Sramana 2001 04

SR No.: 525044
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Shivprasad
Publisher: Parshvanath Vidhyashram Varanasi
Publication Year: 2001
Total Pages: 226
Language: Hindi
Classification: Magazine, India_Sramana, & India
File Size: 9 MB

Page 219

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Lord Mahavira the great propounder of philosophical and religious theories of Jainism, has also simplified the presentation of his thoughts through interesting stories. Best stories found in the Jaina literature are in Prakrit the original language of Jainism. Prakrit is now no more a language of simple villages and ordinary persons. It is known mostly to the oriental scholars. The persons who do not know Prakrit, remain devoid of enjoying pleasant and pious preaching of Lord Mahavira. So as a good result of Upadhyaya Pushkar Muni's contineous effect nearly 30 yrs. back Jaina Agamaic stories were published under the name of "Jaina Kathayen" in order to benefit the Hindi knowing people.
Now the English edition of Jaina stories "Best Jain Stories" is before us. This book consists of four stories -- (i) Golden Lotus at Every Step (Dharma : Epitom of Devotion) (ii) Women : Better than Men (Sati Sursundari) (iii) The main stay of courage in the vessel of sorrows : Ratanpal and
Ratanavati) (iv) The Best among the Sati : Anjana.
In the first story 'Victory of good over evil" has been shown. Dhanna has been presented here as a man of character. He always excuses his brothers and behaves with them quete lovingly though they misbehave with him again and again. As a result of his sincere and sympathetic attitude towards his brothers and good deeds Dhanna, in his next life attains pleasures at every step. So the story teaches that a man should always march on right path without noticing other's misdeeds.
In the second, third and fourth stories, respectively through the loves of Sati Surasundari, Ratanavati and Anjana woman character has been highlighted. Due to their sacrifice, discipline, submission, tolerance and altruism women can be considered in no way, inferior to men.
These stories contain too much ethical and social values. Particularly, the last three stories may be helpful to remove the male female social difference coming from the ancient age in Indian society. Shri Surendra Bothare, the english translator of this book deserves many congratulations
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