Gat Saikani Jain Dharmni Pravruttio

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Gat Saikani Jain Dharmni Pravruttio" (Activities of Jainism in the Last Century), authored by Dr. Kumarpal Desai:

This book, "Gat Saikani Jain Dharmni Pravruttio," by Dr. Kumarpal Desai, serves as a retrospective overview of the significant activities and developments within Jainism over the preceding century. The author highlights the interconnectedness of Jain activities across India, with Gujarat often playing a pivotal role in influencing and being influenced by movements in other states.

Key Themes and Developments:

• Academic and Scholarly Contributions: The book emphasizes the crucial role of Western scholars in understanding and disseminating Jainism.

  • Hermann Jacobi's groundbreaking translation of the Achara Sutra and Kalpa Sutra into English, crucially asserting that Jainism is not a branch of Buddhism but an independent religion with Mahavira and Gautama Buddha being contemporaries.
  • The contributions of other scholars like Colebrooke, Wilson, Otto Bothlingk, Rieu, Rev. Stevenson, Weber, Leumann, Klatt, Buhler, Hoernle, and Windisch in translating, editing, and researching Jain scriptures.
  • Dr. E.F.R. Hoernle's critical work on texts like "Prakrita Lakshana" and "Upasaga Dasao" is highlighted, as is his scholarly interaction with Jain monks like Shri Vijayanasurishwarji (Atmaramji).

• The Role of Indian Scholars and Activists:

  • Shri Virchand Raghavji Gandhi is presented as a pivotal figure who represented Jainism at the Chicago Parliament of Religions in 1893. His extensive lectures abroad, his influence in establishing the Gandhi Philosophical Society in Washington, and his subsequent work in England are detailed. He passed away at a young age, and his work is noted as being somewhat forgotten, though the Jain Literature Society he founded in London continues to exist.
  • Champat Rai Jain is recognized for his influential book "The Key of Knowledge," which discussed concepts like God, Yoga, and Karma from a Jain perspective, with a special focus on the Syadvada (Seven-fold Predication) principle.
  • Shri Vijyadharmosuriji played a significant role in promoting Jain scholarship through his correspondence with European scholars and the establishment of institutions like the Yashovijay Jain Sanskrit Pathshala in Banaras.
  • The book acknowledges the growing interest in Jain studies in Europe, America, and Japan, with specific mentions of scholars like Zuko Ahira, Dr. Kaleriy Kaya, and Dr. Nalini Balbir.
  • Ray Dhanpat Singh Bahadur of Calcutta is credited with initiating the printing of Jain Agamas.
  • Shri Sagaranand Suri and the Agamoday Committee of Surat undertook a monumental task of researching and printing Jain Agamas.
  • Various Jain organizations like the Bhavnagar Jain Dharma Prasarak Sabha, Atmanand Sabha, and Yashovijayji Granthamala are recognized for their significant contributions to publishing Jain literature.
  • Shri Nathuram Premi played a crucial role in publishing important Jain texts during a time of opposition to religious publications. He also edited Jain periodicals.
  • The book highlights the emergence of prominent Jain scholars from the Yashovijay Jain Sanskrit Pathshala, including P. Sukhlalji, P. Becherdasji, and P. Hargovindas Seth.
  • The Syadvada Mahavidyalaya in Banaras is noted for its role in preparing scholars from the Digambar tradition.

