Great Sympathizer Shri Motilal Kapadia

Here is a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text about Shri Motilal Kapadia:

Great Sympathizer Shri Motilal Kapadia: A Life Dedicated to Jain Community and Literature

The text details the remarkable life and contributions of Shri Motilal Kapadia, a prominent figure in the Jain community, born on December 7th, 1879, in Bhavnagar, Gujarat. He dedicated his entire life to the upliftment and development of the Jain community.

Early Life and Education: Shri Motilal Kapadia pursued his education up to a B.A. degree in Bhavnagar before moving to Mumbai to study law. He qualified as a solicitor in 1910 and established a firm named "Motichand and Devidas." He was deeply inspired by his uncle, Shri Kunvarji Kapadia, and developed a profound interest in the study of Jain scriptures.

Social and National Contributions: Shri Kapadia was highly respected as a solicitor and was beloved by his colleagues. He actively participated in public life, contributing generously to various Jain community initiatives. He is particularly remembered for his instrumental role in the establishment and development of the Shri Mahavir Jain Vidyalaya and the Shri Jain Shwetambar Moortipujak Conference.

• Shri Mahavir Jain Vidyalaya: Founded in 1916 AD in Mumbai to provide residential accommodation for Jain students, Shri Kapadia served as its secretary from its inception. He personally collected funds by going door-to-door for its development and dedicated approximately 34 years to its growth, which now boasts many branches across India.
• Shri Jain Shwetambar Moortipujak Conference: He worked diligently, overcoming numerous challenges, to establish and sustain this conference, holding deep affection for it and playing a significant role in its progress.

Shri Kapadia was a progressive thinker, adapting his approach with changing times while maintaining unwavering faith in Jainism. He emphasized cooperation and compromise in resolving disputes and prioritized concrete action over prolonged deliberation. Known for his affable nature, he worked with affection across different religions and social groups, showing care for the elderly and embracing collaboration with new individuals. His support extended to all good causes, irrespective of caste, creed, community, religion, or region, with his public activities consistently aimed at the betterment of the common people.

Literary Pursuits and Thirst for Knowledge: Beyond his social and religious endeavors, Shri Kapadia was an avid reader and prolific writer. His reading interests were broad, with a special focus on Jain literature and various periodicals. He began writing in his student days, contributing articles to "Jain Dharm Prakash" and subsequently publishing numerous books that were well-received.

His writings often featured critical analyses of the works of renowned Jain Acharyas, presented in simple and accessible language, making philosophical concepts understandable. He was deeply drawn to spiritual books, writing extensively to foster detachment from worldly affairs.

Notable among his literary works are:

• His first critical book, published in 1909, was on "Adhyatma KalpaDrum" by Shri Mooni Sunder Soori, which garnered widespread acclaim.
• The first part of "AnandGhan Padya Ratnavali," offering detailed criticism and discussion on Shri AnandGhanji's poems.
• A three-part translation of the Sanskrit classic "Upamiti Bhav Prapanch Katha" by Jain Muni Shri Siddharshi Gani, including historical and spiritual insights into the author's life and works.
• An appreciated commentary on the poetic epic "ShantSudha Ras."
• A translation and publication of the biography of Shrimad Hemchandracharya by Dr. Bullar.
• Other significant works include "Jain outlook on Yoga," "A Jain of the present age," "Yashodhar a character," "Life and works of Sheth Motisha," and "Much gone, little remains."
• He meticulously wrote a detailed commentary on the scripture "Prashamarati" over two and a half years, from August 1948 until his death.
• He completed his commentary on the remaining poems of "Anand Ghan Padya Ratnavali" and a "Chovisi."
• He embarked on a monumental project to compile all poems, devotional songs, prayers, and writings related to Lord Mahavir into a 25-part collection, completing the first part on Lord Mahavir's past lives and beginning the second part shortly before his passing. A significant volume of his literary work remains unpublished.

Literary Style: Shri Kapadia's writing style was characterized by its accessibility, aimed at reaching ordinary people, including those with limited formal education. He believed in the efficacy of repetition in spiritual literature to convey profound ideas to the common man. He employed simple language, illustrative examples, and a poetic tone to explain complex subjects.

Special Qualities and Culture: A man of immense optimism, Shri Kapadia always harbored hope for a bright future and inspired others to work diligently through challenging circumstances. He communicated with kindness and empathy, never speaking harshly. He found joy in serving others and offered help to the best of his ability. While deeply devoted to Jainism, he held respect for all other sects and religions. He was perpetually active and tireless, even recovering from a serious illness at the age of 69. He was committed to completing tasks, working with total devotion, diligence, and sincerity for any institution he served. He readily accepted new ideas and followed others with interest, never hesitating to learn from anyone. His life was a blend of outward activities and inward spiritual pursuits, managing multiple institutions while simultaneously engaging in literary work. His life is presented as a shining example, worth emulating and inspiring, leaving behind a legacy of immortal works that continue to provide all-round inspiration.