Mahatma Charitravijayji

This is a comprehensive summary of the provided text from "Mahatma Charitravijayji," specifically focusing on the introduction (aamukh) by Shri Punyavijayji.

The introduction begins by stating a fundamental principle: when the inner life of a community or society weakens due to the passage of time or any other reason, it needs to draw inspiration from the lives of great, exemplary individuals for its rejuvenation. The stories of such virtuous souls provide the necessary motivation for humanity to rise from the depths of decline. This is why, since ancient times, the tradition of writing biographies of pious individuals who lived pure lives has existed in India.

The author observes that the current state of the world, particularly the decline in the external and internal lives of all people, causes even the most knowledgeable individuals to feel disheartened. Consequently, everyone is preparing to contribute in whatever way they can to the resurgence of their own lives and the lives of their communities. In this context, the publication of memorial volumes, article series, and similar works dedicated to great personalities who lived exemplary lives in various religions, societies, and communities is indeed a welcome development.

The text then focuses on the Jain community, which is considered an integral part of the unified Indian populace. The Jain community, which once significantly contributed to presenting the path of an ideal life, is now deeply tarnished by internal and external strife. The author expresses a grave concern that if proper attention is not given to its resurgence, it is difficult to imagine when and how the ship of the Jain community will meet its destruction, crashing against which rock. Therefore, the endeavor of those who have decided to present this "memorial volume of character" to the Jain community to uplift them from this situation is undoubtedly commendable.

The author then shares a personal recollection of the late Pujya Shri Charitravijayji Maharajshri, met about thirty-three years prior in Vadodara in Vikram Samvat 1966. At that time, the author was young and had been initiated only ten months prior, thus admitting to not having had a personal acquaintance with Maharajshri. This naturally raises the question of how the author can write a memorial account of this great personality. The answer provided is that while great souls may depart physically, they live on eternally through their virtues. This is likened to Bhagwan Mahavir, who, despite having left the world centuries ago, is still recognized and revered globally, with his pure name constantly invoked. Similarly, the author recognizes Shri Charitravijayji Maharajshri through his virtues, even though his physical form is no longer present, and endeavors to praise his commendable qualities in this memorial volume to sanctify the author's writing.

The author emphasizes that the value of a great person is not determined by their physical form, parentage, caste, or country. Instead, their worth and greatness depend on their inner life and their deeds. Therefore, even if the author did not know "Charitra" (referring to Charitravijayji) in his physical form or recall his facial features, it does not hinder the author from praising his virtues.

The author admits to knowing very little about Shri Charitravijayji Maharajshri's origins, other than that he was the prashishya (grand-disciple) of the highly learned Acharya Maharaj Shri Vijaykamalmuni Maharaj. However, the author recognizes him through two significant legacies he left behind:

1. The Yashovijay Jain Gurukul in Palitana: This is a tangible institution where numerous Jain children are receiving specialized education. The establishment of this Gurukul was initiated by "Charitra," and it is being sustained by his diligent disciples. The author notes that the disciples have inherited the strength and enthusiasm of their guru, making his greatness readily apparent.
2. The Flood incident in Palitana: During a flood in Palitana, Maharajshri, without regard for his own life, bravely rescued numerous individuals, offering them protection. The author highlights the promptness and situational awareness displayed by Maharajshri during this event, which was truly befitting of the conduct of a Jain monk. The author argues that Maharajshri, by not rigidly adhering to traditional injunctions like "a monk should not enter unboiled water" or "saving a householder leads to sin," and instead acting thoughtfully, truly embodied the syadvada (conditional assertion) style of Jain philosophy. This demonstrated that scriptural statements are not rigid dogma but are meant to be applied with consideration for time, place, and individual circumstances, proving they are not universally applicable without nuance.

The author concludes by expressing the earnest wish that the Jain community remembers this great soul and his virtues, acknowledges their debt to him, and strives to emulate his noble qualities in their own lives. With this final sentiment, the author offers a hundred and eight salutations to Mahatma Charitravijayji.