Reap What You Sow Diwakar Chitrakatha 022

Here is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Reap What You Sow Diwakar Chitrakatha 022":

This graphic novel, "Reap What You Sow," published by Mahavir Seva Trust and written by Sadhvi Shri Pushpavati ji M., explores the Jain principle of karma, specifically that one "reaps what they sow." The story centers on Brahm-datt Chakravarti, one of the twelve Chakravartis (universal emperors) in the current descending cycle of time. His life, filled with both grandeur and hardship, serves as a powerful illustration of how past actions and present attitudes shape one's destiny.

The narrative begins by introducing Brahm-datt as the young son of King Brahm and Queen Chulni of Kampilpur. Following King Brahm's death, his four friends, who are kings themselves, pledge to protect the young prince and his kingdom. However, one of these friends, King Deergharaj of Kaushal, is appointed as the regent. Tragically, Deergharaj becomes infatuated with Queen Chulni, and she, in turn, succumbs to his advances.

This illicit relationship leads to the queen and Deergharaj acting recklessly, disregarding the well-being of the prince. The loyal prime minister, Dhanu, recognizes the danger and entrusts his son, Varadhanu, with the prince's safety. Varadhanu warns Brahm-datt about the treachery. Enraged by his mother's misconduct and Deergharaj's betrayal, Brahm-datt, advised by Varadhanu to use cunning rather than brute force, devises a plan. He ties a crow and a cuckoo together outside Deergharaj's chambers, publicly shaming them and threatening revenge.

Deergharaj, though initially dismissive, becomes fearful of the prince's resolve. Queen Chulni, however, encourages Deergharaj to eliminate Brahm-datt, comparing him to a threat that must be crushed. Deergharaj then conspires with Chulni to build a shellac-house, intending to burn Brahm-datt alive on his wedding night. Minister Dhanu, through his spies, uncovers this plot. He cleverly feigns retirement to the Ganges, setting up a secret passage from a yajna pavilion to the shellac-house.

On the wedding night, the shellac-house is set ablaze. Brahm-datt and Varadhanu escape through the secret tunnel and flee into the forest. They endure hardship and are eventually pursued by Deergharaj's soldiers. After a narrow escape, Brahm-datt is found by an Acharya who recognizes him and his noble qualities. The Acharya trains Brahm-datt in politics, martial arts, and warfare, honing him into a formidable warrior.

During his training, Brahm-datt demonstrates exceptional bravery, even subduing a wild elephant. He then embarks on a journey to gather wealth, power, and an army to reclaim his kingdom. He marries several princesses along the way, always informing them of his mission and seeking their future support.

Brahm-datt eventually arrives at Kashi, where the king honors a promise made to Brahm-datt's father and arranges his marriage to his daughter, Kanakvati. Minister Dhanu and his son Varadhanu rejoin Brahm-datt, and they unite to challenge Deergharaj. Brahm-datt sends an emissary demanding the return of the kingdom, but Deergharaj refuses.

A fierce battle ensues, and Brahm-datt, wielding a divine Chakra, defeats and kills Deergharaj. He is then crowned King Brahm-datt and is celebrated for his valor and justice. His empire expands, and he embarks on a 16-year victory march, becoming Chakravarti Brahm-datt.

Later in his life, while enjoying entertainment, Brahm-datt is moved by the artistic arrangements in a bouquet. He begins to recall past lives, murmuring a verse about past separations. He announces a reward for anyone who can complete the verse. A gardener reveals that he heard an ascetic utter the fourth line.

This leads to a reunion between Brahm-datt and the ascetic, who is revealed to be his brother, Chitt. Chitt, through his spiritual practices, has attained Jati Smaran Jnana (knowledge of past lives) and recounts their previous five incarnations together:

1. Slaves in Dasharnapur: They died and were reborn.
2. Deer in Kalinjar: They were killed by a hunter's arrows.
3. Swans on the Ganges: They were caught and killed by a bird-catcher.
4. Sons of a Chandal in Varanasi (Chitt and Sambhoot): Their father intended to kill Namuchi, a priest, but spared him in exchange for training the brothers in arts. Namuchi later escaped. The brothers, as Chandal-sons, faced prejudice and attempted suicide, but a hermit advised them to pursue penance.
5. Ascetics (Chitt and Sambhoot): They practiced austerities. Sambhoot, recognized and mistreated by Namuchi (now prime minister), unleashed divine fire, causing chaos. Chitt calmed him, and they were recognized by Chakravarti Sanatkumar. Sambhoot, attracted to the Chakravarti's grandeur, wished for similar wealth in his next life.

After these births, Chitt and Sambhoot were reborn as gods in a celestial abode. Sambhoot was reborn as Brahm-datt, while Chitt was born as the son of a merchant and became an ascetic. It was during their lives as ascetics that Chitt attained Jati Smaran Jnana.

The ascetic Chitt advises Brahm-datt to continue doing pious deeds, even if he cannot abandon his indulgences, reminding him of the law of karma: "You reap what you sow."

The story continues with Brahm-datt's actions later in life. A Brahmin friend of his late father visits and wishes to eat the rich food prepared for Brahm-datt. The food, acting as an aphrodisiac, causes the Brahmin and his family to lose their composure and engage in animalistic behavior. Ashamed, they flee. The Brahmin, seeking revenge, bribes a cowherd to blind Brahm-datt with pebbles. The cowherd is caught and reveals the Brahmin's plot. Brahm-datt, enraged, orders the harshest punishment, including the execution of the Brahmin and his family.

Still consumed by vengeance, Brahm-datt develops a hatred for the entire Brahmin community and orders their eyes to be brought to him. His wise minister, however, substitutes Lasoda fruits for eyeballs. Blinded by his rage, Brahm-datt crushes the fruits, believing them to be the eyes of Brahmins, thus satisfying his vengeance.

In his final days, blind and consumed by cruel and wrathful sentiments, Brahm-datt reincarnates in the seventh hell. The story concludes by emphasizing the consequence of his actions, reinforcing the central theme that "one reaps what he sows."

The book is a visual narrative illustrating the concept of karma and its impact on reincarnation and suffering, drawing upon principles found in Jain scriptures like the Uttaradhyayan Sutra.