Terapanth Ke Mahan Shravak - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Terapanth ke Mahan Shravak" by Vijaymuni Shastri:

The book "Terapanth ke Mahan Shravak" (Great Lay Disciples of Terapanth) by Vijaymuni Shastri, published as part of the Z_Kesarimalji_Surana_Abhinandan_Granth, highlights the significant contributions and exemplary lives of prominent lay disciples (Shravaks) within the Terapanth Jain tradition.

The author begins by praising the Terapanth Sangha as a vibrant religious organization, emphasizing its strong foundation of discipline and tradition established by Acharya Bhikshu and further developed under the leadership of Acharya Tulsi. He likens the Acharya to the brain of a living organism, with Sadhus, Sadhvis, Shravaks, and Shravikas forming the other vital parts. The progress of Terapanth is attributed not only to the ascetics but also to the unwavering loyalty and dedicated service of its lay disciples. The book aims to showcase the life philosophies of these principal Shravaks.

The text then proceeds to detail the lives of several prominent Shravaks, categorized by region:

Prominent Shravaks of Mewar:

Shri Shobhji Kothari: An ardent disciple of Acharya Bhikshu. He was skilled in both worldly and religious matters. After a dispute with the local ruler of Kelwa, he was falsely accused and imprisoned. Acharya Bhikshu visited him in prison, and upon seeing the Acharya, Shobhji's chains miraculously broke, leading to his release. He inspired many to follow Acharya Bhikshu and was also a poet, composing 3800 verses.
Shri Kesharji Bhandari: Originally from Kapasan, he later resided in Udaipur. He played a crucial role in advocating for Acharya Bharmalji when he was unjustly expelled from Udaipur. Kesharji served as an officer in the Maharana's court for many years, holding positions of trust, including tax official and later judge. His integrity impressed the Maharana, and he utilized his influence to counter opposition to the Sangha. He also dedicated time to studying scriptures daily.
Shri Ambalalji Kavadia: A resident of Udaipur and a descendant of the famous Bhamashah. He received religious guidance from his mother and later became a disciple of Jayacharya. A lawyer by profession, he skillfully resolved societal disputes. He was instrumental in thwarting a legal challenge against the initiation of Sadhvi Shri Najarkavarji. He also ensured the comfort of travelling pilgrims and played a role in organizing the Chaturmas (a four-month rainy season retreat) in Udaipur.
Hemji Bolya: A resident of Lavasardargarh, who lived during the time of Acharya Rishiray. He was dedicated to serving Sadhus and Sadhvis and possessed good philosophical knowledge. At a young age, he took a vow of lifelong celibacy with his wife. He demonstrated immense equanimity and fearlessness, remaining unmoved even when a snake crawled over him during meditation. He also showed great detachment when his shop caught fire, prioritizing his Samayika (a period of meditation and spiritual practice) over worldly concerns. He was known for his compassionate approach to lending money, writing off a debt for a farmer unable to repay it, prioritizing the farmer's livelihood.
Shri Jodhaji: A disciple from Bavlas, also from the era of Acharya Rishiray. Despite financial hardship, he refused to bring ill-gotten money into his home. He lived a life of contentment and simplicity. He married off his seven daughters without accepting dowry, even though it was a lucrative practice at the time. In Bavlas, he maintained a good rapport with a Chamar (cobbler) disciple. When a dispute arose between them, Jodhaji, upon learning of Muni Hemrajji's arrival, prioritized the religious event, putting aside their personal conflict. He was deeply moved by the Chamar's selfless act of informing him, acknowledging the Chamar's higher moral standing.
Shri Ambalalji Muradia: A renowned lay disciple from Udaipur, son of Shri Lalji Muradia. He received initiation from Jayacharya and was prominent in both state and religious affairs. He was a skilled engineer and was favored by Maharana Sajjan Singhji, who bestowed upon him the title 'Raja'. He was entrusted with building a fort on a mountain overlooking Pichola Lake, which became famous as Sajjangarh. Another fort was built in his honor and named Ambagarh. His younger brother, Pyarchandji, was sentenced to death for a murder. Ambalalji seized an opportunity to request his brother's release from the Maharana, demonstrating his strong familial bonds and prioritizing his brother's life over any material gain.

