Rajarshi Prasannachandra Mahamantri Abhaykumar

Here is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Rajarshi Prasannachandra Mahamantri Abhaykumar" by Jaybhikkhu, based on the provided pages:

This book, part of the "Jain Balgranthavali Shreni-2" series, is published by Jaybhikkhu Sahitya Trust. It features two main narratives: the story of Rajarshi Prasannachandra and the life of Mahamantri Abhaykumar.

Part 1: Rajarshi Prasannachandra

The story begins in the city of Potanpur, ruled by King Prasannachandra, who is known for his love for his subjects and his just rule. He is described as a king who upholds truth and justice.

One day, the king learns about his half-brother, Valakalchiri, who was raised in the forest by their father, Somachandra, a former king who renounced the world. Valakalchiri lives a wild, uncivilized life, unaware of social norms, including the distinction between men and women, due to his upbringing in an ascetic's ashram without any women.

King Prasannachandra is distressed by his brother's condition and decides to bring him to the kingdom. However, he is advised that his father might not allow it. The king then employs cunning courtesans (ganikas) disguised as ascetics to bring Valakalchiri to the city.

The courtesans encounter Valakalchiri in the forest. They tempt him with sweet, prepared ladoos, which he finds incredibly delicious compared to the fruits he eats. Lured by the taste, he agrees to go with them to their "ashram." On the way, they encounter King Somachandra, and fearing his curse, the courtesans abandon Valakalchiri and flee.

Valakalchiri, lost and confused, wanders through the forest. He meets a man with a chariot and mistakes him for his "father," then mistakes the man's wife for his "father" and the horses for large deer. He enjoys the ladoos offered to him by the chariot man, mistaking them for fruits from the "ashram."

Upon reaching Potanpur, Valakalchiri is bewildered by the city, mistaking buildings for huts and the organized living for a large ashram. He wanders into a courtesan's house, where he again mistakes the woman for his "father." The courtesan recognizes his innocence and intends to marry him to her daughter, Vanlata.

The courtesan arranges for Valakalchiri to be shaved and bathed. He is bewildered by the barber's actions and the idea of cutting his matted hair, but he complies to stay in the "ashram." He is then dressed in fine clothes and witnesses Vanlata's marriage ceremony, which he interprets as the ascetics singing.

Meanwhile, King Somachandra, searching for Valakalchiri, becomes blind from weeping. King Prasannachandra sends for his father and half-brother. Valakalchiri, now transformed and accompanied by his wife, arrives at the royal court. King Prasannachandra educates him about worldly matters.

Twelve years pass. Valakalchiri feels a desire to see his father. Both brothers embark on a journey with a grand procession. Upon seeing his former forest home, Valakalchiri reminisces about his past life with great fondness. They meet their father, whose eyesight is miraculously restored upon seeing his sons.

Valakalchiri experiences a moment of recollection (jati-smaran), remembering his past life and renouncing worldly pleasures. King Prasannachandra, inspired by his brother's transformation, also develops a sense of detachment.

Lord Mahavir visits. Valakalchiri advises his father to follow Lord Mahavir for spiritual liberation. Valakalchiri then leaves to wander freely. King Prasannachandra, deeply moved by Lord Mahavir's teachings, renounces his kingdom, places his young son on the throne, and takes diksha (renounces the world).

Later, King Shrenik of Magadh encounters Rajarshi Prasannachandra in deep meditation. Their conversation with Lord Mahavir reveals the impact of thoughts and intentions on one's destiny. Prasannachandra's intense meditation is interrupted by the soldiers' conversation about his son's potential fate, leading him to experience intense anger and even engage in imaginary battles. He awakens from this state, realizes his error in meditating with anger, and ultimately attains Kevalgyan (omniscience). The story emphasizes that even a moment of true thought can change one's destiny.

Part 2: Mahamantri Abhaykumar

The story shifts to Abhay, a clever and sharp boy from the village of Venatata. During a game, he is questioned about his father's identity. His mother, Nanda, explains that his maternal grandfather is Bhadrasheth, but his paternal father is a traveler who left years ago and has not returned. Abhay discovers a letter from his father revealing he is the King of Rajagriha.

Abhay and his mother travel to Rajagriha, the capital of Magadh. Abhay witnesses a public competition set by King Shrenik to find a new chief minister. The challenge is to retrieve a ring from a dry well. Abhay cleverly uses cow dung and fire to dry the dung stuck to the ring, retrieves it, and impresses the king with his intelligence.

King Shrenik recognizes Abhay as his son and apologizes to Nanda, making her his chief queen and Abhay his prime minister. Abhay proves to be an exceptionally capable and intelligent minister, solving various problems for King Shrenik.

One instance involves the king of Vaishali, Chetaka, who insulted King Shrenik by refusing him his daughter, Sujyesttha, deeming Shrenik's lineage inferior. Abhay devises a plan to obtain the princess. He commissions a beautiful portrait of King Shrenik and, disguised as a merchant named Dhanaseth, sets up a shop in Vaishali. He displays the portrait and praises King Shrenik as a new god. The princess sees the portrait and falls in love with Shrenik.

Abhay facilitates the princess's (Sujyesttha, though the text later mentions Chellana) elopement with King Shrenik through a secret tunnel, thus resolving the insult.

Another incident involves a theft of mangoes from the royal garden. Abhay, in disguise, infiltrates a gathering and tells a story about a woman who made vows to a gardener, a thief, and a demon, all of whom respected her truthfulness. Abhay cleverly identifies the thief based on the story.

Later, when King Chandpradyota of Ujjain attacks Rajagriha, Abhay cleverly deceives him by burying gold coins and writing a letter claiming Shrenik has bribed Chandpradyota's army, causing Chandpradyota to retreat. Chandpradyota, angered, vows to capture Abhay.

A courtesan from Ujjain agrees to capture Abhay. She poses as a devout follower of Jainism in Rajagriha. Abhay, impressed by her devotion, invites her for a meal. The courtesan drugs Abhay, ties him up, and takes him to Chandpradyota.

Chandpradyota, facing a problem with his wild elephant, Analgam, seeks Abhay's help. Abhay suggests using King Udayan's musical talents. The elephant is pacified, and Chandpradyota offers Abhay anything except his freedom. Abhay accumulates four such favors.

When Chandpradyota demands the favors, Abhay asks for them to be cremated alive with him and the king's queen on a pyre, causing Chandpradyota to grant him freedom instead. Abhay vows to kidnap Chandpradyota from Ujjain. He disguises himself as a merchant with two beautiful women. They attract Chandpradyota's attention. Abhay then feigns madness in another person, who shouts that he is King Chandpradyota being taken away. When Chandpradyota visits Abhay's house, Abhay ties him up and carries him away, to the amusement of onlookers who believe Chandpradyota is mad.

Abhay brings Chandpradyota to Rajagriha, where King Shrenik is initially angry but is pacified by Abhay, who explains it was to fulfill his vow. Chandpradyota is treated with respect and sent back.

The book also briefly mentions a woodcutter who becomes a monk, faces mockery, and leaves with his guru. Abhay intervenes, showing the woodcutter's true renunciation by offering jewels to those who give up worldly pleasures.

The narrative concludes with Abhay, a devoted follower of Lord Mahavir, excelling in both statecraft and spiritual pursuits. He eventually renounces his worldly life, takes diksha from Lord Mahavir, and lives a life of asceticism, dedicating himself to spiritual purification. His wisdom and character are highly revered. The book highlights the importance of intelligence, virtue, and spiritual pursuit.