Acharya Hastimalji Ki Samaj Ko Den - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary in English of the provided Jain text, "Acharya Hastimalji ki Samaj ko Den" by Nilam Nahta:

This text is a tribute to Acharya Shri Hastimalji Maharaj, highlighting his multifaceted contributions to the Jain society. The author, Nilam Nahta, emphasizes that it is impossible to fully capture the vast and diverse legacy of Acharya Hastimalji in a limited space, but attempts to shed light on his most significant impacts.

The author begins by stating that while many Jain ascetics have been learned, active, renounced, ascetic, beneficial, and even miraculous, Acharya Hastimalji was unique in embodying all these qualities and more within a single personality. He notes the common phenomenon where one quality is present while another is absent in individuals, but Acharya Hastimalji's life demonstrated a remarkable integration of all these virtues, astonishing to any historical observer.

The text then elaborates on Acharya Hastimalji's contributions across various domains:

1. Conduct (Kriya):

Character-Chudamani (Crest Jewel of Conduct): He was a strict follower of prescribed conduct himself and ensured his disciples adhered to scriptural practices.
Opposition to Laxity: He opposed the introduction of laxity in practices under the guise of changing times.
Balanced Reform: Simultaneously, he advocated for reforms within blind traditionalism, guided by scriptural knowledge and wisdom.
Constant Vigilance: His daily routine, from waking to sleeping, was marked by constant vigilance, deep spiritual contemplation, silence, and meditation. His most significant contribution in this area was his unwavering adherence to scriptural conduct.

2. Knowledge (Gyan):

Deep Scholarship: Acharya Hastimalji possessed a profound understanding of languages like Hindi, Sanskrit, and Prakrit, as well as Jain and non-Jain philosophies.
Challenging Norms: At a time when the Sthānakavāsī community held the view that Jain monks should focus solely on scriptures and self-knowledge, and faced criticism from opposing sects for neglecting grammar, Acharya Shri masterfully acquired proficiency in Sanskrit.
Promoting Learning: He actively encouraged his disciples and many lay followers to pursue knowledge and attain scholarly status. His pursuit of knowledge and promotion of scholarship was a major contribution.

3. Debates (Shastrartha):

Historical Context: The text recounts a significant debate (shastrartha) in Kekri around 1932-1933, which was a renowned center for such intellectual contests.
Accepting the Challenge: Despite being in a hurry, Acharya Hastimalji accepted an eight-day debate with Shri Moolchand Ji Shrimal (also known as Shri Kanmal Ji Karnawat) from the Shvetāmbara Mūlapūjaka sect. The debate's arbiter was the same Shri Moolchand Ji Shrimal.
Asserting Jain Doctrine: While the arbiter acknowledged Acharya Hastimalji's position as correct from a Jain philosophical standpoint but noted some challenges from other perspectives, Acharya Shri firmly stated his role as a Jain acharya and that his solutions were correct according to Jain philosophy, which was all he required.
Historic Sanskrit Debate: A later, highly significant event was Acharya Hastimalji's challenge in Sanskrit to the renowned scholar Shri Darshanvijayji of the Shvetāmbara Mūlapūjaka sect during the Ajmer Chaturmas in 1936. This was an unprecedented and historic challenge by the "pure, eternal Jain society" (Sthānakavāsī sect) in Sanskrit, a feat that had not occurred before or since. This established a monumental milestone in the field of debates.

4. Talent Discovery (Pratibha-Khoj):

Recognizing the Need: Acharya Hastimalji recognized the scarcity of learned scholars within the Sthānakavāsī community.
Valuing Scholars: He understood that scholars, like householders, have financial needs, and that intellectual contributions should not always be expected for free.
Respect and Support: He used his keen insight to identify and support scholars, ensuring they received due respect and recognition within society.
Nurturing Talent: He inspired and promoted individuals whose talents were hidden, leading them to bring honor to themselves and the community.
Institutions for Learning: Through his guidance, institutions like the Jain Siddhanta Shikshan Sansthan in Jaipur, in conjunction with Pt. Shri Kanhaiyalal Ji Lodha, have done commendable work in producing cultured scholars. The establishment of the Vidvat Parishad (Council of Scholars) in the Sthānakavāsī society was also a direct result of his encouragement. Thus, fostering a tradition of scholarship and scholars was a very important contribution of Acharya Shri.

5. Preservation of Ancient Texts and Scriptures:

Addressing Disarray: He ended the chaotic practice where monks would deposit manuscripts with trusted householders, leading to their neglect and eventual deterioration, especially upon the monk's demise. This prevented cataloging and access for scholars.
Centralized Preservation: Acharya Hastimalji collected all available manuscripts and scriptures at Lal Bhawan in Jaipur, created inventories, and ensured their complete safety and accessibility for scholars.

6. Institutional Development:

Inspiring Institutions: His guidance led to the establishment of dozens of organizations across various locations to fulfill diverse aspects of social service.
Independent Functioning: A novel approach he pioneered was maintaining detachment from institutions after their establishment. This allowed the organizations to function independently and effectively, freeing up the mentor from administrative entanglements. This is an imitable contribution of Acharya Shri.

7. History (Itihas):

Historical Gap: The Sthānakavāsī community was primarily focused on spirituality, asceticism, and non-violence, leading to less emphasis on historical writing. This was a noticeable deficiency.
Comprehensive History: Acharya Hastimalji filled this gap with immense effort over a long period, writing "Jain Dharma ka Maulik Itihas" (The Original History of Jainism) with an impartial perspective. This work is considered a unique and historic achievement in Jain historiography.
Other Historical Works: He also authored other historical texts like "Jain Acharya Charitavali" and "Pattavali Prabandh Sangrah" based on new historical research. This contribution to the field of history is extraordinary and unparalleled.

8. Love for Scriptures (Agam-Prem):

Dissemination of Knowledge: He derived great joy from promoting the knowledge of scriptures.
Favorite Text: The 'Nandi Sutra' was his most cherished text.
Popular Translations: He facilitated the publication of translations and commentaries of sutras like Uttaradhyayana, Nandi, Prashna Vyakarana, Antagada, and Dashavaikalika in simple Hindi, which became very popular and inspired similar efforts elsewhere.

9. Samayika-Svadhyaya Promotion:

Dedication: He dedicated his life to promoting samayika (equanimity meditation) and svadhyaya (self-study).
Impact: His efforts led to thousands of new students of self-study and inspired millions of new samayikas annually.
Core Question: A regular question from him to visitors was whether they were practicing self-study, showing his lack of interest in mundane affairs. He wholeheartedly devoted his life to this cause, making it a most significant contribution.

10. Compassion and Charity:

Merciful Heart: Beyond knowledge and conduct, Acharya Hastimalji possessed an ever-flowing spring of compassion and mercy in his heart.
Charitable Institutions: His guidance led to the establishment of numerous philanthropic organizations like Bal Shobha Orphanage, Mahavir Viklang Samiti, Vardhaman Jain Medical Relief Society, and many others, which are doing commendable work and benefiting thousands of needy individuals.

In conclusion, the author states that Acharya Hastimalji's contributions were remarkable and groundbreaking in every field, setting new benchmarks. The text ends with an expression of immense faith, devotion, and reverence for the late revered Acharya. It also includes several insightful quotes attributed to him on various spiritual and social matters.