Ver Ane Badalo

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Ver ane Badalo" (Enmity and Revenge) by Gopaldas Jivabhai Patel, published by Gujarat Vidyapith, Ahmedabad:

Overall Theme:

"Ver ane Badalo" is a collection of ancient Buddhist stories that primarily illustrate the core Buddhist teaching that "enmity does not cease by enmity, but only by love (or non-enmity)." The book emphasizes the destructive nature of hatred and the pursuit of revenge, and conversely, the transformative power of compassion, understanding, and forgiveness.

Introduction (Publisher's Note):

The book was published as part of a government initiative to promote social education literature and in anticipation of the 2500th birth anniversary of Lord Buddha. The publisher highlights the profound simplicity and timeless relevance of these stories, suggesting they deserve a place in the world's eternal literature. The stories, compiled by Gopaldas Patel, serve as examples of Buddha's teaching that resentment and vengeance only perpetuate cycles of violence. The publisher laments the current prevalence of hatred in individuals and nations and advocates for the integration of these teachings into societal life.

Key Stories and Their Lessons:

The book is structured into several chapters, each presenting a story with a moral lesson. Here's a summary of the key narratives and their takeaways:

1. "Na Shame Ver Verthi" (Enmity Does Not Cease by Enmity):

   • Story: The King of Kashi, Brahmadaat, conquers the smaller kingdom of Kosala and brutally executes its king, Didhiti, and queen. Didhiti's son, Didhavu, witnesses this horror and carries the burden of revenge. However, his father's dying words – "Do not look far ahead, nor look too short. Enmity will not cease by enmity, but only by love" – guide him. Didhavu infiltrates Brahmadaat's court, becoming a trusted servant. He has multiple opportunities to kill Brahmadaat but refrains, remembering his father's words. Ultimately, when Brahmadaat, disturbed by a nightmare, confesses his fear of Didhavu, Didhavu reveals himself. Instead of seeking revenge, he forgives Brahmadaat, and they make peace. Brahmadaat restores Didhavu's kingdom and gives him his daughter in marriage.
   • Lesson: This story powerfully illustrates the central theme. Revenge leads to a cycle of violence, while forgiveness and compassion can break that cycle and lead to a more profound form of "victory."

2. "Ver ni Parampara" (The Tradition of Enmity):

   • Story: This is a multi-generational story illustrating how animosity and ill-will carry over from one life to the next. It begins with a rivalry between two wives in a family, leading to the death of one due to miscarriage induced by the other. This hatred manifests in subsequent rebirths: as a cat and a hen, then as a tigress and a deer, with the animosity continuing through the killing of young. Finally, in their human rebirths as Bhadra and Dhanya, the cycle of hatred, though subtle, persists until they encounter Buddha, who helps them understand and break the chain of their past animosity through remorse and forgiveness.
   • Lesson: This story highlights the karmic consequences of hatred and how it can perpetuate across lifetimes. It underscores the need for breaking these cycles through understanding and compassion.

3. "Bhai Bhai ne Jhagde" (Brother Fighting Brother):

   • Story: Two Kshatriya clans, the Shakyas and the Koliyas, residing on opposite banks of the Rohini river, depend on its water for their rice crops. A dispute arises over water allocation. What starts as a verbal argument escalates into insults and physical altercations. The conflict is about to turn violent when a wise man intervenes. He points out the disproportionate value placed on the water (worth one harvest) compared to the lives of their brothers and the Kshatriya lineage. This stark comparison makes them realize the futility of their fight, and they reconcile. This wise man is revealed to be Buddha.
   • Lesson: This story emphasizes that petty disputes, when fueled by pride and ego, can lead to devastating consequences. It promotes rational thinking and the recognition of shared humanity over material or territorial claims.

4. "Ladai" (The Fight):

   • Story: A Swan King ruling over aquatic birds and a Peacock King ruling over land birds engage in a bitter conflict. The conflict begins with an insult from a heron (belonging to the Swan King) to the Peacock King. The Peacock King, enraged, declares war. The war is fierce, with the Peacock King initially suffering losses. The Swan King, advised by a cunning crow, resorts to trickery. The crows infiltrate the Peacock King's kingdom and set fire to his fort. In the ensuing chaos, the Peacock King is defeated and flees. His advisor, a vulture, urges him to make peace with the Swan King, return his kingdom, and avoid further escalation of animosity, especially as the monsoon season would favor aquatic birds. The Peacock King initially refuses, but after his own kingdom is attacked by the Swan King's forces, he finally agrees to a truce. Through mediation, they reconcile, realizing the futility of their war.
   • Lesson: This story illustrates how pride and misjudgment can lead to unnecessary wars. It highlights the importance of wise counsel (like the vulture's) in de-escalating conflict and the benefits of reconciliation over prolonged animosity.

5. "Takrar no Chhedo" (The End of an Argument):

   • Story: This story focuses on the nature of arguments. It states that arguments escalate because both parties engage. If one party recognizes their contribution to the conflict and withdraws, the argument ends. The story of Vishakha and a young monk exemplifies this. A misunderstanding over the term "maṇḍa" (shaved head) leads to an argument between Vishakha's granddaughter, a young monk, and Vishakha herself. Buddha intervenes, clarifying that while a monk's appearance doesn't warrant mockery, the monk's own reactions also contributed to the escalation. The monk then realizes his own fault in getting angry and escalating the situation.
   • Lesson: This story teaches that arguments are often a two-way street and that de-escalation requires self-awareness and a willingness to back down from one's position.

