Mahavir Ke Upasak - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Mahavir Ke Upasak" (Devotees of Mahavir) by Subhadramuni, based on the provided pages:

Book Overview:

"Mahavir Ke Upasak" is a collection of stories intended to educate young readers about the lives and exemplary conduct of lay devotees (Shravaks and Shravikas) who followed Lord Mahavir. The book aims to instill good values and spiritual understanding in children by presenting Jain teachings through engaging narratives. The author emphasizes that stories and anecdotes are more effective than direct sermons in shaping character. The stories are drawn from the Upasak Dashang Sutra and highlight how a householder's life can also be a path to spiritual attainment. Each story is accompanied by a summary, explanations of difficult words, and practice questions for parents and educators.

Key Themes and Purpose:

Storytelling as a Teaching Tool: The book advocates for the power of stories in conveying religious and moral lessons, making them more accessible and impactful than dry preachings.
Ideal Householder Life: The central theme is demonstrating that a life dedicated to spiritual practice and adherence to Jain principles is achievable even within a householder's life, proving that one can attain spiritual goals without renouncing worldly responsibilities entirely.
Instilling Values in Children: The author's primary intention is to sow seeds of good conduct and spiritual awareness in young minds, as children are the foundation of future society.
Illustrating Jain Principles: Through the lives of these devout followers, the book illustrates core Jain concepts like the vows (Anuvratas, Gunavratas, Shikshavratas), the importance of contentment, the distinction between the soul and the body, and the practice of specific religious observances.
The Role of Faith and Perseverance: The stories often depict devotees facing trials and temptations, showcasing their unwavering faith and perseverance in the face of adversity.

Key Devotees and Their Stories (as presented in the provided pages):

The book details the lives of ten significant devotees, each highlighting different virtues and spiritual paths:

Grihapati Anand (Householder Anand): Anand was a wealthy merchant and agriculturist who lived a life of generosity and public service. Upon hearing Lord Mahavir's discourse, he took the twelve vows of a Shravak. Despite his immense wealth, he practiced detachment and gave up his worldly responsibilities to dedicate himself to spiritual practice. He attained the ability of Avadhi Gyan (clairvoyance) and ultimately became a celestial being, destined for liberation. His story emphasizes the importance of contentment and the proper use of wealth.
Dridhdharmi Kamdev (Steadfast Devotee Kamdev): Kamdev was a pious and wealthy merchant. He faced severe trials from a celestial being who attempted to disturb his meditation through frightening forms and threats. Kamdev's unwavering faith and steadfastness in his vows and meditation allowed him to overcome these challenges. His story highlights the power of inner strength and devotion in the face of external pressures. He also attained a celestial existence.
Matribhakta Chulani pita (Mother-Devoted Chulani pita): Chulani pita was a generous householder known for his humility and devotion to his mother. He was tested by a divine being who created illusions of his sons being killed and his mother being harmed. While Chulani pita remained firm in his resolve regarding his sons' spiritual well-being, his attachment to his mother momentarily caused him to waver, demonstrating the subtle nature of attachments. His mother helped him realize his mistake, and he repented and resumed his spiritual path. He also achieved a celestial rebirth.
Shravak Suradev (Devotee Suradev): Suradev, a wealthy merchant, and his wife Dhanya embraced the twelve vows of a Shravak after hearing Lord Mahavir. He also faced a celestial being who tried to tempt him by threatening his sons and afflicting him with diseases. Suradev remained steadfast when his sons were threatened but wavered when faced with the prospect of suffering from incurable diseases, forgetting his true nature as a soul. His wife guided him to repent, and he eventually achieved a celestial existence. His story emphasizes the importance of understanding the soul's true nature beyond the physical body.
Shravak Chullashatak (Devotee Chullashatak): Chullashatak, a prosperous householder, also took the twelve vows. He was tested by a celestial being who simulated the deaths of his three sons and the loss of his wealth. He remained firm when his sons were threatened, but when faced with the threat of poverty and losing his wealth, he wavered due to his attachment to wealth. His wife helped him realize his mistake, leading to his repentance and eventual celestial rebirth. This story highlights the perils of attachment to wealth.
Tattvadarshi Kundakolika (Truth-Seer Kundakolika): Kundakolika, a householder, was a follower of Goshala's "Niyativada" (determinism). A celestial being tried to convert him to this philosophy, arguing that destiny dictates everything. Kundakolika, with his logical reasoning, successfully refuted the celestial being by pointing out that the celestial being's own existence as a divine being must have involved some form of effort or "purushartha" (endeavor). He demonstrated the importance of discerning truth through reasoned argument and ultimately adhered to Lord Mahavir's teachings. He also achieved a celestial existence.
Satyantveshi Shakdalaputra (Truth-Seeker Shakdalaputra): Shakdalaputra, a potter and a follower of Goshala's Niyativada, was also tested by a celestial being. Lord Mahavir then demonstrated the flaws in Niyativada through practical examples, like the making of pottery and the response to harm. Shakdalaputra, realizing the truth in Mahavir's arguments, abandoned Niyativada and embraced Jainism. He faced a test from a celestial being, where his attachment to his wife momentarily caused him to waver. His repentance led to his spiritual progress and a celestial rebirth.
Atmadrushta Mahashatak (Self-Knower Mahashatak): Mahashatak, a devout follower of Mahavir, lived a life of spiritual practice. His wife, Revati, was irreligious and jealous. She poisoned his co-wives and then tried to lure Mahashatak back from his spiritual path. Mahashatak, possessing Avadhi Gyan, foresaw Revati's demise and her future suffering in hell. He conveyed this to her, causing her fear and repentance before her death. Lord Mahavir later advised Mahashatak to repent for causing distress through his truthful pronouncements, highlighting the importance of compassionate speech. Mahashatak achieved a celestial rebirth.
Shravak Nandini pita (Devotee Nandini pita): Nandini pita was a wealthy and respected householder. He and his wife Ashwini were devoted to Lord Mahavir. They took the vows and gradually progressed in their spiritual practice, eventually aspiring to the higher stages of Shravakship. Nandini pita lived a life of intense spiritual discipline without facing external trials from celestial beings, indicating the purity of his intentions and his natural inclination towards Dharma. He achieved a celestial rebirth.
Shravak Salihipita (Devotee Salihipita): Salihipita was a prosperous and respected householder. He and his wife Phalguni accepted the twelve vows and followed the path of spiritual practice. His life exemplified the ideal of a householder who maintains material prosperity while cultivating inner peace and spiritual devotion. He also achieved a celestial rebirth.

Appendices:

The book concludes with:

Twelve Vows of a Shravak: A detailed explanation of the five Anuvratas, three Gunavratas, and four Shikshavratas.
Eleven Shravak Pratimas (Stages of Devotion): An outline of the progressive stages of spiritual discipline undertaken by lay followers.
Overview of Devotees: A table summarizing the key details of the ten devotees, including their names, hometowns, wives, wealth, celestial destinations, and any challenges faced.

In essence, "Mahavir Ke Upasak" is a valuable resource for understanding Jain philosophy through the inspiring lives of its followers, emphasizing that spiritual progress is a journey accessible to all, regardless of their worldly status, and that unwavering faith and practice are key to overcoming challenges and achieving spiritual well-being.