Lokguru Acharya Vijay Vallabhsuriji - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text about Acharya Vijay Vallabhsuriji:

Lokguru Acharya Vijay Vallabhsuriji: A Visionary Leader and Social Reformer

This book, authored by Ratilal Deepchand Desai and published by Atmanand Jain Sabha, chronicles the life and extraordinary contributions of Acharya Shri Vijay Vallabhsuriji Maharaj, a revered figure in Jainism. The text portrays him as a "Lokguru" (Guru of the people) and a "Yugadrishta" (Visionary of the era), whose life was dedicated to spiritual attainment and the upliftment of society.

Core Philosophy and Vision:

Acharya Vijay Vallabhsuriji's teachings transcended the boundaries of any single religion. On his 84th birthday in Mumbai, he articulated his profound belief: "I am not Jain, nor Buddhist, nor Vaishnav, nor Shaiv, nor Hindu, nor Muslim. I am but a human being, a traveler, seeking the path to find the Vitraga Dev (the liberated soul). Today, everyone desires peace, but the search for peace must begin within one's own mind." This statement highlights his emphasis on inner peace and his adherence to the Jain principle of anekantavada (non-absolutism), embracing truth and appreciating diverse perspectives. He believed in the Jain tenet of ahimsa (non-violence) as a cornerstone for fostering universal friendship and compassion towards all living beings. His heart was filled with empathy, and he was driven to alleviate the suffering of others.

Early Life and Spiritual Calling:

Born Anlal on the day of Bhai Bij in Vikram Samvat 1927 (1870 AD) in Vadodara, a city renowned for its learning and culture, he hailed from a devout Veesa Shrimali family. His parents, Deepchandbhai and Ichchhabehan, instilled strong religious values in him. Tragically, he lost both parents at a young age. On her deathbed, his mother advised him to seek refuge in the Arhant (Jain Tirthankaras) and dedicate his life to achieving eternal happiness and working for the welfare of all beings. Despite the care of his elder brothers, Chhaganlal (his pre-monastic name) felt a strong calling towards renunciation and the ascetic life.

Initiation and Early Career:

In Vikram Samvat 1942 (1885 AD), the influential Jain scholar Acharya Shri Vijayanand Suriji (Atmaramji) Maharaj visited Vadodara. His discourses deeply moved Chhaganlal, who became eager for initiation. Despite familial objections, he received initiation as Muni Shri Harshavijayji's disciple in Radhanpur in Vikram Samvat 1943 (1886 AD), named Muni Shri Vallabhvijay. He became a devoted follower of Acharya Shri Atmaramji Maharaj, accompanying him and dedicating himself to service, knowledge, and virtuous conduct. He spent several monsoons in Gujarat and Rajasthan before traveling to Punjab with his "Dadaguru" (respected elder guru).

Dedication to Punjab and Education:

Acharya Shri Vallabhvijay spent 19 continuous monsoons in Punjab, significantly strengthening the faith of the Jain community there. After his Dadaguru's demise in Vikram Samvat 1952 (1895 AD), he continued his spiritual journey with other monks for 13 more monsoons. He remembered his Dadaguru's final instruction to establish educational institutions and care for Punjab. Undeterred by personal loss, he focused on strengthening the faith in Punjab and establishing educational centers. His dedication and efforts made him beloved by all ages in the Punjab Jain community.

Principles for Societal Upliftment:

Muni Shri Vallabhvijay firmly believed that religion endures through its followers. Recognizing the changing times, he identified three key principles for the strength and progress of the Jain community:

Comprehensive Education: Ensuring the younger generation receives both practical and religious education at all levels.
Unity and Organization: Fostering an environment of harmony and unity among different sects within the Jain community to maintain its collective strength.
Economic Empowerment: Establishing industrial organizations and accumulating significant funds to support the poor and middle classes, preventing them from being crushed by economic hardships.

Social Justice and Philanthropy:

He passionately advocated for the well-being of the less fortunate, stating, "Today, thousands of Jain families lack sufficient food to eat, enough clothes to wear, and money for medical treatment or their children's education. Our brothers and sisters in the middle class are being ground down by hardship... If the middle class survives, the Jain world will also survive. It is not social justice, but injustice, if the wealthy prosper while our fellow Dharma brothers starve." He believed true "Sadharmik Vatsalya" (fellowship with co-religionists) meant not just providing food but also enabling them to become self-reliant by engaging them in work. He emphasized that the progress of the Jain community hinges on five pillars: service, organization, self-reliance, education, and the publication and propagation of Jain literature.

Nationalism and Inter-faith Harmony:

His adoption of Khadi symbolized his nationalistic spirit. He believed in the welfare of the nation through independence and stressed the importance of unity among Hindus, Muslims, and Sikhs, stating, "We must achieve this unity at any cost... If unity is established in the country, our nation's place in world peace will be unique." He believed that external religious markers were secondary to the shared soul within all beings and that everyone was entitled to salvation.

