Prabhu Veer Evam Upsarga

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Prabhu Veer evam Upsarga" by Shreyansprabhsuri, published by Smruti Mandir Prakashan, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Prabhu Veer evam Upsarga (Lord Veer and Afflictions/Ordeals) Author: Poojya Acharya Shri Vijay Shreyansprabhsuri Maharaj Publisher: Shri Smruti Mandir Prakashan, Ahmedabad Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/002241/1

Overall Theme: The book, "Prabhu Veer evam Upsarga," is a compilation of discourses by the renowned Jain preacher, Poojya Acharya Shri Vijay Shreyansprabhsuri Maharaj. It focuses on the life and teachings of Lord Mahavir Swami, the 24th Tirthankar of Jainism, with a particular emphasis on the "upsargas" (afflictions, ordeals, or challenges) faced by him throughout his life, especially during his final incarnation. The text aims to draw inspiration and guidance from Lord Mahavir's unwavering equanimity and strength in the face of adversity.

Key Content and Structure:

• Introduction and Publisher's Note (Pages 1-10):

  • The initial pages introduce the book and the prolific preacher, highlighting the publication of these discourses as part of the "Muktikiran Hindi Granthmala."
  • The publisher expresses gratitude for the support and inspiration received, dedicating the book in memory of Paramshraddhey, Suvishal Gachhadhipati Poojya Acharya Shri Vijay Hembhushansurishwarji Maharaj.
  • The text explains that "Prabhu Veer evam Upsarga" is a collection of lectures originally delivered in Gujarati as "Prabhu Veer ane Upsargo." These were published in the "Muktikiran" fortnightly and are now presented in Hindi.
  • The book covers a span of 27 lives of Lord Mahavir, from his Naysar incarnation where he attained Samyakdarsan (right faith), his final life, and specifically details the "twenty upsargas" faced by Lord Mahavir during one night with Sangam Dev.
  • The introduction emphasizes the profoundness of Tirthankar's lives and how they serve as an ultimate ideal for all beings, highlighting Lord Mahavir's exceptional patience and forbearance, as illustrated by his reaction to suffering compared to Lord Rama.
  • The text pays homage to the lineage of Jain Acharyas, tracing the spiritual succession leading to Acharya Shri Vijay Shreyansprabhsuri Maharaj.

• Lord Mahavir's Character and Purpose (Pages 11-18):

  • Why Lord Mahavir's Biography? (Page 13): The text argues that the human life is rare and precious, and the ultimate human endeavor is to practice Dharma. Lord Mahavir is presented as the propagator of the current Dharma and his biography is the most logical subject of study.
  • Essence of Lord Mahavir's Life (Pages 14-16): The text briefly outlines Lord Mahavir's journey through various lives, emphasizing his attainment of Samyakdarsan in the life of Naysar, his subsequent lives as a dev, a Tirthankar, and his overcoming of numerous hardships (parishaha and upsargas). It highlights that these lives, though arduous, led to the ultimate attainment of liberation.
  • The Ideal of Lord Mahavir's Life (Page 17): Lord Mahavir's life is described as a source of inspiration that can purify even the most tainted minds. His final incarnation is presented as an ideal, with his 12.5 years of ascetic practice and the endurance of afflictions being particularly inspiring.
  • Lord Mahavir's Superiority (Page 17): The text asserts that no one is as benevolent and knowledgeable as the Arihant Parmatmas. Lord Mahavir is presented as an immediate benefactor who earned Tirthankar Namkarma for the welfare of all beings.
  • Recognizing the Lord: The text explains that recognizing the Lord involves understanding His form (statues) and His character (life story).
  • Vanquishing Attachment and Aversion (Page 18): Even in his pre-ascetic state, Lord Mahavir demonstrated mastery over attachment and aversion, as exemplified by his reaction to Indra's suggestion of marriage.

• The Path to Samyakdarsan and Past Lives (Pages 18-30):

