Tirthankar Shantinath Tirthankar Mallinath

Here is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Tirthankar Shantinath Tirthankar Mallinath" by Jaybhikkhu, based on the provided pages:

This book, part of the "Jain Balgranthavali Shreni - 2" series, focuses on the lives and teachings of two significant Jain Tirthankaras: Tirthankar Shantinath and Tirthankar Mallinath. The book is published by Jaybhikkhu Sahitya Trust, Ahmedabad, and is dedicated to imparting moral and spiritual values to children.

Part 1: Tirthankar Shantinath

The narrative begins by emphasizing the transformative power of good company, dharma, and the right divine influences. It illustrates this through the examples of the woodcutter who became Lord Mahavir and the elephant Marubhuti who became Lord Parshvanath. The core message is that dedication to spiritual practice can lead even an ordinary soul to ultimate liberation, regardless of the present circumstances.

The story of Tirthankar Shantinath's past life as King Shri Shene of Ratnapur is then presented. King Shri Shene, a just ruler with two queens and two sons, Indusen and Bindusen, faced a crisis when his sons fought over the marriage proposal of Princess Shri Kanta. Despite his attempts to mediate, their conflict escalated to the brink of war. Realizing the gravity of the situation and the potential bloodshed, King Shri Shene decided to sacrifice himself to bring peace. He consumed a poisoned lotus, and his wives followed suit. The tragic incident deeply affected his sons, who renounced the world and attained liberation. This act of self-sacrifice highlights the king's profound compassion and commitment to preventing violence.

The text then shifts to another past life of Lord Shantinath as King Megharath. While observing a pigeon, King Megharath was moved by its simple, peaceful existence and contrasted it with his own life filled with worries and responsibilities. His contemplation was interrupted by the arrival of a hawk intent on preying on the pigeon. The pigeon sought refuge in the king's lap. The hawk, in its defense, argued that it was merely following the law of survival. It then presented a challenge: if the king wished to save the pigeon, he must offer his own flesh equivalent to the pigeon's weight. King Megharath, adhering to the principles of dayadharma (compassion), agreed. He placed the pigeon on one side of a weighing scale and began cutting his own flesh to match its weight. When his flesh was insufficient, he was prepared to sacrifice his head. At this moment, gods intervened, recognizing his immense sacrifice and proclaiming that his actions would lead him to become Tirthankar Shantinath in a future life. This story underscores the paramount importance of compassion and selflessness in the pursuit of spiritual merit.

The book then details the birth and life of Lord Shantinath himself. Born to King Vishwasen and Queen Achiradevi in Hastinapur, his birth brought an end to a prevalent plague and ushered in an era of peace. He was named Shantinath (Lord of Peace) due to this auspicious event. He married Yashomati and had a son, Chakrayudh. Lord Shantinath became a powerful Chakravarti emperor, ruling the six continents. However, he viewed worldly possessions and power as illusory. He renounced his kingdom, wealth, and family, becoming an ascetic. He preached, meditated, and guided countless beings. He also gave spiritual guidance to his son Chakrayudh, who later renounced the world himself. Lord Shantinath attained Nirvana at Sammet Shikhar.

The section concludes with a brief biographical sketch of Lord Shantinath, including his lineage, parents, birthplace, emblem (deer), height, and lifespan, as well as the details of his panch kalyanaks (five auspicious events) and his spiritual assembly.

Part 2: Tirthankar Mallinath

The narrative then transitions to Tirthankar Mallinath, who is presented as the 19th Tirthankara. The story begins in Mithila, a prosperous city during the era of King Kumbh and Queen Prabhavati. They were blessed with a daughter named Mallika, renowned for her extraordinary beauty and virtuous character. She was considered a divine soul, destined to uplift her family and the world.

Mallika received a comprehensive education, excelling in arts and sciences. She was also very close to her younger brother, Malladinna, whom she guided and nurtured. Her exceptional qualities and beauty attracted admiration from all quarters.

The text then describes the prevailing social climate where kings were eager to expand their kingdoms and acquire beautiful women. This led to conflicts and rivalries. In Hastinapur, a painter, seeking to gain favor, painted a lifelike portrait of Princess Mallika. When Prince Malladinna saw the portrait in the art exhibition, he was embarrassed and ordered the painter to leave. Enraged by this rejection, the painter sought revenge by presenting Mallika's portrait to other kings, fueling their desire to possess her.

Six kings sent their proposals to Mithila. King Kumbh, however, informed them that his daughter had vowed to remain a lifelong celibate (Brahmacharini) and would not marry. This response angered the kings, who believed it was a ploy and prepared for war and abduction.

Princess Mallika, witnessing the impending conflict caused by her beauty, devised a plan to disillusion the kings. She had a lifelike golden statue of herself created, adorned with her usual attire and jewelry. This statue was placed in a specially constructed "Maya Mandir" (illusory temple) with six thrones arranged around it.

When the kings arrived, Princess Mallika welcomed them and then asked her attendant to unveil the statue. As the cover was removed, a foul stench emanated from the statue, which Mallika explained was due to the decaying food items she had placed inside it over several days. She used this as a powerful illustration of the ephemeral and ultimately repulsive nature of the physical body, despite its outward beauty. She emphasized that true beauty lies in the soul and that infatuation with the physical form leads to suffering and conflict.

The kings were humbled and ashamed by her wisdom and the stark reality presented. They realized their folly and sought her guidance. Princess Mallika advised them to cultivate respect for women, practice restraint, and remember their mothers, sisters, and daughters. She declared her intention to remain a celibate and dedicate herself to spiritual practice to liberate the world from passion and hatred. The kings, accepting her teachings, pledged to reform their ways and seek true happiness.

Princess Mallika eventually renounced her worldly life and became a wandering ascetic, spreading her teachings and helping countless beings. She is revered as the 19th Tirthankara, Mallinath, and attained Nirvana at Sammet Shikhar.

The section concludes with a brief biographical sketch of Tirthankar Mallinath, including his lineage, parents, birthplace, emblem (Kumbha/Pot), height, and lifespan, as well as the details of his panch kalyanaks and his spiritual assembly.

Overall Theme:

The book emphasizes key Jain principles such as ahimsa (non-violence), dayadharma (compassion), renunciation, and the pursuit of spiritual liberation. It uses the lives of these two Tirthankaras to teach children valuable lessons about character, morality, and the ultimate goals of human existence. The stories are presented in a narrative style suitable for young readers, aiming to instill moral values and spiritual understanding.