Vanchan Andolan

This document is a comprehensive guide titled "Vachan Andolan: Readers Guide" (Reading Movement: Readers Guide) published by Govalia Tank Jain Sangh, Mumbai, and authored by Acharya Vijay Jagachandrasuri. It is a guide designed to promote reading within the Jain community, aiming to foster a love for Jain literature and provide direction for readers.

Here's a summary of its key aspects:

• Purpose: The book aims to address two primary issues within the Jain community:

  1. Generating Interest in Reading: To cultivate a reading habit among those who may be indifferent to it.
  2. Guiding Readers: To help readers find the best literature suited to their interests from the vast amount of Jain literature available.

• Inspiration and Dedication: The book is dedicated to the birth centenary year of His Holiness Acharyadev Shrimad Vijay Ramsuriswarji Maharaj (Dhelawala), a disciple of Tapagachhadhipati Acharya Vijay Ramsuriswarji Maharaj. The author, Acharya Vijay Jagachandrasuri, highlights his deep respect and gratitude for his guru.

• Core Message: The guiding principle of the "Vachan Andolan" (Reading Movement) is encapsulated in its tagline: "VIBRANT JAINISM - INCREDIBLE JAINISM." This signifies that Jainism is a perpetually alive and remarkable philosophy. The movement's objective is for readers to engage with, understand, reflect upon, and benefit from this philosophy at all times and in all circumstances.

• Content Overview:

  • Introduction and Purpose: The initial pages explain the rationale behind the "Reading Movement" and the creation of this guide.
  • How to Use the Guide: It provides instructions on how to navigate the book, suggesting readers first look at the index to identify their preferred subjects and then choose books from those categories.
  • Key Features:
    • "Most Important Books" Chart: Recommends specific books for different age groups and genders (children, youth, adults, women).
    • "Language Chart": Indicates the availability of books in Gujarati, Hindi, and English across different sections.
    • Publisher Directory: Lists publishers with their contact details and websites to help readers acquire books.
    • "Good Habits for Good Reading": Offers advice on how to read effectively and derive maximum benefit.
    • Subject-wise Categorization: The bulk of the book is a detailed catalog of Jain literature, categorized by subject matter. These categories cover a wide range of topics, including:
      • Biographies of Great Personalities (various categories like Shalakapurushas, Tirthankaras, historical figures)
      • Story Collections
      • Comic Book Series
      • Philosophical Texts (Jain Tatva Gyan, Bhavanatmak Grantho)
      • Yoga, Meditation
      • Rules of Conduct for Lay Disciples (Shravakachar)
      • Devotional Literature
      • Guidance for Sadhakas (Practitioners)
      • Jain History
      • Glories of Pilgrimage Sites (Tirth Mahatmya)
      • Contemplative and Inspirational Literature
      • Biographies of Great Souls of the Last Century
      • Karma Literature
      • Geography, Science, and Physics (from a Jain perspective)
      • Mantra Sadhana
      • Prenatal Sanskaras
      • Veneration of Parents
      • Theories on Death (Mrityu Mimansa)
      • Pooja (Worship) and Food Etiquette
      • Travelogues
  • Inspirational Anecdotes: The book includes stories illustrating how books can change lives and inspire readers, such as the example of Werner Heisenberg and Douglas.
  • Value of Knowledge: It emphasizes the importance of knowledge over material wealth, as exemplified by Jawaharlal Nehru's decision to inaugurate a library instead of a mint.
  • Classification of Readers: It categorizes readers into three types: "Timepass" readers who read for leisure, "Hobby" readers who read for enjoyment but without deep reflection, and "Investment" readers who read for gain and personal transformation. The guide encourages readers to strive for the "Investment" category.

• Key Publishers and Resources: The guide prominently features and provides contact information for organizations like:

  • Shrut Sangam: An initiative to catalog Jain knowledge repositories and their books online.
  • Acharya Shri Surendrasurishwarji Jain Tatva Gyan Shala: An institution dedicated to Jain philosophy, with extensive libraries and publication activities.

• Practical Advice: The guide offers practical tips for readers, such as using bookmarks, maintaining a reading diary, taking notes, and re-reading chapters.

• Overall Vision: The book is a call to action for the Jain community to actively engage with their rich spiritual and philosophical heritage through reading. It presents a structured approach to literary exploration, empowering individuals to find relevant and enriching texts that can lead to personal growth and spiritual upliftment.