Buddhisagarji Sankshipta Jivan Kavan

Here is a comprehensive summary in English of the Jain text "Buddhisagarji Sankshipta Jivan Kavan":

This book, "Buddhisagarji Sankshipta Jivan Kavan" (A Brief Biography of Buddhisagarji), authored by Chimanlal Kaladhar and published by Shri Mahudi (Madhupuri) Jain Shwetambar Murtipujak Trust, chronicles the life and teachings of the esteemed Acharya Shrimad Buddhisagar Surishwarji Maharaj Saheb. The publication commemorates his birth, initiation, and demise, marking 125, 100, and 75 years respectively.

The biography begins by describing the birth of Buddhisagarji, whose original name was Bechardas, in Vijapur, Gujarat, during a time of British rule, superstition, poverty, and dictatorship. Born in VS 1930 (1930 Vikrami Samvat) on Mahasud Chaudas, Shivratri day, to devout parents Shivabhai Patel and Ambama, his birth was preceded by auspicious dreams. Even as a child, Bechardas exhibited remarkable courage and a compassionate nature. An incident involving a venomous snake near his cradle, from which he was miraculously saved, was attributed to the divine intervention of Mata Bahuchara, leading to his naming.

Bechardas was a brilliant student, consistently ranking first in his studies. He was known for his obedience to elders and his virtuous character. Even at a young age, he demonstrated a strong spirit against superstition, actively dispelling false beliefs and practices prevalent in society. He took vows to abstain from night meals and root vegetables for the sake of his studies and good conduct, as advised by his teacher.

A notable incident highlights his fearlessness and adherence to principles. When a teacher's wife was believed to be possessed, Bechardas was tasked with offering food at a grave. He approached the task with respect and a plea for divine intervention, later consuming the offering himself after it remained untouched, demonstrating his unusual bravery.

His compassion and respect for spiritual life were evident when he bravely intervened to save Muni Shri Ravisagarji from an aggressive buffalo. This act led to a connection with the Muni, who recognized Bechardas's spiritual inclination and encouraged him to pursue scriptural studies in a pathshala. Witnessing the social injustices and superstitions of his time, Bechardas developed a deep admiration for Jainism and its ascetic practices, adopting a simple lifestyle that included vegetarianism and adherence to Jain principles.

Bechardas's intellectual curiosity led him to establish a literary circle with his friends, where they read and discussed poetry. He began his own poetic journey with a prayer to Goddess Saraswati. He found spiritual mentors in Nathubhai Mancharam and Jadavben, who became his spiritual parents, supporting his growth in all subjects. Despite opposition from some for his devotion to Jainism, Bechardas steadfastly followed his chosen path, embracing the rigorous practices of Jainism like Ayambil and caring for his spiritual parents. He articulated his conviction, stating that his adherence to Jainism was not for worldly gain but due to the profound principles, rigorous practices, and compassion of Jain monks and the faith itself.

His pursuit of knowledge led him to Ajol village, where he taught and simultaneously continued his own studies. There, he met Vinayavijayji Maharaj Saheb and delved into the works of Acharya Atmaramji. He became proficient in Jain philosophy, emphasizing self-confidence and purity of life. He meticulously followed a set of strict vows, including becoming an excellent Jain, studying scriptures diligently, mastering languages like Sanskrit, Prakrit, Pali, and Ardhamagadhi, practicing celibacy, speaking the truth, avoiding flattery and gossip, refraining from anger-inducing words, praising enemies' virtues, not giving false testimony, self-criticism, daily worship, and serving the sick and needy.

In Ajol, his courage was again displayed when he single-handedly confronted villagers from a neighboring area attempting to seize cattle. He defended the villagers, asserting that Jainism is a religion of the brave, citing historical instances of Jain kings, people, and monks taking up arms for their faith. He argued that cowardice under the guise of compassion was unacceptable and that sacrificing one's life for righteousness was superior.

He later met Muni Shri Karpurvijayji "Sanmitra," whose exemplary detachment and character deeply impressed him. In Ajol, he also formed friendships with local Mir community members and a householder named Abhumeer, who later became a devoted follower.

