Ajitsagarsuriji Pachmi Smaranjali

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Ajitsagarsuriji Pachmi Smaranjali" by Hemendrasagar, based on the provided pages:

Overall Theme:

This booklet is a "Pachmi Smaranjali" (fifth memorial tribute) to Acharya Shri Ajitsagar Surishwarji, organized by the Shri Mahavir Jain Aradhana Kendra and written by Hemendrasagar. It serves as a collection of devotional poems, prayers, and a biographical sketch to commemorate the life and teachings of the revered Jain Acharya.

Key Sections and Content:

• Page 1: Introduces the booklet as a "Pachmi Smaranjali" (fifth memorial tribute) to Shri Ajitasagarsurishwarji, published by Hemendrasagarji, and is intended for private and personal use only. It highlights the Shri Mahavir Jain Aradhana Kendra and Acharya Shri Kailassagarsuri Gyanmandir.

• Page 2: Features a devotional song or poem in Gujarati, set to a specific meter (Ragani Mishra Kahan Kyā Rami Āvyā?). The lyrics express deep longing, devotion, and a plea for divine guidance and support, invoking the "Nath" (Lord) and acknowledging the author's (Hemendra's) gratitude for the Acharya's teachings through his words and writings.

• Page 3 & 4: Guru Jayanti Stotram (Jayanti Muninām Jenā Jayamanā): This section contains a Sanskrit hymn in the Bhujanga Prayata Vrittam meter, dedicated to the auspicious birth (Jayanti) of a Muni (ascetic). It praises the qualities of a Muni, emphasizing their wisdom, compassion, detachment, spiritual purity, and their ability to bring joy and enlightenment to others. The hymn specifically extols the virtues of Ajita (likely referring to Ajitasagarji), highlighting his immense influence, profound knowledge, eradication of impurities, and his role as a benefactor and guide. It speaks of his vast literary contributions and his ability to spread knowledge far and wide.

• Page 5 & 6: Smarananjali (A Tribute): This section begins with a poignant reflection on the difficulty of achieving true sādhutā (asceticism or saintliness), comparing it to wearing a garland of dewdrops, which is easier than embodying the virtues of a saint. It quotes Kalidasa, stating that virtues are respected, not age or appearance. The text emphasizes that saintliness is not an outward show but an internal state of possessing virtues, transcending caste, creed, and age. It further elaborates on the concept of Ahimsa (non-violence) as the ultimate fulfillment of the Kshatriya (warrior) spirit and the highest eternal duty, not a weakness but a formidable weapon of the powerful.

• Page 7 & 8: Ahimsa Parama Dharma and Global Spread: This part continues the discussion on Ahimsa, calling it the "great mantra" that was re-established and revitalized by a noble king (likely referring to the father of Mahavir Swami, though the text mentions a "rajvi" who divided his kingdom among his sons, indicating a parallel narrative or a broader interpretation). It notes how this principle was initially confined to Aryavarta but later spread to China, Java, and Sumatra, crediting the multilingual knowledge and travels of monks and nuns. The text poses a question about when Mahavir's teachings, particularly the Navkar mantra, will reach beyond the ocean, contrasting the incompleteness of the Navkar mantra with the completeness of "ten" (likely referring to another concept or scripture). It highlights Mahavir's attainment of perfection and his teachings of it. The passage then reflects on the nature of birthdays (Jayanti) and memorial tributes (Smaranjali), questioning the blurred lines between them and emphasizing the importance of celebrating true achievements.

• Page 9: Continues the reflection on "Jayanti" and "Smaranjali," suggesting that a saint's death can also be considered a grand celebration (Mahotsav). It encourages individuals to draw inspiration from great souls to celebrate their own birthdays meaningfully. It then specifically mentions Avadhoot Shri Anitsagar Maharaj, describing him as one of the four pillars (Muni, Suri, Gani, Panyas) and an unparalleled soul. He is depicted as a wise, influential, spiritually gifted, poetic, learned, austere, and deeply yogic individual who excelled in various fields. The text reiterates that this is a "Smaranjali" for him, and finding peace in the oneness of many is the worship of a single aspect of the Supreme.

• Page 10-13: Life Sketch of Acharya Shri Ajitsagar Surishwarji: This is the core biographical section.

  • It states that Acharya Ajitsagar Surishwarji was born as Ambalal in Nar village, near Petlad in Gujarat, in Samvat 1942 (Vikram era). His parents, Lallubhai Patel and Sonbai, were devout, generous, and compassionate.
  • Ambalal showed early signs of wisdom and eloquence. After his parents' demise, he renounced worldly life and took diksha (initiation) as Amirushi in the Sthanakvasi tradition in Samvat 1956.
  • As Amirushi, he traveled extensively, studied various religious texts and languages, and engaged in discussions with learned individuals.
  • During his travels, he developed doubts about the Sthanakvasi belief of not accepting idol worship and found historical evidence to be misleading. His doubts were not resolved within the Sthanakvasi sect.
  • He corresponded with Acharya Shri Buddhisagarji Maharaj of the Shvetambar tradition, who clarified his doubts. In Samvat 1965, he formally left the Sthanakvasi sect and took diksha in the Shvetambar tradition under Acharya Buddhisagarji, becoming known as Ajitasagarji.
  • The text emphasizes his tolerance and respect for other traditions, noting that he often collaborated with Sthanakvasi monks.
  • Ajitasagarji deepened his knowledge, mastering Sanskrit and Prakrit, and re-examining Jain Agamas with commentaries and other texts. He gained respect for his oratorical skills and his profound spiritual understanding.
  • He was honored with the titles of Panyas and Gani by Shri Panyas Shri Vir Vijayji Gani in Sanand.
  • He dedicated his life to the welfare of others, writing extensively in Sanskrit and Gujarati. His Sanskrit works include translations and commentaries, known for their beauty and clarity. His Gujarati poems are described as sweet, emotional, and delightful.
  • In Samvat 1980, Acharya Shri Buddhisagar Surishwarji conferred upon him the title of Acharya at Prantij, entrusting him with the leadership of the Sagar branch of the lineage.
  • Despite his passing away in Asad Sudhi Tritiya of Samvat 1985, his work and teachings continue to inspire. The brief life sketch concludes with the author, Hemendrasagar, dedicating his work in memory of his Guru.

• Page 14-16: Devotional Songs: These pages contain devotional poems written in Gujarati, likely by Hemendrasagar, expressing deep reverence and remembrance for Acharya Ajitasagarji.

  • The poems praise his name, his initiation under Buddhisagarji, his detachment, his adherence to Mahavir's principles, his compassion, his spiritual knowledge, his pure character, and his dedication to the world's welfare.
  • They express a sense of personal devotion and a feeling of incomplete service, longing for the Acharya's presence.
  • The "Ajit Jivan-Saurabh" (Fragrance of Ajit's Life) section mentions his birth in Nar village, his discipleship under Buddhisagarji, his fame through poetry, and his passing away in Biyajpur village. It also notes the fifth memorial tribute being celebrated in Mansa. The last song is a prayer for the Acharya's blessings and a humble offering of remembrance.

In essence, "Ajitsagarsuriji Pachmi Smaranjali" is a tribute that blends spiritual poetry, philosophical reflections on Jain principles like Ahimsa and Sadbutā, and a detailed biographical account of Acharya Ajitasagar Surishwarji, highlighting his journey from a different sect to becoming a prominent Acharya and a prolific writer dedicated to the Jain dharma.