Vastusar Ratnapal Charitre - Book Summary

The document you provided is a Jain text titled "Vastusar Ratnapal Charitre," published by Mithabhai Kalyanchandra Jain S Samstha. It contains two biographies: the story of Vastusar and the story of Ratnapal.

Here's a summary of the key aspects:

Overall Context:

Publisher and Purpose: The book is published by the Mithabhai Kalyanchandra Jain S Samstha, indicating a Jain religious and educational objective. The text is presented as part of the "Agamoddharak Granthamala," a series dedicated to reviving and disseminating Jain scriptures.
Dedication: The book is dedicated to Pujyapād Gaṇivarya Shri Labhdisagar Mahodaya, acknowledging his renunciation of worldly pleasures at a young age and his success in guiding his family towards a spiritual path.
Commemoration: The publication is made possible by the financial contribution of Motichandbhai, in memory of his elder brother Premchandbhai from Aspur.
Authorship and Editing: The stories are authored in Sanskrit verse by Muni Shri Trailokyasagarji Maharaj, with corrections and purification done by Pujya Shri Suryodayasagarji Maharaj and Pujya Shri Prabodhasagarji Maharaj.

The Story of Vastusar (Pages 5-11):

Setting: The story begins in the village of Shantipura, ruled by King Shatrumardan. Vastusar is the intelligent son of Vishwabhuti, a wise and skilled Purohit (priest).
Vishwabhuti's Demise: Vishwabhuti passes away when Vastusar is ten years old, leaving his education and future uncertain.
Marriage Proposal: In Devpura, King Devyasho's Purohit, Somil, has a beautiful and virtuous daughter named Sukomala. Lacking a son, Somil desires a son-in-law who will reside with him.
The Matchmaking: Somil's envoy travels to Shantipura and proposes the marriage of Sukomala to Vastusar. Vastusar's mother, Nirmala, is hesitant due to her only son being Vastusar.
The Dilemma: The envoy uses persuasive arguments, highlighting the lack of wealth and resources for the wedding. Nirmala eventually agrees, and Vastusar moves to Devpura to marry Sukomala.
Family Life: Vastusar and Sukomala live happily, and Sukomala gives birth to a son named Sudhi.
Desire to See Mother: Vastusar's mother, Nirmala, wishes to see her grandson and daughter-in-law.
Conflict with Father-in-law: Vastusar informs his father-in-law, Somil, of his mother's wish. Somil, however, is possessive of his daughter and grandson and refuses to let Vastusar take them, suggesting Nirmala visit them instead. This creates a significant conflict.
Tragic News: While returning to his mother, Vastusar learns that she is on her deathbed. He rushes to her side, deeply regretting his inability to fulfill her last wishes.
Reconciliation and Renunciation: After his mother's passing, Vastusar, deeply affected by the events, seeks reconciliation. He proposes to his father-in-law that if Sukomala wishes to visit, she can. Sukomala, realizing the true value of her in-laws' home, refuses to return to her father's house, stating she prefers even dry food without ghee to the richness of her father's home.
Vastusar's Continued Life: Vastusar returns to Shantipura with his wife and son, living a contented life and pursuing his studies.
A Monk's Story and a Past Life Revelation: Later, Vastusar encounters a monk who recounts a story about a merchant named Suryasena and his wife Bhanumati. This story reveals a past life connection: Suryasena was Vastusar's father, Bhanumati was his mother, and the unfortunate events leading to their separation and the loss of their son were due to past karmic actions. Vastusar realizes the truth of the monk's words and, along with his father and the king, takes vows of renunciation. They live virtuously and attain liberation (moksha).
Moral: The story emphasizes the consequences of karma and the importance of fulfilling familial duties.

The Story of Ratnapal (Pages 13-26):

Setting: The story begins in Lakshmipura, a prosperous city ruled by King Devpal. Dhananjaya, a poor merchant, lives with his wife Chandrā.
Birth of Manachandra: Chandrā becomes pregnant and gives birth to a son named Manachandra.
Dhananjaya's Death: Shortly after Manachandra's birth, Dhananjaya dies, leaving Chandrā a widow.
Chandrā's Death: Due to hardship and lack of support, Chandrā also passes away when Manachandra is only eight months old.
Orphaned: Manachandra is left orphaned and uncared for.
Adoption by Purnachandra: Purnachandra, a wealthy merchant, takes pity on the child and adopts him, entrusting him to his daughters-in-law for care.
Education and Upbringing: Manachandra receives an education and grows up intelligent.
Envy and Advice: A merchant named Bhanuchandra, envious of Manachandra's upbringing, tells him that Purnachandra is not his real father and that he should ask about his marriage.
Purnachandra's Refusal: When Manachandra asks Purnachandra about marriage, Purnachandra reveals that he is not his biological father and therefore will not spend money on his marriage.
Seeking Wealth: Manachandra, wanting to get married, is advised by Bhanuchandra to collect firewood and sell it daily.
Manachandra's Efforts: Manachandra diligently works, collecting and selling firewood, and over three years, amasses fifteen hundred rupees.
A Dream and a Predicament: Manachandra dreams of marrying a wealthy merchant's daughter. While in the forest collecting wood, he dreams of marrying a beautiful woman and then falls into a well.
The King's Intervention: King Devpal arrives at the well and rescues him. Manachandra, due to the dream's influence and the king's questioning, initially doesn't reveal the full truth.
The King's Wife's Advice: Manachandra's wife, whom he met in his dream, advises him to ask the goddess Chandika for wealth.
The Goddess's Boon and the King's Advice: Manachandra performs austerities and is granted a boon by the goddess. He asks his wife for advice on what to wish for. She suggests asking for wealth like Dhanada, a wealthy merchant. Manachandra then consults with the king and another wealthy merchant, Dhanada, both of whom profess to be unhappy despite their riches.
Manachandra's Spiritual Awakening: Manachandra, disillusioned by the worldly pursuits, encounters a monk (Suris). He confides in the monk about his dreams and his unhappiness with worldly life.
Taking Vows: The monk advises him that true happiness lies in renunciation and offers him initiation. Manachandra accepts and becomes a monk named Ratnapal.
The Wealthy Merchant's Transformation: Ratnapal, now a monk, visits the wealthy merchant Purnachandra and advises him about his dreams and the true nature of happiness. Purnachandra, realizing the emptiness of his material possessions and the truth in Ratnapal's words, renounces his wealth and takes vows.
Ratnapal's Virtuous Life and Liberation: Ratnapal lives a life of devotion, practicing austerities and virtuous conduct, eventually attaining liberation.
Moral: The story highlights the transient nature of material wealth and the ultimate pursuit of spiritual happiness through renunciation and adherence to Jain principles.

In essence, "Vastusar Ratnapal Charitre" is a collection of Jain moral tales emphasizing the principles of karma, dharma, renunciation, and the ultimate path to liberation (moksha) through spiritual discipline. The stories aim to inspire readers to detach from worldly desires and focus on spiritual growth.