Five Gems Diwakar Chitrakatha 031

Author(s): Shreechand Surana
Publisher: Mahavir Seva Trust Mumbai
Catalog link: https://jainqq.org/explore/006631/1

Page #1
A Mahavir Seva Trust Presentation DIWAKAR CHITRA KATHA @ FIVE GEMS Vol.31 Rs. 25.00 Jain Education Interational For Private P o s only www.alibrary.org

Page #2
FIVE GEMS Discussing about the faults in observing the minor-vows (anuvrats) of truth, Bhagavan Mahavir has said that a person who refuses to return a thing entrusted to him or makes false excuses, breaks the anuvrat of truth. Because it is violation of trust or deception. The person who is deceived gets agitated and sad. He burns with animosity and vengeance. It promotes violence. Li EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE Five Gems is the story of a merchant who became a millionaire by misusing the property of a poor Brahmin, entrusted to him. On the strength of his goodwill of honesty he deprived the trusting Brahmin of five invaluable gems. Deeply hurt by this violation of trust, the Brahmin died and reincarnated as a snake; it took its revenge by I killing young and newly wedded sons of the merchant. TT Seeing the Soul and Consequence of Inflexibility, these two stories have been taken from the Jain Agam-Raj-prashniya Sutra. These were told by Shraman Keshi Kumar to the agnostic king Pradeshi of Shwetambika city in order to inspire him to recognize soul and, understand truth and accept it without any bias. He who is adamant on his prejudices always repents in the end. All the three stories in this book inspire one to the quest for truth in life. -Srichand Surana 'Saras' Editor Srichand Surana 'Saras' Managing Editors Dr. Mansukh Bhai Jain, Sanjay Surana PUBLISHERS MAHAVIR SEVA TRUST A-7, SAGAR NIWAS, 1ST FLOOR, OFF MANCHHUBHAI ROAD, MALAD (E), MUMBAI-400 097 TEL.: 8811397. (R) 8892121 FEDERATION OF JAIN ASSOCIATIONS IN NORTH AMERICA (JAINA) C/O DR. P. B. GADA, 4410, 50TH STREET, LUBBOCK, TEXAS-79414 (U.S.A.) TEL.: 806-793-8555 English Translation Surendra Bothara DIWAKAR PRAKASHAN A-7, AWAGARH HOUSE, OPP. ANJNA CINEMA, M. G. ROAD, AGRA-282 002 TEL.: 351165, 51789 JAIN SOCIAL GROUPS FEDERATION 4-P, VIJAY CHAMBERS, 4TH FLOOR, TRIBHUVAN ROAD, MUMBAI-400 004 TEL.: 3870724 Illustration Satya Prakash Tiwari EEEEEE INDIRA MANSUKHLAL DOSHI MEMORIAL TRUST 931-W, GOLDENROD LANE, LAKE FOREST, IL 60045 (USA) TEL.: 847-735-0120 L p Li Suan 3 EEEEEEEE

Page #3
FIVE GEMS People commented about this happy and prosperous family. Indeed, he is very religious. His business ethics and truthfulness are virtues rare to find. See, merchant Balbhadra truly enjoys the fruits of piety. He has happiness and prosperity, obedient sons, and prestige in the state. FER In Champapur lived a rich merchant named Balbhadra. He had five sons. They were obedient, handsome and intelligent. O QIATOTO $6 His shop was always crowded with customers from far and near. See the evident fruits of truthfulness. The merchant has a thriving business. 1

Page #4
Right opposite the mansion of the merchant lived the state priest, Shridhar. He had a son, Narain, who was very fond of playing and loafing around. Shridhar told him time and again Son, you should study. As a Brahmin, if you ignore studies you will have to beg for a living. COC Mother's love didn't allow Narain to study. His childhood passed in playing and merry making. One day his parents died and left him alone. Narain became sad and thought Now that I am alone what will I do? As I am uneducated, I am not qualified for my father's post. What need he has to labour with books at this infant age. This is his time to eat drink and be merry. While he was brooding gloomily his gaze fell on a couplet written on the wall Those parents are like enemies who have not educated their children. It is true. Had my parents forced me to study, I would not have been jobless today. After a few days passed in grieving, he thought one day Still I have a lot of money that my father earned. Therefore, there is nothing to worry about. I should enjoy my youth by travelling to different places. gons-yoget aid mods sebol 2

