Mahek Manavtani

The book "Mahek Manavtani" by Kumarpal Desai, published by Jaibhikkhu Sahitya Trust, is a collection of inspiring anecdotes and thoughts in Gujarati and English. The book is dedicated to Shri Chandrakantbhai Bhansali on his 71st birthday.

The book's content primarily focuses on:

• Commemorating Shri Chandrakantbhai Bhansali: The initial pages express heartfelt tributes and blessings from his family on the occasion of his 71st birthday. His wife, Urmila Chandrakant Bhansali, shares reflections on their nearly 49 years of marriage, emphasizing the joy found in shared decisions, struggles, and service. His children and their families also convey their deep respect and love.
• Biographical Information on Shri Chandrakantbhai Bhansali: A significant portion of the book is dedicated to the life story and character of Shri Chandrakantbhai Bhansali. It highlights his upbringing in Patan, a historically significant and culturally rich city in Gujarat. The text emphasizes the strong moral and spiritual values inherited from his deeply religious parents, Manilal and Rukminimben Bhansali, and his grandfather, Jehuchandbhai Bhansali. The narrative includes anecdotes about his parents' lives, showcasing their foresight, simple living, philanthropic nature, and their ability to predict their passing with remarkable calmness.
  • Upbringing and Education: Chandrakantbhai was sent to Ahmedabad for his studies, where he developed a positive outlook on life, influenced by his cousin's song about embracing life with joy. His schooling at St. Xavier's High School instilled in him the importance of forgiveness and forgetting, principles that shaped his peaceful and harmonious life.
  • Marriage and Family: His marriage to Urmila, described as a complementary union, is detailed, highlighting their shared values and their success in raising their three sons.
  • Professional and Philanthropic Journey: The book outlines his professional life, starting in the textile and printing industry and later moving to the jewelry business in Mumbai. It emphasizes how his business success allowed him and his wife to dedicate themselves to extensive social service.
  • Social Service: A substantial part of the book details their philanthropic activities, which include providing meals to orphan children, donating uniforms and supplies to needy students, running a book bank, contributing to medical relief societies, and opening a dispensary in memory of his mother. They also engage in regular distribution of clothes and sweets to the less fortunate, and support community initiatives like feeding pigeons. Plans for a dialysis center in his mother's name are also mentioned.
  • Values and Impact: The narrative underscores Chandrakantbhai's unwavering kindness, generosity, and commitment to service. His life is presented as an embodiment of Jain values, demonstrating how one can achieve prosperity while maintaining deep compassion for humanity. The book celebrates the legacy of service being passed on to his sons.
• Inspirational Stories and Teachings: Interspersed throughout the book are various inspirational anecdotes and teachings, many seemingly related to Jain philosophy and the lives of spiritual figures. These include:
  • The Essence of Ahimsa (Non-violence): The true test of ahimsa is shown to be in the face of violence, using the example of Lord Mahavir's conduct in difficult territories.
  • The Power of Conviction (Abhigrah): The story of King Chandravasant illustrates the strength of commitment to one's vows, even at the cost of one's life.
  • The Illusion of Possession (Parigrah): The tale of King Shrenik and a man collecting wood highlights how excessive attachment to possessions can blind individuals to reality.
  • The Fruits of Anger: The narrative of a blacksmith's uncontrolled anger leading to his own demise exemplifies the destructive nature of wrath.
  • Speaking Truth with Kindness: The story of Mahashatak and his wife Revati emphasizes the Jain principle of speaking truthful words in a pleasant manner, even when conveying difficult messages.
  • Humility over Pride: The account of King Dasharnabhadra and Indra illustrates how true spiritual wealth lies in renunciation and humility, which even celestial beings cannot attain.
  • The Three Jewels (Ratnatraya): The conversion of a Yavani king through the teachings of Lord Mahavir on knowledge, faith, and action.
  • Conquering Inner Enemies: Gautam Ganadhar explains how overcoming inner foes like ego, anger, pride, greed, and desires leads to true victory.
  • Empathy and Compassion: The story of Swami Ramakrishna Paramhansa's profound empathy, feeling the pain of others as his own.
  • Seeking Forgiveness: The tale of the Sufi saint Sarishta emphasizes the importance of recognizing and atoning for even unintentional omissions, like neglecting to consider the plight of others when expressing gratitude.
  • Qualities of a Good Home: A concluding poem or verse lists the virtues that make a house a home, such as hospitality, joy, peace, good conduct, love, affection, compassion, and devotion.
  • Motivational Quotes: The latter part of the book includes several motivational pieces from various authors, such as Dr. Robert Schuller, Edwin C. Bliss, James Bryant Conant, Orison Swett Marden, O. G. Mandino, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Earl Stowell, Bill Nelson, Dandemis, Ed Sainsbury, Jack Mayer, Sir William Osler, Dr. Maxwell Maltz, Abraham Lincoln, Wilfred A. Peterson, and a tribute to Shri Chandrakantbhai's family from his children. These cover themes like overcoming failure, the nature of tension, the power of focus, managing anger, courage, self-control, inner beauty, prayer, health, healthy living, rest, hobbies, the success mechanism, happiness, spirituality, and science.

In essence, "Mahek Manavtani" is a tribute to a life well-lived, marked by strong family values, professional integrity, and profound dedication to social service, all grounded in spiritual principles. It serves as an inspirational guide, offering wisdom and encouragement through relatable stories and timeless teachings.