Stories From Jainism - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Stories From Jainism" by Muni Shree Mrigendra Muni Maharaj, based on the provided pages:

Book Overview:

"Stories From Jainism" is a compilation of inspirational tales from the Jain tradition, authored by Muni Shree Mrigendra Muni Maharaj and published by the Jain Yoga Foundation in 1994. The book aims to present the rich moral and spiritual heritage of Jainism through engaging narratives, making them accessible to a modern audience, particularly those educated in English.

Purpose and Audience:

The preface highlights the significant role of stories (Kathanuyoga) in Jain literature for teaching morality and religion. The author notes a gap in presenting these stories in English, a crucial need for Jain families living abroad and for children in English-medium schools in India. The book is intended to help these individuals connect with their faith and culture.

Content and Style:

The book contains a collection of well-known Jain stories, retelling the lives and teachings of important figures. The preface mentions that it aims to present these stories in "simple and lucid language," making them captivating for both readers and listeners. The stories cover a range of themes, including:

The lives and spiritual journeys of key Jain figures: The table of contents reveals stories about prominent personalities such as Bahubali, Lord Munisuvrat Swami, Princess Malli, King Udayi, King Shrenik, Vajraswami, Aryarakshit, Ardrakumar, Sanatkumar, Kshullakkumar, Prasannachandra, Atimukta, Valakalchiri, Vankachula, Chilatiputra, Kapil, Sthulabhadra, Metarya, Muni Nandisena, Nandisen (II), Thavacchaputra, Meghakumar, Vasuraja, Sheth Sudarshan, Mamman Sheth, Namirajarshi, Rohiniya, Rohini's Wisdom, Rohak, Mahamantri Pethadshah, Sulasa, Nagila, Jinarakshit and Jinapal, Dhanna and Shalibhadra, Dhanna (Sarthavah) And Vijay, and Chitra and Sambhuti.
Core Jain principles: The stories often illustrate concepts like non-violence (ahimsa), detachment, karma, asceticism, the pursuit of knowledge (Kevalgnana), the impermanence of worldly possessions, and the importance of righteousness and virtue.
Moral lessons: Each story serves as a parable to impart ethical guidance and inspire virtuous conduct in daily life.

Key Features and Acknowledgements:

Dedication: The book is dedicated to the author's parents and his Guru, Acharya Shri Chidanand Surishwarji Maharaj.
Foreword: S. A. Upadhyaya, Director of the Post Graduate & Research Department at Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, provides a foreword, emphasizing the ancient tradition of storytelling in religion and praising Muni Shree Mrigendra Muniji's contribution.
Appreciation: Amiji also offers words of appreciation for the author's efforts in bringing awareness to Jainism.
Illustrations: The author expresses regret for the absence of illustrations in this edition and promises to include them in future publications.
Financial Support: The Jain Yoga Foundation acknowledges the generous financial assistance from well-wishers and charitable trusts that made the publication possible.
Editorial and Design Assistance: The book benefited from the editing by Smt. Zarine Taraporewala and proofreading by Smt. Charu Jalundhwala, with cover design by Ms. Jui Shah.

Notable Story Excerpts (based on provided pages):

