prajapati: Performing the Visha Sthanak Tap and acquiring Tirthankar Namakarma.
     • Life as a Dev in Mahashukra Heaven: Experiencing divine pleasures.
     • Birth as Prince Nandan in Chhatra Nagari: Undertaking rigorous penance to earn Tirthankar Namakarma.
     • Final Life as Lord Mahavir: Born to King Siddhartha and Queen Trishala in Kundagrama, enduring twenty-two types of hardships (upasargas), attaining Keval-gyan, preaching extensively, and finally achieving liberation.

5. Emphasis on Virtues and Moral Lessons:

   • The text serves as a guide for spiritual aspirants, illustrating the virtues of patience, perseverance, compassion, and non-violence.
   • It draws parallels between Lord Mahavir's struggles and the potential challenges faced by individuals, offering lessons on overcoming them through spiritual strength and devotion.
   • The extraordinary life of Lord Mahavir, particularly his resilience in the face of immense suffering and his unwavering commitment to his spiritual path, is presented as a model for emulation.

Structure:

The book is structured into eight proposals (Prastav), covering various stages of Lord Mahavir's journey, from his past lives to his final birth and enlightenment. The content includes:

• Mangalacharan (Invocation): Initial prayers and blessings.
• Charitra Prarambh (Beginning of the Biography): Starting with Nayasar.
• Marichi's Journey: Detailing his fall and subsequent lives.
• Triprishtha Vasudeva's Story: A life marked by significant karmic consequences.
• Nandan Prajapati's Tap: Earning the Tirthankar Namakarma.
• Lord Mahavir's Birth and Life: The culmination of the soul's journey.
• The Teachings and Influence: Lord Mahavir's impact on the world.
• Praise and Conclusion: Final verses and auspicious remarks.

Sponsorship and Publication:

The publication is a testament to philanthropic support, with Seth Shri Manekchand Jeychandbhai being a key financial contributor. The Jain Atmanand Sabha, Bhavnagar, is credited as the publisher, indicating its role in promoting Jain literature and education. The catalog link provided gives access to further details about this specific copy.

In essence, "Mahavir Charitra Bhashantar" is a devotional and didactic work that provides a comprehensive narrative of Lord Mahavir's extensive spiritual journey, offering profound insights into Jain philosophy, ethics, and the path to liberation.