Vidyavaridhi Champatrai Barister - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary in English of the provided Jain text about Vidyavaridhi Champatray Barrister, based on the content of pages 1-5:

The book "Vidyavaridhi Champatrai Barrister" by Atmanandji, found in the catalog link provided, details the life and significant contributions of Barrister Shri Champatray, a prominent figure in the modern era of Jainism.

Early Life and Education:

Born around 1872 in Delhi to Lala Chandramalji and Mata Parvatidevi, Champatray came from a family with strong traditional Jain values. His parents instilled in him qualities like temple visits, worship, scripture reading, observing the vow of not eating after sunset, and unwavering adherence to promises.
He was their only surviving child, as his three elder brothers passed away in infancy.
At the age of six, his mother passed away, and at seven, he was adopted by his paternal uncle, Lala Sohanlal Bankelal, a leading wealthy individual in Delhi at the time.
He received his initial education at a private school called "Kala Mahal." Blessed with remarkable physical beauty and sharp intellect, he excelled academically.
He passed his matriculation exam in the first division and enrolled in the prestigious St. Stephen's College in Delhi.
To pursue higher education, he was sent to England in 1892 to study law and returned to India as a Barrister in 1897.

Family Life and Career:

Following the social customs of the time, he was engaged at the age of 13 to the daughter of Lala Pyarelalji (M.L.A.), who was the President of the Delhi Bar Association and the Sarpanch of the Delhi Jain community. However, fate had different plans; the girl was found to be mentally unstable and never came to his home.
Champatrayji refused to remarry, choosing to observe lifelong celibacy.
His initial five-year stay in England for his legal education exposed him to Western lifestyles, and upon his return, he initially felt superior due to his education and "modern" outlook.
He quickly established a successful and reputable legal career, becoming the chief criminal barrister at the Avadh High Court.
Despite his success, he maintained honesty and integrity, taking on only a few cases and refusing any he deemed unethical. He was known for encouraging junior lawyers and was affectionately called "Uncle Jain."

Life-Changing Event and Transformation:

A pivotal moment in his life was the untimely death of his close relative, Lala Rangilalji, which profoundly affected him.
After seeking solace through various means, including reading some literature by Swami Ramtirth, he found true peace and resolution in 1913 when Babu Devendrakumarji of Arrah gave him Jain scriptures to read.
Deeply studying these texts brought about a radical transformation in his life. Within a year, the suit-clad barrister became a devout religious man and preacher, adopting simple attire and a simple lifestyle. He also gave up smoking entirely, having previously smoked 25 cigarettes a day.
His life's goals shifted to contemplation, reading, the pursuit of truth, and living a peaceful life. At the age of approximately 40-42, he experienced a complete 180-degree change in his life's direction.
Driven by the desire to share the peace and life direction he found through Jain scriptures with others, he dedicated himself to propagating Jain teachings and engaging in social service.

Religious Service and Social Contributions:

To make his life beneficial for himself and others, he first focused on purifying his personal life. He already practiced the vows of non-violence and truth. He was so meticulous about the vow of non-stealing that he would weigh excess luggage during train journeys and pay the charges.
When pressured to remarry or adopt a son, he firmly stated that true greatness and recognition come through one's actions, not offspring.
Regarding the vow of limited possession, he utilized most of his wealth for propagating knowledge. He established a trust with the remaining ₹2,14,785 for the promotion of good literature.
He had no attachment to wealth or fame. Even when honored by society with titles like "Vidyavaridhi" or "Jain Darshan Diwakar," he publicly requested that such future arrangements not be made.
In 1926, he completely relinquished all earning-related activities.
After purifying his own life, he contributed fully to societal service. He was a founding member and lifelong patron of the All India Digambar Jain Parishad, established in 1923 when the Digambar Jain Mahasabha was unable to adopt progressive and modern reforms. He actively involved youth in this organization.
He made significant contributions to the protection of the Shri Samet Shikhar Tirth, advocated for the acceptance of Digambar monks' monastic movement by the constitution, secured permission for public processions of Jain chariots, raised concerns about atrocities in Kudchi up to the London Parliament, and actively participated in archaeological research, demonstrating his deep love for Jainism and the community.

Champatrayji's Message and Vision:

Shri Champatrayji, a devoted follower and propagator of Jain literature, articulated his life's message: "O Jains, your religion is complete science, accepted by all. Read and contemplate your scriptures with a critical approach, experience the eternal truths they contain, and present this religion impartially in a modern style. This will attract ordinary people to it."
He emphasized the need to train learned and virtuous youth who could explain Jain principles in various Indian languages and English.
He envisioned a central university to train experts in subjects like language, grammar, logic, science, sociology, history, and spiritual practices. He urged all Jains to prioritize the fundamental principles of Mahavir Prabhu's non-violence, anekanta (non-absolutism), and aparigraha (non-possession) over minor rituals and practices for the effective management of such an institution. Only then, he believed, would the world recognize Jainism's potential to become a universal religion.
He did not consider Jainism to be a religion of a specific caste, creed, or community but rather a scientific method that expounds universal and timeless truths.

Literary Works and Global Impact:

He spent many years in Europe and America. He authored numerous Jain texts in a modern style and translated many Jain scriptures into English.
His key works include:
1. Key To Knowledge
2. Confluence of Opposites
3. Fundamentals of Jainism
4. Householder's Dharma
5. Jainism and World-Problems
6. Cosmology: Old and New
His writings presented Jain principles accurately and in a contemporary style, often including comparative studies with other philosophies, making them appealing to students of various religions and philosophies.
His profound and extensive study earned him the title "Vidyavaridhi" from the Dharma Mahamandal of Kashi, signifying his immense scholarship.
With the aim of making Jain religious literature accessible globally, he established a Jain library in London and donated Jain books to many European universities.

Final Journey:

Continuously engaged in various religious activities and undertaking religious tours across India and abroad, Shri Champatrayji's health began to decline around the age of 60. From 1937 onwards, his health deteriorated.
He decided to return to India to pass away peacefully. Despite his friends in England advising him that tuberculosis treatment would be better there, he returned to India.
He received treatment in Delhi and later in Mumbai, but no treatment was successful.
In his final days, he went to Karachi for medical treatment. While he experienced some temporary relief, his illness worsened.
On June 2, 1942, he departed from this mortal world. His passing was a significant shock to the entire Jain community, as the work of propagating Jainism abroad was severely impacted by the loss of such a great servant of Jainism.

Reflections (Thought Snippets):

The text concludes with three thought-provoking reflections attributed to Champatrayji:

Self-Sacrifice and Devotion: For the upliftment of Jainism, self-sacrifice and utmost devotion are essential. There's no need to fear oppression; it's necessary to fight for justice and the protection of Dharma. Even Lord Rama had to fight for Sita's protection. Rama, Sugriva, and Hanuman were all great souls destined for liberation. Non-violence is not cowardice but a supreme weapon that bestows valor.
Purpose of Jain Temples: Jain temples are not places for worldly desires. They are not almshouses. They are centers of inspiration for those aspiring for liberation, seeking the state of renunciation, and desiring to become detached.
Jainism as the Philosopher's Stone: Jainism is like the philosopher's stone, transforming impure worldly souls, like iron, into pure, liberated souls, like gold.