Be Sharato

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Be Sharato" by Punamchand N Doshi, based on the provided pages:

The text "Be Sharato" (Two Conditions) recounts a significant incident and the life story of a Jain Acharya, highlighting the principles of detachment and adherence to vows within the Jain tradition.

The Incident and the Two Conditions:

The narrative begins with an anecdote about a Jain monk who is being cremated. As the monk's body is being carried for cremation, some mischievous boys pull off his dhoti (a traditional garment). Another monk, who was prepared with extra cloth as instructed by the Acharya (due to his foresight), quickly covers the exposed monk. This seemingly accidental event is revealed to be a divine signal and part of the Acharya's plan to impart true knowledge to a monk.

This incident is directly linked to the story of the Acharya's own father, Somchand, who decided to renounce worldly life and become a monk. However, he presented two conditions for his initiation:

1. He would not beg for alms in the village.
2. He would not wear a chelipatta (a loincloth or similar garment often worn by monks) but would wear a dhoti.

The Acharya, seeing his father's well-being in this, agreed to these conditions.

The Acharya's Family and Their Renunciation:

The text then delves into the Acharya's background. He was originally a Brahmin who gained extensive knowledge from Kashi. However, his mother felt that his knowledge was incomplete without the understanding of Nagama Drishtivada (a branch of Jain scriptures). Dutifully, the Acharya approached a Jain Acharya named Tasliputra and became a Jain monk, studying up to the Nava-Purva. He was later made an Acharya himself.

The story continues to reveal that the Acharya's younger brother, concerned by his prolonged absence, went to find him and also took initiation. Their father, Somchand, also came to persuade his sons but was so impressed by their spiritual knowledge that he too decided to become a monk, albeit with the two conditions mentioned earlier.

Fulfillment of the Conditions:

The narrative explains how these conditions were eventually met:

• First Condition (No begging in the village): Initially, other monks, respecting Somchand as their "spiritual father" (as he was the Acharya's worldly father), would bring him alms. However, when the Acharya had to go away for a period, and his father faced some difficulty, Somchand himself started going for alms. This condition was naturally waived due to circumstances.

• Second Condition (Wearing a dhoti instead of a chelipatta): The incident with the mischievous boys and the exposed dhoti provided the opportune moment. The dhoti, having been pulled off, symbolized the unsuitability of the dhoti in that specific context, leading the monk (the Acharya's father, Somchand) to accept the chelipatta. Thus, the second condition was also met due to the unfolding of events, allowing Somchand Muni to become fully established in the monastic path.

The text also mentions that the Acharya's mother also took initiation later in life, completing the family's spiritual journey. The entire family renounced worldly attachments to pursue spiritual liberation.

The Acharya's Contribution to Jain Philosophy:

The text highlights the Acharya's intellectual prowess. He was an exceptionally knowledgeable Acharya who organized Jain philosophy into four divisions for easier understanding by his disciples: Dravyānuyoga (metaphysics), Gaṇitānuyoga (mathematics), Caraṇakaraṇānuyoga (conduct and rituals), and Dharmakathānuyoga (religious narratives). This systematic compilation is described as the "Jain Sitar" that helped countless beings achieve self-realization and spiritual welfare.

Identity of the Acharya:

The text identifies this great Acharya as Shri Āyarakshit Suri, who was instrumental in dividing the four Anuyogas. It also clarifies that another significant Jain Acharya named Āyarakshit Suri, who was the founder of the Anchala (Vidhipaksha) lineage and the 47th in succession, is being honored through this compilation.

Quotes:

The text concludes with impactful quotes:

• Mahatma Gandhi: Emphasizing that the most recognized principle of Jainism is ahimsa (non-violence), and Lord Mahavir significantly developed this principle.
• Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan: Describing Lord Mahavir as a "victor" who conquered his inner desires, not through external wars, but through internal struggle. He is presented as an ideal who attained freedom from material bonds by renouncing worldly possessions, leading to self-realization. India's history, according to Radhakrishnan, has consistently upheld this ideal.

In essence, "Be Sharato" is a narrative that uses an engaging incident to illustrate the importance of adherence to vows, the power of divine guidance, and the profound dedication of a family to the path of Jainism and spiritual liberation, spearheaded by a highly learned Acharya.