Vijay Gunratnasuriji - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary in English of the provided Jain text, focusing on the prominent Acharyas described:

This text is an excerpt from "Shramana Bhagwanto - Part 2," a publication of Jain Education International. It highlights two influential Jain Acharyas, detailing their lives, contributions, and impact on the Jain tradition.

1. Acharya Shri Vijayrajshekhar Surishwarji Maharaj:

Lineage and Early Life: He was the younger brother of Acharya Shri Vijaylalitshekhar Surishwarji Maharaj and a disciple in the spiritual lineage. He was born in Rasangpur (Halar region) on the fifth day of the bright half of Bhadrapada in the year 195 of the Vikram Samvat era.
Spiritual Progression: He took initiation along with his elder brother and rose through the ranks to become a Ganin, Panyas, and finally an Acharya.
Intellectual Contributions: Despite having delicate health, he remained engrossed in self-study and lived a life that reflected the wisdom of scripture regarding constant study and self-control. He possessed a strong command of the Sanskrit language. His notable works include a Sanskrit commentary of over ten thousand verses on the text "Pradeshbandh" and the compilation of the "Siddhaham Shabdanushasan - Madhyam Vritti." His scholarship is evident in his translations of works like "Gurutattvavinishchay," "Panchavastuk," "Panchashak," "Tatvarthsutra," and "Gyan Sar Ashtak." He also contributed to children's literature, with works like "Mata-Pita ni Seva" (Service to Parents) being particularly esteemed.
Discipleship: His disciples also brought great honor to the Halar region. His foremost disciple, Acharya Shri Vijayvirshekhar Suriji Maharaj, is a renowned scholar of Sanskrit and Prakrit languages. Under the guidance of Acharya Shri Vijaymatsuriji Maharaj, he composed numerous original verses in Prakrit related to Karma literature and authored several significant works on Karma philosophy.
Veneration: The text concludes with heartfelt salutations to Acharya Shri Vijayrajshekhar Surishwarji Maharaj, the influential guru of such a distinguished disciple.

2. Acharya Shri Vijaygunratna Surishwarji Maharaj:

Exceptional Figure: He is described as a rare personality who enriches the tradition of the Jain Shasan (Jain faith and administration) with virtues like humility and good conduct. He is part of the lineage of Acharya Shri Vijaypremsurishwarji Maharaj.
Birth and Upbringing: Born Ganeshmalji in Padarli, Rajasthan, on the fifth day of the bright half of Phalguna in the year 1988 of the Vikram Samvat era, he came from a pious and cultured family. His father was Hirachandji and his mother was Manubai. He received excellent religious upbringing from childhood. He completed his secular education up to matriculation in English medium.
Renunciation: Inspired by the exemplary lives of Acharya Shri Vijaypremsurishwarji Maharaj and his elder brother, Munishri Jitendravijayji Maharaj, Ganeshmalji felt a detachment from worldly life. Despite being engaged to be married, the merit of his past lives led him to the company of his gurus and the fortune of taking monastic vows.
Initiation and Spiritual Practice: He accepted discipleship from Munishri Jitendravijayji Maharaj on the fifth day of the bright half of Maha in the year 2010 of the Vikram Samvat era, in Dadar, Mumbai, and was given the name Munishri Gunratnavijayji. For 14 years, he diligently acquired knowledge under the guidance of his gurus, practiced pure conduct, and accumulated immense merit.
Literary Contributions: He became a special recipient of the grace of Acharya Bhagwant Shrimad Vijaymatsurishwarji Maharaj and undertook foundational work in the creation of Karma literature. He ignited the "knowledge fire" and authored works in Prakrit and Sanskrit such as "Khagasedhi" and "Bandh Vihan" totaling over 37,000 verses, earning international acclaim. He also created extensive and excellent literary works in Hindi and Gujarati, including "Jain Mahabharat," "Re! Karma, Tari Gati Nyari," "Jojje, Karmae Na," and "Ek Thi Rajkumari (Mahasati Anjana)."
Spiritual Impact and Activities: For many years, he has been traversing Rajasthan, where his influence on the Shasan is extraordinary. He has played a significant role in guiding the youth towards the path of Dharma. Under his guidance, 27 knowledge camps for youth have been organized, leading approximately six thousand young people to embrace Dharma. He also inspired the nationwide "Open Books Exam." His discourse style is sweet and penetrating. He has a particular interest in and delivers public lectures on the Ramayana. In the realm of spiritual practice and devotion, he remains diligently engaged in various activities. He is a proponent of pure alms (dosha-rahit gochari). He has observed the Vardhman Tapa 70 times, several Ek-Am, and abstained from milk for 10 years and 10 months, along with daily Ekasana. Under his tutelage, 27 memorable Upadhan Taps have been performed, and 13 significant temple consecrations have taken place, including those at Achalgadh (Abu), Dayalshah Killa, Ghanerao, Ajari Teerth, and most recently at Nakeda Teerth, where the Anjanshalaka Pratishtha Mahotsav was attended by 15,000 devotees.
Community and Tapa Observances: He has overseen approximately 50 grand festivals in various locations including Sabarmati, Bikaner, Jodhpur, Pali, Jalore, Sanchor, Sirohi, Pindwada, and Palanpur. Inspired by him, collective Aṣhtham Tapa (fasting for eight days) was observed at Shankheshwar Teerth and Sabarmati, with 1800 and 1000 participants respectively. He has also supervised 16 Navpadji Oli observances. Most recently, at Jiravali Ji Teerth, approximately 3000 Olis and 1800 Aṣhthams were observed, setting a record of participation by 15,000 devotees in such practices. Additionally, he has led 10 Charitrapalit Sanghs (pilgrimages).
Family and Disciples: Six members of his family have taken diksha, including Acharya Shri Vijayjitendrasurishwarji Maharaj, himself (Acharya Shri Vijaygunratna Surishwarji Maharaj), Munishri Rasimratnavijayji Maharaj (nephew), Sadhvishri Pushpalata Shri Ji Maharaj (sister-in-law), Sadhvishri Punyarekha Shri Ji Maharaj, and Sadhvishri Manishrekha Shri Ji Maharaj (nieces). He currently has around 27 disciples and grand-disciples, many of whom are learned monks. The text lists several prominent disciples, including Ganivarya Shri Virratnavijayji Maharaj and Munishri Nirvanavijayji Maharaj, among others.
Acharya Installation: He received the title of Ganin in Ahmedabad and Panyas in Jalor, and was magnificently installed as an Acharya on the 10th day of the second half of Jyeshtha in the year 2044 of the Vikram Samvat era in Padarli.
Current Status and Blessing: Acharya Shri Vijaygunratna Surishwarji Maharaj has been in the monastic order for 37 years. The text concludes with the prayer that he continues to be an inspiration for the propagation of the Shasan through his activities for his own welfare and that of others, offering countless salutations to his feet. The compilation is based on the writings of Munishri Raviratnavijayji Maharaj.