Kailashsagarsuriji Jivanyatra

Here is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Kailashsagarsuriji Jivanyatra" in English, based on the provided pages:

This book, "Kailashsagarsuriji Jivanyatra: Ek Parichay" (Kailashsagarsuriji's Life Journey: An Introduction), published by Shri Mahavir Jain Aradhana Kendra Koba, serves as a biographical introduction to the life and teachings of Gachhadhipati (Leader of the Order) Pujya Acharya Shri Kailashsagarsuriji Maharaj Saheb. The original author is Muni Mitranandsagar, and the translation is by Muni Vimalsagar.

The book highlights Acharya Shri Kailashsagarsuriji as a significant spiritual figure whose life was marked by profound inner beauty, virtuous character, and deep devotion. He is described as a flower in the garden of the world, whose fragrance of spiritual beauty and virtues enriched the lives of thousands of devotees.

Early Life and Education:

• Born in V.S. 1960 (December 19, 1913) in Jagracha village, Ludhiana district, Punjab.
• Parents: Shri Krishnadasji and Ramrakhidevi.
• Birth name: Kashiram.
• Astrologers predicted a great future for him, which was fulfilled as he became a "Dharma Samrat" (Emperor of Dharma) rather than a temporal ruler.
• His upbringing was in the tradition of the Sthanakvasi Jain sect.
• He excelled academically, passing his intermediate from Dayanand Mathuranand College, Mhow, and graduating with honors in B.A. from Sanatan Dharma College, Lahore University.
• He was known for his humility and gentle speech, making him a favorite among his teachers and peers. He even declined an offer to become a professor at his college due to his humility.

Spiritual Awakening and Transformation:

• Kashiram was deeply influenced by his religious parents and was instilled with good sanskaras from childhood.
• He met Muni Shri Chhote Lalji Maharaj Saheb, which strengthened his inclination towards self-purification and ignited a desire for renunciation.
• To prevent him from becoming a monk, his parents arranged his marriage to Daantadevi from Rampura Phul. Kashiram initially had no inclination for marriage but agreed to satisfy his parents.
• He developed a passion for reading religious books from Muni Shri Chhote Lalji. His exceptional memory allowed him to retain entire books after reading them once or twice.
• Initially a staunch opponent of idol worship, Kashiram encountered a book that presented scriptural evidence supporting idol worship. This book challenged his deeply held beliefs.
• He read the book multiple times, but his mind couldn't accept it. When he questioned Muni Shri Chhote Lalji, the Muni, after some initial resistance, admitted that idol worship is indeed supported by scriptures.
• Muni Shri Chhote Lalji explained that he opposed idol worship because he was old and feared societal backlash, prioritizing his own peace in his remaining years.
• This revelation deeply affected Kashiram, making him realize his own ignorance and the disrespect he had shown to Lord Jineshwar by calling idols "stone." He vowed to never oppose idol worship again, understanding that the pursuit of truth transcends sectarian boundaries.

The Influence of Acharya Buddhisagarsurishwarji:

• Kashiram's desire to meet the author of the book on idol worship led him to Gujarat. He learned that the author, Acharya Shri Buddhisagarsurishwarji Maharaj Saheb, a prolific scholar and yogi, had passed away.
• He then met Acharya Shri Kirtisagar Surishwarji Maharaj Saheb, a disciple of Acharya Buddhisagarsurishwarji. Acharya Kirtisagar addressed all of Kashiram's doubts regarding idol worship.
• Inspired by Acharya Kirtisagar, Kashiram visited Shatrunjay (Palitana) and experienced a profound transformation. Previously a harsh critic of Shatrunjay, he was now filled with reverence.

Path to Renunciation (Diksha):

• From his adolescence, Kashiram was detached from worldly affairs and yearned for spiritual liberation.
• After returning from Shatrunjay, he met Acharya Kirtisagar again at Daranga Tirth and expressed his desire for diksha.
• His parents were initially unwilling, but Kashiram's strong detachment and determination, even threatening to become a sadhu without their consent, eventually led them to agree.
• He first took diksha under Muni Raj Shri Jitendrasagarji Maharaj Saheb and was named Muni Shri Anandasagarji.
• His family, upon learning of his diksha, took him back home forcefully. However, observing his saintly conduct, continuous religious practices, and detached lifestyle even within the household, they eventually gave him their consent for diksha.
• He received his second diksha on Posh Vadhi 10 of V.S. 1994 in Ahmedabad from Acharya Shri Kirtisagar Surishwarji Maharaj Saheb, and his name was changed to Muni Shri Kailashsagariji Maharaj.

