Jivan Ane Kavan

The book "Jivan ane Kvan" (Life and Works) by Rakeshbhai Zaveri, published by Shrimad Rajchandra Param Samadhi Shatabdi Mahotsava Samiti, Rajkot, is a comprehensive biography and study of the life and spiritual teachings of Shrimad Rajchandra. The book was released on April 12, 2001, coinciding with the centenary of his final samadhi.

Here's a summary of the key aspects covered in the book, based on the provided pages:

1. Introduction and Publisher Information:

• The book is dedicated to the centenary of the final samadhi of Shrimad Rajchandra, a significant spiritual figure of the 20th century.
• It is published by the Shrimad Rajchandra Gyanmandir Trust, Rajkot, and released by the Shrimad Rajchandra Param Samadhi Shatabdi Mahotsav Samiti.
• The author, Dr. Rakeshbhai D. Zaveri, is a devoted follower and admirer of Shrimad Rajchandra and the inspiration behind the Shrimad Rajchandra Adhyatmik Satsang Sadhana Kendra in Mumbai.
• The Gujarat government acknowledged the importance of the centenary by celebrating it at a state level.
• The book aims to make Shrimad Rajchandra's life and teachings accessible to the spiritual-minded, cultured, and educated populace of Gujarat.
• It highlights Shrimad Rajchandra's profound influence, particularly on Mahatma Gandhi, who considered him a guiding force.

2. Overview of Shrimad Rajchandra:

• A Rare Spiritual Master: Shrimad Rajchandra is presented as an extraordinary spiritual master of his time, whose spiritual literature provides glimpses into his elevated soul-state. His insightful sayings have become widely known and memorized.
• Prophetic Vision and Mystical Powers: He possessed profound spiritual knowledge, a deep understanding of truths, and an awareness of his past lives (jati smaran gnan). His childhood was marked by unique abilities and spiritual inclinations.
• Influence on Mahatma Gandhi: Mahatma Gandhi regarded Shrimad Rajchandra as his spiritual guide and mentor, even considering converting to Jainism due to his influence. Gandhi believed that had Shrimad lived longer, a profound spiritual revolution would have occurred.
• Unique Life in the World: Unlike many ancient sages who renounced worldly life, Shrimad Rajchandra lived as a householder and actively participated in business and worldly affairs. Despite these worldly responsibilities, his life remained untainted by worldly attachments, much like a lotus in water. He achieved a state of liberation while living in the world, exemplifying the ideals of figures like Bharat Chakravarti and Janak Raja.
• Key Qualities: He is described as a natural poet, possessing extraordinary memory, a dedicated social reformer, a staunch supporter of Indian culture, a pioneer in spiritual practices, and one who possessed various transcendental knowledge. He was known for his eloquence, gentle speech, pure character, sharp intellect, deep understanding, poetic talent, imaginative power, logical acumen, fearlessness, simplicity, purity, and wisdom.
• Non-sectarian Approach: While deeply rooted in Jain philosophy, Shrimad Rajchandra's life and teachings were free from sectarian narrowness. He studied various philosophical systems and recommended Hindu scriptures to his followers, demonstrating his broad spiritual outlook.

