Bramhacharini Chandabai

Here is a comprehensive summary in English of the provided Jain text about Brahmacharini Pandit Chandabai:

This text, "Brahmacharini Pandit Chandabai," authored by Atmanandji, details the life and work of a remarkable Jain woman who was a beacon of progress and spiritual enlightenment, particularly for women, during a period of significant social and cultural transformation in India.

Introduction: The text begins by placing Pandit Chandabai within the context of great reformers like Raja Ram Mohan Roy, Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar, Maharshi Dayanand Saraswati, Shrimad Rajchandra, and Shri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, who were working to dispel ignorance and darkness in India. It highlights the dire state of women at the time, who were burdened by ignorance, outdated customs, and social injustices. The birth of a daughter was often considered a bad omen, worse than Saturn's malefic influence. In such an era, Chandabai emerged as a transformative figure for womankind. She empowered women to stand on their own feet with self-respect and self-reliance, fostering courage and awareness of their rights. Through her exemplary life, she demonstrated true heroism and righteous living to Indian women, awakening their self-esteem with the nectar of self-strength and inspiration. She was described as a renunciate in spiritual pursuit, efficient in worldly affairs, a harmonizer of the universe and the universal soul, religious in life, and a servant of the nation in practice. She embodied the integration of present possibilities, past glory, and the promise of a new era in her every breath.

Birth and Childhood: Pandit Chandabai was born in Vikram Samvat 1948 (1891 AD) on the third day of the waxing moon in the month of Ashadh, in Vrindavan, into a prosperous Agarwal Dhav family. Her parents were Shri Narayan Dasji and Shrimati Radhikadevi. Her childhood was filled with devotion to Radha and Krishna, receiving the gift of faith through her mother's lullabies and the wealth of diligent action through her father's love. At the tender age of 11, she was married to Shri Dharmakumara, the grandson of the renowned merchant Shri Pandit Prabhudasji and son of Shri Chandrakumarji, a follower of Jainism. Tragically, a year after her marriage, at just 12 years old, Shri Dharmakumara passed away, leaving Chandabai widowed and deprived of marital bliss.

Inspiring Education and Spiritual Awakening: Shri Devkumarji, an elder brother of her deceased husband and a well-known literary figure, philanthropist, and devout follower of Jainism, was deeply saddened by his younger brother's wife's profound grief. However, with wisdom, detachment, and patience, he realized that true salvation was impossible without genuine knowledge. He believed that the growth of knowledge and virtues was essential for human progress. Inspired and encouraged by Devkumarji, Chandabai resumed her studies. Overcoming numerous difficulties, she successfully passed the 'Pandina' examination in Kashi.

Field of Work: Various Constructive Activities: Chandabai constantly pondered the plight of women shackled by servitude, suffocated by veils, and afflicted by ignorance and superstitions. She held a firm belief that the singular panacea for all societal ills was character and education. She was convinced that if women's ignorance was dispelled, they could regain their health, earn an independent livelihood through education, attain true respect through spiritual practice, and reclaim their lost self-pride. With this objective, she actively promoted female education. In 1907, she established a girls' school in Ara (Bihar). Initially housed in a room of the Shri Shantinath Bhagwan temple with two teachers, this school gradually grew and, in 1921, became known as 'Jain Balavishram' in Dharmapura (Ara, Bihar). Today, it stands as a unique service institution for girls in the country, a testament to Chandabai's dedication to public welfare. Mahatma Gandhi, upon visiting the 'Vanita Vishram' (as it was later known), expressed his immense joy and peace derived from the serene atmosphere of the institution. This institution is unparalleled among Jain women's organizations, offering education up to the levels of Nyayatirtha, Sahityaratna, and Shastri.

Compassionate Mother Chandabai: Mother Chandabai possessed extraordinary spirituality, which she manifested through various significant projects. She purchased land on 'Ratnagiri', the second of the five hills in Rajgir, and enthusiastically constructed a divine Jinanlay (temple). Additionally, in 1939, she erected a magnificent and captivating Manastambha (pillar of honor) in the garden of the Balavishram institution. In 1937, within the institution's garden, she created a replica of the Gommat Swami idol from Shravanabelagola, constructing an artificial mountain and installing a beautiful and sacred idol of Bahubali Swami, thirteen feet tall.

