Jain Adarsh Prasango Part 04

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Jain Adarsh Prasango Part 04" by Bhadreshwarvijay, based on the provided pages:

This book, "Jain Adarsh Prasango Part 04" (Jain Ideal Incidents Part 04), is part of a series compiled by Bhanish Bhadreshwarvijayji Gan with assistance from Muni Yogiratna vijayji M.Sa. It aims to present true, current, and excellent religious examples and teachings of Jainism.

The table of contents reveals the book is divided into two main categories:

• Special Devotees (Page 11)
• Sadharmik Devotion - Charity (Pages 1-35)
• Guru's Influence (Pages 36-46)

The book then lists specific incidents, which can be broadly categorized as follows:

1. Devotion and Austerity in the Face of Adversity:

• "The Immense Devotion of a Disabled Person" (Page 148): This chapter details the story of a 25-year-old woman, Maynaben, who despite being severely physically disabled and dependent on others for movement, performs daily ashtaprakari puja (eight-fold worship). She also dedicates significant time to studying Jain scriptures and teaching them to children. The text highlights her inner strength and unwavering devotion despite her physical limitations, contrasting her with those who, with all facilities, neglect their religious duties.
• "The Supreme Devotion of a Disabled Person" (Page 180): This section describes Joharmalji, a chartered accountant from Jodhpur, who adopted extreme ascetic practices. He gave up carrying money, used minimal and worn clothing, ate only once a day, and performed fasting and rituals like hair-plucking. Despite facing societal ridicule and physical discomforts (like insect bites), he maintained equanimity, practiced samayika, pratikraman, and studied Jain scriptures. His life exemplified detachment and resilience in the face of hardship and societal judgment.

