Shalibhadra

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Shalibhadra" by the JAINA Education Committee, based on the provided pages:

The story begins with an account of a poor boy who, despite his family's poverty, selflessly offers the only Kheer (rice pudding) he has to a Jain Sadhu (monk). This act of generosity and piety earns him good karma.

As a result of this virtuous act, in his next life, he is reborn as Shalibhadra, the son of the extremely wealthy Bhadra Shethani and Gobhadra Sheth. His father renounces the world to become a monk when Shalibhadra is young. His mother, fearing Shalibhadra might follow his father's path, keeps him in the palace, showering him with luxuries and ensuring he lives a life so extravagant that even heavenly beings envy it. Shalibhadra grows up to be married to thirty-two beautiful women.

The narrative then highlights the immense wealth of Shalibhadra's family through an episode involving merchants from Nepal selling exquisite diamond-studded shawls. The King, Shrenik, cannot afford them. Bhadra Shethani, upon hearing this, requests the merchants to visit her. She then purchases all sixteen shawls, to the merchants' astonishment, and proceeds to tear them in half, distributing pieces to each of her thirty-two daughters-in-law to wipe their feet. This act showcases her extraordinary wealth and perhaps a disinterest in material possessions beyond a certain point.

One of Shalibhadra's servants brings a piece of these torn shawls to Queen Shrenik, who is impressed by the opulence of the citizens in her kingdom and informs King Shrenik. The King, proud of such wealthy individuals, invites Shalibhadra to his court. However, Bhadra Shethani, knowing her son's nature, invites the King to their palace instead.

When King Shrenik visits, he is awestruck by the grandeur of Shalibhadra's palace, finding his own to be insignificant in comparison. While being honored, Shalibhadra, initially unaware of the King's identity and thinking it was about merchandise, is struck by his mother's use of the word "master" concerning the King. This realization makes him question the concept of having a master and ignites a desire for self-mastery and freedom. He begins to contemplate his father's renunciation and the true meaning of life.

Driven by this newfound awareness, Shalibhadra decides to become a monk. His mother and wives try to dissuade him, but he is resolute. He agrees to spend one day with each of his wives before renouncing the world.

Meanwhile, Shalibhadra's sister, Subhadra, is married to Dhanna. When Subhadra mentions Shalibhadra's impending renunciation and his plan to spend time with his wives, Dhanna dismisses him as a coward for delaying his decision. Subhadra defends her brother, stating that it's easier said than done. This conversation spurs Dhanna to immediately renounce his worldly life and eight wives, inviting them to join him as nuns.

Dhanna then challenges Shalibhadra, urging him to abandon his attachments and join him in renunciation. Shalibhadra accepts the challenge, declaring his departure that very day. His wives also join him. Together, they go to Lord Mahavir, accept Diksha (initiation), and become monks and nuns.

The story concludes by stating that after rigorous penances, Dhanna and Shalibhadra are reborn as celestial beings. They will eventually be reborn as humans again and attain liberation (Moksha). The text emphasizes that selfless service is always rewarding, that neighbors helping neighbors reflects a caring society, and that the charitable act of a little boy was profoundly rewarded in Shalibhadra's life, enabling him to renounce everything easily. Good deeds leave an imprint on the soul and, along with practicing penance, ultimately lead to the soul's liberation.