Following the inspiration of Visagarji, Bechardas moved to Mehsana and was admitted to the Shri Yashovijayji Jain Sanskrit Pathshala, an institution typically for monks, but secured admission through his spiritual father's efforts. Here, he immersed himself in Jain philosophy and lived a disciplined life, dedicated to serving his guru, Ravisagarji. He experienced profound grief at his guru's passing and took a vow of lifelong celibacy from Shri Kapurvijayji. He also performed severe austerities, including Ashtam Tapa, in the cave of Goddess Saraswati in Palitana.

From Bechardas to Buddhisagar – Embarking on the Path of Renunciation:

During the Famine of Chhappania in Mehsana, he actively participated in relief work. After the demise of his parents, at the age of twenty-five, he renounced worldly ties and decided to embrace asceticism. He received initiation in Palanpur in VS 1956 (1956 Vikrami Samvat) on Magasud Chhath, under the guidance of Guru Sukhsagarji, becoming Muni Buddhisagar.

Muni Shri Buddhisagarji was described as a great soul, possessing signs like long arms reaching his knees, a crescent moon on his forehead, and on his palms and soles. His voice was powerful and resonant with bravery. He possessed a gentle heart and a carefree demeanor. His intellect was exceptional; he memorized 300 verses of the Pakkhisutra in a single day. He also performed the consecration of the Paduka (footprints) of his guru, Ravisagarji, in Patan.

His first Chaturmas (a four-month period of religious observance) was in Surat, where he encountered various ascetics and scholars and engaged in mantra sadhana, particularly the powerful mantras given by Shri Ravisagarji in his final days, such as the Ghantakarna Vir Mantra Kalpa and Padmavati Devi Kalpa. In Surat, he authored a book titled "Jain Christian Dialogue" in response to an offensive publication against Jainism by Christian missionaries. He also engaged in public debates, effectively refuting their arguments with his sharp intellect.

During his Chaturmas in Surat, inspired by the life of Shri Ratnasagarji Maharaj, he contributed to the establishment of the Suri Ratnasagarji Jain Boarding School in Surat, supported by prominent donors. He began public speaking and raised funds for the renovation of ancient temples, thus actively engaging in religious propagation and protection from the outset of his monastic life.

He meticulously followed Jain monastic practices, enduring harsh weather with minimal clothing and observing a single meal a day. His daily routine was disciplined, waking at 4 AM and engaging in various activities until 11 PM. He mastered Ashtanga Yoga, becoming a Yoganishth.

His travels and observances continued, with his second Chaturmas in Padra, near Vadodara. His profound teachings attracted the educated youth of the village. He also visited the shrine of Boria Mahadev, engaging in advanced yogic practices like Pranayama and Hatha Yoga with Yogi Sadashiv Saraswati.

In VS 1961, he observed his Chaturmas in Vijapur, focusing on scriptural study, lectures, introspection, and spiritual progress, maintaining a daily journal. He later joined a religious procession with his spiritual father, Sukhsagarji, to Kesariyaji, and then proceeded to Ahmedabad for his Chaturmas.

In Ahmedabad in VS 1962, he combined religious activities with national upliftment, offering guidance to prominent figures like Lalbhai, Manibhai, Jagatbhai, and Hathisingh. He advised Lala Lajpat Rai on national service and urged the Congress party to strongly oppose the British government's plan to establish a slaughterhouse on Sametshikhar mountain. He also engaged in intellectual discussions with prominent Gujarati literary figures like Dr. Anand Shankar Dhruv and Kavi Nanalal. He interacted with scholars from the Arya Samaj, debating issues like idol worship and using his logical acumen to provide satisfactory responses. He embraced individuals from all sects, absorbing their positive qualities.

Immortal Disciple:

Motivated by the desire to perpetuate his teachings, Acharya Buddhisagarji resolved to write 108 books, serving as a lasting legacy to guide future generations. To facilitate the publication and dissemination of his works, he established the "Adhyatma Gyan Prasarak Mandal" in Mansa, with support from Thakore Shri Takhatsinhji Raol. This organization continues to promote his literary contributions.

He delivered discourses in Mansa, attracting people from all walks of life. He also had the honor of addressing Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad of Vadodara on the topic of "Soul's Advancement."

His travels then led him to Borsad, where he engaged in discussions with Sthanakvasi monks, including Amirkhji, on topics like Jain history, the prohibition of idol worship, and Sthanakvasi traditions. Amirkhji, along with four other monks, later accepted him as their guru, with Amirkhji eventually becoming Ajitsagarji.