Bahubali: This story recounts Bahubali's intense duel with his brother Bharat, his subsequent renunciation of worldly desires, and his deep penance, highlighting the overcoming of pride to attain self-realization.
Lord Munisuvrat Swami: This narrative explains the origin of a horse-sacrifice king and a merchant, illustrating the consequences of actions (karma) and the importance of mercy through Lord Munisuvrat Swami's sermon. It also touches upon the story of a kite and a horse who were liberated through the actions of Jain Tirthankaras.
Princess Malli: The story of Princess Malli showcases her exceptional beauty and how her inherent detachment leads six kings, who sought her hand, to renounce the world after realizing the deceptive nature of outward beauty.
King Udayi: This story depicts King Udayi's renunciation of his kingdom to follow Lord Mahavir and his calm acceptance of hardship and indifference when he visits his former subjects, demonstrating profound detachment.
King Shrenik: King Shrenik's story focuses on his concern about his future in hell due to his violent deeds and his efforts to avert it through specific religious actions, ultimately learning acceptance of destiny.
Vajraswami: The narrative follows Vajraswami's journey from being Vajrakumar, born due to past karmas, to becoming an accomplished Acharya, highlighting his wisdom and influence in converting a king to Jainism.
Aryarakshit: This story details Aryarakshit's intellectual prowess and his dedication to Jain scriptures, showcasing his journey to spiritual learning and his father's gradual renunciation of worldly attachments through guidance.
Ardrakumar: Ardrakumar's story emphasizes the power of mental bonds and the freedom found in detaching oneself from worldly desires, exemplified by an elephant sparing him due to his inner freedom.
Sanatkumar: This tale illustrates the vanity of physical beauty and the pursuit of true, eternal beauty through austerity, as Sanatkumar realizes the impermanence of his earthly form.
Kshullakkumar: Kshullakkumar's struggle with sensual desires even after prolonged asceticism, and his eventual disillusionment with worldly pleasures upon hearing a wise verse, leading to his realization and renunciation.
Prasannachandra: This story explores the paradox of achieving ultimate bliss after experiencing hellish states, emphasizing that true renunciation requires inner control, not just outward abandonment, and the overcoming of mental attachments.
Atimukta: The story of Prince Atimukta's renunciation and his momentary lapse into childish reverie with a paper boat highlights the constant vigilance required in spiritual practice and the importance of inner light and repentance.
Valakalchiri: Valakalchiri's story shows his journey from serving his ascetic father to being misled by courtesans, eventually returning to his father and realizing his true self through the recognition of his begging bowl.
Vankachula: Vankachula, a robber, learns the importance of discipline and vows, which save his life multiple times. His story culminates in his devotion to his vows and his eventual birth in heaven due to his steadfastness.
Chilatiputra: This tragic tale of Chilatiputra's uncontrolled passion leads to a brutal act and his eventual dissolution of his physical body due to his karmic burden, serving as a stark warning against lust.
Kapil: Kapil's story depicts his disillusionment with selfish love and worldly desires, leading him to renunciation and the realization that desirelessness brings eternal bliss.
Sthulabhadra: The story of Sthulabhadra demonstrates his spiritual strength in remaining unperturbed by worldly temptations, even in the company of a courtesan, highlighting the power of true detachment.
Metarya: Metarya, born an untouchable, overcomes societal stigma through penance and compassion, ultimately embracing monkhood and finding liberation through self-sacrifice for a bird.
Muni Nandisena: Muni Nandisena's journey involves overcoming temptations and practicing extreme penance, including seeking out a harlot, to shatter karmic bonds and attain liberation.
Nandisen (II): Nandisen's story emphasizes the transformative power of service and compassion, leading him from a difficult life to spiritual devotion and liberation.
Thavacchaputra: Thavacchaputra's contemplation of death and the impermanence of life leads him to embrace monkhood, seeking freedom from mortality.
Meghakumar: Meghakumar's story highlights the virtue of compassion, showing how his past lives of self-sacrifice for others lead him to spiritual enlightenment and eventual birth in a heavenly realm.
Vasuraja: Vasuraja's story underscores the importance of truthfulness, as his reliance on untruth leads to his downfall, while Narad's unwavering honesty leads him to heaven.
Sheth Sudarshan: Sudarshan's unwavering chastity and integrity are tested by Queen Abhaya, and his virtue is recognized when the gallows transform into a throne, signifying divine recognition.
Mamman Sheth: Mamman Sheth's tale illustrates the detrimental consequences of excessive possessiveness (parigrah), leading to his birth in hell despite his immense wealth and frugal lifestyle.
Namirajarshi: King Nami's story emphasizes the wisdom of detachment and the realization that true happiness comes from renouncing possessiveness, exemplified by his choice of solitude and spiritual pursuit.
Rohiniya - The Thief: Rohiniya's story shows how a few words of wisdom from Lord Mahavir can alter a person's life, leading him from theft and deception to embracing monkhood.
Wisdom of Rohini: This parable highlights the importance of foresight and prudent management, contrasting Rohini's industriousness with the carelessness of her sisters-in-law.
Ready Witted Rohak: Rohak's cleverness and quick wit are showcased through his ability to solve the king's riddles, demonstrating intelligence and ingenuity.
Mahamantri Pethadshah: Pethadshah's story emphasizes his devotion to Jainism and his generosity in building a temple, facing opposition from Brahmins but ultimately succeeding through cleverness.
An Ideal Couple: The story of Vijay and Vijaya exemplifies platonic love and the commitment to spiritual discipline, demonstrating how their vow of celibacy leads them to monkhood and liberation.
Sulasa: Sulasa's story highlights her unwavering faith and devotion, even in the face of personal tragedy, and her eventual attainment of Tirthankar status.
Nagila: Nagila's story showcases her deep love and devotion to her husband, Bhavadev, even when he embraces monkhood, and her own spiritual growth that inspires him to continue his path.
Jinarakshit and Jinapal: This narrative warns against succumbing to worldly temptations, as Jinarakshit falls prey to a witch's allure, leading to his demise, while Jinapal's steadfastness leads to his safe return.
Dhanna and Shalibhadra: The story contrasts Dhanna's eventual spiritual detachment with Shalibhadra's vast material wealth and his mother's efforts to guide him towards renunciation.
Dhanna (Sarthavah) And Vijay: This story symbolizes the soul as the merchant and the body as the robber, suggesting that nourishing the body is essential for the soul's liberation.
Chitra and Sambhuti: The tale of Chitra and Sambhuti explores the societal prejudice against untouchables and highlights the impact of music and spiritual guidance in overcoming worldly attachments and achieving inner peace.

In essence, "Stories From Jainism" serves as a valuable resource for understanding and appreciating the ethical and spiritual teachings of Jainism through engaging narratives that resonate with universal human experiences and aspirations.