Hemchandracharya Smaranika

This document is a "Smaranika" (souvenir or commemorative volume) published on the occasion of honoring two prominent scholars, Pandit Dalsukh Malvania and Dr. Harivallabh Bhayani, with the "Shri Hemchandracharya Chandrak" (Hemchandracharya Medal). The event was organized by the Kalikal Sarvagya Shri Hemchandracharya Navam Janmashatabdi Smruti Sanskar Shikshannidhi, Ahmedabad, and took place on October 17, 1993.

Here's a comprehensive summary of the content:

1. Introduction and Purpose:

• The Smaranika begins by emphasizing the Jain principle of "Gunanurag" (love for virtues) and the importance of appreciating virtuous individuals.
• It states that the organizing trust was inspired by this principle to honor two distinguished scholars of their time.
• The publication of this Smaranika is presented as a way to commemorate the honoring ceremony and the contributions of these scholars.

2. The Trust and Its Objectives:

• The "Kalikal Sarvagya Shri Hemchandracharya Navam Janmashatabdi Smruti Sanskar Shikshannidhi" was established to commemorate the 900th birth anniversary of Acharya Hemchandracharya in 1988 (V.S. 2045).
• The trust's primary goals include:
  • Studying, researching, editing, publishing, and reprinting ancient literature.
  • Awarding prizes and honors to researchers, scholars, and writers for their contributions to ancient literature and the creation of beneficial literature.
  • Providing scholarships to those engaged in the study, teaching, research, creation, and editing of ancient and modern literature.
  • Publishing and reprinting works by researchers and scholars, and providing grants for the same.
  • Encouraging students with exceptional academic talent through prizes and scholarships.
  • Awarding prizes to young individuals (10-16 years old) for social service and acts of bravery.
  • Honoring distinguished individuals who contribute to culture and societal well-being, and providing them financial assistance.
  • Preserving ancient literature and art, and supporting institutions that do so.
  • Providing grants to institutions engaged in study, teaching, research, and publication.
  • Establishing memorials in memory of individuals who have rendered exceptional service to culture and society.
  • Organizing lectures, lecture series, and seminars, and publishing literary and research journals.
  • Ensuring that all these activities are associated with the name of Acharya Hemchandracharya.

3. A Brief Biography of Acharya Hemchandracharya:

• The document provides a concise biography of the renowned Jain scholar Acharya Hemchandracharya, who lived in the 12th century.
• Key highlights include:
  • Birth in Dandhuka in V.S. 1145 (1088 AD).
  • Initiation into monkhood at the age of nine and given the name Somchandra Muni.
  • Appointed as an Acharya named Hemchandrasuri at the age of 21 in V.S. 1166.
  • Gained respect not only among Jains but also in general society and the royal court of Gujarat's King Jayasimha Siddharaja.
  • Authored numerous works, including the influential grammar "Siddha-Hema Shabdanushasana," along with other grammatical, poetic, lexicographical, and logical texts. These works greatly enriched Gujarat's intellectual landscape.
  • King Siddharaja became his devoted follower, and his successor, King Kumarpala, became his disciple.
  • Under Hemchandracharya's guidance, King Kumarpala implemented social reforms, banned the consumption of alcohol, prohibited violence, and stopped the practice of confiscating property from childless widows, among other benevolent acts.
  • The decline of practices like animal sacrifice, meat consumption, and alcohol consumption in Gujarat and Rajasthan is attributed to Hemchandracharya's teachings and King Kumarpala's piety.
  • Upon Hemchandracharya's death, the Shaivite royal priest Someshwar Deva lamented that "Wisdom has become orphaned after the demise of Shri Hemchandra."
  • The document concludes this section with an awe-inspiring quote from Muni Shri Punyavijayji, highlighting Hemchandracharya's unparalleled qualities and justifying his title of "Kalikal Sarvagya" (Omniscient of the Age).

4. Trust Activities:

• Publications: Lists various books published by the trust, including works related to Hemchandracharya's literature and studies by scholars like Pandit Sukhlalji and Dr. Harivallabh Bhayani.
• Award Activities: Mentions recipients of the "Chandrak" award in various years, including Pandit Dalsukh Malvania and Dr. Harivallabh Bhayani in V.S. 2049 (1993 AD).
• Seminar Activities: Notes the organization of seminars like "Shri Hemchandracharya: Life and Literature" and "Haima Sahitya Sangoshthi."

