Mahavira Ri Olkhan

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Mahavira ri Olkhan" by Hansraj Baccharaj Nahta, based on the provided information:

Book Title: Mahavira ri Olkhan (Understanding Mahavira) Author: Hansraj Baccharaj Nahta Publisher: Anupam Prakashan, Jaipur Language: Rajasthani

Overall Purpose: This book, claimed to be the first written in Rajasthani on the life and teachings of Lord Mahavira, aims to introduce readers to the great Tirthankara. The author's motivation stems from a deep personal connection to the Rajasthani language and a desire to make Mahavira's message accessible to a wider audience in their native tongue. The book is presented as a tribute on the occasion of the 2500th Nirvana anniversary of Lord Mahavira.

Structure and Content:

The book is divided into twelve chapters, covering a chronological and thematic overview of Mahavira and Jain cosmology:

• Chapters 1-3: Jain Cosmology and Pre-Mahavira History:

  • Chapter 1: Kaal ro Pheliyo (The Wheel of Time): Introduces the Jain concept of cyclical time, the Avsarpini (downward cycle) and Utsarpini (upward cycle) periods, and the six sub-periods within the Avsarpini (Sukhma-Sukhma to Dukhma-Dukhma), detailing the gradual decline in human lifespan, physical attributes, and moral development during the Avsarpini. It explains that the current era is in the fifth stage of the Avsarpini.
  • Chapter 2: Chaudah Kulkar (The Fourteen Kulakaras): Discusses the fourteen Kulakaras, who emerged during the Sukhma-Dukhma period of the Avsarpini. These figures are credited with establishing societal order, introducing basic skills like agriculture, crafts, language, and social customs, and gradually developing forms of governance and punishment. The chapter lists the contributions of each Kulakara, starting from Manu (Prativar) and ending with Nabhirai. It marks the transition from a life of pure enjoyment (Bhoga-bhumi) to a life of action and struggle (Karma-bhumi).
  • Chapter 3: Chobis Tirthkar (The Twenty-Four Tirthankaras): This chapter provides biographical sketches of the twenty-four Tirthankaras, with a special focus on the first, Lord Rishabhdev (Adinath), and the last, Lord Mahavira. It details the birth, lifespan, significant events, symbol (lanchhan), and Nirvana place for each Tirthankara. Notable mentions include Rishabhdev's role in civilizing humanity, the story of Neminath's renunciation upon hearing the cries of animals, and the unique tradition of Mallinath being a female Tirthankara according to the Shvetambara tradition. The chapter also briefly lists the "Shalaka Purush" (great individuals) who achieved divine status, divided into Chakravarthis, Baladevas, Vasudevas, and Prativashudevas.

• Chapters 4-9: Lord Mahavira's Life Journey:

  • Chapter 4: Mahavir re Janmkaal ri Sthiti (The Condition of Mahavira's Birth Era): Describes the socio-religious and political landscape of India during Mahavira's time. It highlights the prevalence of animal sacrifice in Vedic rituals, the emphasis on external rituals over true spirituality, the belief in extreme penances, the dominance of Brahmanical influence, and the societal ills like exploitation of the poor, caste discrimination, and the subjugured status of women. It also touches upon the political fragmentation and conflicts between kingdoms.
  • Chapter 5: Janm par Tabparn (Birth and Childhood): Recounts the auspicious dreams of Mahavira's mother, Trishala, her divine pregnancy, and the subsequent prosperity of the kingdom. It details the naming ceremony, where he was named Vardhamana (one who increases prosperity). The chapter highlights Mahavira's innate strength and courage from childhood, evidenced by his encounter with a serpent and a divine challenge.
  • Chapter 6: Vivah par Vairag (Marriage and Renunciation): Discusses Vardhamana's marriage to Yashoda and his daughter Priyadarshana. Despite his worldly life, Mahavira remained detached from worldly pleasures, contemplating the suffering of humanity. The chapter details the passing of his parents and the fulfillment of his vow to his mother to not renounce the world while she was alive. Upon his parents' death, his desire for renunciation intensified.
  • Chapter 7: Sadhak Jivan (Ascetic Life): This extensive chapter describes Mahavira's 12.5 years of rigorous asceticism. It details his solitary wanderings, enduring extreme hardships, facing physical and mental torment (upasargas) from natural elements, wild animals, and hostile humans. It includes episodes like a beggar tearing off his clothes, a cowherd's cattle being found by Mahavira, his detachment from bodily discomfort, his interactions with a hunter, a cobra (Chandrakoshika), and his encounter with the deity Indra. It also mentions his practice of wandering naked and accepting alms with great austerity. The chapter highlights his vows, his indifference to suffering and praise, and his deep compassion for all living beings.
  • Chapter 8: Kevali Charya (Life as an Omniscient): Covers the period after Mahavira attained Kevala Jnana (omniscience) at the age of 42 under a Sal tree near Jabhikagram. It describes his first sermon in the Samavasarana (divine assembly), the conversion of his eleven main disciples (Gana-dharas) like Indrabhuti Gautam, and the establishment of the Chaturvidha Sangha (four-fold community of monks, nuns, laymen, and laywomen). It also discusses his extensive preaching, the formation of religious orders, and his teachings on various philosophical and ethical principles.
  • Chapter 9: Parinirvan (Final Liberation): Details the passing of Lord Mahavira at the age of 72 in Pavapuri. It describes his final sermon, his disciples' grief, and the subsequent attainment of Kevala Jnana by Indrabhuti Gautam. The chapter concludes with the tradition of lighting lamps in his memory, marking the beginning of the festival of Diwali.

