Agamoddharaka Ghasilalji Maharaj

Here's a comprehensive summary in English of the provided Jain text about Acharya Shri Ghāsilālji Maharaj:

The book "Agamoddharaka Shri Ghāsilālji Maharaj," authored by Atmanandji, celebrates the life and achievements of a prominent scholar and renunciate from the Sthānakavāsī Jain community, Acharya Shri Ghāsilālji Maharaj.

Introduction: Acharya Shri Ghāsilālji Maharaj is described as a highly esteemed and learned ascetic, whose conduct and thoughts were of the highest caliber. He dedicated the major part of his life to the commentary and creation of various literary works on the Jain Agamas. The text highlights that his prolific literary output is unparalleled among other renunciates in the recent history of the Sthānakavāsī community. As a worthy disciple of the great Acharya Shri Javaharlalji Maharaj, Shri Ghāsilālji Maharaj significantly promoted Jain literature and the principles of Jainism, setting an exemplary standard through his talented personality. His writings are seen as a natural expression of his pure, sacred, and disciplined life, showcasing a unique individual who harmoniously blended thought and practice.

Family and Birth: His paternal grandparents were Shri Parasramji and Shrimati Chaturabai, and his parents were Kaniramji and Vimlabai. His father owned considerable agricultural land and property, indicating a comfortable and respected family background. His father was known for his simplicity, eagerness to help others, and just earning practices, which contributed to his good reputation. His mother, Vimlabai, was as pure-hearted as her name suggested, embodying auspiciousness through her pure conduct and thoughts, devotion to her husband, and piety. Shri Ghāsilālji was born in the heroic land of Mewar in Rajasthan, in the village of Banol near Jaswantgarh, in the year 1941 of the Vikram Samvat era. He possessed an impressive physical appearance, with a fair complexion and a radiant countenance, leading observers to believe he would become a great personality. Astrologers, after examining his horoscope, predicted his extraordinary talent, which led his parents to name him Ghāsilāl (meaning "grass-like," perhaps implying resilience or a humble beginning) according to his birth star.

Education and Upbringing: Shri Ghāsilālji did not attend any formal school. Instead, he received his education in the lap of nature, considering every place a classroom and every moment a time for learning. The text emphasizes that for great souls, the world is an open book, and every event, change, or vibration offers new lessons. Young Ghāsilāl similarly gained invaluable education in nature's classroom, acquiring virtues like tolerance, enthusiasm, detachment, contentment, appreciation of qualities, fearlessness, sincerity, equanimity, and self-reliance. Nature itself is depicted as having nurtured him, considering him its most capable student. His beauty and intelligence were admired by villagers, but it was his humility, service, and sweet speech that truly won the hearts of everyone, young and old.

A particularly unique trait evident from childhood was his contemplative nature. He would reflect on every life event. Despite engaging in childlike play, his distinctiveness lay in his deep thought and contemplation. Whenever he had an opportunity, he would wander into the nearby forests and sit for hours under the cool shade of a tree, absorbed in thought. This inclination for solitude seemed to stem from his past life impressions. At the young age of ten, he lost his father, and at twelve, his mother. It is suggested that destiny might have intended for him to learn self-reliance early on, as if it were a sign from nature.

Great souls embrace adversity with joy, as it often reveals the path to progress. Young Ghāsilālji, even in his childhood, displayed the patience and endurance befitting a great soul. While staying with a relative in Jaswantgarh, he had the opportunity to hear the discourses of Acharya Shri Javaharlalji Maharaj, who had completed his Chaturmas in Udaipur and arrived in a nearby village. The discourse had a profound impact on him. This was his first experience listening to the sermons of a Jain monk. Witnessing the renunciation of Jain monks inspired him towards a life of asceticism. He expressed his desire to take initiation with Acharya Shri. To test his resolve, the Acharya clearly explained the rigorous nature of monastic vows, stating, "The practice of vows is very difficult and arduous, yet it is the only way to become free from karma." Ghāsilālji immediately replied, "I will remain steadfast in observing asceticism, no matter the hardship. Asceticism brings happiness in both this world and the next." Impressed by his determination, the Acharya agreed to let him stay with him for a few days. On Thursday, the thirteenth day of the waxing moon in the month of Margashirsha of Vikram Samvat 1958, Acharya Shri Javaharlalji Maharaj initiated Ghāsilālji into monkhood in Jaswantgarh.

