Acharya Atmaramji

Here is a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Acharya Shri Atmaramji" by Sukhlal Sanghavi, focusing on the key points discussed in the excerpt:

This text is a lecture delivered on the occasion of Acharya Shri Atmaramji's birth anniversary, held at Shri Mahavir Jain Vidyalaya under the presidentship of Shri Vijayvallabh Suri. The author, Sukhlal Sanghavi, emphasizes that his authority to speak on Acharya Shri Atmaramji stems from his being a humble follower of the path revitalized by the Acharya. This path, which had been dormant for about 250 years, was re-established by Acharya Shri Atmaramji with contemporary relevance. Sanghavi focuses on two main aspects of the Acharya's life: his esteemed position in history and the reasons for it, and who could potentially fill his shoes.

1. Acharya Shri Atmaramji's Esteemed Position and the Reasons for It:

• Significance in Jain History: Within the 2500-year history of Jainism, both the Shvetambar and Digambar traditions have produced luminous personalities that capture the attention of historians and scholars. Acharya Shri Atmaramji is considered a rare luminary from the Shvetambar tradition in the last thousand years. He effectively filled the void left by Acharya Shri Vijaysen Suri, which had been vacant for 200 years. Therefore, in the last two and a half centuries of Jain history, he stands out as a great figure for both Shvetambar and Digambar sects.
• Key Contributing Factors:
  • Faith and Intellect: The Acharya's profound faith and devotion to the Shasan (Jain doctrine) would not have sufficed without his open-minded intellect and unwavering effort to acquire comprehensive knowledge. He consistently tested his intellect against the scriptures throughout his life. In an era with very few printed books, he read an extensive number of texts on Jain and non-Jain subjects, covering a vast range of topics, far more than what is imaginable for a modern person. At a time when the Jain tradition lacked a historical perspective and the idea of incorporating epigraphy, numismatics, geography, and geology into scholarly discourse was nascent, Acharya Shri Atmaramji was the first to strive for establishing the antiquity and greatness of Jain philosophy from a historical standpoint, utilizing all available resources. His astonishingly vast reading, remarkable memory, and precise ability to respond are evident throughout his memorable works. This intellectual prowess earned him a special status.
  • Revolutionary Spirit: Beyond his adherence to Ahimsa (non-violence), a second element contributed significantly to his stature: his capacity for critical evaluation or his revolutionary nature. The courage to shed the burden of immense worship that had bound him within a tradition for many years, like discarding a brittle object, exemplifies his revolutionary spirit. It suggests an innate truth-seeking ability that prevented him from being content with the conventional path. While it's difficult to speculate where his thirty more years of life might have taken him, his vibrant life clearly demonstrates his unwillingness to compromise his principles or be swayed by personal gain or prestige when it came to what he believed was true and righteous.
  • Contribution to the Heritage: Had he merely preserved the inherited Jain scriptures and been content with being known as 'Hushrut' (learned), he would not have achieved his current position. Observing the intellectual richness of the era, recognizing new available resources, and understanding future responsibilities, his soul was stirred, and he committed himself to action. He studied the Vedas, Upanishads, Sutras, Smritis, and Puranas. He engaged with emerging contemporary literature and delved into the literature of all Jain branches, both extinct and living, understanding their history and traditions before expressing his own views. His discourse is characterized by a vast collection of scriptures, organizational genius, and intellectual alertness. He suggested a new approach for future Acharyas, indicating that true service to the Shasan would not come from adopting inherited texts or purchasing manuscripts, but through his own contributions.

2. Who Can Fill Acharya Shri Atmaramji's Position?

• The Answer Lies in Today's Challenges: The answer to this question is the solution to contemporary problems. One who possesses faith devoid of independent intellect, which is merely 'believer' in modern terms, and lacks the ability to critically analyze, supplement according to time and place, assimilate new discoveries, and preserve valuable old knowledge without succumbing to narrowness, embracing all knowledge without constraints, and adopting new appropriate remedies according to changing circumstances, will hold no significant place in the future religious society even if they occupy an Acharya's position.
• Required Qualities for Successors: Those who aspire to succeed him and contribute to the welfare of the Jain community must possess Vidya (knowledge) and Chikitsa Shakti (healing/problem-solving power) akin to those of Vidyaranya and Shankaracharya. They need the philosophical and objective broad study of individuals like Anandshankar Dhruv and Dr. Seal. They require the imaginative power of poet Tagore and the fearlessness and frankness of Gandhiji. In addition to these qualities, aspiring successors must exhibit inner renunciation, not external show. They need the devotional penance of Socrates and the spirit of "move forward" shown by Socrates. They must possess the ability to chart new paths within their circumstances, thereby enriching knowledge and renunciation.

Concluding Remarks on Jayanti Celebrations and Future Work:

• Responsibility in Commemorations: Jayanti celebrations often devolve into mere eulogies, which can create a buildup of artificiality and untruths, outweighing the benefits. Therefore, those participating in such commemorations bear a significant responsibility to remain grounded in reality.
• Acharya Shri Atmaramji's Legacy as a Foundation: Acharya Shri Atmaramji initiated the flow of 'Bahushrutpana' (profuse learning). In light of new circumstances, this is merely the "Gangotri" (source of the Ganges). His research and historical outlook, while based within the tradition, provide a foundational stone for future researchers and historians to build a grand edifice of history. Since the boundaries of research, historical analysis, and knowledge are ever-expanding, even a small step taken in that direction with complete effort is highly valuable. From this perspective, there is ample scope for mature researchers and historians who wish to work extensively on the "Agnan Timir Bhaskar" (Sun dispelling the darkness of ignorance).