Shatavadhani Panditratna Shri Ratnachandraji Maharaj

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text about Shatavadhani Panditratna Shri Ratnachandraji Maharaj:

This document chronicles the life and spiritual journey of Shri Ratnachandraji Maharaj, a prominent Jain mendicant renowned for his scholarly achievements and exceptional mental abilities, particularly his "Shatavadhana" (ability to concentrate on and perform 100 tasks simultaneously).

Early Life and Business: Born Rayshibhai in 1880 in Bhorara, Kutchchha, India, he hailed from a simple Visha Oshwal family. Despite the region's backwardness and limited educational opportunities, Rayshibhai was a bright and quick learner. He completed his seventh standard at ten and was sent to Mumbai with his elder brother for business training. They entered the food grain trade, where Rayshibhai proved to be serious and successful. He even learned enough English for business correspondence. He later established his own partnership business in Mumbai.

Spiritual Awakening and Dixa (Initiation): Rayshibhai married Hansbai at the age of 13. During this period, he met Shri Gulabchandraji Maharaj and his followers, which ignited a spiritual inclination in him. A pivotal moment occurred in 1895 when he learned of his wife's death during childbirth. This tragedy deepened his detachment from worldly affairs. He declined remarriage and dedicated himself to studying scriptures and engaging in spiritual discussions. With his elder brother's consent and his mother's initial reluctance, Rayshibhai, at the age of 17 in 1897, took Dixa (became a Jain mendicant), adopting the name Shri Ratnachandraji Maharaj. Shri Gulabchandraji Maharaj became his revered teacher.

Deep Study and Rigorous Penance: Following his Dixa, Shri Ratnachandraji Maharaj embarked on a decade of intensive study. He mastered Sanskrit grammar, various religious texts like Siddhanta Chandrika and Siddhanta Kaumudi, and philosophical works in logic (Nyaya Shastra). Despite facing significant health challenges, including eye disease requiring spectacles, fever, smallpox, and other ailments, he persevered in his studies and activities, demonstrating profound detachment towards his physical body.

Service to Literature and Shatavadhana Power: From 1907 onwards, Shri Ratnachandraji Maharaj began developing his concentration powers. He authored works like Bhavna Shatak and Kartavya Kaumudi in Sanskrit. His exceptional memory and intelligence allowed him to rapidly acquire the ability to perform "Avadhan" (focusing on multiple tasks), progressing from 8 to 17, and then to 50. He eventually achieved Shatavadhana, the ability to perform 100 tasks simultaneously, earning him the titles of "Bharat Bhushan" and "Shatavadhani." He was also adept at composing poetry spontaneously in Sanskrit and Gujarati. His intellectual prowess was recognized by many learned scholars and poets of his time, including Pandit Sukhlalji Sanghvi. The text emphasizes that the true value of Avadhan lies in its contribution to spiritual growth, rather than mere popularity.

Participation in Ajmer Conference and Travels: In 1933, Shri Ratnachandraji Maharaj played a significant role in the Ajmer Conference of Mendicants, a crucial gathering aimed at resolving differences and establishing a common code of conduct within the Jain community. He delivered the opening address and was appointed as a peacekeeper. After the conference, he traveled extensively throughout North India, including Jaipur, Delhi, Amritsar, and Punjab. During his travels, he observed disputes among Jain mendicants and families and made sincere efforts to bring about reconciliation. He preached extensively, even influencing non-Jains to abstain from meat and alcohol. He established the Shri Sohan Jain Dharm Pracharak Samiti in Amritsar, which later founded Shri Parshvanath Vidya Shram, a significant study center.

Desire for Comparative Study and Health Decline: Inspired by Pandit Sukhlalji Sanghvi, Shri Ratnachandraji Maharaj desired to visit Kashi-Benaras for a comparative study of Jainism across different sects. However, health issues, including ear pain and blood pressure, forced him to stay in Agra for a monsoon. He continued his travels towards Rajasthan but his health continued to decline due to constant movement, irregular diet, and relentless work for Jain unity.

Last Monsoon and Eternal Journey: Suffering from prostate gland issues, Shri Ratnachandraji Maharaj underwent surgery in Mumbai. Although the operation was successful, he developed pneumonia and other complications. Despite his deteriorating health, he remained dedicated to fostering a united Jain community and expanding Jainism, engaging in discussions with prominent Jain figures. His health worsened due to high blood pressure and overwork. In the early morning of Friday, May 16, 1941, Shri Ratnachandraji Maharaj passed away peacefully at the age of 61. His demise was mourned by thousands, and he was cremated in Ghatkopar.

Living Monumental Works: The text lists several institutions established in his memory, including girls' schools, libraries, and religious study centers, highlighting his lasting legacy in promoting Jain education and literature.

Experiences in Traveling: The document also recounts several anecdotes from his travels, illustrating his virtues of restraint, fearlessness, determination, and tolerance. These experiences include enduring extreme cold in inconvenient lodgings, staying in precarious structures, and remaining unfazed by threats of theft and wild animals, all while maintaining peace and composure. He also faced hardships in obtaining food and water, sometimes relying on hot engine water or enduring insults from those providing alms, but always upholding the dignity of a Jain mendicant.