Himanshuvijayjina Lekho - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Himanshuvijayjina Lekho," based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Himanshuvijayjina Lekho (Essays of Himanshuvijay) Author: Muni Himanshuvijay Editor: Muni Vidyavijay Publisher: Vijavdharmsuri Jain Granthmala, Publication No. 46 Publication Year (approx.): Vikram Samvat 1978 (Veer Samvat 2464, Dharma Samvat 16) Value: 1-8-0

Overview:

"Himanshuvijayjina Lekho" is a collection of essays written by the erudite Jain monk Muni Himanshuvijay, compiled and edited by Muni Vidyavijay. The book is published by Vijavdharmsuri Jain Granthmala. Muni Himanshuvijay was a multifaceted scholar, poet, orator, historian, and writer, known for his profound knowledge of Sanskrit, Prakrit, Gujarati, Hindi, and other languages. He was also highly regarded for his adherence to ascetic principles and his inspiring character.

The book is a compilation of his various writings, categorized into Sanskrit, Hindi, and Gujarati sections, covering a wide range of topics related to Jain philosophy, history, literature, culture, and education. It serves as a memorial to Muni Himanshuvijay, whose untimely demise at a young age left a void in the Jain scholarly community.

Key Themes and Content:

The book is structured to present the diverse intellectual contributions of Muni Himanshuvijay. The Table of Contents (Anukramanika) reveals a rich and varied selection of topics:

Sanskrit - Prakrit Section:

Devotional Hymns and Praises: Numerous stutis (hymns) and prashastis (praises) dedicated to Jain Tirthankaras like Shantinath, Parshvanath, and Mahavir, as well as eulogies for revered gurus like Shri Buterayji Maharaj and Shri Vruddhi-Chandra Munishwar.
Philosophical and Ethical Discourse: Essays on topics like Brahmacharya Mahavratam (Great Vow of Celibacy), Jain Shasanonnati (Progress of Jainism), Krut Karma Kshayo Moksha (Liberation through the destruction of karma), and discussions on the essence of Satya-Dharma (Truth-Religion).
Descriptive Poetry: Descriptions of seasons like Sharad Chandravarnan Dvadashakam (Description of the Autumn Moon) and Varshakal Varnanam (Description of the Rainy Season), as well as poems like Anyokti Panchakam (Five Allegories) and Pravas Varnanam (Description of a Journey).
Geographical and Historical Descriptions: Notably, Arbudachal Varnanam (Description of Mount Arbuda, likely Mount Abu) showcases his descriptive prowess.
Subhashitam: Collections of wise sayings and proverbs.

Hindi Section:

Historical Narratives: Detailed accounts of historical figures and events, such as Maharaja Kumarpal Chalukya, Hemchandracharya ki Diksha Kab aur Kahan Hui? (When and Where did Acharya Hemchandra Take Initiation?), Mahakavi Shobhan aur Unka Kavya (Mahakavi Shobhan and His Poetry), and Jhansi ka Itihas (History of Jhansi).
Jainological Discussions: Topics like Bhagvan Mahavir (Lord Mahavir) and Jain Sahitya ki Proudhta aur Samriddhta (The Maturity and Richness of Jain Literature).
Textual Analysis and Criticism: An essay titled Mahakavi Vagbhat ke Jain Granthon ki Vyakhya mein Gadbad (Erroneous Interpretations in the Jain Texts of Mahakavi Vagbhat) suggests a critical approach to existing scholarship.
Linguistic Insights: Ardh-Magadhi aur Prakrit (Ardha-Magadhi and Prakrit) and Chapa Hua Anutha Jain Sahitya (Unique Printed Jain Literature) highlight his interest in linguistics and Jain literature.
Educational Discussions: Banaras mein Nirnit Bha. Di. Jain Pathyakram ki Samalochana aur Mat (Critique and Opinion on the Jain Pathyakram decided in Banaras) and Jain Samaj aur Pathyakram ka Sambandh (The Relationship between Jain Society and the Curriculum) and Shiksha aur Pariksha (Education and Examination) and Aaj ka Stri Shikshan (Women's Education Today) reflect his engagement with contemporary educational issues.

