Adhyatmayogi Sahajanandji Varni - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text about Adhyatmayogi Shri Sahajanandji Varni:

The book "Adhyatmayogi Sahajanandji Varni" by Atmanandji celebrates the life and contributions of Shri Manohar Lalji Varni, a prominent scholar, renunciate, prolific author, and influential speaker within the Jain tradition. The text highlights his dedication to preserving and propagating the rich ancient knowledge of India, particularly the Jain philosophy.

Early Life and Education:

Born in 1915 AD (V.S. 1972) in Damdama village, Jhansi district, to Shri Gulabramji and Smt. Tulsibai, he was initially named "Maganalal" due to a childhood illness.
He displayed exceptional intellect and a sharp memory from a young age.
His father had a deep respect and close relationship with Shri Ganeshprasadji Varni (Bade Varni Ji), the founder of the Sagar Vidyalaya. Maganalalji was admitted to this institution.
He excelled in his studies, showing no difficulty despite his sharp memory. He was also active in sports and had a keen interest in music, learning instruments like the harmonium and flute.
His amiable nature, charming demeanor, and melodious voice led to him being affectionately nicknamed "Manohar."

Adolescence and Intellectual Pursuits:

Despite his reservations, he married during his adolescence at the insistence of his family. However, his detachment from worldly affairs remained evident.
He pursued academic excellence with great dedication, passing Shastri examinations between the ages of 15 and 17. By 17, he had also obtained the prestigious degree of Nyayateerth.
His passion for learning extended to teaching, and he diligently served as a Sanskrit teacher in a Sanskrit school, considering knowledge dissemination to be the highest calling.

Transformative Moments and the Path of Renunciation:

A significant turning point in his life was the premature passing of his first wife when he was twenty. Although he remarried due to family pressure, his second wife also passed away six years later.
These profound experiences solidified his resolve to embark on a spiritual path. At the age of 26, he took a vow of lifelong celibacy.
His spiritual inclination deepened, and he progressed in observing strict Jain vows. He took the vows of a Shravak and lifelong celibacy in V.S. 2008 (1951 AD) at the sacred pilgrimage site of Shikharji, in the presence of Bade Varni Ji.
He continued to advance spiritually, taking the seventh, eighth, ninth, and tenth Pratima vows in various locations like Kashi, Jabalpur, Balasagar, and Agra, culminating in taking the eleventh Pratima vow at Hastinapur in V.S. 2005 (1949 AD), thereafter becoming known as "Chhote Varni Ji."

Literary and Spiritual Contributions:

Shri Varni Ji was renowned for his renunciation, austerity, and scholarship. He was also recognized as a highly accomplished spiritual author and orator.
He possessed the remarkable ability to explain complex spiritual topics in a simple, accessible, and engaging manner. His lectures were captivating and emotionally resonant.
He had a particular influence in Uttar Pradesh, inspiring many with his personality and speaking style in cities like Saharanpur, Meerut, Muzaffarnagar, and Delhi.
He had a profound understanding of all four "Anuyogas" (categories of Jain scriptures) and delivered discourses on numerous significant texts, including Samaysar, Pravachansar, Niyamsar, Ashtasahasri, and Parikshamool, many of which were published.
He authored approximately 565 works, comprising 65 handwritten manuscripts and 500 collections of his discourses. Despite this prolific output, he embodied qualities of humility, simplicity, detachment, impartiality, and fearlessness.
His well-known works include "Parmatma Aarti," "Aatma Kirtan," "Sahajanand Gita," and "Saptadashangi Teeka." His devotional songs, particularly the self-address "I am independent, steadfast, desireless, knower, seer, Atmaram," resonated deeply and were sung widely.
His writing style was consistently engaging, imbued with spirituality and philosophical depth.
Through deep study of scriptures, association with gurus, continuous contemplation, and devotion to the Three Jewels (Right Faith, Right Knowledge, Right Conduct), he attained pure insight.
His concise yet profound work, "Aviruddh Nirnay" (Uncontradictory Decision), presented a synthesis of doctrine and spirituality, proving highly beneficial to aspiring practitioners.
His critical commentaries on the spiritual texts Shri Samaysar and Shri Pravachansar, known as "Saptadashangi Teeka," garnered him widespread acclaim among scholars across India. The unveiling of his Samaysar commentary in Delhi in 1978 was a significant event for the propagation of Jain teachings.
His literary works are now being published by "Sahajanand Granthamala" in Meerut and "Varni Pravachan-Prakashini Sanstha" in Muzaffarnagar. A monthly magazine called "Varni Pravachan" also plays a role in disseminating his writings.

Spiritual Vision and Legacy:

Shri Varni Ji desired the widespread dissemination of religious knowledge, the preservation of the Jin Vani (teachings of the Jinas), and the cultivation of an interest in righteous conduct, truth, and self-control among people.
After the passing of Bade Varni Ji, he emerged as the sole source of inspiration and guidance for the Jain community.
His life was primarily dedicated to reading, teaching, writing, and contemplation.
His ultimate aspiration was to attain the state of "Nirgranth" (one who is free from all attachments), but he passed away before fulfilling this goal. He left his earthly body in Meerut on March 29, 1978, due to a heart attack while engaged in samayika (meditation). The text laments the untimely demise of this bright star of the Jain community, offering solace in his enduring literary legacy.

Conclusion:

The book concludes by mentioning a commemorative volume published in his honor and a memorial being established at the Hastinapur pilgrimage site under the "Trilok Shodh-Sansthan" for the promotion of Jain knowledge and culture. The author urges readers to follow the spiritual path shown by Lord Mahavir, as illuminated by Shri Varni Ji, by cultivating knowledge and character, as the truest expression of love and devotion towards him.