Sant Ganeshprasadji Varni - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text about Sant Shri Ganeshprasadji Varni:

The book "Sant Ganeshprasadji Varni" by Atmanandji, published by Z_Arvachin_Jain_Jyotirdharo_001288.pdf, details the life and teachings of Sant Shri Ganeshprasadji Varni, a prominent spiritual figure of the modern era who significantly contributed to the propagation and development of Jain culture.

Early Life and Spiritual Awakening:

Born in 1931 Vikram Samvat (approx. 1874 CE) in the Bundelkhand region, a land known for its valor and piety, Ganeshprasadji was born to Shri Hiralal and Ujiyariji in Hansra village (Lalitpur district).
His father, Hiralal, was a Vaishnavite of the Asati Vaisya caste. Despite his religious affiliation, he held deep faith in the Jain Navkar Mantra and encouraged his son to remember it.
Due to the lack of educational facilities in Hansra, Ganeshprasadji, at the age of six, moved to a prosperous village called Madavara with his father for his education. He completed his middle school education by the age of fourteen.
His childhood home was opposite a Jain temple, where he would observe devotional practices with curiosity and listen to discourses with interest. This early exposure instilled Jain sanskaras in him, making him question and find meaninglessness in the erroneous customs and beliefs of his ancestral traditions. He naturally adopted basic Jain practices like abstaining from dinner and not consuming unboiled water.

Path to Jainism and Challenges:

After completing his education at 14, Ganeshprasadji spent four years in sports and got married at 18.
Following his father's death and the simultaneous passing of his 110-year-old grandfather, the entire family responsibility fell on his young shoulders. He took up a teaching job in Madanpur and later in Agra after training.
His mother and wife urged him to abandon Jainism and adhere to their ancestral faith. However, their affection could not sway his conviction in Jain Dharma.
He faced social ostracism for not participating in communal meals due to his dietary practices. Undeterred, he continued his teaching work.
His association with Shri Kadorelal Bhayji, a follower of Jain principles, proved pivotal. Ganeshprasadji expressed his resolve to renounce his mother and wife if they didn't embrace Jainism, to which Bhayji advised against forceful conversion, emphasizing gradual understanding and practice.

Spiritual Guidance and Learning:

Bhayji introduced him to Chiroanjibai, a Jain scholar in Simra. Chiroanjibai felt a maternal affection for Ganeshprasadji, believing him to be her son from past lives, and offered her full support for his education.
When Ganeshprasadji took a vow of renunciation for a month, Chiroanjibai advised him to focus on gaining knowledge first and then observe vows, emphasizing the importance of equanimity and avoiding haste.
His journey for knowledge involved traveling to Jaipur, where he studied scriptures like Ratnakarand Shravakachara and Katantra Vyakarana under the guidance of scholars like Baba Gurudayaldasji and Pandit Pannalalji Baliwal. He also passed the examination of Seth Manikchand Examination Hall, receiving a prize.
He continued his studies in Jaipur under Vireshwar Shastri, completing texts like Tattvarthasutra and Sarvarthasiddhi. During an examination in Jaipur, he received the news of his wife's demise. He viewed this as liberation, allowing him to dedicate himself fully to his studies.
His pursuit of knowledge took him to Mathura for two years, then to Kharja, and finally to Banaras, where he passed examinations in Nyaya (logic).
During a pilgrimage to Samet Shikhar, he experienced severe thirst but found a water-filled reservoir by meditating on Parshvanath, a miraculous event.
He further studied complex philosophical texts like Muktavali and Panchalakshani under the renowned scholar Shri Dularaka.

Establishment of Educational Institutions:

In Banaras, Ganeshprasadji was denied admission to teach Nyaya by Shri Jivanath Mishra, the head professor of Kashi College, who disrespected Jainism. Witnessing this insult, Ganeshprasadji resolved to establish Jain educational facilities in Banaras.
Guided by a dream, he sought help from Baba Bhagirath. With limited resources, he wrote letters to many, garnering support.
In 1965 Vikram Samvat (approx. 1908 CE), the Syadvad Vidyalaya was inaugurated in Banaras, with Ganeshprasadji himself as a student. This institution became a premier Jain educational center, producing renowned scholars.
He was instrumental in incorporating Jain philosophy into the curriculum of Hindu University in Banaras.
In 1968 Vikram Samvat (approx. 1911 CE), he established the Satark Sudhargini Pathshala in Sagar, now known as Ganesh Digambar Jain Sanskrit Vidyalaya, which benefited thousands of poor students.

