Acharya Jawaharlalji - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Acharya Jawaharlalji," by Atmanandji, focusing on the life and teachings of Acharya Jawaharlalji:

The book "Acharya Jawaharlalji" by Atmanandji introduces the life of a progressive Jain monk who defied the common perception of Jain monks being confined to their specific traditions. Acharya Jawaharlalji embraced the principle of "treating all beings as one's own" (Gāmavat sarvabhūteṣu), viewing all creatures and humans as akin to himself, and possessed a broad and inclusive perspective.

Early Life and Formative Years:

Birth: Jawaharlalji was born in the village of Chandla in the Jhabua district of Malwa, a region known for its historical significance and great personalities. His parents were Jivrajji and Nathibai, a religious couple from the Oshwal Vanik caste. He was born on Kartik Sudh Chaturthi, V.S. 1932 (the night before Gyan Panchami).
Orphanhood: Tragically, Jawaharlalji lost his mother at the age of two and his father at the age of five. His upbringing and upbringing were then undertaken by his maternal uncle, Moolchandbhai, a cloth merchant.
Early Education and Talent: Due to the significant tribal population around Chandla, Jawaharlalji was initially enrolled in a Christian missionary school. However, he was more inclined towards learning from nature. He learned Gujarati, Hindi, and basic mathematics. After his schooling ended, he began assisting his uncle in his cloth business. He displayed exceptional talent in identifying fabrics, surprising even experienced merchants. His intelligence, courage, concentration, and diligence led to his expertise becoming renowned in the village.

Turning Point: Renunciation and Inner Turmoil:

Loss of Uncle: At the age of thirteen, Jawaharlalji experienced another profound loss when his uncle, who had become his guardian and guide, passed away unexpectedly at the age of thirty-three. This loss deeply affected the young Jawaharlal, and he also inherited the responsibility for his widowed aunt and her five-year-old son.
Spiritual Inclination: This profound grief transformed into renunciation. A written reflection from this period reveals his deep introspection: "O my soul! It is your grave mistake that you have forgotten yourself until now. So much time has passed, and yet you have not engaged in the special worship of Dharma. Now, listen to me and make a real effort to correct your mistake. You have now received a very opportune moment. Such an opportunity does not come often, so gather all your strength and make a strenuous effort to benefit from the devotion and proximity of the Supreme Soul."
Disillusionment with Worldly Life: He questioned the purpose of accumulating wealth through business when he had already experienced the loss of his parents and uncle. He realized that his aunt and her child could be taken care of with minimal arrangements. He felt it was more beneficial to find a Guru and follow the path shown by the divine. Despite the kindness of his uncle, his constant contemplation, strong resolve, and courage propelled him forward.

Obstacles and Determination:

Family Opposition: His uncle's brother, Dhanrajji, noticed Jawaharlalji's disinterest in the shop and confronted him. Upon hearing about Jawaharlalji's desire for renunciation, Dhanrajji became angry. He assigned his two sons to constantly guard Jawaharlalji to prevent him from meeting any saints. When this failed, he instructed village elders to speak ill of monks in front of Jawaharlalji, instill fear of ascetics in his mind, and create an environment that fostered disinterest in religious matters. Despite these efforts to thwart his spiritual inclination, Jawaharlalji remained resolute.

The Path to Initiation:

Meeting Guru Ghassilalji: A turning point came when Jawaharlalji accompanied Udaychand, the son of Jaswantlalji, to Limbdi near Dahod. There, he met Maharaj Shri Ghassilalji of the Hukmichandji tradition. He stayed in Limbdi and shared his inner feelings with Maharaj Shri. However, Maharaj Shri insisted on his family's permission.
Deception and Determination: Jasrajji cleverly called Jawaharlalji back. But Jawaharlalji's resolve was firm. Within a few days, he returned to Limbdi on a dhobi's horse. With no other option, Dhanrajji had to send his consent for Jawaharlalji to take initiation, along with his son Udaychandji.
Initiation: On the auspicious day of Magshar Sud Bij, V.S. 1948, Jawaharlalji took initiation. He underwent the ritual of tonsure (keshlocha) and, as a disciple of Shri Maganlalji, took the vows of a monk (mahavrat). He was filled with immense joy, comparing it to a hungry person receiving a sweet or a poor person finding a wish-fulfilling gem, as his long-cherished desire for renunciation had finally materialized.

