Acharya Hastimalji Ki Sadhna Vishayak Den

Here is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Acharya Hastimalji ki Sadhna Vishayak Den" by Jashkaran Daga:

The book "Acharya Hastimalji ki Sadhna Vishayak Den" (The Contributions of Acharya Hastimalji Regarding Sadhana) by Jashkaran Daga highlights the profound spiritual practices and their resulting contributions of Acharya Hastimalji Maharaj Saheb. The author begins by defining sadhana (spiritual practice) as a process aimed at achieving a goal, emphasizing that the highest form of sadhana transforms an individual from an outward-focused person (bahiratama) to an inner-focused one (antaratama), then to a great soul (mahatama), and ultimately to the divine (paramatma). This process awakens one's true potential, making them a supreme being. The text asserts that the pursuit of self-welfare through spiritual practice is superior to that of worldly sustenance.

Acharya Hastimalji's entire life was filled with such excellent sadhana, imbued with spiritual energy. For over sixty years, he held the position of Acharya and through his continuous, high-quality spiritual practices, attained immense inner strength. This strength was so profound that anyone who came into contact with him was deeply influenced. His sadhana was of the highest order, evidenced by his ability to calmly and equanimously endure severe physical pain without complaint or distress, a quality praised in Jain scriptures.

The author categorizes Acharya Hastimalji's contributions into two main types:

[A] Contributions Based on Knowledge and Perception (Gyan Darshan Mulak):

1. Establishment of All-India Level Study Circles (Prathva Bharitya Star Ke Swadhyay Sanghon Ki Sthapana): To propagate pure spiritual knowledge, a fundamental aspect of self-sadhana, Acharya Hastimalji championed the path of swadhyay (self-study). He inspired the creation of large swadhyay groups across India. This led to the formation of the All-India Shrutakasi Jain Swadhyay Sangh in Jodhpur, with branches in various cities and states. These groups conduct religious practices during the Paryushan festival, with hundreds of participants spreading spiritual awareness. The success of these groups inspired similar initiatives by other sects.

2. All-India Jain Scholars Council, Jaipur (Akhil Bhartiya Jain Vidvat Parishad, Jaipur): Inspired by Acharya Hastimalji, leading Jain scholars and philanthropists were brought together to form this council. The council commissions and publishes valuable essays on spiritual topics, disseminating them as tracts. It also organizes annual seminars on important subjects, bringing together scholars from across India to present research papers that are later compiled for public benefit. This council also includes scholars from Digambar, Mandirmargi, Terapanthi, Sthanakvasi, and even non-Jain traditions, fostering unity and love within society.

3. Establishment of Centers for the Dissemination of Right Knowledge and Knowledge Cultivation (Samyak Gyan Prasara Evam Gyan Sadhanaarth Kendra Ki Sthapana): To promote right knowledge and cultivate knowledgeable practitioners, Acharya Hastimalji inspired the establishment of numerous institutions. Key among these are:

   • Samyak Gyan Pracharak Mandal, Jaipur: For fifty years, this organization has been publishing life-building literature and the monthly magazine 'Jinwani'.
   • Shri Mahavir Jain Swadhyay Vidyapeeth, Jalgaon: Established to train teachers and propagators of Jainism and Jain philosophy with adherence to righteous conduct.
   • Various libraries and educational institutions in different cities, such as Shri Jain Ratna Secondary School, Shri Jain Ratna Library, and Jain Siddhanta Shikshan Sansthan, Jaipur (established in 1973 to produce scholars in Prakrit language and Jainology).
   • Shri Jain Itihas Samiti, Jaipur: This committee published the four-volume "Maulik Itihas of Jainism," a significant literary contribution of Acharya Shri.

4. Creation of Excellent Spiritual Literature (Adhyatmik Uttam Sahitya Ka Srijan): To illuminate society with the light of right knowledge and dispel ignorance, Acharya Hastimalji dedicated hours daily for years to researching, compiling, and preserving ancient scriptures and historical texts. He authored approximately fifty books, including the four-volume "Maulik Itihas of Jainism," and edited and commented on several Agamas like Brihatkalpa Sutra and Uttaradhyayana Sutra.

5. Publication of Spiritual Knowledge Dissemination Magazines (Adhyatmik Gyan Prasarak Patra-Patrikaon Ka Prakashan): To ensure the continuous flow of right knowledge, perception, and conduct among the fourfold Jain community (monks, nuns, laymen, laywomen), he initiated the publication of magazines like 'Jinwani', 'Veer-Upasika', and 'Swadhyay Shiksha'.

