Naye Mandir Naye Pujari

Here is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Naye Mandir Naye Pujari" by Muni Sukhlal, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Naye Mandir Naye Pujari (New Temples, New Priests) Author: Muni Sukhlal Publisher: Akhil Bharatiya Terapanth Yuvak Parishad Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/003159/1

Overview:

"Naye Mandir Naye Pujari" is a collection of short stories by Muni Sukhlal. The book reflects on various aspects of life, human nature, societal issues, and spiritual principles, often through allegorical narratives. The author's introduction highlights his early inspiration from Acharya Shri Tulsi and his journey in literature. He aims to bridge the gap between traditional storytelling that relied on events and miracles, and modern storytelling that incorporates psychological depth, as stories are now primarily read rather than heard. The book explores themes of morality, social injustice, personal responsibility, and the search for truth and meaning in life.

Key Themes and Story Summaries:

The book is divided into 26 stories, each offering a distinct perspective. Here's a summary of some of the stories presented in the provided pages:

1. संकेतों की भाषा (The Language of Signs):

   • This story depicts a devastating flood that engulfs a village, highlighting the power of nature and the helplessness of humanity.
   • It contrasts the natural disaster with human reactions: initial denial, attempts to appease deities through rituals, and ultimately, the desperate struggle for survival and realization of past wrongdoings.
   • A significant element is a pigeon that enters a room where people are seeking refuge. The pigeon's seemingly symbolic behavior (falling at someone's feet, regaining consciousness after warmth) is interpreted as a divine sign, leading to their timely escape just before the house collapses. The story emphasizes the importance of subtle signs and intuition in critical moments.

2. रिसते घाव (Bleeding Wounds):

   • This story portrays the plight of a tonga (horse-cart) driver, highlighting the struggles of a common man against authority and poverty.
   • The tonga driver is harassed by police for overloading his cart and for the horse's worn-out condition. The story exposes the corruption and insensitivity of officials who demand bribes and lack empathy for the driver's desperate situation to earn a livelihood.
   • The story ends with the driver's horse being impounded and the driver himself facing legal consequences, drawing a parallel between the horse's physical wounds and the man's emotional and financial wounds, symbolizing the exploitation of the vulnerable.

3. भूल (Mistake):

   • This story illustrates how misunderstandings and childish arguments can lead to serious consequences, particularly within families.
   • Two children, Madhuri and Mahesh, argue over a rose flower. Mahesh falsely accuses Madhuri of picking it when their mother questions its absence. This leads to Madhuri being wrongly punished.
   • Later, Madhuri, seeking revenge, falsely accuses Mahesh of stealing money. This escalates the conflict, causing distress to all family members.
   • The climax reveals that the flower was picked by a neighbor and the money was misplaced by the father. The story highlights the impact of childhood misunderstandings, the importance of truthfulness, and the emotional turmoil that follows false accusations and punishments.

4. कमीशन (Commission):

   • This story critically examines systemic corruption and the way it permeates all levels of society, from railway workers to police.
   • The narrator observes teenage girls and older women collecting discarded coal from train engines. Initially, he sympathizes with their poverty, but he later witnesses a transaction where a railway worker receives money from the women, revealing a "commission" system.
   • This practice is further exposed when police, after initially apprehending the women, become complicit, accepting bribes and engaging in clandestine dealings. The story suggests that corruption is deeply entrenched, starting from the top officials down to the lowest ranks, and the poor are often caught in its web.

5. दूसरा पहलू (The Other Side):

   • This story contrasts the traditional values represented by an elder generation with the modern, often indulgent, lifestyles of the younger generation.
   • Seth Heeraram criticizes his son Ramesh and daughter-in-law for their laziness and lack of responsibility. He reminisces about the hardships and discipline of his own youth, contrasting it with the perceived idleness of the younger generation.
   • A chance encounter with an uneducated potter who finds joy and meaning in his simple life, and whose relationship with his son is based on mutual respect and shared happiness, deeply impacts Seth Heeraram.
   • This realization prompts Seth Heeraram to change his perspective, leading him to offer his son and daughter-in-law a trip to Kashmir, prioritizing their happiness and well-being over his traditional expectations.

6. तीसरा अपराध (The Third Crime):

   • This narrative delves into the concept of "crimes" of omission and commission, particularly in the context of societal negligence and the blurred lines of responsibility.
   • The story begins with an accident where a cyclist knocks down a child. The cyclist flees, and the narrator, after an initial attempt to help, witnesses a chain of events involving other cyclists, police involvement, and a revelation that the fleeing cyclist is the narrator's own cousin.
   • The story explores themes of societal apathy, the flawed justice system, and the personal dilemma of confronting a relative's wrongdoing. It questions whether escaping responsibility or failing to act against injustice constitutes a crime.

