Vijay Dharmsuri - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text about Acharya Vijaydharmasuriji:

This text, from the book "Vijay Dharmsuri" (likely Volume 1 and 2, attributed to Nandlal B Devluk), highlights the life and significant contributions of Acharya Vijaydharmasuriji, also known as "Kashiwala."

Early Life and Renunciation:

Acharya Vijaydharmasuriji was born in the town of Mahuva into the pious 'Kyamavachh' family, to parents Ramchandra Seth and Kamla Sethani, who were described as generous, simple, virtuous, and deeply devoted to Jainism.
Born Mulchand, he showed an early inclination towards religion rather than formal schooling. His father eventually placed him in the family business.
While involved in business, Mulchand became entangled in speculative gambling and incurred a significant loss. This event, coupled with his father's reprimand, triggered a strong sense of detachment and renunciation within him.
He traveled to Bhavnagar, where he had the opportunity to listen to the discourse of the venerable Shri Vriddhivijayji Maharaj. Deeply impressed by the Muni's words, Mulchand resolved to take initiation. He received initiation from Shri Vriddhivijayji Maharaj and became Muni Dharmavijayji.

Devotion, Scholarship, and Educational Initiatives:

Freed from the worldly ups and downs, he embraced a life of austerity and dedicated himself to his guru's service. He committed to unceasing effort in observing his vows and maintaining his spiritual discipline, avoiding situations of indiscipline, and viewing the Jain faith from a broad perspective.
His unwavering dedication led him to rapidly become proficient in subjects like logic (Nyaya), grammar, literature, lexicography, and crucially, the Jain Agamas.
With the aim of nurturing insightful scholars for society, he undertook immense effort to establish a Sanskrit Pathshala (school) in Varanasi (Kashi). This institution was named after the revered 'Shri Yashovijayji Maharaj'.
This Pathshala offered a systematic curriculum covering various subjects. Furthermore, through his relentless efforts, he facilitated the publication of significant texts, including those on grammar, poetry, logic, lexicography, and Agamic texts like Visheshavashyak.
These published books were distributed freely across India and in Western countries, marking an unprecedented service to the Jain faith. The commentaries provided within these works also exerted a profound influence on the literary world. For example, upon studying his works on logic, scholars realized that Lord Mahavir Swami's Syadvada (the doctrine of manifold aspects) was not merely a doctrine of relativity but represented definitive truth, capable of resolving mutual conflicts and pointless arguments. Similarly, by studying his Agamic texts, scholars gained a clearer understanding of the limitations of "Dharmastikaya" (the principle of motion) and "Adharmastikaya" (the principle of rest).

Eloquence, Advocacy, and Social Impact:

Acharya Shri was exceptionally skilled in discussion, deliberation, debate, and offering new interpretations. As a result, no opposition could stand against him.
He successfully intervened in a matter concerning Englishmen wearing leather boots in the Jain temples of Mount Abu. Through correspondence with Mr. Thomas, he brought this disrespectful practice to the attention of the London Parliament and managed to have it stopped, demonstrating his brilliant intellect.
His personality was described as pure gold, and this purity, combined with his spiritual discipline and evident sincerity, lent him charisma, forcefulness, and sweetness in his oratory. His life was an open book, much like Jagdu Shah's granaries, benefiting all beings. He possessed a balanced outlook, a readiness to listen to the suffering of others, and always stood ready to preach the Dharma anywhere, anytime.
He would skillfully quote from texts like the Vedas, Vedanta, Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita, and Mahabharata in his lectures, making his arguments easily understandable to his audience.
This exceptional public speaking talent enabled him to successfully lead a movement against the consumption of meat. He also advocated for the adoption of pure Khadi textiles, discouraging the use of silk made from the destruction of insects. These campaigns revitalized the Jain faith.
During his period of initiation, he did not confine his travels to a limited region. He journeyed extensively through Bengal, Bihar, Assam, Orissa, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Marwar, Khandesh, Vidarbha, Saurashtra, Gujarat, Maharashtra, and other regions. Through these travels, he dispelled the ignorance and misunderstandings about Jainism held by those who were opposed to it.

Legacy and Passing:

Acharya Shri, a practitioner and propagator of Ahimsa (non-violence), restraint, and Dharma, passed away in Shivpuri on the 14th day of the bright fortnight of Bhadrapada in Samvat 2033 (approximately 1977). His demise brought immense sorrow to communities across various towns.
Numerous commemorative gatherings were held in his honor, and his disciples and their successors continue to propagate a new approach to the Jain faith.

The text concludes by acknowledging the compilation based on an article by Pt. Shri Purnanandvijayji Maharaj "Kumarsraman."