Jivan Nirman Me Guru Ki Bhumika - Book Summary

Here is a comprehensive summary in English of the Jain text "Jivan Nirman me Guru ki Bhumika" by Shikharmal Surana:

Book Title: Jivan Nirman me Guru ki Bhumika (The Role of a Guru in Life Building) Author: Shikharmal Surana Publisher: Z_Jinvani_Guru_Garima_evam_Shraman_Jivan_Visheshank_003844.pdf Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/229953/1

This article, written by Shikharmal Surana, emphasizes the profound and transformative role a spiritual preceptor (Guru) plays in shaping an individual's life, using his father's life as a powerful testament.

The Core Message: The central theme is how a Guru's guidance, even a brief word, can set a person on a path of spiritual growth and well-being, leading to a meaningful and purposeful existence.

The Author's Personal Account (Case Study of his Father):

Father's Devotion: Shikharmal Surana begins by highlighting his father, Parsamal Ji Surana's deep reverence for his Guru, Acharya Shri Hastimal Ji Maharaj. His father, though lacking formal education, possessed immense faith.
The Pivotal Word: A pivotal moment occurred when Shikharmal Ji was just a two-year-old child. His father, Parsamal Ji, received an urgent message that his mother was ill and he needed to return home immediately. Upon seeking blessings from Acharya Shri Hastimal Ji Maharaj, the Guru, after hearing the situation, smiled and uttered a cryptic phrase: "Koi navo juno mat karije" (Don't make any new or old decisions/commitments).
The Revelation: Parsamal Ji pondered the meaning of this phrase throughout his journey home. Upon arrival, he found his mother well, but his wife was ill. (In those days, often a mother's illness was reported to summon the son, masking the wife's condition). His wife later passed away. During the mourning period, a marriage proposal arrived for Parsamal Ji. It was then that the profound meaning of the Guru's words became clear: the Guru had subtly advised him against any new marital commitment.
Lifelong Celibacy and Devotion: Adhering strictly to his Guru's word, Parsamal Ji, at the age of 30, decided to observe lifelong celibacy. Despite immense family pressure and numerous proposals, he remained steadfast. Whenever the pressure mounted, he would retreat to serve his Guru. This unwavering commitment not only shaped his own life but also laid the foundation for his son, Shikharmal Ji's, spiritual journey.
A Life of Simplicity and Spirituality: For the remaining 54 years of his life, Parsamal Ji dedicated himself to serving his Guru, living a life of spiritual discipline, and engaging in religious practices within a joint family. He avoided worldly pursuits like starting new businesses or accumulating wealth. He lived by the principle of "simple living, high thinking."
The Culmination in Samlekhan: At the age of 84, with full awareness and the blessings of the current Acharya, Parsamal Ji undertook the Jain ritual of Samlekhan Santhara (a solemn fast unto death). Following his Guru's example, he passed away peacefully after five days, leaving a profound legacy of conscious spiritual practice.
Impact on the Author's Life: Shikharmal Ji reflects that if his father had remarried, his own life would likely have been different. He might have been drawn into worldly affairs, potentially hindering his legal studies and career. Thus, he credits his Guru's timely intervention for not only his father's spiritual path but also for the construction of his own life's foundation.

The Author's Personal Spiritual Journey:

Seeking Guidance: Shikharmal Ji recounts his own spiritual awakening. He made a deliberate effort to visit the current Acharya, Shri Heerachandra Ji, with his family. He was praised by the Acharya and other monks for supporting his father's Samlekhan.
Encounter with Shri Pramod Muni Ji: He then details a significant encounter with Shri Pramod Muni Ji. The Muni Ji recognized Shikharmal Ji's potential and encouraged him to benefit from the proximity of the Guru and engage in spiritual study.
The Power of "Samayik Sutra": Prompted by the Muni Ji, Shikharmal Ji was given the book "Samayik Sutra" (a text on daily meditation). Despite his busy legal profession, he was deeply inspired by the book after reading it multiple times. He found the teachings resonated deeply with him.
Commitment to Samayik: This inspiration led him to seek further clarification from Pramod Muni Ji in Pune. He resolved his doubts and took a vow to practice "Samayik" (a form of meditation) daily.

Conclusion:

The article concludes by acknowledging Shikharmal Ji Surana's own spiritual progress, noting his dedication, devotion, and adherence to vows, and his commitment to spiritual development under the Guru's guidance. He is described as a devout layperson actively engaged in spiritual practices.

In essence, the article strongly advocates for the irreplaceable role of a Guru in guiding individuals towards spiritual fulfillment, demonstrating through personal examples how a Guru's wisdom can lead to a life of purpose, renunciation, and ultimate spiritual liberation.