7. बचत की आदत (The Habit of Saving):

   • This story highlights the contrast between prudence and extravagance through the lives of two families from the same village.
   • Pusaram, a carpenter, visits his son Hariram in Bombay, who is a skilled craftsman and earns a good living. Pusaram's own life has been marked by an inability to save, exemplified by his lavish spending on his father's death anniversary rituals, which put him in debt.
   • He contrasts this with his neighbor, Seth Mayaram, whose son Kamal Kumar, despite his wealth, instills a sense of saving and responsibility in his children. Seth Mayaram expresses concern about his grandchildren's wasteful habits, while appreciating Hariram's diligent saving.
   • The story emphasizes the long-term benefits of saving and the potential pitfalls of excessive spending, suggesting that true wealth lies not just in earning but in prudent management.

8. अनुकरण (Imitation):

   • This story focuses on the theme of imitation and its impact on a child's development, particularly in a patriarchal society where girls are often undervalued.
   • Kamala, the cherished daughter in a family, receives immense love and attention, breaking traditional gender norms. Her presence is seen as auspicious, bringing prosperity to the family.
   • Despite her pampered upbringing, Kamala exhibits a strong sense of observation and a nascent understanding of the world around her.
   • A pivotal moment occurs when Kamala, attempting to imitate adults, locks herself in a bathroom, leading to a frightening situation for her and her mother. The story explores how children learn through imitation and the potential dangers of uncontrolled imitation without proper guidance.

9. नए मंदिर : नये पुजारी (New Temples, New Priests):

   • This story uses the metaphor of electricity reaching rural Rajasthan to discuss the changing landscape of worship and the new "priests" of the modern era.
   • The arrival of electricity replaces traditional forms of worship (Varuna, Indra) with mechanical systems. The story points out that powerhouses and other infrastructure are becoming the new "temples," and the people who manage them are the new "priests."
   • A wealthy businessman, Seth Chimniram, arrives for his daughter's wedding and celebrates with lavish decorations powered by electricity. However, he neglects the "prasad" or offering expected by the power house official.
   • When the electricity fails during the wedding feast, causing chaos and disruption, Seth Chimniram realizes the importance of appeasing these new "deities" and understands that modern worship involves appeasing those in control of essential services, highlighting the materialistic shift in devotion.

10. बन्धन और मुक्ति (Bondage and Liberation):

    • This allegorical story uses the imagery of two young pigeons caught in a net to explore the themes of bondage, struggle, and the nature of liberation.
    • The young pigeons, lured by grain, fall into a trap set by a bird-catcher. Their parents are unable to help them, witnessing their struggle and eventual capture.
    • The bird-catcher reveals that he is catching pigeons for a public ceremony to mark the country's 50th anniversary of independence, where they will be released.
    • The narrator observes the pigeons' struggle for freedom and the bird-catcher's seemingly contradictory actions, questioning the true meaning of liberation and whether freedom is granted or earned.

11. सीमा-विवाद (Border Dispute):

    • This story uses the territorial dispute between dogs in a neighborhood to comment on human conflicts, including political ones like the Vietnam War.
    • The narrator and his friend are engrossed in a heated debate about the Vietnam War when they hear a puppy yelping. They discover that a group of larger dogs are attacking a smaller, weaker puppy.
    • The story delves into the territorial nature of dogs, their instinctive fight for dominance, and how this mirrors human conflicts driven by ego and perceived rights.
    • The narrator's friend explains that the puppy was attacked because it strayed into another pack's territory. The story uses this simple event to draw parallels with larger human conflicts, suggesting that even seemingly petty disputes can escalate due to territoriality and the desire for control.

12. सभ्यता के दावेदार (Claimants of Civilization):

    • This story contrasts the perceived "civilization" of urban dwellers with the seemingly "primitive" yet deeply connected life of rural villagers.
    • The narrator and his companions encounter a group of tribal children in a picturesque valley. The narrator initially feels pity for their simple lifestyle, unaware of their profound connection to nature.
    • When asked about "cinema," the children describe their natural surroundings – the changing skies, mountains, and animals – as their true cinema. They also offer milk from their herds for the visitors' tea, showcasing their generosity and hospitality.
    • The story challenges the conventional definition of civilization, suggesting that true richness lies in one's connection to nature, community, and inner values, rather than material possessions or technological advancements.

