Mahan Jyotirdhar Upadhyay Yashovijayji

Here's a comprehensive summary in English of the provided Jain text about Upadhyay Yashovijayji:

The text is a biographical sketch of Mahan Jyotirdhar Upadhyay Shrimad Yashovijayji, written by Fatehchand Z. Shah and published by Z_Jain_Darshan_Mimansa_ane_Anya_Lekho.

Early Life and Prodigious Memory: Upadhyay Yashovijayji, belonging to the Oswal community, was born in the 17th century near the village of Kehada, around Anhilpur Patan. He lost his father in childhood. From a young age, he possessed an exceptional memory. A notable anecdote highlights this: his mother had a vow to listen to the "Bhaktamar Stotra" daily from their Guru. When she was unable to attend due to heavy rain, she abstained from food for three days. The young Yashovijay, around five or six years old, offered to recite it for her. His mother was astonished, as he had learned it simply by listening during her visits to the Guru. He recited the entire "Bhaktamar Stotra" flawlessly, impressing his Guru, Nayavijayji, who was present at that time.

Initiation and Academic Achievements: He took initiation (diksha) in Samvat 1988 (likely a typo and intended to be earlier, perhaps 1688). He attained the prestigious Upadhyay pada (title) in Samvat 1780 (again, likely a typo, as the historical context suggests it should align with his death date). He passed away with great equanimity in the city of Dabhoi (Darbhavati) in Samvat 1743. The text draws parallels to the Bhagavad Gita and Tattvarthasutra, suggesting that his life was shaped by past life impressions and a predisposition towards spiritual practice, leading him to begin his yogic path in a virtuous family.

Divine Grace and Scholarly Prowess: It is mentioned that he worshipped Goddess Saraswati with a mantra for twenty-one days. On the twenty-first night, Saraswati appeared and granted him a boon. Yashovijayji asked for assistance in composing scriptures for the upliftment of Jainism. The goddess granted his request. He was conferred the title of Upadhyay by Shri Vijayprabh Suri. To address laxity among ascetics, he, along with Muni Satyavijay, implemented corrective measures.

Literary Style and Influence: Similar to how Acharya Haribhadra Suri would end his works with the word "Bahuh" (meaning "much" or "many"), Upadhyay Yashovijayji symbolically used the word "Dr" at the beginning of his compositions.

Association with Anandghanji: He met the spiritual luminary Anandghanji. During his pilgrimage to Abu, he found Anandghanji, who was a profound yogi living in seclusion. Out of deep respect for Anandghanji, Upadhyay Yashovijayji composed the "Ashtapadi." An example verse from this work demonstrates his appreciation for spiritual company.

Contemporary Scholars and Education: His contemporaries included renowned scholars and Jyotirdhars such as Upadhyay Maanavijayji, Pandit Satyavijayji, Upadhyay Vividhvijayji, Vijaydev Suri, Vijaysingh Suri, and Vijayprabh Suri. He received his education in Kashi and was awarded the title of Nyayavisharad (an expert in logic and philosophy) after achieving victory in scholarly debates.

Notable Works and Contributions: He authored numerous works in Sanskrit and Prakrit, including:

• "Adhyatmamata Pariksha"
• "Adhyatmasar"
• "Anekant Vyavastha"
• "Tapa Paribhasha" and many others, with seventy-six of his works being available.

A decree (shasanpatra) written by his hand in Samvat 1738 was published in the "Atmānanda Prakash" monthly. While in Ghogha, he composed a dialogue between the sea and a ship, emphasizing the rarity of human life and offering guidance to future generations. He also wrote works like "Adhyatmamata Pariksha" and "Deepa Chorashi Bel" in Gujarati to counter the doctrines of the Digambar sect.

His Gujarati work, "Dravya Gunu Paryay Ras," inspired the Digambar poet Bhojrajji to compose a Sanskrit treatise titled "Dravyanugatarkana."

He strongly advocated for the Jain Syadvada (many-sidedness) doctrine in his devotional poems of 125, 150, and 350 verses, refuting the views of the Sthanakvasi sect and proponents of one-sided philosophies from other schools of thought. He also composed:

• "Brahmagita"
• "Samadhishtaka"
• "Samataashtaka"
• Devotional verses for the twenty-four Tirthankaras
• "Amrutaveli Sajhay"
• "Chaar Aahaar ni Sajhay"
• "Panch Parmeshthi Gita"
• A 42-verse hymn on Simandhar Swami, encompassing both ultimate and conventional truths
• "Aath Drashti ni Sajhay"
• Devotional verses for Maun Ekadashi
• "Gyarah Ang ni Sajhay"
• Chopai on Samyaktva Sthanak
• Devotional verses for the past, present, and future Tirthankaras
• "Jinvishastra Varnan"
• "Chadati Padati ni Sajhay"

These works significantly enriched Gujarati literature.

Versatility in Literary Genres: He was adept at composing simple devotional hymns like "Jag Jivan Jag Vahalh" and "Vimalachal Nitu Vandie," as well as profound and scholarly texts like "Gyanasar" and "Adhyatmasar." His prolific writing extended to various subjects, making it difficult to pinpoint an area he didn't cover. He authored numerous works on logic, including commentaries on "Shastra Varta Samucchay," "Nyaya Upadesha," "Nyaya Khand Khadya," "Nyayavaloka," and "Narahasya." His remarkable ability to integrate other philosophical perspectives into Jain philosophy is evident. His writings are characterized by their conclusive style, critical approach, synthesis of ideas, broad vision, extensive use of logic and reasoning, and deep insight into the subtle meanings of scriptures.

Asceticism and Austerity: He was disciplined in his ascetic life, practicing contemplation, knowledge, and conduct. He observed the "Vees Sthanak" penance.

