Acharya Shantisagarji Maharaj - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text about Acharya Shantisagarji Maharaj, translated into English:

This text is a biographical account of Acharya Shantisagarji Maharaj, a highly revered figure in the Digambara Jain tradition. The book is authored by Atmanandji.

Introduction and Significance:

The text highlights that India has a rich spiritual heritage of saints, scholars, and sages. Acharya Shantisagarji Maharaj, born about 115 years prior to the text's origin, is presented as a divine personality who revitalized the Jain philosophy through his exceptional character and welfare activities. His birth and life were crucial during a period when the tradition of Digambara monks was almost extinct, with very few individuals illuminating the path of Mahavir and Kundakunda. Acharya Shantisagarji's contribution to reviving the Digambara tradition is considered unparalleled, earning him the same respect as ancient Acharyas.

Birth and Childhood:

He was born in V.S. 1929 (1871 CE) on a Wednesday night in the Kshatriya lineage.
His birth occurred in the ancestral home (mosal) in the village of Belgul, about four miles from Bhojgaon.
His mother was Smt. Sapavati (Satyabhama) and his father was Shri Bhimgonda.
His childhood name was Satgouda.
He was born into a prominent family (Chaturth generation) that had produced many great personalities.
Belgul village is located in the Belgaum district of South India.
He was the fifth of six siblings (two elder brothers, two younger brothers, and one sister).
The family was cultured and virtuous.

Upbringing and Inherited Values:

From childhood, Satgouda was physically robust and strong, excelling in wrestling. He could easily lift a bundle of rice weighing five maunds.
His charming personality and sweet voice made him well-liked by everyone.
Alongside physical strength, he possessed mental fortitude and equanimity from a young age. He was not prone to quarrels or harsh words, being naturally soft-spoken and mild-mannered.
He abstained from worldly pleasures and actively participated in religious festivals. He regularly visited temples with his mother, took an interest in meditation, and studied scriptures.
He wore simple khadi clothes.
His mother constantly instilled in him the teachings of dharma and good conduct, such as "Do not commit sin," "Do not harm living beings," and "Do not steal."
Due to the influence of his upbringing, even as a child, he was a repository of many extraordinary qualities.
His family was prosperous, wealthy, and deeply devoted to Jinendra Bhagwan.
Satgouda had a sharp memory, which was well-known.
He inherited truthfulness and devotion from his mother, Satyavati, and firmness and seriousness from his father, Bhimgonda.
His childhood activities indicated that he would become an extraordinary individual. His gravity, compassion, and valor attracted everyone.
The text emphasizes the profound impact of parental upbringing on a child's character, likening it to the influence of parents on Mahatma Gandhi and Chhatrapati Shivaji.

Education and Renunciation:

After receiving secular education available in Bhoj village, Acharya Shri pursued the divine teachings of the Vitrag Rishis, emphasizing experiential learning.
He had a good memory and gained significant spiritual knowledge through satsang (holy company) and swadhyaya (self-study).
According to the customs of the time, he was married at the age of nine to a six-year-old girl, but she passed away within six months.
At eighteen, his parents insisted on his remarriage, but he firmly refused, vowing to observe lifelong celibacy.
He desired to take initiation (diksha) at the young age of seventeen or eighteen but couldn't due to his father's disapproval.
From his youth, he exhibited immense detachment (vairagya). His disinterest in the world was evident early on.
He worked in a cloth shop, conducting business with utmost honesty, ensuring no injustice or unethical practices occurred.
He performed his worldly duties with detachment, dedicating his mind to devotion, satsang, swadhyaya, and contemplation.
Aware of his desire for renunciation, his parents allowed him to observe vows, rules, and fasts, with the condition that he not leave home while they were alive.
He spent most of his time in the cloth shop, engrossed in scriptural study when not working. When his elder brother had to travel, he managed the shop.
He displayed a lack of attachment even in business, allowing customers to measure and cut cloth themselves and leave payments or record them, making his shop akin to a place of self-study. Fifteen to twenty people would gather there in the afternoon, and he would give discourses.

Youth and Initiation:

At the age of thirty-two, Acharya Shri embarked on a pilgrimage to Siddhakshetra Sammet Shikhar.
During this pilgrimage, he decided to take vows of restraint and made a strong resolution to abstain from ghee and oil for his entire life. This marked the beginning of his disciplined path towards monastic life.
Upon returning home, he took a vow to eat only once a day. (His father had also observed such vows for sixteen years).
One day, his father gathered his sons, entrusted them with the household responsibilities, attained Samadhi-maran (peaceful death while meditating on the Pancha Parmeshthi), and left his body. Acharya Shri was thirty-seven at the time.
Three years later, his mother also attained Samadhi-maran, leaving her body in just twelve hours.
Freed from his parents' injunctions, Acharya Shri spent a few years at home, preparing his soul for renunciation.
When the Digambara Muni Shri Devayyaswami (Devendrakirti Maharaj) visited the village of Ujjur, he took the opportunity to request initiation.
The Guru explained the arduous nature of the ascetic path, assuring that one's soul would not fall if one embraced it wholeheartedly.
Following his Guru's guidance, Shri Satgouda Patil took Kshullaka initiation (a preliminary stage of monasticism) on Jyeshtha Shudi 13, V.S. 1972 (1915 CE), at the age of 43, in Ujjur village. He accepted two garments and one vessel for food, renouncing all other possessions.
Satgouda, now named Kshullaka Shantisaagar, left his family attachments and embraced the sentiment of "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam" (the world is one family) as he departed for self-welfare.
With purity and excellent natural detachment, the liberated Maharaj began his spiritual journey across the earth.
During his Kshullaka stage, enduring numerous hardships with equanimity, he reached Girnar Mountain, sanctified by Lord Neminath.
The intensified spirit of restraint in the Nirvana land of Lord Neminath culminated in his Elaka initiation (another stage of monasticism). He began gathering the necessary spiritual resources to become a Mahavrati (one who observes great vows).

Mahavrati Diksha and Acharya Pad:

While wandering, Maharaj reached the village of Parnal during a grand Panchakalyanaka Pratishtha Mahotsav (a five-stage consecration ceremony) of a Jinendra idol.
Digambara Muni Devendrakirti Maharaj was also present there. Maharaj requested him for Nirgrantha (unencumbered) diksha.
The Guru warned him that this path was as difficult as the edge of a sword, but Maharaj's deep renunciation convinced him.
On the auspicious day of the Pratishtha Mahotsav, in front of thousands, Devendrakirti Maharaj granted Munishipadiksha to Shantisaagar, making him a Mahavrati at the age of 45.
Maharaj's detachment at that time was indescribable. He rejoiced in accepting the long-desired monastic status, and thousands cheered him.
He declared his unwavering commitment to observing vows, stating that if he couldn't find the means to sustain his vows, he would rather die in the wilderness than break them.
He then proceeded south, spreading the influence of Dharma and eradicating many social evils. His fame grew, and he initiated many Shravakas (lay devotees) into the path of renunciation and vows.
In V.S. 1980, during the Muni diksha of Shri Veersagarji and Elaka diksha of Shri Nemisagarji in Samdoli village, he formally established the Shramanand (monastic order). At the age of 52, he was honored with the title of Acharya by the community.
Later, 26 years later, in V.S. 2007, during the Panchakalyanaka Pratishtha Mahotsav in Gaj-Gantha (Maharashtra), he was adorned with the title of "Charitra Chakravarti" (Emperor of Conduct).

Spiritual Influence and Achievements:

Wherever Acharya Shri went with his sangha (group of disciples), he illuminated the path of Dharma and self-welfare.
His presence fostered deep scriptural discussions, profound discourses, and beautiful devotional singing and kirtans.
In V.S. 1984, Acharya Shri journeyed with his sangha to Sammet Shikhar. This collective pilgrimage of Nirgrantha munis was the first in North India in centuries, igniting a wave of religiosity.
He traveled approximately 35,000 miles on foot over seven years, benefiting millions of men and women spiritually. He paved the way for monastic pilgrimage.
Under his guidance, around 300-400 individuals were initiated as Acharyas, Munis, Kshullakas, Kshullikas, Brahmacharis, etc.

Preservation of Scriptures and Character:

Acharya Shri learned that the ancient scripture Dhaval-Mahadhaval, authored by Bhootbali Swami, written on palm leaves over a thousand years old, was deteriorating and becoming prey to insects.
He recognized the urgent need for scripture preservation. He presented a plan to prominent merchants in Mumbai, Solapur, and other cities.
He arranged for these Agam scriptures to be transcribed onto copper plates from the palm leaves, ensuring their preservation for thousands of years. This monumental and merit-earning work of transcribing the Dhavala and other Agams onto copper plates will be etched in gold letters in the history of Shruto-dhar (preservation of scriptures).

Endurance, Patience, and "Charitra Chakravarti":

Acharya Shri faced numerous severe afflictions and trials (upasarga and pariksha) throughout his life, which he bore with immense fearlessness, patience, and equanimity. These experiences further testified to his noble character, earning him the title "Charitra Chakravarti."

Instances of Tolerance and Non-violence:

During a period of wandering, a wrathful Brahmin named Chidha attacked Maharaj and his sangha with about 500 men. The attackers were arrested by the police. Upon learning of their arrest, Acharya Shri requested the police superintendent to release them. When his request was not immediately met, he announced he would fast, leading to the attackers' prompt release. This demonstrates his immense compassion and non-violence even in the face of a life-threatening attack.
Once, while in meditation in a cave, thousands of red ants crawled onto his body and began to drink his blood. Despite this, Acharya Shri remained in meditation for two hours. Blood flowed from his body, but he remained silent and steadfast. Only when devotees sprinkled sugar to distract the ants did he break his silence.
In the Kagoli cave, during his midday meditation, a fearsome black serpent coiled around his body for about 20 minutes. Yet, Maharaj's mind and meditation remained undisturbed. Such incidents were numerous in his life, and in each, he remained steadfast like Mount Meru. He was a severe ascetic and a great conqueror of afflictions.