13. अन्याय का पैसा (Money of Injustice):

    • This story critiques the exploitative practices of moneylenders and the societal impact of their greed, juxtaposed with the integrity of a poor farmer.
    • A farmer, Kishan, owing a debt accrued over generations from a moneylender, Seth Karorimal, comes to repay his dues after a prosperous harvest.
    • Despite his poverty, Kishan is determined to clear his father's debt. Seth Karorimal, initially dismissive, finds a way to exploit the situation by exaggerating the debt and claiming ownership of the farmer's livestock and belongings.
    • The story culminates with Kishan, disillusioned by the moneylender's unfairness, performing a symbolic act of blowing ash from his hand, wishing that the moneylender's unjust wealth would similarly vanish, foreshadowing the potential downfall of ill-gotten gains.

14. प्रतिक्रिया (Reaction):

    • This story explores the chain of events leading to a murder, highlighting how personal vendettas, financial disputes, and societal pressures can escalate to violence.
    • The narrator, a shopkeeper, witnesses a theft at a neighboring jewelry store and hears about the murder of the landlord's son.
    • He recalls a past incident involving a customer, Diler Singh, who bought jewelry on credit and whose wife was admired by the landlord's son, Ramakant. Ramakant's interest in Diler Singh's wife and his attempts to extort money from him are revealed.
    • The story suggests that Diler Singh, feeling wronged and provoked, may have been the perpetrator of both the theft and the murder, driven by a desire for revenge against the exploitative landlord's family.

15. पुनरावृत्ति (Repetition):

    • This story is a poignant reflection on loss, guilt, and the enduring impact of past events.
    • The narrator returns to Rajsamand, a place he visited annually with his wife, Achala, and son, Devdutt. He is haunted by the memory of Devdutt's drowning in the lake twenty years ago, an event he feels partly responsible for.
    • The narrator's wife had tried to prevent Devdutt from swimming in the lake, fearing for his safety, but the narrator, dismissive of her concerns, encouraged his son to go.
    • The story highlights the cyclical nature of grief and the way certain places can trigger painful memories, emphasizing the weight of unspoken regrets and the enduring power of maternal intuition.

16. परिवर्तन (Change):

    • This story examines the cycle of addiction and its intergenerational impact, as well as the possibility of redemption.
    • The narrator encounters a child at a liquor store, which triggers memories of his own childhood and his alcoholic father. He recounts how his father's addiction led to poverty, his own forced labor at a young age, and his subsequent descent into alcoholism and crime.
    • A turning point comes with his father's death and his mother's plea for change. The narrator manages to break free from his destructive lifestyle, eventually opening his own liquor shop.
    • The story concludes with the narrator's reflection on the pervasive nature of addiction and the crucial role of maternal guidance in overcoming it, questioning whether societal influences make change possible or inevitable.

17. कानून की मौत (The Death of Law):

    • This story criticizes the systemic corruption and breakdown of law and order, using a dialogue between four friends and a police officer.
    • The friends discuss instances of corruption in the railway system and the government, highlighting how petty thefts by the poor are punished, while larger scams by the wealthy go unaddressed.
    • The police officer defends the poor, arguing that their actions are often driven by desperation and that the real culprits are the corrupt officials and businessmen who exploit them.
    • The discussion reveals a deep disillusionment with the legal system and a belief that true change requires a transformation of public conscience rather than just stricter laws. The story ends with a bleak foreshadowing of the death of law itself.

18. बासी टुकड़ों का पुण्य (The Merit of Stale Morsels):

    • This allegorical story uses the act of feeding dogs to explore themes of compassion, self-interest, and the distribution of resources.
    • The narrator observes a woman distributing stale bread to stray dogs. He notes the dogs' eagerness and the hierarchy among them, with stronger dogs getting the better portions.
    • The story questions the motivation behind such acts of charity, suggesting that while it may appear compassionate, it often reinforces existing power structures and fails to address the root causes of suffering.
    • The narrator reflects on the inherent selfishness in all beings, including humans, and the difficulty of achieving true altruism.

19. विवशता (Helplessness):

    • This story highlights the struggle of a village to build a temple and the clash between community spirit and individual greed.
    • The villagers, inspired by the prosperity brought by electricity, decide to build a temple. They face the challenge of raising funds, with their attention turning to Seth Dhansukh, a wealthy but self-serving individual.
    • Seth Dhansukh agrees to contribute but insists on having his name prominently displayed on the temple, seeking personal glory. The village committee struggles with this demand, as they believe the temple should be dedicated to God, not individual donors.
    • The story portrays the ethical dilemma faced by the community and the financial challenges of realizing their vision when faced with the self-serving interests of the wealthy.

20. गरीबी हटाओ (Remove Poverty):

    • This story exposes the hypocrisy and corruption involved in government welfare schemes, using the example of a loan program for farmers.
    • A poor farmer, Kishan, needs money for a religious ceremony and offers his silver bangles as collateral to Seth Chandulal, a moneylender.
    • Seth Chandulal, who is also the village sarpanch, devises a plan to exploit Kishan by taking a government loan in Kishan's name for the purchase of oxen. He promises to manage the loan repayments, while secretly intending to profit from the transaction.
    • The story culminates in Kishan's eviction from his home due to the defaulted loan, revealing how government schemes meant to alleviate poverty can be manipulated by the corrupt for personal gain, leaving the poor even more vulnerable.

