Mahavira Katha

The book "Mahavira Katha" by Gopaldas Jivabhai Patel, published by Gujarat Vidyapith Ahmedabad, is a comprehensive biography of Lord Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara of Jainism. The summary below is based on the provided pages, covering the editor's note, preface, opening prayers, and the initial chapters of Mahavira's life story, including his past lives and birth.

Overview:

The book aims to present a factual and inspiring account of Lord Mahavira's life, drawing from ancient Jain and contemporary Brahmanical literature and inscriptions. The editor acknowledges the difficulty in reconstructing the life of an ancient personality due to scarce and fragmented information, and the challenge of separating historical facts from later mythological embellishments and sectarian beliefs. The intention is to provide a balanced and authentic narrative that motivates readers to emulate Mahavira's greatness.

Editor's Note and Preface:

The editor, Gopaldas Jivabhai Patel, states that "Mahavira Katha" originated from an effort to create an authentic "Mahavira Charitra." He highlights the inherent challenges in biographing ancient figures, particularly when the subject is a Tirthankara and founder of a religion like Mahavira. He notes the existence of traditional beliefs, narratives, and "Puranic" materials surrounding such personalities, often encased in religious reverence. The editor emphasizes the need for delicate handling of such material, relying on credible sources like ancient Jain texts and epigraphs.

He clarifies that while Jain texts are predominantly from the Svetambara tradition, the Digambara tradition's view on certain aspects, like Mahavira's first birth, marital status, and initiation attire, differ. The editor aims to present Mahavira and his teachings based on available literature, hoping to offer readers an understanding akin to what "Buliva" offered about Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha. He requests scholars to point out any omissions or inaccuracies. The editor finds satisfaction in presenting this work shortly after a similar compilation on Lord Krishna.

Core Philosophy and Theme:

The book underscores that understanding the greatness of a great soul like Mahavira, or worshipping a saint, should not be confined by sectarianism. True scholarship is also free from dogma. Mahavira, like Krishna, taught divine virtues through his life – Krishna taught Nishkam Karma (selfless action) leading to God realization, while Mahavira taught the unique worship of Ahimsa (non-violence), demonstrating its practice throughout his life. His message of Ahimsa, crucial in today's world, was achieved with the intensity of Yoga. He presented Ahimsa as a distinct philosophy to India. The editor believes this perspective is the first step towards understanding religion and resolving societal conflicts.

Structure and Content:

The book is structured into several parts, detailing Mahavira's life:

• Volume 1: Foreword (Poorvakatha)

  • Chapter 1: Nayasar's Story (First Life): Details the life of Nayasar, a village headman, known for his selfless service to guests and his adherence to virtues, which ultimately led to his significant transformation.
  • Chapter 2: Marichi's Story (Third Life): Describes Marichi, born into the lineage of Tirthankara Rishabhadeva, and his early spiritual leanings.
  • Chapter 3: Vishvabhuti's Story (Sixteenth Life): Explores the life of Vishvabhuti, highlighting his spiritual journey through various stages.
  • Chapter 4: Trivishta Vasudev's Story (Eighteenth Life): Focuses on Trivishta's life as a Vasudeva, touching upon his battles and achievements.
  • Chapter 5: Priyamitra Chakravarti's Story (Twenty-third Life): Narrates the life of Priyamitra, a universal emperor, and his eventual renunciation.
  • Chapter 6: Nandan Raja's Story (Twenty-fifth Life): Details the reign of King Nandan and his spiritual transformation.

• Volume 2: Mahavira's Story (Mahavir Katha)

  • Chapter 1: Mahavira's Birth: Covers his descent from heaven, the political context of Vaishali, the Licchavi republic, conception, birth, and naming ceremonies.
  • Chapter 2: Youth: His adolescent years and lifestyle.
  • Chapter 3: Renunciation: The decision and process of leaving his worldly life.
  • Chapter 4: First Six Years of Renunciation: Details his ascetic practices, interactions with various ascetics, hermits, snakes, and his encounters with influential figures like Gosala.
  • Chapter 5: Second Six Years of Renunciation: Continues the narrative of his severe austerities, challenges, and encounters, including his relationship with Gosala and the arduous nature of his vows.
  • Chapter 6: Attainment of Kevalgyan and First Sermon: Describes Mahavira becoming an enlightened being (Arhat) and his initial preaching, including the establishment of his first eleven disciples.
  • Chapter 7: Arrival in Rajagriha: His journey and reception in the capital city of Magadha.
  • Chapters 8-15: Subsequent journeys, interactions, significant events, teachings, and the final years leading to Mahavira's Nirvana.

Key Themes and Approach:

The book emphasizes:

• Ahimsa (Non-violence): This is presented as the central tenet of Mahavira's philosophy, demonstrated through his life.
• Past Lives: The narrative begins by recounting Mahavira's previous births, illustrating the gradual purification and spiritual development that led to his Tirthankara status. This approach aims to demystify his achievements and show that greatness is earned through persistent effort.
• Historical and Philosophical Balance: The editor attempts to balance historical accounts with philosophical insights into Mahavira's teachings.
• Detachment from Sectarianism: The editor advocates for an unbiased study of Mahavira, free from narrow religious perspectives.
• Focus on Human Endeavor: While acknowledging his divine nature, the narrative highlights Mahavira's human struggles, resolutions, and efforts, making him relatable and inspirational.
• Separation of Fact from Myth: The editor notes the effort to distinguish historical facts from later embellishments and miracles, aiming for an "authentic" portrayal.

Specific Details from Early Chapters:

• Nayasar's Story (First Life): Highlights the importance of virtue and service, showing how Nayasar's simple life of helping guests led to a transformation.
• Marichi's Story (Third Life): Introduces the concept of past actions influencing future lives and Mahavira's connection to Tirthankara Rishabhadeva. It touches upon Marichi's initial asceticism and his deviation from strict practices, foreshadowing future challenges.
• Vishvabhuti's Story (Sixteenth Life): The summary mentions several intermediate lives and encounters with various yogis and philosophers, demonstrating a consistent thread of spiritual seeking and adherence to austerities, albeit with variations.
• Trivishta Vasudev's Story (Eighteenth Life): This chapter focuses on Mahavira's life as a powerful figure, a Vasudeva, emphasizing his strength and potential for kingship.
• Priyamitra Chakravarti's Story (Twenty-third Life): This life as a universal emperor showcases immense worldly power and prosperity, which ultimately led to detachment and the pursuit of higher spiritual goals.
• Nandan Raja's Story (Twenty-fifth Life): This life showcases the accumulation of merits and a deep reverence for saints, setting the stage for the final Tirthankara birth.

The initial chapters establish the framework of Mahavira's long spiritual journey, emphasizing the gradual accumulation of virtues and the relentless pursuit of spiritual liberation across numerous lifetimes. The narrative style aims to be both informative and edifying, drawing parallels between past actions and present virtues.