Vidhi Marga Prakashak Jineshwarsuri Aur Unki Vishishta Parampara - Book Summary

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The text "Vidhi Marga Prakashak Jineshwar Suri Aur Unki Vishishta Parampara" (The Illuminator of the Righteous Path, Jineshwar Suri and His Distinct Tradition) by Munishri Jinvijay discusses the life and significant impact of Acharya Jineshwar Suri on the Svetambara Jain tradition, particularly his role in establishing the "Khartara Gachha."

Jineshwar Suri's Background and the Problem of Chaityavasis:

Jineshwar Suri was a disciple of Acharya Shrivardhaman Suri, whose preceptor was Udyotan Suri of the Chandrakul lineage.
Historical accounts of Jineshwar Suri are found in various ancient texts like the Ganadhar Sardhshatak by Jinsukh Suri, the Brihad Vritti by Sumati Gani, the Khartaragachha Brihad Guravali by Jinpal Upadhyay, and other manuscripts.
During Jineshwar Suri's time, a significant portion of Jain monks (yati) resided in temples (chaityas). These "Chaityavasis" (temple residents) lived, ate, preached, studied, and slept within the temples, which served as their monasteries.
The text highlights that the conduct and practices of many Chaityavasis had become lax and deviated from the scriptural injunctions for Jain monks (nirgranth). They were described as "mathadhipatis" (temple proprietors) rather than strictly ascetic monks.

Jineshwar Suri's Reform Movement:

Disturbed by the discrepancy between scriptural monasticism and the practices of the Chaityavasis, and concerned about the deviation from the teachings of Lord Mahavir, Jineshwar Suri initiated a movement to reform the tradition.
He established a new, well-regulated order or gachha to counter the prevailing laxity.
His guru, Shrivardhaman Suri, had also renounced the Chaityavasi life due to spiritual disinclination and a perceived laxity in the monastic community. Jineshwar Suri resolved to follow and propagate this path of rigorous renunciation.
He aimed to make this path prevalent throughout the entire Jain community and across the land, dedicating his life to this endeavor.

Establishment of the Khartara Gachha and its Impact:

Jineshwar Suri possessed the intellectual and moral strength necessary for this mission. He established his own sect, which was initially known as "Vidhipaksha" (path of righteousness).
He challenged prominent Chaityavasi leaders like Suracharya in debates. His arguments were so persuasive that he gained numerous followers, and many new temples and monastic residences (upasrayas) were built for his followers.
The places of worship established by his disciples were named "Vidhi Chaitya."
Later, this sect became widely known as Khartara Gachha, a name that persists to this day. The term "Khartara" signifies firmness and resolute adherence to principles.
The Khartara Gachha produced many influential Acharyas, learned scholars (Upadhyayas), talented monks, astrologers, physicians, and other virtuous ascetics who significantly contributed to the progress and prestige of their community.
Notable scholars from this lineage include Abhay Dev Suri (commentator on the Navanga Vritti), Jinchandra Suri (author of Samveg Rangshala), Dhaneshwar (also known as Jinbhadra Suri, author of the Surasundari Charita), Vardhaman Suri (author of Adinath Charita), Gunachandra Gani (also known as Devbhadra Suri, author of Parshvanath Charita and Mahavir Charita), and Jinavallabh Suri (author of Sanghpattaka). These scholars enriched Jain literature and contributed immensely to various fields like language, literature, history, philosophy, astrology, and medicine.

Intellectual and Cultural Contributions:

The scholars of the Khartara Gachha were known for their broad intellectual pursuits. They not only studied Jain scriptures but also diligently studied and taught secular texts from Brahmanical and Buddhist traditions, including grammar, poetry, lexicography, prosody, rhetoric, drama, astrology, and medicine.
They composed extensive commentaries on numerous non-Jain works, thereby creating valuable resources for the study of these subjects.
The text mentions that the Khartara Gachha's literary contributions are important not only for their religious significance but also for the glory of Indian culture as a whole.

