Mai Bhi Ek Kaidi Hu - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Mai Bhi Ek Kaidi Hu" (I Too Am a Prisoner) by Acharya Padmsagarsuri, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Mai Bhi Ek Kaidi Hu (I Too Am a Prisoner) Author: Acharya Padmsagarsuri Publisher: Jivan Nirman Kendra Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/009998/1

Core Theme:

The central message of "Mai Bhi Ek Kaidi Hu" revolves around the profound idea that we are all prisoners, not just of external circumstances or societal laws, but primarily of our own karma and internal limitations. The book uses the setting of a lecture delivered by Acharya Padmsagarsuri in Sabarmati Central Jail to draw parallels between the physical confinement of prisoners and the spiritual imprisonment of all individuals within the cycle of birth and death.

Key Concepts and Teachings:

Universal Imprisonment: The book posits that while prisoners are confined by the government and law due to their actions, all humans are prisoners of their karma from the moment of birth, living in the "central jail" of the world. Life itself is presented as a state of bondage from birth to death.
The Dangerous Tongue: A significant portion of the text is dedicated to the power and danger of the tongue. The author highlights the physical structure of the body: two eyes for one purpose (seeing), two ears for one purpose (hearing), two nostrils for one purpose (breathing), two hands for one purpose (transferring objects), and two legs for one purpose (walking). In contrast, the tongue is singular, yet has two dangerous functions: speaking and eating.
- Speaking: Wrongful speech leads to karmic bondage and conflict, burning away peace. The tongue is described as being heavily guarded by 32 teeth, an upper lip, and a lower lip, emphasizing its potential for harm and the need for careful control through wisdom.
- Eating: Wrongful eating also leads to karmic bondage.
The Nature of Truth and Dharma: The book asserts that the color or label of milk (cow, black, spotted) doesn't change its inherent quality, which is pure white and considered nectar. Similarly, any religion (Hinduism, Islam, Jainism, Christianity) that leads to self-upliftment is a boon to humanity. True worth lies within, irrespective of external presentation.
Wisdom vs. Foolishness: A scholar thinks before speaking and speaks with goodwill, their speech restrained by wisdom. A fool speaks impulsively and regrets it later, their language unchecked. The scholar creates their path, while the fool stumbles.
The Power of Love: Citing Bhagwan Mahavir, the author emphasizes that change brought about by love is permanent. Love can melt even the hardest hearts and serves as a pathway to reach the heart of another.
Universality and Inclusivity: The Acharya expresses his identity as belonging to everyone and everyone belonging to him. His well-being is for all beings, transcending any specific group, caste, or society. He identifies himself as a pastor to Christians, a fakir to Muslims, a renunciant to Hindus, and an Acharya to Jains, encouraging people to see him in the form they understand.
The Essence of Dharma: Dharma is presented as a system, even if divided into various sects. The ultimate goal of true Dharma is the welfare of all beings. Communal differences are seen as products of a contaminated mindset, while the "self-Dharma" has no distinctions.
The Reality of Death and Impermanence: The book reminds readers that the body and everything in the world are temporary and must be left behind one day. Death is the reality of life. All worldly achievements, for which people strive tirelessly, will eventually be lost and rendered meaningless by death.
Living by True Religious Principles: The text advocates for individuals to be true to their respective faiths: a Hindu living by Gita's ideals, a Muslim by the Quran, a Jain by the Agamas, and a Christian by the Bible. If everyone lives according to their scriptures, the nation's problems could be solved instantly, transforming it into a paradise.
The Illusion of Freedom: The book challenges the notion of freedom in the world. From the nine months in the womb to the protection of a mother, the control of a father, the bond of marriage, the attachment to a spouse, and the dependence of old age on children, humans are perpetually bound. True freedom is presented as an elusive concept in this world.
The Meaning of Festivals: Festivals are meant to illuminate life and inspire. They should not be mere formalities but opportunities to overcome inner desires and passions by keeping life's realities in mind.
Self-Reliance and Inner Guidance: Ultimately, individuals must rely on themselves for protection. Others are merely companions on the journey. Progress is made by one's own efforts, guided by good thoughts and virtuous conduct.
The Importance of Repentance and Purification: True purification of the inner self only occurs when one reflects on their sins with remorse. Without a pure mind, spiritual accomplishment is impossible. Therefore, it is crucial to cultivate a strong curiosity for the divine path, reduce attachment to the world, and feel fear and regret for one's sins.
Prayer and Its Efficacy: Similar to a bank rejecting a technically flawed check, prayer without genuine repentance and with worldly desires attached will be rejected. Such prayers return with a remark to "please send with corrections."
The Inevitability of Death: No amount of wealth, a strong house, guards, doctors, or lawyers can protect one from death. Life is surrounded by mortality, and only Dharma can offer true security.
The Fleeting Nature of Life: Regardless of intelligence, strength, wealth, beauty, or youth, life is transient. The book includes a poignant verse: "Jump and leap while there is strength in these veins; remember this body's dust will fly in the streets."
Living a Pure Life with Love: The path to purity in life is through love. Life should be made as sacred as a temple. Sweetness in one's speech can bind listeners in the bonds of love.
Empathy as Spiritual Progress: When another's suffering becomes one's own, it signifies the commencement of the spiritual path. Such a state of being transforms a person into a great soul.
The Ideal of Compassion: The book advocates for the ideal of Lord Mahavir, which is to respond to harm with kindness. This principle is seen as the source of happiness and peace. The desire for ultimate friendship towards all beings will liberate one from all suffering.
The Reality of Life's Endings: The book uses the analogy of a dead person in a grave questioning why they were left alone despite having wealth and property. The answer is that those for whom they left everything are the ones who brought them there and left them.
The Importance of Recognizing and Correcting Mistakes: We are born with ingrained tendencies for mistakes. Everyone errs, but true greatness lies in learning from mistakes and striving to correct them.

Overall Message:

"Mai Bhi Ek Kaidi Hu" is a profound spiritual discourse that encourages introspection and a re-evaluation of one's life. It teaches that true freedom comes from understanding the nature of karma, controlling the senses (especially the tongue), cultivating love and compassion, and living a life dedicated to spiritual upliftment, recognizing the impermanence of worldly possessions and the inevitability of death. The book offers a practical guide to overcoming internal prisons and finding liberation.