Jijivisha

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Jijivisha" by Bechardas Doshi, based on the provided PDF excerpt:

The text "Jijivisha" (meaning the will to live) by Bechardas Doshi recounts a personal experience from forty-six years prior, detailing a challenging journey in Girnar.

The author, Bechardas Doshi, then about 31 years old and working on the translation and editing of the Jain text "Bhagavati Sutra" in Rajkot, was accompanying his friend, Seth Premchand Ratanji, on a pilgrimage to Girnar. Seth Premchand was a devotee of a particular monk and was traveling with him to Girnar, where the monk had a residence. The author, along with Muni Jinvijayji, Seth Premchand, and his cook and servant, formed the travel group. They were well-received by the main monk and his disciples, who offered them a hearty meal including churma laddu and urad dal curry.

Seth Premchand, who enjoyed exploring and seeing new things, was eager to visit the Pandavgufa and Siddhgufa caves. A disciple of the monk offered to guide them. The group began their trek into the hilly, untamed terrain, without any established path or trail. It was after 3 PM, and though warm, the open air made the temperature bearable. Having eaten well, they soon felt thirsty, but had not brought water. The guide mentioned a small trickling spring nearby, which would offer a little relief.

The group followed the guide to the spring, where they drank small amounts of water. Afterwards, they continued towards the caves. Despite it being late afternoon and the full moon shining brightly, no caves were visible. The guide, however, kept leading them forward, having seemingly lost his way near the spring. As darkness fell and the moon's light illuminated the surroundings, the group realized they were lost. They continued to follow the guide, navigating through dense bushes that scratched their bodies and tore their clothes. The terrain involved climbing and jumping over large rocks, some five to ten feet high, and crawling or stooping to pass through.

By 11 PM, they had still not found any shelter. They had only had the small amount of water from the spring after their meal. The author notes that Seth Premchand was accustomed to comfort and likely not used to such hardship, though he had the resilience to endure. Muni Jinvijayji, having been a monk and of Kshatriya lineage, was also accustomed to difficulties and possessed bravery. The author himself had experienced poverty since childhood. Despite the arduous journey and lack of water, no one complained, but their strength was waning.

By 2 AM, they had descended into the forest at the foot of the mountain, but the location remained unknown. Fortunately, the moonlight allowed them to see. They proposed to rest there, gather firewood, and make a fire to deter wild animals. However, the guide insisted they keep moving, believing they would find their lodging. The author acknowledges the guide's own difficult circumstances as an ascetic. The group, however, had responsibilities – the author with his research and family, and Seth Premchand with his large family, business, and two wives. Despite these burdens, they pressed on, driven by their "jijivisha" (will to live).

Suddenly, a monk from above spotted their shadows. This monk, whose presence and reason for being out at night were unknown to them, shouted down, asking who they were and where they were going, implying they were heading towards their demise. Upon learning they were lost and trying to reach a specific mahant's residence near Gorakhmath, the monk offered help. He instructed them to stay put and promised to descend with a lantern to show them the way to a proper path leading to their lodging.

Within twenty to twenty-five minutes, the monk arrived with a lantern and guided them to a well-trodden, stepped path. They proceeded quickly and reached the mahant's dwelling around 3 AM, utterly exhausted. Their legs were stiff and refused to move. After a brief rest, their first priority was water. The author recalls drinking an entire pot of water. They were provided with mattresses and quickly fell asleep.

The next morning, the guide expressed his desire to show them the caves. However, the group, having been through such a traumatic experience, declined. Muni Jinvijayji and Seth Premchand, being curious, agreed to go, and the author joined them. They visited various caves, including Chidanandji's, noting their varying sizes and the provision for some light. Some caves appeared to be structurally built. Entering them required them to crawl or stoop, and they took precautions by making loud noises before entering to ensure no wild animals were present, using a bright battery-powered lamp. The author observed that living and meditating with a calm and fearless mind in these caves was not an easy task, requiring great courage.

After visiting eight to ten caves, they returned to their lodging, had lunch, and proceeded to the train station. Seth Premchand went to Bhavnagar, and Muni Jinvijayji visited the author briefly in Rajkot. Both of them had sustained abrasions and bleeding from the ordeal. The author's wife, upon seeing his injured body the next day, remarked to his mother that he looked as if he had fought with a tiger or wolf. The author then narrated the entire experience in detail. He reflects that without their "jijivisha" and the timely intervention of the monk who showed them the way, their fate would have been uncertain. He emphasizes that their ability to climb over the impossibly high rocks was a testament to the inherent "jijivisha" instilled by God in humans.