• Archaeological Research and Publications:

  • The book details the significant archaeological research conducted by scholars like Rice, Hulle, Kielhorn, Peterson, Fergusson, and Burgess on Jain temples, inscriptions, and manuscripts.
  • Excavations in Mathura yielded valuable archaeological material related to Jainism, Buddhism, and Brahmanism, providing crucial links to Jain history.
  • Burgess's illustrated book "Temples of Satrunjaya" is considered a landmark publication.
  • The translation of Tattvarthadhigama Sutra by Jacobi marked the beginning of research into Jain principles, further carried on by his students Keil and Plazschett.
  • Hutle made significant contributions to the evaluation of Jain narrative literature, suggesting the Jain origin of core Panchatantra stories.
  • Dr. Brown's illustrated works on Kalaka Katha and Uttaradhyayana are also noted.
  • A long list of Indian scholars, including Bhagwanlal Indraji, Bhau Daji, Bhandarkar, Satish Chandra Vidyabhushan, Chimanlal Dahyabhai Dalal, Muni Shri Jinavijayji, Shri Dal Sukhbhai Malvania, Bhogilal Sandesara, Agarchand Nahata, Dr. Ramanlal Ch. Shah, Dr. A.N. Upadhye, P. Kailashchandraji, Dr. Umakant Shah, P. Lalchand Gandhi, P. Hiralal Rasikdas Kapadia, Shri Motichand Kapadia, Muni Shri Chaturvijayji, Muni Shri Jambu vijayji, Shri Chand Ramaparia, Amarmuni, Dr. Hiralal Jain, Dr. Jagdish Jain, and Muni Shri Punyavijayji (especially for Agama research) are recognized for their extensive work in Jainism and literature.
  • Shri Mohanlal Dalichand Desai's work in researching Jain literature and history from ancient manuscripts, particularly his three-volume "Jain Gurjar Kavi," is described as a "Magnum Opus." His "A Concise History of Jain Literature" is also considered highly valuable.
  • The publication activities of institutions like the Singhi Granthamala, Panjabi Granthamala, and Devchand Lalbhai Pustakoddharak Fund (Surat) are acknowledged.
  • The Gujarat Puratattva Mandir also contributed significantly to Jain studies.
  • The commentary on Siddhasena Divakara's Sammati Tarka by Shri Abhaydevsurini, "Vada-Maharnava," is highlighted as a foundational text in Jain philosophy, and its editing by Pandit Sukhlalji and Pandit Becherdasji is praised.
  • The compilation of "Samana Sutra" is also mentioned.

• Lexicographical and Encyclopedic Works:

  • The seven-volume "Abhidhan Rajendra Kosh" compiled by Shri Rajendrasuri is described as a significant collection of Agama literature, providing Sanskrit equivalents and detailed explanations.
  • Pandit Munishri Ratnachandraswamiji's "Jaina Agama Shabda Sangrah" and his Prakrit dictionary are also noted.
  • "Paiya Sadd Mahon" by Shri Hargovinddas Seth is mentioned as another significant Prakrit lexicon.
  • The publication of the "Brihad Itihas" of Jain Literature by the Jain Sanskrit Series and Parshvanath Vidyashram, Varanasi, is deemed highly valuable.

• Journalism and Periodicals:

  • The tradition of Jain periodicals in Gujarat is considered honorable, starting with "Jain Deepak" in 1857, followed by "Jain Diwakar."
  • The book notes that from 1950 to 1982, 126 Gujarati Jain journals were published.
  • "Jain Sudharas" published by Shri Keshavlal Shivram in Ahmedabad is mentioned, along with "Syadvad Sudha" and "Jan Hitainchu" from the Shri Jain Dharma Pravartak Sabha.
  • "Jain Dharm Prakash" is noted as the oldest currently published Jain magazine.
  • "Jain" is highlighted as the first weekly Jain newspaper, published first in Ahmedabad, then Mumbai, and currently in Bhavnagar.
  • "Jain Shubhechhak" was the first fortnightly, and "Jain Mahila" was the first women's monthly magazine.
  • Prominent names in Jain journalism include Bhagubhai Fatehbhand Karbhari, Devchand Damji Kundalakar, Seth Kuvarji Anandji Kapadia, Vadiyalal Motilal Shah, Parmanandbhai Kapadia, Gulabchandbhai Seth, Dhirajlal Tokershi Shah, "Jaybhikhu," and Ratilal Dipchand Desai.
  • The statistical data indicates that after Hindi, Gujarati has the highest number of Jain periodicals, published from various cities and towns.
  • Magazines like "Jain Yug" and "Jain Sahitya Sanshodhak" have contributed to research in Jain literature and arts.

