Tapodhan Shrimad Rajendrasuri - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text about Tapodhan Shrimad Rajendrasuri, based on the given pages:

This document is a biography of Shrimad Rajendrasuri, a prominent Jain figure, authored by Atmanandji. It is part of a series titled "Arvachin Jain Jyotirdharo" (Modern Jain Luminaries).

The summary can be divided into the following sections:

1. Early Life and Background:

Birthplace and Family: Shrimad Rajendrasuri was born as Ratnaraj in Bharatpur, Rajasthan, on December 3, 1827. His parents were Babhdas Parakh and Kesribai. He had an elder brother, Maniklal, and a younger sister, Premabai. Rajasthan is described as a land of warriors and a birthplace of saints, with numerous Jain pilgrimage sites.
Childhood and Upbringing: Ratnaraj possessed high moral values from childhood, showing reverence for elders, a calm nature, and a tendency to stay away from conflict and bad company. He was drawn to reading religious scriptures more than secular education.
Early Travels and Life Events: At the age of twelve, he visited Jain pilgrimage sites like Kesariyaji. At sixteen, he went to Ceylon (Sri Lanka) for business with his elder brother, later also spending time in Calcutta before returning home. Shortly after, his parents passed away, which further deepened his spiritual inclination and allowed him more time for religious contemplation.

2. Renunciation and Spiritual Journey:

Initiation (Diksha): In 1845, Pramodsuri achieved prominence, and his teachings inspired Ratnaraj to consider renunciation. He conveyed this desire to his elder brother and was initiated as Ratnavijayji by Shri Hemvijayji in Udaipur in 1847.
Acquiring Knowledge: He spent his first two monsoons in Akola and Indore, respectively. Driven by a strong desire for knowledge, he diligently studied grammar, logic, poetry, and rhetoric under the guidance of Shri Sagarchandraji for three years.
Progression in Spiritual Hierarchy: In 1852, he was awarded the title of Panyas. He furthered his studies for the next four years under Shri Devendrasuriji. Upon receiving permission from his teaching guru, he spent the period between 1857 and 1862 imparting religious knowledge to 51 disciples of Shri Dharanendrasuri and also served his initiation guru, Shri Pramodsuri.
Recognition and Conflict: In 1864, he participated in an honor bestowed upon Shri Dharanendravijayji by the rulers of Bikaner and Jodhpur, receiving the title of 'Daftari'. However, he renounced this title in 1865-66. During his monsoons in Jalor and Dhanerao, disagreements arose with Shri Dharanendravijayji regarding issues like laxity in conduct and attachment to possessions among monks. This led to a decision to undertake Kriyoddhar (restoration of proper conduct).
Bestowal of Suri title: In 1867, at Ahor, in the presence of the entire Jain community, his initiation guru, Shri Pramodsuri, grandly conferred upon him the traditional Surimantra and the title of 'Shri Pujya'. He then traveled to Jaora, where during his monsoon stay, he resolved doubts with the Nawab and his cabinet.

3. Kriyoddhar and Reformatory Actions:

Reform Plan: In 1867, during his monsoon in Jaora, Shri Dharanendrasuri sent two monks, Siddh Kushal and Monivijay, to meet Shri Pujya. Following extensive discussions, Shri Pujya was resolute in bringing about revolutionary changes to address prevailing superstitions, improper means for influence, and general laxity within the monastic tradition. He submitted a "Reform Plan" consisting of nine articles, which was agreed upon and signed by Shri Dharanendravijayji and other monks. This was publicly announced.
Personal Renunciation and Oath: Simultaneously, Shri Pujya publicly renounced all secular titles previously received as gifts, along with items like umbrellas, fly-whisks, and palanquins, in the temple of Shri Suparshvanath Bhagwan. His two main disciples, Pramodruchi and Dhanvijay, also participated in this act. This marked the grand acceptance of the excellent state of a Panchmahavratadharak (one who observes the five great vows) and the revival of the Tristutik sect, prioritizing the religious education of lay followers and significant religious endeavors like Tirthoddhar (restoration of pilgrimage sites). This entire historical reform process took three years.

