Heervijay Suri - Book Summary | JainGPT

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Shri Hirvijaysuri" by Dhirajlal Tokarshi Shah, based on the provided pages:

This book is a biographical account of Acharya Shri Hirvijaysuri, a prominent Jain monk.

Early Life and Calling:

Shri Hirvijaysuri was born in Palanpur (then called Prahladanpur) in the year 1583 CE (Samvat 1583).
His parents, Kurashah and Nathibai, were devout Vaishya Jains.
From birth, he was exceptional, with his father naming him Hirji due to a radiant aura.
Even as a child, Hirji displayed a deep inclination towards spirituality, questioning the purpose of a lineage without a monk.
He was well-educated and distinguished himself among his peers.
After the passing of his parents, his sisters invited him to Patan.
In Patan, he was greatly influenced by the teachings of Acharya Shri Vijaydansuri and decided to renounce worldly life.

Asceticism and Scholarship:

At the age of 16, he took initiation (diksha) from Acharya Shri Vijaydansuri and was named Harisharsh.
He dedicated himself to intensive study of Jain scriptures, particularly focusing on acquiring mastery in the science of logic (Nyaya Shastra).
To further his studies, he traveled to Daulatabad (Devagiri) in South India with two other monks, Dharmasagarji and Rajvimalji, where they rigorously studied Nyaya Shastra.
As his knowledge grew, so did his humility and grace.
Recognizing his profound intellect, his Guru first conferred upon him the title of Pandit and then Upadhyay.
In 1610 CE (Samvat 1610), he was elevated to the position of Acharya in Shirahi, a grand ceremony marking his prominence. He became known as Shri Hirvijaysuri.
He was later installed as the chief disciple (Pattdhar) in Patan.

Leadership and Challenges:

Upon the passing of his Guru, Shri Hirvijaysuri assumed the responsibility for the entire Jain community.
He traveled extensively, delivering insightful sermons and dispelling ignorance.
He faced numerous hardships, particularly during the Muslim rule in Gujarat.
The book recounts instances where he was unjustly accused. In one instance, he was blamed for a lack of rain and summoned by the Suba (governor) of Ahmedabad, Shihabkhan. He was later released due to the intervention of a respected Seth.
He also faced situations where he was almost apprehended by soldiers but was rescued by brave followers. He endured such difficult situations multiple times.

Influence and Audience with Emperor Akbar:

The book highlights Shri Hirvijaysuri's significant influence during the reign of Emperor Akbar.
Akbar was known for his curiosity about different religions and his practice of holding discussions with scholars from various faiths.
Akbar was amazed to hear about a Shravika (laywoman) named Champa who undertook a rigorous six-month fast.
When inquired about her ability to perform such penance, Champa attributed it to the blessings of her Guru, Shri Hirvijaysuri.
This sparked Akbar's interest, and he summoned a Gujarat Suba to inquire about Shri Hirvijaysuri. The Suba described him as a great ascetic who lived a simple life, abstaining from worldly pleasures.
Akbar's curiosity was further piqued when he witnessed another procession related to the completion of a religious vow.
He requested Champa to visit his court and explain her penance, which she attributed to Shri Hirvijaysuri.
Upon learning that Shri Hirvijaysuri was in Gandhar, Gujarat, Akbar dispatched envoys to the Gujarat Suba with an order to escort the Acharya to Fatehpur Sikri with full royal honors.
The Jain community in Ahmedabad and Agra also presented letters to the Emperor.