  • The Journey to Samyakdarsan (Pages 18-20): The text discusses the long journey of souls through various forms of existence, including the initial state of Nigod. It explains that with the grace of time, strength, and merit, souls attain the potential for "Bhavyatva" and the weakening of "Mithyatva" (delusion), leading to the attainment of Samyakdarsan. The role of virtuous Gurus and favorable circumstances is also highlighted.
  • Naysar's Life (Pages 20-26): This section details the life of Naysar, a village chief, whose mother instilled in him the importance of virtue and prudence. Despite not being born into a Jain family, Naysar's innate qualities and his mother's teachings led him to develop a profound sense of Dharma. His commitment to feeding guests before himself, even venturing into the forest to find them, is presented as a key event. His encounter with monks and his devotion to them are described, culminating in his gaining Samyakdarsan. The text emphasizes Naysar's humility and his transformation after gaining right faith.
  • Mareechi's Life (Pages 28-35): This section recounts the life of Mareechi, Lord Mahavir's third past life. Born as the son of Bharat Chakravarti, Mareechi renounced the world and became an ascetic under Lord Rishabhdev. He achieved great knowledge and asceticism but eventually succumbed to the heat of summer, leading to a change in his attire and a deviation from strict adherence to the faith, becoming a "Tridandi" (adhering to three vows/principles with a different interpretation). This life illustrates how even great ascetics can falter due to mental weakness and attachment, leading to the loss of Samyakdarsan and the accumulation of negative karma. The text details Mareechi's transformation and his eventual rebirth in the Brahmalok.
  • Vishvabhuti's Life (Pages 35-38): This life describes Vishvabhuti, a prince who was forced to navigate complex family and court politics, including his mother's jealousy and his father's dilemma. His experience of being denied entry to a garden due to his brother's presence and his subsequent reflection on the impermanence of worldly attachments are highlighted. This led him to seek spiritual guidance and renounce the world.
  • Vishvabhuti's Asceticism and Nirodh (Pages 38-43): This section further details Vishvabhuti's ascetic practices, his attainment of equanimity, and his eventual fall due to anger and the creation of a new doctrine, leading to the loss of Samyakdarsan and rebirth in the Brahmalok. The text emphasizes how even great ascetics can fall due to intense emotions like anger, leading to significant karmic consequences.
  • Tripṛṣṭha Vasudeva's Life (Pages 43-48): This life describes the events of Tripṛṣṭha Vasudeva, who, due to past karma (especially the desire to be exceptionally powerful), was born with a cruel and dominant nature. His life was marked by significant transgressions, including incestuous behavior and violence. Despite encountering spiritual teachings and experiencing the consequences of his actions (including rebirth in a lower hell), he continued to falter.
  • Nandan Rajarshi's Life (Pages 48-57): This life highlights Nandan, a prince who, after a long period of household life, renounced worldly pleasures and embraced asceticism. He attained great knowledge and performed intense austerities. Crucially, in this life, he performed the "Visthānaka" (Twenty Virtues) practice and earned the Tirthankar Namkarma, the merit that leads to becoming a Tirthankar in a future life. The text emphasizes the importance of intention and the meticulous practice of virtues.
  • The Journey to the Heavenly Realm (Pages 57-58): After completing his vows and earning Tirthankar Namkarma, Nandan Rajarshi was reborn in the Brahmalok as a divine being.
  • The Descent and Birth of Lord Mahavir (Pages 58-63): This section details the celestial beings' request for Lord Mahavir to descend to earth and establish the Dharma. It describes the conception in the womb of Queen Trishala, the auspicious dreams, and the subsequent transfer of the embryo from Devananda to Trishala. The birth of Lord Mahavir, his divine radiance, and the joyous celebrations by the gods are depicted.
  • Lord Mahavir's Renunciation and Early Asceticism (Pages 63-65): The text describes Lord Mahavir's decision to renounce the world after his parents' passing. Despite his brother Nandivardhan's pleas, he eventually received permission to depart. His year of ascetic practice in worldly attire, his immense charity (Varshi Daan), and the auspiciousness of this period are highlighted.
  • The Auspicious Occasion of Renunciation (Pages 65-68): The divine blessings and the grand procession for Lord Mahavir's initiation are described. His self-purification, shedding of worldly adornments, and attainment of the fourth type of knowledge (Manahparyaya Gyan) are mentioned.

• The Ordeals (Upsargas) of Lord Mahavir (Pages 68-88):