4. Austere Practices, Travels, Consecrations, and Tirthoddhar:

Intense Austerities: After the Kriyoddhar, he spent monsoons in Ratlam (1870) and Kukshi (1871), where he recited 45 Agamas and composed the text 'Bhadravya Vichar'. At the Digambar Jain significant site of Mangiyungi hills, he undertook 72 days of single-meal fasting and abstinences, completed 1.25 crore repetitions of the first syllable of the Mahamantra, and spent approximately six months in deep contemplation, chanting, meditation, and severe austerities. Munishri Pramodruchi provided significant service during this period of intense austerity.
Extensive Travels and Consecrations: He subsequently conducted monsoons in Malwa and Mewar, visiting places like Rajgarh, Ratlam, Jaora, Ahor, Jalor, and Shivganj. During this period, he consecrated 31 Jinabimbas in 1877 and 41 Jinabimbas in 1884.
Gujarat Travels and Major Consecration: In 1885, he traveled to Gujarat, spending monsoons in Ahmedabad, Dhoraji, Dhanera, and Tharad, bestowing religious merit upon all. In 1898, at Ahor, he personally consecrated 951 Jinabimbas in a grand ceremony attended by over 3500 people.
Code of Conduct and Further Consecrations: During the 1899 monsoon in Shivganj, he formulated a specific code of conduct for the four-fold Jain sangha (monks, nuns, male lay followers, and female lay followers), consisting of 35 core rules, which are still followed by adherents of his tradition. In 1901, he again consecrated 201 statues at Ahor. In 1902, he performed various religious activities in Jalor before proceeding to Gujarat. His last monsoon was in 1906 at Vadnagar (Madhya Pradesh), after previously conducting monsoons in Khachrod and Kukshi.

5. Later Life and Passing:

Health Concerns and Succession: After completing his stay in Vadnagar, sensing an unfavorable atmosphere, he proceeded to Rajgarh. The entire sangha became concerned upon hearing news of his declining health. He summoned Shri Dipvijayji and Yatindravijayji, entrusting them with the responsibility of managing the sangha and the compilation, research, and printing of the 'Abhidhan Rajendra Kosh'.
Demise: On December 19, 1906, he undertook Anashan (fast unto death) and on December 21, 1906, with the chanting of "Ahan Namah" and "Arjun Namah," he attained Mahaprayan (ultimate liberation) in great peace. His final rites were performed on December 22, 1906, near Rajgarh, at the holy pilgrimage site of Shri Mohan Kheda, in the presence of a large congregation.

6. Significant Tirthoddhar Activities (Restoration of Pilgrimage Sites):

Rajendrasuri was instrumental in the renovation and consecration of numerous pilgrimage sites. Five of them are particularly noteworthy for their comprehensive development under his guidance:

(1) Korta Tirth: Located 12 miles from Vaigand Station on the Ahmedabad-Delhi railway line. It has four temples. A significant white stone idol of Shri Kesariyanaath, discovered during excavation, was consecrated by the Suri in 1895 in a large, beautiful temple.
(2) Shri Mandava Tirth: Situated 22 miles from Modra station on the Jodhpur-Rani Kheda line. The original temple dates back to the 7th and 12th centuries. The Suri visited in 1955 and inspired its renovation. The current temple was consecrated in 2010 and features a large dharamshala with modern amenities.
(3) Shri Swarnagiri Tirth: Located on a small mountain near Jalor station. Before his arrival, the temples on the fort housed weapons and ammunition. However, influenced by his austerity and determination, the king returned these temples to the Jain community, and a consecration festival in 1933 marked their revival.
(4) Talanpur Tirth: Also known as Tungiya Pattana, near Alirajpur in Madhya Pradesh. 25 statues, believed to be thousand years old, were found here. The temple of Godi Parshvanath was consecrated by the Suri in 1894.
(5) Shri Mohankheda Tirth: Located west of Rajgarh, Madhya Pradesh. A large white idol of Shri Adinath Bhagwan was consecrated here in 1884. The samadhi (tomb) of Shri Rajendrasuri is located here. The foundation stone for the development of this Tirth was laid in 1975, with plans for a grand, inspiring complex.

7. Literary Contributions:

The text emphasizes the importance of knowledge acquisition and practice. Shrimad Rajendrasuri was a prolific writer, with 61 books attributed to him, covering diverse subjects like language, grammar, Agamas, worship, spirituality, hymns, discourses, yoga, questions and answers, and mantra-tantra.

