Mahavira Vani - Book Summary | JainGPT

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Mahavira Vani" by Bechardas Doshi, published by Bharat Jain Mahamandal, based on the provided text:

Book Title: Mahavira Vani (Mahavira's Utterances) Author: Bechardas Doshi Publisher: Bharat Jain Mahamandal, Varda Publication Date (Fourth Edition): March 1953

Overall Purpose and Content:

"Mahavira Vani" is a compilation of the teachings and sayings of Lord Mahavir, the 24th Tirthankara of Jainism. The book aims to present Mahavir's wisdom in a structured and accessible manner, focusing on practical ethical principles and philosophical insights for the betterment of life. This particular edition is the fourth printing, indicating its popularity and the continued demand for Mahavir's teachings.

Key Features and Editions:

First Edition (1942): Published by Delhi Sasta Sahitya Mandal.
Subsequent Editions: The book has seen several reprints, including a Hindi translation-only version and editions with original Prakrit/Sanskrit verses along with translations.
This Edition (1953): This is the fourth edition, published by Bharat Jain Mahamandal. It includes revisions by the editor, Bechardas Doshi. Notably, "Vivada-sutra" has been removed and replaced with "Jati-mad-Nivaran-sutra." Some verses have also been omitted from previous editions.
Inclusions: This edition features a foreword by Shri Vinoba Bhave ("Two Words") and a prologue by Dr. Bhagwandas. It also includes a Sanskrit translation of the Prakrit verses for wider accessibility.
Purpose of Sanskrit Translation: As suggested by Vinoba Bhave, the Sanskrit translation aims to make Mahavir's teachings understandable to those who may not know Hindi or Prakrit.
Commitment to Accessibility: Despite rising costs, the price has been kept reasonable to ensure wide distribution.
Dedication: The book is dedicated to Sau. Shrimati Ajwali for her invaluable companionship in literary pursuits.

Editorial and Publisher's Notes (Key Themes):

Editor's Gratitude: Bechardas Doshi expresses deep gratitude to Shri Chiranji Lalji Badjate for his support in publishing this edition in memory of his mother. He also thanks Shri Rishabhdas Ranka, who was instrumental in bringing out previous editions and inspiring the inclusion of Vinoba Bhave's words and Sanskrit translations. Dr. Bhagwandas is also commended for his valuable prologue, emphasizing harmony and inter-faith understanding.
Circulation and Impact: The editor notes the significant circulation of the book, with approximately 7,000 copies distributed over 12 years across its various editions. He expresses a sense of gratitude that in times when the practical application of non-violence and truth is questioned even by followers of Mahavir, this book has found its way into many homes.
Inclusion of "Jati-mad-Nivaran-sutra": A significant editorial decision was the inclusion of "Jati-mad-Nivaran-sutra" (Sutra on Eradicating Caste Pride). The editor highlights that casteism has no place in Jain teachings, and Mahavir himself advocated for its eradication. The inclusion aims to combat the continued practice of untouchability and caste discrimination by some Jain acharyas and their followers, emphasizing that true Jainism stands against such societal ills.
Focus on Practical Life: The editor mentions a conscious effort to include verses that resonate with practical life and its future implications, rather than solely focusing on the afterlife.
Inclusion of "Lokatatva-sutra": Even though "Lokatatva-sutra" (Sutra on the Nature of the Universe) might seem technical to non-Jains, it's retained to provide some insight into Jain discourse, particularly concerning the absence of birth-based casteism in Jain teachings.
Future Plans: The editor mentions intentions to publish a Gujarati translation and potentially comparative writings on Mahavir's teachings alongside those of Buddha and Vedic traditions.

Key Teachings Highlighted (through Sutra Titles):

The book is structured into various "sutras" (aphorisms/chapters), each focusing on a core principle of Mahavir's teachings:

Mangal-sutra: Auspiciousness, the recitation of the Navkar Mantra (Namokar Mantra), and the greatness of the Arhats, Siddhas, Sadhus, and the Dharma.
Dharma-sutra: The supremacy of Dharma, emphasizing Ahimsa (non-violence), Samyama (restraint), and Tapas (austerity). It highlights Dharma as the sole refuge in the cycle of birth and death.
Ahimsa-sutra: The paramount importance of non-violence towards all living beings (Jivas), both mobile (trasa) and immobile (sthvara). It stresses not to harm or cause harm to any creature.
Satya-sutra: The value of truthfulness, speaking what is beneficial and true, and the strict avoidance of falsehood. It also touches upon the nuances of speaking truth without causing harm.
Asteyanaka-sutra: The principle of non-stealing, including the avoidance of taking anything not freely given, even a small item, and the importance of avoiding attachment to possessions.
Brahmacharya-sutra: The importance of celibacy and the arduous nature of observing Brahmacharya. It warns against the allure of sensory pleasures, association with the opposite sex, and indulgence in rich foods, all of which can hinder spiritual progress.
Aparigraha-sutra: The concept of non-possession, emphasizing that true possessionlessness lies in detachment (murcha) rather than just the absence of material goods. It highlights the difficulty of renouncing all worldly attachments.
Aratribhojan-sutra: The prohibition of eating at night, emphasizing the need to avoid harming subtle beings present in food and water, and the importance of a disciplined lifestyle.
Vinaya-sutra: The significance of humility, respect, and discipline in learning and spiritual practice. It emphasizes the importance of obedience to gurus and the virtues that lead to true wisdom and respect.
Chaturangiya-sutra: The rarity and importance of the four precious aspects of human life: humanity, the ability to hear Dharma, faith, and the effort in restraint. It describes the cyclical nature of existence and the difficulties in attaining these.
Apramada-sutra: The call for diligence and constant vigilance, warning against carelessness and procrastination in spiritual pursuits. It highlights the transient nature of life and the inevitability of old age and death.
Pramadasthana-sutra: Identifying the roots of Pramada (carelessness) and their consequences, such as attachment to sensory pleasures, anger, greed, and their role in the cycle of birth and death.
Kashaya-sutra: The destructive nature of the four cardinal passions: anger, pride, deceit, and greed, and the means to overcome them through virtues like peace, humility, honesty, and contentment.
Kama-sutra: The detrimental effects of lust and sensual desires, describing them as poisonous and the source of suffering. It emphasizes detachment from worldly pleasures.
Asharana-sutra: The impermanence of worldly relationships, possessions, and even the body, highlighting that only Dharma and one's own karma provide true refuge.
Bala-sutra: Critiquing the folly of the ignorant and the unmindful, contrasting their actions with the path of wisdom and the consequences of their misguided pursuits.
Pandita-sutra: Describing the characteristics of a wise person, who acts with discretion, detachment, and compassion, and seeks true knowledge and liberation.
Atma-sutra: Emphasizing the soul as the creator and destroyer of one's own destiny, the importance of self-control, and the ultimate victory being the conquest of one's own self.
Lokatatva-sutra: Explaining the fundamental principles of Jain cosmology, including the six substances (Jiva, Ajiva, Dharma, Adharma, Akash, Kala), karma, transmigration, and the path to liberation.
Pujya-sutra: Defining true reverence and worship, which stem from virtuous conduct, humility, contentment, and the ability to endure hardships with equanimity, rather than mere external show.
Brahmana-sutra: Redefining the concept of a true "Brahmin" not by birth, but by conduct, detachment, knowledge, and adherence to righteous principles, particularly Ahimsa.
Bhikkhu-sutra: Describing the ideal conduct and characteristics of a Jain mendicant (Bhikkhu), emphasizing detachment, self-control, adherence to vows, and continuous spiritual practice.
Mokshamarga-sutra: Outlining the path to liberation, emphasizing the importance of right knowledge, right faith, right conduct, and the gradual shedding of karma.
Jati-mad-Nivaran-sutra: (Sutra on Eradicating Caste Pride) - As mentioned, this is a crucial addition highlighting that status in Jainism is based on virtues and conduct, not birth, and strongly condemning casteism and discrimination.
Kshamapana-sutra: A chapter on forgiveness and seeking forgiveness, with verses for universal compassion and the renunciation of all sins committed through mind, speech, and body.

Forewords and Prologues:

Vinoba Bhave's "Two Words": Praises Mahavir and Buddha as illuminating stars, emphasizing their commonality in kindness and non-violence. He notes that Mahavir's sayings, unlike Buddha's Dhamma-pada, were scattered and collected later. He suggests the formation of a scholarly council to create a definitive collection of Mahavir's teachings. He encourages people of all faiths to contemplate Mahavir's words for inner purity.
Dr. Bhagwandas's Prologue: Compares Buddha and Mahavir, highlighting their distinct paths of wisdom and asceticism, respectively, but their shared commitment to compassion and non-violence. He acknowledges the meticulous work of the editor and publisher and emphasizes the need for a systematic and authenticated compilation of Mahavir's teachings. He expresses concern about the paper quality in this edition but commends the dedication to making the book accessible. He also shares his observation of a lack of awareness about "Mahavir Vani" among Jain communities in Kolkata, underscoring the need for wider dissemination and support for such spiritual literature. He also notes the Gujarat University's inclusion of "Mahavir Vani" in its Prakrit curriculum as a commendable step.

Overall Significance:

"Mahavira Vani" is presented as a vital text for spiritual seekers, aiming to provide guidance for a virtuous and peaceful life. The book's continued circulation and the efforts to make it accessible, including translations and revised content, underscore its enduring relevance in Jainism and its potential to inspire readers from all backgrounds towards ethical living and spiritual growth. The inclusion of "Jati-mad-Nivaran-sutra" specifically addresses social issues within the community, reflecting a commitment to both spiritual and social reform.