Studies and Travels (Vihar):

Intellectual Prowess: Jawaharlalji's innate talent, coupled with his strong memory, sharp intellect, receptiveness, devotion to service, and extreme humility, drew the blessings of Goddess Saraswati. He quickly memorized hundreds of prayers, chants, hymns, and verses.
Early Challenges: Within fifteen days of his initiation, his Guru, Shri Maganlalji Maharaj, passed away in Patlavad. Tapasvi Shri Motilalji Maharaj consoled him and provided him with support and guidance. During this period, Shri Motilalji Maharaj played a significant role in inculcating qualities like service, austerity, renunciation, and tolerance in the young monk.
Rigorous Study: During his first Chaturmas (a four-month period of religious retreat), he studied the science of poetry in Dhar. In the second Chaturmas, in Rampura, under Shri Kesarmalji, a scholar of scriptures, he diligently studied the Agam Sutras like Dashavaikalik, Uttaradhyayan, Acharang, Sutrakṛtanga, and Praśnavyākaraṇa. His superior intellect ensured he excelled among all the monks in his studies.
Spreading Awareness: The subsequent three Chaturmas were spent in Jaora, Pandala-Shivganj, and Sailana. These periods saw an increase in his studies and a strong propagation of the message of abstaining from addictions among the people. In V.S. 1954, he had the opportunity to associate with Yuvaacharya Shri Chothmalji Maharaj and his disciples. Two Chaturmas later, he benefited from the company of the large sangha (community of monks and nuns) of Acharya Shri Chothmalji Maharaj in Navra.

Ascension to Leadership and Service:

Responsibility: In V.S. 1956, recognizing his advancing age, Shri Chothmalji Maharaj entrusted the responsibility of the large sangha to four distinguished monks, including the twenty-four-year-old Shri Jawaharlalji, who had been initiated only eight years prior. His Chaturmas in 1957 was in Mahidpur, near Ujjain.
Recognition of Worth: After Shri Lalji Maharaj attained Acharyaship, he visited Indore and then proceeded to Mewar, arriving in Udaipur. When the Udaipur community requested him for Chaturmas, he responded by saying he would provide "a box of Jawahar" for their spiritual fulfillment. Thus, the Chaturmas of 1958 took place in Udaipur, marked by profound spiritual influence through knowledge and austerity.
Facing Adversity: While traveling towards Jodhpur, en route near Taravaligadh village, robbers looted the monks' clothes and utensils. However, the monks maintained equanimity. The Chaturmas of 1959 was also in Jodhpur, where he guided Shri Pratap Malji, a prominent lay follower, correcting his misconceptions and leading him towards righteous worship. He completed his Chaturmas in Bhimasar. In 1962, he spent his Chaturmas in Udaipur.

Significant Contributions and Teachings:

Udaipur Chaturmas: This Chaturmas was particularly impactful, featuring fasts lasting from 8 to 61 days. It also saw the entire population of Udaipur, including officials, benefit from his discourses. Shri Ganeshlalji Maru, a learned and renounced individual, took a vow of lifelong celibacy at the age of sixteen and was initiated at the end of the Chaturmas. This devout soul later pursued extensive studies in Jain scriptures, Sanskrit, and Persian, eventually adorning the position of Acharya.
Wider Impact: His travels took him through Nathdwara, Kankroli, Gangapur, Bhilwara, and Chittod, eventually reaching Masuda village near Ajmer. Here, he guided Suganchandji Kothari back to the path of lay follower dharma. He then spent his Chaturmas in Gangapur in 1963 and Ratlam in 1964. In Ratlam, he provided guidance to the members of the Sthanakvasi Conference. His arrival in Chandla marked another significant period. During his Chaturmas in Wandala, remarkable incidents involving an elephant demonstrating discipline and humility, a snake embodying equanimity, and forgiveness towards stone-throwers left people astonished. These were seen as manifestations of universal friendship and compassion ingrained in the life of a saint.
Health Challenges and Resilience: While traveling from Thandla, Maharaj Shri's health deteriorated. However, upon recovery, he went to Jaora and then to a village called Koinama, where he initiated the charitable millionaire Shri Lalchandji. From there, he proceeded to Devas and reached Indore, where he spent the Chaturmas of 1967. The lay followers of Indore, including Shri Chandanmalji Firodia, requested him to travel south, a request he accepted. Thus, he journeyed from Indore through Badwaha, Navad, Burhanpur, Faizpur, and Bhusawal, entering Ahmednagar in 1968 for his Chaturmas.
South India Sojourn: He spent his Chaturmas in Ahmednagar, Junnar, Dhodnadi, and Jamgaon. During the Jamgaon Chaturmas, he was awarded the title of "Gani" (a senior monk). He then traveled through Ahmednagar, Dhodnadi, Meeti, Hivada, and Sonai. In Hivada, with the sangha's permission, Maharaj Shri Lalji from Udaipur conferred upon him the title of Yuvaacharya. The formal celebration of his Yuvaacharya title took place in Seelana during the Chaturmas of 1975 on Wednesday, Chaitra Vad 9. The following year, Maharaj Shri received news of the passing of Shri Lalji Maharaj in Bhinasar, in response to which he undertook an eight-day fast.
Assumption of Acharya Padvi: The responsibility for the guidance and protection of the entire sangha and society now rested on Maharaj Shri's shoulders. He shared his experiences with the society, emphasizing the urgent need to promote education and eradicate illiteracy, ignorance, and superstition. To support these efforts, the "Sadhu Nag Jain Hitakarini Sanstha" was established. After completing his Chaturmas in Bikaner and Ratlam, he traveled to Satara, Pune, Jalgaon, and Ahmednagar in the South.
Resilience and Faith: In V.S. 1981, during his Chaturmas in Jalgaon, he developed a small boil that became infected and filled with pus. The renowned surgeon Gulgaunvkar diagnosed diabetes and performed an operation without anesthesia, managing to remove the pus, leading to his gradual recovery. This incident highlighted Maharaj Shri's tolerance, fearlessness, and detachment from the body.
Initiations and Social Reforms: The initiations of Shri Bhimrajji and Simalji in Satara and Shri Jeevanlalji in Pune were successfully conducted. The Chaturmas in Ghatkopar in 1980 was highly successful due to its emphasis on animal welfare, the unity of lay followers, the 81-day fast undertaken by Muni Shri Sundarlalji, and the organized public lectures on various topics. This program was highly inspiring and influential for both Jains and Jain-loving individuals. He then traveled to Bhusawal, Jalgaon, Ratlam, Mandsaur, Nimbaheda, Udaipur, and Blawar, arriving in Bikaner in V.S. 1984. Here, the Samargi Jain Hitakarini Sanstha was founded, which continues to contribute to the education, conduct, and ethical guidelines of monks.
Spiritual Leadership: His travels continued through Sardarsahar to Churu, where the initiation of Shri Shekhchandji was grandly celebrated. After his Chaturmas in Churu, he proceeded towards Bikaner, Rohtak, and Delhi. A special ceremony was organized there by the community to honor him with a title. From there, he traveled to Agra and then towards Jodhpur, where Shri Motilalji Kotecha was initiated in Jayanarayan. He gradually moved towards Ajmer and then to Udaipur. In Ajmer, the Yuvaacharya ceremony for Muni Shri Ganeshlalji was held. His 28 years of profound spiritual and ascetic practice served as an inspiration, guidance, and example to the entire sangha and the 65 present monks and nuns.

Service to Saurashtra and Gujarat:

Invitation: The influential scholar and reformer had not yet benefited the regions of Saurashtra and Gujarat, which was a concern for community leaders. A delegation of prominent Gujarati lay followers repeatedly requested his presence. He agreed, and after visiting Palanpur, Viramgam, and Wadhwan, he arrived in Rajkot. From V.S. 1993, he spent four Chaturmas in Rajkot, Jamnagar, Morbi, and Ahmedabad, respectively. Throughout these regions, the goodwill and devotion of Jains, Jain-lovers, national leaders, and the rulers of Saurashtra were highly commendable.

