Vidyavaridhi Shri Champatray Barrister

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Vidyavaridhi Shri Champatray Barrister" by Atmanandji:

The book "Vidyavaridhi Shri Champatray Barrister" by Atmanandji chronicles the extraordinary life of Shri Champatray, a prominent figure dedicated to the expansion and development of Jainism, particularly in foreign countries. He is portrayed as a deeply devoted follower of Jain principles in the modern age, who committed his entire being – mind, body, and wealth – to this cause.

Early Life and Education:

Born around 1872 AD in Delhi into a family with strong Jain traditions, Champatray was immersed from childhood in practices like temple visits, worship, scripture reading, and adherence to Jain dietary customs. Despite the early loss of his mother and three elder brothers, he was deeply loved and later adopted by his wealthy uncle, Lala Sohanlal Bankelal. Champatray received a good education, excelling academically. He completed his matriculation in the first division and attended the renowned Saint Stephen College in Delhi. His exceptional academic prowess led him to pursue barristership in England in 1892, returning to India in 1897 with his degree.

Family Life and Professional Success:

Despite being married at 13, his marriage was unfortunate as his wife was mentally unwell and never lived with him. Champatray chose lifelong celibacy rather than remarry. Back in India, his English education and cultured demeanor, coupled with his legal acumen, quickly established him as a respected advocate. He rose to become the chief barrister in the criminal department of the High Court of Avadh. Known for his honesty and integrity, he accepted only deserving cases and was affectionately called "Uncle Jain" for encouraging junior advocates.

Spiritual Transformation:

A pivotal moment in Champatray's life occurred in 1913, following the accidental death of his uncle-in-law, Lala Rangilalji. This event deeply disturbed him, and after reading works by Swami Ramtirth, he found solace and resolution in studying Jain scriptures provided by Babu Devendrakumarji. This spiritual awakening led to a radical shift in his lifestyle. He renounced his Western barrister attire, embraced simplicity, quit smoking (previously 25 cigarettes a day), and dedicated himself to reading, thinking, and meditating for inner peace. This profound "180-degree turn" at the age of 40-42 marked his transformation into a religious propagator and a saintly figure. Driven by his newfound peace, he aimed to help others achieve the same.

Service to Society and Religion:

Champatray began his service by purifying his own life, strictly adhering to Jain principles like non-violence and truthfulness. His honesty was remarkable; he would even pay for excess luggage weight on trains. He emphasized personal merit over family lineage and used almost all his wealth to propagate Jain literature and knowledge, establishing a trust with Rs. 2,14,785 for these activities. He was indifferent to fame or wealth, advising against ostentatious celebrations when honored with titles like "Vidya Varidhi" and "Jain Darshan Diwakar."

He became actively involved in Jain organizations, serving as convenor and lifelong member of the Akhil Bharatiya Digambar Jain Parishad, which was formed in response to the Digambar Jain Mahasabha's inability to adopt modern reforms. He played a significant role in advocating for the constitutional rights of Digambar mendicants, the procession of Jain chariots, protesting injustices at Kudchi, and promoting research in Jain archaeology.

Great Lover of Jain Literature:

Champatray believed Jainism was scientific and relevant to all living and non-living things. His life's message urged Jains to study scriptures diligently, experience their eternal truths, and present Jainism in a modern, honest, and unbiased manner to attract a wider audience. He stressed the need for educated young men to spread Jain principles in English and various Indian languages. He advocated for a central university to train experts in diverse fields, emphasizing that its administration would require renunciation and detachment. He firmly believed Jainism was a universal religion, capable of establishing truth.

He spent years in America and Europe, creating modern literature and translating key Jain texts into English, including:

• Key to knowledge
• Confluence of Opposites
• Fundamentals of Jainism
• Householder's Dharm
• Jainism and World problems
• Cosmology: old and new

His presentations were designed to be interesting to people of other faiths, earning him the title "Vidya Varidhi" from the Kashi Religion Conference due to his interfaith knowledge. He established a Jain book library in London and gifted Jain books to foreign universities to foster interest in Jainism.

Last Journey of a Lonely Warrior:

As he aged and fell ill around 1937, Champatray decided to return to India for his final days, despite persuasion to stay in England for better treatment. He sought treatment in Delhi and Mumbai without success. His condition worsened, and he passed away on June 2, 1942, in Karachi. His death was mourned by the Jain community, as it marked a halt to his efforts to expand Jainism abroad.

Gems of His Thoughts:

The book concludes with some of Champatray's profound thoughts:

• Selflessness and sacrifice are essential for Jainism's upliftment.
• One should fight for justice and religious protection, not fear cruelty.
• Non-violence is not cowardice but a means to cultivate bravery.
• Jain temples are not for show or prestige but for inspiration towards salvation and detachment.
• Jainism is a transformative "Parasmani" that purifies souls.

In essence, the book portrays Shri Champatray Barrister as a multifaceted individual who transitioned from a successful legal career to becoming a devout spiritual leader and tireless propagator of Jainism, leaving an indelible mark on the religion's global presence and scholarly understanding.