Vidyalayna Vidyarthione

Here is a comprehensive summary in English of the provided Jain text, "Shree Vidyalayna Vidyarthione" by Pujya Acharya Maharaj Shri Vijaydhamsuriji:

This text, authored by Pujya Acharya Maharaj Shri Vijaydhamsuriji, is a discourse addressed to the students of Shree Mahavir Jain Vidyalay. It emphasizes the paramount importance of spirituality and internal spiritual consciousness for true human value, stating that intellectual prowess, strength, education, or power hold no real worth if the nectar of spiritual feeling, which nourishes the soul's awareness, does not awaken within.

The author highlights Samadhi-maran (death in a state of spiritual peace and equanimity) as the ultimate achievement and cornerstone of a successful human life. While birth inevitably leads to death, only Samadhi-maran can truly validate the success of one's existence. Experiencing death in the bliss of the soul's joy is described as the greatest happiness in the world, far surpassing any material wealth. This state of bliss is achievable only through spiritual consciousness.

The text then delves into the concept of knowledge-consciousness and its entanglement with material elements. The soul is likened to the husband, and intellect or consciousness to the wife. This consciousness has been perpetually bound to the physical body, wife, children, wealth, and other material possessions since time immemorial. Despite being the soul's companion, consciousness has become detached from its true master, the soul. It is consumed by worries of acquiring, increasing, and protecting material comforts like the body, family, wealth, food, and drink, neglecting its true duty to the soul, the "Lord of eternity." This misplaced focus is termed Mithyadarshan or a state of dire ignorance, which is the root cause of the soul's endless cycle of worldly existence and suffering.

The author clarifies that the quantity of knowledge, whether little or much, is secondary. The primary aspect is whether this knowledge illuminates the inner temple of the soul. Even vast intellectual knowledge holds no value if it does not foster inner light. In essence, such knowledge is considered Agyana-chetana (unconscious ignorance). This is why, in Jain philosophy, even the highly developed knowledge of the Abhavya souls (those incapable of liberation) up to "Nava Purva" is considered ignorance, while the minimal knowledge of a sage that brings light to their inner self is considered Samyag-jnana (right knowledge).

The text further explains the union of knowledge-consciousness with the soul. A single pure ray of knowledge or consciousness is a divine light capable of illuminating far more than countless suns and moons. This divine light is realized when knowledge-consciousness, deeply intertwined with material sciences, unites with the formless, eternal Lord, the soul. This union is achieved when the sentiment of "O Rishabh Jineshwar, my beloved, I desire no one else" arises, as expressed by Yogiraj Shri Anandghanji Maharaj. This union of knowledge-consciousness with the soul is called Samyak Darshan (right perception), the nectar drop from the ocean of spirituality, and the auspicious beginning of the path to liberation.

The author then pays tribute to Yugveer Acharya Dev Shri Vijayvallabhsurishwarji Maharaj, the visionary behind the establishment of Shree Mahavir Jain Vidyalay. He is described as a great spiritual yogi of the current era and a messenger who spread the sacred teachings of Lord Mahavir across India. Recognizing the increasing influence of Western education, which primarily focuses on materialism, Acharya Vijayvallabhsurishwarji understood the necessity of imparting education in adapting to present circumstances. He was concerned that the new generation, while pursuing Western education, might forget India's spiritually uplifting culture. To ensure that the culture of spiritual consciousness remained alive in the lives of the new generation alongside Western education, he guided the establishment of Shree Mahavir Jain Vidyalay, named after Lord Mahavir. Devout and wealthy patrons of the time, sharing this noble vision, implemented the Acharya's advice and commenced the Vidyalay at an auspicious time.

The Vidyalay is likened to a Banyan Tree. Just as a small banyan seed, with nurturing, grows into a vast tree providing shade and rest to travelers, Shree Mahavir Jain Vidyalay, established at a propitious moment, has flourished over fifty years. Its four branches in Maharashtra and Mahagujarat have become places of pilgrimage for hundreds of students, a matter of great pride. The text expresses a collective wish for the Vidyalay's branches to expand into other regions like Saurashtra and Rajasthan.

Finally, the author offers a humble appeal to the students of Shree Mahavir Jain Vidyalay. He urges them to pursue academic progress with dedication but always to keep in mind the noble intentions and spiritual spirit of the founder, Acharya Vijayvallabhsurishwarji Maharaj. He encourages them to actively implement this spirit in their lives, thereby manifesting the "nectar drops of spiritual feeling," becoming true followers of Lord Mahavir, and contributing to the Vidyalay's bright future.

The text is dated February 1, 1968, from the Jain Temple at 10-B Road, Chembur, Mumbai-71.