Jain Diwakarji Maharaj Ki Guru Parampara - Book Summary

This Jain text, "Shri Jain Diwakarji Maharaj ki Guru Parampara" (The Guru Tradition of Shri Jain Diwakarji Maharaj) by Mul Muni, details the lineage of spiritual teachers within a specific Jain tradition, tracing it back from the contemporary era to Lord Mahavir.

Here's a comprehensive summary:

1. The Unbroken Jain Tradition:

The text begins by emphasizing the eternal and beginningless nature of Jain philosophy, principles, and thought.
However, from an individual perspective, every tradition has a founder. In the current ascending cycle of time, Lord Rishabhdev is considered the originator of the Jain monastic tradition.
Lord Mahavir is the 24th Tirthankar and the ultimate revered figure for all existing Jain monks and followers worldwide, who are considered "Mahavirvanshiya" (descendants of Mahavir).

2. The Origin of the Current Guru Lineage:

Sudharma Swami, the chief disciple of Lord Mahavir, is the starting point for counting the current guru lineage (Pattavali).
Over centuries after Sudharma Swami, the guru tradition began to branch out, a process that continues to this day.

3. A Shift and Revival in the Tradition:

According to the Sthanakvasi tradition's understanding, a decline in strict adherence to the monastic code (shithilta) began approximately a thousand years after Lord Mahavir's Nirvana.
The monastic community gradually moved away from purity in conduct and thought, turning towards material comforts, fame, and worldly possessions.
Around the 16th century, Veer Lonka Shah initiated a revolution in practices, inspiring Bhanaji Rishi to reconnect the broken links of the pure monastic tradition.
The author states that Bhanaji Rishi is considered the 62nd in their lineage from Lord Mahavir.

4. The Lineage from Daulatramji Swami to Chauthmalji Maharaj:

The main focus of the text is the guru lineage starting from Shri Daulatramji Swami (considered the 72nd in their tradition) down to Shri Chauthmalji Maharaj.
The author acknowledges that other traditions might have differing views on this lineage but presents it based on their received oral tradition.