• Institutional Contributions:

  • Several series have played a vital role in the dissemination and propagation of Jain literature, including the "Murti Devi Granthamala."
  • Systematic research and editing of Agama-like texts like Prakhandagama, Jayadhavala, and Mahadhavala were done in Solapur.
  • The Jivraj Gautam Granthamala under Dr. A.N. Upadhye's guidance published notable Digambar texts.
  • The Bharatiya Jnanpith award of one lakh rupees is seen as a symbol of the Jain community's devotion to knowledge and generosity.
  • Publications like "Jain Art and Architecture" by Ghosh are considered significant.
  • Illustrated works like "Shraman Bhagwan Mahavir" and "Tirth Darshan" are also mentioned.

• Organizational Efforts:

  • Institutions in Bhavnagar (Yashovijay Granthamala, Atmanand Sabha, and Jain Dharma Prasarak Sabha) and Mumbai (Jivdaya Mandali) are recognized for their work.
  • The establishment of the Shwetambar Jain Conference in 1901 (Samvat 1958) and its subsequent sessions are noted.
  • The Jain Granthavali, a bibliographical index of Jain literature, published by this conference, is significant.
  • The Digambar Jain Mahasabha was founded in 1893.
  • The Jain Youngmen's Association, later renamed Bharat Jain Mahamandal in 1910, was established to unite Jain communities across India.
  • The Mahavir Jain Vidyalaya, founded under the inspiration of Acharya Shri Vijayvallabhsuriji, has been instrumental in providing religious and higher education to new generations. Its branches are spread across several cities, and it has also undertaken major publication projects like the Jain Agama Granthamala.

• Temple Restoration and Construction:

  • The book mentions the construction of new temples and the restoration of ancient ones across Gujarat and other regions.
  • The 2500th Nirvana Mahotsava of Lord Mahavir was celebrated nationally.
  • The installation of large Bahubali statues in Ghatkopar and Gujarat is noted.
  • The renovation of important pilgrimage sites like Ranapur, Abu, Taranga, Junagadh, and Shatrunjaya is highlighted, with Shri Kasturbhai Lalbhai's artistic vision being recognized in many of these projects.
  • The Anandji Kalyanji Pedhi is praised for its excellent management and restoration of pilgrimage sites.
  • The establishment of Agama Mandiras in Palitana and other places is mentioned.
  • The construction of approximately 75 derasaras (temples) in Gujarat during this period is noted.
  • The author also acknowledges the unfortunate disputes and conflicts within Jain communities regarding pilgrimage sites and dates.

• Reforms and Movements:

  • The Sadhri Sammelan of the Sthanakvasi Shraman Sangh in 1951 (Samvat 2008) decided to have a single Acharya, with Acharya Atmaramji being the first.
  • The Shvetambar Sangh Munisammelan in Ahmedabad in 1934 brought together many monks, and a "patt" (declaration) was issued.
  • The Akhil Bharatiya Jain Shvetambar Murti Pujak Shramanopasak Sammelan in Ahmedabad in 1963 aimed to address laxity in monastic discipline but did not achieve its goals.
  • Acharya Tulsi established Jain Vishvabharati in Ladnun, which is dedicated to education and the propagation of Agamas.
  • The Virayatan institution in Rajgriha, established under the guidance of Upadhyay Amarchandji Maharaj, is praised for its work in education, service, meditation, literature, and scriptural studies.
  • The contributions of Shri Chimanlal Chakubhai Khimchand Maganlal and Durlabhji Khetani to the Sthanakvasi Sangh are mentioned.
  • The foreign travels of Shri Sushil Muni and Shri Chitrabhanu Maharaj led to significant debates within their respective factions.

