Sona Aur Sugandh - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Sona aur Sugandh" (Gold and Fragrance) by Shri Devendramuni Shastri, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Sona aur Sugandh (Gold and Fragrance) Author: Shri Devendramuni Shastri Publisher: Shri Tarak Guru Jain Granthalay, Udaipur Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/003182/1

Overall Theme and Content:

"Sona aur Sugandh" is a collection of 26 short, inspiring stories that aim to impart moral values, ethical principles, duty, courage, forgiveness, and truthfulness. The stories are written in a simple and evocative style by Muni Devendramuni, designed to uplift the reader and bring fragrance to their lives. The book serves as a literary gem that encapsulates Jain philosophy within relatable narratives.

Publisher's Note (Page 4):

The publisher expresses immense pleasure in presenting this collection of 26 short stories. They highlight Muni Devendramuni's dedication to writing insightful and scholarly works, as well as his involvement in editing commemorative volumes. Despite his busy schedule, he consistently finds time to write such fables and allegories. The publisher also mentions Muni Devendramuni's extensive work editing 25 volumes of "Jain Kathayein," which have been widely appreciated, leading to continued demand. "Sona aur Sugandh" is presented as a further offering to readers, with a broad scope encompassing folk tales, mythological, and historical narratives. Each story is self-explanatory. The publisher expresses gratitude to Mr. Shri Chand Surana for his support in printing and editing, as well as to donors who contributed financially.

Table of Contents (Pages 8-9):

The book contains 26 stories, including:

Nari Nahin, Narayanai (Not a Woman, but a Divine Being)
Dhyanyogi Dridhaprahari Muni (Meditating Monk Dridhaprahari)
Buddhi ka Chamatkar (The Miracle of Intelligence)
Dasyuraj Rohineya (Rohineya, the Bandit King)
Apne Pairon Aap Kulhadi (Chopping Your Own Feet with an Axe)
Pariksha (The Test)
Vah Vishdhar (That Poisonous Serpent)
Samdrishti Mahavir (Mahavir with Equal Vision)
Sachcha Yagya (The True Sacrifice)
Bhav Tapasvi Kooragudak (The Devotional Ascetic Kooragudak)
Kshama aur Krodh ka Dvandva (The Duality of Forgiveness and Anger)
Damsaar - Sham- Saar (Damsaar - Essence of Tranquility)
Niyamnishtha ka Chamatkar (The Miracle of Commitment to Vows)
Maa ki Pukar (A Mother's Call)
Durjeya Shatru ko Jeeta (Conquering the Invincible Enemy)
Upkari Shravak (The Benevolent Lay Disciple)
Paap ka Ghada (The Pot of Sin)
Dhong dekhkar Bandar Roya (Seeing the Hypocrisy, the Monkey Cried)
Satya-Asatya ki Milavat (Mixing Truth and Untruth)
Udyoginam Purushsinghamupaiti Lakshmih (Fortune Favors the Industrious Man)
Burai ki Smriti bhi Ghatak (Even the Memory of Evil is Fatal)
Sona aur Patthar (Gold and Stone)
Apradh Ek: Dand Char (One Crime: Four Punishments)
Shool ko Trishul (The Spear as a Trident)
Soot se Bhoot Bandhta Hai (A Ghost is Tied with Thread/Unity)
Sur-Asur ka Bhed (The Difference Between Devas and Asuras)
Vashikaran ka Rahasya (The Secret of Enchantment)
Samarpan aur Swarth (Surrender and Selfishness)
Samudayikta ki Bhavna (The Spirit of Community)

Summary of Selected Stories (as per provided pages):

