Bahuratna Vasundhara - Book Summary

The Jain text "Bahuratna Vasundhara" by Mahodaysagar, published by Kastur Prakashan Trust, is a compilation of inspiring life stories of individuals who, despite not being born Jain, embraced Jain principles and lived exemplary lives according to Jain practices. The book aims to collect and share these motivational examples to inspire readers towards adherence and emulation.

Here's a summary of the key aspects of the text based on the provided pages:

Title and Author: The book is titled "Bahuratna Vasundhara" (meaning "The Earth is Rich in Many Gems") and authored by Mahodaysagar. It is published by Kastur Prakashan Trust.
Core Concept: The central theme is to present the inspiring lives of "excellent practitioners" (utkrusht aradhak) who, although not born Jain, became exemplary followers of Jainism through their actions. These are presented as a "treasure trove of inspirational examples" (prerana pado drushtanto no amulya khajano).
Structure: The text seems to be divided into parts (Bhag 1, 2, 3) and potentially volumes. The catalog link and page numbers suggest it's a substantial work.
Content Focus: The book highlights the lives of both ancient and modern Jain practitioners (aradhak). The emphasis, particularly in the introductory pages, is on contemporary individuals who were born into non-Jain families but adopted Jain practices with exceptional devotion.
Inspirational Examples: The text promises to be a collection of "praiseworthy and inspiring examples" (anumodaniyo prerak drushtanto) from these individuals.
Call for Contributions: Page 6 explicitly asks readers to send in more examples of individuals who were born non-Jain but lived as exceptional Jains, along with details of their names and locations. It also requests examples of extraordinary contemporary Jain laypeople (shravak-shravikas) and monastic figures (sadhu-sadhviji bhagwanto) for future volumes.
Dedication: A significant portion (Page 7 & 8) is dedicated to the profound respect and gratitude towards the author's spiritual teacher, Acharya Bhagwant Shri Gun sagarsurishwarji M.S. The text enumerates the teacher's immense contributions to Jain literature, historical religious processions (sanghs), temple consecrations, and his personal rigorous spiritual practices, even at an advanced age.
Acknowledgements and Support: Several individuals and families are gratefully acknowledged for their financial support in the publication of the book (Page 11 & 12), mentioning names like Late Sanghvi Shreshthivar Shri Muljibhai Champashi Savla, Late Narendrabhai Virji Dedhiya, Sanghmata Hansaben Anandji Rambhiya, and Sanghmata Maniben Ramji Shah.
Editor's Introduction (Page 14-19): The editor, Ganivar Shri Mahodayasagarji M.S., explains the inspiration behind the book. He started noting down these examples during his travels and found them to be very impactful in his discourses. The overwhelming positive response to these examples published in brief (like in apology letters) encouraged him to compile them into a book. He acknowledges the vastness of Jain tradition and the presence of numerous such "gems" (aradhak chaitanya ratna). He also emphasizes the need for a "quality eye" (gun drushti) developed through devotion and good company to recognize these virtues.
Specific Examples (Pages 36 onwards): The latter part of the provided text offers detailed accounts of individuals. These include:
- Vanmalidasbhai Bhavsar: Born non-Jain, followed Jain principles diligently, practiced strict vows like 'chovihar' (abstaining from water after sunset) and 'ekasana' (one meal a day), and embraced lifelong celibacy.
- Adalaj Brahmin: A lifelong follower of 'ekasana' with strict adherence to Jain food restrictions.
- Lalubha Vaghela: A Hindu Sarpanch who became a devotee of the Navkar Mahamantra, renounced smoking, and strictly followed Jain practices like 'achitt pani' (water without life) and 'chovihar'.
- The text continues to list numerous other individuals from various castes and backgrounds who have embraced Jainism and demonstrated exceptional spiritual practices, including fasting, vow adherence, and service to the monastic community.
Themes of Dedication: The dedication to his Guru is elaborate, highlighting the Guru's prolific literary contributions, his role in promoting Jainism through historical processions, temple consecrations, and his personal asceticism.
Underlying Message: The book promotes the idea that Jainism is not limited by birth but by practice and devotion. It showcases the universality of Jain ethics and spirituality, transcending caste and creed. The editor's intent is to inspire readers to emulate these virtues and to understand the profound spiritual principles that guide these exceptional individuals.

In essence, "Bahuratna Vasundhara" is a testament to the power of conviction and spiritual discipline, presenting diverse individuals who found profound meaning and devotion in Jainism, offering a source of inspiration for all seekers of spiritual progress.