Shat Purush Charitra - Book Summary

Here is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Shat Purush Charitra" (Six Types of Men), based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Shat Purush Charitra (षट् पुरुष चरित्र) Original Author: Pandit Kshemankar Gani (पंडित क्षेमकर गणि) Translator: Muni Maharaj Shri Charitravijayji (मुनि महाराज श्री चारित्रविजयजी) Publisher: Shri Mahavir Jain Charitra Ratnashram (श्री महावीर जैन चरित्र रत्नाश्रम) Publication Year: Samvat 1991 Vir Samvat (VS) / 2462 VS (Gregorian Year 1935)

Core Theme:

The central theme of "Shat Purush Charitra" is the classification of human beings into six categories based on their mental predispositions and actions, rather than their birth or external appearances. The text emphasizes that true greatness or inferiority lies in one's inner qualities and their pursuit of spiritual goals (Dharma, Artha, Kama, Moksha).

Key Arguments and Concepts:

Inner Qualities Define Status: The preface strongly advocates that a person's true worth is determined by their mental inclinations (parinaati) and thoughts, not by their caste or social standing. A person of high birth but low thoughts is not truly high, and someone of humble birth but elevated thoughts is not to be considered low. This is illustrated through the story of the two merchants and the old woman, where the woman serves them differently based on her perception of their current thoughts and intentions.
The Six Types of Purushas (Men): The book categorizes individuals into six types based on their relationship with the four Purusharthas (Dharma, Artha, Kama, Moksha):
- Adham-Adham (अधमाधम): The lowest of the low. These individuals are devoid of religious knowledge, lack consideration for the afterlife, have negative inclinations (shubha-leksya absent), engage in cruel actions, delight in sin, and suffer greatly in life due to poverty and hardship. They are described as living like animals, burdensome to the earth.
- Adham (अधम): These individuals do not believe in the afterlife, focus solely on this world, and pursue only Artha (wealth) and Kama (desire). They are characterized by their lack of fear of worldly consequences, their pursuit of sensory pleasures, and their disregard for the suffering of others. They often follow atheistic or hedonistic philosophies, dismissing the importance of virtue, the soul, and liberation.
- Vimidhyam (विमध्यम): These individuals pursue Dharma, Artha, and Kama in moderation, without letting one significantly hinder the others. They acknowledge Moksha but often relegate it to the distant future or consider it secondary to worldly pursuits. Their virtue is often motivated by a desire for better rebirths or worldly rewards.
- Madhyam (मध्यम): These individuals believe in all four Purusharthas and consider Moksha to be the ultimate goal. However, they are often bound by worldly attachments like family, wealth, and sensory pleasures. While they understand the impermanence of worldly things and the detrimental effects of uncontrolled senses, they find it difficult to embrace extreme asceticism (like taking diksha) due to these attachments or the perceived difficulty of the path. They are often righteous householders.
- Uttam (उत्तम): These individuals are deeply focused on Moksha. They understand the impermanence of the world, the suffering caused by senses, and the true nature of reality. They are detached from worldly pleasures and attachments and are diligent in their spiritual practices, often renouncing worldly life for asceticism.
- Uttamottam (उत्तमोत्तम): This category refers to Tirthankaras, who are considered supremely elevated beings. They are embodiments of all virtues, possess divine knowledge and powers, and their every action is aimed at the spiritual upliftment of all beings. Their birth, life, and renunciation are extraordinary events that bring immense benefit to the world. They are described with numerous divine attributes and auspicious signs, and their teachings are the epitome of Jain Dharma.
The Importance of Righteous Conduct: The text repeatedly stresses that external actions alone are not sufficient; the underlying intention and mental state are crucial. It warns against the misinterpretation of the saying "If the mind is pure, then Ganga is in the pitcher" (मन चंगा तो कथरेतमें गंगा), emphasizing that neglecting external righteous conduct while solely focusing on a pure mind is erroneous. True purity begins with purifying external actions, which then leads to mental purity.
Illustrative Stories (Katha): The book uses several stories to illustrate the characteristics of each category. These narratives often depict individuals facing moral dilemmas, the consequences of their actions, and the transformative power of spiritual wisdom.
- Katha 1 (Adham-Adham): A Bhil (tribal hunter) caught between a python and bees, desiring honey and meat even in his last moments, highlighting the extreme attachment to sensory pleasures. This story is followed by the observations of a Vidhyadhar (celestial being) on the power of sensory indulgence.
- Katha 2 (Adham): The philosophical debate between the materialistic minister Moharati and the wise minister Matisagar, representing the Cārvāka philosophy (denying soul, afterlife, and karma) versus Jain principles. This section delves into the arguments of atheism and hedonism, and the Jain counter-arguments emphasizing the soul, karma, and the path to liberation.
- Katha 3 (Vimidhyam): The story of the merchant Shreepati, who performs outward religious acts but lacks true inner understanding. He encounters a sage who explains the importance of inner purity over outward ritual. His story illustrates the cycle of rebirth due to mixed intentions and attachments.
- Katha 4 (Madhyam): The story of Jinachandra, a virtuous prince who diligently practices Jain principles, marries four princesses, performs good deeds, and eventually renounces the world to attain liberation. This story highlights the path of a righteous householder and the eventual attainment of higher spiritual states.
- Katha 5 (Uttam): The life of Mahendra Kumara, who embarks on a journey of self-discovery, faces numerous challenges, learns from sages, and ultimately attains Keval Jnana (omniscience) and Moksha. His story emphasizes the importance of renunciation, spiritual knowledge, and the gradual path to liberation.
- Uthamottam (Tirthankaras): The final section describes the extraordinary birth, life, and teachings of Tirthankaras, outlining their divine attributes, the auspicious signs surrounding their arrival, and their role in illuminating the path to liberation for all beings.

Publisher's Note:

The preface to the second edition mentions that the first edition was popular and quickly sold out. The publication of the second edition was made possible by the financial assistance of Parekh Judhabhai Panachand of Mangrol. The publisher, Shri Mahavir Jain Charitra Ratnashram, expresses their commitment to publishing more works by Muni Maharaj Shri Charitravijayji.

Overall Message:

"Shat Purush Charitra" is a profound spiritual guide that aims to educate readers on the true meaning of human existence and the path to spiritual liberation. It encourages introspection, self-improvement, and adherence to Jain principles by illustrating the consequences of different mental dispositions and actions. The ultimate goal is to inspire individuals to strive for the highest spiritual state, attainable through righteous conduct and the pursuit of Moksha.