Tirthankar Mahavir - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Tirthankar Mahavir" by Subhadramuni, based on the provided pages:

This book, titled "Tirthankar Mahavir," also referred to as "Prakash-Parv: Mahavir" (Festival of Light: Mahavir), is a prose poetic outline of the divine personality of Lord Mahavir, the 24th Tirthankar of Jainism. Authored by Shri Subhadramuni, it was published by University Publication, New Delhi, in 1998.

The book is dedicated to Shri Ramjilal Ji Maharaj, the author's revered Guru, who provided him the "eyes to walk the path of life."

Author's Journey with Poetry: Subhadramuni begins by reflecting on his personal connection with poetry. While he has always loved poetry, his active creation and publication have been limited. He recounts an experience in 1977 during his Guru's Chaturmas when he was ill and began writing prose poems. This marked the beginning of his poetic journey, initially under pseudonyms like 'Parijat' and 'Shubh.' However, his primary writing focus shifted to prose due to circumstances and the requests of his Guru's devotees.

A renewed interest in poetry was sparked when he started learning Gujarati and connected with Professor Mahendra Bhai Dave, a renowned Gujarati scholar and poet. Professor Dave's free verse poetry inspired Subhadramuni to shape Lord Mahavir's life into poetic form. He shared some of these initial poems with Professor Dave, who provided encouragement and suggestions, rekindling his poetic connection. Later, in 1995, while giving discourses on "Pachchis Bol" (Twenty-five Principles), he composed Kundaliya verses on the topic, which were well-received.

He also mentions his close associations with many contemporary poets who would visit his Guru, providing him opportunities for poetic discussions. Furthermore, he has had the privilege of reading and organizing the poetic works of his Guru, Shri Ramkrishna Ji Maharaj.

The current book, "Prakash-Parv: Mahavir," is a culmination of his poetic endeavors, particularly focusing on Lord Mahavir's life. It was conceived as a poetic special issue for the 'Shree Sambodhi' magazine and was later completed as a book. Dr. Vinay Vishwas edited the book, Muniratna Shri Amit Muni provided artistic arrangement, and K. Bhatnagar illustrated it. The author expresses deep gratitude to his Guru for his unwavering affection and guidance in completing this work. He hopes this "festival of light" from Lord Mahavir will uplift all beings.

Introduction by Dr. Vinay Vishwas: Dr. Vinay Vishwas introduces "Prakash-Parv: Mahavir" as a collection of free verse poetry, possibly the first in Hindi literature to capture the essence of Lord Mahavir's divine life and his attainment of complete human potential through this form. He emphasizes that Lord Mahavir's life was a "living meter of liberation," inspiring many poets and writers. The book, he states, re-illuminates this personality, with each word, meaning, and emotion deeply lived and felt.

Dr. Vishwas highlights the natural flow of the poetry, free from artificial beauty or the burden of adhering to strict metrical rules. Free verse emerged in Hindi poetry to liberate meaning and allow the rhythm of the words to serve the rhythm of the meaning. He praises the book's evocative descriptions of society during Mahavir's time, particularly the cruelty towards women. He also commends the use of similes, which are not mere decorations but essential to the expression, enriching both the beauty and meaning of the verses. He provides examples of how similes enhance the depiction of events like Mahavir's birth and his compassion for a wounded bird.

The introduction also points out the effective use of dialogue, citing the story of Shulpani Yaksha and the description of Sangam Dev's attacks. Dr. Vishwas concludes by stating that "Prakash-Parv: Mahavir" is a powerful poetic work that reinterprets well-known episodes of Lord Mahavir's life with fresh emotional depth, capable of captivating both general readers and literary enthusiasts.

Content of the Book (as per the provided pages):

The book is divided into several sections, offering a detailed account of Lord Mahavir's life, teachings, and spiritual significance:

"Anant Prakash ke Srot: Bhagwan Mahavir" (Source of Infinite Light: Lord Mahavir): This section elaborates on Lord Mahavir's birth, his childhood names (Vardhaman, Sanmati, Veer, Mahavir, Ativeer, Karunavatar), his marriage, his compassion, his asceticism, the numerous ordeals (upasargas) and hardships he endured with equanimity, and his attainment of Kevala Jnana (omniscience). It details his teachings on Ahimsa (non-violence), Satya (truth), Asteya (non-stealing), Brahmacharya (celibacy), and Aparigraha (non-possession). The text explains that Ahimsa is the natural state of existence, while violence leads to conflict. It emphasizes Mahavir's emphasis on "Live and Let Live" and his profound insight that true truth is welfare-oriented and non-harming. His teachings on controlling desires, practicing continence, and the importance of non-possession are also highlighted. The book also discusses his establishment of the fourfold Jain Sangha (monks, nuns, laymen, laywomen) and the significance of his Nirvana, which is celebrated as Diwali, the festival of lights.
"Bhagwan Mahavir: Sankshipt Jeevan-Rekhayein" (Lord Mahavir: Brief Life Sketches): This section provides a concise biographical overview of Lord Mahavir, reiterating his birth, names, and early life. It recounts instances of his divine powers and compassionate actions during his childhood, such as his interaction with the hunter boy Chand, his prowess in subduing a mad elephant, and his intellectual superiority even as a child. His marriage to Yashoda, his renunciation after his parents' death, and his adherence to his brother's wishes before his initiation are described. The text details his initiation, the loss of his divine garment, his encounters with the farmer, the Yaksha, the serpent Chandakoushik, and the profound teachings he imparted through his actions and words. It also recounts the challenging ordeal of Sangam Dev, who subjected Mahavir to extreme torture, and how Mahavir responded with compassion and forgiveness. His significant act of breaking his vow with Chandanbala, a severely afflicted woman, is presented as a testament to his commitment to uplifting the downtrodden. The attainment of Kevala Jnana at the age of 43, his first sermon in Ardhamagadhi, and his establishment of the fourfold Sangha are also covered.
"Bhagwan Mahavir: Dharm-Chakra Pravartan" (Lord Mahavir: Setting the Wheel of Dharma in Motion): This section focuses on Lord Mahavir's revolutionary impact on the religious and social landscape of his time. It highlights his role in challenging ignorance, superstition, and communal narrow-mindedness prevalent in ritualistic practices like animal sacrifice. Mahavir advocated for an "agnihotra of the soul" through virtuous thoughts, speech, and actions, making spiritual practice accessible to everyone. He declared Ahimsa as the supreme Dharma and extended compassion to all living beings, even plants. His philosophy of Anekantavada (non-absolutism) is presented as a means to break sectarianism and foster unity and brotherhood. The text also emphasizes his challenge to the caste system, asserting that lineage is not the basis of superiority but rather one's deeds. He recognized women's potential for spiritual growth, exemplified by Chandanbala's leadership in the Sadhvi Sangha. His teachings on Aparigraha (non-possession) were a response to societal inequality and the accumulation of wealth. He advocated for self-conquest over conquering others and promoted virtues like peace and forgiveness, influencing the political thought of his era and laying the foundation for republics.
"Bhagwan Mahavir: Ek Vichar" (Lord Mahavir: A Thought): This section delves into Lord Mahavir's profound philosophy on self-interest versus altruism, the corrosive nature of greed, and the illusion of material wealth as a source of happiness. It contrasts the pursuit of worldly possessions with the path of renunciation and self-reliance. The text emphasizes that true freedom comes from detachment from desires, the body, and worldly pleasures. It critiques modern society's adherence to the "an eye for an eye" principle and celebrates Mahavir's principle of responding to violence with forgiveness and "poison with milk." The author highlights Mahavir's example of living according to his teachings, his detachment from personal comfort, and his unwavering commitment to his principles even when faced with persecution. The text underscores the importance of equanimity, forgiveness, and the pursuit of self-knowledge as pathways to true freedom and a meaningful life.

The latter part of the book includes poetic verses and dialogues that illustrate various significant events and teachings from Lord Mahavir's life, such as:

Birth and childhood: Depicting the joy and wonder surrounding his birth, the dreams of his mother Trishla, the admiration of his father Siddhartha, and his extraordinary childhood encounters where he displayed immense strength, wisdom, and compassion.
Ordeals and Renunciation: Narrating the challenges faced by Mahavir, the trials orchestrated by deities like Sangam Dev, his encounters with the serpent Chandakoushik, and his profound understanding and compassion for all beings.
Attainment of Kevala Jnana and Preaching: Describing the moment he attained omniscience and his subsequent 30 years of preaching, establishing the fourfold Sangha, and spreading his message of Ahimsa, Satya, Asteya, Brahmacharya, and Aparigraha.
Nirvana: The book concludes with the account of Lord Mahavir's final moments at Pavapuri, his last sermon, and his attainment of Nirvana, which is equated with the festival of Diwali, symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness.

Overall, "Tirthankar Mahavir" is a tribute to Lord Mahavir's life and teachings, presented in a lyrical and insightful manner, aiming to inspire readers with his profound spiritual wisdom and exemplary conduct.