Mahavira Jivan Vistar

Here is a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Mahavira Jivan Vistar" by Tarachand Dosi:

Overall Purpose and Context:

"Mahavira Jivan Vistar" is a Hindi translation of a Gujarati work, aiming to present a detailed account of the life and teachings of Lord Mahavira, the 24th Jain Tirthankara. Published in June 1918, it is the first installment of the "Hindi Vijay Granthmala" series, a project initiated by the Hindi Sanvardhini Committee and Shri Gyan Prasarak Mandal, Sirohi. The book's publication is presented as a response to the need for accessible Jain literature in Hindi, intended to spread knowledge and promote spiritual understanding among Hindi-speaking audiences.

Key Themes and Content:

The book delves into various aspects of Mahavira's life, his philosophy, and the socio-religious context of his time. The primary themes explored include:

• The Significance of Mahavira's Incarnation: The introduction emphasizes that great souls like Mahavira are born to restore righteousness and combat prevailing injustice and unrighteousness. Mahavira's emergence is seen as a divine response to societal decay.
• The State of India (Aryavarta) During Mahavira's Time: The text vividly portrays the religious and social landscape of 6th century BCE India. It describes a period where:
  • True religion had been replaced by hollow rituals and meaningless customs.
  • Caste distinctions, particularly the privileges of Brahmins and the subjugation of Sudras, caused social injustice and suffering.
  • The purity of Upanishadic and Vedic teachings was lost, replaced by rituals without deeper meaning.
  • Idolatry and the proliferation of deities led to complex worship practices, overshadowing self-realization.
  • Brahmins were perceived as exploiting people through rituals for material gain.
  • There was a call for a powerful spiritual force to rectify this spiritual and social decline.
• Mahavira's Birth and Early Life: The narrative touches upon the miraculous aspects of Mahavira's birth, including the divine transfer of his embryo. While acknowledging the intellectual difficulties of such accounts in a scientific age, it interprets them as symbolic of Mahavira's extraordinary nature and the consequence of past actions (karma).
  • The story of Mahavira's birth and the divine ablution (Mahabhisheka) by Indra highlights the power of the soul over the physical body.
  • His childhood and naming as Vardhamana (meaning 'prosperous' or 'increasing') are mentioned, reflecting the prosperity his birth brought.
  • His upbringing, his marriage to Yashoda, and the birth of his daughter Priyadarshana are recounted, emphasizing his fulfillment of filial duties without attachment.
• Mahavira's Renunciation and Austerities:
  • Upon the passing of his parents, Mahavira, at the age of 28, renounced worldly life to embrace spiritual quest. He respectfully sought permission from his elder brother, Nandivardhana, delaying his renunciation for two years due to his brother's grief.
  • This period demonstrates Mahavira's adherence to principles of compassion and avoiding causing distress to others, even in his spiritual pursuits.
  • His twelve years of rigorous penance and enduring immense hardships (parishaha) are highlighted. The text emphasizes that these hardships were intensified by the rise of his accumulated karma.
  • The concept of karma is explained: while some karma can be mitigated through spiritual practice, "irrevocably bound" karma must be endured. Mahavira's refusal of Indra's offer to remove his hardships is presented as adherence to this principle and self-reliance.
  • The text differentiates between the pain experienced by ordinary beings and that of enlightened souls, suggesting that for Mahavira, these were less about physical suffering and more about experiencing the unfolding of karma. The emphasis is placed on the equanimity and detachment with which he faced these challenges.
• Mahavira's Teachings and Philosophy:
  • Two core principles are identified as having a profound impact:
    1. Ahimsa (Non-violence): "Live and Let Live" - the fundamental principle of respecting all life. Mahavira's strong opposition to violent rituals and his advocacy for compassion are stressed.
    2. Self-Reliance: The belief that salvation comes from self-effort and taking refuge in true religion, not from external ceremonies or reliance on other powers.
  • The Importance of Inner Purity over External Rituals: Mahavira's emphasis on the reality of religion and liberation through true faith rather than mere ritualistic observation is discussed.
  • Universality of Religion: Mahavira's teaching that religion cannot erect eternal barriers between people is mentioned, signifying his inclusive approach.
• Encounters and Lessons:
  • The Story of Chandakaushika (the Serpent): This detailed account illustrates Mahavira's extraordinary compassion, forbearance, and ability to transform negativity. Despite being attacked by the venomous serpent, Mahavira remained in meditation, radiating peace. His non-reaction to the snake's venom and his subsequent teaching to Chandakaushika, leading to its transformation and eventual rebirth in a higher realm, exemplify the power of non-violence and compassion. The text uses this to explain the doctrine of karma and how even negative traits can be transformed.
  • The Encounter with Sudarshana (the Dev): This incident involving a demon (Dev) named Sudarshana who attempted to drown Mahavira's boat highlights the principle that individuals are bound by their past actions. While Mahavira was saved by other devotees, his equanimity in the face of danger and his lack of anger or attachment to the events are emphasized. This section also discusses the role of karma and how even divine beings are subject to its laws.
  • Mahavira's Silence (Moun): The text notes Mahavira's twelve-year period of silence after his initiation, interpreting it as a crucial lesson for spiritual aspirants. It criticizes the modern tendency of rushed, unverified pronouncements and advocates for self-improvement and a pure character as the true basis for spiritual guidance.
  • The Example of Jinadatta and the Rich Merchant: This parable contrasts the spiritual merit derived from pure intention (Jinadatta's unfulfilled desire to offer food) versus action without proper feeling (the wealthy merchant's perfunctory offering). It underscores the paramount importance of intention and detachment in spiritual practice.
  • Gosala's Ideology and Separation: The text discusses Gosala, initially a disciple, who diverged from Mahavira's teachings, particularly concerning determinism and the role of human effort. His departure and subsequent establishment of a separate sect are presented as a consequence of differing philosophies.
  • The Encounter with the Cowherd: This story illustrates the consequences of misunderstanding and the importance of clear communication, even for a soul as detached as Mahavira. The cowherd's anger, stemming from not receiving a direct response about his lost cattle, led to him inflicting harm on Mahavira's ears. This event is traced back to Mahavira's own past actions as Vasudeva, emphasizing the karmic retribution.
• Mahavira's Character: Throughout the narrative, Mahavira is portrayed as a model of equanimity, detachment, compassion, and inner strength. His ability to remain unfazed by physical pain, social injustice, or even attempts to harm him is consistently highlighted.

The Role of the Translator and Publisher:

• Tarachand Dosi (Translator): Dosi expresses his conviction in the necessity of bringing this Gujarati work into Hindi. He believes the book is written with a captivating style that vividly portrays Mahavira's life and struggles, capable of moving even the hardest heart. He hopes his translation will benefit Hindi-speaking people.
• Hindi Vijay Granthmala (Publisher): The publisher expresses the aspiration to publish more such valuable books in Hindi and expand Hindi literature. They acknowledge the inspiration from Muni Harisagarji Maharaja and the support of Muni Dhirvijayji Maharaj in establishing the "Hindi Sanvardhini Committee." They also apologize for delays due to the translator's illness and the passing of his mother and grandmother.

Overall Message:

"Mahavira Jivan Vistar" aims to educate readers about Lord Mahavira's life, his profound teachings of Ahimsa and self-reliance, and his exemplary character. It highlights the importance of inner purity, compassion, and the adherence to karmic principles in navigating life's challenges. The book serves as an inspirational guide, urging readers to emulate Mahavira's virtues and strive for spiritual upliftment.