Jain Spirit 2002 10 No 12

Author(s): Jain Spirit UK
Publisher: UK Young Jains

Page 15

GLOBAL NEWS
| EPIC INSPIRATION
MayanaSundari is one of the most inspiring characters in Jain literature. She is regarded as the epitome of selfconfidence and devotion, and her story revolves around a staunch belief in karma theory. Her epic tale certainly moved the Gnan Class of Shri Chandna Vidya Peeth, Nairobi. They were so impressed that under the auspices of Young Jains Nairobi they produced and performed a Gujarati play based on MayanaSundari's story.
Following an intense two-month preparation, the Gnan Class performed the play to a full house in Nairobi on three consecutive days, attracting many plaudits and requests for repeat performances.
As well as the satisfaction of putting on a successful play, the Class also gained invaluable spiritual benefit through their dramatic endeavours. The students have embraced the timeless message of Mayana Sundari's tale, which goes thus:
The devoted MayanaSundari with her husband, Shreepal
A tearful MayanaSundari on her wedding day
Mayana's father, King Parjapal of Malav, was enormously disturbed by the fact that his daughter's belief in karmic forces was stronger than her belief in the blessings of the King. His ego inflamed, the King agreed to marry off Mayana to a prince suffering from leprosy. Mayana accepted this decision and married Prince Umbar Rana, who was actually none other than Prince Shreepal.
The Prince had fled Champa city after his father the King's death, fearing harm to himself and his mother. In the course of his flight, the Prince came upon a forest community who renamed him Umbar Rana. It was here, in the forest, that he was affected by leprosy.
Mayana, unflinching in the face of leprosy, remained rooted in her belief in karma. She ritually worshipped the Siddhachakra and followed the Navpad, which provide spiritual guidance in the quest for nirvana. The epic tells of Shreepal and others being cured of leprosy as a result of Mayana Sundari's unfailing devotion and spiritual progress.
The leprosy-affected forest community
Her tale demonstrates that happiness and peace can be achieved through a synthesis of faith and practice.
The story, an illustration of the infinite strength of the awakened soul, left both the Gnan Class and its audiences inspired and enlightened.
Kirtida Malde
September - November 2002. Jain Spirit
13