Shantivijay Jivan Charitra Omkar

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Shantivijay Jivan Charitra Omkar," based on the supplied pages:

Book Title: Shantivijay Jivan Charitra Omkar Author: Achalmal Sohanmal Modi Publisher: Achalmal Sohanmal Modi Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/032025/1

This Jain text, "Shantivijay Jivan Charitra Omkar," is a biographical account and spiritual discourse centered around the life and teachings of Muni Maharaj Shri Shantivijayji, with a particular emphasis on the spiritual significance of the mantra "Omkar."

Core Themes and Content:

• Introduction of Muni Maharaj Shri Shantivijayji: The book begins by introducing Muni Maharaj Shri Shantivijayji as a spiritual luminary who embodies his name, "Shanti Vijay" (Victory of Peace). It contrasts him with the prevalent trend of ascetics who, despite their outward appearance, may propagate disharmony. Shantivijayji is presented as a true yogi, living a life of purity, renunciation, and simplicity, dedicated to the welfare of his country and the spread of peace within the Jain community.

• Lineage and Guru Parampara: The text highlights the spiritual lineage of Shantivijayji. His gurus were Tirthavijayji and his grand-guru Dharmavijayji Maharaj. Both his gurus also hailed from the Rabari community and were described as great yogis. Dharmavijayji Maharaj initiated into Jain asceticism in Samvat 1934 and passed away in Samvat 1990. Tirthavijayji Maharaj passed away in Samvat 1984. This emphasizes a tradition of yogic practice spanning three generations.

• Shantivijayji's Life and Character:

  • Birth and Early Life: Born in Manadar village in the Sirohi region in Samvat 1946 (Magh Shukla 9) into the Rabari community.
  • Initiation (Deeksha): Received Jain initiation in Samvat 1961 (Magh Shukla 5).
  • Spiritual Practice: After his initiation, he traveled to the Malwa region and later returned to his homeland, where he has since lived a life detached from worldly affairs, embodying purity and renunciation.
  • Qualities: He is described as a person of profound simplicity, humility, equanimity, and detachment. His presence is said to awaken dormant souls, and he possesses the power to bring peace through his very demeanor and silent communication. He is noted for his constant contemplation of true principles and his aspirations for the welfare of the world. He has moved beyond the study of scriptures to directly realizing self-knowledge.

• The Power of "Omkar" (ॐ): A significant portion of the text is dedicated to the spiritual significance and power of the mantra "Omkar."

  • "Om Aham": The text specifically emphasizes the mantra "Om Aham" as a sacred and powerful mantra that elevates the soul to the pinnacle of bliss.
  • Universal Message: Shantivijayji's message to all, regardless of their status, is to avoid negligence and dedicate their precious moments to the chanting and contemplation of "Om Aham." This is presented as the "fare of life."
  • Omkar as a Tool for Purification: The text equates the chanting of Omkar with the need for a soul steeped in worldly sentiments to purify itself, similar to how intoxication is removed by a cooling drink. It's believed to purify the atmosphere of the soul.
  • Omkar's Multifaceted Significance: Omkar is described as:
    • The seed of the three worlds.
    • Representing the Panch Parmeshthi (Arhant, Siddha, Acharya, Upadhyay, Sadhu).
    • A universal mantra recognized across religions (e.g., Om, Amin, Amen).
    • The primary auspicious mantra, bringing peace and destroying suffering, desires, and afflictions.
    • A map of the three worlds.
    • A central point of radiant knowledge.
    • The echo of the unheard sound.
    • A symbol and indicator of the supreme Brahman and Parmeshthi.
    • The object of worship for yogis.
    • A granter of desires for those with desires and spiritual sustenance for the desireless.
    • A mantra that can be chanted even without moving the lips, and which prevents negative thoughts and the binding of new karma.