He spent his Chaturmas in Ahmedabad with other ascetics, fostering love and fraternity. His Chaturmas in Mumbai was a significant period of literary and spiritual activity. He wrote extensively and was deeply influenced by the biography of Shri Govardhan Ram Madhavram Tripathi.

During the Paryushan festival in Mumbai, he instituted a change in the timing of the Pratikraman ceremony to ensure it was completed in daylight, preventing disruptions by troublemakers. He played a crucial role in drafting a petition to the government advocating for cow protection laws, collaborating with prominent citizens and religious leaders. He visited the Jain Boarding in Chinchpokli, emphasizing the importance of religious education. He engaged in theological discussions with Sthanakvasi monk Nagji Swami and proposed holding assemblies in smaller towns, similar to Digambara practices, to achieve better results, as discussed with Gulabchandji Dhadha, a proponent of the Shwetambar Conference.

He later visited the Candheri caves near Borivali, appreciating their historical significance. He noted in his diary that the village of Vasai once had forty Jain households.

His travels continued through Palghar, Thamgam, Boradi, and Valsad. He preached to farmers and fishermen, emphasizing their duties and continuing his study of Bhagavad Gita for the eighth time. He also provided care and service to a sick Sthanakvasi monk in Sayana village.

Universal Brotherhood:

He believed in no caste or religious distinctions, defining true religion as devotion to God, truthful speech, and pure conduct. He visited the Omkarnath Mahadev temple in Shuklatirth and delivered a sermon to the Brahmins. He contributed an essay on the life of Upadhyay Shri Yashovijayji to a Gujarati literary conference. He also visited the Swaminarayan temple in Vadtal.

Within twelve years of his initiation, he had studied most of the Agam Sutras. He stayed by the side of his ailing guru, Sukhsagarji, absorbing lessons on overcoming life's adversities and achieving self-welfare. Guru Sukhsagarji bestowed upon him his Navkavli, prompting Buddhisagarji to undertake a vow of one lakh Navkar mantra recitations and the composition of a book in his guru's memory. Shortly after, Guru Sukhsagarji attained salvation.

Acharya Title and Honorary Doctorate:

In VS 1970, he was awarded the title of Acharya in Pethapur in the presence of the fourfold congregation. His immense intellect and knowledge earned him an honorary doctorate of "Shastra Visharad" (Master of Scriptures) from scholars in Kashi.

During his Chaturmas in Vijapur in VS 1979, he oversaw the completion of a Gyan Mandir and established a school for the Harijan community to prevent their conversion to other religions. Despite some health issues like diabetes and weakness, he continued to complete his tasks and accelerate his writing.

Establishment of Ghantakarna Veer:

Observing the pervasive superstition and ignorance, Acharya Buddhisagarji established a revered idol of the protective deity Ghantakarna Mahavir Dev within the premises of the Arihant Paramatma temple in Madi village. This act aimed to steer people away from unscientific practices and provide solace and spiritual guidance, re-establishing faith in Dharma.

Maha-Prayan (Demise):

As his journey neared its end, he completed and submitted twenty-seven books for printing. He finished the unfinished manuscript of "Kakkavali Subodh" just three days before his passing, informing his devotees of his impending departure. He expressed his desire to establish a Gurukul in the Mahudi region to nurture future Jain leaders. He continued to impart spiritual teachings until his last moments.

On the morning of his Mahaprayan, he set out for Bijapur from Mahudi with his disciples. In Vijapur, he sat in Padmasana in the Upashray and entered a state of Samadhi. His final words were "Shanti: Shanti: Shanti" (Peace: Peace: Peace) spoken to Mahendra Sagarji. People from all walks of life paid their last respects. He passed away peacefully in the morning, his soul embarking on its eternal journey.

Final Darshan:

Thousands mourned his passing, with Vijapur experiencing two days of collective grief. His demise left a void in the Jain tradition. His funeral procession was a grand event, attended by people of all faiths, culminating in his cremation in the garden of Sheth Maganlal Kankuchand.

