Namo Purisavaragandh Hatthinam - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Namo Purisavaragandh Hatthinam" based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Namo Purisavaragandh Hatthinam Author(s): Dharmchand Jain and Others Publisher: Akhil Bharatiya Jain Ratna Hiteshi Shravak Sangh Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/032385/1

This extensive text, "Namo Purisavaragandh Hatthinam," is a comprehensive biographical work detailing the life, philosophy, personality, and literary contributions of the revered Jain Acharya Shrimad Hastimalji Maharaj Saheb (M.S.). The title itself, "Namo Purisavaragandh Hatthinam," is a significant descriptor, meaning "Salutations to the best among men, like the fragrant elephant among elephants." This epithet, used by the respected Acharya Shrimad Atmaramji Maharaj, signifies Acharya Shri Hastimalji's noble qualities and his superior stature among great personalities.

Key Aspects of Acharya Shri Hastimalji Maharaj's Life and Teachings:

A Paragon of Spirituality and Intellect: Acharya Shri Hastimalji Maharaj was an embodiment of the trinity of knowledge, intellect, and spiritual practice. He was revered as an "Adhyatmavogi" (Yogi of Spirituality) and a "Yugamanishi" (Visionary of an Era).
Exemplary Character: Known affectionately as "Pujya Shri," he possessed an extraordinary spiritual prowess and was a highly accomplished ascetic saint despite his simple physical form. His profound spiritual practice made the allure of the material world seem trivial. He commanded immense respect from all strata of society, including professors, engineers, doctors, scientists, judges, industrialists, jewelers, businessmen, and lawyers, all of whom sought his spiritual guidance and drew inspiration from him.
Qualities of Greatness: His spiritual life was characterized by numerous virtues such as unwavering diligence (apramattata), detachment (nihsprinata), humility (nirabhimanata), fearlessness (nirbhayata), concise speech (mitabhashita), joy in the virtues of others (guniyon ke prati pramodbhav), and compassion for all living beings (pranimatra ke prati karunabhav).
Disciplined Daily Life: Every moment of his day, from waking up to resting, was utilized for spiritual advancement. His routine included dedicated times for self-study (swadhyay), meditation (dhyan), silence (maun), confession (pratikraman), scriptural review (pratilekhan), and scripture recitation (shastra-vachana). His diligence extended beyond external activities to an inner remembrance of his true self. Even in silence, his presence was a spiritual catalyst, speaking directly to the hearts of his listeners.
Spreading Knowledge and Peace: He championed the path of knowledge (swadhyay) for a society bound by blind beliefs, igniting the light of wisdom among the masses. He emphasized the practice of Samayik (a period of spiritual equanimity) as a mantra for peace for individuals stressed by excessive desires, passions, attachments, aversions, ego, deceit, and greed.
Social Reformer and Visionary: Acharya Shri Hastimalji Maharaj was a significant influence on society. He inspired women towards education and virtuous conduct, guided young people towards spirituality, and advocated for the constructive use of their energies in nation-building. He strongly criticized societal ills like ostentation, ostentatious displays of wealth, and dowry demands. He worked to resolve conflicts and misunderstandings in villages and towns and encouraged compassion and support for the weaker sections and helpless families. These actions earned him the title of "Yugamanishi" and "Yugaprabhavak" (Great Acharya and Influencer of the Era).
Exceptional Spiritual Attainment: His thirteen-day fast unto death (tapas-santhara) in Nimaj, undertaken with profound spiritual sentiments, stands as a rare and unparalleled example for an Acharya, whose spiritual fragrance will continue to perfume the Jain world for ages.
Literary Contributions: The book is divided into five sections, covering his biography, philosophy and thoughts, personality through anecdotes and poetry, literary works (including editing and commentary on scriptures, history books, lectures, and poetry), and appendices detailing his associates, disciples, institutions, and Chaturmas. His literary works include editing and commentary on ancient Jain scriptures like Dashavaikalik Sutra, Nandi Sutra, Prashna Vyakarana Sutra, Brihatkalpa Sutra, and Antagad Dasa Sutra. He also authored works on Jain history and compiled his lectures and poems.
Title Significance: The title "Namo Purisavaragandh Hatthinam" is derived from the epithet used by Acharya Atmaramji Maharaj, signifying Acharya Hastimalji's esteemed position and his spiritual fragrance that attracted all directions, much like a 'Gandh-hasti' (fragrant elephant) among elephants.

The summary highlights Acharya Shri Hastimalji Maharaj's deep commitment to spiritual practice, his intellectual prowess, his impactful social reforms, and his enduring legacy in Jain literature and tradition. The text emphasizes his holistic approach to spiritual development and societal upliftment, making him a revered figure in Jain history.