Prata Smaraniya Gunguru Punyadham Pujya Gurudevnu Hardik Pujan

Here's a comprehensive summary in English of the provided Jain text:

The text is an homage titled "Prata Smaraniya Gunguru Punyadham Pujya Gurudevnu Hardik Pujan" (A Hearty Salutation to the Respected Gurudev, the Virtuous Guru, the Blessed Abode of Merit). It is dedicated to the memory of Pujya Gurudev Shri 1008 Shri Chaturvijayji Maharaj, who passed away in the latter part of the night on Kartik Sud 5, V.S. 1996. The author, Punyavijay, expresses the deep sorrow of scholars and lovers of literature upon hearing of his demise, acknowledging the inevitability of death for all living beings.

The text highlights that wise individuals, during their impermanent lives, dedicate themselves to good deeds and guide their followers. Gurudev Chaturvijayji's life was intricately woven with service to his Guru (Guru-charan-vas), scholarly research (shastra-sanshodhan), and scripture transcription/writing (lekhan-dwar). For nearly fifty years of his monastic life, with very few exceptions for specific reasons, he dedicated his entire life to serving his Guru.

Before the era of printing, he spent years writing, arranging for the writing of, and researching numerous scriptures. He devoted many years to salvaging, preserving, and organizing the vast libraries of knowledge (gyan-bhandaras) in places like Patan, Vadodara, and Limbdi. For thirty years, he diligently served the Shri Atmanand Jain Grantharatnamala (Shri A.J. Grantharatnamala), considering himself an integral part of it.

The text meticulously outlines key dates in Gurudev Chaturvijayji's life:

• Born in V.S. 1926.
• Took initiation (diksha) in V.S. 1946.
• Undertook the task of organizing the Jain libraries in Patan in V.S. 1956.
• Began the publication of the "Shri Atmanand Jain Grantharatnamala" in V.S. 1966.
• Passed away in V.S. 1996, living a life of dedication, diligence, exemplary self-discipline, and asceticism.

The author then presents a concise biographical sketch of Gurudev Chaturvijayji Maharaj, avoiding exaggeration:

Birth: He was born on Chaitra Sud 1, V.S. 1926, in the village of Chhani, near Vadodara. His given name was Chunilal. His parents were Malukchand and Jamnabai. He belonged to the Visha Porwad community. He had four brothers and three sisters, and his family was highly respected. His secular education was equivalent to seven grades of Gujarati schooling, and he was known to be proficient in accounting, useful for business.

Religious Upbringing and Initiation: Chhani village was naturally inclined towards religious practices, fostering strong religious sentiments in Chunilal from an early age. He diligently studied texts like the Pratikramana Sutra. The devout Jain community in Chhani always nurtured religious values through the visits and teachings of monks and nuns. This environment deeply influenced Chunilal, leading him to embrace monasticism. On Jeth Vad 10, V.S. 1946, he received initiation as a disciple from his respected Guru, the influential and ascetically powerful Muni Shri 1008 Shri Pravartak Kaji Maharaj Shri Kantivijayji Maharaj, in the village of Dabhoi. His monastic name became Muni Shri Chaturvijayji.

Travel and Study: After his initiation, he traveled with his Guru, Shri Pravartak Kaji Maharaj, towards Punjab. His studies progressed concurrently. Initially, he focused on the essential practices and philosophical texts for monks. During that time, grammar was primarily dominated by the Saraswat Purvardha and Chandrika Uttarardha. He studied these diligently, along with texts on poetry, rhetoric (Vagbhataḷankara), and devotional literature (Shrutbodh). After making significant progress in his studies, he delved into numerous classical Jain scriptures, considered gateways to the Jain Agamas. He also studied Tarkasangraha and Muktavali. Thus, his studies and travels proceeded together systematically.

