Mahavira Jivan Bodhini - Book Summary

This document is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Mahavira Jivan Bodhini" (महावीर जीवन बोधिनी), authored by Girishchandra Maharaj and Jigneshmuni, and published by Calcutta Punjab Jain Sabha. The book is structured as a question-and-answer guide to the life and teachings of Lord Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara of Jainism.

The text is divided into several sections, each focusing on different stages and aspects of Mahavira's life:

Previous Life Incarnations (पूर्वभव पर्याय): This section details Mahavira's numerous past lives, tracing his spiritual journey and the accumulation of merit that led him to become a Tirthankara. It mentions key lives where he developed virtues like right faith (Samyaktva), received spiritual guidance, and made significant contributions, such as offering alms to monks. It also describes lives where he incurred negative karma due to pride or ego.
Conception and Birth (च्यवन और गर्भ पर्याय): This part covers the divine descent of Mahavira's soul into the womb of Queen Trishala and the specific auspicious timing and celestial events surrounding his conception. It mentions the auspicious dreams experienced by Queen Trishala, which foretold the greatness of her son, and the transfer of the embryo to Devananda.
Birth (जन्म पर्याय): This section elaborates on Mahavira's birth in Vaishali, detailing the auspicious time, the divine attendants, the miraculous occurrences at his birth, and the divine ceremony of his consecration. It highlights his inherent divine attributes present from birth, such as the absence of nail and hair growth and invisibility of bodily excretions.
Childhood (कुमार पर्याय): This part describes Mahavira's upbringing, his parents, his various names (Vardhaman, Mahavir, Sanmati), his brothers and sisters, uncles, aunts, and nephews. It touches upon his childhood pastimes and the divine intervention and appreciation he received, even from the king of the gods, Indra, who bestowed upon him the name "Mahavir" after witnessing his extraordinary strength and courage.
Renunciation (गृहत्याग दीक्षा पर्याय): This section details Mahavira's decision to renounce worldly life, his brother's attempt to dissuade him, his year of charitable giving (Varshidaan), and the significant event of his initiation into asceticism. It describes the divine chariot (Shivika) prepared by Indra and the solemnity of his renunciation.
Asceticism (तीर्थंकर पर्याय): This is the most extensive section, chronicling Mahavira's 12 years of rigorous asceticism and the immense hardships (Parisaha and Upasarga) he endured. It lists various forms of penance and fasting he undertook, highlighting his unwavering resolve and detachment from the body. It details numerous instances of suffering inflicted by deities, humans, and animals, and how Mahavira faced them with equanimity, forgiveness, and spiritual strength. Significant events include his encounters with Chanda Koushika the serpent, various demonic beings, and acts of immense patience and non-violence, even when subjected to extreme torture. The text also describes his first Chaaturmasas (four-month retreats) and the individuals who were influenced by his teachings or actions.
Omniscience (केवलज्ञान पर्याय): This section focuses on the attainment of Mahavira's omniscience (Kevaljnana) under the Shal tree near the town of Jrimbhikagrama on the banks of the river Rujupalika. It details the specific time, date, and celestial conditions of this momentous event, as well as the philosophical context of his first sermon. It also lists his chief disciples (Ganadharas) and their respective areas of expertise and initial doubts, which Mahavira resolved.
Nirvana (निर्वाण पर्याय): This final section describes the circumstances of Lord Mahavira's liberation from the cycle of birth and death (Nirvana) at Pavapuri. It specifies the date, time, celestial constellations, and the presence of kings and divine beings. It also touches upon the duration of his spiritual reign and the lineage of his successors in the Jain tradition.

Throughout the text, the question-and-answer format makes complex philosophical and historical information accessible. The book emphasizes Mahavira's path of strict asceticism, non-violence, truthfulness, non-possessiveness, and celibacy as the means to spiritual liberation. The publisher's note and introductory remarks highlight the book's purpose of spreading Jain knowledge and venerating the Tirthankaras. The text serves as a detailed biographical and doctrinal guide to the life of Lord Mahavira.