Heervijay Suri

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Heervijay Suri" by Dhanvant Oza, focusing on the content about the life and influence of Acharya Hirvijay Suri:

Overview of the Book "Heervijay Suri" by Dhanvant Oza:

This book, published by Ravani Prakashan Gruh in 1963, is part of a biographical series. It focuses on the life and legacy of Acharya Hirvijay Suri, a significant figure in Jainism, particularly in Gujarat. The author, Dhanvant Oza, aims to present a detailed account of Hirvijay Suri's influence on Jainism, Gujarati culture, and even the Mughal Empire, most notably Emperor Akbar.

Key Aspects of Acharya Hirvijay Suri's Life and Influence:

• Jain Tradition in Gujarat: The book begins by highlighting the profound and enduring impact of the Jain tradition on Gujarat's culture and identity. It mentions historical figures like Siddhasen Divakar and Hemchandracharya as examples of the significant contributions of Jain monks to the region's intellectual and cultural development. The text notes that Gujarati literature, including its poetic forms (deshi and dhalos), owes a debt to medieval Jain poets.

• The Significance of "Prabhavak": The term "Prabhavak" (influential) is identified as a significant descriptor within Jain terminology, and it is applied to Hirvijay Suri. This signifies his immense impact and widespread respect.

• Early Life and Renunciation:

  • Hirvijay Suri was born in Palanpur in 1583 Vikram Samvat (1526 CE) as Hirji to Vanik Kunvarji and Nathibai.
  • He was orphaned at the age of thirteen.
  • His sister lived in Patan, and during his frequent visits, he was exposed to the teachings of learned Jain monks.
  • A monk named Vijaydan Suri of the Tapgachha greatly influenced Hirji, instilling in him a sense of detachment from worldly life.
  • Despite his family's reluctance, Hirji renounced the world at the age of sixteen (1596 Vikram Samvat) and received initiation from Vijaydan Suri, becoming known as Hirharsh. The text includes a detailed poetic description of this event.

• Scholarly Pursuits and Ascendancy:

  • After initiation, Hirharsh pursued rigorous studies under his guru. He first studied literature and then, with his guru's permission, traveled to Devagiri in the South to study logic.
  • He gained expertise in various philosophical schools, logic, grammar, and astrology.
  • In 1607 Vikram Samvat (1550 CE), he was granted the title of "Pandit" (scholar).
  • In 1608 Vikram Samvat (1551 CE), he received the title of "Vachak Upadhyay."
  • In 1610 Vikram Samvat (1553 CE), he was appointed as an Acharya (spiritual head) in Shihori, an event marked by a grand celebration.

• Challenges and Persecutions:

  • The text mentions that Hirji's initiation at the young age of eight led to false accusations.
  • Later, during a famine in Patan, a rival monk accused Hirvijay Suri of causing the famine by "binding the rains." This led to him being pursued by the governor's soldiers and forced into hiding for three months.
  • He faced such difficulties for several years.

• Leadership of the Tapgachha and Travel:

  • In 1621 Vikram Samvat (1564 CE), upon the demise of his guru Vijaydan Suri, Hirvijay Suri became the Acharya of the Tapgachha.
  • He subsequently traveled extensively throughout Gujarat and Rajasthan.

• Encounter with Emperor Akbar:

  • The book dedicates significant attention to Hirvijay Suri's interactions with Emperor Akbar.
  • Akbar, during his reign, sought to unify his empire by understanding and integrating different religious and philosophical traditions. He invited scholars and religious leaders to his court.
  • Upon being asked about prominent ascetics who preached sinless practices, a courtier recommended Hirvijay Suri.
  • The text recounts an incident where Akbar witnessed a grand procession for a woman, Champa Bai (mother of a courtier, Sthan Singh), who had undertaken a six-month fast. When asked about the secret, Champa Bai attributed it to the grace of her Guru, Hirvijay Suri. This led Akbar to summon Hirvijay Suri.
  • Akbar was deeply impressed by Hirvijay Suri's asceticism, his simple lifestyle (walking from Gandhar to Fatehpur Sikri, eating one meal a day, sleeping on the ground), and his adherence to vows.
  • During their discussions, Hirvijay Suri explained Jain principles to Akbar, which had a profound impact on the emperor.
  • Akbar bestowed the title of "Jagatguru" (Guru of the World) upon Hirvijay Suri.
  • Influenced by Hirvijay Suri, Akbar issued decrees prohibiting violence in his empire, particularly on festival days. These decrees led to periods of six months and six days of no animal slaughter in a year.
  • Akbar also granted tax exemptions and waived the pilgrim tax (Mundakavero) on Shatrunjay and the Jizya tax.
  • Akbar's appreciation for Hirvijay Suri is further evident in his establishment of a vast library in his name and his repeated invitations to him.

• Hirvijay Suri's Teachings and Philosophy:

  • The book highlights Hirvijay Suri's unique approach to explaining Jain philosophy. He emphasized the importance of verifying and accepting one's "Deva" (God), "Guru" (Teacher), and "Dharma" (Religion) for a fearless life, drawing an analogy to building a strong house with a solid foundation, walls, and support.
  • He addressed the issue of religious disputes, attributing them to differing concepts of God. He listed numerous names for the divine, asserting that the disagreement was merely in the names, not in the underlying qualities.
  • He defined God as one who is free from passions (raag, dwesh, moh), eternal, omniscient, and has attained liberation. He emphasized that such a being does not need to be reborn.
  • He defined a "Guru" as one who follows the five Mahavratas (non-violence, truth, non-stealing, chastity, and non-possession), lives by alms, remains in equanimity, and teaches this path. He stressed the importance of renouncing women's company and attachment (murchha) for spiritual leaders.
  • He clarified that while he may not perfectly adhere to all these ideals, he strives to follow them to the best of his ability, considering time, place, and circumstances.
  • Regarding "Dharma," he stated that true religion leads to purity of heart and mind, not to conflict. It is about detachment from worldly pleasures.

• Legacy and Recognition:

  • Hirvijay Suri's influence extended beyond his lifetime, shaping the future of Gujarat and India.
  • The book mentions various works that document his life, such as "Hirasoubhagya Kavya," "Hirvijaysuriraso," and "Jagadguru Kavya."
  • Historians like Professor K.M. Munshi and Mohanlal Dalichand Desai have recognized his importance.
  • Abul Fazl, a prominent scholar in Akbar's court, included Hirvijay Suri's name among the foremost scholars in his "Ain-i-Akbari."
  • The text notes the discovery of inscriptions in Saurashtra that shed light on his life.
  • Hirvijay Suri's disciples, such as Vijayasen Suri and Bhanuchandra Upadhyay, continued his work and maintained influence in Akbar's court after his departure.
  • His death occurred in Una in 1595 CE (1652 Vikram Samvat). His funeral was a grand affair with thousands of followers.
  • Akbar expressed grief at his passing and donated land for a memorial, which became known as Shahbag and features a Jain temple and a tomb with his footprints.
  • The text concludes by quoting Akbar's words, as recorded by Rishabhdas in "Hirvijaysuriraso," highlighting Hirvijay Suri's service to the world and his exemplary life.

In essence, "Heervijay Suri" by Dhanvant Oza presents Acharya Hirvijay Suri as a highly influential Jain spiritual leader, scholar, and a pivotal figure in the cultural and religious landscape of 16th-century India, whose wisdom and compassionate approach left a lasting impact on society and even a mighty emperor.