Pandit Bechardasji Doshi - Book Summary

Here is a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text about Pandit Bechardasji Doshi, authored by Atmanandji:

The text is an account of the life and contributions of Pandit Bechardasji Doshi, a prominent scholar, national servant, and social worker in India, particularly within the Jain community. He is described as someone who lived by the sharp edge of a sword in his pursuit of truth, sacrificed his incompleteness for scholarship, faced exile for his nation, and served the goddess Saraswati, society, and the nation with his body, mind, and wealth. He is recognized for awakening the Jain community from the slumber of superstition.

Early Life and Hardships:

Born in Valbhipur (modern Wala) in Saurashtra in 1946 VS (1889 CE), Bechardasji's parents were Jivraj Ladhabhai Doshi and Otambai. His family was of modest means.
His education began in a local primary school and continued through his maternal uncle's place in Sanosra, and he completed his sixth grade in Valbhipur.
At the age of 10, his father passed away, creating immense financial hardship for the family. His mother had to sell her bangles and anklets to perform his father's funeral rites.
To support the family, his mother undertook arduous labor like grinding and pounding grains for others. Young Bechardasji, to assist her, engaged in various tasks like sifting ashes, shelling cotton seeds, picking cotton fluff, and selling fried lentils, never feeling ashamed of any work.

Pursuit of Education Amidst Challenges:

Despite his desire for further education, the struggle for livelihood made it seem impossible.
In 1958-59 VS (1901-1902 CE), inspired by Acharya Vijaydharmasuri, who established a Sanskrit Pathshala in Mandal to train Jain scholars, Bechardasji accompanied Harshachandra Bhurabhai to Mandal.
Acharya Vijaydharmasuri, impressed by Bechardasji's intellect, planned to move to Kashi (Varanasi) for a more conducive academic environment. Bechardasji studied Kaumudi for five to seven months in Mandal before setting off for Kashi on foot with the Acharya.
However, his mother's wish for him not to go so far led him to return to Valbhipur with Harshachandra, where he completed his seventh grade.
Unable to suppress his thirst for knowledge, he went to Palitana and studied under Muni Shidhivijayji Maharaj, focusing on religious studies like Navatattva. During this period, he faced severe difficulties in obtaining food, often relying on whatever was available from public donations, and sometimes experiencing fasts. His situation improved slightly when a benefactor from Jamnagar offered a monthly stipend of Rs. 10.
After a year in Palitana, he returned to Valbhipur. Hearing about a "Vrishabh" zodiac sign indicating long journeys, he again felt drawn to Kashi. His mother's refusal led him to the Mehsana Pathshala, where he completed the first book of Bhandarkar's Margopadesika in a month.

Deeper Scholarly Pursuits in Kashi and Beyond:

Dissatisfied with his current education, Bechardasji, without informing his mother, left for Kashi in 1962-63 VS (1905-1906 CE) with Harshachandra. This marked a significant confluence of a driven Acharya and a dedicated student.
After six months, he contracted smallpox. His mother, learning of his illness, traveled to Banaras to be with him.
He stayed in Kashi for two years and upon returning to Valbhipur, completed his study of Hemchandracharya's Laghuvrutti. He then returned to Banaras.
Alongside his studies, he collaborated with Pandit Hargovinddas Trikamdas Sheth in editing texts for the Yashovijay Jain Granthamala. The Jain grammar and logic books published by this series were included in the "Tirtha" examination at Calcutta Sanskrit College, and Bechardasji became a "Tirtha" in both logic and grammar. He and Hargovinddas also excelled in the religious examination conducted by the Bombay Education Board, receiving cash prizes.
His intelligence was widely recognized. He was also skilled in Sanskrit poetry and filling in verses. When Maharaj offered him a Rs. 10 monthly scholarship, Bechardasji politely declined, stating it was unnecessary if the Pathshala covered all his expenses.

Study of Prakrit Language and Other Philosophies:

Bechardasji developed a close relationship with many scholars who visited Acharya Maharaj. The Acharya intended for him to become an expert in Kama (likely referring to Jain scriptures or traditions).
He had already mastered the Prakrit language, finding it surprisingly easy to learn and internalize.
To gain knowledge of Buddhist philosophy, he needed to learn the Pali language. For this purpose, Acharya Maharaj sent him and Pandit Hargovinddas to Ceylon (Sri Lanka) along with Dr. Satishchandra Vidyabhushan. After completing their studies in about eight months, they returned to Kashi and resumed their work of editing ancient Jain texts for the Granthamala.

Nationalism and Association with Mahatma Gandhi and A. Sukhlalji:

At that time, the spirit of nationalism had not yet significantly penetrated religious, social, and sectarian educational institutions. However, Bechardasji witnessed the Banga Bhanga movement in Kashi, which inspired him to adopt Swadeshi principles like using local cloth and sugar. He committed to using Swadeshi products from 1915-16, when Gandhi initiated the Khadi movement. This marked the emergence of nationalistic sentiment, uncommon among scholars of that era, within Bechardasji.
Initially, his faith in Jainism was so exclusive that he would only read Jain literature. However, his study of Prakrit-Ardhamagadhi and ancient Jain literature broadened his perspective. His desire for new knowledge grew, and superstitions began to fade. He became engrossed in memorizing the Agamas, even waking up at 2 AM. His deep knowledge of Prakrit, combined with his study of the Agamas, fueled his search for truth. This period is considered a time of revolutionary insight and the awakening of revolutionary spirit within him.