The text emphasizes that Gurudev Chaturvijayji, after his systematic studies, continued to learn and read scriptures from learned scholars wherever he encountered opportunities, and also through self-study. Following the saying of Lord Hemachandracharya, "Abhyaso hi atyanta sanskāramāvati" (practice indeed leads to perfection), he progressed in his scholarly pursuits, eventually becoming proficient in independently studying and propagating the knowledge of great scriptures. This dedication ultimately led to the creation of the "Atmanand Jain Grantharatnamala."

Scripture Writing and Collection: The continuous flow of the immeasurable and inexhaustible spiritual knowledge of the world-renowned and pure-named Acharya Shri Vijayanandsurivar, the uplifter of Punjab, flowed uninterruptedly through his vast lineage of disciples. Consequently, this pure stream of knowledge also flowed within Pujya Gurudev Shri Pravartak Kaji Maharaj Shri 1008 Shri Kantivijayji Maharaj. As a result of this, the practice of writing, collecting, and studying the best scriptures from various knowledge repositories had been ongoing for a long time and continues to the present day without interruption.

The author clarifies that all activities related to scripture writing and collection were always carried out under the meticulous examination and guidance of Pujya Gurudev Shri Chaturvijayji Maharaj. Those who have closely observed the vast collections in the Jain knowledge temples established by Pujya Shri Pravartakji Maharaj in Vadodara and Chhani can understand the precision of scriptural writing and collection, and the diversity therein.

The text explains the true meaning of scripture writing, stating that it is not merely copying. It requires meticulous analysis of important and useful texts, as well as careful scrutiny of the scribes, their scripts, the paper, ink, and pens used. Without this thorough understanding, books can be written incorrectly, with errors, interpolations, or deliberate distortions. Furthermore, ignorance about the quality of writing materials can lead to the deterioration and destruction of even well-written scriptures within a short period.

Pujya Gurudev, however, fully understood these nuances. His handwriting was exceptionally beautiful, and he could write in a clean and organized manner, surpassing even skilled scribes. This ability influenced his interactions with writers, and he would often offer constructive criticism.

From the Scribe's Script: Under the revered and influential guidance of Gurudev, thirty to forty scribes worked concurrently. The writers working under him were highly valued within the monastic community. In essence, he was as adept at classifying important texts for scripture writing and collection as he was at understanding and appreciating the intricacies of the art of writing.

The author credits Gurudev with being the inspiration and true author of his own book, "Bharatiya Jain Shraman Sanskriti aur Lekhan kala" (Indian Jain Monastic Culture and the Art of Writing), as he gained invaluable experience and knowledge from Gurudev's lifelong dedication to the art of writing.

Scripture Research: Pujya Gurudev meticulously corrected many important ancient scriptures from the collection of Shri Pravartakji Maharaj by comparing them with numerous ancient manuscripts. Just as he understood the secrets of the art of writing, he was also proficient in the art of research. He possessed complete knowledge of research techniques, tools, and symbols. The fruits of his scholarly and experiential mastery in research can be directly observed in the Shri Atmanand Jain Grantharatnamala, which he edited.

Revival of Jain Knowledge Repositories: The vast Jain knowledge repositories in Patan were once in a state of disarray, and access to them was extremely difficult. Obtaining books for reading, study, or research was arduous. The existing catalogs were not sufficiently informative, and the repositories were not adequately secured or organized. At that time, Pujya Pravartakji Maharaj Shri Kantivijayji (the author's revered Guru) and Pujya Gurudev Chaturvijayji Maharaj, along with their disciples, arrived in Patan. They gained the trust of the administrators and undertook the task of broadly reviving these knowledge repositories. Pujya Shri Pravartakji Maharaj and Pujya Gurudev Shri Chaturvijayji Maharaj made every possible effort to make this undertaking comprehensive. Despite his significant intellectual and physical contributions to this organization, Pujya Gurudev remained discreet, attributing the full credit for the revival of the knowledge repositories to his Guru.

