Mohanlal Banthiya Smruti Granth

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Overall Purpose of the Smruti Granth:

The "Mohanlal Banthiya Smruti Granth" is a commemorative volume published by the Jain Darshan Samiti (Calcutta) to honor the life and extensive contributions of the late Mohanlal Banthia to Jainism, Jain literature, and the propagation of Jain philosophy and culture. The volume serves as a tribute to his multifaceted personality and his dedication to scholarly pursuits, particularly in the field of Jain Agamic literature.

Mohanlal Banthiya: A Life of Dedication and Scholarship

• Early Life and Education: Mohanlal Banthia was born in Churu, Rajasthan, in 1908. He lost his father at a young age and, despite facing financial hardships, completed his education up to B.Com. He also pursued studies in Sanskrit.
• Professional and Business Acumen: While professionally an advocate, Banthia was also a successful businessman in Calcutta, establishing a firm named "Sohanlal Mohanlal" dealing in imported goods, including playing cards. He demonstrated keen business acumen and honesty, earning a good reputation. He also contributed to the umbrella manufacturing business by supporting relatives.
• Deep Involvement in Jain Institutions: Banthia was deeply involved in various Jain organizations. He served in important positions in the Shree Jain Shwetambar Terapanthi Mahasabha and the Shree Jain Shwetambar Terapanthi Vidyalaya, holding posts like President and Minister. He was also associated with the Oswal Navayuvak Samiti and served as its editor.
• Commitment to Jain Agamic Research: Banthia's true passion lay in Jain Agamic literature. He dedicated himself to the research, classification, and compilation of Jain Agamic texts. He initiated and championed the "Kosa" (Cyclopaedia) project, aiming to systematically organize Jain knowledge.
• Key Scholarly Contributions: His most significant contribution was the creation of extensive research materials on Jain Agamas, resulting in the conceptualization and preparation of manuscripts on over 150 subjects. Several volumes were published under his visionary project, including:
  • Lesya-kosa (Cyclopaedia of Lesya)
  • Kriya-kosa (Cyclopaedia of Kriya)
  • Vardhamana Jivana-kosa (Cyclopaedia of the Life of Vardhamana/Mahavira), published in multiple volumes.
  • Yoga-kosa (Cyclopaedia of Yoga)
  • Pudgala ek Adhyayan (An Study of Pudgala)
• Advocacy and Social Impact: Banthia was a proactive participant in societal and religious movements. He played a crucial role in getting the Madhya Pradesh government's ban on Acharya Shri Tulsi's book "Agni Pariksha" revoked by the Jabalpur High Court. He was also instrumental in promoting youth involvement in Jain organizations, understanding their potential for shaping the future. He supported dedicated workers facing financial difficulties, enabling them to continue their service.
• Personal Qualities: He was described as a person of strong determination ("dhun ke pakke"), organized, visionary, calm, quiet, and possessing a deep, unostentatious scholarship. He was known for his clarity of thought and speech, sometimes perceived as strict but always rooted in truth and justice. He was also admired for his humility, his willingness to take responsibility for the mistakes of others, and his unwavering commitment to principles, never compromising his integrity for personal gain.
• Enduring Legacy: Mohanlal Banthia's work laid the foundation for extensive research in Jain Darshan. His vision for organizing and disseminating Jain knowledge through cyclopaedias has been recognized as a monumental and unique contribution, with many scholars acknowledging the immense value of his compiled manuscripts. He passed away in 1976 at the age of 68.

The Commemorative Volume:

The publication of this volume was a decision by the Jain Darshan Samiti to express its gratitude and to honor the rare qualities of Mohanlal Banthia. The volume aims to capture his life, his works, and the memories shared by his friends and admirers, making his contributions accessible to future generations of scholars.

