Mahan Sahityakar Tatha Pratibhashali Majjayacharya

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Mahan Sahityakar tatha Pratibhashali Majjayacharya," authored by Sadhvi Shri Bhikaji:

This article, presented as part of the "Kesrimallji Surana Abhinandan Granth," celebrates the profound literary contributions and exceptional talents of Acharya Shri Jiyacharyaji, a prominent figure in the Terapanth Jain tradition.

Early Life and Awakening of Talent:

• Acharya Shri Jiyacharyaji, a disciple of Yugpradhan Acharya Shri Tulsi, displayed remarkable intellect and talent from a young age.
• He renounced worldly life at nine years old and began writing after two years. By the age of eleven, his poetic abilities had blossomed.
• His early work, "Sant Gun Mala," showcased his extraordinary talent.

Catalyst for Literary Endeavor:

• A pivotal moment occurred when Sadhviamukhya Shri Dipaji, upon seeing Jiyacharyaji meticulously painting a wooden bowl, gently urged him to utilize his sharp intellect for exploring scriptural principles and creating beneficial literature, rather than engaging in mundane tasks.
• This remark deeply impacted Jiyacharyaji, prompting him to delve into scriptures and begin writing commentaries (Tika).

Pioneering Scriptural Commentary:

• He embarked on the challenging path of interpreting the Agamas, written in Prakrit.
• At the age of eighteen, he successfully created a poetic commentary on the "Pannavana" Sutra, benefiting not only the Terapanth community but the entire Jain society.
• This success fueled his literary pursuits, leading him to investigate and explain various Agamas for those seeking spiritual knowledge.

Literary Output and Style:

• Acharya Jiyacharyaji's poetic prowess was immense. It is said that he would dictate to multiple scribes simultaneously, producing an astonishing three and a half lakh verses.
• He wrote extensively in Marwari, the prevailing language of the people, believing that literature in the vernacular is the most beneficial.
• His writing is characterized by natural flow, simplicity, profundity, and an innate skill in revealing the secrets of Dharma and culture.
• His independent thinking and contemplative style made his literature particularly impactful, capable of sparking new awareness through mere reading or listening.

Major Literary Works and Categories:

The article details his vast literary output across various genres:

1. Agam Literature (Poetic Commentary):

   • He wrote poetic commentaries in Marwari on several Agamas, including Bhagavati, Pannavana, Nishiith, Gyata, Uttaradhyayana, Anuyog Dwar, and Acharaanga.
   • His commentary on the Bhagavati Sutra, the largest of the Agamas, is highlighted as an astonishing feat, simplifying complex topics into verse, including 501 dhaals (stanzas/songs) and couplets, totaling over 52,000 verses. He is believed to be the first Acharya to write such extensive poetic commentaries on Agamas in Marwari.

2. Stutimay Kavya (Hymnic Poetry):

   • Composed twenty-four short and long hymns praising the 24 Tirthankaras.
   • "Sant Ganmala" describes the monks of that era during the reign of Shrimad Bharmalji Swami.
   • "Sant Gan Varnan" praises the dedicated aspirants of the Terapanth.
   • "Sati Gun Varnan" portrays virtuous and ascetic nuns.
   • "Jin Shasan Mahima" narrates the history of influential monks and nuns, those who attained pandit maran (death with full awareness), and those who overcame obstacles.

3. Itihas (History):

   • "Hem Chodhalio" and "Hem Navraso" are historical accounts, the latter expressing gratitude to his teachers.
   • "Shasan Vilas" chronicles the disciples initiated into Terapanth from its inception (VS 1817) to VS 1878.
   • "Laghu Ras" sheds light on six prominent individuals excommunicated from the Sangh, with parallels to such situations in the present day.

4. Jivan Charitra (Biographies):

   • "Bhiksh Jas Rasayan" provides an authentic and systematic account of the founder, Mahamana Shri Bhikshu Swami, in Rajasthani. It covers his life, philosophical analysis of concepts like charity and compassion, details of initiations, and his final journey.
   • "Khetasi Charitra" describes a humble and virtuous monk known as Satyugi.
   • "Rishi Ray Suyash" sketches the life of the third Acharya, Shrimad Raychandji Swami.
   • Biographies of his elder brother, Harakh Rishi, Shivji Swami, and Mahasati Sardaraji are also mentioned, highlighting their exemplary lives of renunciation and spiritual practice.

