Samayadrushta Vijay Vallabhsuriji - Book Summary

Here is a comprehensive summary in English of the provided Jain text about Shrimad Vijayvallabhsuriji, based on the text provided:

This text is an excerpt from a book titled "Samayadrushta Shri Vijayvallabhsuriji" by Atmanandji, published as part of a series on "Arvachin Jain Jyotirdharo" (Modern Jain Luminaries).

The text details the life and significant contributions of Shrimad Vijayvallabhsuriji, a prominent Jain Acharya.

Early Life and Spiritual Inclination:

Shrimad Vijayvallabhsuriji was born in Vadodara, Gujarat, in VS 1927 (1870 CE). His childhood name was Chhaganbhai.
His family was traditionally religious, with his mother, Ichhabai, being particularly devout.
Tragically, Chhaganbhai lost his father at a young age and his mother soon after. His mother's dying words, urging him to seek refuge in the teachings of Arihants and eternal Dharma, left a profound impact on his young mind.
Even during his schooling, Chhaganbhai's mind was drawn more to temples, monks, and spiritual discourse than to worldly matters, indicating deep-seated spiritual inclinations from past lives.

Encounter with Acharya Shri Atmaramji and Initiation:

A pivotal moment in his life was the arrival of the great Acharya Shri Atmaramji in Vadodara in VS 1942 (1885 CE).
Listening to Acharya Atmaramji's sermon on detachment, young Chhaganbhai was deeply moved. He approached Acharya Atmaramji, expressing his desire for wealth like that of the Acharya, which he understood as spiritual wealth and knowledge.
Recognizing the boy's potential, Acharya Atmaramji assured him that his aspirations would be fulfilled in due course.
In VS 1943 (1886 CE), in Radhanpur, Gujarat, Chhaganbhai received initiation (diksha) from Muni Shri Harsh Vijayji, and his monastic name was given as Muni Vijayvallabh by his Dada Guru (Acharya Atmaramji).

Spiritual and Scholarly Development:

Muni Vijayvallabh spent his initial years diligently practicing Jain monastic disciplines such as meditation, austerities, renunciation of taste, and introspection.
He also undertook extensive study of Jain scriptures under his guru, gradually progressing in the path of renunciation.
During this period, he also devoted himself to the care of his diksha guru, Muni Harsh Vijayji, who was in delicate health. This service, known as Vaiyavruttya, was seen as a way to purify his inner self.
After the passing of Muni Harsh Vijayji in VS 1946 (1889 CE), Muni Vijayvallabh found solace in the presence of his Dada Guru, Acharya Atmaramji.

Vision for Education and Social Reform:

Observing the changing times and the need for modern education for societal progress, Muni Vijayvallabh, inspired by Acharya Atmaramji's vision, realized the importance of establishing "temples of knowledge" (schools) alongside religious temples.
Acharya Atmaramji entrusted Muni Vijayvallabh with the significant responsibility of furthering this crucial work of societal upliftment, even before his own passing in VS 1952 (1895 CE) in Gujranwala.
Following his Dada Guru's demise, Acharya Vijayvallabh (now referred to as such) resolved to undertake several key initiatives in Punjab:
1. Establishment of Atmanand Jain Sabhas in various cities of Punjab.
2. Construction of a Samadhi Mandir in Gujranwala.
3. Establishment of Jain Pathshalas (schools) throughout Punjab.
4. Publication of the 'Atmanand (Vijayanand) Patrika' (a journal).
He successfully fulfilled all these resolutions during his lifetime. Notably, he inspired the establishment of Shri Atmanand Jain College in VS 1994 (1937 CE).

Extensive Field Work and Impact:

For thirteen years after his Dada Guru's demise, Acharya Vijayvallabh traveled extensively throughout Punjab, engaging in significant educational, cultural, and unity-building activities for the Jain community.
He earned the love of people from all communities in Punjab, fulfilling his guru's directive to "take care of Punjab."
While Punjab was his primary field of work, he generously extended his services and teachings to other regions like Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Maharashtra, undertaking Chaturmas (monsoon retreats) in numerous cities and villages.
He spent his final years in Mumbai, where he peacefully passed away at the age of 84 in VS 2010 (1954 CE).

Key Contributions and Philosophy: Acharya Vijayvallabh's contributions were multi-faceted, driven by a philosophy of integrating self-welfare with the welfare of society.