[B] Contributions Based on Right Conduct and Renunciation (Charitra Evam Tyaga Mulak Uplabdhiyan):

1. Establishment of All-India Samayik Sangh (Akhil Bhartiya Samayik Sangh Ki Sthapana): Acharya Hastimalji undertook extensive travels, enduring hardships, to promote the practice of Samayik (a specific form of meditation and equanimity) in towns and villages across India. As a result, thousands of individuals, including children, youth, and the elderly, who had never practiced Samayik before, began doing so regularly. To systematize its propagation, the All-India Samayik Sangh, Jaipur, was founded. This initiative revitalized many religious sites that had fallen into disuse, leading to regular collective Samayik sessions and the construction of new meditation centers.

2. Philanthropic Activities Related to Compassion for Living Beings (Jivdaya Sambandhi Paramarthik Pravrittiyan): A profound source of compassion and mercy, Acharya Hastimalji initiated philanthropic activities centered on the welfare of all living beings and established welfare funds. Numerous organizations and groups dedicated to Jivdaya (compassion for living beings) were formed, providing assistance to the poor, orphaned, disabled, needy, and distressed. This also extended to providing food and water to animals and birds and securing protection for animals destined for slaughter. Prominent among these institutions are the Bhudhar Kalyan Kosh, Jaipur, and Shri Mahavir Jain Ratna Kalyan Kosh, Sawai Madhopur. These trusts not only aid humans but also focus on animal welfare, preventing animal sacrifice, and promoting vegetarianism.

3. Creation of a Society Free from Addictions and Immorality (Nirvyasani Va Pramanik Samaj Ka Nirman): Acharya Hastimalji actively worked to eradicate addictions and immorality from society. He encouraged individuals to lead addiction-free and honest lives and took pledges from them. During scholarly seminars, he would distribute a "prasad" (blessed offering) of rules related to abstaining from smoking, intoxication, consuming non-vegetarian food, eating at night, consuming root vegetables, bribery, and unethical business practices. His verses emphasize the importance of being addiction-free and honest to gain respect in the world.

4. Eradication of Sectarianism (Sampradayvaad Ka Unmoolan): In his youth, when Acharya Hastimalji assumed the position of Acharya, the Sthanakvasi community was deeply divided by rigid sectarianism, with prevailing disputes and animosity. He enlightened society on the principles of Anekant (non-one-sidedness) and Syadvada (the doctrine of conditional predication), dispelling the "intoxication" of sectarianism and fostering love and unity. He not only inspired the entire Sthanakvasi community to unite but also voluntarily resigned from his Acharya position when he deemed it necessary for the community's welfare, setting a remarkable example by merging various sects into a larger unified Sangha. Later, to maintain purity and prevent indiscipline within the Sangha, he re-established the Ratna Sangha, dedicated to upholding pure conduct without sectarianism. The followers of the Ratna Sangha maintain liberal relationships with all sects and deeply respect all virtuous monks and nuns who adhere to the teachings of Lord Mahavir.

5. Unique Contribution of Character-Based Sadhana (Charitrik Sadhana Ki Vishisht Den): Acharya Hastimalji took initiation at the tender age of ten and remained steadfast in his practice of the Three Jewels (faith, knowledge, and conduct) for 71 years. He was not only a master of knowledge but also an artist and architect of life. He possessed the art of living a true life and the power of character building. As an unbroken celibate, an exceptional yogi, and a devotee of pure austerity and self-control, he developed unparalleled inner strength, often referred to as labdhi (supernatural powers or spiritual attainments). It is said that any wish of those he looked upon with kindness was promptly fulfilled. This is illustrated by numerous instances where people's suffering was alleviated without any ritualistic practices, greatly enhancing the glory of Jainism. The text mentions miraculous events such as the restoration of sight from afar, recovery from incurable diseases merely by listening to his auspicious pronouncements, and lost travelers being guided back to their path. It also notes instances of snake venom being neutralized by his rajoharan (a Jain monk's broom) and mangalik (auspicious chanting), and the resolution of crises faced by ascetics.

In conclusion, the book by Jashkaran Daga encapsulates the profound and impactful spiritual journey and the diverse contributions of Acharya Hastimalji Maharaj Saheb to Jain society, the nation, and the world. The author expresses the hope that all beings will continue to benefit from these contributions in the present and future.