Gujarati Section:

Historical Accounts: Similar to the Hindi section, Gujarati essays delve into history, such as Anhilpur Patan no Bhutkal (The Past of Anhilpur Patan), Malani nu Mukhya Gaam Badmer (The Chief Village of Malani, Badmer), and discussions on the progress of literature during the Solanki kings' era.
Jain Agamas and Philosophy: Topics like Shulapaniya no Upsarg (The Affliction of Shulapani), Jainagam Sahitye Darshan Shastra (Dharma Shastra in Jain Agam Literature), and Saptapada (Seven Principles) are explored.
Jain Monasticism and Practice: Jain Sadhu na Vihar ni Mahatta (The Significance of the Wandering of Jain Monks) and Shrutbodh upar Jain Tika (Jain Commentary on Shrutabodha) are included.
Praise of Historical Figures and Places: Descriptions of places like Badmer, Mandapdurga aur Amatya Pethad (Mandapdurga and Minister Pethad), and the history of Jhansi.
Jain Literature and Commentaries: Analysis of Jain texts and commentaries, such as Syadvaada Manjari na Nyaya (The Maxims in Syadvada Manjari) and Shri Yashasvat Sagargani (The Epithet of Shri Yashasvat Sagargani).
Jain Sculptural Texts: Shilp na Be Jain Granth (Two Jain Texts on Sculpture) discusses ancient Jain texts related to art and architecture.
Ancient Texts and Libraries: Prachin Granth Parichay (Introduction to Ancient Texts) and Prachin Pustak aur Pustakalayen (Ancient Books and Libraries) highlight his interest in preserving and understanding historical literary repositories.
Other Topics: The index also lists essays on Shri Jin Sahasranama (Thousand Names of Jin), Shri Yashovijayji na Jivan vishe no Prakash (Light on the Life of Shri Yashovijayji), Syadvada Manjari, Jain Sahitya nu Prakashan (Publication of Jain Literature), and various aspects of Shikshan (Education).

Muni Himanshuvijay's Life and Legacy:

The introduction and biographical sketches within the book emphasize Muni Himanshuvijay's remarkable journey. Born in a modest region of Marwar, he overcame humble beginnings, experienced various life stages (including business in Mumbai), and was profoundly influenced by spiritual texts. At a young age, he embraced monasticism under the guidance of the revered Acharya Shri Vijaydharmasuriji Maharaj.

His intellectual prowess was recognized early on, and in a relatively short lifespan, he became a renowned scholar in Sanskrit and Prakrit, appreciated by both Jain and non-Jain intellectuals. The collection of his writings in "Himanshuvijayjina Lekho" demonstrates his dedication to disseminating knowledge across various disciplines, thereby inspiring others to explore and research diverse subjects.

The Significance of the Collection:

"Himanshuvijayjina Lekho" is significant not only as a repository of Muni Himanshuvijay's insightful essays but also as a testament to his intellectual legacy. The book reflects the editor's (Muni Vidyavijay's) effort to preserve and propagate his guru's valuable literary contributions. The collection serves as an invaluable resource for scholars and students interested in Jainism, Indian philosophy, literature, history, and culture.

Memorial Fund and Publication:

The publication of this book was made possible through the "Shri Himanshuvijay Smarak Fund," established after his passing. The fund aimed to publish his collected works and promote Jain literature. The "Himanshuvijay Smarak Granthmala" was created as a sub-series of the "Shri Vijaydharmasuri Jain Granthmala."

In essence, "Himanshuvijayjina Lekho" is a comprehensive collection that showcases the breadth and depth of Muni Himanshuvijay's scholarship and his enduring contribution to Jain literature and thought.