Page #5
He started preparing for his tour. While he was arranging things in the house, he found an old box. He was stunned when he opened the box Oh! How brilliant are these five gems. When pleased, the king must have rewarded my father with these. BICHE Narain returned with the box and started daydreaming. Now why do I need to eam? Now I will enjoy myself. I will tour the country and the world. Coming back from my tour I will sell one of the gems. That will be enough to build a house, marry, and live happily ever after. He wrapped the box in a piece of cloth and took it to a famous jeweller in the town. When the jeweller saw the gems he was astonished Son, these are very costly gems. Each one must be not less than ten million gold coins. Do you want to sell them? 17 3 No, Sir, I just wanted to get them valued. Coria He was elated at these dreams of future. After that he thought TOO Vrs But at my back, if someone steals the box? It should be kept in some secure place.

Page #6
Father used to say that merchant Balbhadrawho lived in front of our house-was a truthful and religious person and a Jain shravak. Why not entrust the box to him for safe keeping. boo Sethji, I want to go out on a tour around the country. I want to leave something with you for safe keeping for some days. Please do me the favour. gaga g mwlwy) FIVE GEMS Next day Narain wrapped the jewel box in a piece of cloth and went to the office of merchant Balbhadra. After greetings he said No, no, anything belonging to others is like a fire. I consider a sin even to touch others' wealth. eep 4 Sethji, did you recognize me? Of course, yes, Narain. Sethji, why do you need to touch it. Just keep this box with you. I will take it, when I return.

Page #7
The merchant indicated at a place with complete detachment See, I won't even touch it, put it in that corner yourself. Return soon and take it back. Sethji, I will never forget this favour. I will return soon. He placed the box in the corner with his own hands. Some days later it was the festival of Diwall. During the annual cleaning of his office, the merchant came across the box. He opened it and was taken aback. Good God! So costly gems. Each one must be worth ten million! m`h sr khlm Joo 18 ADTH Now, free of his worries, he left on his planned tour. weater XOO The moment the merchant took a gem in his hand his attitude was defiled. But he felt as if some words echoed in his ears 5 Merchant the wealth of others is a lump of sin. It is a black snake. Mery The box fell from his hands. Two gems fell out of it. Chhann...

Page #8
The attractive gems filled the merchant with greedIf I sell these two gems I will become a millionaire. What will Narain do. It is his word against mine. Monererens He sold two of the gems in 20 million gold coins. Soon he had a five storied house. A silver chariot now stood in his courtyard. People looked in astonishment. How merchant Balbhadra has acquired so much wealth suddenly? His mansion is now the tallest building in Champa city. His heart once palpitated when he touched the gems As a part of the second anuvrat, I had taken a vow not to violate trust. What of the vow? But greed overpowered reason. Five years later Narain returned. He had spent all he had during his tour and was in shreds. He came straight to Balbhadra's house. The merchant pretended not to recognize Narain Who are you? Why have you come here? Have you no manners to have entered without permission. A tresspasser. Who do you think you are? Sethji, don't you recognize me, I am Narain. Please return my jewel box.

Page #9
The merchant shouted back Narain got nervous, he said humbly / Hey! What nonsense. A jewel box? Had your father left it here? Have you ever seen a gem? When I left on tour I left something with you for safe keeping. Don't you remember? The merchant called his servants Who is this mad man. Throw him out. He is falsely accusing me. Shameless thief. A rogue. The servants manhandled Narain and threw him out. He stood outside the shop and uttered Seth, you have swallowed my jewel box. You are a thief, a cheat. I will not allow you to digest my wealth.

Page #10
This shock made Narain go mad. He roamed around jabbering and shoutingThe merchant has See, he is putting a swallowed my jewel box. false blame on such a Merchant Balbhadra is a SVETE religious merchant cheat... Sre 2. 13 OS He appears to have gone mad. Merchant Balbhadra was pleased Consumed by sorrow and hunger Narain's condition worsened. One day he fell from a roof top to commit suicide. A crowd gathered around his corpse. Good, now this thorn is also gone. Now the gems are mine. Oh, it is that mad youth. See the consequence of blaming a religious person. At last he died a dog's death.