Influence on Society:

Acharya Shri exerted an extraordinary influence on the general populace through his spiritual teachings.
Many kings, rulers, and Nawabs from Sangli, Phaltan, Kolhapur, Pratapgarh, Idar, Dholpur, and other regions visited him for darshan (spiritual sight).
Many British officials were also impressed by his life.
His scholarly influence was equally impactful on Jains and non-Jains, rich and poor alike.
His disciples also contributed significantly to spreading Dharma.

His Ultimate Peacefulness in Death (Samadhi-maran):

Acharya Shantisagar Maharaj's final act of embracing "Yama-Sallekhana" (the sacred vow of intentional fasting leading to death) with supreme heroism and patience was as magnificent as placing a jeweled pinnacle on a golden temple – extraordinary, unparalleled, astonishing, and otherworldly.
At Gajakatha Siddhakṣetra, before Jinendra Bhagwan, Acharya Maharaj took a twelve-year vow of "Bhaktapratyākhyāna" (a complete renunciation of food). From then on, he renounced food for life. He had already renounced sweets, ghee, and salt since his initiation as a muni. Later, he also renounced fruits and vegetables.
In 1955, when Acharya Shri's eyesight began to weaken, the highly discerning Maharaj, who meticulously observed the vows of non-violence and sensory control, realized that the faultless observance of "Irya-esana" (moving and eating with utmost care) would become impossible. Without this, maintaining non-violence would be difficult, and consequently, the observance of supreme vows would also be impossible. Understanding this, Maharaj began preparations for Sahalekhana (a gradual process of fasting).
Initially, for eight days, he consumed only two morsols of food daily. After that, for eight days, he consumed only the water from black grapes. Then, he transitioned to taking only water, observing "Niyam-Sallekhana." He would drink water sometimes every four days, and sometimes every five to six days. This continued for about two months.
Finally, when his physical strength completely waned, making it difficult to stand without support, Acharya Shri embraced "Ingitamaran-Sanyas" (a form of Sallekhana where even gestures for water are renounced). He thus renounced water altogether. Even in his extremely emaciated state, he renounced receiving or causing anyone to provide him with vaiyavritya (service or care). In this condition, Acharya Maharaj remained absorbed day and night in the practice of Pancha Parmeshthi and self-meditation.
At Kuthalgiri Tirth in the Sangli district of Maharashtra, men and women from all corners of India converged to witness Acharya Shri's Yama-Sallekhana. In two months, approximately one lakh people had the privilege of his darshan.
People felt blessed by witnessing Maharaj's dedication, steadfastness, and extraordinary qualities, and they aspired to achieve the success of their human lives by drawing inspiration from his calm, profound self-discipline.
On Bhadarva Sud Beej, V.S. 2012 (September 18, 1955), at 6:50 AM, at the age of 84, Acharya Shri shed his mortal coil, concluding his life's journey with great valor and equanimity.
Just 5 minutes before his Samadhi-maran, Acharya Shri touched the idol of Jinendra with his hands and bowed his head at their feet. Finally, with complete awareness, chanting "Namah Siddhyebhyah" internally, Acharya Shri released his body in a state of supreme peace.

Conclusion:

Param Pujya Acharya Shri Shantisagar Maharaj was an ideal muni, as evidenced by his life experiences.
For thirty to forty years, he practiced the Pancha Mahavratas (five great vows) essential for the ideal muni, performing extremely difficult austerities like simhanishkrida vrata (a vow of immense austerity), thus subjugating his body and senses.
He achieved a remarkable victory over the six enemies of passion (kama, krodha, etc.).
He never lost his mental peace, even in the most adverse and terrifying situations.
His 35-day Sallekhana period made it evident to thousands of onlookers that even without food or water, his face showed no sign of agitation or pain, but rather a clear aura of peace and contentment.
The peace and purity radiating from his mind and face during Sallekhana truly presented him as a high practitioner of non-violence and Dharma.
His ideal, elevated life and his challenge to death like a warrior are perfect symbols of his firm self-confidence and divine inner strength.
Like a victorious warrior, Acharya Shri demonstrated the greatness of spirituality and Dharma to the world, inspiring others to build their lives according to his teachings and advice.
Acharya Shri revived the Digambara monastic tradition and resurrected the practice of monastic pilgrimage in North India, which had become almost extinct.
Inspired by his powerful personality and guidance, many pure souls embraced the path of self-welfare and renunciation, including ascetics like Shri Veersagar, Shri Chandrasagar, and Shri Nemisagar; highly learned great munis like Shri Kunthusaagar and Shri Samantabhadra; and numerous Arhikas (nuns) and renunciates.