Jineshwar Suri's Influence on the Jain Community:

Jineshwar Suri's erudition and exemplary conduct had a profound impact not only on his immediate disciples but also on other monastic orders and prominent ascetics of his time. Many were inspired to embrace rigorous practices, pursue knowledge, and undertake reformist activities.
His life and work marked the beginning of a new era in Jain society. Old sentiments began to change, and new organizational structures emerged for both ascetics and lay followers.
The traditional monastic orders evolved into new gachhas. The existing practices of temple worship and guru veneration underwent revisions.
The shift in the lifestyle of ascetics from sedentary temple residence to a more mobile, practice-oriented approach significantly influenced the monastic community.
Many ascetics abandoned temple living and lax practices, adopting a life of strict asceticism and undertaking reformist actions.
New gachhas and sub-sects emerged, and independent treatises on various subjects were written, leading to scholarly debates and the refutation or affirmation of differing viewpoints.
A new organizational framework for the Jain Sangha began to take shape. New texts were composed, and commentaries were written on old ones.
Large libraries were established to collect ancient Jain texts as well as important works from Brahmanical and Buddhist traditions.
The ascetics of this period became more mobile, traveling to different regions to propagate the faith. They attracted followers from Kshatriya and Vaishya communities, converting many non-Jains and reorganizing existing Jain communities.
The renovation of old temples and the construction of new ones became widespread. New residences for ascetics (later known as upasrayas) were established, facilitating the regular religious practices of their followers.
New traditions and rituals were introduced in temple worship and festivals, leading to some doctrinal disputes and debates among ascetics.

Key Disciples and Their Contributions:

Jinavallabh Suri: A prominent disciple of Jineshwar Suri. He was instrumental in propagating the Khartara Gachha. He was originally a disciple of a Chaityavasi guru but became detached and studied under Abhay Dev Suri in Gujarat. He was a brilliant scholar, poet, and astrologer. Abhay Dev Suri favored him over his other disciples. Jinavallabh Suri established his influence in Mewar, Marwar, and Malwa, challenging Chaityavasi practices and establishing new temples and rituals for his followers. He was installed as an Acharya in Chittor by Devbhadra Suri.
Abhay Dev Suri: Considered perhaps the third in line after Jineshwar Suri, but the first in terms of fame and significance. He wrote extensive Sanskrit commentaries on nine of the eleven Anga sutras, making him a permanent star in the Jain literary sky. His commentaries were highly respected, and his pronouncements were considered authoritative. He is credited with decisively refuting the spread of laxity within the Jain community and defeating "dravya lingi" (impersonators) in the assembly of King Durlabhraj.
Jinavallabh Suri (again): The text reiterates Jinavallabh Suri's role. After his guru Jinavallabh Suri's passing, Devbhadra Suri, seeking a successor, identified Pandit Somchandra, a disciple of Dharam Dev Upadhyay, as the most suitable candidate. Somchandra was installed as Acharya Jinadatta Suri in 1166 VS (1211 AD) at the Vir Vidhi Chaitya in Chittor. Jinadatta Suri was instrumental in organizing and strengthening the Vidhi Gachha, which continues to this day. He was a prolific writer in Prakrit, Sanskrit, and Apabhramsha, authoring works like Ganadhar Sardhshatak, which praises the prominent Acharyas of his lineage.
Jinadatta Suri: A direct great-granddisciple of Jineshwar Suri. His original name was Somchandra. He was a gifted scholar and ascetic, favored by Devbhadra Suri. He established his influence in Chittor, where he gained many followers and built the Vir Vidhi Chaitya. He was installed as Acharya Jinadatta Suri in 1166 VS. He passed away shortly thereafter in Chittor. His work in organizing the sect was crucial for its survival and growth.
Jinachandra Suri: The successor and disciple of Jineshwar Suri. After his guru's passing, he became the head of the Gachha. He was persuaded by his younger but renowned brother, Abhay Dev Suri, to compose the Samveg Rangshala, a Prakrit tale depicting the essence of detachment.

Legacy and Significance:

Jineshwar Suri is considered the "Yugapradhan" (leader of an era) by his disciples and followers. His influence laid the foundation for the Jain community's sectarian and social development in Western India for approximately 600 years.
He was a highly fortunate individual whose influence and legacy were immense, thanks to his exceptionally talented and virtuous disciples and great-grandchildren.
The text concludes by emphasizing that while many great Acharyas existed in Jainism's history, Jineshwar Suri's combination of vast intellect, strict asceticism, and a large, devoted following was perhaps unparalleled. His disciples' praises of him are well-documented in their extant works.

In essence, the text portrays Jineshwar Suri as a pivotal reformer who revitalized the Svetambara Jain tradition by challenging religious laxity and establishing the Khartara Gachha, a movement characterized by strict adherence to Jain principles, intellectual rigor, and significant contributions to Jain literature and culture.