Page #11
Some time later the eldest son of Balbhadra, Shrikant, got married. He came home with his bride. He started to go up the front steps of the house. Crossing six steps, the moment he stepped on the seventh step he screamed Within moments Shrikant collapsed. His mouth foamed. The merchant came running. Oh God! What A black cobra Suck and spit out has happened has bitten him. the poison at to my son? once. 2. W Oh! It has bitten me. Help! Help! All treatment failed. Soon Shrikant died. Merchant Balbhadra fell unconscious. The bride also fainted. The house was filled with sounds of crying and wailing. The body was cremated. Throughout the town people talked about this only Oh! What an injustice. Poor girl has become a widow just after marriage Have you heard? How sad, the eldest son of the merchant died just after his marriage. 200OOQOT DO NOO OCA Yes, the merchant must have committed some grave sin. Concealed sins bear such fruits. @OOO OG 9

Page #12
When the period of mourning ended people advised the merchant You should soon arrange for the marriage of your second son, Shashikant. The gloomy atmosphere will change. Old wounds will heal. 200 And the snake bit Shashikant on his feet. Oh! Oh! The snake has bitten. Help! Run! All 0000 After biting, the serpent disappeared. LL One year later, Shashikant was married. After marriage Shashikant also suffered the same fate. While entering the house with his bride he was came across a black cobra just when he stepped on the seventh step. O God! Here is the black cobra. EJ Shashikant fell on the stairs. His mouth foamed. People shouted with fear It is a snake bite. Call some doctor. 10 Cobble OC O God! The thunderbolt has struck again. What sins are precipitating? 000 Within no time Shashikant was dead.

Page #13
For some days the house was in the shadow of gloom. The merchant wept and uttered After a year, one day some persons came from some other city, and said The God has taken my two young sons. What is left for me in this world to live for? Sethji, I have come to propose for marriage of your son, Ravikant, with my daughter. No brother. Now I don't want to see someone's daughter turning a widow in her youth. I don't want to marry any of my sons now. DO DOO Friends persuaded After much persuasion the merchant married Ravikant. But exactly the same way he was also killed by snake bite while stepping into the house with his bride. Bygone is bygone. The village does not burn every Saturday. Every incident is not repeated. DOS OYOY SOS OOGG (SOXO 93 OOO KON 000001

Page #14
When he saw four young widows in his house, the merchant cursed his luck Two years later, his fourth son Laxmikant also met the same fate. Oh God! What grave sins did I commit. Every time I am struck by the same thunder bolt. Where have my piety and religion vanished? Three more years passed. Slowly the ointment of time filled the wounds in the mind. The merchant overcame the old sorrows. One day a merchant from the same city came. Sethi, your youngest son, Harikant, is now of EN marriageable age. You should arrange for his marriage. The father of the prospective bride said Sethji, every one who is born in this world has to die one day. It is said that Ravan had a hundred thousand sons and emperor Sagar sixty thousand. They all died. The world still did not come to an end. The merchant got annoyed Helm CMOONEX 20 DE XOXOEKOM Do you want that your daughter too becomes a widow in prime of her youth, just like these four. No, no, I will not do that. It is better to be a bachelor then to embrace death 12

Page #15
Balbhadra asked with surprise Sethji, God takes care of those who depend on luck. Please believe me, it will not happen again. Why will it not happen? Have you come after consulting some sage? 6870 The visitor said It may be as you say. But believe me, my daughter Shubhmati will protect your family The unwavering faith of the future bride's father lit a spark of hope in Balbhadra's mind. After some thought he gave his consent. One day Harikant reached the gate of his house with his bride in a chariot. With apprehension and fear, people were standing there alert. Let's see what happens this time. The snake will not spare even this son of the merchant 13

Page #16
The bride got down from the chariot, came up to the gate and stopped. She said to a lady standing there Mother, please call Sethji here and alone. I want to talk to him. TOIOIO royar Merchant Balbhadra came running. The bride touched the feet of her father-in-law, and whispered in his ears Balbhadra felt as if he had fallen from the sky and was hanging from a palm tree. He said Which gems v Father this is no time to argue. bahu (daughter. It is the question of saving the in-law]? successor of your family. Father, please bring the five gems the Brahmin had left with you. Carhana - 14

