Dharma Prabhavaka Kanjiswami

Here is a comprehensive summary in English of the provided Jain text about Shri Kanjiswami:

Dharma Prabhāvak Shri Kanjiswami

This text is a biographical account of Shri Kanjiswami, a prominent Jain spiritual leader renowned for his role in the construction of numerous Jin temples and his significant contribution to the revival of the Paramagamas (fundamental Jain scriptures) composed by Acharya Kundakunda. Attributed to Atmanandji, the book highlights Kanjiswami's exceptional personality, characterized by profound spiritual insight and sharp intellect. He left a lasting impression on countless spiritual seekers, both Jain and non-Jain, through his discourse and his focus on the essence of the soul for approximately 40 years.

Early Life and Spiritual Inclination:

Born in the year 1946 Vikram Samvat (V.S.), on Vaishakh Sud 2, Sunday, in Umrala village, Bhavnagar district, Saurashtra, Kanjiswami was born to Ujam Bai and Motichandbhai. Belonging to the Dashā Shrimali Vānik community within the Sthanakvasi Jain sect, even as a child named Kahan, he displayed strong religious inclinations and a natural sense of detachment. After the early demise of his parents, he received a basic education and joined his elder brother in a business in Palej. However, his mind remained indifferent to worldly pursuits like business.

Devotion to Sadhus and Renunciation:

Kanjiswami was deeply devoted to the Jain monks and would readily attend to their needs whenever they visited the upasraya (monastic dwelling). A significant portion of his time was dedicated to serving the monks and engaging in religious discussions. His relatives often referred to him as "Bhagat" (devotee). One day, he clearly expressed to his elder brother his lack of interest in marriage and his firm resolve to take diksha (initiation as a monk). Despite his brother's earnest attempts to dissuade him, Kanjiswami's detached mind remained unwavering in his decision. Before his initiation, he traveled extensively through various regions in search of a suitable guru. Finally, on Magshar Sud 8, Sunday, V.S. 1970, he received diksha in his hometown of Umrala from Shri Hirachandji Maharaj of the Botad sect.

Study of Scriptures and Transformation:

After his initiation, Kanjiswami diligently studied the Sthanakvasi Shvetambar scriptures. His knowledge and disciplined conduct earned him widespread fame throughout Saurashtra. His scholarship and preaching style attracted many. A pivotal moment in his life occurred in V.S. 1978 when he came across Acharya Kundakunda's Shri Samaysar. This profound text brought him immense joy, as he felt he had finally found what he had been searching for. Shri Samaysar had a deep impact on him, completely altering the direction of his spiritual understanding. Later, in V.S. 1982, he encountered Shri Shriman Todarmalji's "Mokshmarg Prakashak," which further strengthened his transformed spiritual path.

Shift to Digambar Dharma and Ministry at Songadh:

Until V.S. 1991, Kanjiswami remained a monk in the Sthanakvasi sect, traveling to numerous villages and diligently explaining the essence of Jainism. In his discourses, he emphasized the paramount importance of attaining Samyagdarshan (right faith). He frequently stated that the sin of mithyatva (false belief) was far greater than the sin of harming millions of living beings. He held a firm conviction that true charitra (conduct) could not be achieved without Samyagdarshan.

On Tuesday, Chaitra Sud 13, V.S. 1991, the auspicious birthday of Lord Mahavir, Kanjiswami renounced his monkhood within the Sthanakvasi sect. This event is considered foundational for many subsequent developments. Despite facing strong opposition from the Sthanakvasi sect, he remained steadfast and unyielding like Mount Meru. He embraced the Digambar Dharma and declared himself a follower of the Digambar tradition, asserting that this change was made for the sake of true principles. Following this transformation, he established his primary residence in the village of Songadh in Saurashtra.

Impact and Legacy:

In the initial years after his transformation, Kanjiswami faced numerous challenges. However, his followers gradually came to accept his decision, believing that he must have acted with thoughtful consideration. As time progressed, even those born into the Digambar tradition were drawn to the brilliance of his knowledge, approaching him out of affection, devotion, or curiosity. They were all deeply impressed by his inner and outer persona. His discourses were consistently imbued with spiritual fervor. Gradually, people from various places began flocking to Songadh, attracted by his preaching style and spiritual depth. This led to the formation of a large following, and with the permanent residence of many spiritual seekers, Songadh transformed into a pilgrimage site.

Under his guidance, a grand Jin temple, a Samavasaran (celestial assembly hall) of Simandhar Swami, and a Swadhyāyabhavan (study hall) capable of seating a thousand individuals were constructed in Songadh, all of which are truly remarkable. Shri Kanjiswami held profound and unparalleled devotion for the apramatta (vigilant) yogi, Acharya Kundakunda, and his seminal works like Samaysar, Pravachansar, Niyamsar, and Patikāy. He delivered numerous discourses on these scriptures, primarily focused on the essence of the soul, in cities like Songadh, Rajkot, and Mumbai. He considered Shri Samaysar Paramagama to be the most excellent scripture, firmly believing that every verse of Samaysar was emancipatory.

Kanjiswami's preaching style was predominantly based on Nishchay Naya (the ultimate truth perspective) and was deeply spiritual. His discourses consistently revealed the unique glory of the soul. Jain scholars held him in high esteem for his spiritual oratory and erudition. He tirelessly worked to instill the significance of Samyaktva in the minds of spiritual seekers. His lectures attracted a significant number of highly educated individuals and the youth, laying the groundwork for a spiritual revolution.

Construction of Jin Temples and Literary Contributions:

Influenced by Shri Kanjiswami's teachings, many Sthanakvasi Shvetambar Jains embraced the Digambar Dharma. As a result, approximately 61 grand Digambar Jin temples were constructed in Saurashtra, Gujarat, and other regions. Under his guidance, numerous scriptures were published. Many scriptures were translated into Gujarati prose and verse. A monthly magazine named "Ātmadharma" also began to be published in Gujarati, Hindi, Marathi, and Kannada. Organizations dedicated to publishing literature, such as Kundakunda Kahān Jain Shāstramālā in Songadh and Pandit Todarmal Smarak Trust in Jaipur, were established, leading to the widespread dissemination of Jain literature. Inspired by Swamiji, a regular interest in self-study (swādhyāy) emerged among spiritual seekers, and numerous self-study camps were organized. A scholarly tradition also flourished in Songadh and Jaipur, with the establishment of a system for training scholars. During his lifetime, Swamiji traveled to various Jain pilgrimage sites across India and inspired many souls to take an interest in the philosophy of reality.

Through his manifold contributions, including the construction of numerous Jin temples, the publication and promotion of spiritual literature, and his discourses rooted in the Nishchay Naya perspective, the revered Shri Kanjiswami dedicated his entire life to the service and propagation of Jin Vani (the teachings of the Jinas). He persistently strived to awaken in seekers a desire to attain Samyaktva.

Ultimately, due to declining health, he was admitted to Jaslok Hospital in Mumbai, where he passed away. After living a long life of approximately 91 years, he embarked on his journey to the infinite on Friday, November 28, 1980. His passing has created an irreplaceable void in the community of spiritual seekers.