Translation and Publication of Agamas:

Bechardasji believed that for the upliftment of Jain culture, the original Sanskrit texts needed to be translated into easily accessible languages.
When this seemed difficult in Banaras, around 1970-71 VS (1913-1914 CE), he joined the Jinagam Prakashan Sabha, established by Seth Punjabhai Hirachand in Ahmedabad, whose main objective was to prepare authentic translations of Jain Agamas.
However, there was significant opposition to the translation of Agamas within the Jain community at that time, with even liberal-minded monks and householders disagreeing.
At a Mahavir Jayanti gathering in Ahmedabad, Bechardasji clearly articulated his views on the necessity of translating the Agamas, which intensified the opposition. There was even fear of physical altercations, but Bechardasji remained steadfast in his conviction and continued his work from Mumbai.
On January 21, 1919, in Mumbai, he delivered a public lecture on "The Harm Caused by Alterations in Jain Literature," which sparked considerable controversy and debate within the Jain community. This speech is considered a significant milestone in his life, leading the Ahmedabad Sangh to "honor" him by excommunicating him. However, for Bechardasji, the benefit of speaking the naked truth outweighed this opposition. He firmly believed that prioritizing public opinion, whether praise or criticism, would hinder the recognition and propagation of truth.

Encounter with Gandhi and National Service:

During this period, Bechardasji met Mahatma Gandhi. Gandhi, impressed by his passionate pursuit of truth, blessed him and encouraged him to remain unwavering in his principles. Their association deepened over time.
In 1921-22, he joined Gandhi's Gujarat Purana Varna Mandir and, in collaboration with Pandit Sukhallji, undertook the arduous task of editing the Sanmatinirka. The editing of this work is considered exemplary among the compilation of ancient, authoritative texts. His dedication to this meticulous work caused him to develop a permanent dimness in his left eye.
Following this, the historic Dandi March occurred. Bechardasji felt compelled to participate and became the editor of the handwritten 'Navjivan', spending nine months as a "guest" in Visapur Jail.

Financial Struggles and Resilience:

The real challenges began after his release from jail. He was strictly prohibited from entering British territory, a ban that lasted until 1933-36 when the Congress accepted power in the provinces.
During this period, finding a livelihood was extremely difficult, as he had to support a family of six or seven and fund his children's education. For four to five years, like an indomitable warrior, Bechardasji fought the battles of life. He supported himself by teaching in regions like Marwar and Rajasthan, serving the Sthanakvasi Sadhus and others.
Despite these severe circumstances, his passion for propagating the truth within Jain literature never waned. He remained detached from any temptation to abandon Jain literature for more comfortable paths in other fields of knowledge. His wife, Smt. Ajwalibahen, and his children, Prabodh-Shirish, Lalita, and Lavanyavati, are remembered with gratitude for their support during these difficult and testing times.

Professorship, Stability, and Recognition:

Around 1938, the L.D. Arts College was established in Ahmedabad. Through the efforts of the respected scholar Dr. Anandshankar Dhruv, Bechardasji was appointed a professor of Ardhamagadhi there.
In 1940, his lectures on "The Evolution of the Gujarati Language" at the Thakkar Vasanji Madhavji lecture series of Mumbai University further enhanced his scholarly reputation.
Over sixty years of his life, Bechardasji's rare service to Jain literature led to the publication of many important works. He was an extraordinary scholar of ancient Gujarati, Apabhramsa, and Prakrit-Ardhamagadhi languages, holding a respected position among top scholars in India and globally. He was equally proficient in Sanskrit.
Underlying all his work was a revolutionary spirit to reveal the true facts within Jain literature and guide society toward the correct path – a truly unique aspect of his life. The combination of profound scholarship and a truth-seeking, revolutionary spirit is rare.
In 1964, he received a certificate and shawl from President Dr. Radhakrishnan for his scholarship and adherence to scriptures in Sanskrit. He was also honored by various institutions with seven gold medals, seven silver caskets, and about fifteen honorary certificates.

Final Years:

Even after retiring from the college, Bechardasji provided significant voluntary service to the L.D. Oriental Institute, guiding many Ph.D. students.
After rendering various services, he peacefully passed away on October 11, 1982, at the advanced age of 93, after seeking forgiveness from his loved ones.
The text concludes by emphasizing the continued need for such truth-seeking, scholarly individuals like Panditji for the development of Jain culture and literature.

Major Literary Contributions:

The text lists his key literary works, including edited and authored texts in collaboration with others, such as:

With Gujarat Vidyapith - Gujarat Puratatva Mandir (and Pandit Sukhallji): Samayikdhal (5 parts), Sanmatinirka (original translation and commentary), Jain Drishtiye Brahmacharya Vichar.
With Shri Yashovijayji Jain Granthamala (and Pandit Hargovinddas): Numerous Sanskrit and Prakrit texts including Ratnakaravrttika, Anekantha Jayapataka (Part 1), Nemnath Mahakavya, Vijay Prashasti, Pandav Charitra, Shiladut, Nirbhay Bhim Vayog, Laghu Vardarshan Samuchchay, Neminath Mahakavya, Syadvadamandjari, Abhidhan Chintamani Kosh, Pananath Charitra, Mallinath Charitra, Jagadguru Kavya, Shabda Ratnakar Kosh, Aavashyak Niryukti (Prakrit).
Independent Works, Editions, and Translations: Prakrit Margopadesika, Bhagavati Sutra (2 parts - edition and translation), Prakrit Vyakarana, Mahavir Vani (translation), Hemchandracharya Kriti, Dhammapada (translation), Jain Darshan (translation of Gunaratna's commentary on Tattvadarshan Samuchchay).