Muni Jambuvijayji Homage And Reminiscences

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This text is a heartfelt homage and collection of reminiscences by Professor Nalini Balbir, commemorating the life and work of Muni Jambūvijayaji. Balbir expresses profound sadness at his passing on November 12, 2009, describing him as a "jewel of knowledge and kindness."

Balbir, while not a long-term associate, had several inspiring and ennobling encounters with Muni Jambūvijayaji over thirty years. These meetings were characterized by the Muni's emphasis on dharma, vegetarianism, and his consistent mention of his guru (and father), Muni Bhuvanavijaya, and the sacred place of Sankheshwar. Muni Jambūvijayaji's mother, an aged nun, was also a notable presence.

Balbir's first encounter in 1980 in a remote village was deeply impactful. The Muni's vyākhyāna (discourse) was inspiring, and Balbir was particularly moved when presented with the first volume of Muni Jambūvijayaji's edition of Hemacandra's Yogaśastra with svopajñavṛtti. Balbir praises the clarity and vast erudition of this edition, which led to a detailed review.

Further meetings in Palitana and Sankheshwar, and a final encounter in Koba in 2003, are cherished memories. Balbir received a copy of Muni Jambūvijayaji's edition of Hemacandra's Śabdānuśāsana with Laghuvṛtti, a work Balbir uses frequently in their own research on Jain praśnottaras. Balbir's own scholarly contributions to volumes honoring Muni Jambūvijayaji are also mentioned.

The text highlights Muni Jambūvijayaji's significant scholarly contributions, which continue the legacy of Muni Punyavijaya. He is credited with producing high-standard editions of Svetāmbara canon texts and was instrumental in the Jaina Āgama Series. His expertise spanned philosophy, logic (including Buddhist logic), and grammar, culminating in the monumental edition of Mallavādin’s Dvādaśāranayacakra. This work has garnered international recognition, making Muni Jambūvijayaji known even to scholars outside Jain studies.

Muni Jambūvijayaji was also a generous mentor, readily sharing his knowledge with foreign scholars, some of whom became his disciples. He contributed articles in Sanskrit for publications outside India and offered his blessings and contributions to Jain studies events in Europe, including a message read at a Jain Conference in Warsaw.

Beyond his personal publications, Muni Jambūvijayaji dedicated himself to improving Jain libraries and ensuring the preservation and accessibility of manuscripts. He contributed a foreword to the Catalogue of Jain Manuscripts of the British Library, emphasizing the importance of cataloguing India's Jain manuscript heritage. His name is intrinsically linked to the Jaisalmer and Patan bhandars (libraries), where he led a team to create new catalogues and, importantly, initiated the digitization of manuscripts. Australian scholar Royce Wiles confirms Muni Jambūvijayaji's commitment to using modern technology for preserving this cultural heritage, noting the world-class equipment used. The digitization work in Patan was completed in 2009.

Balbir concludes by expressing hope that Muni Jambūvijayaji's example will inspire others to continue this vital work. The author deeply admires Muni Jambūvijayaji's embodiment of perfection in knowledge and character, his simplicity, earnestness, commitment, and tireless mental and physical energy until the end of his life.