2. Exemplary Lay Devotees (Shravaks and Shravikas) and Their Practices:

• "The World Record of Shravak Shiromani Dalichandbhai" (Page 150): Dalichandbhai is lauded for his extraordinary religious practices over many years, including abandoning business and footwear, taking 12 vows, performing thousands of samayika (daily meditation/equanimity), numerous paushadh (fasting days), extensive temple maintenance and library management, significant financial contributions to religion, and thousands of fasts. He received the title 'Shravak Shiromani' for his devotion.
• "Millions of Thanks to a Shravak Like a Monk" (Page 51): Virchand Govindji is presented as a lay devotee who lived like a monk, performing two pratikramans and eight samayikas daily, eating only once, renouncing most green vegetables, and following strict conduct in his daily life.
• "Kantibhai's Pilgrimage Devotion" (Page 153): Kantibhai dedicated his wealth, effort, and life to the renovation of the Hastagiri pilgrimage site. He personally oversaw the construction of a grand temple with 72 shrines, living in a hut and even cooking his own food during austerities like ayambils. His unwavering dedication and sacrifice in this monumental task are highlighted. He also demonstrated immense compassion, forgiving a thief and showing great affection even to those who wronged him.
• "Seeing Dada's Vision Even in Dreams" (Page 154): Ranilal Jivraj Sheth, a wealthy individual, is praised for his intense devotion to the Tirthankaras, evidenced by frequent pilgrimages to Shatrunjaya (99 times) and other holy sites. The text suggests his deep devotion leads to spiritual visions even in his dreams.
• "The Value of Jainism" (Page 169): Mahendrabhai, a civil engineer, has been practicing pratikraman and samayika daily for 22 years. He prioritizes religious activities over leisure, even taking extra samayikas on holidays. He also performs aayambils on auspicious days and avoids night meals during weddings.
• "Desire for Right Knowledge" (Page 170): Amulakbhai Mehta, who lost his sight at a young age, learned Braille and memorized numerous Jain scriptures. He dedicated his life to teaching and spreading Jain knowledge, even offering his services for free. His relentless pursuit of spiritual knowledge serves as an inspiration.
• "Jainism or Jains?" (Page 171): This section presents two examples: Gautam bhai, a Brahmin priest inspired by Jain monks, who now devoutly practices Jain rituals, and Neeru ben, a non-Jain woman working as a compounder, who embraced Jainism and its principles after being influenced by her employer, adopting practices like celibacy.
• "Religion Definitely Comes Along in the Next Life" (Page 172): A college student, despite initial apprehension about friends' mockery, progressively adopted Jain practices like attending discourses, performing pratikraman, and eventually took diksha (initiation into asceticism) due to his inherent inclination towards Dharma, possibly from past lives.
• "Daily Samayika Performer" (Page 174): Ramanbhai, a community leader, was inspired by the daily samayika practice of a wealthy industrialist. This led him to adopt the practice, highlighting how one person's devotion can inspire others.
• "Tithi Paushadh" (Page 175): Dharanendraji is noted for performing paushadh on auspicious days. The text encourages readers to engage in such practices, emphasizing that time spent in spiritual pursuits is truly successful.
• "Little Girl or Devotee?" (Page 176): A 5-year-old girl, Kalika, despite battling cancer, displayed remarkable tolerance and devotion. She requested pilgrimages and listened only to religious talks. Her unwavering faith even as she faced severe illness and ultimately passed away is presented as an extraordinary example.
• "The Influence of Prayer" (Page 177): A school teacher, Nileshwari behan, prayed for leave to participate in religious activities during a festival and her prayer was answered. The text emphasizes the power of sincere prayer in fulfilling religious aspirations.
• "A Non-Jain's Faith" (Page 178): Bachuji Thakor, a non-Jain, undertook multiple Jain pilgrimages, renounced worldly vices like gambling and drinking, and adopted practices like ayambils and daily chanting. The text questions why Jains, with their heritage, do not engage in similar or greater religious acts.
• "A Mamlatdar's Jainism" (Page 180): J.B. Parikh, a Mamlatdar, resigned from his post due to moral conflict with his duties involving violence. He sought penance and dedicated himself to religious practices, including varsitap (annual fasting). He now actively engages in charitable religious activities.
• "Charity and Religious Inspiration" (Page 181): Babubhai Fakirchand of Surat inspired many, including Ramesh, a financially struggling individual, to engage in religious practices by offering financial incentives. His generosity extended to liberating young women from exploitative situations.
• "Religious Passion" (Page 183): Kanubhai's deep passion for Jainism is evident in his daily devotional practices, building a home temple, remaining unmarried, and actively promoting religious activities and discourse.
• "Devotion at Ghetin Pag" (Page 184): Jagubhai from Mumbai resided near Ghetin Pag on Shatrunjaya hill for years, diligently performing austerities and facilitating the religious practices of ascetics and fellow devotees. He even built a residence there for better arrangements.
• "Treating a Sadharmik as a True Brother" (Page 185): Dhirubhai Shah helped a fellow Jain overcome a financial crisis by paying off his debt, with the condition that he would abstain from speculative trading in the future.
• "True Desire Fulfilled" (Page 186): A financially modest individual who consistently prayed for the ability to donate a lakh of rupees daily eventually achieved his aspiration.
• "Increased Religion in Adversity" (Page 186): A businessman who suffered a loss of 40 lakhs decided to donate 40 lakhs to religion, viewing it as a gain compared to losing the entire amount.
• "Donation Love" (Page 187): A devotee persistently requested a guru for the opportunity to donate, ultimately receiving guidance to donate to areas suggested by the guru, highlighting the importance of righteous giving.
• "Sadharmik Devotion" (Page 187): Hasmukhbhai Chudasama demonstrated immense generosity by offering financial aid and support to needy Jain families, even donating a significant sum from his income for this purpose.
• "Sadharmik Devotion" (Page 188): A merchant from Khambhat ensured all Jain visitors were generously fed and encouraged his cook to be liberal with ghee, offering incentives for generosity.
• "Special Sadharmik Devotion" (Page 188): Trusts like the Bhansali Trust in Mumbai are actively involved in supporting the Jain community financially through interest-free loans and other welfare activities.
• "Success of Wealth" (Page 189): Rajanibhai Devdi, known for his devotion, secretly donated a lakh of rupees each to 22 needy Jain families, emphasizing the merit of silent charity.
• "Amazing Devotion" (Page 190): Chhampalalji Gandhi of Hubli showed immense faith by asking his guru to direct his donation of five thousand rupees. Maneklal Chunilal of Mumbai, a renowned philanthropist, continued to donate even at the time of his death.
• "Crores for Sadharmiks from Discourses" (Page 190): Acharya Shri Ratnasundarsuriji M.Sa. successfully raised substantial funds for the welfare of the Jain community through his inspiring discourses, demonstrating the power of impactful preaching.
• "Makubhai's Generosity" (Page 191): Makubhai, a wealthy individual, generously donated his diamond ring worth ₹35,000 to a cow shelter during a severe drought, prioritizing animal welfare.
• "The Influence of the Gachhadhipati" (Page 191): The author recounts a personal experience where the blessings and guidance of Acharya Shri Vijay Jayghoshsurishwarji M.Sa. helped him successfully complete a challenging religious vow despite health issues, highlighting the power of spiritual guidance.

3. Guru's Influence and Guidance:

• The final chapter details the author's personal experience of undertaking a rigorous religious observance (jog) with the guidance and encouragement of Acharya Shri Vijay Jayghoshsurishwarji M.Sa. Despite initial health challenges, the Acharya's support and the collective blessings of many spiritual and worldly individuals enabled the successful completion of the observance. The text emphasizes the profound impact of spiritual leaders and their blessings in overcoming obstacles and achieving spiritual goals.

In essence, "Jain Adarsh Prasango Part 04" is a collection of inspiring narratives showcasing the depth of faith, the rigor of religious practices, and the compassionate actions of Jain individuals across various walks of life. It aims to motivate readers to emulate these examples and strengthen their own spiritual journeys.