Abhidhan Rajendra Kosh: This monumental work, comprising seven volumes and 9200 pages, is a comprehensive dictionary of the Prakrit language. It provides detailed, Agama-aligned explanations for approximately 60,000 words in alphabetical order, serving as an authoritative reference and facilitating understanding of various Jain philosophical topics. Its compilation began in 1890 and concluded in 1903. Printing commenced in 1913 and the final volume was published in 1934, with a total expenditure of four lakh rupees at the time. This work received international acclaim and recognition.
Other Key Works: The document lists several other important works, including Prakrit Grammar, Kalpa Sutrartha Prabodhini, Jinopadesh Manjari, Prashnottar Pushpavatika, Shri Tattva Vivek, Shri Siddhachakra Puja, Shri Mahavir Panchakalyanak Puja, Prabhu-Stavan Sudhakar, Holika Vyakhyaan, Akshay Tritiya Katha, Swarodaya Manjari, Shadavaashyak – Aksharartha, and Shadbhava Vichar.

8. Socially Beneficial Institutions:

Inspired by the Suri, several institutions were established for religious and social welfare, including: Rajendroday Youth Club (Jaora), Shri Rajendra Jain Vidyalaya (Ahor), Shri Rajendra Suryabhivardhanavali (Ratlam), Shri Rajendra Jain Granthmala, Shri Rajendra Pravachan Karyalaya (Khandala), and Shri Rajendra Jain Pathshalas in various towns.

9. Disciple Family:

He was known for his dual role as an initiation guru and teaching guru. His prominent disciples included Shri Vijay Manindrasuri (current successor), Shri Vijay Bhupendrasuri, Shri Vijay Dhanchandrasuri, Upadhyay Shri Mohanvijayji, Upadhyay Shri Gulabvijayji, Munishri Dipvijayji, Munishri Sagarnandvijayji, and Munishri Jayantvijayji. He also had a large following of Sadhvijis and lay followers who were dedicated to his teachings.

10. Teachings and Philosophy (Rajendra-Kiran-Sangraha):

The text concludes with a collection of inspirational teachings from the Suri:

Humanity: True humanity is maintained by adhering to principles of respect for all religions, duty, and good deeds, fostered by good company, reading, and favorable circumstances.
True Modesty: This is a primary virtue for a householder and is cultivated through honesty, apologizing for mistakes, avoiding actions against society and scriptures, associating with reputable people, avoiding bad company, staying connected to God and saints, regular good reading and listening, and avoiding lustful glances.
Wealth Acquired Unjustly: Wealth gained through illegal means provides only temporary comfort, lasting only as long as accumulated merit persists. After merit is exhausted, the wealth and comfort vanish. Sins committed to acquire wealth will lead to suffering in the next life. Therefore, one should use lawfully acquired wealth for good deeds.
Service to Co-religionists: The four pillars of the Sangha (monks, nuns, laymen, laywomen) should be educated, respected, and their religious propagation supported. Selfless service with genuine devotion accrues merit that leads to spiritual development and the end of worldly suffering.
Worship of Humility (Vinay): Respecting and obeying the guru's words without argument or doubt is called humility. Humility leads to the extensive acquisition of knowledge, competence, and fame. Arrogance, ill-will, and excessive desire for wealth are causes of impoliteness. One should abandon these and embrace humility for worldly and spiritual happiness.
Development of Virtues: Humanity shines through truth, courage, generosity, and self-control. To evolve from human to superhuman, qualities like valor, tolerance, simplicity, good character, insistence on truth, love for virtues, justice, self-confidence, and detachment are needed.
True Knowledge and Wisdom: True knowledge is that which leads to self-improvement, universal love, absence of worldly attachment, equal perception of all beings, and adherence to dharma. It should not be motivated by selfishness or deception. Knowledge that incites envy, conflict, or distress is ignorance. Therefore, one should strive for knowledge that leads to self-welfare.
Consequences of Immoral Conduct: Wrongdoers invariably suffer. Adultery brings immense sorrow and disease. Those who embrace unrighteousness often regret their actions upon facing death. The consequences of immoral acts can lead to incurable diseases and immense fear of future suffering, with no one to offer protection. Embracing the path of righteousness ensures happiness in both this and the next life.