Ravisagarji Jivan Charitra Shok Vinashak Granth - Book Summary

This document is a biographical account of Mahatma Ravi Sagarji, a prominent Jain monk, compiled by Muni Buddhisagar. The book, titled "Ravisagarji Jivan Charitra Shok Vinashak Granth" (The Life of Ravisagarji and the Book that Destroys Grief), aims to provide solace and guidance to followers, particularly during times of loss.

Here's a comprehensive summary of the content:

Core Purpose and Introduction:

The book is dedicated to the devotees of Ravi Sagarji, aiming to bring them joy and peace.
It acknowledges that some factual variations might exist due to relying on letters and accounts from various places where Ravi Sagarji observed his Choumasa (four-month rainy season retreat).
The primary motivation behind writing the biography is to highlight the life of this great soul, who guided many to the path of Dharma, and to inspire others to follow his footsteps in living a virtuous life (Charitra).
The author humbly seeks forgiveness for any unintentional errors that may have occurred against the teachings of the Veetragas (those free from attachment and aversion).

Genealogy and Early Life of Ravi Sagarji:

Ravi Sagarji was born in Samvat 1876 in the city of Pali in the Marwar region.
His father's name was Ragha Ji, and his mother's name was Mankor.
They belonged to the Vishwa Oshwal community.
His worldly name was Rakhchand Ji.
He was a bright child, educated in worldly knowledge from the age of eight.
Upon reaching youth, he moved to Ahmedabad with his parents for business. He was intelligent and successful in his trade, supporting his family.

The Spiritual Lineage (Takgachh Shakha Sagar): The book then meticulously details the lineage of monks to which Ravi Sagarji belonged, tracing it back to Lord Mahavir Swami and key figures within the Takgachh tradition. This lineage highlights the importance of disciplined spiritual practice (Sanjam Marg). Notable figures and events include:

Shri Heer Vijay Suri: Famous for converting Emperor Akbar.
Upadhyay Shri Sahej Sagarji: Disciple of Heer Vijay Suri.
Upadhyay Shri Jay Sagarji: Disciple of Sahej Sagarji.
Mansagar Gani: Disciple of Jay Sagarji.
Jeen Sagar Gani: Disciple of Mansagar Gani, who initiated Mangalsagarji.
Mangalsagarji: Initiated Premchandbhai from Ahmedabad.
Padmasagarji: Initiated by Mangalsagarji, who initiated Sugyan Sagarji and Swaroop Sagarji. Padmasagarji performed consecrations (Anjanshalaka) of idols.
Sugyan Sagarji: Played a role in increasing the knowledge repository in Udaipur. He passed away in Samvat 1838.
Bhavsagarji: Disciple of Sugyan Sagarji, who preached to Maharana Bhim Singhji of Udaipur. He contributed to the Udaipur knowledge library and passed away in Samvat 1877.
Swaroop Sagarji: Disciple of Padmasagarji, who initiated Nanasagarji and passed away in Samvat 1866.
Nanasagarji: Initiated Nidhi Sagarji and Maya Sagarji. He contributed to the Udaipur knowledge library and passed away in Samvat 1887 while reciting a prayer.
Nidhi Sagarji and Maya Sagarji: Traveled extensively, spreading Jain teachings. Maya Sagarji initiated Nem Sagarji in Gujarat.

The Meeting with Nem Sagarji and the Path to Renunciation:

Rakhchand Ji (later Ravi Sagarji) met Shri Nem Sagarji Maharaj, a monk of the "Sagar Shakha".
The book then delves into the teachings that inspired Rakhchand Ji's renunciation.
Teachings on Renunciation and the Importance of the Monk's Path (Yati Dharma):
- The text emphasizes the preciousness of human birth, attained through immense good fortune, and the importance of not being lazy in spiritual pursuits.
- It highlights that the Yati Dharma (monk's path) leads to swift liberation (Moksha).
- A verse states that adhering to Sanjam (discipline) with pure faith, even for a single day, can lead to liberation.
- It praises those families from which sons and daughters take to the monastic path.
- The superiority of Diksha (initiation) over other forms of penance and charity: The text argues that while acts like giving cows, gold, or land, or performing rituals and bathing in holy places might be done for purification, only Diksha as prescribed by the Jinas can truly purify from all sins. It cites examples of individuals who were purified through Diksha after committing grave sins.
- It criticizes external penances like charity, rituals, and self-immolation as ineffective for true purification compared to Diksha.
- The text emphasizes that Diksha destroys thousands of sins, protects living beings, reduces worldly attachments, and purifies karma through daily practice.
- It draws a stark contrast between the life of a householder engrossed in worldly pleasures (wife, children, wealth) and the ascetic path, highlighting that renouncing the former leads to the latter's bliss.
- The transient nature of the body and the inevitability of death are stressed, stating that nothing material accompanies the soul after death.
- The attachment to wealth, family, and possessions is the root of suffering.
- The ultimate happiness lies in the soul's true nature, not in external possessions.