3. Life and Early Years:

• Birthplace and Family: Shrimad Rajchandra was born in Vavania, a coastal town in Saurashtra, during the Vikram Samvat 1924 (1867 AD). His paternal grandfather, Panchanbhai, was a merchant who moved to Vavania. His father, Ravjibhai, was a Vaishnavite who was devout, compassionate, and served sadhus and fakirs. His mother, Devba, came from a Jain family and instilled Jain values.
• Childhood and Early Signs of Spirituality: Even as a child, Shrimad Rajchandra displayed exceptional qualities. He was quick-witted, had a remarkable memory, and possessed a strong inclination towards spirituality.
• Jati Smaran Gnan (Knowledge of Past Lives): At the age of seven, after witnessing a cremation, Shrimad experienced a profound realization about the separation of the soul from the body. This event triggered his recollection of past lives, providing him with deep insights into the cycle of birth and death and the impermanence of worldly existence, which further fueled his detachment.
• Academic Brilliance and Religious Inclinations: Shrimad Rajchandra exhibited extraordinary intelligence and a rapid learning ability from a young age. He absorbed knowledge quickly through listening and reading. While he received a traditional education, his spiritual inclinations led him to study religious texts. He initially showed leanings towards Vaishnavism, even receiving a sacred thread (kanthi), but later gravitated towards Jainism, influenced by his mother and his own study of scriptures. His intellect allowed him to engage with complex philosophical concepts, including those of various Indian schools of thought.
• Exceptional Talents: Even as a child, he was a gifted poet and an eloquent speaker. He demonstrated exceptional abilities in memory recall (Avadhan Shakti), even reaching the level of Shatavadhani (one who can simultaneously handle a hundred different mental tasks and recall them). He also displayed proficiency in astrology.
• Avadhan Shakti (Memory and Concentration Power): At the age of sixteen, he amazed audiences with his remarkable memory and concentration skills, performing complex feats of Avadhan. He could recall numerous details, languages, and perform multiple tasks simultaneously, earning him titles like "Heera of Hind" (Diamond of India).
• Grahastashram (Married Life) and Business Acumen: Despite his strong inclination towards renunciation, Shrimad entered married life due to family pressure. He conducted business with integrity and skill, earning a reputation for honesty and fairness. His business dealings, however, were secondary to his spiritual pursuits.
• Attainment of Pure Samyak Darshan: A pivotal moment in his life was the attainment of pure Samyak Darshan (right faith/perception) in 1947 AD, which marked a profound spiritual awakening and solidified his path towards liberation.
• Life in Seclusion and Intense Sadhana: After 1952 AD, Shrimad increasingly withdrew from worldly affairs, spending significant time in secluded places for intense spiritual practice and meditation. He endured physical hardships and ascetic practices while maintaining a state of inner peace and equanimity.
• Final Moments and Mahaparinirvana: Despite a prolonged illness (sangrahani), Shrimad Rajchandra remained absorbed in his spiritual nature until his last moments. He passed away in Rajkot on April 12, 2001 (Chaitra Vad 5, 2057 VS), in a state of profound samadhi, at the young age of thirty-three years and five months. His passing left a deep void in the hearts of his followers and admirers.
• His Devotees: The book highlights a dedicated circle of followers who were deeply impacted by Shrimad's life and teachings. Notable among them were Shri Juthabhai Ujamshi, Shri Saubhagbhai Lallubhai, Shri Ambalalbhai Lalchandbhai, Muni Shri Lalluji, and Mahatma Gandhi, whose lives were profoundly shaped by Shrimad's spiritual guidance.
• Literary Contributions (Kavan): The book details Shrimad Rajchandra's extensive literary works, including letters, independent books, poems, translations, articles, and personal notes. His writings are characterized by their profound spiritual depth, clarity, and practical guidance for spiritual aspirants.

4. Key Literary Works (Kavan):

• Patra-Sahitya (Letter Literature): A significant portion of Shrimad Rajchandra's works consists of letters written to his devotees, offering profound spiritual guidance and insights.
• Swatantra Grantho (Independent Books): Notable works include "Moksha Shubodh," "Moksha Mala," "Bhavana Bodh," "Pratima Siddhi," and the highly influential "Shri Atma Siddhi Shastra."
• Swatantra Kavya (Independent Poems): His poems often conveyed deep spiritual truths and sentiments, reflecting his personal spiritual experiences.
• Bhashantaro ane Vivechano (Translations and Commentaries): He also translated and commented on important Jain scriptures, making their profound teachings accessible.
• Swatantra Lekho (Independent Articles): Shrimad authored various articles on spiritual and philosophical topics.
• Swatantra Bodhvachanamala (Collections of Spiritual Sayings): His collection of spiritual sayings and aphorisms offers concise yet powerful guidance.
• Angat Nondho (Personal Notes): His personal diaries and notes provide insights into his inner spiritual journey.
• Shrimad's Teachings Recorded by Disciples: The book also includes notes and compilations of his discourses by his disciples.

5. Overall Significance: "Jivan ane Kvan" serves as a tribute to Shrimad Rajchandra's immense contribution to spiritual thought and practice. It showcases his multifaceted personality – as a profound philosopher, a gifted poet, a meticulous businessman, a dedicated spiritual guide, and a spiritual giant who achieved liberation while living in the world. His life and teachings continue to inspire seekers of truth and spiritual liberation. The book emphasizes that Shrimad Rajchandra's true legacy lies not just in his literary works but in the countless lives he transformed through his spiritual presence and wisdom.