Nari Nahin, Narayanai (Page 10-18): This story narrates the tale of Bhavdev, who renounces the world to become a monk, inspired by his brother. His wife, Nagla, supports his decision and dedicates herself to serving her mother-in-law. Later, Bhavdev, after his brother's passing, contemplates returning to worldly life. However, Nagla, through her wisdom and the example of a mother admonishing her son for eating vomit, firmly rejects his desire to return to householder life, guiding him back to his spiritual path. She emphasizes that true devotion and strength of character make a woman like a divine being.
Dhyanyogi Dridhaprahari Muni (Page 19-23): This story describes Dridhaprahari, a ruthless bandit leader. After a horrific act of violence driven by anger, where he kills a pregnant cow, his cruel heart is finally touched by the scene of suffering. He renounces his violent ways, becomes a monk, and practices intense meditation. He endures severe public persecution and torment for six months, diligently destroying his karmas and attaining Keval Gyan (omniscience).
Buddhi ka Chamatkar (Page 24-33): Dantil, an intelligent and loyal sweep of the Prime Minister, is insulted by his master. Feeling humiliated, he confides in his wife. Their conversation, overheard by the King, reveals a conspiracy by the Prime Minister. Dantil's cleverness and loyalty are demonstrated when he strategically uses his wife's seemingly innocent dialogues to expose the Prime Minister's treachery, leading to his arrest and Dantil's vindication.
Dasyuraj Rohineya (Page 34-42): Rohineya, a skilled bandit, inherits his father's advice to avoid Lord Mahavir. Despite his efforts to ignore Mahavir's teachings, snippets of the Lord's words about divinity inadvertently influence him. Through a series of events, including a failed capture attempt by the King's forces and a staged illusion, Rohineya's respect for Mahavir grows. Ultimately, he witnesses the power of Mahavir's teachings and his own transformation, leading him to renounce his criminal life and seek spiritual guidance.
Apne Pairon Aap Kulhadi (Page 43-48): This story tells of Kandrik, a prince who renounces the world and becomes a monk. However, he succumbs to the comforts and temptations of his former palace life, leading to his downfall and rebirth in a lower realm. In contrast, his elder brother, King Pundrik, who initially renounces the world but then dedicates himself to upholding Jain principles and serving his guru, achieves spiritual liberation. The story highlights the danger of succumbing to desires and the importance of steadfast adherence to one's vows.
Pariksha (Page 49-55): This story illustrates the concept of testing one's spiritual resolve. Four monks agree to undertake difficult penances for their four-month vows (Chaturmas). One stays in a lion's cave, another near a snake's hole, a third on a well's edge, and the fourth, Sthulabhadra, chooses to stay at the house of Koshā, a former courtesan with whom he had a past connection. Sthulabhadra remains unwavering in his vows despite Koshā's attempts to lure him back to worldly pleasures, proving his spiritual strength. He demonstrates that true renunciation is internal, not just external.
Vah Vishdhar (Page 56-59): This story recounts Lord Mahavir's encounter with the fearsome serpent Chandakaushik, whose mere gaze was lethal. Mahavir, embodying fearlessness and compassion, calmly confronts the serpent. Despite being bitten, Mahavir remains unaffected, radiating love and peace. This transformative encounter leads Chandakaushik to realize its violent nature, remember its past life as a monk, and renounce its venomous existence, eventually attaining spiritual liberation.
Samdrishti Mahavir (Page 60-61): This narrative highlights Lord Mahavir's profound equanimity and detachment. While meditating, he is asked by a cowherd to watch his cattle. When the cattle stray, the cowherd, ignorant of Mahavir's spiritual stature, accuses him of theft and attempts to beat him. Indra intervenes, saving Mahavir and offering his protection. Mahavir, however, asserts that true liberation comes from self-reliance, not external protection, and that he remains indifferent to worldly pleasures and pains.
Sachcha Yagya (Page 62-68): This story contrasts the superficiality of a grand Ashwamedha Yagna performed by King Yudhishthira with the profound selflessness of a poor Brahmin who shares his meager meal with guests and a hungry beggar. A celestial mongoose, with half its body golden due to past good deeds, reveals that the Brahmin's act of sharing, even a small portion of food, generated far greater spiritual merit than Yudhishthira's elaborate ritual. The story emphasizes that true merit comes from selfless giving and the spirit of sacrifice, not from the grandeur of the act.