Content of the Smruti Granth:

The volume is structured into several sections, reflecting the diverse aspects of Banthia's life and the broad scope of Jain philosophy:

1. Blessings and Messages: The volume begins with blessings from prominent Jain Acharyas like Ganadhipati Tulsi and Acharya Mahaprajna, and messages from influential figures in the Jain community, acknowledging Banthia's stature and the importance of the commemorative volume.
2. Life Story and Contributions (Jeevan Vrat/Jeevan Vrit): This section details Mohanlal Banthia's biography, his early life, his business career, his deep involvement in Jain institutions, and his pioneering work in the field of Jain Agamic cyclopaedias. Multiple personal accounts from his close associates, colleagues, and family members (like his son Dr. Ajit Kumar Banthia and daughters Chandralekha Jain and Chitralekha Bhansali) are included, offering intimate insights into his character, dedication, and leadership qualities.
3. Articles and Scholarly Works (Darshan-Digdarshan): This extensive section features numerous articles by respected scholars and religious figures on various aspects of Jainism, philosophy, history, and culture. These include:
   • Discussions on the concept of Liberation (Moksha) in Jainism, particularly from the Sutrakrtanga.
   • The Spiritual Development of a "Mithyātvī" (one with perverted views), exploring whether spiritual progress is possible for those outside the conventional Jain fold.
   • The scientific aspects within Jain Agamas, highlighting the ancient Jain understanding of minute life forms.
   • The importance of Right Knowledge in the Agamic literature.
   • Analysis of Bhagavan Mahavira's life and teachings, including his concept of health and the practice of Kayotsarga (self-resignation).
   • Discussions on Vichar Ki Samasya (the problem of thoughts) and how to manage them through meditation and awareness.
   • The concept of Brahmacharya and its arduous practice, illustrated with historical anecdotes.
   • The practical approach of Bhagavan Mahavira in daily life, emphasizing the importance of vyavahar (practical conduct) alongside nischay (ultimate reality).
   • The Jain understanding of Mamatva-Visarjan (renunciation of possessiveness) and Aparigraha (non-possession).
   • The possibility of Manahparyav Jnan (mind-reading knowledge) and its connection to scientific concepts like aura.
   • The significance of "Jagana hai to abhi jago" (If you want to awaken, awaken now), a call to conscious living and spiritual awakening.
   • The dichotomy of Mokshadharma and Vyavastha Dharma (Principles of Liberation vs. Principles of Social Order) and their interplay.
   • The Jain perspective on "Sad Jiv Nikaya - Suraksha hi Paryavaran Suraksha" (The Six Categories of Living Beings - Environmental Protection is Life Protection), emphasizing the ecological consciousness in Jainism.
   • The nature of Tapa (Austerities) as a process of life purification.
   • The role of Shravakatva ka Suraksha Kavach (The Shield of Lay Discipleship) in safeguarding Jain traditions.
   • The Inspirational Experiments of Life's Laboratory.
   • The Scientific Elements in Jainism.
   • An analysis of Significant Sutras from Acharyanga.
   • The Jain perspective on whether Jains are not Nastikas (atheists).
   • The Agamic Vocabulary and its Technical Terminology.
   • A discourse on the Contemporary Mahapurushas (Great Souls) of Bhagavan Mahavira, including Buddha, Lao Tzu, Confucius, Zarathustra, Pythagoras, Socrates, and Plato.
   • The significance of Avadhijnana (Insight into the past and future).
   • The importance of "Why is there the terror of encroachment?"
   • The Vitaraga personality of Bhagavan Mahavira.
   • A comparison of Six Darshanas of India and their founders.
4. Reviews (Sameeksha): This section likely contains critical evaluations and appreciations of the published works, including those by Mohanlal Banthia and his associates.
5. Tributes (Shraddha Suman): Numerous individuals have contributed heartfelt tributes and memories of Mohanlal Banthia, highlighting his various roles as a scholar, leader, mentor, friend, and family man. These are offered as "Shraddha Suman" (Flowers of Devotion).

Language and Structure:

The Granth is primarily in Hindi, with a dedicated section for English articles, acknowledging the collaborative effort in its publication. The structure is organized, featuring an index (Anukram), blessings, scholarly articles, reviews, personal reminiscences, and tributes, all centered around the life and legacy of Mohanlal Banthia.

In essence, the "Mohanlal Banthiya Smruti Granth" is a rich repository that not only celebrates the life of a dedicated Jain scholar and organizer but also serves as a valuable resource for understanding the depth and breadth of Jain philosophy, history, and practice.