Rakhchand Ji's Renunciation and Monastic Life:

Inspired by these teachings, Rakhchand Ji became detached from worldly life.
Understanding his son's inclination, his parents allowed him to take initiation.
In Samvat 1908, Margashir Shudhi 11, he took initiation from Shri Nem Sagarji Maharaj and was given the name Ravi Sagar.
He then embarked on his spiritual journey, traveling to various places like Limbdi, Sanand, Peethapur, Ahmedabad, Viramgam, Palanpur, Idar, Mehsana, and Patan.
The book details his Choumasa observances, the initiation of disciples, his preaching activities, and his contributions to spreading Jainism in these regions.
Key disciples initiated by Ravi Sagarji:
- Gunsagarji: Initiated in Ahmedabad, his worldly name was Sakarchand.
- Manisagarji: Initiated in Ahmedabad, his worldly name was Manchand.
- Kalyansagarji and Hetshri: Initiated in Viramgam.
- Sukhsagarji: Initiated in Mehsana, his worldly name was Phoolchandbhai.
- Ratanashri: An initiated nun from Palanpur.

Ravi Sagarji's Character and Achievements:

Ravi Sagarji is described as a saintly and virtuous monk who practiced his vows diligently for forty-six years.
He was known for his strong character, patience in adversity, austerity, and profound understanding of Jain philosophy and rituals.
He was respected by other prominent monks like Shri Atmaramji and Shri Mohanlalji Maharaj.
His travels and preaching significantly contributed to the upliftment of Jainism in the regions he visited.

The Passing of Ravi Sagarji:

As he grew older, Ravi Sagarji's health declined.
In Samvat 1954, Jeth Vadi 10, he felt his end approaching.
He asked his disciple Sukhsagarji to recite devotional songs and prayers.
He meditated, reflecting on the transient nature of the body and the eternal nature of the soul, repenting for any unintentional transgressions.
On Samvat 1954, Jeth Vadi 11, in the early morning hours, after performing his Pratikraman (repentance ritual) and taking Darshan of the idols, he ascended the platform for Santhara (the Jain practice of voluntary fasting unto death).
He attained Samadhi Maran (peaceful death with equanimity), a rare and auspicious event, signifying his spiritual progress.
The passing of Ravi Sagarji caused immense grief among his disciples and the Jain community.
His mortal remains were cremated with great reverence, and a memorial (Aaras Pāshani Deri) was later built at the cremation site in Mehsana by the local Jain community.

"Shok Vinashak Granth" - The Grief-Destroying Aspect:

The latter part of the book is dedicated to addressing grief and the proper conduct during mourning according to Jain principles.
Key teachings on grief and death:
- The Nature of Grief: Grief arises from attachment to worldly possessions and loved ones.
- The Impermanence of Life: Everything in the world is transient. The body will eventually decay.
- The Soul's Journey: The soul is eternal and moves through various life forms based on karma. No one can escape death.
- The futility of mourning: Weeping and lamentation do not bring back the deceased and only bind more karma. True relatives support the deceased's spiritual journey.
- Karma is the cause of happiness and sorrow: No divine intervention dictates one's fate; it is solely based on one's own karma.
- Critique of certain societal practices: The book discusses and refutes certain customs like elaborate mourning rituals, Nattavar (community feasts after death), shaving of heads, and eating from leaf plates, deeming them un-Jain or harmful from a spiritual perspective. It emphasizes that true spiritual merit comes from virtuous deeds like supporting religious texts, building temples, and performing Nishkramana (initiations).
- The importance of Dharma: The only true solace and path to liberation is through following Dharma.
- The true nature of the soul: The soul is distinct from the body and is eternal.
- The importance of the Navkar Mantra: Even at the time of death, remembering the Navkar Mantra is crucial for spiritual well-being.
- Proper conduct at death: During the final moments, it's important to provide a peaceful environment, recite mantras, and focus on the soul's journey, rather than succumbing to excessive grief.
- The meaning of Samadhi Maran: Attaining a peaceful death with awareness of one's true nature is the ultimate goal.

Conclusion: The book concludes with prayers for peace and invokes the blessings of various Jain Tirthankaras and gurus. It reiterates that by glorifying the virtues of great souls and living a righteous life, one can achieve spiritual liberation. The author, Muni Buddhisagar, expresses gratitude for the opportunity to compile this work, hoping it brings benefit to many.