Tirthankar Mahavir Tirthankar Parshwanath

This document is a summary of the book "Tirthankar Mahavir Tirthankar Parshwanath" by Jaybhikkhu, published by Jaybhikkhu Sahitya Trust. It is part of the "Jain Balgranthavali Shreni - 1" series, aimed at children. The book, edited by Jaybhikkhu, focuses on the lives of two prominent Jain Tirthankaras: Lord Mahavir and Lord Parshwanath.

Book Structure and Context:

• Series: The book is the second installment in a ten-part series aimed at educating young Jains. The series covers various important figures and events in Jainism.
• Author: Jaybhikkhu is a respected figure whose works are presented by the Jaybhikkhu Sahitya Trust.
• Publisher: The book is published by Jaybhikkhu Sahitya Trust, Ahmedabad.
• Edition: The edition is part of the Jaybhikkhu Birth Centenary Granthavali (2008).

Summary of Content:

The book is divided into two main sections, detailing the lives of Lord Mahavir and Lord Parshwanath.

Part 1: Tirthankar Shri Mahavir

This section recounts the life story of Lord Mahavir, the 24th Tirthankara.

• Birth and Early Life: Lord Mahavir was born as Prince Vardhaman in Vaishali, in the Videh region of ancient India, to King Siddhartha and Queen Trishala Devi. His birth was marked by auspicious dreams and brought prosperity to the kingdom. He was known for his strength, justice, and compassion from a young age. He was a devoted son and respected his elders.
• Marriage and Family: Prince Vardhaman married Princess Yashoda, and they had a daughter named Priyadarshana.
• Renunciation and Asceticism: Despite a comfortable life, Vardhaman was deeply concerned by the suffering and fear of death experienced by people. He decided to renounce worldly possessions, his kingdom, and his family to seek the path to salvation and alleviate the world's suffering. He received permission from his parents and, at the age of 30, embarked on his ascetic journey after their passing.
• Harsh Penance: Lord Mahavir undertook severe penances, including prolonged fasts (up to six months), and meditated in difficult and isolated locations, enduring hardships like insect bites and animal attacks without complaint.
• Encounters and Trials: The narrative highlights significant events that tested his resolve.
  • Chandaushika the Serpent: He encountered a venomous serpent named Chandaushika, who tried to harm him. However, Vardhaman's compassion and spiritual strength calmed the serpent, leading it to abandon its harmful nature.
  • Goshala: He was accompanied by a disciple named Goshala, who proved to be a disruptive and troublesome companion.
  • Suffering and Endurance: The text emphasizes his immense patience and tolerance, recounting instances where he was mistreated by soldiers, had sharp rods inserted into his ears by a goatherd, and endured being burned by fire, yet remained steadfast in his meditation and principles. These trials earned him the name "Mahavir" (Great Hero).
• Attainment of Kevala Jnana: After 12 years of rigorous penance and meditation, Lord Mahavir attained Kevala Jnana (omniscience) under a Shala tree. He gained complete knowledge of the past, present, and future.
• Teachings: He then began preaching his philosophy, emphasizing:
  • Purity of the Soul: True religion lies in the purity of the soul, not in rituals or sacrifices.
  • Equality: Birth does not determine one's status; character and conduct define a person. He preached that anyone, regardless of caste or gender, could attain spiritual enlightenment.
  • Ahimsa (Non-violence): Ahimsa is the supreme dharma.
  • Multisidedness of Reality: Understanding the truth requires looking at all aspects of a thing, as partial views lead to conflict.
• Establishment of the Sangha: Lord Mahavir preached in common languages for thirty years, attracting followers from all walks of life, including scholars, warriors, merchants, and laborers, as well as men and women. He established a Sangha (community) of monks and nuns. This establishment of a spiritual order is why he is called a Tirthankara (maker of a ford across the ocean of existence). He is the last Tirthankara.
• Nirvana: He passed away in Pavapuri, after delivering his final sermon. His passing is commemorated by the festival of Diwali, where lamps are lit to represent his divine light.

Part 2: Tirthankar Shri Parshwanath

This section narrates the life of Lord Parshwanath, the 23rd Tirthankara.

• Birth and Early Life: Lord Parshwanath was born in Kashi to King Ashwasen and Queen Vama Devi. His mother's encounter with a black serpent during pregnancy was seen as an auspicious sign, foretelling the birth of a powerful child. He was named Parshva.
• Youth and Marriage: Prince Parshva grew up to be a strong and virtuous prince. He was known for his valor and widely admired. He was married to Princess Prabhawati.
• Overcoming Adversity: The story highlights his courage and righteousness in resolving conflicts.
  • Rescue of Kalinganagari: The text recounts how King Prasentjit of Kushasthal was besieged by the arrogant King Yavana. Prince Parshva, with his father's permission, led an army to confront Yavana. He showed immense bravery and diplomacy, convincing Yavana to withdraw his forces without bloodshed.
  • Marriage to Prabhawati: King Prasentjit, grateful for Parshva's intervention, offered his daughter Prabhawati in marriage. Although initially reluctant to marry due to his inclination towards renunciation, Parshva eventually agreed due to his father's insistence and Prabhawati's devotion.
• Encounter with Kamatha: Prince Parshva witnessed Kamatha, a tapasvin (ascetic) who performed severe penances, including the Panchagni Tapas (five-fire penance), with a burning snake trapped in the fire. Parshva, recognizing the cruelty and misunderstanding of true penance, intervened, freed the snake, and preached the importance of Ahimsa and compassion in religious practices. This incident led to Kamatha's eventual rebirth as the celestial being Meghamali and the snake as Dharanendra Nagraj (King of Serpents).
• Growing Renunciation: Observing the divine procession of Lord Neminath and reflecting on the transient nature of worldly pleasures, Parshva's detachment deepened. He developed a strong desire for a higher spiritual life, known as Vairagya.
• Asceticism and Spiritual Power: He practiced charity and then took to asceticism. He moved from place to place, preaching and meditating. He faced further trials from Meghamali, who tried to scare him with illusions of wild animals and a severe storm. Parshva remained unfazed. Dharanendra, the serpent king, grateful for Parshva's past actions, protected him from the storm.
• Attainment of Kevala Jnana and Teachings: After a while, Lord Parshvanath attained Kevala Jnana and began spreading his teachings, emphasizing a pure life and establishing a Sangha.
• Nirvana: Lord Parshvanath lived for 100 years and attained Nirvana.

Overall Message and Target Audience:

The book aims to instill values of righteousness, compassion, non-violence, perseverance, and spiritual pursuit in young readers. It presents the lives of these Tirthankaras as exemplary models for living a virtuous life, highlighting their courage, wisdom, and dedication to alleviating suffering. The language used is simple and accessible, suitable for children.