Adhyatmayogi Shri Sahajanandji Varni

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

The text introduces Shri Sahajanandji Manoharlalji Varni (also known as younger Varniji or chhote Varniji) as a highly learned, renunciate, prolific spiritual writer, and an able orator who significantly contributed to the tradition of expanding knowledge in India. He is presented as a successor to the spiritual teachings of Shri GaneshPrasadji Varni (older Varniji), who was his outstanding disciple.

Early Life and Education: Born in 1916 as Manoharlalji in Damdama Village, Jhansi District, to Shri Gulabramji and Shrimati Tulsibai, he was initially named Maganlal due to a childhood stomach ailment. After recovering, he displayed signs of past life impressions. He began his education at age six and later attended Sagar Vidyalaya, established by the elder Varniji. He excelled in his studies, showing aptitude for music and sports. His attractive personality and pleasing speech earned him the name Manohar.

Path to Renunciation: Despite being betrothed at a young age against his will, Manoharlalji remained indifferent to family life, dedicating himself to his studies. He achieved the Shastri degree between the ages of 15-17 and the Nyaya Tirth degree at 18, demonstrating exceptional academic prowess at a young age. He was deeply devoted to his teachers and enjoyed teaching, viewing it as a charitable act.

A significant turning point in his life was the death of his first wife when he was only 20. Despite a second marriage due to family pressure, his second wife also passed away six years later. This prompted him to embrace a life of detachment. At the age of 26, he took the vow of absolute celibacy and other Shravaka vows from the elder Varniji at Siddhkshetra Shri Shikharji in 1944. He progressively adopted higher religious restrictions (vows, referred to as idols) in various locations like Kashi, Jabalpur, Balashinor, and Agra, eventually taking the 11th idol at Hastinapur in 1948. From this point, he was recognized as the younger Varniji.

Literary and Oratorical Contributions: Shri Varniji was renowned for his renunciation, penance, learning, and his profound philosophical and spiritual writing. He was an impressive and effective orator, capable of explaining complex spiritual concepts in simple, engaging language. His lectures on various Jain scriptures like Samavsar, Pravachansar, Niyamsar, Ashta Sahasri, and Pariksha Mool were highly regarded and later published.

He authored approximately 565 works, including 65 handwritten manuscripts and 500 lectures. Despite his prolific output, he maintained a simple, natural, proudless, unattached, unprejudiced, and fearless demeanor. His notable works include "Parmatma Arti," "Atmakirtan," "Sahajanand Gita," "Sapta Dashangi Tika," and "Aviruddha Nirnaya." His spiritual addresses to himself, such as "I am independent, unshakable, without desires, knower and seer of things; I am the soul," are widely recited.

His commentaries on the spiritual classics "Shri Samaysar" and "Shri Pravachansar," particularly his commentary on Shri Samay Sarji, gained him significant recognition. The publication ceremony of the latter was attended by the then Vice President of India, Dr. B. D. Jatti, marking a historic event for Digambar Jains and highlighting the influence of Jainism. His works are currently published by Sahajanand Granthmala and Varni Pravachan-Prakashini Sanstha, with a monthly periodical, "Varni Pravachan," dedicated to propagating his writings.

Legacy and Conclusion: Shri Varniji's ultimate goal was the widespread dissemination of spiritual knowledge, the preservation of Jain traditions, and the guidance of people towards good conduct, truth, restraint, and renunciation. He served as a crucial source of inspiration and guidance after the elder Varniji's passing. His last wish to adopt the status of Nirgranth (one who has renounced all worldly attachments) was unfulfilled. He passed away suddenly in Meerut on March 29, 1978, due to a heart attack while performing the religious rite of Samayik.

The text concludes by mentioning a memorial book published in his honor and a memorial being constructed at Hastinapur for research and propagation of Jain studies and culture. The best tribute to Shri Varniji, it suggests, is to follow the spiritual ideals of Lord Mahavir as elucidated by him and to develop one's knowledge and character with devotion to him.