Tributes:

Messages of condolence poured in from various communities and organizations. Poet Nanalal wrote that very few ascetics like Buddhisagarji, in the lineage of Anandghanji, had appeared in Jainism. A bhajan was shared, described as a true depiction of Buddhisagarji's spirit.

Social Reformer:

Acharya Buddhisagarji, despite a short monastic life of twenty-five years, achieved numerous accomplishments. He established schools, libraries, and gurukuls across various locations. He played a key role in the restoration of the Yashovijayji Gurukul in Palitana and inspired the establishment of the Sheth Lallurayji Boarding in Ahmedabad. He actively campaigned against dowry and the sale of girls, with his book on the subject leading to community resolutions against such practices. He also encouraged people to abstain from alcohol and live peacefully.

Miraculous Incidents:

During a significant event in Mahudi, where the Vora family organized a feast, an immense crowd gathered. When supplies seemed insufficient, Acharya Buddhisagarji, through his spiritual powers, ensured that the food provisions were miraculously replenished for days, allowing thousands to partake in the blessed meal.

He is also credited with dispelling evil spirits and curing individuals of demonic influences. He demonstrated his spiritual powers by confronting and reforming a woman claiming to possess miraculous abilities, showcasing divine visions.

Literary Creations:

Acharya Buddhisagarji's literary output is vast, encompassing over 110 invaluable works written without modern amenities like lights or fans. These include twenty-two books in Sanskrit, many in both Sanskrit and Gujarati, and one in Hindi, "Kumarpal." His prose covers history, philosophy, criticism, biographies, letters, essays, and spiritual dialogues. His poetic works include twelve bhajan collections, with popular bhajans on devotion, detachment, and spiritual truths, appreciated by people of all faiths. He also composed poetry on various themes, including prophecies and the beauty of nature.

His letters to his devotees, compiled in "Sadupadesh" and "Tirth Yatra nu Vigyan," showcase his unique teaching style. Many of his works were dedicated to his followers, encouraging them to continue good deeds for the upliftment of Jainism.

Key Works:

• Karma Yoga: A discourse on performing good deeds with body, mind, and speech, offering practical guidance and examples from Indian and Western figures. He emphasized serving elders and the motherland.
• Yoga Deepak: Explaining yoga's ability to fulfill desires and bestow various siddhis (powers). He discussed the causes of attachment and aversion and the path to equanimity and liberation.
• Shri Parmatma Jyoti: A commentary on twenty-five Sanskrit verses by Shri Yashovijayji, aimed at refining the soul. He illustrated the connection between the soul and the Supreme Soul, akin to a seed and a tree.
• Adhyatma Shanti: Aimed at achieving true peace by understanding the self, God, and karma. He highlighted the ephemeral nature of material possessions and the path to mental tranquility.
• Paramatma Darshan: Through dialogues, he illustrated methods for cultivating soul's qualities to overcome life's sufferings.
• History: Works like "Brihad Vijapur Vrutant" and "Jain Dharma ni Prachin ane Arvachin Sthiti" provide historical insights into Jainism and the region of Vijapur.
• Jain Dhatu Pratima Lekh Sangrah: A compilation of inscriptions from Jain temples across India.
• Mudrit Jain Shwetambar Granth Guide: A unique guide detailing Jain manuscript collections, publications, inscriptions, and periodicals.

His devotional songs, filled with spiritual knowledge, detachment, and devotion, are cherished for their ability to bring peace and joy. His popular bhajan, "Bheye Hum Aatam Mast Diwana," encourages remaining focused on God regardless of external opinions.

• Kakkavali Subodh: Written in his final days, this work features insightful verses on each letter of the alphabet, showcasing his linguistic prowess.
• Sabarmati Guna Shikshak Kavya: Inspired by the river Sabarmati, this poem likens the river's ability to smooth stones to a learned person's ability to guide the ignorant.
• Bharat Sahakar Shikshan Kavya: Composed under an आम्रवृक्ष (mango tree), it emphasizes the importance of strong roots for a community's survival and the need for early education and character building.

The book concludes with a prophecy attributed to Acharya Buddhisagarji regarding India's future independence, the spread of knowledge and science, and the eventual triumph of Mahavir's principles, a prophecy that has largely come true. The book serves as a comprehensive account of a remarkable spiritual leader's life, emphasizing his contributions to Jainism, society, and literature.