Mahavira Charit - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Mahavira Charit - Chhaththo Prastav" (The Sixth Chapter of the Life of Mahavira), as translated by Bechardas Jivraj Doshi:

This chapter, the sixth in the "Mahavira Charit," details the significant adversities Lord Mahavira faced after his departure from Thoonag. It focuses on the challenges and trials that arose due to the association with a wicked disciple named Goshalak.

Key Events and Narratives:

Arrival in Rajagriha and Nalanda: Lord Mahavira journeyed through various villages, receiving adoration from deities and silently imparting enlightenment to beings through his innate glory. He eventually reached Rajagriha, a city renowned for its numerous high palaces. Near Rajagriha lay Nalanda, a prosperous settlement where Arjun, a wealthy weaver, resided.
Temporary Residence and Goshalak's Appearance: Lord Mahavira decided to spend the first month of his Chaturmas (four-month rainy season retreat) in Nalanda. He obtained permission from Arjun to stay in a vacant, isolated weaving shed, free from any living beings. It was during this time that Goshalak, son of Mankhali Mankh, appeared. Goshalak was a wandering individual who made a living by displaying painted pictures.
Goshalak's Origin and Early Life: The text then delves into the origin of Mankhali Mankh, Goshalak's father. Mankhali Mankh was the son of Keshav, a village guardian, and Shiva. Keshav lived in a settlement called Silindh in Uttarapatha (Northern India).
The Tale of the Chakravaka Birds: One day, when Mankh was young, he accompanied his father to a lake. While bathing and resting by the lake, he witnessed a pair of chakravaka birds exhibiting profound affection for each other. They shared lotus stems, embracing each other out of fear of separation as the sun began to set. Their innocence and mutual love were deeply affecting. A hunter then arrived and shot an arrow, fatally wounding one bird. The female bird, in grief, died instantly, followed shortly by the male bird. Witnessing this tragic scene caused Mankh to faint.
Mankh's Past Life Revelation: Upon recovering, Mankh revealed to his father that the sight of the chakravaka birds had triggered his "jatismaran" (remembrance of past lives) knowledge. He recalled being one of those birds in a previous existence, the victim of a hunter's arrow, and dying of grief after his mate's demise. He stated that he was reborn as their son. He felt an overwhelming longing for his past-life mate and could not find peace.
Keshav's Counsel: Keshav advised his son that dwelling on past-life sorrow was futile. He spoke of the envious nature of fate that disrupts prolonged happiness and noted that even celestial beings lose their lives due to grief over separation. He emphasized that the human body is prone to many afflictions and that dwelling on the past and future weakens the body. Keshav concluded that the world is impermanent, filled with the suffering of birth, death, old age, disease, and sorrow.
Mankh's Continued Suffering and the Introduction of the Picture Board: Despite his father's counsel, Mankh remained deeply distressed, lost his appetite, and became detached from worldly activities, viewing his life as insignificant. His relatives, suspecting he might have been enchanted or cursed, called upon healers and sorcerers, but their efforts proved fruitless.
The Arrival of the Experienced Elder: An experienced elder arrived and, observing Mankh's condition, advised Keshav that the ailment stemmed from attachment. He suggested creating a picture board depicting the events of Mankh's past life, including the hunter's arrow wounding the chakravaka and the female bird dying of grief. This board was to be shown to Mankh as he wandered through villages.
The Elder's Rationale: The elder explained that this might help Mankh reunite with his past-life companion, assuming she had been reborn as a human. Such reunions were not unheard of, as described in ancient scriptures.
Mankh's New Profession and the Birth of Goshalak: Keshav presented the picture board to Mankh, along with provisions, and instructed him to travel and display it. Mankh began his new life, wandering and singing about his past experiences. This practice eventually led to the establishment of a new sect based on displaying pictures. Meanwhile, in the same city, Mankhali (later known as Goshalak's father) was an unsuccessful tradesman, unfit for royal service or agriculture, and lazy about manual labor. He was only interested in effortless sustenance. Observing Mankh's method of earning a living through his picture board and singing, Mankhali realized its value – it was a secure, inexhaustible, and effortless way to earn a livelihood. He then learned the art from Mankh.
Goshalak's Birth and Character: Mankhali's wife, Subhadra, gave birth to a son named Goshalak. Goshalak grew up to be wicked, lazy, turbulent, and disobedient. He harbored hatred towards anyone who tried to guide him and, though momentarily agreeable when honored, quickly reverted to his crooked nature. He spoke disparagingly and made hurtful remarks, earning him suspicion from everyone. His mother lamented his disobedience, but Goshalak responded defiantly. He even refused food if he hadn't quarreled with his father that day, indicating his fundamentally perverted nature. He seemed to embody all vices.
Goshalak's First Encounter with Mahavira: One day, after a significant quarrel with his father, Goshalak, carrying his picture board, returned to the weaving shed where Lord Mahavira was meditating. Goshalak prostrated himself before Mahavira and expressed his ignorance of Mahavira's greatness, realizing that his father's abandonment was a fortunate event. He declared his intention to become Mahavira's disciple, as Mahavira was his sole refuge. Mahavira remained silent, neither accepting nor rejecting the request.