5. Key Figures in the Lineage:

Shri Daulatramji Maharaj:
- Took initiation at a young age (around 13) and belonged to the Bagherwal caste from Kala Peepal village.
- He was a highly learned scholar, well-versed in scriptures and principles.
- His spiritual journey included an encounter in Delhi with Shri Dalpatsinghji, a scholar, with whom he studied the 'Dasavaikalika Sutra' and 32 other scriptures, revealing a deep understanding of their secrets.
- His profound knowledge was recognized by Shri Ajramarji Swami, who, despite his own extensive knowledge, sought further learning from Daulatramji Maharaj.
- Shri Daulatramji Maharaj traveled to Limbdi at the request of the local Jain community to impart his knowledge.
- He was also visited by Pandit Muni Shri Jethmalji Maharaj of the Shri Amarsinghji Maharaj tradition from Marwar, highlighting inter-sectarian respect and thirst for knowledge.
- He had four prominent disciples: Shri Ganeshramji, Shri Govindramji, Shri Lalchandji, and Shri Rajaramji, with Shri Lalchandji being particularly renowned.
Shri Lalchandji Maharaj:
- The successor to Shri Daulatramji Maharaj, he was from Antardi village and belonged to the Silavat caste.
- He was a skilled artist. A profound sense of detachment (vairagya) arose in him when he witnessed a fly getting trapped and dying in his painting colors.
- He took initiation from Shri Daulatramji Maharaj and became a valuable asset to the Jain community.
- He was instrumental in the emergence of 27 renowned scholars (Pandit Munirajs) in the Kota tradition.
- Among his nine disciples, Shri Hukumchandji Maharaj is highly distinguished.
Acharya Shri Hukumchandji Maharaj:
- Born in Toda (Raisi) near Tonk in Jaipur State, he belonged to a prosperous Oswal Chhaplot family.
- He took initiation in 1876 Vikram Samvat after hearing the detachment-inspiring discourse of Shri Lalchandji Maharaj in Bundi.
- He became a great religious warrior, dedicated to the practice of the Three Jewels (Ratnatraya).
- His preaching style was simple, devoid of ostentation, and directly touched the hearts of virtuous souls.
- His handwritten scriptures are preserved in the Nimbahera library, and handwritten copies of 16 scriptures are elsewhere.
- He observed strict austerities for 21 years, fasting every sixth day (bele-bele). He always used only one cloth, regardless of the season. He recited "Namo-thunnam" 200 times daily throughout his life.
- He renounced sweets and fried foods for life, keeping only 13 types of permissible items. He slept very little.
- With his guru's permission, he spread Dharma across many villages in the Hadoti region, Mewar, and Malwa, bringing about significant spiritual progress and devotion among the communities.
- His touch reportedly cured a leper in Rampura, and a prisoner's handcuffs broke upon seeing him. His austerities caused a rain of rupees at a discourse venue in Nathdwara.
- His guru, Shri Lalchandji Maharaj, described him as a model of the fourth era (Chaturtha Arā) – a pure soul, an excellent monk, and a reservoir of immense forgiveness.
- He made significant scripturally-based improvements to the rules and regulations for monks.
- In 1907 Vikram Samvat, he and Muni Shri Shivalalji Maharaj performed a Chaturmas (four-month retreat) in Bikaner with four monks (thāṇā 4). His influence led to great religious advancement, and his preachings inspired four individuals to seek initiation. When only four novices were present for five barber assistants, one brother immediately volunteered, resulting in five initiations on the same day.
- After this Chaturmas, the group grew to six monks. Shri Hukumchandji Maharaj installed Shri Shivalalji Maharaj as Acharya with the witness of the four sects (four sanghas). He is honored with the title "Kriyoddharak" (Reviver of Practices).
- He passed away in Javada in 1917 Vikram Samvat, on the fifth day of the waxing moon in Vaishakh, after observing a peaceful Samadhi (end of life ritual).
- Jain Diwakar, the famous orator Shri Chauthmalji Maharaj, predicted in a verse that Shri Hukumchandji Maharaj would be reborn as a deity in the Aushṭaka Vimana and attain liberation after becoming a Baladeva in the Mahavideh Kshetra. It is mentioned that after his passing, his belongings had this prophecy written in gold letters, which later faded.
Shri Shivalalji Maharaj:
- A disciple of Shri Dayalji Maharaj, who was a disciple of Shri Govindramji Maharaj (one of Shri Daulatramji Maharaj's four famous disciples).
- He took initiation in Ratlam in 1861 Vikram Samvat. His birthplace was Dhamaniya (Neemuch) in Madhya Pradesh.
- Like Shri Hukumchandji Maharaj, he was a profound scholar of scriptures, dedicated to self-study, and deeply committed to conduct and faith.
- He observed Ekantar Upvas (fasting on alternate days) for 32 consecutive years.
- He was not only an ascetic but also a complete scholar, knowledgeable in both his own and opposing viewpoints, and a powerful preacher.
- He composed devotional and life-touching verses and bhajans.
- He often accompanied Shri Hukumchandji Maharaj. If a seeker asked a question, it was often Shivalalji Maharaj who answered, as Shri Hukumchandji Maharaj had a tendency to remain in silence.
- When the monastic community under Shri Hukumchandji Maharaj grew significantly, he declared Shri Shivalalji Maharaj as the Acharya for all the monks. The monks accepted this command and acknowledged him as their Acharya in 1907 Vikram Samvat in Bikaner.
- Shri Shivalalji Maharaj contributed to the upliftment of Jain society and its governance. The current monks and saints in the tradition of Shri Hukumchandji Maharaj are his disciples and grand-disciples. He is also considered the Kula-acharya (patriarchal Acharya).
- As Shri Hukumchandji Maharaj had renounced the practice of taking disciples, any disciples admitted were accepted by Shri Shivalalji Maharaj.

