Bhagwati Sutra Part 04

The provided text is a portion of the Bhagwati Sutra, specifically Part 04, authored by Ghasilal Maharaj and published by A B Shwetambar Sthanakwasi Jain Shastroddhar Samiti. The catalog link provided is jainqq.org/explore/009314/1.

The text appears to be a Gujarati translation or commentary on the Bhagwati Sutra, with extensive biographical details about a Jain monk named Shri Vinodmuniji. While the initial pages outline the contents of the Sutra (mentioning various topics like the nature of movement, descriptions of shapes, estimations, etc.), the bulk of the provided text focuses on the life and spiritual journey of Shri Vinodmuniji Maharaj.

Here's a breakdown of the key aspects covered in the text:

1. Table of Contents/Outline (Implied): The first page provides a brief outline of the chapters or sections covered in this part of the Bhagwati Sutra, mentioning topics such as:

• Description of movement (Yana) and their situations.
• Explanation of the nature of "Huna".
• Brief description of "Appadesh".
• Description of Yana and its form.
• Brief description of their subject matter.
• Description of their form.
• Estimation and similar topics.

2. Biography of Shri Vinodmuniji Maharaj: The majority of the text (pages 2-10) is dedicated to the life of Shri Vinodmuniji. Key details include:

• Birth: Born in Vikram Samvat 1992 (1935 AD) in Pasudhan (Africa).
• Parents: Father Seth Shri Durlabhji Shamji Virani and Mother Mani ben Virani, originally from Rajkot (Saurashtra).
• Early Life and Education: Despite being inclined towards religious study and detachment due to past life impressions, he completed matriculation and received practical education. He displayed skill in business.
• Travels: Traveled to the United Kingdom, France, Belgium, Holland, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, and other countries. Visited London during Queen Elizabeth II's coronation in 1953. Also traveled to Kashmir.
• Adherence to Jain Principles: Throughout his travels, he never consumed root vegetables. Despite visiting beautiful places and encountering beautiful women, he remained detached due to his strong religious sanskaras from previous lives.
• Spiritual Inclination: He was deeply drawn to religious study and detachment. He regularly performed Jain practices like Samayik, Pratikraman, and Chaturmas (Chaivihar).
• Ascetic Lifestyle: He renounced luxurious living, using only a charpai (a small bed), a blanket, and a sheet for sleeping. He slept on the floor, not on a bed. He wore khadi dhoti and kurta, sometimes a warm coat in cold weather. He carried a small bag with essential religious items and books.
• Influence of Preceptors: He received guidance from various revered monks and Mahasatis from the Gondal, Tackh, Darayapuri, and Shraman Sangh traditions, including Acharya Shri Manekchandji Maharaj, Muni Shri Bhaychandji Maharaj, and the esteemed Acharya Shri Ghasilalji Maharaj.
• Inspiration from Renunciation: He was deeply inspired by the renunciation of Panditratna Shri Lalchandraji Maharaj, who along with his entire family (three sons and two daughters) embraced a monastic life in 2011 (1954 AD).
• Seeking Parental Permission for Diksha: He repeatedly sought permission for his initiation (Diksha) from his parents, but his father consistently told him, "There is still time; let the time ripen. Increase your knowledge."
• Initiation: In Ashad Sud 15 of Samvat 2012 (1955 AD), he began focused preparation for Diksha under Acharya Shri Purushottamji Maharaj in Veraval. He decided to take Diksha with Shri Jasrajbhai, a relative of Acharya Shri Purushottamji. Jasrajbhai's Diksha was scheduled for Jeth Sud 5, Somvar, Samvat 2013 (1956 AD) in Mangrol. Vinodkumar served Jasrajbhai appropriately before sending him off to Mangrol.
• Unconventional Initiation: Facing parental reluctance for Diksha, and unable to delay his spiritual quest, he decided to pursue initiation through a different path. He had his final meal with his mother on Vaishakh Vad 10, Friday, Samvat 2013 (May 24, 1957). Without informing anyone, to avoid obstacles and the influence of his sect, he left for Khichan (Rajasthan).
• Self-Initiation: He arrived in Khichan and formally performed Samayik before the revered Muni Shri Samthamalji Maharaj. During the Samayik, he recited a different phrase ("Lav liv pannuuvaamit ti viheṇam" instead of "Lav niyama visuvaṇam ti vindo"), which was noticed by Shri Lalchandji Maharaj. When asked, he responded, "Shraddhalu vosirammi" (I take refuge in the faithful) and declared his self-initiation, stating it was irreversible.
• Council's Dilemma and Vinod Muni's Statement: The Khichan Sangha was concerned about potential attacks on munis from the secular world. Vinod Muni was asked to issue a public statement. In his statement, he explained that his parents were unwilling to grant permission and that he could not postpone his initiation due to the uncertainty of life. He stated that he took initiation in the presence of Arihant Bhagwan, Siddh Bhagwan, and his Guru Maharaj for the welfare of his soul. He believed this would lead to the glory of Jainism.
• His Father's Realization: After Vinodkumar's departure, his father, when searching for him, recalled a conversation from two months prior where Vinodkumar expressed a desire to go to Khichan to study under the knowledgeable and solitary scholar, Muni Shri Samthamalji Maharaj, who was expected to be there with Shri Lalchandji Maharaj.
• Confirmation of Diksha and Family Response: A telegram to Khichan on May 26, 1957, confirmed that Vinodbhai had taken self-initiation. His father sent three people to bring him back. However, upon meeting Keshavlalbhai Parekh, Vinodmoni reiterated his decision and requested his parents' consent for his parents to also take Diksha.
• Tragic Demise: About two and a half months after his initiation, during the monsoon in Faledi, Vinodmuniji felt the urge to relieve himself. While preparing, he encountered two cows on the railway line with an approaching train. In an act of compassion to save the cows, he went towards them, dropping his Ranjoharan (a broom used by monks). While retrieving the Ranjoharan, he was hit by the train. He uttered "Arihant, Arihant" and passed away. He is remembered for his devotion to cow protection.
• Parental Grief and Consolation: Upon hearing of his son's death, his parents traveled to Faledi. Shri Lalchandji Maharaj consoled them, stating that such a bright lamp had been extinguished and that one must find solace in his example and be patient.
• Glimpse of his Character by Muni Shri Samthamalji: Muni Shri Samthamalji described Vinodmuniji as having a deep devotion and love for Dharma, showing no worldly inclination. He noted that Vinodmuniji appeared happy even when undertaking difficult tasks.