Spiritual Practices and Recognition:

In Sagar, he became known as Panditji. Later, in Kundalpur, he took the vow of Brahmacharya under Baba Gokuldasji and became known as Varni. He adopted a simple attire of a dhoti and dupatta.
Varniji actively worked to eradicate harmful social customs prevalent in Bundelkhand, which caused suffering to the poor. He established educational institutions in various pilgrimage sites like Nainagiri, Sonagiri, Paporaji, and Aharji, significantly promoting education in the region. Bundelkhand became a hub of scholars due to his efforts.
He demonstrated deep devotion to his gurus, gifting a diamond ring to Ambadas Shastri after completing his studies. He held immense respect for all his teachers.
Varniji was known for his extraordinary generosity, readily giving away possessions for the needy. A notable instance was him distributing all his mangoes to poor children at a station.
He possessed profound compassion, always ready to help the suffering. He would give his clothes to the needy in winter and once gave his dhoti and dupatta to a Harijan woman, entering Sagar with only a loincloth.
He had a remarkable ability to discern people's hearts, even transforming wayward boys into learned scholars.
Varniji was a powerful orator, delivering captivating discourses filled with wisdom and clarity, addressing both religious and national issues. His language was a blend of Bundelkhandi and Khadi Boli.
He was also a successful writer, known for his diaries, which contained insightful observations and aphorisms. His letters to those facing samadhi-maran (voluntary death by fasting) are published, containing many secrets of the scriptures. His autobiography, "Meri Jeevangaatha," is highly acclaimed for its simplicity and depth.

Later Life and Samadhi-Marana:

Varni achieved the status of a revered founder, inspiring society to support educational institutions. He often facilitated large donations without personally handling money.
He was fiercely self-respecting, once leaving a vehicle due to being asked to vacate his seat for a government official, walking for miles instead.
In 1944 CE, he took the vows of Dashami Pratima and actively promoted education in Sagar and surrounding areas.
He took Shullak diksha in Baruā Sagar in 2476 Vikram Samvat (approx. 1919 CE).
Later in life, he settled in Ishri (Parshvanath), near Samet Shikhar, preferring a peaceful and spiritually conducive environment for his final years. He desired to attain samadhi-maran at the feet of Parshvanath in Ishri. His presence led to significant development in Ishri, with the establishment of various religious and social institutions.
Approaching the age of 87, Varni decided to undertake Sallekhana (the Jain practice of voluntary fasting unto death). He gradually reduced his speech and food intake.
On September 1, 1961, he renounced fruit juices, and on September 5, 1961, he renounced water and all clothing, embracing the Digambara state and adopting the name "Shri 108 Munishri Ganeshkeerti Maharaj."
He remained in a state of deep contemplation and equanimity for the final 18 hours, renouncing all types of food. Despite physical frailties, his inner awareness remained sharp.
He attained samadhi-maran on the night of September 5, 1961, at 1:20 AM, in the year 2018 Vikram Samvat.

Legacy:

Varni's passing was mourned by thousands, and his final rites were performed in Ishri. His life was dedicated to the welfare of others, propagation of knowledge, and spiritual upliftment.
He is considered a great proponent of the "Gyanrath" (chariot of knowledge) and has left an indelible mark on Indian culture through his social service and educational initiatives.
His virtues of simplicity, passion for knowledge, virtuous conduct, absence of enmity, spiritual vision, and extensive learning attracted thousands of followers, including prominent individuals and renunciates.
He initiated many into spiritual paths, including notable figures like Shri Manohar Lalji Varni (Sahajanand Varni).
His inspiration led to the establishment of numerous educational institutions across India, continuing to nurture scholars and spread knowledge. He is regarded as a key inspirer of Jain scholarship in the modern era.