• Chapters 10-12: Mahavira's Philosophy and Legacy:

  • Chapter 10: Mahavir ra Siddhant (Mahavira's Principles): This chapter delves into the core principles of Mahavira's teachings. It explains the fundamental Jain philosophical concepts:

    • Tattva-Chintan (Reflection on Principles): Outlines the nine realities (Navatattva): Jiva (soul), Ajiva (non-soul), Punya (merit), Papa (demerit), Asrava (influx of karma), Bandha (bondage of karma), Samvara (prevention of karma), Nirjara (shedding of karma), and Moksha (liberation). It elaborates on the nature of the soul (Jiva) and its distinction from the non-soul (Ajiva), the cycle of karma, and the path to liberation.
    • Atma (Soul): Discusses the soul as an independent, eternal entity that can attain omniscience and liberation through its own efforts. It describes the three states of the soul: Bahiratma (external soul, unaware), Antaratma (internal soul, aware of self), and Paramatma (supreme soul, liberated).
    • Karma Siddhanta (Theory of Karma): Explains the intricate workings of karma, its types (Ghati and Aghati), and how actions (thoughts, words, deeds) bind the soul. It emphasizes that individuals are responsible for their karma and can alter its effects through right conduct, penance, and spiritual discipline.
    • Tapa (Penance/Austerity): Details the importance and practice of both external (Bahya) and internal (Abhyantara) austerities as a means to shed karma and purify the soul.
    • Grihastha Dharma (Layperson's Duty): Outlines the vows and principles for householders (Shravakas and Shravikas), including the five minor vows (Anuvratas), three virtues (Guna-vratas), and four disciplinary vows (Shiksha-vratas), emphasizing ethical conduct, non-violence, truthfulness, non-stealing, chastity, and controlled possession.
    • Ahimsa (Non-violence): Explains the profound meaning of Ahimsa, extending it beyond physical harm to include mental and verbal violence. It stresses compassion, equanimity, and the need to avoid causing suffering to any living being, emphasizing the importance of mental restraint.
    • Aparigraha (Non-possession/Non-attachment): Discusses the concept of limiting possessions and desires to prevent greed and attachment, which are seen as the root cause of suffering and societal imbalance.
    • Anekanta (Many-sidedness/Pluralism): Explains Mahavira's principle of viewing issues from multiple perspectives to foster tolerance, understanding, and avoid dogmatism. The concept of Syadvada (conditional predication) is introduced as a way to express truths relative to different viewpoints.

  • Chapter 11: Mahavir ri Parampara (Mahavira's Tradition/Lineage): Traces the historical development of Jainism after Mahavira. It discusses the succession of spiritual leaders (Gana-dharas), the compilation of Jain scriptures (Agamas), and the eventual schism into the Digambara and Shvetambara traditions. It briefly mentions key figures and sub-traditions within both sects and acknowledges the cultural contributions of Jain followers throughout history.

  • Chapter 12: Mahavir-Vani (Mahavira's Teachings): This concluding chapter provides a selection of key aphorisms and teachings of Lord Mahavira, directly quoted from Jain scriptures (Agamas) with Rajasthani translations. These quotes cover various aspects of Jain philosophy, including Dharma, Ahimsa, Satya, Asteya, Brahmacharya, Aparigraha, Tapasya, Samabhava (equanimity), Vitaraaga Bhava (detachment), the nature of the soul, karma, the path to liberation, and the importance of discipline and virtuous conduct.

Key Themes and Emphasis:

• Accessibility: The primary goal is to make Mahavira's teachings accessible to the Rajasthani-speaking population.
• Comprehensive Life Story: The book aims to provide a detailed account of Mahavira's life, from his birth to his Nirvana.
• Jain Cosmology: It integrates the fundamental principles of Jain cosmology, including time cycles and historical figures.
• Ethical and Spiritual Foundation: The core of the teachings revolves around Ahimsa, Aparigraha, and Anekanta, promoting a life of virtue, detachment, and understanding.
• Personal Transformation: The ultimate aim of Mahavira's teachings, as presented, is the purification of the soul and its liberation from the cycle of birth and death.
• Purity of Conduct: The book emphasizes the importance of both internal disposition and external actions in spiritual progress.

Fair Use Declaration: The book begins with a Fair Use Declaration from "The Free Indological Collection" (TFIC), stating that the book is sourced from another online repository and provided for individual educational or research use under Fair Use guidelines. It believes the book is in the public domain and acknowledges the work of the original repository.

Dedication: The book is dedicated with reverence and devotion to the "Chaturvidha Sangha" (four-fold community) of Jainism – monks, nuns, laymen, and laywomen – as the "Dharma Teerth" (fountainhead of Dharma).

In essence, "Mahavira ri Olkhan" serves as an accessible and comprehensive introduction to Lord Mahavira's life, philosophy, and the Jain tradition, particularly for a Rajasthani-speaking audience, emphasizing the universal and timeless nature of his teachings.