6. "Beni Ladai ma Trijo Fave" (The Third Benefits from the Fight of Two):

   • Story: Two monks argue over who should take a soft blanket left behind after their stay. They approach a monk named Upnand, known for resolving disputes, hoping for a fair division. Upnand divides the rough blankets between them but keeps the soft blanket as his fee. The monks are left with less than they deserved. The story then parallels this with two otters fighting over a fish, with a fox cleverly resolving their dispute by taking the best part of the fish as his reward.
   • Lesson: This is a cautionary tale about the dangers of disputes. It shows how conflicts between two parties often benefit a third, opportunistic party. It advises compromise to avoid losing everything to an outsider.

7. "Kadvi Shikhaman" (Bitter Advice):

   • Story: A student of Buddha is easily angered and resorts to violence when corrected. Buddha advises him that those who point out our faults are actually our benefactors. He illustrates this with the story of a prince, Brahmakumar, who was caned by his teacher for stealing sesame seeds. The prince harbored revenge but later realized that his teacher's harsh correction saved him from a far worse fate of being caught for theft and executed. He then venerates his teacher.
   • Lesson: This story emphasizes the importance of accepting criticism with gratitude and understanding, as it often stems from good intentions to guide us away from greater harm.

8. "Angulimal Lutara" (Angulimal the Robber):

   • Story: Angulimal was a notorious bandit who murdered people and wore a garland of their fingers. Buddha, despite warnings, walks towards Angulimal's territory. Angulimal is surprised by Buddha's fearless approach. Buddha explains that he is "standing still" in his resolve for compassion, while Angulimal is unstable due to his hatred. Angulimal is deeply affected by Buddha's compassion, repents his actions, and becomes Buddha's disciple. Despite becoming a monk, Angulimal is still attacked by people seeking revenge. Buddha advises him to bear it patiently, seeing it as a way to atone for his past sins. Later, Angulimal's truthful statement about not having harmed any living being knowingly saves a woman in difficult childbirth, demonstrating the power of truth and his reformed nature.
   • Lesson: This is a powerful story of transformation. It showcases Buddha's immense compassion, the possibility of redemption even for the worst offenders, and the strength found in enduring suffering with equanimity.

9. "Mahashil Raja" (King Mahashil):

   • Story: King Mahashil, known for his virtue and adherence to the five precepts (non-violence, truthfulness, non-stealing, chastity, and abstention from intoxicants), disbands his powerful army. His ministers and people worry about potential invasions. A former minister, exiled for misconduct, advises King Shal's enemy, King of Koshala, to attack Kashi, describing it as undefended. The Koshala King tests this by sending raiders, who are met with non-violence, forgiveness, and even financial compensation by Mahashil. Convinced of Mahashil's weakness, the Koshala King invades with a large army. Mahashil, refusing to fight, opens the city gates. The Koshala King captures Mahashil and his thousand loyal followers and buries them up to their necks in a graveyard, intending for them to be eaten by jackals. Mahashil, however, remains steadfast in his commitment to non-violence and forgiveness. Through his immense inner strength, he and his followers manage to break free. The Koshala King, remorseful upon realizing Mahashil's true character and the impending danger from the jackals, seeks forgiveness and friendship. Mahashil's virtue and resilience ultimately prevail.
   • Lesson: This story highlights the ultimate power of virtue (shila) over brute force. It demonstrates that true strength lies in compassion, forgiveness, and unwavering adherence to principles, even in the face of death.

10. "Gramsevak Magh" (Magh the Village Worker):

    • Story: In the kingdom of Magadha, the king is indifferent to his people's welfare, leading to decay and neglect in the kingdom. In one village, a young man named Magh dedicates himself to public service, cleaning roads, filling pits, and maintaining public spaces. Initially mocked, his efforts inspire others, and a group forms to help him. Their commitment to the five precepts and selfless service spreads. The local liquor merchant, seeing his business decline, falsely reports Magh to the king. Magh and his followers are sentenced to be trampled by elephants. However, the elephants refuse to harm them, showing unusual behavior. The king, investigating, learns of Magh's virtuous service and the false accusation. He pardons Magh, imprisons the accuser, and appoints Magh as the regional administrator, recognizing the power of righteousness and public service.
    • Lesson: This story emphasizes the impact of selfless service and ethical conduct. It shows how righteousness can even influence nature (the elephants) and how true leadership involves recognizing and rewarding virtue.

11. "Devadharmi Kanu" (Who is Called Godly?):

    • Story: King Mahipala of Kashi has three sons: Mahipal, Chandrakumar, and Suryakumar. The queen, fearing for her son Suryakumar's succession, conspires against the elder two. The King, aware of the danger, sends Mahipal and Chandrakumar into exile. Suryakumar, learning of this, follows them. They encounter a lake guarded by a water-dwelling demon who grants passage to those who can answer the question: "Who is called godly?" Chandrakumar answers "the sun and moon," and Suryakumar answers "the four directions," both incorrect. Mahipal, the eldest, when questioned, answers, "He who feels shame and remorse when doing wrong, and joy in doing good." The demon is pleased, recognizing Mahipal's true understanding of godliness and offers to release his brothers. Mahipal chooses to save Suryakumar, his half-brother, as a gesture of compassion for his mothers. The demon, impressed by Mahipal's selfless virtue, releases both brothers and offers them his protection and companionship.
    • Lesson: This story explores the true meaning of "godly." It defines godliness not by external manifestations but by internal ethical conduct – shame in wrongdoing and joy in virtuous actions. It also highlights the virtue of compassion and selflessness in familial relationships.

Concluding Remarks:

"Ver ane Badalo" serves as a timeless reminder of the destructive consequences of hatred and revenge. Through these Buddhist parables, the book advocates for the path of compassion, forgiveness, and virtuous living as the true means to achieve peace and lasting happiness, both individually and collectively. The stories are presented as valuable lessons for all ages, encouraging a shift from destructive impulses to constructive, ethical behavior.