5. Aakhyan (Narratives/Novels):

   • He wrote numerous engaging narratives and novels, including "Mahipal Charitra," "Dhanji Ka Bakhan," "Parshvanath Charitra," "Mangal Kalash," "Mohjit," "Sitendra," "Sheelamanjari," "Brahmadatta Charitra," "Ratanchur," "Khandak Sanyasi," "Yashobhadra," and "Bharat-Bahubali," among others.

6. Tatvik (Philosophical/Doctrinal):

   • "Bhram-Vidhvansan" is a landmark work clarifying doctrinal differences between the Terapanth and Sthanakvasi sects, based on Lord Mahavir's teachings. It gained such popularity that an incomplete copy was stolen and printed, causing confusion until a corrected version was published.
   • "Sandeh Vishauṣadhi" addresses and dispels prevalent misconceptions about religion.
   • "Jinaagya Mukh Mandan" discusses scripturally prescribed practices for monks that might seem incredible to the uninitiated.
   • "Kumati Vihandan" aims to dispel ignorance and promote right understanding, covering topics like teaching householders, preaching at night, and principles of Dravya, Kshetra, Kaal, and Bhav.
   • "Prashnottar Sardh Shatak" contains 151 question-answer sessions on various spiritual topics.
   • "Charcha Ratnamala" resolves queries of seekers with scriptural evidence.
   • "Bhikkhu Puchchha," "Bada Dhyan," and "Chhota Dhyan" offer methods for concentrating the mind through meditation and study.
   • "Prashnottar Tatva Bodh" and "Brihad Prashnottar Tatva Bodh" answer the inquiries of lay followers.
   • "Shraddha Ri Chaupai," "Jinaagya Ri Chaupai," "Akalpati Vyavach Ri Chaupai," and "Jheeni Charcha" are rhythmic compositions with scriptural references, making knowledge accessible.
   • "Jheeni Charcha Ke Bol" simplifies complex concepts like dravyajeev and bhavajeev.
   • "Jheeni Gyan" delves into subtle knowledge, explaining topics like the number of yogas used by Kevalis during samudghat, the structure of the universe, and different types of nourishment for the soul.
   • "Bhikshu Krit Hundee Ki Jod" addresses contemporary controversial issues related to vows, conduct, and righteousness.
   • "Prachuni Bol" compiles and clarifies controversial scriptural topics.

7. Vyakaran (Grammar):

   • Recognizing the lack of Sanskrit scholars in his time, Jiyacharyaji diligently studied Sanskrit grammar by listening to lessons from a young student.
   • He authored "Aruvat Ri Jod" and "Sadhanika," highly beneficial for Sanskrit studies.

8. Darshan (Philosophy):

   • He translated "Nayachakra" by Devachandrasuri into Rajasthani to make its complex philosophical concepts accessible to a wider audience.

9. Upadesh (Precepts/Teachings):

   • "Upadesh Ri Chaupi" contains inspirational songs for life upliftment and detachment.
   • "Shikshak Ki Chopai" provides guidance for organizing the Sangh and admonishing disciples.
   • "Aaradhana" is filled with detachment and serves as a vital force for seekers in their final stages.
   • "Upadesh Ratna Katha Kosh" compiles approximately 108 topics with accompanying stories, couplets, and songs, similar to the work of Muni Dhanrajji.

10. Samvidhan (Constitutions/Regulations):

    • "Ganvishuddhikarana Hajiri" classifies and names the numerous regulations established by the founder for strengthening the Sangh, emphasizing discipline, conduct, and loyalty.
    • Works like "Badi Maryada," "Chhoti Maryada," and "Likhta Ri Jod" further elaborate on these regulations, underscoring their importance in the Sangh's smooth functioning.
    • "Parampara Ra Bol" and "Parampara Ri Jod" outline the rules and practices for ascetics based on scriptures like Thanaanga and Bhagavati.

Conclusion:

The article emphasizes that Acharya Jiyacharyaji was a natural-born literary genius who produced original and deeply researched literature. His writings are infused with poetic beauty and emotional depth, comparable to that of great poets like Kabir and Mira. The article laments that much of his work remains unpublished, and its full impact will only be realized when his complete literary legacy is brought to light. His poetry is considered a top-tier contribution to Rajasthani literature, and only a connoisseur of the language can fully appreciate the gems within his writings.