Establishing Institutions and Leadership:

After 18 years of dedicated work in Punjab, he returned to Gujarat with a clear vision for societal improvement. His focus was on establishing educational institutions and student hostels for the youth and creating permanent support systems, such as funds and industrial enterprises, for those in need. His efforts led to the establishment of numerous educational institutions and hostels across Punjab, Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Maharashtra. The Shri Mahavir Jain Vidyalaya in Mumbai, founded in 1914-15, was a direct result of his inspiration. His foresight, understanding of the times, and detachment were crucial for the growth of these institutions.

Ascension to Acharya-ship and Commitment to Unity:

Acharya Shri Vallabhvijay initially declined the offer to accept the title of Acharya from the Punjab Sangha in Vikram Samvat 1957 (1900 AD). However, 24 years later, in Vikram Samvat 1981 (1924 AD), he relented to the persistent requests of the Punjab Sangha and accepted the prestigious position in Lahore. He was deeply committed to the unity of the Jain community and once declared, "If necessary, I am prepared to give up my Acharya-ship to achieve unity in our Sangha." He also desired unity among all the different denominations within Jainism.

Resolving Conflicts and Demonstrating Principles:

The text provides numerous anecdotes illustrating his commitment to resolving disputes and upholding his principles:

Palanpur Conflict: Upon learning of discord within the Sangha in Palanpur, he prepared to leave despite the intense summer heat, indicating his unwillingness to stay where there was disunity.
Vikhawada Dispute: In Rajasthan, he advised the disputing members of a Sangha to halt their food collections until their conflicts were resolved, which quickly led to reconciliation.
Burhanpur Dispute: He refused to accept alms from a household where a mother and son were in conflict, demanding their reconciliation before he would accept food.
Gurukul Financial Crisis: He declared a personal austerity of abstaining from sugar and jaggery until a lakh of rupees was raised for a Gurukul in Gujaratwala, which was promptly achieved.
Pune Sangha Dispute: He stated he would only visit Pune when the internal disputes within the Sangha were resolved.

Advocacy for the Underprivileged and Women:

At the Jain Conference in Mumbai in Vikram Samvat 2008 (1951 AD), he urged concrete action for the upliftment of the middle and poor classes. When progress was slow, he announced a personal austerity of abstaining from milk until five lakh rupees were raised for this cause, which the Jain community swiftly fulfilled. He also recognized the impediments to the progress of the Sadhvi (female ascetic) community due to rigid interpretations of scriptures and traditions. He granted the Sadhvis under his guidance full freedom for scriptural study and delivering discourses, believing this would empower them to serve the Sangha better. He also intervened to help Harijans facing discrimination, ensuring they received a well to alleviate their suffering.

Leadership During Partition:

A true test of his leadership came during the 1947 partition of India. While staying in Gujranwala (which became part of Pakistan), he refused to leave until all the monks, nuns, and Jain community members were safely evacuated. He stayed with them until their successful relocation, bidding a sorrowful farewell to Gujranwala, his Dadaguru's place of nirvana.

Final Years and Legacy:

In his final years, in Vikram Samvat 2010 (1953 AD), he resided in Mumbai. Despite his advanced age and failing health, his spirit remained undimmed, yearning to visit Palitana and Punjab. His life was marked by compassion, service, humility, equanimity, peace, and composure, embodying the ideals of a noble soul. Acharya Shri Vijay Vallabhsuriji Maharaj passed away on Bhadrava Vad 10, Vikram Samvat 2010 (September 22, 1954), to attain a higher spiritual realm.

Enduring Memorials:

The book concludes by highlighting the various memorials established in his honor, reflecting his lasting impact:

Guru Teerth (Mumbai): A sacred site where his mortal remains were cremated and a Guru Mandir now stands.
Educational Institutions: Numerous schools and hostels founded under his inspiration, nurturing the Jain youth.
Birth Centenary Education Trust: A trust established to provide financial assistance to Jain students pursuing higher education.
Shri Vijayvallabh Public Hospital, Vadodara: A hospital in his birthplace, dedicated to serving humanity without discrimination.
Samaj Utkarsh Trust (Mumbai): Aimed at addressing the housing needs of Jain community members in Mumbai.
All-India Memorial in Delhi (Shri Vallabh Smarak): A grand, multi-faceted memorial in the capital, serving as a center for Jain learning, research, meditation, literature, public education, and service, a testament to his comprehensive vision.

The book is a tribute to Acharya Vijay Vallabhsuriji Maharaj's selfless service, his profound spiritual insights, and his enduring legacy of social reform and communal upliftment.