Vijay Jayghoshsuriji

This document summarizes the lives and contributions of two prominent Jain monks, Munishri Jinpravijyaji Maharaj and Acharya Shri Vijayjayghoshsurishwarji Maharaj, and introduces Acharya Shri Vijaybhadra Gupta Surishwarji Maharaj.

Munishri Jinpravijyaji Maharaj:

• He was initiated at the age of 819 days in Dissa by Muni Shri Kantivijayji Ganivar, becoming a disciple of Muni Shri Bhadraṅkarvijayji Maharaj.
• From the beginning, he had a strong inclination towards ascetic practices. He observed ekasana (eating once a day), sought pure food and water, and preferred to stay outdoors.
• He also excelled in knowledge, meditation, and ascetic practices.
• Later in his life, his father, Chimmanlal, also became a renunciate and is now known as Muni Shri Varishthavijayji Maharaj.
• This father-son duo has made a significant impact through their asceticism, particularly in Rajasthan.
• Under his guidance, upadhana tapas (a specific religious observance) was frequently conducted, with many devotees participating.
• His peaceful and benevolent nature contributed to his success.
• He was honored with the title of Acharya on the 6th day of the dark fortnight of Posh in Samvat 2043 in Dissa.
• He passed away peacefully on the 5th day of the bright fortnight of Chaitra in Samvat 2045 in Shankheshwar, in his 39th year of monastic life. His funeral procession was a testament to his life's work.

Acharya Shri Vijayjayghoshsurishwarji Maharaj:

• He is described as a "Siddhant Diwakar" (Sun of Principles), a proficient scholar of scriptures, a deep student of Karma literature, a renowned pundit, and a humble devotee in vaiyavachcha (service to monks).
• His life is an example of how one can become a great scholar from a mischievous child at the age of 12-13.
• Born in Mumbai in Samvat 1992, his secular name was Jawaharlal.
• His father, Mafatlal, took him to meet Acharya Shri Vijaybhuvana Bhanusurishwarji Maharaj in Samvat 2006. The satsang (holy company) and teachings had a profound effect on Jawaharlal, leading his father to also desire renunciation.
• In Samvat 2006, he was initiated by Acharya Shri Vijaybhuvana Bhanusurishwarji Maharaj in the Adinath temple in Bhaykhala.
• His father became Muni Shri Dharmaghosavijayji, and Jawaharlal accepted his father as his Guru, becoming Muni Shri Jayghoshvijayji, thus entering the Jain monastic order to propagate Jainism.
• After initiation, he studied scriptures under the guidance of Acharya Bhagwant Shri Vijaypremsurishwarji Maharaj in Palitana.
• He quickly shed his childish traits and became serious, developing qualities of humility, simplicity, dedication, love for truth, tolerance, and compassion.
• He diligently studied Sanskrit grammar, poetry, treatises, and logic. He also delved into Karma literature and other philosophical texts.
• His thirst for knowledge was immense; he memorized texts like Kamma-payaḍī and Ghaniryukti by waking up late at night.
• Recognizing his merit, his Guru taught him the detailed principles of conduct and penance from scriptures like Shri Nishithasutra and Shri Brihatkalpa.
• He achieved mastery in these subjects quickly and impressed Acharya Shri Vijayamisurishwarji Maharaj with his scholarship. He became a trusted scholar within the community.
• His extensive knowledge led him to be known as a "living library."
• His scholarship was praised not only by the Jain community but also by renowned scholars like Pt. Dalsukhbhai Malvania and Pt. Amritlal Bhojak.
• He dedicated his efforts to preparing pure texts, resolving textual complexities, resolving debates with other sects, and preserving and propagating Jain scriptures by training future monks.
• From Samvat 2015, he began teaching other monks and engaged in the creation of new Karma literature. He authored commentaries in Sanskrit on four to five works, contributing a vast amount of literary output.
• Despite his knowledge, he was exceptionally humble, avoiding fanfare, seeking fame through publications, or being surrounded by disciples. He was an introverted and studious individual whose pursuit of knowledge was continuous.
• He delivered extensive lectures on Jain philosophy and conduct in Ahmedabad in Samvat 2028 and at a religious education camp in Santacruz.
• Before his passing, Acharya Shri Vijaypremsurishwarji Maharaj advised everyone in the community to seek Muni Shri Jayghoshvijayji's counsel on matters of scriptures.
• He was also a respected figure for his role in prayaschitta (penance), with many lay followers seeking his guidance.
• He took on significant responsibilities for the care, study, and teaching of other monks.
• In the company of Acharya Shri Vijaybhaktisurishwarji Maharaj, he studied the Bhagavati Sutra. He was awarded the title of Ganipada in Ahmedabad in Samvat 2031 and the title of Nyasa by Acharya Shri Vijayramachandrasurishwarji Maharaj in Samvat 2034.
• In Samvat 2040, he was appointed Acharya in Jalgaon, and his Guru bestowed upon him the title of "Siddhant Diwakar," after which he became known as Acharya Shri Vijayjayghoshsurishwarji Maharaj.
• He is currently a highly respected and influential Acharya, guiding the community and helping many monks and lay followers stabilize in their religious practices through prayaschitta.
• He is known for caring for elderly monks and his dedication to vaiyavachcha. His service to his father and other prominent monks earned him immense respect.
• With over four decades of monastic life, he continues to actively promote Jainism. The text concludes with a prayer for his long and healthy life.

Acharya Shri Vijaybhadra Gupta Surishwarji Maharaj:

• He is introduced as a renowned lecturer and author of popular religious books.
• He was born in Mehsana, Gujarat, to Mani Bhai and Heeraben.
• Both he and his brother, Kantilal, were inspired to take initiation after meeting Acharya Shri Vijaypremsurishwarji Maharaj and hearing Muni Shri Bhanuvijayji Maharaj's (later Acharya) renunciation discourse.
• Kantilal was initiated in Surat in Samvat 2007, becoming Muni Shri Dharmagupta Vijayji Maharaj.
• Mulchand (later Muni Shri Bhadra Gupta Vijayji) was initiated in Ranpur in Samvat 2007, becoming a disciple of Muni Shri Bhanuvijayji Maharaj.
• Both brothers became proficient in scriptures, Indian and Western philosophy, and poetry.
• Muni Shri Bhadra Gupta Vijayji possessed a natural talent for writing and lecturing, which flourished in his monastic life.
• He became a respected speaker and developed skills in literary creation and asceticism.
• His writing journey began at the age of twenty with the book "Mahapanthne Yatri" and has continued prolificly, resulting in around a hundred books.
• He has authored works like "Jnansar" and "Prashamrati," the epic "Jain Ramayan," as well as stories and poems in Gujarati, Hindi, and English.
• His literary work is published by Vishwakalyan Prakashan in Mehsana, and his lectures and stories are featured in the Hindi monthly magazine "Arihant."
• He is known for his affectionate nature, cheerful and gentle personality, and his diverse activities for the welfare and happiness of the Jain community and the world.

The document emphasizes the scholarly achievements, dedication to religious practices, and the impactful lives of these Jain monks in propagating and preserving Jain teachings.