Khartargaccha Ki Krantikari Aur Adhyatmika Parampara

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Khartargaccha ki Krantikari aur Adhyatmika Parampara" by Bhanvarlal Nahta, focusing on its key themes and historical context:

The book, "Khartargaccha ki Krantikari aur Adhyatmika Parampara" (The Revolutionary and Spiritual Tradition of Khartargaccha), authored by Bhanvarlal Nahta, delves into the profound spiritual heritage and reformist endeavors within the Jain tradition, specifically highlighting the contributions of the Khartargaccha lineage. The text emphasizes that true Jainism is the "soul" of the Dharma, and mere rituals without spirituality are akin to a lifeless body.

Core Principles of Jain Spirituality:

• Primacy of the Soul: Lord Mahavir's teachings are presented as a revolution against the prevailing emphasis on ritualistic asceticism. He prioritized self-realization and inner purification over external penances, stating that true liberation comes from knowing oneself ("Appa nane na muno hoi"). The text asserts that understanding the soul leads to understanding everything, and internal battles against passions like attachment, aversion, and delusion are more crucial than external conflicts.
• Inner Focus: The importance of turning inward and conquering the "enemies within" (passions) is repeatedly stressed. This inner focus is the path to true bliss and liberation.
• Detachment from the Body: The concept of "kayotsarga" (standing in meditation) is explained as a form of renouncing attachment to the physical body, which is necessary for introspection and self-realization. Desire is identified as the bondage, and its cessation is the true asceticism and immersion in the self.
• Self-Purification as the Goal: All religious practices are ultimately aimed at purifying the soul. Self-centered spiritual practice is declared the genuine path to moksha (liberation).

The Khartargaccha and its Reformist Legacy:

The text highlights how the Khartargaccha, a significant sect within Jainism, played a crucial role in upholding these spiritual ideals and combating religious decline throughout various periods.

• Combating Śīlācāra (Improper Conduct): Over time, there was a tendency towards externalism and relaxation of strict monastic discipline (śīlācāra). The Khartargaccha ācāryas (spiritual leaders) consistently worked to counter this.

• Key Figures and Their Contributions:

  • Maniḍhārī Jinachandrasūri: He is credited with reviving and reinforcing spiritual practice, rejecting worldly conduct, and upholding the ideals of Jain monasticism.
  • Ācārya Jinēśvarasūri: He challenged the practice of "caityavāsa" (living in temples), which had led to moral laxity, and re-established the path of proper monastic conduct.
  • Jinavallabha and Jindaṭṭasūri: They traveled extensively, awakening the populace and advocating for the strict adherence to spiritual principles.
  • Jinapatisūri: He took the reformist movement to its peak, effectively curbing the spread of improper conduct.
  • Ācārya Jinaratnasūri and Jinachandrasūri: They re-established strict rules and regulations when there was a lapse in adherence to monastic conduct.
  • Ānandaghanajī: A highly influential spiritual yogi of the Khartargaccha, known for his profound meditative practices and spiritual compositions. His influence was significant, and he is considered a key figure in the tradition's spiritual revival.
  • Ācārya Buddhisāgarsūri: A poet and spiritual seeker who propagated spiritual knowledge through his works.
  • Śrīmad Devachandrajī: A significant reformer who emphasized the "mati-Banarsi-mata" (a spiritual philosophy) and had a widespread influence. He is said to be presently residing in Mahavideha Kshetra in a spiritual state.
  • Śrī Sukhsāgarajī Mahārāj: A follower of the Khartargaccha who initiated a tradition of renunciate monks.
  • Yugapradhān Śrī Bhadramunijī-Sahajānandghanajī: The text prominently features him as the most recent great spiritual exponent of the Khartargaccha. His life is described as one of extraordinary and arduous spiritual practice, including extensive meditation, vow-taking, and a profound detachment from the body. His dedication to the spiritual path and his ability to impart profound spiritual knowledge are highlighted.
  • Śrī Chidānanda Jī and Śrī Jñānānanda Jī: Highly regarded spiritualists and poets from the Khartargaccha, known for their yogic practices and insightful writings.
  • Upanadhyāya Śrī Chāritranandī Gaṇi: A prominent spiritual leader in the 19th century, whose disciples Chidānanda Jī and Jñānānanda Jī were also significant spiritual figures.

• The "Kriyoddhāra" Tradition: The text mentions the recurring tradition of "kriyoddhāra" (revival of practices) throughout the Khartargaccha's history, indicating a continuous effort to re-establish and uphold the original spiritual and ethical standards.

• Akbar's Influence: The influence of these ācāryas extended to the imperial court, with Emperor Akbar being particularly impressed by them, demonstrating the significant societal impact of their spiritual authority.

Emphasis on Current Relevance:

The book concludes by noting that in the present era, the Jain community has drifted far from the path of self-realization, being attracted to superficial externalism. The author expresses a sense of compassion for this situation, suggesting that the profound spiritual teachings of figures like Śrīmad Rajchandra and the Khartargaccha ācāryas can still inspire and guide individuals back to the true spiritual path. The author's own efforts in publishing and editing spiritual works are presented as a continuation of this tradition.

In essence, the book is a testament to the dynamic and reformist spirit of the Khartargaccha, emphasizing its enduring commitment to the core spiritual principles of Jainism and its continuous struggle to uphold them against the tides of externalism and spiritual decline throughout history.