Final Years and Legacy:

Deteriorating Health: From this point onwards, his physical health began to fluctuate, and weakness increased. Despite this, he traveled towards Marwar and spent his last Chaturmas in Bavara, Bagadi, Bikaner, and Bhimasar.
Final Illness and Passing: Before the weakness and the pain in his knees and body could subside, on Jeth Sud Poonam, V.S. 1999, just six months after the celebration of his Diamond Jubilee of initiation, he suffered a stroke affecting the right side of his body. He also had a large boil on his lower back. Despite this, he peacefully forgave everyone and departed the mortal coil with equanimity. His funeral procession and final rites were fitting for his status and personality. A state-wide period of mourning was observed, and in recognition of his life's work, the 'Shri Jawahar Vidyapeeth' was established.

Key Characteristics of Maharaj Shri:

Early Renunciation: From childhood, he possessed strong inclinations towards renunciation.
Emphasis on Knowledge: He prioritized the pursuit of knowledge over mere ritualistic practices.
Progressive and Nationalistic: He was progressive, reform-minded, and infused with nationalism. He remained steadfast in his policy of contributing to the upliftment of the entire society within his limitations.
Influence on Prominent Figures: Besides religious figures, many talented individuals from the nation sought his blessings, satsang, and discourses. Notable among them were Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Pattabhi Sitaramayya, Madan Mohan Malviya, Sant Professor Ramamurti, Senapati Bapat, Sant Vinoba Bhave, Shri Ramanresh Tripathi, Kaka Kalelkar, Shri Thakkarbapa, and the rulers of Saurashtra-Rajasthan.
Abstinence, Social Reform, and Broad Vision: In his era, there was a lack of knowledge dissemination in both Indian society and the Jain community. Child marriages and early marriages were prevalent, as was the dowry system. The condition of women, especially widows, was pitiable. Alcohol, cannabis, tobacco, meat consumption, gambling, and sensual indulgence were widespread. Untouchability was a major stigma in Hinduism, and intolerance existed among followers of different religions. He made significant and commendable contributions to resolving numerous contemporary, moral, educational, and national issues.
Eloquent Orator: He demonstrated the saying "A scholar is honored everywhere" through his vast, brilliant, scholarly, comprehensive, and experience-based oratorical skills. Consequently, his public religious assemblies attracted Hindus, Jains, Muslims, Sikhs, children, youth, elders, and young women, all of whom took interest and received guidance for their life's development.

Teachings (Upadesh Prasadi):

Prayer: He prayed for the strength to be upward-progressing, to remain on the path of progress, and to resist temptations. He saw God as a shield and his heart as God's temple.
Remembrance of the Name (Nam Simran): He emphasized the importance of remembering God's name for peace and guidance during times of distress. He believed that by understanding the essence of the divine and merging with it, one realizes their inner strength, leading to bliss and spiritual growth.
Education: He defined education as the process of removing barriers to reveal inherent human potential. He stressed the importance of quality education from experienced teachers, not just as a means of livelihood or wealth acquisition.
Austerity (Tap): He described austerity as a purifying fire that burns away impurities. He stated that speech uttered by an ascetic should be pure, pleasant, truthful, and sweet, capable of dispelling fear.
Abolition of Untouchability: He advocated for treating all human beings as brothers and helpers. He recognized the foundational role of the Shudra community and urged for respectful and grateful interaction with them, emphasizing that they are beloved children of Hindu society.
Resolve (Sankalp): He asserted that resolve possesses infinite power to overcome suffering and prevent new suffering. He believed that the development of one's resolve is spiritual progress and that nature aids true resolve. He advised abandoning false pride and surrendering to the Divine with a pure heart.

In essence, the book portrays Acharya Jawaharlalji as a beacon of progress and compassion in the Jain tradition, whose life was dedicated to spiritual pursuit, intellectual growth, social reform, and universal well-being.