Completion of Shri Pal Ras: He composed the "Navpadji Puja," which is recited during Navpadji Puja festivals. When Shri Vinayvijay Gani wrote the "Shri Pal Ras" in Samvat 1738, he completed up to 750 verses in Randher. After his passing, Upadhyay Yashovijayji completed the remaining portion of the "Ras," which included the Navpadji Puja, thus fulfilling his obligation to his colleague and benefiting the Jain community.

Dating of Life Events and Legacy: While the exact dates of Upadhyayji's life events are not as precisely documented as those of Acharya Hemchandracharya, the "Sujaseveli Bhas," written by Muni Kantivijayji of that era, states that Upadhyayji observed Chaturmas in Dabhoi in Samvat 1747 and attained his heavenly abode after the Chaturmas. His sandals were consecrated in Dabhoi in Samvat 1745. The text also mentions a restoration of his shrine and the publication of his biography in Mumbai in Samvat 2007, with a three-day festival in Dabhoi in Samvat 2008, including the consecration of a new marble idol and the Yashovijayji Saraswat Sastra festival.

"Laghu Haribhadra" and Shasanprabhavak: He is considered the "Laghu Haribhadra" (Junior Haribhadra) as he emerged approximately a thousand years after Acharya Haribhadra Suri, the author of "Chaturdasha Stotra" (144 works). He is recognized as a significant reformer and propagator of Jainism, following in the footsteps of Acharya Hemchandracharya (author of 3.5 crore verses, propagator of non-violence in 18 countries, and advisor to King Kumarpal) and Acharya Hirvijay Suri (who influenced Emperor Akbar and championed non-violence throughout India). It is through such enlightened souls that Jainism has endured uninterrupted. The text emphasizes that the advent of such great souls at specific intervals, as foretold by Lord Mahavir, ensures the continuation of Jainism for twenty-one thousand years.

Vast Literary Output: Upadhyayji authored over a hundred works and composed approximately two lakh verses. Many of his writings are currently unavailable. In his own work, "Bhasha Rahasya," he states his intention to write 108 works titled "Rahasya Padankit," of which only "Bhasha Rahasya," "Upadesha Rahasya," and "Naya Rahasya" are known to exist.

Enduring Impact and Philosophy: His literary life encompassed profound scholarship in right faith, knowledge, and conduct, celibacy, self-control, penance, richness of the Gujarati language, synthesis of conventional and ultimate truths, logical reasoning, creation of logical treatises, and the composition of devotional poems and folk songs in simple Gujarati, alongside high-level works like "Adhyatmasar" and "Adhyatmopanishad." The text criticizes a recent negative portrayal of him as "Vyavahar Vimudh" in an article, attributing it to the writer's lack of familiarity with his works or intentional malice. The author defends Upadhyayji, stating that he emphasized the importance of conventional truth for beings in Bharat Kshetra, setting a practical limit up to the higher stages of spiritual development. Even perfected beings (Kevalins) adhere to conventional truth, which is why Tirthankaras establish the four-fold monastic order. The text draws a parallel with the Navkar mantra, where 'Arihant' represents conventional truth and 'Siddha' represents ultimate truth, highlighting that the former is necessary for understanding the latter. Upadhyayji himself stated, "Holding the ultimate truth in the heart and observing conventional truth, the virtuous will cross the ocean of existence."

Comprehensive Knowledge and Legacy: This great soul, born with immense past-life karmic potential, was an expert in various fields including philosophy, logic, grammar, meter, literature, rhetoric, poetry, argumentation, doctrine, scriptures,naya (perspective), pramana (means of knowledge), saptabhangi (seven-fold logic), spirituality, Agamas, Syadvada, conduct, and the essence of reality. He bequeathed a rich repository of literature in both scholarly and vernacular languages like Gujarati for both the learned and the general public. The text pays homage to this epoch-making luminary, the pioneer of Neo-Logic among Jains, the Acharya of logic, and the recipient of titles like Nyayavisharad.

Illustrative Examples of his Work: The text highlights his skill in translating profound concepts into accessible language. His Gujarati rendition of a verse from "Upamiti Bhavaprapancha Katha," a 16,000-verse Sanskrit work, in a hymn to Vimalanath, explains spiritual concepts like right faith, right vision, and right conduct. Similarly, in a hymn to Suvidhinath, he connects the analogy of a tree with inverted roots and branches, drawing parallels with verses from the Bhagavad Gita to illustrate spiritual truths in a relatable manner.

His hymns of 150 and 350 verses are replete with teachings on ultimate and conventional truths, and he successfully proved the validity of idol worship through unique arguments. The text quotes his devotional verses expressing his unwavering commitment to the Lord, seeking divine grace for all lifetimes, and rejecting deceitful practices.

Research and Enduring Influence: Upadhyayji also researched the "Dharma Sangrah" by Shri Vijayanand Suri, which was commented upon by Mahopadhyaya Maanavijay Gani. The first part of this work, with its translation, was recently published. He composed the "Shri Jambuswami Ras" in Khambhat in Samvat 1739, which is found with pages bearing his father's handwriting. His life was dedicated to devotion, knowledge, self-restraint, and penance, leaving behind a legacy of diverse literary works that served to propagate Jainism and benefit his soul and future generations. Like the great figures mentioned by Bhartrihari as "ornaments of the earth," and by Bhavabhuti as those whose birth makes the world victorious, Upadhyay Yashovijayji is celebrated for his profound impact.

The summary concludes by presenting two verses from his works: a concluding verse from "Gyanasar" and a verse from "Amrutaveli Sajhay," emphasizing the importance of embracing all perspectives without bias and the pursuit of spiritual joy. The text also includes a quote on the "food" of the soul, mind, and speech from "Adhyatmageeta."