Stories From Jainism - Book Summary

This book, "Stories From Jainism" by Kumarpal Desai, offers a collection of tales designed to illustrate key Jain principles and values. The book is presented as being for private and personal use and is in its third edition from July 1998.

Here's a summary of the stories presented:

Rohini: This story highlights prudence and wise investment. Dhanna, a wealthy merchant, gives each of his four daughters-in-law five grains of rice and asks them to look after them. The oldest two dismiss the grains, the third keeps them safe, but Rohini, the youngest, plants them. Over five years, she cultivates a large crop. When Dhanna asks for the rice back, Rohini returns a store full, demonstrating her foresight and ability to make good use of resources. Dhanna, impressed, entrusts her with his household wealth. Lord Mahavir uses this story to teach the importance of making good use of life and the symbolism of the five grains representing the five Jain vows (non-violence, truth, non-stealing, celibacy, and non-acquisition).
Win One, Win All: This story focuses on conquering internal enemies. Gautam Swami explains to a monk that true victory comes from conquering oneself. The primary enemy is ego, followed by anger, pride, illusion, and greed. Once these are overcome, the temptations associated with the five senses (hearing, seeing, smelling, tasting, touching) can be managed. The ultimate foe to destroy is desire, for material comfort and worldly pleasures.
Forgiveness: This narrative emphasizes humility and the pursuit of truth. Gautam Swami, chief disciple of Lord Mahavir, encounters Anand, a devotee who claims to have attained supreme divine knowledge. Gautam, confident in his own learning, dismisses Anand's claim and insists he repent. However, Lord Mahavir reveals that Anand is truthful and it is Gautam who must apologize. Gautam, after battling his ego, humbly apologizes to Anand. Anand, in turn, is moved and apologizes to Gautam, demonstrating the power of humility and mutual respect in achieving spiritual growth.
The Artist and his Portrait: This story illustrates that good and evil can coexist within a single person. An artist seeks to paint a portrait of a divine man, finding it in a happy farmer. Years later, he seeks to paint a devil and finds his subject in a fierce prisoner. He shows both portraits to the prisoner, who reveals that both are of himself – he was the farmer and has since fallen into wickedness. The artist realizes that the same eyes that can reflect divinity can also reflect evil, emphasizing the duality within the human heart.
The True Preacher: This story emphasizes the importance of living by one's teachings and avoiding hypocrisy. A learned Jain monk preaches the principle of non-acquisition while standing under a luxurious silk canopy (chandarva). A listener, Rupo, repeatedly states he doesn't understand. The monk realizes his own inconsistency. The next day, he preaches the same message without the canopy, and Rupo finally understands. This highlights that true preaching requires aligning actions with words.
True Shelter: This story underscores the concept of spiritual refuge. King Megharath is told by an astrologer that he will die in seven days. While others suggest physical hiding places, the king meditates and finds solace in religion. When lightning strikes, it misses him, reaffirming that true shelter lies in faith and spiritual practice, not material defenses.
The Three Jewels: This story introduces the core Jain tenets of Right Knowledge, Right Faith, and Right Conduct. A king is impressed by material jewels but is then taught by Lord Mahavir about the true, invaluable jewels: Right Knowledge (to discern good from bad), Right Faith (to understand and judge better), and Right Conduct (the practical application of the first two, making them worthless without it). These jewels lead to spiritual peace.
The Vow: This story highlights determination and the sanctity of vows. A religious king vows to meditate until an oil lamp extinguishes. A maid, wanting to be helpful, repeatedly refills the lamp. The king's vow is frustrated by the maid's well-intentioned but ultimately obstructive actions. The story emphasizes the king's unwavering commitment to his vow, even as the maid's actions prevent its fulfillment.
The Angry Snake: This story exemplifies non-violence and compassion. Lord Mahavir, on his journey, encounters Chandkaushik, a venomous snake that attacks him. Mahavir remains calm, his toe bleeds white (symbolizing purity), and he speaks words of peace to the snake. The snake, affected by Mahavir's compassion, retreats, demonstrating the power of love to quell anger and hatred.
Elachikumar: This story illustrates the transformative power of true knowledge and renunciation. Elachikumar, a young merchant, falls in love with an acrobat's daughter and abandons his wealthy life to become an acrobat. He seeks to impress the king for marriage, but the king repeatedly puts him in danger for his own selfish desires. During one performance, Elachikumar witnesses a monk accept alms with detachment, refusing even special dishes and not even looking at the woman offering food. This inspires Elachikumar to realize his own fallen state and the emptiness of his pursuit. He ultimately chooses a path of spiritual adherence.
The Elephant and Rabbit: This tale is a powerful depiction of Ahimsa (non-violence) and selfless sacrifice. During a forest fire, a kind elephant leader creates a safe clearing. A small rabbit finds no space and stands on the elephant's raised foot. The elephant keeps his foot raised for three days to protect the rabbit, enduring great pain and stiffness. Ultimately, the elephant dies from his sacrifice, but with no ill will, demonstrating the highest form of non-violence.

In essence, "Stories From Jainism" uses engaging narratives to convey profound spiritual and ethical lessons, encouraging readers to cultivate wisdom, self-control, compassion, and righteousness in their lives.