Page #17
Balbhadra know? How do you This secret is either known to me or the God; none else. Father, don't delay least something undesired happens. Erect a dam before it rains. And, yes, bring a bowl full of cow-milk mixed with misri [large and pure crystals of sugar]. Shubhmati took the box and the bowl of milk and stepped up the stairs. People around shivered with fear- The snake will appear now. It will not spare even the bahu. 3305 The nervous merchant rushed into the house. He at once came back with the jewel box and a bowl of milk. - Here, Bahu, I have sold two of the gems. Only three are left. Shubhmati sat on the sixth step. On the seventh step she placed the milk bowl and the opened jewel box. Now she joined her palms and pleaded COOK 15 O serpent god, please pardon my father-in-law's violation of trust you placed in him. Please be content and take the remaining three gems.

Page #18
And suddenly a long snake slithered out from under the steps. Everyone standing around stepped back with fear DEORGE O serpent god, on the strength of my pure moral conduct I beseech you and beg you for the life of my husband. ( soo, 19.)) BOO WOO The snake lapped up the milk from the bowl. e bom. Hooa And then it slithered away. ode OCO OG 20 0 12 000 ltrtt It picked up one gem from the box. 000 16

Page #19
People showered flowers on Shubhmati from all around. Balbhadra said Shubhmati said Bahu, what is the secret. Please tell me. Hail sati Shubhmati. Father, a seed once sown, certainly sprouts. You misappropriated the five gems left in trust with you. You violated the trust. With vengeance in mind that Brahmin youth died and reincarnated as this snake. Nora 0 0 Co She continued This snake came and hid in this house. It took its revenge by biting your four matured sons one by one. But today I sought its forgiveness and returned its property. It was pacified and spared the life of your son. The merchant asked with surpriseBut why did it take Because in exchange of four only one of the gems it had already taken gems? the lives of your four sons. Now his account is clear. T lov 38 17

Page #20
The merchant asked Bahu, how did you know all this? The merchant was filled with self recrimination DEC Father, I was told all this by a sage. Also that I have no fear of becoming a widow. That is why I acted as I did. Indeed, I am a great sinner, a violator of trust. I committed a great sin by grabbing the wealth of a Brahmin and was punished for that. 6850 See, what bitter fruit he got for an act of deception. THE LESSON: In the second vow a shravak resolves-"I will not misappropriate something entrusted by someone." Violation of trust is a great sin. The person who is deceived gets agitated and sad. A feeling of animosity arises. It gets so deep that it precipitates in the form of vengeance for many births. This tale from ancient Jain scriptures teaches us to avoid the great sin of violation of trust. 18 THE END.

Page #21
In ancient times king Pradeshi of Shwetambika city was an absolute agnostic. He had a discussion about soul with a scholarly acharya named Shraman Keshi Kumar. He was convinced by the logic given by the acharya but was reluctant to yield his position. At this, Shraman Keshi Kumar said- King, one who is adamant on his false premises, suffers in the end like that iron-trader. When the king asked how? Shraman Keshi Kumar narrated a story THE CONSEQUENCE OF INFLEXIBILITY There was a beautiful city named Rajnagar. One day an earthquake hit that area. Within no time the large buildings in the city collapsed. There was conundrum all around. Nobom Soon the city looked as forlorn as a cremation ground. There were heaps of rubble all around. Some traders, among the survivors, conferred Everything has been destroyed before our eyes What should we do now? Where should we go? 550 19

Page #22
An experienced man among them said Troubled times are testing times for men. Courageous and wise men continue their search for wealth even when in trouble. Jerz So, what do we do? Here everything has been destroyed. Everyone accepted his advise. They all left the city and moved in search of livelihood. Crossing a forest, they reached a hilly terrain where they found iron scattered all around. The experienced man said The experienced one said We should leave the city and go somewhere else. Only our wealth has been destroyed not our luck. Mar See, the lumps of sand contain iron-ore. It must be an iron-ore mine. Let us collect it in bundles. When we are in a city we will sell it and earn some money. er 20