Dissemination of Knowledge:
- He advocated for the study and teaching of religious scriptures with an open and truth-seeking approach.
- He established numerous Jain Pathshalas, educational institutions, and Jain colleges in Punjab, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, and Gujarat.
- He also undertook the renovation of the library of handwritten scriptures at the Shantinath Derasar in Khambhat.
- He founded the Mahavir Jain Vidyalaya in Mumbai in 1915, which later expanded to five other branches, providing modern education to students from middle and poor classes and publishing high-quality Jain literature. He considered this institution to be his most significant contribution.
Sangh Unity (Community Unity):
- With a broad perspective, he downplayed differences not only between Jains and non-Jains but also among various Jain sects (Gachh, Marg, etc.).
- He actively participated in monk congregations in Vadodara (VS 1968/1911) and Ahmedabad (VS 1990/1933) to foster unity.
- He encouraged harmony and reconciliation of differences among community members wherever he traveled, emphasizing the importance of unity. He believed that all followers of Mahavir should unite in his name, irrespective of their individual practices, as the ultimate goal is self-purification.
Social Reform:
- He was a dedicated Yogi and was lauded as a "reformer" and a "problem-solver."
- He believed in the interconnectedness of religion, philosophy, and society, advocating for harmony and cooperation among them.
- He emphasized that monastic institutions should not be detached from lay followers or consider them "untouchable." Monks should contribute to making society wise, enlightened, and virtuous.
- He believed that a weak, uneducated, impoverished, and fearful society is prone to superstition. He asserted that strong, organized, educated, and aware societies, where men and women have equal status, produce great individuals in all fields.
- Key reformist actions included:
  - Abstinence from vices: He inspired individuals from all walks of life to abstain from alcohol, meat, and hunting.
  - Harmony and Loving Conduct: He actively worked to resolve disputes and foster unity within families, sects, institutions, and temples through his compassion and character. He stressed that Jainism teaches a single God, mantra, and path, urging followers to move beyond minor rituals and focus on the principles of Ahimsa (non-violence), Anekant (non-absolutism), and Aparigraha (non-possession). He advocated for love, cooperation, and broad-mindedness among all Jains, seeing Mahavir as the proponent of universal friendship.
  - Upliftment of the Middle Class: He felt strongly about the disparity where a few enjoyed luxuries while many lacked basic necessities and education. He believed in empowering individuals to earn their livelihood through skills and professions rather than just receiving monetary aid. He established vocational training centers in places like Bikaner, Palitana, Khambhat, and Mumbai to help the less fortunate. He also believed that excessive wealth could alienate people from religious values, highlighting the importance of supporting the middle and lower classes for the continuation of religious traditions.
  - Reorientation of Donation: He advocated for donations to be directed towards educational institutions and schools, not just temples, to ensure the optimal use of religious wealth for societal and educational progress.
  - Bridge between Generations: He advised against denigrating youth as atheists and urged youth to respect elders. He encouraged both generations to contribute to societal progress. He advised householders to avoid getting entangled in superstitions and rituals and encouraged youth to focus on education. He also advised older individuals to engage in pilgrimage, service to holy places and monks, and charitable activities.
  - Reform of Social and Religious Malpractices: He addressed and worked to eradicate harmful practices prevalent in various regions of India, such as the sale of daughters and brides, compulsory feasts for festivals like Aththai, the use of impure silk clothing and saffron in temples, the use of products made from violence (like soaps and leather goods), and the denial of modern education to girls. He persuaded people to voluntarily abandon such customs through reasoned and loving discourse.

Conclusion: The text concludes by stating that understanding the lives of great souls is not easy. Shri Vijayvallabhsuriji possessed a vast and generous outlook, akin to the ocean. He was not merely a Jain Acharya but a great son-saint of India, imbued with a national spirit of universal religious tolerance. He inspired the Jain community to adopt the broad, era-appropriate vision inherited from his Dada Guru, shifting their focus towards education, the dissemination of knowledge, and societal upliftment. He is recognized as a great proponent of a comprehensive understanding of Dharma, which extends beyond rituals to encompass life principles and the cultivation of character. He is described as a "visionary and timely Acharya" whose efforts are largely responsible for the current prosperity and strength of the Jain community.