Guru Gopaldasji Baraiya

Here is a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text about Guru Gopaldasji Baraiya:

The text introduces Pandit Gopaldasji Baraiya as a pivotal figure in the Jain community, comparable to influential leaders in other religious and social groups. It highlights that the Jain community was in a state of "darkness" before his arrival, while other religions were experiencing growth. The author suggests that the spiritual energies of ancient Jain scholars like Akalankdeva and Samantabhadra guided Gopaldasji to revive Jainism.

Birth, Childhood, and Education: Born in Agra in 1867, Gopaldasji lost his father at a young age, limiting his formal schooling to the seventh standard. Initially, he had little interest in religion. However, at 19, while working for the railway in Ajmer, he encountered the learned Jain gentleman Pandit Mohanlal. This contact ignited his interest in Jainism, leading him to study Jain scriptures. He later left his railway job to work for Ray Bahadur Sheth Moolchandji, supervising construction. During this period in Ajmer, he dedicated six to seven years to diligent study, mastering Sanskrit grammar (Laghu Kaumudi), Jain grammar, logic, and principles of justice (Nyay Dipika). He then progressed to studying Gommatsar with the guidance of Pandits Mathurdasji and Vaijnathji. He furthered his education in Bombay at a religious school under Pandit Jivram Lallooram Shastri and studied other Jain texts with Pandit Baldevdasji.

Pilgrimage and Residence in Bombay: In 1892, Gopaldasji accompanied Sheth Moolchandji on a pilgrimage. Upon returning, he settled in Mumbai, finding it a good place for earning a livelihood. He secured employment with a European company, with his salary increasing. Tragically, his mother passed away, and he returned to his hometown without leave, leading to his temporary dismissal from service, though he was reinstated due to his good record. After 1895, he worked as a commission agent in jewelry, but found it difficult to maintain honesty, leading him to switch to brokering commodities like cotton and silver. Later, he worked as a commission agent in Morena. While he briefly tried independent ventures, he eventually accepted service primarily to support his family, dedicating himself to societal service without prioritizing personal comfort, financial security, or prestige. He was elected president of the South Maharashtra Sabha in V.S. 1913 and passed away peacefully in V.S. 1918 due to overexertion.

Public Life and Works: Pandit Gopaldasji Baraiya was a leading figure in the Jain community, initiating his public life in Mumbai. He established the Digambar Jain Samaj in 14 (likely a misprint and referring to a number of community members or a specific year) with Pandit Dhannalalji's assistance. In 1897, he founded the Bharat Varshiya Digambar Jain Parikshalaya (Examination Board of India), overseeing its administration. He also launched the periodical "Jain Mitra" in 1956, which became a significant achievement. He established a Jain school in Kundalpur, known as Jain Siddhanta Vidyalaya, which produced many learned scholars who further disseminated Jain teachings. His societal contributions were recognized by the government, appointing him Honorary Magistrate of Morena. He received titles such as "Syadvad Varidhi" from the Bombay Provincial Council, "Vadi Gaj Kesri" from the Jain Tattva Prakashini Sabha of Itava, and "Nyaya Vachaspati" from the Government Sanskrit College of Calcutta, all acknowledging his extensive knowledge and powerful oratory. His lectures were profound, comprehensible only to highly learned individuals, and he was skilled in religious discussions, though he avoided debates with Sanskrit scholars due to his less systematic Sanskrit knowledge.

Contribution in Literature: Despite limited formal schooling, Gopaldasji was a self-taught scholar, deeply knowledgeable across various subjects. He authored three significant books:

1. Jain Siddhanta Darpan: Though only one part is mentioned, its completion would have made it a seminal work.
2. Sushila Upanyas: A guidebook that delves deeply into serious Jain principles, considered a noteworthy work of its time.
3. Jain Siddhanta Praveshika: This is highlighted as his most exceptional contribution. Written in simple language, it makes complex Jain doctrines accessible to even the less learned, serving as a valuable pocket guide to Jainism.