5. Prayers and Stutis:

• Includes a "Shri Hemchandracharya-Stuti" composed by Muni Shri Chaturvijayji.
• Also features a "Kalikal Sarvagya Vandana" by Pandit Shilachandra Vijay Gani, praising Hemchandracharya's language and teachings.

6. "Trivishti-gat Hem-Sukta" (Wise Sayings of Hemchandracharya):

• This section presents a collection of wise sayings (sūktis) compiled from Hemchandracharya's major work, the "Triṣaṣṭiśalākāpuruṣacarita" (Lives of the Sixty-three Illustrious People).
• These sayings are categorized into five "Parvas" (sections) and cover a wide range of topics, offering moral, ethical, and practical advice.
• The compiler, Muni Shri Shilachandra Vijayji, selected approximately 150 such sayings.
• The text emphasizes that these sayings are drawn from everyday life, nature, and human behavior, serving as lessons and guidance. They are presented with brief explanations in Gujarati.

7. Articles on the Honored Scholars:

• Pandit Dalsukh Malvania:

  • This section is a biographical tribute to Pandit Dalsukh Malvania, highlighting his exceptional scholarship and character.
  • It details his difficult childhood, marked by poverty and orphanhood, yet his relentless pursuit of knowledge across various institutions.
  • His intellectual journey, mentorship under Pandit Sukhlalji, and his significant contributions to the study of Jain Agamas, Buddhist, and Vedic philosophies are discussed.
  • His role as Director of the Lalbhai Dalpatbhai Institute of Indology and his international recognition, including an invitation to teach at the University of Toronto, are mentioned.
  • His prolific scholarly output, including critical editions and translations of philosophical and literary works, is elaborated upon.
  • The article underscores his commitment to a balanced approach, advocating for "samanya" (comprehensiveness) and "samanya" (harmony) of all philosophical views, defining him as a true "anekantavadi" (one who holds multiple viewpoints).
  • His extensive published works in Hindi, Gujarati, and English are listed.
  • A chronological overview of his life and academic career is provided, marking his significant achievements and awards, including the "Padma Bhushan."

• Dr. Harivallabh Bhayani:

  • This section is a tribute to Dr. Harivallabh Bhayani, describing him as a "Vidyatirtha" (temple of learning).
  • It chronicles his academic brilliance, starting from his early studies in Sanskrit and Ardhamagadhi, and his doctoral research on the Apabhramsha epic "Paumchariya."
  • His deep engagement with Prakrit, Apabhramsha, and Old Gujarati literature, establishing him as a leading scholar in these fields, is highlighted.
  • His expertise extended to linguistics, philology, and literary criticism, covering various branches of linguistics and aesthetics.
  • The article touches upon his upbringing in a family with both Jain and Vaishnav traditions, his appreciation for medieval literature and folk traditions, and his ability to bridge ancient heritage with modern thought.
  • His open-mindedness, receptiveness to new ideas from both India and abroad, and his broad intellectual curiosity that extends beyond his academic fields are praised.
  • His generous nature in sharing his knowledge and supporting aspiring scholars is emphasized, even if it sometimes leads to compromises in scholarly rigor for the sake of practicality.
  • His aversion to conflict and his inclination towards compromise are noted as traits that have kept him out of controversies and fostered wide acceptance, enabling him to promote numerous academic activities.
  • His intellectual debates, though sometimes intense, are portrayed as born from a passion for knowledge.
  • The article concludes by calling him an "akhand vidyupasak" (uninterrupted worshipper of knowledge) and appreciating his ability to make intellectual discourse enjoyable.
  • His published works in Sanskrit, Prakrit, Apabhramsha, and Old Gujarati, as well as his contributions to linguistics and grammar, are listed.

In essence, this "Smaranika" serves as a tribute to the enduring legacy of Acharya Hemchandracharya and a celebration of the scholarly contributions of Pandit Dalsukh Malvania and Dr. Harivallabh Bhayani, who embodied the principles of knowledge, dedication, and the appreciation of virtues.