Matrubhakta Mahavir - Book Summary

Here is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Matrubhakta Mahavir" by Munishree Jinchandraji, based on the provided pages:

The book "Matrubhakta Mahavir" (Devoted to Mother Mahavir) by Munishree Jinchandraji, published by Prerna Prakashan Trust, is a discourse that delves into the concept of parental devotion, particularly focusing on Bhagwan Mahavir's reverence for his mother, Trishla. The text is presented as a series of sermons or discourses given by Munishree Jinchandraji.

Core Themes and Content:

The book is divided into two main sections:

Children's Duty towards Parents: This section explores the filial piety that children should cultivate towards their benevolent parents.
Parents' Duties towards Children: This section discusses the responsibilities of parents, emphasizing how they should impart a legacy of values and upbringing.

Key Arguments and Insights:

Jainism and God: A significant portion of the book addresses a common misconception that Jains are atheists. Munishree Jinchandraji argues that Jainism is not atheistic but rather has a distinct understanding of God. Jains believe in the concept of Paramatma (Supreme Soul) or God, but they don't subscribe to a creator God in the Abrahamic sense. Instead, any soul that achieves perfection through diligent practice and self-realization can become a Paramatma.
- Bahir-atma, Antar-atma, Param-atma: The text explains the three stages of the soul:
  - Bahir-atma: An soul engrossed in external worldly affairs, senses, and material attachments.
  - Antar-atma: A soul that turns inward, realizing its true nature is separate from the body, and begins to cultivate inner qualities.
  - Param-atma: A soul that has transcended all karmic bonds and achieved its pure, perfect form.
- Arihant and Siddha: These are presented as two forms of Paramatma. Siddhas are souls that have become disembodied and achieved liberation, while Arihants are liberated souls who still reside in a physical body, often those who have attained omniscience and are also Tirthankaras.
- God as a Guide, Not Creator: Jainism views God not as a creator of the universe but as a guide and preacher who shows the path to liberation. The focus is on self-effort and spiritual discipline to achieve perfection.
The Power of Compassion (Karuna): A central attribute of Arihants and Tirthankaras is their profound compassion for all living beings. This compassion is the driving force behind their desire to establish the Jain Dharma and guide others to happiness.
- Tirthankara's Vow: The text highlights that a Tirthankara is born from an intense desire to liberate all souls from suffering and make them devoted to the Dharma. This dedication to the welfare of others, stemming from immense compassion, is the key to becoming a Tirthankara.
The True Legacy for Children: Parents are urged to pass on not just material wealth but also spiritual and moral values (sanskaras) to their children. True happiness, the book emphasizes, comes from spiritual realization (Dharma), not material possessions alone. Wealth can provide comfort but not the experience of happiness.
Bhagwan Mahavir's Maternal Devotion (Matrubhakti): The book details an anecdote from Mahavir's life in the womb. Foreseeing the immense love his parents would have for him and the pain his renunciation would cause them, Mahavir (even before birth) made a vow not to renounce the world while his parents were alive. This illustrates a profound respect for parental feelings, even in the face of his own spiritual calling.
- The Decision to Marry: When his parents arranged his marriage to Yashoda, Mahavir, remembering his vow, agreed. This decision, while seemingly mundane, is presented as an act of utmost respect and love for his mother, Trishla.
- The Importance of Parental Gratitude: The text strongly advocates for remembering and honoring parental sacrifices and love. It criticizes the modern tendency to neglect parents, especially in old age, and urges children to prioritize their parents' emotional well-being above all else.
- The Analogy of Orphanages: The author uses his personal experiences visiting orphanages to powerfully illustrate the immense sacrifices parents make for their children. He emphasizes that children who question "What have my parents done for me?" are ungrateful and fail to recognize the immeasurable love and care they received.
Setting an Example for Children: The book stresses that parents must be role models. If parents disrespect their own parents, their children will likely follow suit. The importance of instilling Jain values, diet (vegetarianism), and philosophy in children from an early age is underscored. An anecdote about a doctor whose daughter questioned her faith in Bhagwan Mahavir due to her Christian education highlights the critical need for parents to actively impart religious and cultural values.
The True Meaning of Religion: The essence of religion lies in compassion, gratitude, and righteous conduct, particularly towards parents. Without these foundational values, external religious practices are deemed meaningless.

Overall Message:

"Matrubhakta Mahavir" is a call to action, urging readers to reflect on their relationship with their parents and to cultivate a deep sense of gratitude and devotion. It presents Bhagwan Mahavir as an ideal figure who embodied both spiritual attainment and profound respect for his mother. The book encourages readers to pass on these values to their children, ensuring that true happiness and spiritual progress are achieved through adherence to Dharma and filial duty. The author's heartfelt expression of concern for the erosion of cultural values in modern society, especially among the diaspora, is evident throughout the text.