Mavji Damji Shah Jivan Smruti

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Mavji Damji Shah Jivan Smruti" by Dhirajlal Tokarshi Shah, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Mavji Damji Shah Jivan Smruti (Life Memoir of Mavji Damji Shah) Author: Dhirajlal Tokarshi Shah Publisher: Dhirajlal Tokarshi Shah

Overall Purpose: This book is a biographical memoir dedicated to the life and legacy of Shri Mavji Damji Shah. It aims to celebrate his virtues, his contributions to Jainism, and to inspire readers with his example of a simple life filled with high ideals and dedicated service.

Key Aspects of Mavji Damji Shah's Life and Character:

• A Devoted Jain Layman: Mavji Damji Shah was an exemplary Jain layman (Shravak) who lived a life deeply devoted to Jain principles. He had unwavering faith in the Jain faith, worshipped the Tirthankaras, and regularly engaged in religious practices like visiting temples, performing worship, and observing vows and disciplines.
• Intellectual and Scholar: From a young age, he was drawn to spiritual company and demonstrated a keen intellect. He pursued studies in Sanskrit grammar, logic, literature, and Prakrit language, becoming a knowledgeable scholar.
• Dedicated Educator: For approximately 47 years, Mavji Damji Shah served as a primary religious teacher at Babu Pannalal Jain High School in Mumbai. During this long tenure, he imparted religious education and instilled faith and virtuous conduct in thousands of Jain children. Many prominent individuals in Mumbai recall his impactful teachings. He also provided guidance and teaching to Jain monks and nuns in Sanskrit and other subjects, considering it a privilege.
• Creative Writer and Poet: He possessed a natural talent for poetry and writing. He was adept at composing poems and writings suitable for various occasions and events. He gifted the public with well-crafted literary works, including poems, devotional hymns, and small booklets, contributing significantly to Jain literature.
• Virtuous and God-Fearing: Mavji Damji Shah was known for his virtues such as forgiveness, simplicity, humility, and tolerance. These qualities were evident even during his prolonged illness, where he maintained equanimity, remembered the Panch Parmeshthi, and showed diminishing attachment to worldly possessions. His life concluded in meditation on Arihant.
• Devotion to Family: He was a devoted husband and father. His wife, Amritben, was a supportive partner, and his children, particularly his son Jayantbhai, were a source of great pride and were raised with strong religious and moral values. Jayantbhai's devotion and service to his parents, especially during Mavji Damji Shah's illness, is highlighted as an exceptional example of filial piety.
• Simplicity and Discipline: His lifestyle was simple and disciplined. He woke early, engaged in reading and writing, performed his daily religious rituals, and maintained a structured schedule. He was particular about the pronunciation of Jain scriptures.
• Humility and Respect: He was exceptionally humble, never seeking the front seat in gatherings, and always conversing with sweetness and respect. He held ancient traditions in high regard while also embracing progressive ideas.
• Public Service: He actively participated in Jain community activities and was a member of various Jain organizations. His literary works were aimed at societal upliftment and were often published at minimal cost.
• Notable Works: The book lists over 76 works authored by Mavji Damji Shah, including translations of devotional stotras like Bhaktamar Stotra and Kalyan Mandir Stotra, essays on Jain philosophy and ethics, biographical sketches, and poetry. His first publication, "Sindur Prakar," was well-received.

Key Life Events and Influences:

• Early Life and Loss: Born in Bhavnagar, he lost both his parents at a young age, around the age of seven. This early hardship instilled in him resilience.
• Encounter with a Virtuous Soul: A significant turning point in his life was an encounter with Shri Venichand Surajchand, a devout Jain gentleman who recognized his potential and encouraged him to pursue further studies.
• Education in Kashi: Influenced by his encounter, he went to Kashi (Varanasi) to study at the Shri Yashvijayji Jain Sanskrit Pathshala established by Acharya Shri Vijaydharmasurishwarji Maharaj. He spent six years there, diligently studying Sanskrit and Prakrit.
• Career as a Religious Teacher: After completing his education, he joined Babu Pannalal Jain High School in Mumbai, where he served devotedly for 47 years, shaping the lives of thousands of students.
• Retirement and Continued Literary Pursuits: Upon retirement, he continued his literary activities and also engaged in his son's business for a period. He undertook pilgrimages and remained active in his spiritual pursuits.
• Final Illness and Passing: His final days were marked by illness. He received dedicated care from his family, particularly his wife and son Jayantbhai. He passed away peacefully on July 9, 1965 (Ashad Sud 11, Vikram Samvat 2021) at the age of 73.

Commemoration and Legacy:

• Public Tributes: Following his demise, numerous tributes and memorial services were held, highlighting his immense contributions. A public meeting organized by many Jain institutions in Mumbai praised his virtues, scholarship, and dedication.
• Spiritual Influence: His life and teachings continue to inspire readers, particularly Jain students and educators, emphasizing the importance of faith, knowledge, virtuous conduct, and selfless service. The book itself serves as a testament to his enduring legacy.

Specific Contributions Highlighted:

• Bhaktamar Stotra and Kalyan Mandir Stotra Translations: The book includes his Gujarati verse translations of these important Jain devotional hymns.
• Literary Output: The extensive list of his published works underscores his prolific writing career and his commitment to disseminating Jain knowledge and values.
• Influence on Students: Many of his former students are mentioned as being deeply indebted to him for shaping their lives and instilling religious values.

In essence, "Mavji Damji Shah Jivan Smruti" is a rich portrayal of a life dedicated to Jainism, education, and literature, presented with deep respect and admiration for its subject.