Page #23
Everyone followed his instruction. There was one exception. The experienced man said to him Each one of them took out a sheet of cloth, collected the ironore and tied bundles. Carrying the bundles they resumed their journey. Some distance away they found particles of lead in the sand. The experienced man now said Stop here. This sand is lead-ore. Throw away the iron-ore and collect hun Brother, why don't you throw away the iron-ore and take lead-ore. You will get higher price for lead. this. But the iron-trader mocked The group moved ahead. After going some distance they found copperore. Everyone was happy. You all have wavering mind. Every time you change your decision. My determination is strong. What I have taken once is final. Here, now we have found copper. Throw away lead and collect copper. brata rostro No matter what you collect, I am a determined man. I will not throw my iron. All the traders but that one threw away lead and collected copper. 21

Page #24
Further ahead, they found silver-ore and they all exchanged || They tried to explain their copper-ore with it. Everyone advised the iron-trader Brother, when Brother, fate has smiled You change colour fate gives a chance, avail on us. Now at least learn like a chameleon. it. Win over your false ego. the lesson and exchange Throw away iron and True man never your iron with silver collect silver changes his colour. Run The iron-trader reprimanded them I warn you not to pester me. I am prepared even to die for my word, determination, and decision. Unlike you, I do not flutter like a flag. That man ignored the advise and stepped ahead uttering in disgust Who are they to change my luck. I have always learnt to be as immobile as a rock. Pea Brother, this is false pride. A wise man always makes a profitable deal. Accept our advise and exchange iron with silver. You will also be lucky. 22

Page #25
The process continued. The other traders found gold and exchanged silver with it. The iron-trader remained adamant. At last when the group came across diamonds everyone jumped with joy. Great! Now we are truly lucky. Throw away the gold and collect diamonds They started collecting diamonds. He refused to accept anybody's advise. With the load of their diamonds they proceeded ahead and finally reached a large city. The iron-trader proceeded alone to sell his goods. All right give it. In exchange of all the iron you can get a basket full of gram. When they finished collecting diamonds and were about to move, they felt pity for the iron-trader. They said 60 Brother, accept the truth now. Such opportunities never come again. You will repent all your life if you miss now. 2 He took a basket full of roasted gram and started selling all around the city. He somehow managed to make two ends meet and became a gram vendor. S 070 23 L Why are you after me? I have told you once and for all that whatever I took was final. I am not a rounded stone like you. DO 1 Take freshly roasted gram!

Page #26
One of the traders, who had brought diamonds, went to a jeweller's shop and showed his diamonds. The jeweller said GO ai zubha, para lAbha, at 430 Seth, each one of your diamonds is worth millions. The trader sent his servant and called the vendor. When he saw the vendor in tatters he felt pity for him. 17 That trader sold a few diamonds and purchased a large mansion in the city. He acquired all that is needed for a comfortable living. One day he was sitting in his room when he heard the call of a vendor See the game of fate. Someone gets diamonds and others just pebbles. 10000 TO DECOM Take grams. Take peanuts. 90 602 Then he looked into the eyes of the vendor and asked O vendor, don't you recognize me? Haven't you seen me earlier? No sir, it is for the first time that I look at a great merchant like you. What! He is our fellow traveller, the iron-trader. 509 Due to the rich dress of the merchant the vendor could not recognize him. 24

Page #27
The merchant said NOVAD N Sea VIO Don't you remember, we left Rajnagar together. On the way you collected iron-ore and we collected diamonds. The vendor carefully looked at the merchant and recalled the past incidents. He is carrying the bundle of iron-ore. His companions give him diamonds. UGC 25 He throws the diamonds away. He fainted and fell on the ground. Servants sprinkled water on his face. He recovered and started crying bitterly Oh! What a cursed luck I have. I continued to abuse themYou are bottomless and I am a real man. It was bad luck that I did not take their advise and was adamant. 10000 FIST

Page #28
The merchant advised A person who is adamant on his false ideas even in face of good tidings and continues to stick to evil, ends up like this. rv ebon 000 O There is no use lamenting over spilt milk. Still the merchant took out a few gold coins from his pocket and gave him Why! Would you accept these gold coins now, or not? Sir, my hollow inflexibility destroyed me. Go mos THE END Great sages have said A man may accept untruth in his state of ignorance. But if he does not accept the truth when revealed, just out of his inflexibility, dogma and conceit, he repents like this in the end. Source-Raj-prashniya Sutra: 26

