Mahavira Bhagavana - Book Summary

Here is a comprehensive summary in English of the Jain text "Mahavira Bhagavana" by Kamtaprasad Jain:

Book Title: Mahavira Bhagavana Author: Kamtaprasad Jain Publisher: Digambar Jain Pustakalay Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/010403/1

This book, "Mahavira Bhagavana" by Kamtaprasad Jain, published by Digambar Jain Pustakalay, aims to present the life and teachings of Lord Mahavir in a modern, scholarly style. The publisher, Moolchand Kisandas Kapadia, expresses a strong need for such a work to explain Jainism's antiquity and excellence to non-Jains and to propagate the faith both within India and abroad.

Key Themes and Content:

Addressing Misconceptions: The author and publisher highlight a prevalent misconception that Jainism is a branch of Buddhism or a relatively recent religion. This book seeks to dispel such myths by presenting an accurate, historical, and comparative view of Jainism and its founder, Lord Mahavir.
Modern Scholarly Approach: The book is written in a modern style, drawing upon a wide range of 23 Hindi and English texts. It aims to present the life of Lord Mahavir based on the words of ancient Jain scholars and acharyas, rather than introducing novel interpretations.
Comprehensive Coverage: The book is structured to provide a thorough account of Jainism and Lord Mahavir's life. It includes:
- Introduction to Jain Philosophy (Vir Darshan): Discusses core Jain concepts like self-reflection, the destruction of karmic bonds, omniscience, and non-violence.
- Cosmology and Time Cycles (Sansar Paristhiti, Kalachakra): Explains the Jain understanding of the universe, the cyclical nature of time (Utsarpini and Avasarpini Kalas), and the stages of human progress and decline.
- The Concept of Tirthankaras: Details the role and characteristics of Tirthankaras, who are considered perfected souls and spiritual guides, the 24 of whom are central to Jainism.
- Lives of Early Tirthankaras: Provides brief accounts of the first 23 Tirthankaras, including Rishabhdev (the first), Neminath (the 22nd), and Parshvanath (the 23rd), highlighting their lives, teachings, and the historical context of their eras. This establishes the antiquity of Jainism.
- Jainism and Hinduism: Explores the relationship between Jainism and Hinduism, suggesting that Vedic rituals and deities may have roots in or connections to Jain concepts. The author notes the influence of Jainism on early Vedic thought.
- The Significance and Independence of Jainism: Argues for the unique and independent nature of Jainism, distinct from Brahmanical and Buddhist systems, emphasizing its originality, simplicity, and scientific principles.
- Historical Context: Details the socio-political and religious landscape of India during Lord Mahavir's time (5th-6th century BCE), noting economic prosperity, the existence of republics (Ganrajya) like the Lichhavis, social structures, and the prevalent religious practices, including animal sacrifice and the rise of various ascetic orders.
- Lord Mahavir's Life: Covers his birth in Kundalpur (near Vaishali), his royal lineage as the son of King Siddhartha and Queen Trishala, his childhood, his renunciation of worldly life at the age of 30, his 12 years of severe penance and asceticism, and his attainment of Kevala Jnana (omniscience) at the age of 42 under a Sal tree by the Rijukula River.
- The Digambar and Shvetambar Schism: Discusses the origins of the two major Jain sects, attributing the split to differing interpretations of conduct, particularly regarding ascetic practices and the role of women in achieving liberation, and placing the schism sometime after Lord Mahavir's Nirvana.
- Lord Mahavir's Disciples and the Sangha: Details the eleven Gandharas (chief disciples), including the prominent Indrabhuti Gautam, and other followers like Aryikas (nuns), Shravakas (male householders), and Shravikas (female householders). The importance of Chandalna, a prominent disciple, is highlighted.
- Lord Mahavir's Teachings (Divya Upadesh): Emphasizes the core principles of Jainism, including non-violence (Ahimsa), truthfulness, non-stealing, celibacy, non-possession, the importance of penance and meditation, the concept of karma, the soul's eternal nature, the path to liberation (Moksha) through Right Faith, Right Knowledge, and Right Conduct (the Three Jewels), and the understanding of the soul (Jiva) and non-soul (Ajiva) entities. The book highlights the scientific basis of Jain philosophy.
- Lord Mahavir's Influence on Buddhism: Discusses the impact of Lord Mahavir and Jainism on Buddhism, citing evidence that suggests Buddhism may have emerged from or been influenced by Jain traditions. It quotes Buddhist scriptures that acknowledge Mahavir's omniscience and teachings.
- Lord Mahavir's Nirvana: Describes his attainment of Moksha (liberation) at Pavapuri at the age of 72. The book connects the Diwali festival to this event, marking the observance of the Tirthankara's Nirvana.
- Historical Significance: Highlights the historical evidence, including coins, inscriptions, and the testimony of ancient scholars, that supports the existence and influence of Jainism and its Tirthankaras, including Lord Mahavir. The book also touches upon the historical connections of Jainism with rulers like Chandragupta Maurya, Ashoka, and Kharavela.
- Life Lessons: Concludes by drawing moral and spiritual lessons from Lord Mahavir's life, emphasizing the importance of self-control, renunciation, compassion, the pursuit of knowledge, and the attainment of the soul's true nature. It encourages readers to follow his path for personal and societal well-being.

Key Contributors and Endorsements:

Champa Ray Jain, Barrister-at-Law: Contributed a foreword and provided significant guidance and encouragement to the author.
Shital Prasadji, Editor of "Jain Mitra": Also reviewed and endorsed the manuscript.
Babu Hira Lal, M.A., LL.B.: Contributed an appendix on Lord Mahavir's omniscience.

Overall Goal:

The book "Mahavira Bhagavana" is presented as a vital resource for understanding Jainism's profound history, philosophy, and the life of its most significant proponent, Lord Mahavir. It aims to educate a wider audience, correct historical inaccuracies, and promote the principles of Jainism as a path to universal peace, truth, and liberation.