Varniji Mahattvapurna Sansmarana - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "पूज्य वर्णीजी : महत्त्वपूर्ण संस्मरण" (Venerable Varṇījī: Important Recollections) by Darbarilal Kothiya:

This text is a collection of personal recollections about the esteemed Jain monk, Pujya Shri Ganeshprasadji Varṇī (also known as Muni Ganeshkeerti), highlighting his remarkable detachment, wisdom, and compassion.

The author begins by recounting an anecdote about Baba Bhagirathji, whom Varṇījī considered his guru. Baba Bhagirathji, while on a pilgrimage, injured his toe. Despite bleeding profusely, he continued walking, stating it was merely a "pudgal-pudgal ki ladai" (a conflict of matter), showing profound indifference to physical suffering. This story sets the stage for understanding Varṇījī's own unwavering composure and detachment. The author emphasizes that true practitioners, like Baba Bhagirathji and Varṇījī, do not get attached to their bodies. Baba Bhagirathji, through his disciplined life, eventually reduced his food intake to a mere tola of moong dal before renouncing his body with full awareness.

The text then explains why Ganeshprasadji Varṇī became synonymous with the title "Varṇījī." While he, along with Deepchandji Varṇī and another Varṇī, were known as the "Varṇī-traya" (trio of Varṇīs), the title "Varṇījī" became irrevocably associated with Ganeshprasadji due to his exceptional virtues. Just as "Malaviyaji" refers to Madan Mohan Malaviya and "Gandhiji" to Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, "Varṇījī" became the name that evoked the essence of Ganeshprasadji. This happens when an individual achieves extraordinary respect through immense sacrifice, knowledge, conduct, and altruism.

The author then presents three significant incidents to illustrate Varṇījī's profound detachment (nirmoha):

The Dreadful Carbuncle: During a Chaturmas in Lalitpur, Varṇījī developed a severe carbuncle on his leg. Despite numerous local treatments proving ineffective, Varṇījī showed no signs of pain or distress. When a surgeon was brought in, he insisted on operating in a hospital. However, Varṇījī adamantly refused to go to a hospital, agreeing to the operation only at the Dharmashala itself. He further refused anesthesia, enduring the nearly hour-long surgery with remarkable equanimity, continuing discussions as if nothing was amiss. This demonstrated his awakened intellect and detachment from the body.
105 Degrees Fever: In Etawah, Varṇījī contracted malaria, suffering from a high fever (104-105 degrees Fahrenheit) and swollen legs. Upon receiving the news, several people from Delhi rushed to see him. They found him in the early hours of the morning engrossed in studying the "Samaysar." Despite his critical condition, Varṇījī displayed no outward signs of suffering or concern, leaving his visitors astonished and worried.
Unbearable Pain in His Final Days: In his last days, Varṇījī was extremely weak. Even with the dedicated care of an attendant, he never expressed his unbearable pain. He faced immense suffering with extraordinary tolerance and resilience, never showing any disturbance from the agony. This profound detachment was a testament to his inner spirit, distinguishing him from a mere "bahirātmā" (one engrossed in external matters). The text notes that even during his initial 18 years as a Vaishnav, he possessed inner conflict, renunciation, and wisdom, which eventually led him to embrace Jainism and the influence of the pious Chiroja Bai.

These three incidents clearly showcase his detachment from his physical self.

The text further elaborates on other facets of his personality:

Non-Attachment (Nirmohi): While hundreds of people visited him daily for his darshan and teachings, and he reciprocated with grace and affection, Varṇījī held no personal attachment or fondness for any individual, institution, or place.
Equanimity and Tolerance: He remained neutral and silent when others criticized someone. When there was a demand to confiscate his pitcher and begging bowl due to his stance on Harijan temple entry, he calmly replied that while they could take his possessions, they could not take his inner spiritual dharma.
Generosity and Support: He readily helped any deserving individuals – students, scholars, or the needy. His devotees would fulfill these needs promptly, as his "purses were open" for the welfare of others. He was truly a great saint, possessing all the qualities of a Mahatma.
Victory over Public Scrutiny (Lokapavada): Quoting the poet Bharvi, the text defines a patient person as one whose mind is not disturbed even when faced with provocations. It compares Varṇījī to figures like Seth Sudarshan and Sita, who remained steadfast against adversities. He demonstrated his resolve by challenging the prevailing custom of women attending wedding celebrations (baraats and fanars) due to the associated wastage and security concerns. In Nimtoria, when women defied his advice and attended a baraat, he personally escorted them back. Despite facing intense criticism and abuse from them, he remained unaffected, displaying immense tolerance and determination. This eventually led to the abolishment of the practice in Bundelkhand. Similarly, when a pamphlet accused him of supporting capitalists, he calmly replied that as a renunciate, he preached renunciation to everyone, rich or poor, with the aim of making them ascetics. This was a testament to his virtuous, sweet, and tolerant nature. He embraced everyone, regardless of their social standing, and showered them with his affection, much like Gandhiji's affection for the wealthy Birla and the poor alike. He lived and died for the welfare of all. He was the Gandhi of the Jain community, embodying equal affection for all.
Service to the Poor in Bundelkhand: The author highlights Varṇījī's significant contributions to the poor in the Bundelkhand region, stating his service to them surpassed that offered to others. He was a savior for students, scholars, the unemployed, and poor widows.
Pursuit of Truth (Satyānusaraṇ): Though born into a Vaishnav family, Varṇījī adopted Jainism with a discerning eye and analytical mind. His profound wisdom and faith are evident in his response to a question about why he converted from Hinduism to Jainism. He stated that Jainism offered a subtle and profound philosophy and practice unmatched by any of the six orthodox philosophical systems. He challenged anyone to present a superior system, vowing to embrace it immediately. He specifically cited Jainism's unique and subtle principles of ahimsa (non-violence) and aparigraha (non-possession), asserting that universal adoption of these principles would eradicate conflict and usher in an era of peace and happiness. The author notes that Acharya Akalankdev considered faith and discernment (gunajñata) as essential qualities for a true examiner, both of which Varṇījī possessed, making him a true follower of truth.
Boundless Compassion (Apār Karuṇā): Varṇījī's compassion was immeasurable and extended even to those who were not on the path of righteousness. He felt profound sorrow upon hearing news of global suffering and the devastation of wars. A poignant example is when he, present at a fundraising event for Indian National Army soldiers accused of treason, declared with conviction that no force could harm them as 40 crore people were striving for their safety. He donated his own shawl, which was auctioned for a significant sum, deeply impacting the audience and the Home Minister of Madhya Pradesh.
Constant Desire for World Welfare (Jagatkalyāṇ): During his pilgrimages in Uttar Pradesh and Delhi, he preached extensively against alcohol, meat consumption, and violence, which were gratefully received by millions. He also expressed a desire for scholars to travel to Europe and propagate the principles of ahimsa and aparigraha. He advocated for the closure of liquor shops, meat stalls, and dance halls, urging people to embrace righteous conduct and showcasing the virtuous lives of ancient Indian heroes instead of corrupting influences like cinema. This demonstrates his profound concern for the well-being of the world.

The text concludes by stating that Varṇījī possessed numerous other qualities that cannot be fully elaborated upon here, and his life story is that of a great soul, worthy of reverence by millions. The author humbly expresses the aspiration to attain similar virtues, bowing his head in respect.