Shortly after his initiation, during an evening excursion, some robbers stole his new clothes. Even in this incident, the newly ordained monk displayed immense courage and patience. This was his first test in a life of restraint, and he passed it successfully, a clear sign of his radiant ascetic life. The text quotes the verse: "The path of Hari is for the brave, not for the cowardly. First, lay down your head, and then take your name."

Study and Austere Sadhana: He began traveling with his Guru through various regions of Marwar. His first Chaturmas was in Jodhpur in Vikram Samvat 1959. As a young monk, Ghāsilālji exerted himself intensely to integrate rigorous penance and continuous study into his monastic life. Initially, his capacity for knowledge acquisition was slow; it took him many days to memorize even a single mantra, verse, or lesson. However, through his Guru's grace, his reverence for the Panch Parmeshthis, and persistent effort, his learning capacity steadily improved. The karmic veils of knowledge began to diminish, leading him to memorize the Dashavaikālika Sutra during his first Chaturmas and begin studying the Uttaradhyayana Sutra.

His subsequent Chaturmases were held in various locations: Byawar, Bikaner, Udaipur, Gangapat, Ratlam, Chandla, Javra, and Indore. During these Chaturmases, he memorized various scriptures. In Indore, he studied Sanskrit texts like Mārgaopadeśikā, Hitopadeśa, Siddhāntakaumudī, and also grammar in Urdu, Persian, Arabic, and Prakrit. He dedicated himself to the study of the Agamas day and night, shedding all laziness. This led him to gain profound knowledge in Agama principles, philosophy, and astrology. His poetic ability was also captivating, with many of his compositions sung by his lay followers.

After the Indore Chaturmas, his Guru, Acharya Shri Javaharlalji Maharaj, resolved to have his disciple Muni Shri Ghāsilālji travel towards Maharashtra and South India to become a distinguished scholar. Consequently, his tenth Chaturmas was observed in Ahmednagar. During his travels in the southern region, Muni Shri learned the Marathi language and studied the literature of renowned South Indian saints like Dnyaneshwar, Tukaram, and Namdev, memorizing many of their works. This demonstrated his sharp intellect, exceptional memory, and expansive heart.

He then spent his eleventh Chaturmas in Janera, twelfth in Ghodnadi, thirteenth in Jamgram, fourteenth in Ahmednagar, fifteenth in Ghodnadi, sixteenth in Miri, and seventeenth in Hiwda. Following this, he spent many Chaturmases in South India (Maharashtra). After Vikram Samvat 2000, he also spent a few Chaturmases in Saurashtra. After completing his twenty-fifth Chaturmas in Viramgam, he arrived in Ahmedabad for his Chaturmas in the year Vikram Samvat 2014. Subsequently, he stayed in Ahmedabad for a continuous period of 16 Chaturmases, dedicating himself to the monumental task of writing commentaries on the Agamas. Through his Guru's grace, continuous study, and unwavering devotion to restraint, Muni Shri Ghāsilālji acquired profound knowledge in grammar, logic, philosophy, and literature, as well as proficiency in 16 different languages. He conducted Chaturmases in many states of India, during which people benefited immensely from his vast knowledge. Responding to the requests of numerous seekers from across India, he commenced the task of translating 32 Agamas. To ensure the systematic completion of this work, he resided in Ahmedabad until the end of his life.

He completed the monumental task of translating the Agamas after 16 years of continuous effort. During his lifetime, 27 Agamas were printed in scripture form in four languages and presented to the community, receiving widespread benefit. His translations of the Agamas were unique, a pioneering effort in the history of Jain literature. His style involved presenting the original text of the sutra in prose and verse first, followed by its essence and commentary in Sanskrit, and then translations in Hindi and Gujarati. This comprehensive approach to Agama compilation is considered broad-minded, distinctive, and unprecedented.

The Jain community can never fully repay the debt of gratitude owed to Pujya Ghāsilālji Maharaj. It is due to his efforts that every Jain brother can now read the Agamas in Gujarati and Hindi. As a preserver of the Agamas, his immense contribution is particularly significant for the Sthānakavāsī Jain community.

