Jeevant Prerna Pradeep Acharya Hastimalji

Here is a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Jeevant Prerna Pradeep Acharya Hastimalji":

This document is an article by Dr. Shanta Bhanavat paying tribute to Acharya Shri Hastimalji, describing him as a radiant beacon of inspiration. The article highlights Acharya Shri Hastimalji's profound spiritual detachment and renunciation, his mastery of Hindi, Sanskrit, and Prakrit languages, and his extensive commentary on various scriptures. His vast collection of sermons is characterized as inspirational and guiding.

The central theme is Acharya Shri Hastimalji's message of encouraging virtuous actions in humans, emphasizing that good thoughts and motivations lead to progress, while negative ones lead to downfall. The article contrasts this with the materialistic, Western-influenced modern era, where people are losing touch with spiritual values and embracing a "eat, drink, and be merry" philosophy, rejecting religious practices as superstition. Acharya Shri Hastimalji, through his teachings, guided such misguided individuals back to the right path.

The article elaborates on several key principles advocated by Acharya Shri Hastimalji:

• Purity of Diet: He believed in the direct correlation between food and mind, stating that consumption of meat leads to impure, aggressive tendencies, akin to those of carnivorous animals. He cautioned that corrupting one's diet corrupts thought, which in turn leads to moral decay and a corrupted life.
• Abstinence from Vices: Individuals should avoid any form of addiction, as vices are described as destructive, much like termites destroying wood.
• Equanimity: One should maintain a balanced state of mind in both happiness and sorrow. Excessive joy in pleasure or despair in suffering is considered cowardice. Losing oneself in moments of joy or grief alienates one from both this world and the next.
• Sweet Speech: Eloquent and inspiring speech is a hallmark of personality. Pleasant, loving, and motivating words can influence even opponents.
• Integrity and Morality: In an era where unethical practices and corruption are rampant in all fields, and a disconnect exists between the words and actions of some religious figures, Acharya Shri emphasized that true religiosity is built upon morality and authenticity. Honesty and integrity are the greatest assets, particularly in business.
• Control of Desires: Human desires are infinite and insatiable. The pursuit of wealth blinds people to spiritual practices like remembering God. Acharya Shri identified excessive desire as the root of all suffering. True contentment, not material possessions, is the key to satisfying the mind's hunger. He urged constant vigilance against greed and the control of desires.
• The Power of Divine Name: Remembering God's name is an invaluable spiritual practice that provides lasting spiritual strength, overcoming the cycle of birth and death.
• The Significance of Prayer: Acharya Shri stressed the importance of prayer for inner strength and spiritual upliftment. Prayer directed towards the "Vitarag" (one who is free from attachment and aversion) provides solace, dispels mental turmoil, and leads to spiritual peace. This prayer should be devoid of outward show, with the abandonment of negative emotions and an embrace of equanimity. True prayer is a conscious effort to connect one's consciousness with the divine, free from ego, worldly desires, and selfish motives.
• Spiritual Knowledge: The soul is eternal and immutable. To overcome afflictions arising from the soul, spiritual knowledge is essential. When one's knowledge, perception, and conduct improve, they can find happiness even amidst worldly sorrows. The analogy of a river merging with the ocean is used to illustrate this journey of spiritual realization.

In conclusion, the article describes Acharya Shri Hastimalji as a guiding light, much like a lamp that illuminates itself and others. Though physically absent, his life ideals and teachings serve as a source of inspiration for personal growth and betterment, urging readers to emulate his path as a true tribute.