• The Legacy of Great Souls:

  • The book highlights the significant contributions of Jain shreshthis (merchants/philanthropists) beyond religious activities, extending to broader social welfare.
  • The history of the Anandji Kalyanji Pedhi's relationship with the Palitana state, including agreements and the significant boycott of Shatrunjaya pilgrimage due to the Political Agent's harsh stance, is detailed. The eventual resolution through Viceroy Lord Irwin's intervention and a new agreement is presented as a remarkable event.
  • Prominent figures like Motisha Seth, Narshi Keshavji Nayak, Premabhai Seth, Narshi Natha, Premchand Raichand, Hathibhai Seth, Mayabhai Premabhai, Kasturbhai Manibhai, Ambalal Sarabhai, Mansukhbhai Bhagubhai Seth, Lalbhai Seth, and Kasturbhai Lalbhai are recognized for their philanthropic and societal contributions.
  • Shri Kasturbhai Lalbhai's extensive work in managing the Anandji Kalyanji Pedhi, temple restoration, establishing the LD Bharatiya Sanskriti Vidyamandir, and promoting education is emphasized. Women like Harkor Sethani and Ujam Phui also managed significant affairs successfully.
  • Bhimshi (Bhimsinh) Mane planned to publish the four volumes of "Prakaran Ratnakar" and published Suryagadanga and other Agamas, along with the eight-volume "Jain Katha Ratnakosh."
  • The "Paryushan Vyakhyanmala" is seen as an indicator of new intellectual discourse during the Paryushan festival.

• Transformative Events:

  • Shri Raychandbhai (Shrimad Rajchandra) is identified as a transformative figure. A talented poet and a "shatavadhani" (one with extraordinary memory), his spiritual quest and practical wisdom were highly influential. He had a profound impact on Mahatma Gandhi's spiritual journey, with Gandhi stating that he found in Hinduism what he sought, largely due to Raychandbhai's guidance. Shrimad Rajchandra is now honored with ashrams across various locations.
  • The second major change is attributed to Shri Kanji Swami, who in 1934, renounced the Sthanakvasi sect and founded an independent sect that eventually evolved into the Digambar tradition. His emphasis on Nishchaynaya (ultimate truth) and his adherence to the teachings of Kundakundacharya are highlighted.
  • The third significant event is the transformation of the Terapanth under Acharya Shri Tulsi. His reforms in traditional beliefs and practices, his emphasis on active knowledge acquisition, and his nurturing of scholars like Yuvacharya Mahapragya (formerly Muni Nathmalji) are recognized as exemplary. Acharya Tulsi is credited with bringing about a "complete overhaul" of the Terapanth, not by breaking away but by reforming it from within.

• Concluding Thoughts and Future Needs:

  • The author observes that while there has been a flow of donations towards temples and festivals, the fields of education and social welfare have not received as much attention. The spirit of public service needs further development.
  • A significant amount of Jain literature remains to be studied, researched, and published.
  • The decline in the study of the Prakrit language is a cause for concern.
  • Despite the preachings of Anekanta, disputes over pilgrimage sites and dates continue, fostering narrow-mindedness and fanaticism.
  • There is a growing hunger among the younger generation to understand the fundamental principles of Jainism and to test its truths in the context of the modern world.

• Relevance in the Modern World:

  • In a rapidly changing world where nations are coming closer, facing the threat of annihilation due to power, greed, and ego, humanity is seeking spiritual values for universal upliftment.
  • The Jain ideals of non-violence (ahimsa), self-control (sanyam), austerity (tapas), Anekanta perspective, universal friendship (vishwamaitri), and absolute tolerance (paramat sahishnuta) can guide modern humans towards universal love and peace. The author concludes that these ideals hold profound significance for the present and all times.

The book, therefore, provides a comprehensive historical account of the intellectual, academic, journalistic, institutional, and reformist movements within Jainism over the last century, highlighting key personalities and their enduring contributions.