Vishvoddharaka Shree Mahavir 01 - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Vishvoddharaka Shree Mahavir 01" by Mafatlal Sanghvi, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Vishvoddharaka Shree Mahavir 01 (The World Saver Lord Mahavir, Part 1) Author: Mafatlal Sanghvi Publisher: Shashikant and Co. Publication Date: March 1949 (First Edition) Value: 3 Rupees Edition Size: 1625 Copies

Overview:

This book is the first volume of a biographical series on Lord Mahavir, the 24th Tirthankar of Jainism. It aims to provide a detailed and historically accurate account of his life and teachings, presented in a way that is accessible to the general public. The text emphasizes the importance of Jain principles for individual and societal well-being in the context of the times (1949).

Key Themes and Content:

Author's Intent: Mafatlal Sanghvi, a young author at the time of writing, states his intention to make the biography as historically accurate as possible, while also incorporating elements of realism and spiritual depth where historical records are scarce. He apologizes for any stylistic or linguistic immaturities, attributing them to his youth. He expresses a desire for the book to contribute to humanity's betterment, inspired by his own life's aspiration to embody Mahavir's ideals.
Publisher's Mission: The publisher, Sanskriti Rakshak Sastu Sahitya Mandal (Cultural Protector Affordable Literature Association), aims to promote Jain literature and culture. They are publishing a series of monthly pamphlets, stories, essays, and biographies. They also appeal for original literature and are willing to accept donations of books and manuscripts for their library.
Unique Contributions of the Book: The publishers highlight the book's distinctiveness:
- Detailed account of Mahavir's post-enlightenment life: It offers a more thorough perspective on Mahavir's thirty years after attaining omniscience, which they believe has been largely overlooked.
- Clarification on diet and controversial interpretations: The book addresses the claim that Mahavir might have consumed meat, specifically mentioning an incident involving his disciple Goshalak and the use of "bijorapak" (a fruit preparation) for an ailment. The author intends to present original scriptural and botanical evidence to refute such claims and prevent the spread of misinformation.
- Geographical details: The book aims to provide accurate locations and explanations of Mahavir's travels and places of activity.
- Correction of geographical misconceptions: It challenges the notion that Mahavir's travels were limited to North and East India, citing his journey to Sindh in the West and his interaction with King Udayan there.
- Narrative Style: While acknowledging the author's unique style might be challenging for some, the publishers have strived to simplify it.
- Resolving the location of Mahavir's Nirvana: The book addresses the debate surrounding the exact location of Mahavir's final liberation (Nirvana).
The "Vishvoddharaka Shree Mahavir" Series: This is the ninth publication in the series and the third book of the second year. The publishers acknowledge challenges like rising paper costs, printing irregularities, and labor issues in maintaining their bimonthly release schedule. They also note the book's popularity, with readership extending to Gujaratis in Maharashtra and even overseas. Binding is done in Ahmedabad due to quality issues in Vadodara, leading to logistical difficulties.
The Aim of the Publication: The series is published at cost price, with the core mission being the propagation of knowledge and the protection of culture. The publishers believe that in a time of fragmented thoughts and societal decay, their work aims to rekindle enthusiasm and awaken humanity's dormant potential. They seek to harmonize old and new ideas to uphold Jain culture.
Broader Vision of Jainism: The publishers interpret "Jainism" (Jain Dharma) broadly, viewing it as the essence of all religions. Their books are not meant to be narrowly sectarian but rather to illuminate the truth and spread the fragrance of universal ideals.
Call for Spiritual Growth: The book is seen as a guide towards self-improvement, urging readers to embrace their heritage and strive for spiritual enlightenment. The emphasis is on the superior value of character and knowledge over material wealth.
The Book's Structure (Volume 1): The first volume is divided into two parts, containing chapters that trace Mahavir's spiritual journey through various lifetimes (Bhavs).

Key Past Lives (Bhavs) of Mahavir Described in Volume 1:

The book details Mahavir's previous births, illustrating the development of his spiritual qualities and the karmic journey leading to his Tirthankarship.

