Shraddheya Shri Jinendra Varni

Here is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Shraddheya Shri Jinendra Varni":

This document details the life and spiritual journey of Shri Jinendra Varni, presented as an exceptional personality of the 20th century. His life was characterized by respect for all religions, universal friendship, solitary study, and deep meditation.

Early Life and Education: Born in 1921 in Panipat to a learned advocate, Shri Jay Bhagwan, Jinendra Varni inherited a strong inclination towards knowledge and spirituality. His father was well-versed in Jain, Vedic, Buddhist, and other scriptures. Jinendra Varni displayed extraordinary learning abilities, earning an engineering degree in Electrical and Radio Science. Despite his intellectual prowess, his physical health was weak from a young age, suffering from various ailments, including tuberculosis contracted at sixteen.

Business, Service, and Spiritual Calling: After his father's death, Jinendra Varni managed his family's industrial company with utmost integrity, ensuring his younger brothers were capable of running it before he retired. He had little interest in business, wealth, or fame, his intuition drawing him towards spiritual pursuits. He refused non-vegetarian food and medicines derived from violence, even when it meant facing severe health consequences, such as the removal of one lung.

Spiritual Awakening and Study: A pivotal moment occurred in 1950 during the Dash Laxan Paryushan, where he heard the mantra "Brahmasmi - I am the eternal Lord," which became his life motto. This ignited a deep commitment to scriptural study. His extensive notes and revisions from this period formed the basis of the monumental work, "Jainendra Siddhanta Kosh." He engaged in profound thinking and meditation in Songadh and, in 1957, renounced his worldly life by accepting AnuVrata (minor vows). He further deepened his spiritual journey through the guidance of Shri GaneshPrasadji Varni and spent time at the Isri abode.

Interfaith Dialogue and Intellectual Prowess: In 1968, he met with scholars at Bharatiya Gnanpith in Benaras to discuss Jainendra Siddhanta Kosh. He famously declined to visit temples of stone, stating his preference to see "temples of living beings," leading him to engage in a month-long philosophical discussion with the highly respected scholar Shri Gopinathji Kaviraj. Kaviraj lauded Varni's pure heart and lack of pride. Varni possessed a sharp memory and diligently summarized Kaviraj's teachings.

Commitment to Truth and Jain Principles: Returning to Rohtak in 1970, he suffered a severe relapse of asthma. Facing the dilemma of potentially breaking Varni vows to take water in the evening for his health, he expressed his pain at the prospect of deceiving the Jain community. He viewed pretense and attachment as great sins, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to truth and integrity, even at personal cost. His strong will and tolerance were evident in this struggle.

The Genesis of Samansuttam: In 1973, at Wardha, he expressed the need for a unifying scripture for Jainism, akin to the Dhammapada for Buddhists or the Bible for Christians. This vision led to the creation of Samansuttam, a monumental work bringing together prominent Acharyas and scholars from various Jain sects during the 2500th Nirvana anniversary of Lord Mahavir.

Early Attempts at Sanlekhana (Fasting Unto Death): In 1977, in Kashi, his asthma resurfaced, prompting him to undertake a fast and vow of silence. Despite community pressure to break it, he remained resolute, eventually discontinuing the fast after 40 days, finding his health surprisingly improved.

Later Years and Continued Service: He continued his spiritual journey, visiting holy places and observing monsoons in various locations, eventually finding a sense of homecoming in Kashi, the birthplace of Lord Parshvanath. He published a new edition of "Shanti Path Darshan" and began working on the second edition of "Jainendra Siddhanta Kosh." However, his health and dissatisfaction with societal behavior led him to cease writing activities at the advice of MunniBabu.

Decision for Samadhi Maran: Recognizing his limitations and the end of his earthly endeavors, Shri Jinendra Varni decided to embrace Samadhi Maran (death in meditation). He sought shelter at the feet of Acharya Shri Vidyasagarji Maharaj at Nainagiri and later at Isri (Samet Shikhar) to undertake this final vow.

Final Vows and Passing: On April 12, 1983, at Isri, he adopted the vow of Sanlekhana, gradually reducing his intake of food and water until he ceased all consumption. He continued to hear scriptures and exchange thoughts with Acharya Shri Vidyasagarji. On May 24, 1983, at 11:00 AM, Shri Jinendra Varni passed away peacefully, his head turning towards the Acharya's feet as he uttered "Oom," signifying a profound union with the divine.

Legacy: Shri Jinendra Varni is described as a man of immense virtues: flexible, truth-seeking, simple, appreciative, and secular. His greatness stemmed not just from his intellect but from his dedicated service to Jainism and his effort to live by his scriptural knowledge. His penance, mendicantship, simplicity, natural goodness, and liberal outlook were exemplary. He performed tasks that would typically require vast resources, achieving them single-handedly and without attachment. He was revered as an ideal teacher by both Jains and non-Jains in Kashi. His life embodied truth, love, and renunciation, and his lectures were philosophical, scientific, and focused on individual spiritual growth. He is remembered as an idol of peace, love, and renunciation, a sea of discipline, and a benefactor to all mankind, whose contributions to Jainism and Indian culture are indelible.