Spiritual Growth and Leadership:

• Muni Shri Kailashsagariji's intellectual prowess led him to deeply study Jain scriptures, philosophy, and literature. He became recognized as a learned sadhu.
• He was known for his unwavering dedication to his Guru, seeking knowledge far and wide.
• He was bestowed with various prestigious titles:
  • Gani-pad in V.S. 2004 in Pune.
  • Nyas-pad in V.S. 2005 in Bombay.
  • Upadhyay-pad in V.S. 2011 in Sanand.
  • Acharya-pad in V.S. 2022 in Sanand, after which he became known as Acharya Shri Kailashsagarsuriji Maharaj Saheb.
• In V.S. 2026, he assumed the complete responsibility of the community, becoming its leader.
• In V.S. 2039, he was formally honored with the title of Gachhadhipati at Mahudi Tirth.

Practices and Virtues:

• Yog Marg Sadhak: He was deeply fond of meditation, often meditating for hours in caves, by rivers, or in temples.
• Taste Conqueror: For the first four decades of his ascetic life, he practiced "Ekasan" (eating only once a day). Later, due to physical limitations, he reluctantly gave it up at the strong request of his fellow sadhus.
• He subsisted on food made from only two ingredients and strictly avoided four types of "Vigai" (food enhancements). He renounced sweets shortly after his diksha and never consumed them again.
• Even after giving up Ekasan, he practiced "Abhigraha Pachchakhan" (vow to abstain from food for specific periods), often abstaining from all four meals for many hours during the day.
• He never tasted tea, stating he had no knowledge of its flavor.
• Scholar of Shastra Shastra (Architecture and Sculpture): He was a profound scholar of architecture and sculpture, guiding many people, including renowned Acharyas, on matters related to Jinamurti (idols) and Jinamandar (temples).
• Popularity: Despite his high position and scholarship, he remained humble, making him extremely popular. His simple and amiable personality attracted devotees. He possessed a childlike simplicity that endeared him to all ages.
• Preacher of Great Tirths: He was instrumental in the establishment of the grand Jinamandar and Jinamurti of Lord Simandhar Swami at Mehesana, an imposing structure that stands as the tallest of its kind in India. His teachings here will remain eternal.
• Disinterested and Vigilant Ascetic: He never used his popularity or high status for personal gain. Despite immense respect, he lived a life of extreme simplicity, free from desires, expectations, or complaints. Even amidst busy schedules, he prioritized his self-reflection, study, and meditation. His life's mantra was to "always remain vigilant for self-welfare."

Impact on Jainism (Shasan Prabhavana):

• He will be remembered for centuries as a great propagator of Jainism.
• Under his guidance, he performed approximately 63 Anjanashalaka (consecration ceremonies), 80 Jinamandar consecrations, renovated numerous temples, and conducted over 30 Upadhan tapas.
• The number of idols consecrated by him exceeds 9,000.

Ocean of Compassion:

• His true identity lay not just in his accomplishments but in his virtuous and compassionate inner self. His inner purity and compassion were reflected in his outward behavior, making him consistent in his dealings with everyone.

Travels and Chaturmas:

• During his 47 years of ascetic life, he traveled extensively across Gujarat, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Bengal, and Maharashtra, illuminating the lives of many.
• He successfully helped thousands overcome addictions and guided them towards peaceful and brighter lives.
• He observed Chaturmas (monsoon retreat) in major cities like Bombay, Patna, Calcutta, Ahmedabad, Jamnagar, and Pali, as well as in numerous villages.

Disciples and Successors:

• Many great souls were inspired by his teachings and life to embrace the ascetic path.
• Eight prominent sadhus and scholars received diksha directly from him. Notably, Acharya Shri Padmasagarsurishwarji Maharaj Saheb is mentioned as a significant figure in his lineage of disciples.
• He also had a large community of sadhus and sadhvis following his guidance.

Death (Victory over Death):

• On Jeth Sudhi 2, V.S. 2041, after completing his morning prayers and reflection, Acharya Shri entered Kayotsarg (a meditative posture). Before he could complete it, his life journey concluded.
• He attained a Samadhimay Mrutyu (death in a state of mental equanimity and peace) while reciting prayers for it. His death was described as a "festival" rather than a cause for sorrow, a testament to his lifelong spiritual practice.
• In his final moments, he asked for forgiveness from his disciples and declared his desire to go to Lord Simandhar Swami, stating, "I have no attachment to living, and no fear of dying." These were his last words.

The book concludes by emphasizing that Acharya Shri Kailashsagarsuriji's pure and virtuous life was an inspiration and an ideal for everyone, a beacon that will continue to illuminate the path of devotees for ages to come. He is remembered as a personification of peace and happiness, deeply devoted to the divine and filled with universal love. The book states that his timely and judicious use of time was unparalleled. His life and pure character were unique and served as an exemplary model for generations. The book ends with profound salutations to his divine feet.