Naysar (First Bhav): This life depicts Naysar as a devout ruler who practices detached charity, emphasizing the profound results of selfless giving. His journey involves going to a forest for timber, encountering ascetics, and making a significant donation of food to them, which plants the seeds for his future spiritual progress.
Marichi (Third Bhav): Born as Marichi, son of Prince Bharat (son of Rishabhadeva), he later deviates from the path of righteousness, developing his own set of practices that contradict true spiritual discipline. This life highlights the importance of adhering to genuine spiritual teachings and the consequences of deviation. He is described as ultimately becoming a divine being in a heavenly realm.
Vishvabhuti (Sixteenth Bhav): Born as Prince Vishvabhuti, he experiences worldly pleasures and later renounces them. This life includes events that test his resolve and highlights the impact of his past deeds. His experiences underscore the transformative power of severe penance.
Triprushta Vasudev (Eighteenth Bhav): As Triprushta, a powerful Vasudev, he engages in battles and demonstrates immense strength and prowess. This life illustrates the complexities of power, duty, and the consequences of actions, including his eventual demise and rebirth in a lower realm due to negative karma. The text also lists other Vasudevs, Pratrivasudevs, and Balarams from other Tirthankar eras.
Priyamitra (Twenty-third Bhav): Born as Priyamitra, he establishes a great empire and demonstrates qualities of leadership and righteousness. He encounters a respected spiritual teacher, Potilacharya, whose teachings lead him to renounce worldly life and embrace the path of spiritual discipline.
Nandan Raja (Twenty-fifth Bhav): As King Nandan, he rules justly and compassionately. He later takes monastic vows and rigorously practices the twenty virtues (Vish Sthanak) leading to the accumulation of Tirthankar Nam Karma.

The Birth of Mahavir:

Divine Transition: The soul destined to become Mahavir transitions from the Pranat Devlok (a heavenly realm) to human birth.
Supernatural Events: The narrative describes the miraculous transfer of the embryo to Queen Trishala's womb and the fourteen auspicious dreams Queen Trishala experiences, signifying the birth of a supreme being.
Mahavir's Early Life: The book portrays Mahavir's childhood, his innate strength and divine qualities, his early encounters with supernatural beings testing him, and his precocious understanding of the world. It mentions his name "Vardhamaan" due to his family's growing prosperity after his birth.
Debate on Marriage: The book addresses the differing views between the Digambar and Shvetambar traditions regarding Mahavir's marital status. While Digambars believe he remained a lifelong celibate, Shvetambars present evidence of his marriage and the birth of a daughter, Priyadarshana, who later married Jamali (a disciple who later caused a schism). The author leans towards the Shvetambar interpretation based on scriptural evidence.
Mahavir's Character: Throughout his life, Mahavir is depicted as compassionate, detached from worldly possessions, and profoundly empathetic towards all living beings. His adherence to strict vows and practices, including prolonged fasting and meditation, is emphasized.

The Text's Focus on Jain Philosophy and Practice:

Karma Theory: The book extensively explains the Jain concept of Karma, its types (Ghati and Aghati), and how actions in this life influence future births.
The Importance of Tapa (Asceticism): Tapa is presented as a crucial tool for spiritual progress, purification, and overcoming karmic obstacles. Mahavir's rigorous ascetic practices are detailed, highlighting their transformative power.
Panch Mahavratas (Five Great Vows): The summary reiterates the significance of Ahimsa (non-violence), Satya (truth), Asteya (non-stealing), Brahmacharya (celibacy), and Aparigraha (non-possession) as the foundation of the spiritual path.
Samayika (Meditation/Equanimity): The practice of Samayika is explained as a vital tool for achieving inner peace, equanimity, and self-realization, emphasizing its importance for spiritual advancement.
Vihar (Spiritual Journey): The book meticulously details Mahavir's travels, his encounters with various individuals and challenges (upsargas), and his unwavering commitment to his vows and spiritual mission. It also offers commentary on the historical accuracy of some pilgrimage sites mentioned in tradition.
Emphasis on Non-violence and Detachment: The narrative consistently highlights Mahavir's profound commitment to non-violence (Ahimsa) in thought, word, and deed, as well as his detachment from worldly pleasures and even his own physical body.

Overall Tone and Purpose:

"Vishvoddharaka Shree Mahavir 01" is a devotional and informative work that aims to educate readers about Lord Mahavir's extraordinary life and the profound principles of Jainism. It serves as both a historical account and a spiritual guide, encouraging readers to contemplate and potentially adopt these timeless teachings in their own lives. The book reflects a deep reverence for Jain traditions and a desire to preserve and propagate them for future generations.