Teacher Of Humanity - Book Summary

This document is a biographical sketch of Acharya Vijaya Dharma Suri, titled "Teacher of Humanity," written by C. S. Mallinathji and published in 1929. The book aims to shed light on the life and accomplishments of this significant Jain spiritual leader.

Here's a comprehensive summary of the text:

Early Life and Transformation:

The book begins by introducing Acharya Vijaya Dharma Suri, born Mulachandra in 1868 in Mabuwa, Kathiawar, to a humble Vaishya family. His father, Ramachandra, was a pious merchant, and his mother was Kamala Devi.
Despite a large family and limited income, Mulachandra's early life was marked by neglect and a rebellious spirit. He disliked formal schooling, excelling instead in physical activities and games, eventually being expelled from school.
He then joined his father's business but showed no aptitude, falling into bad company and developing a gambling habit. This caused significant distress to his parents.
A pivotal moment occurred when a severe gambling loss led to harsh punishment from his parents. This event triggered deep introspection in Mulachandra. He reflected on the vanity of wealth, the fickleness of fortune, and the sorrow brought by greed. This realization led to vairagya (dispassion) and a desire for an ascetic life.

Initiation and Spiritual Growth:

Seeking spiritual guidance, Mulachandra traveled to Bhavnagar and met the venerable sage Vriddhi Chandra. A discourse on the futility of fearing death and the importance of avoiding birth profoundly impacted him.
He understood that the cycle of birth and death (Samsara) is driven by desire, which is the root cause of karma and an obstacle to liberation (Moksha). He concluded that true happiness lies in a life free from desire, attainable through asceticism.
Mulachandra approached Vriddhi Chandra for initiation as a monk. Initially, the Guru hesitated due to his youth and inexperience but eventually consented after Mulachandra obtained his parents' permission.
On May 12, 1887, at the age of nineteen, Mulachandra was initiated into the monastic order and renamed Dharma Vijaya.

A Life of Preaching and Propagation:

Initially, Dharma Vijaya's intellectual capacity seemed limited, struggling with basic texts. However, inspired by his Guru, he dedicated himself to studying Sanskrit and Prakrit literature, eventually mastering them.
He developed a passion for polemics and public speaking, closely observing his Guru's preaching methods. His first public address was remarkably successful, surprising many, including his Guru.
After his Guru Vriddhi Chandra's death in 1893, Dharma Vijaya was recommended for the title of Pannyasa-pada. He then embarked on a mission to travel extensively, preaching the gospel of peace and universal brotherhood. His aim was not to convert but to clarify misconceptions about Jainism, dispel superstitions, foster religious harmony, and guide Jains towards true Jainism.
He traveled tirelessly for most of the year, spending the rainy season (Chaturmasa) in one place for study and spiritual practice. He visited numerous villages, towns, and cities, often bareheaded and barefooted.

Educational and Institutional Contributions:

Establishment of the Yashovijaya Jain Pathashala: In 1909, he founded a school at Mandal, Gujarat, named after the 17th-century Jain scholar Yashovijaya. Recognizing Mandal's limitations, he relocated the school to Benares, the center of Brahmanic learning, despite the immense challenges and initial hostility from Brahmins.
Challenges in Benares: The journey to Benares was arduous. Upon arrival, he faced opposition, with Brahmins labeling his group as "mlechchhas" and "nastikas." However, Dharma Vijaya remained undeterred, preaching Jainism in public spaces. His learning and arguments eventually earned him respect and friendship from pandits.
Growth of the Pathashala: The Benares Pathashala was re-established on a stronger footing, admitting students of all castes and creeds. It offered specialized courses in Sanskrit, Prakrit, Jain Philosophy, and Literature. A library, the Hemachandracharya Jaina Pustakalaya, was also founded.
Recognition and Title: In 1908, at the Jain Pathashala in Benares, a large assembly of Pandits conferred upon him the title Shastravisharada Jainacharya, acknowledging his vast learning and educational efforts. He accepted this honor humbly, seeing it as recognition for a Jain Sadhu. His name subsequently changed to Vijaya Dharma Suri.
Further Institutions: Before leaving Benares, he established a hospital for animals (Pashushala). In Agra (1912), he opened a library and a free dispensary and founded the Yashovijaya Jaina Gurukula at Palitana.
Jain Literary Conference: In 1914, he convened a historic Jain Literary Conference in Jodhpur, where resolutions for the preservation and propagation of Jain literature were passed. Dr. Jacobi, a prominent Jain scholar, expressed gratitude for his valuable suggestions and manuscripts.
Interaction with Western Scholars: The book highlights his significant interactions with influential Western scholars like Dr. L.P. Tessitori, Dr. Sylvain Levi, Dr. Johannes Hertel, and Dr. F. W. Thomas, who were deeply impressed by his personality, learning, and simplicity. They wrote biographical accounts and recognized his role as a mediator between Jain thought and the West.
Vira-Tattva Prakashaka-Mandal: In Bombay, he established an association to train students for preaching Jainism.

Legacy and Impact:

Vijaya Dharma Suri passed away on September 5, 1922, in Shivpuri. His last sermon was heard by Dr. Sylvain Levi. He passed away peacefully, reciting the names of Mahavira and Shrimandhar. A memorial temple was erected at the site of his cremation.
The book then analyzes his life in different aspects:
- As a Man: He possessed an inspiring and amiable personality, characterized by love, compassion, strength of will, sincerity, simplicity, and modesty. He was a steadfast observer of Ahimsa and patient in enduring hardships.
- As a Monk: He was a diligent student of Jain scriptures and a zealous preacher, addressing diverse audiences in public spaces. He strictly adhered to monastic rules but was open-minded and free from narrow orthodoxy, welcoming dialogue with followers of other faiths.
- As a Scholar and Writer: He was a highly respected scholar who appreciated Western research methods. He authored numerous original works in Hindi, Gujarati, and Sanskrit, primarily aimed at propagating Jainism and clarifying its principles. Key works included treatises on Ahimsa, celibacy, and spiritual advancement.
- As an Editor and Critic: He founded the Yashovijaya Jain Granthmala to publish authoritative editions of Jain literature. His meticulous editing of works like the Yogasastra of Hemachandra demonstrated his philological skills and scholarly rigor, even when facing criticism. He also contributed to the Jain-Shasana journal.
- As a Founder of Institutions: He established schools, libraries, and the Yashovijaya Jain Granthmala to revive Jain education and preserve its literature. He recognized the need to educate his community, correct misconceptions among non-Jains, and ensure the religion's preservation and propagation.

The book concludes with glowing tributes from various European scholars who recognized Vijaya Dharma Suri's immense contributions to Jainism, scholarship, and interfaith understanding, highlighting him as a true "Teacher of Humanity" and a significant figure in the history of Jainism.