Vipul Ane Vijan

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Vipul ane Vijan" in English:

Book Title: Vipul ane Vijan Author(s): JAINA Education Committee Publisher: JAINA Education Committee Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/201039/1

Summary:

The story "Vipul ane Vijan" (Vipul and Vijan) is a Jain moral tale that emphasizes the principle of Karma – that one's actions directly influence their destiny.

The narrative begins with Vipul and Vijan, two friends from Pratishthanpur, who get lost in the forest. As darkness falls, they are filled with fear. They stumble upon a hut inhabited by a renowned ascetic who possesses the ability to predict future events. The ascetic is known for his foresight, and villagers often seek his predictions. However, he generally avoids revealing the future to people, preferring to live in seclusion.

The two friends, recognizing the ascetic, wait for him to finish his meditation. Upon waking, the ascetic offers them food and a place to rest. The next morning, he sends a disciple to guide them back to the village. As they depart, Vipul and Vijan insist on knowing their future. The ascetic, though reluctant, eventually agrees, explaining that knowing the future isn't always wise and predictions can sometimes be incorrect.

He predicts that Vipul will become a king within a year, while Vijan will meet a violent death at the hands of a cruel person during the same period.

Upon returning to the village, Vipul becomes arrogant and boastful, threatening anyone who misbehaves with severe punishment once he is king. The villagers, fearing him, live in apprehension. In contrast, Vijan, who has become a teacher, dedicates his time to prayer, selfless service to the community, and maintaining a humble demeanor. He doesn't fear death and has surrendered his fate to a higher power.

Six months later, Vipul asks Vijan to help him find a suitable location for his future palace in a desolate area. While surveying, Vipul unexpectedly finds a pot filled with gold coins. Overjoyed, he declares he will buy a crown with the treasure. However, as he exults, robbers emerge from the bushes and attack him. Vijan, demonstrating bravery, intervenes to save Vipul, fighting off the robbers. Although he successfully repels them, he sustains a dagger wound on his shoulder.

Grateful for being saved, Vipul decides to share half of the gold with Vijan. However, Vijan humbly declines, stating that with his imminent death approaching, he has no need for wealth. Vipul then squanders the discovered riches on frivolous pursuits. A full year passes, but Vipul has not become king, nor has Vijan died.

Confused by the discrepancy, both friends return to the forest to seek an explanation from the ascetic. The ascetic explains that Vipul's reckless and thoughtless actions throughout the year have altered his destiny. The crown that was meant for him has now become mere gold coins found in the earth. Conversely, Vijan's fate has also changed due to his devotion, humanitarianism, and faith. His predicted violent death has been reduced to a minor wound from the encounter with the robbers.

Both friends, reflecting on their actions and their consequences, return to the village with a newfound understanding of life's purpose. The story concludes by reiterating that destiny is shaped by karma, both from the present life and past lives. Vipul's arrogance and attachment to material possessions led to negative karma, resulting in his unfavorable outcome. In contrast, Vijan's humanity, prayers, and faith led to good karma, ensuring a positive future. The tale serves as a reminder that our present and future can be brightened by our conduct and choices.