Vishvajyoti Vibhu Vardhaman Mahavir - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Vishvajyoti Vibhu Vardhaman Mahavir," authored by Mangaldas Trikamdas Zaveri, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Vishvajyoti Vibhu Vardhaman Mahavir Author: Mangaldas Trikamdas Zaveri Publisher: Vijaydevsuri Sangh

Overall Scope and Purpose:

This book, published by Shri Vijaydevsuri Sangh, aims to provide a comprehensive account of the life and teachings of Lord Mahavir, the 24th Tirthankara in the current descending cycle of time (avasarpini kaal). The author intends to present the key events and philosophical underpinnings of Mahavir's life, tracing his spiritual journey through numerous past lives. While the book is named after Mahavir, it serves as a vehicle to introduce the reader to the lives of all 24 Tirthankaras, with a particular focus on the first Tirthankara, Shri Rishabhdev (Adinath), and the last, Shri Vardhaman Mahavir. The compilation is designed to offer a holistic understanding of the historical context and spiritual vision behind the lives of the Tirthankaras, particularly for the younger generation.

Key Themes and Content:

Genealogy and Past Lives: The book emphasizes Lord Mahavir's existence in many past lives, tracing his journey from the time of Rishabhdev. A significant portion of the initial chapters (especially Chapters 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7) details his previous births, highlighting the development of his spiritual virtues and the karmic predispositions that led him to the Tirthankara status. These past lives often involve acts of extreme renunciation, compassion, and adherence to Jain principles, even in challenging circumstances.
The Temporal Cycle (Kaal Chakra): The text explains the Jain concept of time, divided into two cycles: Utsarpini (ascending) and Avsarpini (descending). Each cycle consists of six stages called "aras." The current era is the fifth ara of the Avsarpini, characterized by a decline in physical attributes, lifespan, and moral values, necessitating the advent of Tirthankaras to re-establish righteousness.
The Lives of Tirthankaras: The book provides brief biographical sketches of all 24 Tirthankaras, detailing their birth, significant life events, renunciation, attainment of Keval Gyan (omniscience), teachings, and final liberation (Nirvana). This contextualizes Mahavir's role within the larger framework of Jain spiritual history.
Lord Mahavir's Birth and Childhood: The book details the divine circumstances surrounding Mahavir's birth. It mentions the celestial transfer of the soul from the Deva Loka (specifically, the Pranat Kalpa) to the womb of Trishala Devi, wife of King Siddhartha of the Jnatri clan in Kundagrama (near Vaishali). The auspicious dreams of Trishala Devi and the subsequent exchange of Mahavir's soul with that of a Brahmin woman's daughter (due to Indra's intervention) are narrated. His childhood is depicted as one of remarkable intellect, strength, and serenity, even earning him the epithet "Mahavir" due to extraordinary feats during childhood play.
Grahstha Vas (Householder Life) and Marriage: The book describes Mahavir's period as a householder. His marriage to Yashoda Kumari is detailed, along with the significant events surrounding it, including a prophetic dream and the father-in-law's advice. It highlights the importance of compassion and fulfilling duties, even while destined for renunciation.
Renunciation and Ascetic Life: The core of Mahavir's life is his renunciation of worldly pleasures and adoption of an ascetic path. The text describes his rigorous penance, his adherence to vows, and the various severe hardships and "upsarga" (afflictions) he endured from beings like the Yaksha Shulapani and the demon Sangamaka. These trials are presented as tests of his spiritual fortitude and instruments for karmic purification.
Ghoshalaka: The narrative extensively covers the complex relationship between Mahavir and his disciple Ghoshalaka. Ghoshalaka, initially drawn to Mahavir's teachings, later deviates into his own philosophy of Niyativada (fatalism) and develops peculiar practices. His life illustrates the challenges faced by spiritual leaders and the consequences of straying from the true path. The text details their interactions and the karmic connections that bind them.
The Concept of Karma and Liberation: Central to Jain philosophy, as presented in the book, is the concept of karma and its role in the cycle of birth and death. Mahavir's teachings emphasize that liberation (Moksha) is achieved by purging oneself of karmic impurities through right faith, right knowledge, and right conduct.
Teachings and Philosophy: While the text focuses on Mahavir's life story, it implicitly conveys Jain principles like Ahimsa (non-violence), Aparigraha (non-possession), and Anekantavada (non-absolutism). His rigorous asceticism and profound meditation highlight the path to spiritual realization.
The Twenty-Four Tirthankaras: As mentioned, the book includes brief biographies of all 24 Tirthankaras, providing a broader historical and spiritual perspective.
Corrections and Clarifications: The introductory sections and specific page notes contain numerous corrections and clarifications regarding historical events, scriptural interpretations, and factual accuracy. These indicate a meticulous effort by the editors and publishers to ensure the reliability of the presented information, acknowledging the original author's potential oversights or the limitations of the initial printing. Examples include clarifying the nature of Bharat and Bahubali's conflict, correcting the sequence of events, and refining the understanding of certain incidents like the interaction with the cowherd or the details of Mahavir's conception.

Key Aspects of Mahavir's Life as Portrayed:

Pre-ordained Destiny: Mahavir's Tirthankara status was determined by his past karmic accumulations, including his incarnation as Marichi, who binds lower karma due to pride in his lineage.
Patience and Equanimity: His life is depicted as a continuous struggle against adversities, demonstrating extraordinary patience, equanimity, and unwavering resolve in the face of suffering and opposition.
Universal Compassion: Mahavir's teachings and actions exemplify profound compassion for all living beings, emphasizing the sanctity of life in all its forms.
The Path to Enlightenment: The book highlights Mahavir's journey from a prince to an ascetic, culminating in omniscience (Keval Gyan) and ultimate liberation, serving as an inspiration for followers to pursue their own spiritual goals.

Publishing Context:

The book is presented as a publication of the Shri Vijaydevsuri Sangh, with the "Gyansamiti" (Knowledge Committee) of the Sangh undertaking the publication. The preface acknowledges that the original text was printed but not published due to the author's untimely demise. The Sangh decided to publish it to prevent the printed matter from being wasted, despite noting some errors and inaccuracies in the original manuscript, which were addressed to some extent during the publication process. The publication date is noted as Vikram Samvat 2016 / Vir Samvat 2486 / 1960 AD.

In essence, "Vishvajyoti Vibhu Vardhaman Mahavir" is a devotional and biographical work that seeks to illuminate the spiritual path trodden by Lord Mahavir and the preceding Tirthankaras, offering guidance for the reader's own spiritual journey.