Mantri Vimalshah Mahamantri Udayan

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Mantri Vimalshah Mahamantri Udayan" by Jaybhikkhu, based on the provided pages:

This book is part of the "Jain Balgranthavali Shreni-2" (Jain Children's Book Series), Volume 10, published by Jaybhikkhu Sahitya Trust. It focuses on the lives and achievements of two prominent figures in Jain history: Mantri Vimalshah and Mahamantri Udayan. The series aims to instill moral values and character through the stories of Jain figures.

Part 1: Mantri Vimalshah (Implied)

While the title explicitly mentions Mantri Vimalshah, the provided text primarily details the life of Mahamantri Udayan. It's possible that Mantri Vimalshah's story is covered in another volume or that the title refers to Vimalshah's role in the era of Udayan, or perhaps Udayan's achievements are being highlighted within the context of a time when Vimalshah was also influential. However, based on the provided pages, the narrative extensively focuses on Udayan.

Part 2: Mahamantri Udayan

The story of Mahamantri Udayan begins with him as a young, impoverished man named Udo from Marwar (Marudhar). The region is described as a harsh, arid desert. Udo's family, originally Kshatriyas, had embraced Jainism through the teachings of Jain monks, shifting from martial professions to business. However, they had gradually fallen into poverty.

Udo, despite his humble circumstances and lack of resources, possessed great courage and ambition. He engaged in the ghee trade but struggled with financial management. One night, while on his rounds, he encountered mysterious individuals in a field and questioned them. They claimed to be "well-wishers" of the farmer. This led Udo to ponder if he too had well-wishers. He was told that such helpers could be found in Karnavati, Gujarat.

Driven by hope, Udo, accompanied by his wife and two children, journeyed to Karnavati. The city is depicted as prosperous and beautiful, filled with rivers, gardens, palaces, and tall towers, which filled Udo with wonder and awe. Feeling ashamed of his own ragged appearance in such a grand city, Udo, a devout Jain, visited a beautiful Jain temple. There, he was noticed by a devout Jain widow named Lachi.

Lachi recognized Udo's piety and his distressed state. Feeling a sense of religious duty, she offered him hospitality and some capital to start his business. With Lachi's help and his own inherent business acumen, Udo's trade flourished, and he soon became wealthy.

During the construction of a house, Udo discovered wealth in the foundation. Demonstrating his integrity, he returned the money to Lachi, asserting it was hers as it was found on her land. This act of honesty became widely known and further boosted his reputation and business success.

Udo's intelligence and success eventually led him to pursue a career in public service in Patan, the capital of Gujarat. He gained the attention of Queen Minnaldevi, known for her wisdom and ability to recognize talent. Udo became a minister, gaining prominence among the city's merchants.

Following the unexpected death of King Karna, Udayan (now referred to by his more formal name) supported Queen Minnaldevi during the minority of the young heir, Jayasingh. His intelligence and support helped navigate the political complexities of the regency.

Udayan's strategic brilliance was further showcased during a prolonged conflict with Ra'Khengar, the ruler of Sorath. Udayan successfully led the campaign, resulting in the subjugation of Sorath. This achievement earned him significant recognition and responsibilities, including the governorship of the important port of Khambhat.

During his time in Khambhat, Udayan encountered Acharya Devchand Suri, who entrusted him with the care of a young boy named Chang. The Acharya predicted that this child, if born in a Kshatriya family, would become a chakravarti king; in a Vaishya family, a minister; and if he embraced a specific path, a world-leading figure. Udayan later demonstrated remarkable generosity and wisdom when Chang's father demanded his son back. Udayan not only returned Chang but also gifted him generously, emphasizing the importance of contributing to the nation and the world. This child, Chang, is later revealed to be the future Acharya Hemchandrasuri.

Udayan remained a devoted follower of his king, Jayasingh. When Jayasingh's anger fell upon Kumarpal, Udayan's loyalty was tested. Initially, he advised Kumarpal to leave, not wanting to betray his king. However, when Acharya Hemchandrasuri declared that assisting Kumarpal was not disloyalty but national service and predicted Kumarpal would become a great king, Udayan provided him shelter.

Despite his past interactions with Kumarpal, when Kumarpal ascended the throne, he sought out Udayan, recognizing his value and the depth of their friendship. Udayan served Kumarpal, helping him establish his authority and spread Gujarat's fame across nine regions.

In his old age, around seventy, Udayan retired and settled in Karnavati. However, his peace was short-lived. When a rebellion in Sorath escalated, the 80-year-old Udayan was called upon again. He led the army with youthful vigor and strategic brilliance, even undertaking a pilgrimage to Shatrunjay before the battle.

During a fierce battle, when the Gujarati forces began to falter, Udayan personally led the charge, displaying exceptional bravery. Despite being wounded, he continued to fight, embodying the spirit of a true warrior. The text also includes a parable about a "veshdhari" (one in disguise) who, through his chosen role, garnered respect and recognition, highlighting that sometimes the roles we play can lead to profound personal growth and acceptance, even if misunderstood by others.

The book also shifts to a story about Hariyal Machhi (fisherman), emphasizing "Dhanya Ahinsa" (Blessed Non-violence). Hariyal, a poor fisherman, faced domestic strife and was stuck in his family's traditional profession. A monk advised him to practice jivdaya (compassion for living beings) and suggested a small vow: to release the first fish caught each day.

This simple vow brought about a miraculous change. The same fish he released kept getting caught again, prompting him to move locations. Through this practice, he encountered a princess, Vasantsri, who was fleeing an unwanted marriage. Hariyal, guided by his vow and newfound compassion, rescued her. This encounter led to a transformation in Hariyal. He became prosperous, virtuous, and eventually married Vasantsri, gaining respect and acceptance in society.

The story of Hariyal highlights how even a small adherence to non-violence can lead to immense blessings and opportunities. He eventually renounced worldly life, took vows, and attained liberation.

The book concludes by emphasizing the importance of non-violence and the profound impact it has on individuals and society. It underscores the Jain principle that compassion for all living beings is the root of Dharma and leads to happiness. The narratives of Udayan and Hariyal serve as powerful examples of integrity, perseverance, strategic thinking, and the ultimate triumph of virtuous conduct and non-violence.