Page #29
VISION OF THE SOUL In a village lived four wood-cutters. They would go to the nearby jungles, cut wood, and bring the bundles every evening to sell in the city. LVI Today we have collected a lot of wood. VEHON OF THE SOUL Once king Pradeshi said to Shraman Keshi Kumar-You say that soul resides within the body. I cut a man's body to pieces but still could not see the soul. Shraman Keshi Kumar then explained him giving an example of four wood-cutters. Why brother? Won't you come to collect wood today? Once there were heavy rains for a few days. The woodcutters could not go to the jungle to cut wood. When it stopped raining, the four assembled. One said Yes brother, we left home early today. Where will we get dry wood after such heavy rains? And no one will buy wet wood. Another said 10 miles from here is a dense forest. I have heard that it has plenty of dry pieces of wood. Let us go there. BS 27

Page #30
The third said We will take groceries and fire with us. One of us will cook food and the other three can cut wood. The eldest among them explained See, this pot contains fire. If this extinguishes, get fire out of this piece of Arni wood and cook food. Taking their things they went to the far off jungle. One of them was weak. He was assigned the duty of cooking You should prepare food for all of us and by evening we will bring your share of wood also. G And the three wood-cutters went deep into the jungle to collect wood. The fourth one thought SE 28 0000 There is no hurry to cook food. Let me rest for some time and then I will cook food.

Page #31
He lied down under a tree and slept at once. When he got up he realized Oh! The sun is setting. I should hurry and prepare food. woH blo He recalled Yes, uncle had said to produce fire from the Arni wood. I will do that now. VISION OF THE SOUL He made a heap of dry wood and proceeded to bring out fire from the pot Oh! What to do now? There is no fire left in this pot. He took the piece of Arni wood and split it into two What? There is O no fire in this. He now broke the two pieces into two each 29 Qui Oh! Still there is no fire. How will I cook now?

Page #32
He placed his palm on his forehead and started brooding and cursing his friends DORSIFT TO MORTY When there is no fire in the Arni wood how can I produce it and kindle the wood. Evo He again broke the Arni wood into smaller pieces and when no spark was produced, he started abusing his friends. How foolish they are? They told me a lie. Had I known this, I would have saved the fire we brought. zy Fuming with anger he started stomping to and fro. Just then the three friends came with bundles of wood. They said Food must be ready. We are very hungry. The young man said angrily 30 220207 How could I cook. You are fools and have made a fool of me as well. vary

Page #33
They asked He threw the pieces of wood before them. The old uncle picked up two pieces and rubbed them together. What is the matter? Why did you tell a lie that produce fire from Arni wood. Where is the fire in it? See, here are the sparks. Isn't there fire in it? The young man cursed himself - The wise wood-cutter said How could I know that fire is produced by grinding. I was just breaking it into pieces. There is fire in the Arni wood but it is produced by grinding and not by breaking it THE END The lesson Shraman Keshi Kumar explained after telling this story, King, in the same way the flame of is soul resides in the body. But it cannot be seen by cutting the body in to pieces. It is seen by tempering the body through austerities, yoga, and meditation. Source-Raj-prashniya Sutra.

Page #34
For the first time in the history of Jain Literature Illustrated Agams with Hindi and English translations The Agams form the basic foundation on which the unique edifice of Jain culture has been raised. This is a historic attempt to present the authenticated original text along with simple and eloquent translations in Hindi as well as English. To make even the hard and abstract concepts easily understandable, interesting and attractive illustrations have been included. Elaborations have been added wherever needed. of Published Agams Illustrated Uttaradhyayan Sutra Rs. 500.00 The last sermon of Bhagavan Mahavir. Inspiring and enlightening teachings. With colourful illustrations. Illustrated Kalpa Sutra Rs. 500.00 Most suited for study during the Paryushan Parva. The biographies of the 24 Tirthankars along with the chronological list of the Sthavirs of the post Mahavir Jain tradition. With colourful illustrations. Illustrated Antakriddasha Sutra Rs. 500.00 The eighth Jain canon (Anga). Inspiring stories of the spiritual pursuits of 90 great men destined to be liberated. Illustrated Dashavaikalika Sutra Rs. 500.00 The simple rule book of Shraman conduct rendered vividly with the help of colourful illustrations. Useful at every step in life, even for common man, as a guide book for good behaviour, balanced conduct and norms of etiquette, food and speech Illustrated Jnata Dharma Kathang Sutra (Part 1 & 2) Each Rs. 500.00 Famous inspiring and enlightening tales told by Bhagavan Mahavir presented with colourful illustrations in this unique and attractive edition of the sixth Jain canon. Illustrated Nandi Sutra Rs. 500.00 Comes under the category-Mool Sutras. It is a detailed introduction of the scriptural knowledge of Jains. Besides defining Jnana (knowledge) and giving its classification. Set of published Agams : Rs. 3,500/ Books available at: DIWAKAR PRAKASHAN A-7. Awagarh House, M.G. Road, Agra-282 002. Phone : 0562-351165 of THCURA UJETJA HP Si sigla sacitra gerdolea zrI ajara duni ILLUSTRATED DASAVAIKALIKA SUTRA www.janettorali