The text also includes some of his guiding principles for followers:

• Be fearless to be a true Anuvrati (follower of Jain principles).
• Independence in livelihood fosters fearlessness.
• Strict adherence to Anuvrat is necessary for success in business while discussing religion.
• Self-imposed limitations, derived from duties and responsibilities, are key to following Anuvrat.
• View duties as rights and strive to be rightful, avoiding demands.

Individual Character: Panditji was a man of impeccable character, abstaining from addictions and adhering strictly to pure food and drink, often seen as orthodox. His attire was simple, belied by his profound knowledge. He did not earn money through religious services, only accepting travel expenses. He spoke and acted on his convictions, unswayed by wealth or status, which sometimes led to his being shunned by influential individuals. He was selfless, always ready to assist others, and found satisfaction in his own spiritual pursuits. His tireless dedication to Jain literature, principles, and religion often extended late into the night, disregarding his health. He bore the burden of managing Jain schools and institutions with a peaceful, thoughtful, and responsible demeanor. He enjoyed solitude, possessed a vast memory, and was known for his kindness and love for the Hindi language.

Important Events of His Life: Two incidents highlight his commitment to truth and ethical conduct. In one instance, while accompanying his employer, Sheth Ray Bahadur, on a pilgrimage, he was reprimanded for paying luggage charges, despite his significant scholarly role. He ultimately resigned from this service due to the employer's dishonest practices. In another event, upon discovering that his servant had not purchased a railway ticket for his young child, Gopaldasji insisted on paying the fare to the stationmaster, refusing to accept the argument that such rules were often overlooked, demonstrating his simple, plain-hearted, and unwavering adherence to Jain vows, particularly the vow against theft and cheating.

Family Life: His family life was reportedly unhappy. Married at 19, he had three children (one son died shortly after birth), but his wife was uncooperative and prone to conflict, failing to support his endeavors. The text draws a parallel between his wife and the wife of Socrates.

Conclusion: The text concludes by reiterating that although outwardly ordinary, Pandit Gopaldasji Baraiya was an extraordinary individual who revitalized Jainism. He spent approximately 25 years traveling extensively across various regions of India, actively participating in religious discussions, social institutions, idol installations, and societal upliftment. His dedication and services deeply endeared him to people. The text also names several prominent Jain scholars and leaders who served as inspirations and contemporaries, noting that Gopaldasji was a religious teacher to many influential figures, including Shri Ganesh Prasadji Varni.

High Thinking of Guru Gopaldasji: The text then elaborates on Gopaldasji's profound thoughts on religion, wealth, and education:

• Religion: He believed that disrespecting other religions out of pride for one's own religion is self-defeating. Religion's purpose is worldly happiness. Individuals should test and satisfy themselves before adopting a religion. Labor in religion is fruitful only if the cause is examined. Religion beautifies the soul, earning respect. Religion is an experience, not a commodity bought with money. True happiness is found in detachment from worldly pleasures, exceeding even the happiness of kings.
• Wealth and Charity: He distinguished between those who hoard wealth, waste it, or use it for evil deeds, and those who use it for societal good and religious advancement. Charity should be accompanied by sympathy and goodwill. The charity of knowledge is paramount, offering permanent happiness and salvation, unlike fleeting material gains.
• Education: He advocated for a balanced education, combining religious knowledge with practical skills for self-sufficiency. Societies with individuals who possess both are considered great.
• Human Life Development: He identified knowledge, money, and unity as crucial for personal and social development, while jealousy, false pride, and bad practices are obstacles. Good character (Sanskar) is essential for success and long-term development.
• Subjective Pleasures: He warned that pleasures derived from senses and worldly subjects lead to pain and suffering, equating the pursuit of these pleasures with walking into the jaws of death. The soul's longing for subjective pleasures causes immense pain. True happiness lies in detachment from worldly life and the pursuit of salvation, shunning sensory pleasures for eternal bliss.

In essence, the text portrays Guru Gopaldasji Baraiya as a dedicated scholar, a passionate advocate for Jainism, a moral compass, and a prolific writer who profoundly impacted the Jain community, emphasizing truth, diligence, and spiritual pursuit.