Extra Ordinary Literary Personality Shri Jay Bhikkhu

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text about Shri Jaya Bhikkhu:

The text, titled "Extra Ordinary Literary Personality Shri Jaya Bhikkhu" by Atmanandji, highlights the life and literary contributions of Shri Jaya Bhikkhu. Born in 1908 in Saurashtra, India, to Virchandbhai Hemchandrabhai Desai and Shrimati Parvatibai, his early life was marked by the loss of his mother at a young age, leading him to grow up in his maternal village. He was known by three names: Bhikhabhai within his family, Balabhai among well-wishers, and the well-known literary pseudonym Jayabhikhkhu.

Jayabhikhkhu's education began in Varsoda village and continued at Tutorial High School in Ahmedabad. He later joined the Shree Veer Tattva Prakashak Mandal, where he spent 8-9 years studying Sanskrit, Hindi, Gujarati, and English in the picturesque Shivpuri. Before settling in Shivpuri, he traveled through Kashi, Agra, and Gwaliar. He married Vijayaben on May 13, 1930. The literary name "Jayabhikhkhu" is a portmanteau of his wife's name ("Jay" from Vijayaben) and his own name ("Bhikhkhu" from Bhikhalal).

He believed that personal development was best achieved through the blessings of saints and teachers, experiential learning from the world, and inspiration drawn from nature, rather than solely through formal schooling. He was deeply influenced by Govardhanram Tripathi's novel "Saraswatichandra," which encouraged his literary pursuits.

Beginning his writing career in 1933 in Ahmedabad, Jayabhikhkhu's life was dedicated to his literary work. He made three key decisions for his independent life: to avoid service, to refuse inherited property, and to sustain himself solely through his writings, believing that dedication to knowledge would ensure his well-being.

He started his career as a journalist, writing for periodicals like "Jain Jyoti" and "Vidyarthi," and notably for his popular column "Int Ane Imarat" in the Gujarat Samachar daily for several years. He also contributed to children's weekly "Zagmag" and other publications like "Akhand Anand," "Jankalyan," and "Gujarat Times." His writing style was unique, capable of transforming small incidents into profound humanistic narratives. His novels were popular across religious and social groups, with some readers revisiting them multiple times. His stories were translated into Kannada and Telugu, and 13 of his books received awards from state and central governments.

Jayabhikhkhu was a pioneer in children's literature, imbuing it with innocence, humor, and a natural approach to child development through his own experiences. He lived solely on the income from his writings and encouraged others to do the same, unfettered by narrow literary conventions. He received premonitions of his death and advised his family to live life like a "sweet smelling candle." He passed away on December 24, 1969, leaving a void in Gujarati culture. His son, Dr. Kumarpal Desai, has followed in his footsteps, becoming a renowned writer, professor, journalist, and orator.

Shri Jaya Bhikkhu's literature consistently promoted high character and virtues. After his death, the Jay Bhikkhu Sahitya Trust was established to continue publishing his works. He is credited with authoring approximately 300 books, including significant contributions like the "Jain BAL Granthavli" series for children and biographies of prominent figures like Lord Mahavir and various Acharyas.

He revolutionized the perception of Jain stories, which were often seen as dry and focused solely on renunciation. Jayabhikhkhu presented Jain narratives in an engaging and simple language that appealed to children and adults alike, transcending caste and religious boundaries. Through his compelling stories, he effectively propagated Jainism. His son, Dr. Kumarpal Desai, continues this legacy through the Jay Bhikkhu Trust, producing inspiring, awakening, and enlightening literature.