6. The Next Generations and the Rise of Jain Diwakarji Maharaj: The text then proceeds to list further disciples and their lineages, culminating in the disciples of Shri Shivalalji Maharaj, including:

Shri Harshachandraji Maharaj
Shri Rajmalji Maharaj (whose disciple family is vast)
Acharya Shri Udaysagarji Maharaj
Acharya Shri Chauthmalji Maharaj (also known as Jain Diwakar)
Acharya Shri Mannalalji Maharaj
Acharya Shri Khubchandji Maharaj
Acharya Shri Sahsamalji Maharaj
Shri Chaturbhujji Maharaj
Shri Lalchandji Maharaj
Shri Kevalchandji Maharaj (Elder)
Shri Kevalchandji Maharaj (Younger)

The text details the birth and life events of Shri Ratan Chandji Maharaj, a key figure who would become a disciple. It recounts his marriage, the birth of his sons, and his eventual renunciation and initiation under Muni Rajmalji Maharaj in 1914 Vikram Samvat, along with Devi Chandji. This event also inspired Maganmalji Soni and Hiralalji Patwa to seek initiation.

Later, in 1916 Vikram Samvat, the future Acharya Shri Chauthmalji Maharaj's impactful discourse in Kanjarda led Jawaharlalji (later Muni Jawaharlalji Maharaj) to take a vow of lifelong celibacy. Despite his mother's attempts to dissuade him, his resolve to take initiation remained firm.

In 1920 Vikram Samvat, a significant event took place in Phalodi, Marwar, where Muni Ratan Chandji Maharaj and the future Acharya Shri Chauthmalji Maharaj were observing their Chaturmas. The Kanjarda community requested Muni Ratan Chandji Maharaj to travel towards Kanjarda after the Chaturmas, as the entire family of Shri Ratan Chandji Maharaj was preparing for initiation. This request was accepted. Following the Chaturmas, eight monks, including Acharya Shri Shivalalji Maharaj, Shri Rajmalji Maharaj, the future Acharya Shri Chauthmalji Maharaj, Shri Ratan Chandji Maharaj, and Shri Devi Chandji Maharaj, arrived in Kanjarda. Additionally, Mahasati Shri Ranguji, Mahasati Shri Navala Ji, and Mahasati Shri Brajji also graced Kanjarda.

On the auspicious day of Paush Shukla Shashthi in 1920 Vikram Samvat, Shri Rajkuvar Bai gave initiation to her three sons – Jawaharlalji, Hiralalji, and Nandlalji – and took initiation herself. Shri Rajkuvar Bai was placed under Mahasati Shri Navlaji Maharaj as her disciple.

Subsequently, Muni Jawaharlalji Maharaj was declared a disciple of Muni Shri Ratan Chandji, while Muni Shri Hiralalji Maharaj and Muni Shri Nandlalji Maharaj were declared disciples of Muni Jawaharlalji Maharaj.

The text further illustrates the lineage from Muni Rajmalji Maharaj, showing his disciples, including Shri Ratan Chandji Maharaj and his prominent disciples like Shri Jawaharlalji Maharaj, Shri Heeraramji Maharaj, Shri Chainramji Maharaj, Shri Nandlalji Maharaj, and Shri Laxmichandji Maharaj.

A detailed chart is provided showing the extensive disciple lineage originating from Shri Rajmalji Maharaj, highlighting prominent figures like Acharya Shri Chauthmalji Maharaj (Jain Diwakar), and tracing the branches through his disciples and grand-disciples. It lists figures like Shri Indermalji, Shri Mohanlalji, Shri Hukmichandji, Shri Kajodimalji, and many others, emphasizing their respective spiritual roles and contributions (e.g., scholars, ascetics, eloquent speakers, poets).

In essence, the text meticulously traces a specific line of Jain gurus, emphasizing their spiritual prowess, scholarly achievements, austere practices, and their role in preserving and propagating the Jain faith. It highlights the importance of lineage and the continuity of spiritual guidance within the Jain tradition, culminating in the prominent figure of Jain Diwakar Shri Chauthmalji Maharaj.