Hemchandra Acharya

Here is a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text about Acharya Hemchandra:

The text is from the book "Hemchandra Acharya" published by the JAINA Education Committee. This document, intended for private and personal use, details the life and achievements of the renowned Jain scholar and ascetic, Acharya Hemchandra.

Early Life and Renunciation: Acharya Hemchandra was born in 1088 CE in Dhandhuka, Gujarat, to parents Chaching and Pahini, who belonged to the Modh Vanik community. Before his birth, Pahini had a dream that she would give birth to a son who would achieve great fame in the spiritual world. Acharya Devsuriji, who was in Dhandhuka at the time, interpreted the dream and predicted a spiritually significant son.

Later, Acharya Devsuriji met Pahini and her intelligent son, Changdev. Recognizing the boy's immense potential, Devsuriji requested Pahini to allow Changdev to join the monastic order, stating that he would become a great propagator of the Jain faith. Though initially hesitant, Pahini was convinced by Devsuriji's explanation that her son would become a great saint and bring further glory to Jainism, emphasizing the need to sacrifice personal affection for the greater good of society. Pahini eventually agreed and handed over her son, who was then initiated and renamed Somchandra.

Ascension to Acharya and Influence: Somchandra was exceptionally intelligent and quickly mastered various subjects, including philosophy, logic, jurisprudence, and grammar. He also cultivated virtues like tolerance, purity, simplicity, impeccable character, and nobility. At the young age of twenty-one, Acharya Devsuriji conferred the title of Acharya upon Somchandra, renaming him Hemchandra Acharya.

Under the patronage of King Siddharaja of Gujarat, Acharya Hemchandra established high moral and cultural values among the people. After Siddharaja's demise, Kumarpala ascended the throne, and a strong guru-disciple relationship was forged between him and Acharya Hemchandra. Acharya Hemchandra had accurately predicted Kumarpala's future reign seven years prior and had even saved his life on one occasion. This led Kumarpala to consider him his guru and hold him in high esteem. Kumarpala followed Acharya Hemchandra's counsel, and Gujarat rapidly transformed into a significant center of non-violence, education, and culture.

Overcoming Opposition and Promoting Inclusivity: Acharya Hemchandra never worried about his personal development or future; his sole concern was the welfare of the people. Some Brahmins, envious of his influence over the king and seeking to undermine Jainism and Hemchandra himself, accused him of arrogance and disrespect towards Hindu deities. To prove them wrong, they urged King Kumarpala to summon Acharya Hemchandra to a Shiva temple, confident that he would refuse or fail to show reverence.

However, Acharya Hemchandra readily accepted the king's invitation to the Shiva temple. To the Brahmins' surprise, Acharya Hemchandra bowed to Lord Shiva and recited a verse acknowledging the supreme being who destroys attachment and aversion, the source of the cycle of birth and death, stating, "Whether it be Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva, or Jina." This act demonstrated that he revered the qualities of the supreme being in any religion. The text emphasizes that Jainism does not claim superiority over other religions but advocates for peaceful coexistence.

Impact on Society and Legacy: Under Acharya Hemchandra's influence, King Kumarpala embraced Jainism, prohibiting violence and the slaughter of animals. Many Jain principles were implemented, and the practice of vegetarianism was encouraged for all citizens of Gujarat, not just Jains.

Acharya Hemchandra was a prolific writer, composing many literary works. He was the first to implement non-violence at a state level and played a crucial role in unifying Gujarat. He was also a yogi in the field of spirituality, and his book on yoga, "Yogashastra," is highly regarded. He was known as "Kalikal Sarvagya," meaning an omniscient scholar of the current dark age.

Acharya Hemchandra passed away in 1173 CE at the age of 84. His influence and literary contributions to Jainism have ensured that the Jain community and Gujarat will always prosper. The text highlights the commendable sacrifice of his son for the sake of Jainism, calling it a great gift to the religion. The adoption of Jainism by King Kumarpala, influenced by Acharya Hemchandra, led to the promotion of vegetarianism and the observance of non-violence throughout Gujarat. Acharya Hemchandra's countless pure literary compositions are considered a precious treasure, and reading them is presented as a way to honor him.