Honorable High Titles: Impressed by his scholarship, the Maharaja of Kolhapur honored him with the titles of Kolhapur Rajpurush and Shasanacharya. Witnessing his excellence in renunciation, penance, and restraint, the Karachi Sangha conferred upon him the titles of "Jain Divakar" and "Jain Acharya," thereby honoring him.

Extensive Literary Works: A brief overview of the literary works created by this great luminary Acharya of the Sthānakavāsī community is as follows:

• Eleven Angasutras: Commentaries on Agama literature include:

  1. Āchārāṅga: Āchārichintāmaṇi
  2. Sūtakṛtāṅga: Samayāī Bodhini
  3. Sthānāṅga: Suvyākhyā
  4. Samavāyāṅga: Bhāvabodhini
  5. Vyākhyāprajñapti: Prameya-Chandrikā
  6. Jñātā-Dharma-Kathā: Angār Dharmāmṛtavarṣiṇī
  7. Upāsaka Daśāṅga: Sāgar Dharmasan̄jīvinī
  8. Ānntakṛd Daśāṅga: Muni Kumudachandrikā
  9. Anupapātika Daśāṅga: Arthabodhini Ṭīkā
  10. Praśna Vyākaraṇa: Sudarśinī Ṭīkā
  11. Vipāka Sūtra: Vipāka Chandrikā

• Twelve Upāngas Literature:

  1. Prapātikā: Piyūṣavarṣiṇī
  2. Rājapraśrīya: Subodhinī
  3. Jīvābhigama: Prameya-dyotikā
  4. Prajñāpanā: Prameya-bodhinī
  5. Sūrya Prajñapti: Sūryaśakti Prakāśikā
  6. Chandra Prajñapti: Chandraśakti Prakāśikā
  7. Jambūdvīpa Prajñapti Prakāśikā Vyākhyā
  8. Nirayāvalikā (Kalpikā): Sundara Bodhini
  9. Kalpāvatāsikā
  10. Puṣpikā
  11. Puṣpachūlikā
  12. Vṛṣiṇa Daśāṅga

• Mūla Sūtras:

  1. Uttarādhyayana: Priyadarśinī
  2. Daśavaikālika: Āchāra Maṇi Mañjūṣā Ṭīkā
  3. Nandī Sūtra: Jñānachandrikā
  4. Anuyoga Dvāra: Anuyoga Chandrikā

• Chanda-Sūtras:

  1. Niśītha Chūrṇi-Bhāgya Avachūrṇi
  2. Bṛhata Kalpa
  3. Vyavahāra
  4. Daśāśruta Skandha: Muni Harṣiṇī Ṭīkā

• Āvaśyaka Sūtra: Muni Toṣiṇī

Pujya Shri Ghāsilālji Maharaj composed extensive commentaries in Sanskrit on the thirty-two sutras mentioned above and also translated them into Hindi and Gujarati. Besides Agama literature, he also authored numerous works on logic, grammar, dictionaries, and poetry. This extensive bibliography reflects his profound knowledge, scholarship, and all-round talent. Acharya Shri Ghāsilālji Maharaj, through his immense erudition, strived continuously to elevate Sthānakavāsī literature to new heights. He graced his life with numerous virtues such as simplicity, humility, sweetness, a serene heart, gentleness of mind, and spiritual divinity. Consequently, his character had a profound impact on both Jain and non-Jain communities. There are several documented instances where his sagacity resolved disputes. He always advocated for the path of mutual friendship, love, and religious tolerance.

Final Days and Mahāprāṇa (Demise): Finally, the time for departure approached. From the end of December 1972, his health began to decline. For the last eight days, he abstained from solid food, consuming only liquids. However, on January 2, 1973, at ten in the morning, in the presence of Pujya Shri Chhotalalji, Shri Kanhaiyalalji, and the entire Chaturvidh Sangha (four types of followers), he formally accepted the ritual of Sanlekhana (voluntary fasting until death). Having completed 88 years of his earthly life, his soul departed this transient world on Thursday, January 3, 1973, at 9:29 AM in the Sarsopur Sthānakavāsī Upāśraya in Ahmedabad. This great soul, who illuminated his long, disciplined life through rigorous penances and immense scholarship, has bequeathed an invaluable literary legacy to the entire Jain community. We must all cherish it with our body, mind, and wealth, and progress on the path of self-welfare shown by Mahavira, wherein lies the ultimate well-being of all.