21. हिंसा की तस्वीर : अहिंसा का फ्रेम (Picture of Violence: Frame of Non-violence):

    • This story critiques the superficial adherence to spiritual values by the wealthy while their actions often contradict these ideals.
    • The narrator is a guest in the opulent home of a wealthy businessman. He notices statues of Buddha and Gandhi, symbols of peace and non-violence, displayed alongside religious artifacts.
    • He witnesses a maid brutally shoving an elderly woman selling chalk powder, causing her to fall. The narrator is disturbed by this act of violence, especially in a home that outwardly professes non-violence.
    • The narrator's reflection on the juxtaposition of these symbols and the maid's cruel behavior leads him to question the sincerity of such displays of spirituality when underlying actions remain violent and insensitive.

22. सार्वजनिक जीवन (Public Life):

    • This story highlights the challenges and compromises involved in public service, using the example of a dedicated headmaster trying to improve a school.
    • The headmaster faces resistance from the sarpanch and a wealthy Seth who are suspicious of his intentions and try to hinder his efforts to raise funds for school improvements.
    • Despite their attempts to discredit him, the headmaster's integrity and dedication eventually win over the villagers. He even sacrifices his wife's jewelry to cover a shortfall in funds, demonstrating his unwavering commitment.
    • The story celebrates the power of integrity and perseverance in the face of corruption and skepticism, ultimately leading to positive change in the community.

23. मा फलेषु कदाचन (Never in the Fruits):

    • This philosophical story explores the concept of karma and the unpredictable nature of results, using an encounter with a snake.
    • The narrator, after a discussion about karma with his friend Santosh, experiences a close encounter with a snake. He is deeply affected by the experience, realizing that actions don't always yield predictable or desired outcomes.
    • He witnesses a young woman who, despite his warning, provokes the snake and is bitten. The narrator reflects on the role of fate, free will, and the complex interconnectedness of actions and consequences.
    • The story emphasizes that judging actions solely by their immediate results is flawed, as the true measure of karma lies in the intention behind the action.

24. आम और प्रांस (Mango and Tears):

    • This story illustrates the stark contrast between wealth and poverty, and the differing perspectives on what constitutes a valuable life.
    • The narrator encounters a boy wearing a diamond ring, initially assuming the boy's family is wealthy. He attempts to warn the boy's elder brother about the ring's value and the potential risks.
    • However, he learns that the ring was pawned by someone else and is not actually owned by the family. The story highlights the superficiality of judging people by their possessions and the subtle nuances of societal interactions. It underscores the idea that true value lies not in material wealth but in human connection and integrity.

25. एक पत्थर - एक आदमी (One Stone - One Man):

    • This story reflects on the value of human life and the profound impact of small acts of kindness, using the analogy of a stone.
    • The narrator reflects on a past incident where his friend, Prabhat, helped a poor family sell a valuable diamond ring that had been mistakenly given to them. Prabhat's genuine concern and effort, despite not expecting any personal gain, deeply moved the narrator.
    • The story emphasizes that human actions, like a stone cast into water, create ripples that extend far beyond the immediate impact. It suggests that true value lies in contributing to the well-being of others, even through seemingly small gestures.

26. ताबूत (Coffin):

    • This story serves as a cautionary tale about the destructive nature of greed and the consequences of exploiting the vulnerable.
    • Seth Dhaniram, a usurious moneylender, thrives by lending money at exorbitant interest rates, trapping his clients in a cycle of debt. He considers his business "non-violent" as it doesn't involve physical harm.
    • His cruel practices lead to the ruin of a carpenter named Heera, who is forced to give up his painstakingly crafted wooden box to cover his father's debt.
    • Tragically, Seth Dhaniram's own grandchildren die inside the very box they were playing with, symbolizing the grim consequences of greed and the karmic repercussions of exploiting others. The story serves as a powerful warning against the destructive cycle of avarice.

Overall Message:

"Naye Mandir Naye Pujari" by Muni Sukhlal offers a collection of thought-provoking stories that encourage readers to reflect on their own lives, values, and societal responsibilities. Through relatable characters and insightful narratives, the book explores the complexities of human nature, the impact of societal structures, and the importance of ethical conduct, compassion, and spiritual awareness. It suggests that true temples and priests are not just physical structures or ordained individuals, but the principles of truth, non-violence, and compassion that guide human actions and foster a more just and meaningful existence.