Acharya Hastimalji Aur Unke Pravachan

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, focusing on Acharya Hastimalji and his discourses:

This document, likely an excerpt or introduction to a collection of discourses by Acharya Hastimalji, highlights him as a distinguished figure in the Jain spiritual tradition. He is described as a spiritual saint, knowledgeable seeker, learned scholar, and a brilliant and profound thinker. His entire life was characterized by asceticism, renunciation, and self-restraint. He is credited with illuminating the lives of thousands and lakhs of souls with his wisdom, positioning him as a foremost and preeminent saint among modern ascetics. The text emphasizes that he earned a level of respect and honor in the Jain world that no other ascetic could match.

Acharya Hastimalji traveled extensively across various regions of India, delivering inspirational discourses during his Chaturmas (periods of monsoon retreat). The Samyak Gyan Pracharak Mandal, Jaipur, has published these discourses as the "Gajendra Vyakhyan Mala" (Gajendra Discourse Series).

The author, Mahendra Raijada, expresses his privilege in reading several of these published works. Specifically, he mentions the book "Prarthana-Pravachan" (Prayer Discourses), which offers a significant analysis of Acharya Hastimalji's discourses on prayer. These discourses meticulously examine the prayagi (supplicant) and the prayer itself, the core of prayer, its importance, and its significance in daily life, presenting a scientifically sound discussion of these topics.

According to Acharya Hastimalji, the soul, in its original state, is infinite consciousness, possessing knowledge and perception, free from defects and impurities. A strong desire for self-realization awakens the inspiration for self-purification. While some emphasize self-purification through knowledge, others through the inevitability of karma yoga, and still others by adopting the simpler path of devotion, Jainism does not advocate for extremism in any area. Instead, it propounds that self-purification is achieved through the coordination of knowledge and action. The prayer to the Prabhu (Lord) is considered an integral part of the method for self-purification.

Acharya Hastimalji states that "Prayer to the Lord is an essential part of the method of self-purification... The essence of prayer is devotion. When there is a strong surge of devotion in the heart of the seeker, the soul spontaneously begins to utter the language of prayer."

He classifies prayer into three categories: 1) Praise-oriented, 2) Emotion-oriented, and 3) Supplication-oriented. He provides clear and simple explanations of these categories, using examples to elucidate his points. He asserts that Jainism believes every soul is inherently equal. Whether it's a liberated soul (Siddha) or an ordinary soul wandering in the cycle of birth and death, both possess the same qualities. The difference lies only in the degree of development. Acharya Hastimalji suggests that by understanding the secrets of prayer and the continuity of prayers, one should progress from praise-oriented prayer to emotion-oriented prayer, awakening the hidden essence of life and the dormant powers of the soul. This leads to ineffable bliss.

In his discourses, Acharya Hastimalji also explains how prayer should be, its ultimate goal, the importance of praying from the heart, and the qualities of the supplicant and the object of prayer. He refutes societal superstitions and blind beliefs, advocating for a practical and scientific approach to prayer.

The "Gajendra Vyakhyan Mala," Part III, compiles the seven days of discourses delivered by Acharya Hastimalji during the Paryushan festival in Balotra in 1976. These discourses are described as deeply poignant, inspirational, and guiding for the all-around development and upliftment of the Jain society. Although delivered in simple language, the underlying thoughts and ideas are profound. The text quotes that these discourses contain spiritually contemplative thought processes steeped in practice, and the nectar of the Acharya's soul-realized, pure voice is inherent in these expressions. Every word is considered extremely important, capable of resonating with the listener's heart and opening their inner eyes, motivating individuals to progress on the path of spiritual practice.

These discourses guide the reader from initial spiritual practices to the path of practice for attaining the ultimate goal. They also provide a way to build an ideal society without negating the path of worldly engagement (pravritti marg). An individual can lead a life based on the strong foundation of dharma while fulfilling their household duties and walking the path of spiritual welfare (paramarth). The text suggests that such discourses can help the discerning reader elevate their life. In one discourse, Acharya Hastimalji elaborately discusses the types of 'parigraha' (possessions/attachments), labeling the tendency towards parigraha as anti-social and the root of all vices that lead to destruction.

The discourses also shed light on ways for ordinary householders to become ideal householders. They outline the path of practice that leads from the initial stages to the ultimate goal. The Acharya's view is that by acting according to dharma, individuals can contribute invaluable support to building an ideal society. During Paryushan, self-introspection to overcome one's shortcomings is emphasized, highlighting the need for self-contemplation.

Acharya Hastimalji is presented as a pioneer of the modern Jain ascetic tradition. The core objective of his discourses has been to pave the way for both self-welfare and world welfare. During his 1976 Chaturmas in Jalgaon, Maharashtra, he primarily emphasized character building, purity of conduct, and the practice of self-study. Twenty-six of these significant discourses have been selected and compiled in "Gajendra Vyakhyan Mala" - Part VI, competently edited by Dr. Hariram Acharya.

Dr. Hariram, in his editorial, describes the discourses as "pure expressions of a life of ethical conduct, a spirit of worldly welfare, and ascetic contemplation," thus being "discourses" that have bloomed to guide the faithful. He states that those who have heard them directly from the Acharya are fortunate, and for those who missed this opportunity, this publication allows them to benefit by reading these "pearls of discourse." The text affirms the appropriateness of this statement. Acharya Hastimalji's discourses offer a comprehensible and simple explanation of important elements of human life and various subjects. The text highlights the importance of physical health and family compatibility for spiritual practice. One can elevate their life through good deeds, knowledge, dharma, practice, discretion, and self-control. By purifying food and conduct/thought, Acharya Hastimalji reveals the fundamental mantra for the meaningfulness of human life.

The main themes of Acharya Hastimalji's discourses include:

• The two stages of the path to liberation: knowledge and action.
• Renunciation of possessions (parigraha-nivrutti).
• Discipline in practice (sadhan-sanyam).
• Development of self-power through victory over passions (vikar-vijay).
• Good conduct and good thoughts as the foundation of dharma.
• Purity of conduct from purity of food.
• The nature of true renunciation.
• Possessions as the root of suffering.
• True renunciation as the basis of spiritual practice.
• Ways to engage the restless mind in practice.
• The five great vows (Panch Mahavrat).
• Ways to calm attachment (raag-shaman).
• Benefits of self-practice.
• Subduing desires.
• The true dharma of a lay follower (shravak dharma).

Acharya Hastimalji has enlightened thousands and lakhs of listeners and readers through his practical and detailed explanations of all these subjects. The text expresses confidence that by reading these discourses, seekers will perfume their inner selves and progress towards making their lives meaningful and successful. The Samyak Gyan Pracharak Mandal, Jaipur, is commended for its commendable work in systematically and thoughtfully publishing the discourses given by Acharya Shri at various locations in book form.

The document concludes with inspirational quotes from Acharya Hastimalji:

• "The value of a vow is not in its timing, but in the purity of the mind in that moment."
• "Those whose minds are not pure cannot receive the radiance of the supreme soul."
• "Through austerity, man becomes worthy of worship."