Comtemporary Jain Legends

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Contemporary Jain Legends" by Atmanandji Maharaj, based on the provided Table of Contents and page excerpts:

Book Title: Contemporary Jain Legends Author: Atmanandji Maharaj Publisher: Shrimad Rajchandra Ashram Overview:

"Contemporary Jain Legends" is a collection of biographical sketches celebrating the lives and contributions of prominent Jain figures, primarily from the 19th and 20th centuries. The book aims to highlight individuals who made significant impacts on Jainism, society, literature, and spiritual upliftment through their actions, teachings, and dedication. The author, Atmanandji Maharaj, presents these individuals as role models and sources of inspiration for contemporary Jains and society at large. The book is an English translation of "Arvachin Jain Jyotirdharo."

Key Themes and Content:

The book is structured into 39 chapters, each dedicated to a different Jain legend. These legends span various fields, including:

• Philanthropy and Social Service: Figures like Seth Shri Manikchand (J.P.), Sheth Shri Hukamchandji, and Shri Motilal Kapadia are highlighted for their immense wealth used for social upliftment, establishing educational institutions, and supporting religious causes.
• Spiritual Leadership and Asceticism: Tapodhan Shrimad Rajendrasuri, Maha Tapasvi Acharya Shri Shanti Sagarji Maharaj, Yognishtha Acharya Shri BuddhiSagar, and Mooni Shri Santbalji are presented as exemplars of rigorous penance, detachment from worldly affairs, and profound spiritual realization.
• Scholarly Pursuits and Literary Contributions: The book features great scholars and writers such as The Great Scholar Shri Lalan, VidyaVaridhi Shri Champatray Barrister, Agamoddharak Shri Ghasilalji Maharaj, Pragna Chakshu Pandit Sukhlalji, and Sampadak Ratna Pandit Shri Nathuram Premi. Their dedication to studying, preserving, and propagating Jain scriptures, philosophy, and literature is a major focus.
• Spiritual Guidance and Enlightenment: Param Tattvagna Shrimad Rajchandraji, a pivotal figure whose teachings deeply influenced Mahatma Gandhi, is given significant attention. Dharm Prabhavak Shri Kanjiswami is recognized for his impact on religious thought and scripture revival.
• Social Reform and Nationalistic Activities: Dharm Veer Shree Veerchand Raghavji Gandhi is celebrated for his representation of Jainism at the World Religion Conference in Chicago and his fearlessness in advocating truth. Pandit Gopaldasji Baraiya is noted for his efforts to revive the Jain community and his contributions to literature.
• Literary Criticism and Historical Research: Literary Critic Shri Jugalkishore Mukhtar "YugVeer" is highlighted for his critical analysis of Jain literature and his work in bringing historical Jain figures to light.
• Holistic Approach to Life: Figures like Shri Kasturbhai Lalbhai, though primarily known for his industrial prowess, are also recognized for their philanthropy, national fervor, and commitment to modern education and cultural development. Dr. Kamtaprasad Jain is presented as a proponent of non-violence and a prolific writer who expanded Jainism globally.
• Dedicated Ascetics and Teachers: The book also includes legends like Samaya Drushta Shri Vijay Vallabh Soori, who worked for social reforms and unity; Dharm Diwakar Shri Chothmalji Maharaj, known for his enlightening preachings and social reformatory activities; and Gnanoddharak Mooni Shri Punya Vijayaji, who dedicated his life to preserving and propagating scriptural knowledge.

Individual Legends (Brief Highlights based on available excerpts):

The book meticulously details the lives of these individuals, covering their:

• Birth and Childhood: Often highlighting early signs of their future greatness and spiritual inclinations.
• Education and Learning: Emphasizing their pursuit of knowledge, often against challenging circumstances.
• Family Life and Detachment: Describing their personal lives, marriages, and eventual detachment from worldly affairs in favor of spiritual pursuits.
• Dixa and Spiritual Journey: Detailing their initiation into monastic life and their subsequent path of penance, meditation, and service.
• Contributions: Highlighting their specific achievements in social reform, literature, philanthropy, spiritual guidance, and the propagation of Jainism.
• Individual Character: Describing their virtues, such as simplicity, honesty, kindness, fearlessness, tolerance, and profound faith.
• Later Life and Demise: Recounting their final years, peaceful passing, and the legacy they left behind.

Overall Message:

"Contemporary Jain Legends" serves as an anthology of exemplary lives that demonstrate the enduring principles of Jainism. It showcases how individuals, through their dedication, sacrifice, and pursuit of higher ideals, can significantly contribute to the spiritual and social well-being of humanity. The book emphasizes the importance of knowledge, penance, charity, non-violence, and detachment, presenting these legends as beacons of inspiration for the current generation.