Mahavir Chariyam Part 03

This Jain text, "Mahavir Charitam Part 03" by Shri Gunchandra Gani, is the third volume in a series detailing the life and teachings of Lord Mahavir. Published by Shri Divya Darshan Trust, this volume, like the others, is available in Prakrit, with Sanskrit and Gujarati translations provided by Muni Nirmalyash Vijay and Shri Atmanand Jain Sabha, Bhavnagar, respectively.

Key aspects highlighted in the provided pages include:

• The Author and Publisher: Shri Gunchandra Gani is the author, and Shri Divya Darshan Trust is the publisher, located in Dholka, Gujarat, India.
• The Content: The text focuses on the life of Lord Mahavir, specifically covering his 27 previous lives and significant events from his 27th life. It also aims to provide a historical and poetic description of the political and religious conditions of India during Lord Mahavir's time.
• The Translation and Editing: Muni Nirmalyash Vijay is credited with the Sanskrit translation and editing, while Shri Atmanand Jain Sabha, Bhavnagar, provided the Gujarati translation.
• The Edition: This is the first edition, with 500 copies printed. The entire set of four volumes is priced at ₹31,600/-.
• Spiritual Dedication: The book is dedicated to the spiritual guidance of various revered Jain Acharyas and Munis, highlighting the lineage of spiritual leadership within Jainism.
• Key Themes and Narratives:
  • The Nature of Suffering and Compassion: The introductory and prelude sections emphasize Lord Mahavir's immense compassion in addressing the suffering of beings and the universal potential for all beings to attain divinity through rigorous spiritual practice.
  • Lord Mahavir's Past Lives and Struggles: The text highlights that Lord Mahavir did not become omniscient overnight but underwent a journey of 27 lives, facing hardships and paying the karmic consequences of past actions even in his 27th life.
  • Detailed Accounts of Upasargas (Afflictions): The introduction and content sections extensively detail the numerous and severe afflictions (upasargas) Lord Mahavir endured. These are described as being so intense that ordinary humans could not survive them. The text juxtaposes these external trials with Lord Mahavir's internal fortitude, forgiveness, love, and generosity.
  • Examples of Mahavir's Character: The narrative focuses on Lord Mahavir's unwavering adherence to his principles, his acceptance of suffering with a smile, his profound compassion (illustrated by his interactions with Gośāla), his internal spiritual discipline (forgiveness, love), and his external ascetic practices ( एकांत, मौन, ध्यान, कायोत्सर्ग).
  • Specific Incidents: The text recounts detailed incidents, such as:
    • The story of Som the Brahmin, highlighting his penury and eventual encounter with Lord Mahavir.
    • The suffering of animals (bulls) and Lord Mahavir's interaction with a cowherd.
    • The divine intervention of Indra to protect Lord Mahavir.
    • The encounter with the deceitful merchant Dhanesh and the subsequent story of his wife and the virtuous Gośāla.
    • The profound spiritual insights derived from interactions with ascetics (like the Dūījjata Tapas).
    • Detailed descriptions of the severe nature of the "upasargas" faced by Lord Mahavir.
    • The incident with Chanda Kaushika the serpent and the guidance provided to him.
    • The story of the birth and transformation of the learned scholar "Mankh" and his eventual rebirth and association with Gośāla.
    • The intricate details of Lord Mahavir's severe austerities, including fasts and the endurance of immense physical and mental suffering.
    • The text also delves into philosophical and ethical discussions, emphasizing the importance of detachment, equanimity, and the power of penance in overcoming karmic obstructions.
• The Structure: The book is divided into proposals (Prastav), with Part 3 covering proposals 5, 6, and 7, detailing various incidents and encounters in Lord Mahavir's life.
• The Language and Tone: The text, written in Prakrit with Sanskrit and Gujarati translations, maintains a devotional and respectful tone, aiming to inspire readers with Lord Mahavir's exemplary life and teachings.

In essence, the provided pages offer a glimpse into a comprehensive Jain narrative of Lord Mahavir's life, emphasizing his spiritual journey, his exceptional character, and the profound lessons embedded in his experiences with various individuals and challenging circumstances.