Prasanna Chandra Rajarshi Charitram

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Prasanna Chandra Rajarshi Charitram" by Dharmdas Gani, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Prasanna Chandra Rajarshi Charitram (The Biography of Prince Prasanna Chandra) Author: Dharmdas Gani Publisher: Shravak Hiralal Hansraj (Printed in 1934)

This text recounts the life and spiritual journey of Prasanna Chandra, a righteous and virtuous king. The narrative highlights the Jain principles of renunciation, the impermanence of worldly possessions, the importance of right faith and conduct, and the ultimate goal of attaining liberation (Moksha).

Key Events and Teachings:

1. The King's Contemplation and Renunciation:

   • King Prasanna Chandra of Potanpur was a deeply religious, truthful, and just ruler.
   • One evening, while observing the fleeting beauty of the sunset, he was struck by the impermanence of all worldly things, including his own body.
   • This realization led him to contemplate the suffering inherent in the cycle of birth and death (Samsara). He understood that worldly pleasures are transient and ultimately lead to fear and suffering, whereas renunciation (Vairagya) offers true fearlessness and peace.
   • Filled with this profound detachment, King Prasanna Chandra abdicated his throne, appointed his young son as the new king, and took initiation (Diksha) into the ascetic life.

2. Encounter with Lord Mahavir:

   • After his initiation, Prasanna Chandra, now an ascetic, was engaged in the practice of Kayotsarga (standing meditation) in a garden in Rajagriha.
   • At the same time, Lord Mahavir, the 24th Tirthankara, arrived in Rajagriha, accompanied by a large assembly of monks and celestial beings who had created a beautiful Samavsaran (divine preaching pavilion).
   • The royal guards informed King Shrenik (presumably the king of Rajagriha) of Lord Mahavir's presence. King Shrenik, overjoyed, rewarded the guards generously and proceeded to the Samavsaran to pay his respects.

3. The Slander of Durmukha and Prasanna Chandra's Spiritual Struggle:

   • While on his way to the Samavsaran, King Shrenik's two escorts, Sumukha and Durmukha, spotted Prasanna Chandra in meditation.
   • Sumukha praised Prasanna Chandra for renouncing his kingdom and embracing asceticism.
   • However, Durmukha, who was of a wicked nature, slandered Prasanna Chandra, calling him a great sinner and accusing him of abandoning his people, who were now suffering. Durmukha claimed that Prasanna Chandra's son would be killed, and his kingdom usurped.
   • Hearing this, Prasanna Chandra, still in meditation, was disturbed by the thought that if his enemies harmed his son and kingdom while he was alive, it would be a disgrace to him.
   • He entered into intense meditation (Raudra Dhyana - wrathful meditation) and mentally engaged in a battle with his enemies, destroying them in his mind and believing the situation was resolved.

4. King Shrenik's Observations and Lord Mahavir's Explanation:

   • King Shrenik, upon seeing Prasanna Chandra deeply engrossed in meditation, paid him great respect.
   • Later, at the Samavsaran, King Shrenik asked Lord Mahavir about Prasanna Chandra's future destinies.
   • Lord Mahavir described Prasanna Chandra's journey through various hells (Narakas), then through progressively higher celestial realms (Deva Lokas), Graiveyakas, and finally to the Anuttara Vimanas (highest celestial abodes). This detailed prophecy was given in response to King Shrenik's repeated questions.
   • During this discussion, celestial drums announced the attainment of Kevala Jnana (omniscience) by Prasanna Chandra.
   • Lord Mahavir explained to King Shrenik that Prasanna Chandra's initial disturbance was caused by Durmukha's slander. His subsequent Raudra Dhyana, although leading to mental victory over enemies, resulted in the accumulation of karmas that would have led him to the seventh hell.
   • However, Prasanna Chandra quickly realized the error of his wrathful meditation and the futility of worldly desires. He then transformed his meditation into pure, auspicious meditation (Shukla Dhyana), which allowed him to shed immense karmic matter.

5. Attainment of Kevala Jnana and Liberation:

   • Through continued virtuous meditation and the eradication of his remaining karmic obstacles, Prasanna Chandra destroyed the four types of destroying karmas (Ghati Karma) and attained Kevala Jnana (omniscience) instantaneously.
   • The celestial beings rejoiced at his omniscience and sounded their drums.
   • Lord Mahavir emphasized the power of the mind in achieving both bondage and liberation. He stated that Prasanna Chandra, by controlling his mind and engaging in virtuous contemplation, was able to shed the karmas that would have led him to lower realms.

6. The Moral of the Story:

   • The narrative concludes by stating that Prasanna Chandra, after a long period of living as an omniscient being, eventually attained Moksha (liberation).
   • The story serves as an illustration of how one's actions, thoughts, and intentions (especially those related to the mind) determine one's destiny. It highlights the importance of controlling the mind, practicing righteousness, and understanding the impermanence of the material world to achieve ultimate spiritual freedom.

In essence, "Prasanna Chandra Rajarshi Charitram" is a moralistic and devotional biography that teaches the path to spiritual liberation through detachment, right conduct, and the mastery of one's own mind, all within the framework of Jain philosophy and the teachings of Lord Mahavir.