• Testimonials and Praises: The book includes numerous testimonials from various individuals, including:

  • Shriyut Jivan Chand Dharm Chand: Praises Shantivijayji as a guiding light and a treasure of spiritual knowledge, capable of awakening souls.
  • Miss Elizabeth Shape (Superintendent of Education, Limdi State): Describes Shantivijayji's eyes as extraordinary, capable of reading inner thoughts. She notes his dark complexion but observes a miraculous improvement in his radiance during meditation, along with the visible presence of a "Tarak Bindu" and the "Agna Chakra."
  • Yogishta Acharya Shri Vijay Kesarsuriji Maharaj (as quoted): Highly regards Shantivijayji as a great yogi who has mastered the path of yoga. He emphasizes Shantivijayji's knowledge of essential yogic principles, his renunciation, love for all beings, benevolent intentions, humility, and compassionate nature. He suggests that Shantivijayji's focus on inner practice (Jaap and Dhyan) leads to a special purity, making external rituals less necessary.
  • Maharaja Lakkhadhirji (Morbi): States that Shantivijayji's discourses purify the mind, bringing health and happiness, and wishes for more such great personalities to uplift society.
  • His Highness Sir Daulatsinghji (Limbdi): Has known Shantivijayji for six to seven years and considers him a high-souled Mahapurush who has attained clairvoyance through yogic practice.
  • Miss Michael Peen (Tantri, Tribune Herald, New York, America): Expresses that Shantivijayji is a living divinity and a great yogi, calling him "Guruji is a God."
  • Dharmacharya Shisht Darshannidhi Swami Ramdas: Declares Shantivijayji as the most sacred being in the world.
  • Prabhudas Amrutlal Mehta: Compares Shantivijayji to great past saints, noting his innocent outward appearance that belies his profound inner wisdom and spiritual depth. He credits Shantivijayji with helping him find true joy.
  • Late Lala Lajpatrai: Mentions his admiration for Shantivijayji, noting that people of all faiths and backgrounds revere him.
  • Sardar Kibe Saheb (Deputy Prime Minister, Indore): Initially observed Shantivijayji as a good person but later realized his divine nature through prolonged experience. He contrasts Shantivijayji's genuine spiritual depth with the superficiality and deceit found in some other ascetics, emphasizing the importance of inner realization over outward show. He also highlights Shantivijayji's ability to heal people with seemingly incurable ailments through his blessings.
  • Acharya Pad: The text mentions that Shantivijayji declined an offer to be given the title of Acharya, stating that the recognition he sought was beyond what others could bestow and that he had no need for such titles.

• Teachings and Principles:

  • Divinity resides within every human being.
  • Focus on the inner self rather than outward appearances.
  • True wealth is self-knowledge.
  • True renunciation is renouncing the very feeling of being a renunciate.
  • Peaceful living is true living, and joy is found in solitude.
  • The mantra "Om Arham" holds supreme happiness.
  • Live a life so virtuous that even deities would wish to visit.
  • The mantra Omkar is essential for purifying the soul from worldly sentiments.
  • "Truth is my religion; external troubles are insignificant. Inner peace is paramount."
  • "Renounce from activity, or perform activity with renunciation."
  • "If possible, purify others with your life and, finally, with your thoughts."
  • "What I need, you do not have, and what you wish to give me, I do not care for."
  • "The world is my friend, and I am a friend to all."

• Detailed Explanation of Omkar (ॐ): The text provides an extensive explanation of the Omkar mantra, including:

  • Its constituent sounds (A, U, M) and their representation.
  • The five dots signifying the five Parmesthis.
  • Its role as the primal seed of all mantras.
  • Its connection to the Panch Parmeshthi and their spiritual stations.
  • Methods of contemplating Omkar through breath control (Kumbhaka Pranayayama) and visualization.
  • The various colors and forms associated with Omkar for achieving different effects (e.g., stambhan, destruction of enemies, attraction).
  • The combination of "Om Hrim Arham Namah" as a potent mantra for worldly and spiritual fulfillment.
  • The specific meaning and power of "Hrim" (associated with Lakshmi and Tirthankaras) and "Aham" (associated with the Siddha Chakra and Navapad).
  • The significance of Omkar in various spiritual traditions and its role in dispelling ignorance and achieving liberation.

Overall Impression:

"Shantivijay Jivan Charitra Omkar" is a devotional biography that elevates Muni Maharaj Shri Shantivijayji to the status of a divine being. It presents him as a paragon of yogic practice and spiritual wisdom, whose life and teachings are deeply intertwined with the profound power of the mantra "Omkar." The text uses numerous testimonials to underscore his extraordinary spiritual attainments and their impact on those who encountered him. The detailed exposition on "Omkar" serves as a guide to its significance and application for spiritual growth and well-being.