Sarth Bbhav Vairagya Shatakam

This document is the Sarth Bhav Vairagya Shatakam (साथ भाव वैराग्य शतकम्), a Jain text authored by Chabildas K Sanghvi. It is published by Chabildas K Sanghvi and was printed at Arunoday Printing Press in Khambhat. The text is presented with a Sanskrit commentary (संस्कृत छाया सहित) and is described as a guide to achieving happiness in Shiva (मोक्षसुख) by cultivating detachment in life (भव वैराग्य).

The book is dedicated to Shankheshwar Parshwanath.

The preface or introductory sections highlight the following:

• Inspiration and Dedication: The text is published with the inspiration and teachings of Sadhvi Shree Rajendriji and Sadhvi Shree Pravinashriji, disciples of Pujya Pravartini Sadhvi Shree Gunashriji M. It is a gift in memory of Pujya Gunashriji M from Chandanben, wife of Gandhi Kantilal Vadilal, a resident of Vejalpur.
• Biographical Sketch of Sadhvi Shree Gunashriji M:
  • Born in 1945 VS (1789 CE) on the 6th day of Shravan Vad (dark half of the month) in Khambhat.
  • Received initiation (Diksha) in 1962 VS (1806 CE) on the 11th day of Margashirsh Sud (bright half of the month) in Ahmedabad.
  • Passed away in 2001 VS (1945 CE) on the 4th day of Ashadh Vad in Vejalpur.
  • Birthplace and Family: Born in Khambhat (Stambhatirtha), a historically significant city in Gujarat, into the esteemed Gandhi family of the Vaishya Shrimali community. Her parents were Karachand Jethabhai and Putlibai. The family was known for its high ideals and strong religious convictions.
  • Spiritual Journey: Despite being born into a good family, she felt a sense of detachment from worldly desires. Initially, due to societal norms, she was married to Nagindas Kulchandbhai of Khambhat. However, her spiritual inclination led her to renounce worldly life. With the permission of both her parental and marital families, and influenced by the radiance of Pujya Shobhayashriji, she took initiation as a Jain Sadhvi, taking the name Gunashriji. She became the fifth disciple of Sadhvi Gulabshriji, who was a disciple of Sadhvi Shobhayashriji. Her initiation date was the 11th day of Margashirsh Shukla, known as "Maun Ekadashi".
  • Challenges and Resolve: During her initiation, she faced challenges from worldly beings trying to dissuade her. She articulated her understanding of true happiness as that which is not followed by suffering, contrasting it with the fleeting pleasures of the world. Her clear and insightful answers impressed the court, allowing her to proceed with her spiritual path.
  • Mentorship and Service: She received guidance from Acharya Shree Dwvijay Nemisurishwarji Maharaj. She showed great devotion and service towards her Guru, Pujya Gurudini M Shree. She accompanied her Guru on spiritual tours (vihar), including a Chaturmas in Palitana.
  • Qualities: She is described as possessing immense knowledge, deep spiritual insight, and exceptional devotion. Her life exemplified adherence to Jain principles, including non-violence, self-control, and asceticism. She was considered a beacon of spiritual wisdom and served her community with dedication.
  • Disciple Lineage: The text lists her disciples (शिष्या) and grand-disciples (प्रशिष्या), detailing their names, initiation places, and years. Notable disciples include Jayantashriji, Vandanshiriji, Chandrashriji, Rajendriji, Dhanendrashriji, and Pravinashriji.
  • Passing: She attained her final journey in 2001 VS in Vejalpur.
• Nature of the Text: The book contains around 100 verses (श्लोक) that promote detachment (Vairagya) from worldly life, especially during times of hardship. The verses aim to inspire a withdrawal from worldly attachments and focus on spiritual pursuits. The author, Pandit Chabildas Keshri Kanchand Sanghvi, is believed to be an exceptional scholar and spiritual practitioner.
• Purpose of the Text: The "Sarth Bhav Vairagya Shatakam" is intended to guide readers towards understanding the transient nature of life and the suffering inherent in worldly existence. Through its verses, it aims to inspire a genuine sense of detachment and devotion towards the path of liberation.

The text itself appears to be a collection of verses (Shlokas) in Prakrit, focusing on the impermanence of life, the suffering in the cycle of birth and death (samsara), the futility of worldly attachments, and the importance of following the Jain path of righteousness (dharma) for liberation. The verses provide vivid imagery and analogies to illustrate these points, urging the reader to wake up from spiritual slumber and engage in virtuous deeds.

In essence, Sarth Bhav Vairagya Shatakam is a profound Jain scripture that serves as a powerful reminder of the ephemeral nature of worldly pleasures and the ultimate significance of spiritual liberation, as exemplified by the life and teachings of Sadhvi Shree Gunashriji M.