Tirthankar Mahavira A Biographical In Verse

Here is a comprehensive summary in English of the Jain text "Tirthankar Mahaveer: A Biography in Verse" by Mukesh Chhajer, based on the provided pages:

Overview:

"Tirthankar Mahaveer: A Biography in Verse" by Mukesh Chhajer presents the life story of Lord Mahavir, the 24th Tirthankar (spiritual teacher) of Jainism, in a poetic narrative. The book aims to provide an abridged, accessible account of his life, focusing on major, universally accepted events. The author states a preference for the Shwetamber tradition's narrative where differences exist between Jain sects. The book is dedicated to the followers of Ahimsa (non-violence).

Key Aspects of the Biography:

The text traces Mahavir's spiritual journey through numerous lifetimes, culminating in his birth as Prince Vardhaman.

• Pre-incarnations and Karmic Journey: The book begins by stating that Mahavir's soul, in a previous life, was Prince Marichi, the son of Bharat Chakravarti and grandson of Tirthankar Rishabhdev. The Omniscient One (Kevali) foretold his destiny. Prince Marichi was characterized by pride and vanity, leading him on a circuitous path through various realms and forms (human, animal, celestial, infernal) due to the unforgiving laws of karma. This journey included being born as Triprishtha Vasudev and Priyamitra Chakravarti, highlighting his bravery and worldly achievements in those lives. The narrative emphasizes that he also experienced severe austerities as Nandan Muni, purifying his soul for his final, destined appearance.

• The Societal Context: The preface and early verses describe a period of declining moral values where religion had become a means of livelihood for a select few, rituals were prioritized over self-knowledge, and societal darkness prevailed with a lack of compassion.

• Birth and Childhood: Mahavir was born as Prince Vardhaman in Vaishali to King Siddhartha and Queen Trishla. His birth was preceded by Queen Trishla's prophetic dreams, interpreted by wise ones to foretell the birth of an ideal son. His birth was a momentous occasion celebrated by humans and celestials alike. He was named Vardhaman, signifying bravery, wisdom, and compassion. Even as a child, he displayed extraordinary fearlessness and wisdom, impressing even the gods. The text recounts instances where he easily overcame challenges posed by deities disguised as a snake and a giant, demonstrating his innate power and non-violent strength.

• Renunciation and Asceticism: Despite having worldly comforts at his disposal, Prince Vardhaman remained detached. He patiently waited for his parents' earthly departure before seeking permission from his elder brother to embark on the path of renunciation. He respectfully acceded to his brother's request to stay for two more years. After his parents' passing, the devas (celestial beings) reminded him of his destiny. On the tenth day of the dark fortnight of Margshirsh, he left his princely life, pulling out his hair in five fistfuls and beginning his life as a wandering monk, adhering to the five great vows (Maha-vratas): Ahimsa (non-violence), Satya (truth), Asteya (non-stealing), Brahmacharya (celibacy), and Aparigraha (non-possession).

• Trials and Tribulations: The biography details Mahavir's severe austerities and the numerous challenges he faced during his twelve-and-a-half years of penance.

  • Cowherd's Oxen: He was tested by a cowherd who entrusted him with an oxen. While deep in meditation, the oxen disappeared. Upon the cowherd's furious inquiry, the Lord of Heavens (Indra) intervened to protect Mahavir, advising the cowherd against wrongly accusing the prince. Mahavir refused external help, stating that liberation comes from self-effort and the laws of karma.
  • Shulpani Demon: He faced the demon Shulpani in a temple, enduring its attacks without irritation, eventually leading the demon to realize Mahavir's divine nature and seek forgiveness. Mahavir advised the demon to embrace love and compassion.
  • Chandakaushik Cobra: He encountered Chandakaushik, a venomous cobra. Mahavir's calm demeanor and compassion pacified the cobra, which, after biting him and realizing its venom had no effect, recognized the power of love over hatred. This encounter led Chandakaushik to a higher understanding, promising a better future life.
  • Gaushalak and Fire: While meditating under a banyan tree, fire spread to his feet due to the carelessness of fellow travelers, including Gaushalak (who would later become a rival ascetic). Mahavir bore the heat, and the fire retreated.
  • Tapas Ascetic: He encountered an ascetic named Tapas who, angered by Gaushalak, directed fire at him. Mahavir's glance pacified the fire, and the ascetic sought forgiveness.
  • Kataputna: He was tortured by Kataputna, who was eventually humbled by his peace.
  • Sangam and Chamarendra: Celestial beings and demons, like Sangam and Chamarendra, attempted to disrupt Mahavir's meditation and resolve through various forms of torment, divine temptations, and even by creating dangerous situations involving celestial weapons, but they all failed to shake his equanimity.

• The Longest Fast and Princess Chandanbala: A pivotal moment was his twelve-year vow to break his fast only when an enslaved princess with a shaven head offered alms with tears in her eyes. After nearly three seasons of searching, he found Princess Chandanbala in Kaushambi, fulfilling the vow. This encounter marked her as one of his foremost disciples.

• Keval Gyan (Omniscience): After over twelve years of intense penance, in the month of Vaishakh, on the tenth day of the bright moon, under a Saal tree by the Rijubakula river, Mahavir attained Keval Gyan (omniscience). This event, characterized by the disintegration of karmic bonds and celebrated by celestial beings, marked his transformation into a Kevali and Sarvajna (omniscient).

• Disciples and Teachings: Immediately after attaining omniscience, Mahavir was confronted by eleven learned scholars, including Indrabhuti Gautam. One by one, they challenged him but were ultimately convinced by his profound wisdom and surrendered their ego, becoming his chief disciples, the Ganadharas. The text highlights that Mahavir treated all castes equally, accepting disciples from all strata of society. For the next thirty years, he traveled, spreading his teachings and establishing the four pillars of Jainism: Sadhu (monks), Sadhvi (nuns), Shravak (laymen), and Shravika (laywomen), founded on the Pancha Mahavratas and Anekantavad (the doctrine of manifold aspects).

• Nirvana: As his time to depart from the earthly realm approached, Mahavir delivered his final sermon, which lasted forty-eight hours. On a moonless night in Kartik, his soul became completely free from all karma and ascended to Siddhaloka (the abode of liberated souls).

• Legacy and Lessons: The book concludes by connecting Mahavir's teachings to the festival of Diwali, symbolizing the dispelling of darkness with light. The author emphasizes the practical application of Mahavir's lessons: non-harming, compassionate truthfulness, non-possession, overcoming passions, and serving the needy. The core message is that while acts of kindness accrue good karma, true liberation (the "Sparkling Diamond") lies beyond these actions, attainable through overcoming ego, jealousy, hatred, and anger. The story of Prince Vardhaman is presented as a legacy for the benefit of mankind.