Prominent Shravaks of Marwar:

Shri Gerulalji Vyas: A Brahmin from Jodhpur, one of the first thirteen lay disciples of Acharya Bhikshu. He left his traditional religion to embrace Jainism. Despite societal opposition and difficulties in finding a match for his son, he remained steadfast in his faith. He was also a preacher and spread the teachings of Terapanth to distant regions, including Kutch.
Shri Vijaychandji Patwa: A leading wealthy individual from Pali. He became associated with Acharya Bhikshu during his visit to Pali. He engaged in deep spiritual discussions with the Acharya, even staying awake all night. He was known for his strong faith and was described by the Acharya as being as steadfast as someone with permanent right faith (Kshayik Samyaktvi). He demonstrated his integrity by helping a goat protect his forgotten bag of two thousand rupees while he was in Samayika. He also showed exemplary public service by jointly contributing a significant sum with another merchant to the king, passing the king's test of loyalty.
Shri Bahadurmalji Bhandari: A prominent lay disciple from Jodhpur. He held deep faith in Jayacharya and was known for his piety and simplicity. He served the Jodhpur state in various capacities, including treasurer and Diwan, earning the king's favor and a village as a grant. He also provided significant service to the Sangha, notably by intervening to prevent the arrest of Jayacharya, who was falsely accused by an opponent. His intelligence and quick action saved the Acharya from a grave situation.
Shri Dulichandji Duggad: A resident of Ladnun, who served six Acharyas from Acharya Rishiray to Kalugani. He displayed extraordinary faith and bravery, risking his life to protect the Sangha during times of crisis. When an arrest warrant was issued against Jayacharya, Dulichandji offered his own residence for protection, with disciples ready to lay down their lives. Although the warrant was later rescinded due to Bhandari's efforts, their courage served as an inspiration. He was highly respected by the Acharyas, who often changed their decisions at his behest.
Shri Manji Mutha: A resident of Jasol, who had immense faith in Swami Bhikhanji. He overcame a snakebite by invoking Swami Bhikhanji's name, demonstrating his profound faith. He was knowledgeable about the Sangha's rules and would humbly guide those who neglected them, acting as a protector of the religious order.

Prominent Shravaks of Thali:

Shri Jethmalji Gadhya: The beginning of faith in Terapanth in the Gadhya family of Sardarshahar. He became a staunch devotee of Acharya Kaluji, even renouncing interactions with other monks. His doubts were resolved through discussions with Acharya Kaluji and Muni Chabilaji, leading him to accept Jayacharya as his guru. His acceptance inspired many others in his family. He sent a letter to his son in Calcutta, encouraging him to embrace the faith, which he did. He lived a life of renunciation, practicing celibacy from the age of forty.
Shri Chenrupji Dugad: A proud and wealthy individual from Sardarshahar. Despite starting life in poverty and facing humiliation as a laborer, he resolved to seek his fortune in Bengal. He traveled there on foot and achieved significant business success, becoming a millionaire. Despite his wealth, he remained humble and deeply devoted to Jayacharya.
Shri Rupchandji Sethia: A renowned lay disciple from Sujangarh, who served five Acharyas and was a close confidant. He was deeply religious and lived a life of discipline, earning the title "Grihasth Sadhu" (householder monk). He and his wife practiced celibacy from the age of thirty-two and later took vows of lifelong celibacy. He was a trusted advisor to Acharya Dalganiji, consulted on matters of Sangha management. He passed away at the age of 87.
Shri Chhogmalji Chopda: A respected resident of Gangashahar, who was one of the first graduates from the Oswal community in Thali. He was a successful lawyer known for his integrity, refusing to take on false cases. He was admired for his simple lifestyle and extensive service to the Sangha. He was instrumental in nullifying anti-begging bills and initiation-restricting bills. His simple, polite, and service-oriented personality made him an exemplary figure. He was honored with the title "Samajbhushan" (Ornament of Society).
Shri Suganchandji Anchaliya: A devout and dedicated individual from Gangashahar, who served the Dharma Sangha and society extensively. He was a favorite of Acharya Tulsi and often accompanied him on his travels. He remained detached from worldly pleasures despite having all facilities. He practiced celibacy from the age of thirty-seven and was known for his perseverance and thirst for knowledge. He discouraged outward displays of grief from his wife before his death.

Some Other Prominent Shravaks:

Shri Gulabchandji Lunia: A resident of Jaipur, whose grandfather also became a Terapanthi. His father was a pious lay disciple. Gulabchandji was a gifted singer and composer, and his devotional songs were appreciated by Acharya Dalganiji. He gained considerable knowledge of Jain philosophy and philosophy, often seeking darshan of the Acharyas.
Shri Tikamji Dosi: A resident of Mandvi. He embraced the true faith through his association with Shri Bherulalji Vyas and later received initiation from Swami Bhikhanji. He then propagated the teachings in Kutch, attracting many families. He was a devoted scholar, memorizing and transcribing many of Swami Bhikhanji's works. He ultimately practiced Chaubihar Santhara (a rigorous fasting practice).

The author concludes by acknowledging that due to the limited scope of the essay, many important events and the life stories of numerous great lay disciples could not be included. He directs readers seeking more comprehensive details to the second volume of 'Terapanth ka Itihas' (History of Terapanth) written by Muni Shri Buddhmalji Swami. The book emphasizes that Terapanth has produced countless lay disciples who have not only served the Sangha but also contributed to society and the nation through their moral and virtuous lives.