Page #35
ano (FACTS ABOUT EGGS) otor Dear friends, O G 109 Do you remember as a child your mother telling you not to eat cakes or pastries that had eggs because you are a vegetarian ? Many times I have heard people saying "egg is vegetarian food and is good for health so we eat it." The myth about vegetarian eggs and its health promoting qualities is misleading Its consumption by so many vegetarians is really shocking. The ignorance of such matter has spread so far that people resist to believe that egg has potential life and egg has the unborn chick within its shell. Man's desire for food makes him give into eating those foods that are coloured with violence and pain. Nature has the reason for egg, not by way of food for man, but as an important link in the reproductive system of hens. It is the craving for violent food that actually numbs the feeling and thinking capacity of the human being. He ignores going deep into the subject and shuns the truth of the matter. But how long will he remain in darkness. For facts are facts and they will never change whether he accepts it or not. Let us look at some facts about eggs and remove the ignorance that prevails in our mind. The facts you are about to read are taken from the book "Hundred Facts About Egg" by Dr. Nemi Chand. Eggs of all birds are structurally alike, (see The McDonald Encyclopedia of Birds of the World. P. 30-31). Their internal structure is meant for reproduction of progeny and not for human consumption. By eating eggs man has reverted to the hunting stage of his civilization. He is meddling both with nature and reproductive system. The egg is totally forbidden for those who believe in non-violence. Right from the rearing of hens to hatching their eggs there is violence all over. Visit to any poultry farm will support this fact. In poultry farms hens are considered no better than egg producing machines. They are confined to a narrow space of 15"x19" in the midst of several hardships and tensions that are naturally passed on to the blood and system of those who eat their eggs and turn them into imbalanced personalities. Chickens are housed in small congested cages known as chicken-heavens. Due to shortage of space they naturally become violent, offensive, obsessed and quarrelsome, they attack on one another in a barbarous manner. So they are debeaked. Due to debeaking they are unable even to drink water. Do we not see the cause of our present wide-spread, complexes, aggressiveness and suffering in the 'chicken-heavens'? As said earlier hens are debeaked to prevent them from fighting and wounding one another. The debeaking is done in brown light especially in the night when hens become near-blind. The lower beak is cut. If any mistake is made the hen is deprived of food for the rest of her life. The hen has to starve at least for three days due to the wounded beak. Wouldn't this act of cruelty affect the egg-eater ? Hens are given five kinds of violence generating food-bone-meal, blood-meal, excreta-food, meat-meal and fish-meal. Can we dare to call egg vegetarian food even after learning this? The term 'vegetarian egg' is a first rate misnomer. The aim of a fertile egg is animation of life but an infertile egg has no such aim and as such it should be considered totally unedible. Battery and factory eggs are harmful to health and it is better we abstain ourselves from eating them. The egg produced without any contact with the male-bird (infertile egg) is also

