Santbalji

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Santbalji" by Gunvant Barvalia, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Santbalji: Jivan, Kavan Ane Prerak Prasango (Santbalji: Life, Works, and Inspirational Incidents) Author/Editor: Gunvant Barvalia Publisher: Vishva Vatsalya Prayogik Sangh

This book is a biographical account and collection of inspirational incidents related to Muni Shri Santbalji, a significant figure in Jainism. The publication aims to introduce the younger generation to his life, works, and the principles he espoused, encouraging them to draw inspiration from his legacy.

Core Themes and Content:

• Early Life and Background:

  • Santbalji, originally named Shivlal, was born on August 26, 1904 (Samvat 1960, Shravan Sud Poonam) in the small village of 'Tol' in the Morbi taluka of Saurashtra, Gujarat.
  • He was born into a poor Jain family. His father, Nagji bhai, struggled financially with his shop.
  • His mother, Motiben, was a resilient and popular woman who managed the household with great effort despite the family's poverty, inspiring a sense of duty and responsibility in Shivlal from a young age.
  • Shivlal lost his father at a very young age.
  • He received his early education in Tol and then moved to Balambha to continue his studies under his maternal uncle, who was a teacher. It was here, in his maternal grandparents' home, that he further imbibed values of service and interfaith harmony.
  • Recognizing his mother's hardships, Shivlal felt a strong urge to earn and support her, deciding to move to Mumbai at the age of 13.

• Life in Mumbai and Spiritual Awakening:

  • Shivlal's initial years in Mumbai were marked by struggle, poor living conditions, and difficult work environments. He worked in a flour shop and later in a cloth shop, facing hardships and even skin ailments.
  • He eventually found employment with a Parsi timber merchant, Rustamji, where his intelligence and hard work led to increased salary and recognition.
  • He also worked for a Muslim businessman, Ghulamhussain, and developed a strong reputation for honesty and diligence in the market.
  • During his time in Mumbai, Shivlal was influenced by the nationalistic fervor and the revolutionary ideas of leaders like Lokmanya Tilak and Mahatma Gandhi. He started wearing Khadi.
  • His spiritual inclination grew, leading him to spend more time reading and listening to the discourses of saints. He began to feel a detachment from his worldly job and an increasing pull towards renunciation.
  • He met Jain saints, including Muni Shri Saubhagyamalji Maharaj and Muni Shri Nanchandji Maharaj, who significantly influenced his spiritual path. He was particularly drawn to Muni Shri Nanchandji Maharaj's blend of Bhagwan Mahavir's teachings and Mahatma Gandhi's philosophy.

• Renunciation and Diksha (Initiation):

  • Motivated by spiritual longing, Shivlal sought guidance from Muni Shri Nanchandji Maharaj.
  • Before accepting him as a disciple, Muni Shri Nanchandji advised him to complete his worldly responsibilities and then come to Limbdi for further study and contemplation.
  • Shivlal diligently fulfilled his familial duties, including arranging his sister Maniben's marriage and caring for his ailing mother, who eventually passed away.
  • He then sought permission from all his relatives, including his maternal aunt (Ujamama), maternal uncle, and his fiancée's family. He approached his fiancée, Diwali Ben, with respect and explained his spiritual calling, offering her a choice to join him or wishing her well in her worldly life.
  • After obtaining the necessary permissions and blessings, Shivlal received his diksha (initiation) on January 18, 1929 (Samvat 1985, Posh Sud 8), and was given the name Saubhagychandra. Later, he adopted the name Santbal (meaning "child of saints"), which became widely recognized.

• Ascetic Life, Sadhana, and Literary Work:

  • As Muni Saubhagychandra, he dedicated himself to rigorous study of Jain Agamas, other religious scriptures (Hindu, Buddhist, etc.), and developed a deep understanding of interfaith harmony.
  • He was an avid reader and writer, and his sharp memory led him to explore Avadhan (memory exercises), where he demonstrated remarkable abilities, even being honored with the title "Bharat Ratna" by scholars. However, he later discontinued these public performances, feeling they could foster ego and were not the true path to spiritual welfare.
  • He practiced Bhikshachari (alms-seeking) and Padavihar (walking pilgrimage) with great devotion.
  • He observed Chaturmas (four-month retreat) and engaged in spiritual practices, meditation, and reading.
  • He experienced a year of complete mauna (silence) in Ranapur, during which he studied world religions and intensified his literary activities.
  • After breaking his silence, he issued a public statement advocating for Jain saints to engage in social reform, which led to his excommunication from the conservative Jain community. Despite this, he remained steadfast in his mission, never abandoning his spiritual attire or his commitment to serving humanity.
  • Santbalji authored approximately 60 books on diverse subjects, including philosophical, religious, and devotional literature. He translated important Jain scriptures into Gujarati and wrote works on epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata, and the Bhagavad Gita from a Jain perspective.
  • He also contributed to journalism and inspired the publication of periodicals like "Vishva Vatsalya."