Bhav Tapasvi: Kooragudak (Page 69-78): This story introduces a prince who, after hearing a spiritual discourse, renounces worldly life to become a monk. Due to his continuous eating habits, he is nicknamed "Kooragudak" (one who eats a full measure of food). Despite being mocked and looked down upon by other monks for his lack of asceticism, he practices immense patience and forgiveness. He eventually attains Keval Gyan, proving that inner devotion and forgiveness (Bhav Tapasya) are more potent than external austerities.
Kshama aur Krodh ka Dvandva (Page 79-88): This story depicts the conflict between forgiveness and anger. Prince Skandakumar, a follower of Jain principles, confronts the anti-Jain priest Palak. Later, Skandakumar becomes a monk. Palak, harboring a grudge, frames Skandakumar and his 500 fellow monks, leading to their brutal execution. Skandakumar, overcome by anger at the injustice, vows revenge. This anger leads him to a lower rebirth, while his 500 fellow monks attain liberation through forgiveness. The story illustrates how anger, even when justified, can lead to spiritual downfall, while forgiveness leads to liberation.
Damsaar - Sham- Saar (Page 89-96): Prince Damsaar, inspired by Lord Mahavir's teachings, renounces his kingdom to become a monk. He undertakes rigorous penances, including fasting for his entire life. However, his lingering inner anger prevents him from attaining omniscience. Through Lord Mahavir's guidance, he learns to cultivate forgiveness and tranquility, ultimately achieving Keval Gyan and spiritual liberation. The story underscores the importance of inner peace and controlling one's passions.
Niyamnishtha ka Chamatkar (Page 97-102): A poor woodcutter named Akinchan takes a vow to never cut green trees. During a drought, when no dry wood is available, he steadfastly adheres to his vow, enduring hardship. His unwavering commitment is rewarded when he discovers a miraculous sandalwood tree, which brings him prosperity. The story emphasizes the miraculous results of steadfastness in vows and principles.
Maa ki Pukar (Page 103-112): Prince Arnik, inspired by his guru, decides to renounce the world, despite his father's initial objections. Both his father and mother eventually join him in taking monastic vows. However, Arnik's father, due to lingering attachment, excessively dotes on him, hindering his spiritual progress. After his father's death, Arnik struggles with the hardships of monastic life and succumbs to temptation. He later repents and, under his mother's guidance and with renewed determination, undertakes severe penances to attain spiritual liberation.
Durjeya Shatru ko Jeeta (Page 113-122): A young Kshatriya prince, driven by his mother's taunts and the desire for revenge for his brother's murder, vows to kill the perpetrator. After 12 years of relentless pursuit, he captures the killer. However, his mother intervenes, advising him that true victory lies not in revenge but in forgiveness and understanding the law of karma. The prince learns that the greatest enemy to conquer is one's own anger and ego, thereby achieving a higher form of victory.
Upkari Shravak (Page 123-124): A monk secretly keeps a precious jewel, contrary to the principle of non-possession (aparigraha). A wise disciple discovers this and the guru, when questioned about non-possession, hesitates. The disciple then confesses his own transgression (taking the jewel) and receives forgiveness, highlighting that admitting one's faults and seeking forgiveness is crucial for spiritual growth.
Paap ka Ghada (Page 125-128): This story illustrates how deceit and falsehood eventually come to light. A wealthy and virtuous merchant is falsely accused by his envious neighbor of not returning borrowed jewelry. During a public arbitration, the neighbor, confident in his deception, agrees to a trial by ordeal. However, the merchant, instructed by the arbiter, tricks the neighbor into revealing his lie when he claims innocence by holding a hot iron, causing him to drop the hidden jewelry. The tale emphasizes that truth ultimately prevails over falsehood.
Dhong dekhkar Bandar Roya (Page 129-132): A cunning old lion, unable to hunt, pretends to be a devout ascetic to lure prey. A monkey, initially impressed, is tricked and caught. However, the monkey cleverly escapes by making the lion laugh. When the lion laughs, the monkey is freed. The monkey then weeps, not out of sadness, but out of sorrow for the hypocrisy and deceit present in the world, as exemplified by the lion.
Satya-Asatya ki Milavat (Page 133-136): A merchant's foolish son, attempting to be clever, mixes tobacco with ghee, believing it would simplify sales since both had the same price. This act of mixing truth with untruth results in customer dissatisfaction and business failure. The story underscores the importance of maintaining the integrity and purity of things.