Pandita and Scholar Chandabai: Pandita and scholar Chandabai also made invaluable contributions to literature. She was a successful writer and editor. From 1921 onwards, she skillfully managed the periodical 'Jain Mahiloday' for many years. She authored numerous books beneficial to women, including Upadesh Ratnamala, Saubhagya Ratnamala, Nibandh Ratnamala, Adarsh Kahaniyan, Adarsh Nibandh, and Nibandh Darpan.

Social Reform and Advocacy: At the forefront of social reform and construction work, Chandabai was always eager and enthusiastic to spread the luminous light of Jainism throughout the world. In 1948, a news report in 'Searchlight' stated that George Bernard Shaw was preparing a book titled "The Uplift of Public Opinion." This book was to include a comparative study and critique of the concept of Ahimsa (non-violence) as propounded by Jain Acharyas and as practiced by Mahatma Gandhi. For this significant undertaking, Dr. Shaw had invited Gandhi's son, Devdas Gandhi. Chandabai immediately wrote to prominent community leaders like Sir Seth Hukumchandji, Sahu Shantiprasadji, Seth Bhagchandji, and Babu Chhotalalji, emphasizing, "This great work should not falter due to a lack of funds. By any means and at any cost, a Jain scholar, pundit, religious scripture expert, and someone with complete knowledge of the English language should be sent to Dr. Shaw. This creation, written by the inimitable literary figure Shaw, will become immortal and will be highly respected and considered authoritative in the world. It is extremely essential for a Jain scholar to be in his company for a true understanding of Jain Ahimsa and Jain philosophy." This illustrates her profound love for Jainism and her foresight.

Other Notable Events in Life: Pandit Chandabai was affectionately addressed as 'Ma' (Mother), and she truly embodied the role of a compassionate mother. Her heart overflowed with compassion. In 1943, a student at her Vanita Vishram contracted typhoid, which became severe, leading the student to a semi-conscious state with delirium. Although excellent care was already being provided by attendants and doctors, when she realized the student's condition had worsened significantly and her life was in danger, Chandabai personally stopped eating and drinking and dedicated herself day and night to the student's care. When others advised her against it, she, with maternal affection, stated, "I have faith that my service will save her." Through three days of continuous and a week of arduous effort, she saved the student's life. While her own health deteriorated due to the relentless hard work, her maternal heart disregarded everything to rescue the child. Even in the most dire circumstances, her inner spiritual awakening remained unwavering and remarkable. She never clung to her physical body, always considering it impermanent and inert, and remained fully conscious of her spiritual awakening.

On February 8, 1942, she suddenly fell ill, and within five to six days, her health deteriorated severely. She lost the strength to even get up. Despite her weakened state, she ensured no interruption in her daily spiritual practices, including trikaal samayik (meditation thrice daily), pujans (worship), and bhakti (devotion). When she became completely incapacitated, the family of Balavishram, along with other relatives, became very worried, as she was entirely against receiving injections. Everyone then requested the institution's religious teacher, Shri Nemichand Jyotishacharya, to persuade 'Ma' to accept an injection. When Jyotishacharya told her to take the injection, explaining it was not like consuming medicine and that many ascetics even take injections nowadays, she responded: "Panditji, it is understandable when others speak like this due to attachment, but I am greatly surprised by your words. We expected you to assist us in our religious endeavors. Why this excessive attachment to this temporary body? It has been acquired since time immemorial." This incident clearly demonstrates her profound inner awareness and consciousness of her spiritual strength.

Eternal Journey: Thus, while rendering numerous services to society, 'Ma' entered the advanced stages of old age. In Vikram Samvat 2034 (March 28, 1977), she peacefully departed from this world. Her life is a symbol of Jain culture. She renounced worldly pleasures, embarking on a path of 'Maha-bhinishkramana' (great renunciation). Forsaking luxury, she voluntarily embraced a path filled with the thorns of renunciation. She remained constantly engaged in the practice of Ahimsa and Truth. Alongside being a compassionate administrator and manager, 'Ma' was also an ascetic. Engaged in knowledge and spiritual practice, devoid of the desire for fame, and immersed in philanthropy, 'Ma' was a silent server. May our sisters draw great inspiration from the life of this great, spiritual woman who carried the message of the era.