Shrutopasak Shravako

This document, "Shrutopasak Shravako" (Devotees who serve knowledge), authored by Acharya Jagacchandrasuri and published by Govalia Tank Jain Sangh Mumbai, highlights the significant contributions of lay Jains (Shravakas) to the preservation, dissemination, and creation of Jain literature and knowledge over the last 150 years.

The book emphasizes that in this current era of adversity, Jain idols (Jinabimba) and scriptures (Jinaagam) are the primary support for aspiring souls, with scriptures being the most crucial as they form the foundation of the Jain order. It acknowledges the immense efforts of past saints and scholars in protecting and expanding this scriptural heritage through recitations and the creation of new texts based on the essence of the scriptures.

The central theme of the book is to bring to light the often-overlooked but substantial contributions of Shravakas in the realm of Shruta (scriptural knowledge). It asserts that Shravakas have played a vital role in the preservation, development, compilation, and publication of Jain literature. The book then presents these contributions in six distinct sections, recognizing that while many scholars have contributed across various subjects, they have been categorized for ease of presentation.

The book identifies key Shravakas and their contributions across different periods and areas:

1. Early Printing Era (Prarambhik Mudran Yug): This section focuses on the pioneers who embraced printing technology to disseminate Jain knowledge. * Bhimshi Manek: A scholar from Kutch, he was instrumental in acquiring manuscripts and printing the "Prakaran Ratnakar" (four parts), which was the first Jain philosophical text printed without direct guidance from monks. He also edited and published over 150 other works. * Hiralal Hansraj: From Jamnagar, he was a prolific scholar and researcher who edited and published hundreds of works. He also initiated the cataloging of manuscripts from the Jaisalmer Jain Bhandar, leading to the "Jain Granthavali." * Kuvardji Anandji: From Bhavnagar, he played a crucial role in making the Jain community knowledgeable. He published foundational books like "Prashnottar Bhag 1-2" and "Upadesh Prasad Bhag 1-5," and also published the Gujarati translation of "Trishashti Shalaka Purush Charitra." * Rao Bahadur Dhanpat Singhji: A prominent figure from West Bengal, he initiated the printing of the Agam Sutras in 1933. He independently printed fifteen Agamas, a significant historical achievement despite opposition to printing. * Seth Anupchand Malkchand: A learned scholar from Bharuch, he provided the Agam recitations to Acharya Siddhisuri Maharaj. He authored works like "Prashnottar Ratna Chintamani" and "18 Dooshan Nivaran."

2. Creation of Literature for Introductory Study: This section highlights Shravakas who created essential texts for beginners to study Jain philosophy. * Shri Pukhrajji Amichand: The chief teacher of the Yashovijayji Jain Sanskrit Pathshala in Mehsana, he compiled books for initial study like "Samas Subodhika" and "Panch Sangrah." * Shivalal Nemchand Shah: From Patan, he dedicated his life to teaching Jain philosophy to monks, nuns, and seekers. He authored "Hem Sanskrit Praveshika" (a three-part Sanskrit grammar guide) and related books. * Pandit Shri Sukhlalji: A blind scholar, he deeply studied Jain philosophy and spread its knowledge internationally. He translated the Tattvartha Sutra, the first Sanskrit text accepted by all Jain sects, and edited "Jain Tarka Bhasha" for entering Jain logic. He also authored books in Gujarati and Hindi. * Prabhudas Becherdas Parekh: A profound scholar of Jain philosophy and Indian culture, he wrote extensively on contemporary critiques of Indian culture and British policies. He provided detailed commentary on important Jain texts. * Panditvarya Becherdas Jivraj Doshi: He authored "Prakrit Margopadeshika" for studying Prakrit, the language of Jain Agamas. He also wrote an easy commentary on Acharya Hemchandracharya's "Siddha-Hema-Shabd-Anushasan" and edited several other texts.

3. Creation of Literature on Translations, History, Lexicons, Architecture, and Painting: This section focuses on Shravakas who contributed to translating texts, documenting history, creating lexicons, and studying art and architecture. * Professor Hiralal Rasikdas Kapadia: His study of Jain texts, motivated by mathematics, led to invaluable service to Jain scriptural literature. He compiled "History of Jain Sanskrit Literature" and provided detailed accounts of the lives and works of Haribhadrasuri, Yashovijayji, and Vinayavijayji. * Motichand Girdharlal Kapadia: A distinguished lay follower, he played a significant role in Jain literary service and initiated the "Agam Prakashan Series" under the Mahavir Jain Vidyalaya. He translated "Upamiti Bhavaprapancha Katha" and wrote extensively on various Jain philosophical and literary works. * Mohanlal Dalichand Desai: He made a significant contribution to the extensive Jain Gurjar literature of the last 500-600 years. He compiled "Jain Gurjar Kaviyo" (in 10 parts) and other works on Jain literature and history. * Madhusudan Dhaki: Renowned nationally and internationally as a top scholar in Jain and Indian sculpture and architecture. His research on Jain sculptures and architecture has greatly served the Jain tradition. He authored numerous books on these subjects. * Sarabhai Manilal Nawab: He introduced the artistic value of Jain manuscripts and Jain mantra sastras to the world. He published many compiled texts with illustrations, including "Shad-avashyak Balavbodh" (with 147 illustrations). He also published works on Jain mantra sastras.