  • The Onset of Afflictions (Pages 68-73): The text states that from the day of his initiation, Lord Mahavir faced numerous challenges. It specifically mentions the "Goowaliya" (cowherd) as a significant source of his trials. The text categorizes the ordeals into mild, moderate, and severe.
  • Sangam Dev's Afflictions (Pages 73-88): This is the most detailed part, focusing on the twenty specific afflictions inflicted by Sangam Dev in a single night.
    • Sangam Dev's Envy: Sangam Dev, an unenlightened being, becomes envious of Lord Mahavir's virtues and the praise he receives from Indra and other celestial beings.
    • The Twenty Ordeals: The text vividly describes each of the twenty ordeals, which include:
      • A storm of dust.
      • An onslaught of ants with diamond-hard mouths.
      • A swarm of biting insects.
      • Small creatures (Dheemal).
      • A herd of scorpions.
      • A group of mongooses.
      • Serpents covering his body.
      • A fierce lion.
      • Elephants and she-elephants.
      • Demons (Pishach).
      • A lion with sharp teeth.
      • The manifestation of his parents (Siddharth and Trishala) lamenting and pleading with him to return.
      • Sangam Dev attempting to cook by making a fire between Lord Mahavir's feet.
      • Chandalas hanging birdcages around him, with birds pecking at his flesh.
      • A strong gust of wind igniting his meditative fire.
      • The presentation of divine celestial maidens (Apsaras) to tempt him.
      • Sangam Dev's own attempts to lure him with celestial pleasures or liberation.
    • Lord Mahavir's Steadfastness: Throughout these severe trials, Lord Mahavir remains completely undisturbed, unperturbed, and steadfast in his meditation and vows. His body, though physically affected, remains spiritually unaffected.
    • Sangam Dev's Defeat and Ignominy: Sangam Dev, unable to move Lord Mahavir even with his most potent illusions and attacks, is ultimately defeated. He is reprimanded by Indra and expelled from the celestial realm, facing humiliation and further karmic consequences.
  • The Significance of Endurance: The text consistently emphasizes that Lord Mahavir's ability to endure these afflictions is a testament to his profound equanimity, detachment, and the strength of his spiritual practice. It highlights that suffering is a consequence of karma, and by facing it with equanimity, one can exhaust karmic accounts and move towards liberation.

• Lord Mahavir's Enlightenment and Nirvana (Pages 75-76):

  • Attainment of Keval Gyan: After enduring these trials, Lord Mahavir attains Keval Gyan (omniscience) on the banks of the Rijukula river.
  • Establishment of the Jain Order: The text describes the divine assembly (Samavasaran), the teachings, and the conversion of souls, including the establishment of the Ganadhar lineage.
  • Final Years and Nirvana: It mentions Lord Mahavir's 30 years of omniscient wandering and his final Chaturmas in Apapapuri. His Nirvana on the night of Kartik Krishna Amavasya, followed by the divine celebrations of Deepavali, is described. The text concludes with the passing of Gautam Swami, Lord Mahavir's chief disciple, into omniscience.

• Other Sections:

  • Other Publications (Pages 93-95): This lists other books published by Shri Smruti Mandir Prakashan, covering various aspects of Jain literature, philosophy, and biographies.
  • Membership List (Page 96): A list of patrons and supporters of Shri Smruti Mandir Prakashan.
  • Subscription Information (Page 97): Details for subscribing to "Muktikiran" (Gujarati fortnightly) and the newly launched "Muktikiran" (Hindi monthly).

Core Message and Takeaways:

1. The Preciousness of Human Life and Dharma: The book underscores the immense value of human birth, which should be dedicated to spiritual pursuit and the practice of Dharma.
2. Lord Mahavir as the Ideal: Lord Mahavir's life, particularly his unwavering equanimity in the face of extreme suffering, is presented as the highest ideal for all beings seeking spiritual progress.
3. The Nature of Karma and Equanimity: The text illustrates how karma influences one's experiences and how equanimity (Samata) in the face of adversity is crucial for spiritual growth and the exhaustion of karma.
4. The Power of Samyakdarsan: The importance of right faith (Samyakdarsan) is emphasized as the foundation for spiritual progress, transforming one's perspective on worldly matters.
5. The Strength of Vows and Penance: The lives of Naysar, Mareechi, and Nandan Rajarshi, as well as Lord Mahavir's own ascetic practices, highlight the transformative power of adhering to vows and engaging in penance.
6. The Folly of Ignorance and Attachment: The stories of Mareechi and Sangam Dev serve as cautionary tales about the detrimental effects of attachment, ego, anger, and ignorance on one's spiritual journey.
7. The Importance of Guidance from Gurus: The text repeatedly emphasizes the role of enlightened Gurus in guiding souls towards the spiritual path.
8. Overcoming Obstacles: By studying Lord Mahavir's life, readers are encouraged to face their own challenges with patience, perseverance, and spiritual fortitude.

In essence, "Prabhu Veer evam Upsarga" is a profound exploration of Lord Mahavir's spiritual journey, emphasizing his supreme patience, renunciation, and the arduous path he traversed to achieve liberation, serving as a beacon of inspiration for all seekers of spiritual truth.