Subsequent Ascetic Practices and Goshalak's Observation: Lord Mahavira continued his ascetic practices, completing his first month of fasting and breaking it with alms. He received alms from various houses and displayed miraculous signs upon breaking his fast. Goshalak observed these events, leading him to contemplate abandoning his picture-displaying livelihood and accepting Mahavira's discipleship, believing it would bring him benefits.
The Second Month of Fasting and the Prediction: Mahavira commenced his second month of fasting. On the day of breaking his fast, he went for alms to Anand, a householder. He received alms from Sunanda in the third month. For the fourth month, he continued his vow. As the Chaturmas neared its end, Goshalak asked Mahavira what he would receive in his alms on the day of the annual festival. A Sidhartha, an attendant celestial being within Mahavira's body, predicted that Goshalak would receive sour Kodo rice and a counterfeit rupee.
Goshalak's Experience and Determinism: Goshalak, influenced by the prediction, searched for food. He was eventually given sour Kodo rice by a blacksmith and a counterfeit rupee as alms. This experience solidified his belief in fate (niyati-vada), convincing him that whatever is destined to happen will happen.
Mahavira's Departure to Kollipaka and Goshalak's Search: On the day of the Kartiki Pournima festival, Mahavira left Nalanda for Kollipaka. There, a Brahmin named Bahul offered him alms. Meanwhile, Goshalak, having discovered Mahavira was no longer in Nalanda, searched for him, eventually finding him in Kollipaka. He was overjoyed to reunite with Mahavira, prostrated himself, and praised his extraordinary qualities. He declared his desire to become Mahavira's disciple and his sole refuge.
Goshalak's Test and the Explanation of Tejo-Leshya: Mahavira, aware of Goshalak's wicked nature and future misdeeds, remained silent. Goshalak, now considered a disciple, lived with Mahavira. Later, when Mahavira was meditating in a solitary house, Goshalak, driven by his restless nature, met the local chieftain's son, Khand. Khand and his maidservant entered the house for their illicit activities. Goshalak, hiding behind the door, touched the maidservant, leading to his beating by Khand. Mahavira's inner Sidhartha explained to Goshalak that his suffering was a consequence of his own actions and that if he had restrained himself, he would have avoided the punishment.
Goshalak's Departure and Mahavira's Travels: Mahavira moved to Patrkal village, where Goshalak again experienced similar incidents. Subsequently, Mahavira journeyed to Kumara settlement and then to Champak Ramyana garden, where he meditated. There, a potter named Kushanvay, mistaking the meditating Acharya Munichand for a thief, attacked and killed him. Goshalak witnessed this and, believing Mahavira's abode had been burnt down, reported it to Mahavira, who explained that Munichand had attained his heavenly abode.
Further Encounters and Goshalak's Continued Antagonism: The text continues to describe Mahavira's travels and Goshalak's persistent misbehavior, including instances of mockery, public disturbances, and associating with dubious characters. Goshalak repeatedly faced beatings and ridicule for his actions, often instigated by his own mischievous nature. Throughout these experiences, Goshalak continued to blame Mahavira for his plight or express his disbelief in Mahavira's teachings.
The Encounter with the Deridra Sthaviras and the Teaching on Abstinence: Mahavira reached the village of Kayamgal, inhabited by the Deridra Sthaviras, a sect known for its laxity in religious practices, association with women, possession of wealth, and indulgence in sensual pleasures. Goshalak mocked their lifestyle, leading to conflict and repeated beatings. Mahavira's teachings on the evils of alcohol, meat, and night-eating are expounded in detail, emphasizing the importance of adherence to these principles for spiritual progress. Goshalak's encounters with various individuals, including thieves and hostile villagers, highlight his incorrigible nature and the severe consequences of his actions.
The Story of Surasen and Kankavati: A significant portion of the chapter narrates the story of Surasen, the son of King Mahasen of Magadh. Surasen was detached from worldly pleasures and marriage. King Mahasen consulted Acharya Suraprabha, who explained that Surasen's aversion to marriage was due to his past karma. The story of Kankavati, a wealthy merchant's daughter who fell in love with Siridatta, a young merchant, is also presented. This narrative illustrates the complexities of love, karma, and past-life connections, culminating in a complex marriage situation involving mistaken identities.
The Tale of Vasaiyan and his Mother: The story of Vasaiyan, an adopted son, is also recounted. Vasaiyan, discovering his adoptive mother was a former courtesan, was deeply affected and sought to understand his origins. His encounters with a talking calf and his mother, revealed to be a former courtesan, highlight the influence of karma and the consequences of past actions. Vasaiyan's mother, remorseful for her past life and her abandonment of him, embraced asceticism.
The Significance of Goshalak: The chapter consistently portrays Goshalak as an antagonist whose actions often lead to Mahavira facing adversities, either directly or indirectly. Goshalak's adherence to determinism and his inability to learn from his repeated mistakes are central themes.
Mahavira's Compassion and Steadfastness: Despite the numerous trials and tribulations, Lord Mahavira consistently displays remarkable patience, compassion, and unwavering focus on his spiritual path. He endures all hardships without complaint or retaliation, demonstrating his profound detachment and spiritual strength.

In essence, the sixth chapter of "Mahavira Charit" vividly illustrates the challenges Mahavira encountered in his mission, particularly those arising from the unpredictable and often negative actions of his disciple Goshalak. It weaves together narratives of past lives, the influence of karma, and the unwavering resolve of Mahavira in the face of adversity.