4. Compilation of Sanskrit, Prakrit, and Gurjar Literature: This section highlights Shravakas who have systematically compiled and published texts from Sanskrit, Prakrit, and Gujarati languages, originating from Jain monks. * Bhogilal Sandesara: In contact with Jain scholars like Muni Punyavijayji and Muni Jinavijayji, he made valuable contributions to the compilation and research of Jain literature. He published numerous texts in the Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad Oriental Series. * C.D. Dalal: An expert in Sanskrit, Prakrit, Gurjar literature, and manuscriptology, he compiled many literary works through the "Gaikwad Oriental Series." He also prepared a catalog of Jain manuscripts from Jaisalmer. * Amritlal Mohanlal Bhojak: Working alongside Muni Punyavijayji, he learned the art of deciphering ancient manuscripts and compiling/researching Prakrit language and ancient texts. He assisted in the compilation of numerous texts. * Harivallabh Bhayani: Associated with prestigious institutions like the L.D. Institute of Indology, he compiled texts on grammar, prosody, literature, and lexicons. He authored significant works on these subjects. * Jayant Kothari: He compiled medieval Gujarati literature and created reference dictionaries related to it. He compiled works such as "Aramshobha Rasamala" and "Gujarati Sahityakosh." * Nagina J. Shah: Through the L.D. Institute of Indology, he compiled many philosophical texts and provided independent thought on Jain and Indian philosophies. He translated many Jain philosophical reference works into Gujarati.

5. Creation of Popular Books on Various Subjects: This section emphasizes Shravakas who created accessible books in regional languages for those who cannot study in Sanskrit or Prakrit. * Dhirajlal Tokershi Shah: Known for his "Shatavadhan" (memory feats), he wrote books on diverse topics, including mantra sadhana, biographies of great figures, and introductory Jain religious texts. He also created a series of educational books for children titled "Jain Shikshavali." * Ratilal Dipchand Desai: His published works include biographies of esteemed Acharyas and books on the history of pilgrimage sites. His collected articles are published in two volumes. * Khubchand Keshavlal Parekh: Inspired by Acharya Ramasurishvarji, he taught at a pathshala in Sirohi, Rajasthan. He authored invaluable books in Gujarati on Jain philosophy, including concepts like Karma theory, atom science, and the nature of the soul. * Vasantlal Kantilal Ishwarlal Morbiya: He is known for writing simple, precise, and reflective essays. Many of his small booklets have been published, and a collection of his works is available in two volumes. * Ramanlal Ch. Shah: He authored books shedding light on various aspects of Jainism and wrote biographies of many gurus from the last century. He also contributed to the monthly magazine "Prabuddh Jeevan."

6. Propagation of Jainism and Literature in India and Abroad: This section highlights Shravakas who have spread Jain teachings and literature to people living overseas. * Virchand Raghavji Gandhi: Considered perhaps the first proponent of Jainism outside India, he represented Jainism at the 1893 Parliament of Religions in Chicago. Despite his short life, he protected important pilgrimage sites and delivered numerous lectures on Jain and Indian philosophy. * Dhirajlal Dahyalal Mehta: For the past 40 years, he has spent six months annually in America propagating Jainism and its philosophy. He also provides weekly satellite calls and classes to overseas Jains. He has written commentaries on significant texts and authored introductory books on Jain philosophy. * Sunandaben Vora: A learned scholar of Jain philosophy, she has been teaching Jain philosophy to overseas Jains for years. She has authored and published several books on various topics related to Jainism. * Padmashree Kumarpal Desai: A prominent contemporary preacher of Jainism, he has written numerous books on its importance and history. He writes articles for newspapers and gives lectures internationally. He has also republished the works of Virchand Raghavji Gandhi. * Dr. Jitubhai B. Shah: A deep scholar of Jain and Indian philosophies, he has dedicated his life to the propagation of Jain philosophy. He serves as the Director of the L.D. Institute of Indology and the Bhogilal Leherchand Institute of Indology. He has edited numerous Jain philosophical and literary works and organizes annual study camps for texts like Tattvartha Sutra.

The book concludes by stating that Shravakas have made immense efforts in the creation, compilation, and publication of all types of Jain literature. It lists other Shravakas who have contributed to the field, emphasizing that these individuals, as householders, performed these tasks alongside their family responsibilities. The author urges readers to at least study and understand the scriptures created by their ancestors if they cannot contribute to research, compilation, or new creation.

Finally, it introduces "Vachan Andolan: Reader's Guide," compiled by Acharya Jagacchandrasuri, which aims to foster interest in reading and guide readers to suitable literature, listing 450 books across various subjects to help curious Shravakas find books according to their interests. The overarching message is to engage with and benefit from Jain scriptural literature for personal development.