Mrugaputra Charitram - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Mrugaputra Charitram" based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Mrugaputra Charitram (The Life Story of Mrugaputra) Author: Shubhvardhan Gani Publisher/Translator: Pandit Shravak Hiralal Hansraj (from Jamnagar) Publication Year: 1931 (Samvat 1987)

Summary:

The "Mrugaputra Charitram" tells the story of Mrugaputra, a prince who, after witnessing the harsh realities of existence through past-life memories, renounces his worldly life to embrace Jain asceticism (Shraman). The text highlights the arduous nature of the ascetic path and the profound suffering endured in hellish existences.

Key Events and Themes:

The Prince's Life: The story begins by introducing King Balabhadra and his queen Mriga in the city of Sugrivanagar in Bharatkshetra. They have a son named Balashri, who is popularly known as Mrugaputra. Mrugaputra is depicted as a beloved prince, enjoying royal pleasures with his companions.
The Encounter and Awakening: One day, while looking out from a balcony, Mrugaputra observes a monk who is lean due to rigorous penance. This sight triggers a profound realization within him. He feels a sense of having seen such a form before.
Recollection of Past Lives: This encounter leads to Mrugaputra experiencing Jatismaran Gyan (the knowledge of past lives). He vividly recalls his previous existence where he was a god and the various pleasures he enjoyed.
The Recollection of Hellish Torments: Crucially, Mrugaputra's past life memories extend to terrifying experiences in hell. He recounts in graphic detail the immense suffering endured through countless births and deaths across the four realms of existence. He remembers being subjected to:
- Extreme heat and cold.
- Being cooked in cauldrons, hung upside down, and burnt in flames.
- Being dismembered, cut, and ground into pieces by various torturous instruments and beings.
- Being impaled by sharp objects.
- Being fed on his own flesh and blood.
- Being forced to embrace burning iron pillars due to past lustful actions.
- Being subjected to the horrors of the Vaitarani river and the thorny forest of Asipatra.
- He describes being subjected to immense physical pain, hunger, thirst, and the torment of harsh words, imprisonment, and death.
The Decision to Renounce: Filled with remorse and a deep understanding of the impermanence and suffering inherent in worldly life, Mrugaputra resolves to renounce his royal life and embrace Shraman (asceticism) to achieve liberation.
Parental Concern and the "Deer's Path" (Mrigacharya): Mrugaputra conveys his decision to his parents. They express their concerns about the extreme difficulty and hardship of the ascetic life. They highlight the rigorous vows, the need for equanimity towards all beings, the challenges of speaking truthfully and without harm, abstaining from stealing even a blade of grass, and maintaining chastity. They explain the immense difficulties in practicing the five great vows, renouncing possessions, enduring austerities, and the general arduousness of the path.
Mrugaputra's Justification and the Analogy of the Deer: Mrugaputra, however, is resolute. He justifies his choice by drawing an analogy with a deer in the forest. He argues that a deer lives independently, finds its own sustenance (grass and water), and does not rely on others for care or medicine when it falls ill. He proposes to adopt a similar "deer's path" (Mrigacharya) in his spiritual practice – living independently, wandering for alms, and not being a burden on householders or anyone else. He assures his parents that he will not criticize or disrespect anyone in his spiritual journey.
Parental Acceptance and Departure: Recognizing the depth of his resolve and the sincerity of his understanding, Mrugaputra's parents grant him permission to undertake the ascetic path. Mrugaputra then renounces all his external and internal possessions and embraces Shraman and the "deer's path."
Liberation: By diligently practicing the ascetic vows and renouncing his karma, Mrugaputra achieves liberation (moksha), attaining the eternal and blissful state.

Overall Message:

The "Mrugaputra Charitram" serves as a powerful illustration of the Jain principles of non-attachment (vairagya), the law of karma, the suffering inherent in worldly existence and hellish states, and the ultimate path to liberation through rigorous asceticism. It emphasizes that a deep understanding of past actions and their consequences is crucial for motivating one towards spiritual liberation. The story also highlights the importance of self-reliance and non-dependence in the spiritual journey, as exemplified by the "deer's path."