Vachak Yashovijayji No Patra Khardo - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Vachak Yashovijayji no Patra Khardo," by Shilchandrasuri, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Vachak Yashovijayji no Patra Khardo (The Draft of Vachak Yashovijayji's Letter) Author: Shilchandrasuri Publisher: ZZ_Anusandhan

Introduction (Page 1):

The introduction, written by Pt. Shilchandrasuri, explains that this text is the "Khardo" (draft) of a letter written by Vachak Yashovijayji. This letter follows the completion of Yashovijayji's "Samudra-Vahan-Samvad" (Dialogue between Samudra and Vahan), as indicated on page 8/1. The author notes that the style and handwriting of the "Samvad" and the letter differ, suggesting they were written at different times.

Yashovijayji does not explicitly state his name in the letter, referring to himself as "Vinayleshdeshiy Vijaya." The letter is addressed to the "Gachchhapati Acharya" (the head of the monastic order), though the specific Acharya's name is not mentioned.

The introduction provides historical context:

In Samvat 1717, Yashovijayji resided in Ghogha for his Chaturmas (a four-month monastic retreat) with his guru and others. It's believed that the "Samudra-Vahan-Samvad" was composed during this Chaturmas.
This letter, however, was written while Yashovijayji was in Rajanagar for his Chaturmas, and the Gachchhapati was in Purbandar (Porbandar) for his Chaturmas.

The author points out that some letters in the draft appear to have been smudged while being written, and there are also some errors, likely due to haste. These observations lead the author to conclude that this is not the final letter but rather a draft.

The primary significance of the letter, according to the introduction, is Yashovijayji's request to the Gachchhapati: he expresses his concern that he has not received any letter from the Acharya during the current year and asks to be reassured with a letter.

This previously unpublished draft letter is now being presented.

The Letter (Pages 2 & 3):

The letter itself is highly ornate and uses elaborate Sanskritized Gujarati. It begins with a respectful salutation and praise for the Acharya, likening him to divine beings and a beacon of spiritual excellence.

Respectful Address: The letter is addressed to the esteemed Acharya residing in the holy city of Purbandar. The writer, "Vinayleshdeshiy Vijaya," from Rajanagar, humbly and joyfully submits his respects.
Context of Activities: The letter mentions the ongoing activities, including scriptural studies, the upcoming Paryushana festival, the reading of the Kalpasutra, worship of Jin (Jain Tirthankara) temples, support for fellow religious practitioners, upliftment of the poor, and the propagation of the Jain faith. These activities are undertaken with great devotion and are supported by the Acharya's grace, leading to inner peace and spiritual well-being.
The Core Request: The central theme of the letter is the author's earnest appeal to the Gachchhapati. He states, "In this year, not a single letter from your exalted self has graced my hands." He expresses his desire to receive a letter from the Acharya, which would bring him joy and reassurance.
Subsequent Lines: The latter part of the letter reiterates the importance of the Acharya's grace, obtained through constant devotion. It mentions the respect shown to the Acharya three times a day and the custom of offering obeisance to senior disciples like Pt. L. and others. The author concludes by stating that it is the duty of a disciple to please his teacher and that his own name should be remembered when the names of Jin are invoked.

Overall Significance:

"Vachak Yashovijayji no Patra Khardo" provides a glimpse into the life and interactions of a prominent Jain scholar, Vachak Yashovijayji, and his relationship with the head of his monastic order. The letter, though a draft, reveals Yashovijayji's deep respect for his spiritual leader and his longing for personal connection and reassurance, highlighting the human element within the rigorous monastic life. The elaborate language and the specific details of religious practices underscore the scholarly and devotional environment of Jainism during that period.