3. Discussions on Various Principles (Implied from Sutra Outline): The initial outline suggests the Bhagwati Sutra parts discuss:

• The nature of movement and its location.
• The concept of "Huna" and its characteristics.
• The meaning and essence of "Appadesh."
• The nature of Yana (movement) and its aspects.
• The subjects of discussion and their forms.
• Estimations and similar calculations.

4. Key Jain Concepts Mentioned or Implied:

• Karma: The text touches upon the influence of karma and how actions lead to consequences, including the concept of "Paryapti" (completeness) and "Aparyapti" (incompleteness) in relation to karma and rebirth.
• Samsara: The cycle of birth and death, the journey through various life forms.
• Moksha/Siddhi: The ultimate liberation from the cycle of birth and death.
• Renunciation (Tyaag): Vinodmuniji's life exemplifies this principle.
• Ahimsa: Mentioned in the context of his not consuming root vegetables and his compassion for cows.
• Diksha: The initiation ceremony into monastic life.
• Anukampa: Compassion, particularly evident in his attempt to save the cows.
• Vairagya: Detachment from worldly pleasures.
• Sanskaras: Impressions from past lives influencing present behavior.
• Chauvihar/Samayik/Pratikraman: Ritualistic practices performed by Jain monks.
• Aacharyas/Munis/Mahasatis: Revered spiritual preceptors.
• Ananta-ananta: Concepts related to infinity.

In essence, this extract from the Bhagwati Sutra, through the detailed biography of Shri Vinodmuniji, illustrates the practical application of Jain principles, the importance of spiritual guidance, the unwavering pursuit of liberation, and the profound impact of past karmic influences and divine grace. The narrative also highlights the importance of parental blessings while ultimately showing the power of one's inner spiritual calling.