• Social Service and Activism:

  • Santbalji was deeply influenced by Mahatma Gandhi and advocated for ahimsa (non-violence) and compassion in all his activities. He saw himself as a "National Saint" and a "World Human."
  • He introduced an Ekadashvrat (eleven vows) for spiritual and ethical living, emphasizing principles like non-violence, truth, non-stealing, celibacy, non-possession, physical labor, controlled diet, fearlessness, equality of all religions, and inclusive affection.
  • His work in the Bhal-Nalkatha region of Gujarat was particularly significant. He addressed issues like water scarcity, the impact of drought, the exploitation of farmers, social evils like child marriage and diyarvatu (a custom related to widow remarriage), and the prevalent practice of hunting.
  • He organized farmers and workers, establishing cooperatives and advocating for self-reliance in villages.
  • He introduced the concept of "Dharmbandhi Samajrachna" (Society structured by Dharma), emphasizing the harmonious integration of state, regulatory bodies, public organizations, and spiritual leaders.
  • He was a pioneer in initiating "Shuddhiprayog" (purification experiments) – a method of reforming individuals through love, persuasion, and spiritual guidance rather than punishment.
  • He played a vital role in establishing the Vishva Vatsalya Prayogik Sangh in 1958, an organization dedicated to social welfare, women's empowerment, and promoting interfaith harmony.
  • He was instrumental in founding the Mahavirnagar International Center in Chinchini, Maharashtra, envisioned as a hub for spiritual study, interfaith dialogue, and research, named after key figures like Shrimad Rajchandra, Mahatma Gandhi, Muni Shri Nanchandji, and Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru.

• Key Principles and Philosophy:

  • Vishva Vatsalya (Universal Affection): This was his central philosophy, advocating for a motherly love towards the entire world and all beings.
  • Sarva Dharma Samabhav (Equality of all Religions): He promoted understanding and respect for all faiths, believing in their underlying unity.
  • Nai Talim (Basic Education): Influenced by Gandhi, he supported education focused on practical skills and character development.
  • Self-Reliance and Community Empowerment: He worked towards making villages and communities self-sufficient.
  • Ethical living and Non-violence: He championed adherence to ethical principles and the practice of ahimsa in all aspects of life.
  • The Power of Love and Forgiveness: He believed that love and forgiveness were potent tools for transformation.

• Death:

  • Santbalji settled in Chinchin at Mahavirnagar in 1970.
  • He passed away on March 26, 1982 (Gudi Padwa) at the Harkisan Hospital in Mumbai after suffering a stroke.
  • His final rites were performed on the seashore in Chinchin, a place he loved. His last message was for the ideal of Vishva Vatsalya to remain alive throughout the world.

Inspirational Incidents and Teachings: The book includes several anecdotes illustrating his principles:

• His gentle approach to his fiancée, Diwali Ben, when seeking her consent for his diksha.
• His decision to stop performing Avadhan exercises, recognizing their limitations and potential for ego.
• His intervention to protect birds from hunters in Nal Sarovar, emphasizing non-violence.
• His active role in sanitation during a cholera outbreak in Viramgam, highlighting his commitment to public health.
• His successful Shuddhiprayog in reforming a thief through love and fasting.
• His strict adherence to rules, as seen in his waiting outside a hostel until officially invited.
• His teaching that taking something without permission, even a fallen fruit, is theft.
• His punctuality and self-discipline, demonstrated by his fasting as atonement for being late for prayer.
• His guidance to an elderly woman that aarti should be performed for God, not for a person, and that people should appreciate virtues, not just the virtuous.
• His deep compassion for victims of violence.
• The touching letter from an Adivasi girl requesting his photograph, showcasing the impact of his compassion.
• His profound "Ratnakankanikas" (jewel-like sayings) offering guidance on love, faith, meditation, service, self-awareness, and universal brotherhood.

The book emphasizes Santbalji's profound impact as a spiritual leader, social reformer, and prolific writer, whose life and teachings continue to inspire readers to embrace a path of love, service, and universal welfare.