Udyoginam Purushsinghamupaiti Lakshmih (Page 137-141): A wealthy merchant offers his fortune to his four sons. Three sons readily accept, but the youngest refuses, believing that true wealth comes from personal effort and not inherited riches. He seeks to earn his fortune through his own endeavors, demonstrating the value of diligence and self-reliance, a quality that impresses his father.
Burai ki Smriti bhi Ghatak (Page 142-145): Four travelers are unknowingly given buttermilk laced with snake venom by an old woman. They survive the ordeal. A year later, they return and stay with the same old woman. Upon hearing about the poisoned buttermilk, the memory of the near-fatal experience triggers the venom's effects, causing their deaths. This highlights how even the memory of past evil can be destructive.
Sona aur Patthar (Page 146-148): A king hoards wealth by taxing his subjects excessively. His minister, through an allegory of filling pits with stones versus gold, illustrates that wealth accumulated without serving a purpose or benefiting others is as useless as mere stones. The king understands the message and redirects his wealth for public welfare.
Apradh Ek: Dand Char (Page 149-153): A just king dispenses different punishments to four thieves caught for the same crime. The first is let go with a mild rebuke, the second with a stern warning, the third with lashes, and the fourth with lashes and imprisonment. The king explains that punishment should be tailored to an individual's capacity for reform. The first two were deeply remorseful and reformed, the third needed physical correction, and the fourth, hardened by his actions, required stricter measures.
Shool ko Trishul (Page 154-159): A poor but honest Brahmin is consistently blessed by the king's favor. The jealous royal priest advises the Brahmin to wear a cloth over his mouth, claiming it is court etiquette. The king, noticing the cloth, becomes suspicious. The priest falsely accuses the Brahmin of drinking. When the king gives the Brahmin a sealed letter to be delivered to the treasurer, the priest intercepts it, takes the reward, and gives the Brahmin a meager amount. However, the king's letter instructs the treasurer to cut off the priest's nose. The Brahmin's honesty and the priest's deceit are revealed, leading to the priest's punishment and the Brahmin's elevation.
Soot se Bhoot Bandhta Hai (Page 160-164): This story emphasizes the power of unity. A merchant's family, though facing financial hardship, remains united and overcomes challenges by working together. A ghost inhabiting a tree, initially threatening them, is intimidated by their collective strength and unity, realizing that "unity is strength." The ghost reveals hidden treasure, further solidifying their bond. The story highlights how unity can overcome adversity and even supernatural forces.
Sur-Asur ka Bhed (Page 165-168): A king treats both gods (Sur) and demons (Asur) equally, but the demons feel slighted by being served after the gods. To resolve this, the king proposes a challenge: if they can eat with their arms bound by sticks, they will be served first. The gods, by feeding each other, demonstrate their selfless nature and are served first. The demons, focused only on themselves, fail the test. The story illustrates that selfless concern for others is the true mark of divinity.
Vashikaran ka Rahasya (Page 169-172): A Muslim queen seeks a love-binding spell from Saint Daddu. Daddu gives her a verse emphasizing service and love, rather than magic. The queen's subsequent devotion and service to her husband lead to his renewed affection. The story reveals that true enchantment lies in love, service, and understanding, not in occult practices.
Samarpan aur Swarth (Page 173-175): A king asks his four wives to choose gifts from his travels. Three wives ask for material possessions, while the youngest asks only for the king's presence. The king's affection is clearly for the youngest wife who values him above all else, demonstrating that true devotion and surrender are more valuable than material desires.
Samudayikta ki Bhavna (Page 176-177): A king wishes to fill a pond with milk. His minister announces that each household should contribute a pot of milk. However, realizing that their single pot of milk would be insignificant in a vast pond, most people contribute only water, thinking their small act would go unnoticed. Consequently, the pond ends up filled with water, illustrating the failure of collective action when individual responsibility is lacking.

This summary covers the key themes and plot points of the stories presented in the provided pages of "Sona aur Sugandh."