The comprehensive organization of the vast knowledge repository of the Shri Sangha in Limbdi, as well as the extensive knowledge repositories established by Pujya Shri Pravartakji Maharaj in Vadodara and Chhani, were also carried out by these revered Gurus. Additionally, he provided significant assistance in organizing the vast knowledge repository of the peaceful and meditative Maharaj Shri 1008 Shri Hansavijayji Maharaj in Vadodara.

Shri Atmanand Jain Grantharatnamala: Just as Pujya Gurudev undertook significant works of reviving Jain knowledge repositories, scripture writing, and research during his life, he also took on the monumental task of editing and researching the Shri A.J. Grantharatnamala. To date, ninety small and large important works on various subjects have been published in this series, many of which were edited by Pujya Gurudev himself.

This series features an unparalleled collection of both minor and major significant works. A special characteristic of this series is the publication of numerous scholarly treatises, both small and large. These treatises have greatly benefited Jain monks and nuns. Treatises that were once difficult to obtain or even hear about are now accessible to every monk and nun. The series encompasses a diverse range of literature, including Jain Agamas, treatises, historical and didactic Prakrit and Sanskrit narrative literature, poetry, and dramas. This demonstrates the extensive knowledge and experience possessed by Pujya Gurudev, which has led to the continuous growth of this series in all aspects. Pujya Gurudev toiled tirelessly until the end of his life, researching, editing, and publishing books using the latest methods. He passed away with the desire to personally edit and partially research monumental works like Nishithasutra Churni, Kalpa Churni, Malayagiri Vyakarana, Devabhadrasurikt Kathaankosh, and Vasudev Hindi (Second Volume). Death did not allow his desires to be fully realized! However, if the blessings of Pujya Guru Pravartakji Maharaj, Pujya Gurudev, and the entire monastic community continue to be bestowed, the author pledges to make every effort to bring Gurudev's aspirations to fruition and further illuminate the series he initiated.

Influence of the Guru: Pujya Gurudev possessed such efficiency in every aspect that anyone who came into contact with him was inevitably influenced by him. It is not surprising that a person of ordinary standing like the author was influenced by him, but even highly accomplished individuals such as Pandit Pravar Shri Yukt Sukhlalji and the venerable Shri Jinavijayji were deeply impacted by him. They derived their inspiration and practical guidance from Gurudev's companionship and association. Sculptors and artisans who came for work related to Jain temples and knowledge repositories were also impressed by Gurudev's efficiency. They would act like children in his presence, and he would enhance their skills and knowledge related to their craft. Pujya Gurudev, by imparting lessons from his diverse experiences, prepared exceptional writers like Trivedi Govardhandas Lakshmishankar of Patan. Today, he possesses the unique skill of creating inks of gold and silver to write valuable books in beautiful scripts, along with in-depth knowledge of the art of writing. He also taught Patan resident Bhojak Shri Amritlal Mohanlal and Nagar resident scribe Mulchandji Vyas the art of creating beautiful press copies and the specific skills related to writing and research, which have now earned them a place among scholars. In essence, there is a lasting impression everywhere that writers, scholars, or artisans who worked under the guidance of Pujya Pravartakji Maharaj and Pujya Gurudev are indeed skilled and knowledgeable.

Conclusion: In conclusion, the author can confidently state, without any exaggeration, that the books in the knowledge repositories of Patan, Vadodara, and Limbdi, those knowledge repositories themselves, the Shri Atmanand Jain Grantharatnamala and its learned readers, and the Shri Sanghas of Patan, Vadodara, Chhani, Bhavnagar, Limbdi, and other towns and cities will never forget the pure and auspicious name of Pujya Paramagurudev Shri Chaturvijayji Maharaj.

The text concludes with a note indicating that the preceding introductory article is for the edited Pancham and Shashtha Karmakanda by the late Guruvarya Shri Chaturvijayji Maharaj, from the year 1940.