Encounter with Emperor Akbar:

Shri Hirvijaysuri, accompanied by his disciples, journeyed to Fatehpur Sikri.
His disciples, including Vimalharsh, went ahead to gauge the Emperor's intentions.
Upon their arrival, Akbar, eager to meet the revered Acharya, warmly welcomed his disciples.
Shri Hirvijaysuri met with Emperor Akbar, accompanied by a retinue of learned disciples.
Akbar expressed his deep admiration and respect for the Acharya, apologizing for any inconvenience and inquiring about the honors bestowed upon him by the Suba.
Shri Hirvijaysuri humbly declined the royal gifts, explaining that they were not in accordance with the principles of asceticism.
He explained his key pilgrimage sites and then delivered profound religious teachings to Akbar, emphasizing the nature of God (formless, eternal, blissful) and the definition of a true Guru (one who adheres to vows and guides others).
The teachings focused on the essence of Dharma as purity of mind and detachment from worldly desires.
Akbar was deeply impressed by Shri Hirvijaysuri's wisdom and offered him his vast library of ancient religious texts. Shri Hirvijaysuri accepted a portion, keeping them open in his name to avoid any sense of possession.

Impact on Akbar and Royal Decrees:

Shri Hirvijaysuri spent the monsoon season in Fatehpur Sikri, observing strict ascetic practices.
During the auspicious Paryushana festival, the Jain community requested Akbar to issue a decree prohibiting violence.
Akbar readily agreed, extending the period of non-violence to twelve days and himself abstaining from meat for six months of the year.
Akbar, deeply influenced by Shri Hirvijaysuri's teachings, considered him his spiritual father.
Shri Hirvijaysuri advised the Emperor on the importance of seeking truth and not remaining content with ignorance.
He also addressed the issue of religious intolerance, explaining that judging other religions from a purely sectarian perspective leads to conflict.
Recognizing his profound wisdom, Akbar conferred upon Shri Hirvijaysuri the title of Jagatguru (World Teacher) in his royal court.
In celebration, Akbar ordered the release of numerous birds and animals, including deer, rabbits, and other creatures.
During his stay, Shri Hirvijaysuri influenced other high-ranking officials, working for the welfare of the Jain community and all living beings.
He secured royal decrees to remove discriminatory taxes (Jayavera) from Gujarat and affirmed the Jain ownership of important pilgrimage sites like Siddhachal, Girnar, Taranga, Abu, Kesariyaji, Rajgriha, and Sametshikhar. He also succeeded in stopping the practice of tonsuring at Siddhachal.

Later Life and Demise:

Facing increasing pressure to return to Gujarat, Shri Hirvijaysuri departed, leaving his learned disciple Shantikchandraji in charge.
He visited various pilgrimage sites and arrived at Sanghaner.
He then proceeded to visit Unta village.
In Samvat 1661, his health deteriorated. He sent for Vijaysensuri, who obtained permission from Emperor Akbar to travel to meet him.
Shri Hirvijaysuri waited for Vijaysensuri, intending to hand over the leadership of the Sangha to him.
Despite his ill health, he recited the Kalpa Sutra during Paryushana.
His strength waned, and he accepted the four types of vows (char sharnano). He bid farewell to his disciples and passed away peacefully while meditating on the Navkar Mantra.
His passing was mourned by the entire community. A grand funeral procession and pyre were arranged, with significant quantities of aromatic materials used.
The Emperor granted 22 bighas of land around the cremation site to the Jain community.

Ascetic Practices and Legacy:

The book details Shri Hirvijaysuri's immense ascetic practices, including numerous fasts (Aththam, Chhath), Ayambil, Nivvi, and Ekasana. He also performed the Vistathanak Aradhana multiple times and engaged in rigorous penance for knowledge.
The author emphasizes his role as a wise, devout, and compassionate Acharya who dedicated his life to the welfare of all living beings.
His legacy includes initiating many into the Jain monastic order and serving as a guide to the Jain faith.
He led a large community of approximately two thousand monks, including many scholars, poets, and ascetics.
Under his guidance, approximately five hundred new Jain temples were built, and fifty were consecrated.
A significant event was his pilgrimage to Siddhachal, undertaken with a massive procession of over two lakh people.
The book concludes by highlighting his deep understanding of Jain principles and his unwavering commitment to spiritual practice and the propagation of the faith.