Page #36
animate because it is born out of the hen's body. Therefore its consumption is centpercent non-vegetarian. According to the famous American Scientist Mr. Philip J. Scamble no egg is without life in it. The scientists of Michigan University, America have proved it beyond doubt that no egg fertile or infertile is without life (inanimate). The hen gives infertile eggs during the absence of the male bird, but it has been observed that she gives infertile egg before the day of contact with the male bird and next day. She gives a fertile egg even without contact with male bird. On fifth day again she gives a fertile egg. This means that the semen of the male bird remains lying in her body for a considerable duration. In some cases this duration has been observed to be even six months. Fertilized egg is a pre-birth stage of a chicken, unfertilized eggs are the result of the sexual cycle of a hen and very unnatural. Both are non-vegetarian food. Victoria Moran, the authoress of the book Compassion : the ultimate Ethics, says, "to eat fertilized egg is in fact to consume a chicken before its birth (The Ethic on Border Line). I was told that an unfertilized egg is the product of a birds sexual cycle and can hardly be regarded as natural food for man. (page 43) Whether the egg is fertile or infertile life is essentially there and it has all symptoms of life like respiration, brain and feeding ability etc. There are 15,000 porous (breathing) holes on the shell (egg-cover). The egg begins to rot at a temperature less than 8deg Celsius. When it begins to rot, its rotting manifests itself through evaporation of the water content. The egg becomes infected by disease-germs and the process of rotting soon reaches the shell of the egg. Eggs contain Cholesterol in large quantity. The yellow bulk of the egg is the biggest source of Cholesterol. Cholesterol narrows down the arteries which may lead to paralysis or heart-attack. Eating eggs leads to rheumatism and Gout which can take serious and painful turn in old age. Jai Jinendra Pramoda Chitrabhanu V TO (VEGETARIAN EGG IS A MiSNOMER, A DECEPTION.) MY EATERS! DONT MISTAKE ME DEAD?.. a YOU'LL BE EQUAZZY SiNNING F YOU EAT ME EGG INFERTILE C Euro etoritematonem PIEVI www.jamemorary.org

Page #37
Er EECERen Ren Ren Ren Ren Ren Ren Ren Ren Ren Ren Ren Ren EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEERen Ren Ren Ren Ren Ren Ren Ren Ren EEEEEEERen Ren Ren Ren Ren Ren Ren Ren Ren Ren Ren EE Colourful Chitra Katha (Comics) based on famous Jain Subjects. Bhagwan Neminath RRRRR The simplest and easiest way to get acquainted with Jain religion, philosophy, culture, history and way of life. Entertaining as well as informative, these picture books make the incidents from the life of the persons you revere come alive. They open up the glorious past of the Jain culture for you and your children. Miracles o Namokar Mantra One year Subscription Two year Subscription Three year Subscription Rs. 240/- (for 12 Books) Rs. 480/- (for 24 Books) Rs. 720/- (for 36 Books) Price Rs. 20/- each book Published Title : 1211081 + Bhagwan Parshwanath + Wisdom Stories of Abhay Kumar + Kshamadan + Moral Stories of Bhagwan Mahavir + Bhagwan Shanti Nath + Miracles of Namokar Mantra +- The Fortune Rich Dhanna + Bhagwan Mahavir Vol. I & II + Princess Chandanbala + Bhagwan Rishabhdev + Reap What You Sow + Maha Sati Madan Rekha + Miracles of Siddhachakra + The Inspiring Story of Megh Kumar + Prince Shrenik + Play of Fate + Bhagwan Mallinath + The Young Yogi Jambu Kumar + Sati Anjana Sundari +- Bhagwan Neminath + Jagat Guru Shree Heer Vijay Suri + The Awakening of Karkandu Please send your subscription amount by Draft/M.O. to any of the following addressee MAHAVIR SEVA TRUST C/O DR. M. B. JAIN, B-29/30, YOJANA APTS., S. V. ROAD, MALAD (WEST). MUMBAI-400 064 TEL.: 8892121/8811397 FEDERATION OF JAIN ASSOCIATIONS IN NORTH AMERICA (JAINA), C/O DR. P. B. GADA, 4410, 50TH STREET, LUBBOCK, TEXAS-79414 (U.S.A.) DIWAKAR PRAKASHAN A-7, AWAGARH HOUSE, OPP. ANJNA CINEMA.M. G. ROAD, AGRA-282 002 TEL. : 351165, 51789 HEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE

Page #38
Ill treatment of Shraman Mahavir by rustic aborigines Picture taken from ILLUSTRATED KALPASUTRA, Editor : Shri Amar Muni elibrary.or