Atmadharmi Acharya Hastimalji Ki Lokdharmi Bhumika - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Atmadharmi Acharya Hastimalji ki Lokdharmi Bhumika" by Sanjiv Bhanavat:

This text explores the dual nature of Acharya Hastimalji's role, highlighting him as a deeply spiritual, self-disciplined ascetic ("Atmadharmi") who also possessed a profound understanding and commitment to the welfare of the world and its people ("Lokdharmi"). The author, Sanjiv Bhanavat, emphasizes that Acharya Hastimalji never neglected the worldly realm. Instead, he consistently inspired people to overcome ignorance and apathy, fostering self-awareness and spiritual awakening.

Key Aspects of Acharya Hastimalji's Lokdharmi (Worldly) Role:

Holistic Development: Acharya Hastimalji advocated for a balanced development of knowledge and action in society. He stressed the importance of integrating spiritual practice (Samayik) with self-study (Swadhyay) to keep knowledge fresh and foster continuous contemplation.
Promoter of Knowledge and Literature: He established knowledge centers, created literature himself, and encouraged continuous study and writing. His understanding was that tradition and modernity should complement each other, and he was not a proponent of modernity that rejected traditional wisdom.
Guardian of Tradition and Promoter of New Values: Acharya Hastimalji had a strong awareness of history and consistently inspired people to understand religious, cultural, and historical traditions to build new social and cultural values.
Fostering Universal Values: He believed that religion should not isolate individuals. Instead, it should cultivate feelings of friendship, cooperation, tolerance, and affection. His ultimate aim was to establish social dharma by keeping the self pure and awakened.
Balanced Societal Growth: His vision was for all sections of society to flourish, fostering mutual affection, service, and cooperation for the balanced development of individuals and society. This perspective was evident in his discourses and writings.

The Author's Analysis of Acharya Hastimalji's Personality and Work:

Master of Languages and Philosophy: Acharya Hastimalji was a profound scholar of Prakrit and Sanskrit languages and literature, with deep insights into logic, grammar, philosophy, and history.
Accessible Teachings: Despite being a preserver of classical knowledge, he was simple and natural in his thoughts, words, and actions. He remained connected to worldly traditions, culture, and life. He never imposed his scholarly knowledge in his discourses but explained profound spiritual truths by connecting them to everyday life and worldly experiences.
Poetic Heart and Folk-Inspired Poetry: He was a heartfelt poet whose verses combined self-realization with a deep understanding of folk life and traditions. His poetry used popular folk melodies rather than strict classical meters.
Wisdom Rooted in Experience: His profound spiritual insights (Suktiyan) often emerged spontaneously during his discourses. These were not merely based on scriptures but on his experiential understanding of life.

Key Teachings and Analogies from Acharya Hastimalji's Suktiyan (Aphorisms):

The text highlights several key teachings, often using analogies from nature and daily life to illustrate profound spiritual and ethical principles:

The Panchatattva (Five Elements): He used the five elements (earth, water, fire, air, ether) present in both the universe and the individual to explain life ideals and cultural values, emphasizing the connection between inner thoughts and outer manifestations.
The Foundation of Conduct: Acharya Hastimalji stressed that "the magnificent palace of conduct collapses quickly if the foundation of thought is weak."
The Importance of Sadhana (Spiritual Practice): He stated that "life has no meaning without Sadhana." Life without practice gets entangled in sensual desires, leads to unrighteousness, and becomes self-centered.
Water Element (Karuna, Saralta, Sahridyata): He equated the water element with compassion, gentleness, and empathy. He believed that those whose water element is awakened are conscious. Deep immersion in the "Ganga of knowledge" calms the fires of attachment and aversion.
Satsang (Good Company): He likened Satsang to a lake, whose proximity brings coolness, energy, and clarity of mind.
Detachment and Non-Possession: He warned against attachment and unnecessary accumulation of wealth, stating that "possessions like silver, gold, diamonds, and jewels are a burden. Just as a burden sinks a boat in the river, this burden of possessions drowns the soul in the ocean of existence."
Fire Element (Knowledge and Austerity): He described the fire element as a symbol of knowledge and austerity. However, when mixed with vices like anger, pride, deceit, and greed, it causes distress instead of illumination. He taught that just as boiling water becomes calm when removed from the heat, humans find peace through practice and equanimity.
Body and Soul Distinction: He used the analogy of fire and flint to explain that although the soul may not appear separate from the body, it is distinct, and this knowledge is attained through the development of consciousness. Igniting the "torch of consciousness" dispels the darkness of ignorance, burning away old karma, much like a spark of fire can burn a large pile of straw.
Time (Kaal): He likened time, or death, to a lion, stating that "the lion of time will pounce on those who claim 'I, I' with attachment, and end this 'I, I' game in an instant." He also compared time to a serpent and human life to a frog.
Renunciation of Attachment (Tyaga): Discussing the snake's shed skin, he advised, "If you do not look back at the discarded skin, it will be known that you have understood the essence of renouncing attachment."
Mind and Knowledge: He compared the restless mind to a horse and knowledge to the reins, stating that "if you grasp the reins of knowledge, the restless horse-mind can be controlled."
Dharma (Righteousness): He described Dharma as a chariot with two horses: austerity (Tap) and self-control (Sanyam).
Affection for Fellow Religious People: Using the analogy of a cow and its calf, he emphasized the importance of not forgetting fellow practitioners amidst millions of people.
Heart as a Field: He likened the heart to a field, where planting trees of truth, non-violence, and devotion to God leads to a flourishing heart, making one fearless, carefree, and peaceful.
Dietary Discipline: He advised practicing moderation in food, like a bee taking a little nectar from each flower without causing pain.
Character: He described a person of character as salt, which changes the taste of the entire dish.
The World and Dharma: He explained the relationship between the world and Dharma using the analogy of a grinding mill (Chakki) and its pivot pin (Keel). He said, "Dharma is the pivot pin of the world's grinding mill. If you take refuge in this pin, you will be saved from being crushed by the millstones of birth and death."
Inspiration for the Wealthy: He urged the wealthy to be like kohl in society's eyes – not a pebble that causes discomfort but something that enhances beauty without being noticed.

The text concludes by stating that Acharya Hastimalji's aphorisms are precise and inspiring. His teachings offered the divine joy of self-realization, a critique of societal flaws, and a powerful impetus for transforming life and society. The inclusion of a devotional song further illustrates the vibrant spirit of his teachings.