Amarendra Vijayji - Book Summary

This document, drawn from "Shramana Bhagwanto Part 1" and "Shramana Bhagwanto Part 2," provides biographical sketches of several prominent Jain monks and their contributions to Jainism. The catalog link indicates it's part of a larger collection.

Here's a summary of the individuals presented:

1. Poojya Shri Pannasji Maharaj (Mahayashvijayji Maharaj):

He is described as a dedicated devotee of the Navkar Mantra, whose spiritual practice led seven individuals to embrace the path of renunciation.
His simplicity and affectionate nature are widely recognized and admired within the monastic community.
He is honored with numerous salutations for his sincere spiritual pursuit.

2. Poojya Muniraj Shri Amarendra Vijayji Maharaj:

He is characterized as a visionary thinker with a profound understanding of his era and beyond.
He is lauded as an accomplished scholar and thinker, but more importantly, as an intensely focused and solitary spiritual seeker.
He is considered a leading contemporary torchbearer of the progressive tradition of eminent figures like Siddhasen Diwakar, Haribhadrasuri, the Siddha of Abu Anandghanji, and the yogic Acharya Shrimad Buddhisagarsuriji.
Renowned Hindi litterateur Shri Virendra Kumar describes him as a monk dedicated to spirituality.
Munishri Amarendra Vijayji is emerging as a calm yet profound voice of spirituality within the current monastic order.
His contribution in connecting the deep-rooted spirituality of the monastic tradition with the modern era is highlighted as an indispensable part of Jain history.
Biographical Details:
- Birthplace: Bhujpur (Kutch)
- Place of Education: Mumbai
- Place of Initiation: Sirsala (Khandesh)
- Birth Year: 1925 CE
- His spiritual journey began during his college years with the contemplation of "the meaning of life." Despite an initial reluctance towards marriage, he married due to his mother's strong insistence. However, married life did not bring him peace, intensifying his inner turmoil.
- His reading, contemplation of spiritual literature, and association with the virtuous continued.
- Ultimately, reading an English book that came into his possession led him to renunciation and the path of a monk.
- He received initiation in 1951 CE from Muni Pravar Shri Trileshanvijayji, a prominent disciple of Siddhanta Mahodadhi Poojya Acharya Shri Vijaypremsurishwarji Maharaj and a direct disciple of Poojya Acharya Shri Vijayyashodevsuriji.

3. Munishri Bhanuvijayji (Currently disciple of P. A. Shri Vijaybhuvanbhanusurishwarji Maharaj):

He is described as a disciple of Poojya Acharya Shri Vijaybhuvanbhanusurishwarji Maharaj.
About four years after his initiation, his elder brother also renounced the world with their father's family.
After initiation, he became increasingly introspective, striving to understand the essence of spiritual practice and the path of knowledge through study and contemplation.
His work, "Atmajnan aur Sadhana" (Self-Knowledge and the Path of Sadhana), presented his philosophical insights and conclusions derived from twenty years of silent introspection and inquiry after his initiation. This work made him a revered figure among seekers of truth, both Jain and non-Jain.
His notable books include "Vigyan aur Adhyatm" (Science and Spirituality), "Aapne Atmanirikshan Karisu?" (Will We Introspect Ourselves?), "Archit Chintamani Navkar," and "Mumukshuo aur Vipashyana" (Seekers and Vipassana), which have seen multiple editions.
"Atmajnan aur Sadhana" is considered his principal work, showcasing his profound scriptural knowledge and exceptional thinking.
His contemplation is not only original but also transcends the boundaries of sectarianism and narrow-mindedness, allowing him to pursue truth while holding differing views with the traditionalists.
He passed away on June 23, 1992, amidst the chanting of the eternal Navkar Mahamantra.
He is offered countless salutations as a man driven by spiritual fervor.
Poojya Pandit Shri Shilchandra Vijayji Gani describes him as "a monk who has left the worldly life even within monkhood."
This section is compiled by Munishri Bhuvanchandji Maharaj.

4. Poojya Pannas Pravar Shri Hemabhushan Vijayji Maharaj:

He is recognized as a scholar who has received immense grace from his Guru.
The text emphasizes that living devoted to one's Guru, cherishing them in one's heart, earning a place in their heart, and dissolving one's entire being into the Guru's personality is not an easy Sadhana. It is considered more difficult than chewing iron, and seemingly impossible for many.
Despite this difficulty, Poojya Pandit Shri Hemabhushan Vijayji Ganivar is cited as an example of someone who has made this challenging Sadhana effortless and achieved the feat of living in the Guru's heart.
For the past 15 years, 1 month, and 20 days, he remained like a shadow around the physical form of Pujya Gachhadhipati Acharyadev Shrimad Vijayramchandrasurishwarji Maharaj, dedicating all his fatherly strengths to the feet of Rama.
The text suggests that while receiving powers is easy, and even their proper use is relatively easy, achieving the state he has is exceptional.

In essence, the text presents a tribute to these Jain monks, highlighting their spiritual dedication, scholarly pursuits, profound insights, and significant contributions to the propagation and understanding of Jain philosophy and practice in their respective times. It emphasizes their role in bridging ancient traditions with contemporary thought and inspiring spiritual seekers.