Mithyatvadi Ka Pratikraman Katipay Prerak Prasang

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Mithyatvadi ka Pratikraman Katipay Prerak Prasang" by Shrimati Hukumkunvar Karnavat:

The article, published in the Jinavani on November 15-17, 2006, highlights the significance of Pratikraman, a process of introspection and repentance for past wrongdoings, through five inspiring examples of individuals who overcame different forms of spiritual obstacles. The author emphasizes that while many have performed Pratikraman, the spiritual practice of five types of Pratikraman is essential for the holistic development of the soul. These five are:

1. Pratikraman of Mithyatva (False Beliefs/Delusion):

   • Example: King Shrenik of Magadha.
   • Story: King Shrenik, while on a tour, encountered a young, serene monk in the Mandikuksh garden. Impressed, he offered the monk his patronage, believing he was offering protection. The monk, however, revealed his "orphanhood" was not due to lack of worldly support but the inability of his possessions and family to cure him of a severe eye ailment. He had vowed to become a monk if he recovered, which he did. This experience made King Shrenik realize that worldly possessions and relationships are temporary and cannot truly protect one. His false belief that royalty and worldly status were his true protectors was dispelled, and he repented his delusion (Mithyatva).

2. Pratikraman of Avrat (Vows/Non-restraint):

   • Example: King Pardeshi.
   • Story: King Pardeshi did not believe in the separation of the soul from the body. He kept many beings imprisoned, leading to their death without understanding their soul's departure. His charioteer, Chitta, sought help from Muni Keshi to guide the king. Muni Keshi met the king under the guise of inspecting horses. When the king asked if the Muni believed the soul and body were separate, the Muni explained that after death, the soul experiences the consequences of its karma in different realms. The king, disbelieving, argued that if his sinful grandfather were in hell, he would warn him. The Muni used analogies of a drum sound escaping a closed cave and fire entering an iron ball to illustrate that the soul's departure is not visually apparent. The king finally understood and became a follower of Jainism, practicing austerity and charity. Later, his queen Suryakanta poisoned him. He accepted it with equanimity, died, and was reborn as a celestial being, destined for liberation in Mahavideh. This signifies his repentance of non-restraint and his adherence to Jain principles.

3. Pratikraman of Pramad (Negligence/Lethargy):

   • Example: King Shailak.
   • Story: King Shailak of Shailakpuri renounced his kingdom and became a monk under the guidance of Muni Shuk. Along with his 500 ministers, he took vows. However, after recovering from an illness, he became negligent and deviated from the strict monastic code. His fellow monks, led by Muni Panthak, noticed his decline and departed, leaving Panthak to care for him. When Panthak approached Shailak for permission for a specific monastic ritual (Choumasi Pratikraman), Shailak, disturbed from his rest, initially reacted with annoyance. Panthak explained the situation and humbly requested permission. Realizing his error, Shailak repented his negligence (Pramad), renewed his commitment to monastic discipline, and began practicing with renewed vigor.

4. Pratikraman of Kashay (Kashayas - Anger, Pride, Deception, Greed):

   • Example: Chandakoushik the serpent.
   • Story: Lord Mahavir, enduring hardships, reached a forest inhabited by the venomous serpent Chandakoushik, who had killed thousands. Despite warnings, Mahavir approached the serpent's den. Chandakoushik attacked Mahavir, but his bite resulted in white blood, which tasted sweet to the serpent. Mahavir awakened Chandakoushik, urging him to attain enlightenment. Chandakoushik, remembering his past life as a monk, calmed down, repented his anger, and retreated into his den. The cowherds worshipped him with milk and sweets, attracting ants that damaged his body. However, Chandakoushik maintained equanimity. Due to these virtuous thoughts, he was reborn in the eighth heaven. This illustrates his repentance of anger and his attainment of equanimity.

5. Pratikraman of Ashubh Yoga (Inauspicious Activities/Thoughts):

   • Example: King Prasannachandra.
   • Story: King Prasannachandra of Potanpur became a monk under Lord Mahavir. While meditating, King Shrenik encountered him standing on one leg. Upon inquiry, Lord Mahavir initially stated that if the meditating monk were to die at that moment, he would go to the seventh hell. Later, he said the monk would attain the Sarvarthasiddha celestial realm. Shrenik was puzzled by the discrepancy. Lord Mahavir explained that earlier, the monk was engaged in a mental battle with an enemy, but after criticizing himself and repenting his lapse in concentration, he purified his mind. The reason for his mental turmoil was a conversation overheard from two generals. One spoke of the monk's merit, while the other pointed out the kingdom's vulnerability to invasion and the potential for his young son to be captured. This caused Prasannachandra to become agitated and mentally engage in warfare. When his mental weapons failed, he instinctively reached for his crown, only to remember his shaven head as a monk. He then repented his impure thoughts (Ashubh Yoga). Shortly after this repentance, Prasannachandra attained Kevalgyan (omniscience).

The article concludes by stating that even an individual who performs Pratikraman for just one of these five categories can achieve a successful life. However, one who diligently practices all five types of Pratikraman will undoubtedly lead a blessed and meaningful existence.