Vijay Kesharsuriji

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, focusing on the spiritual leaders mentioned:

This text, excerpted from the "Shramana Bhagwanto" series (Parts 1 and 2), highlights the lives and contributions of prominent Jain Acharyas, particularly focusing on Acharya Shri Vijaykesharsurishwarji Maharaj. The catalog link provided is for further exploration.

The text begins by introducing Yoganishtha Acharya Pravar Shri Vijaykesharsurishwarji Maharaj as a great spiritual leader of the Jain Shasan (religion). He is described as someone whose eyes constantly flowed with compassion, whose mind was always engrossed in the recitation of "Omkar" (the sacred syllable), and whose discourses and conversations were filled with spiritual knowledge. He is lauded as a Brahmachari (celibate), an ornament of Jain culture, and a prolific author of many scriptural texts. He is also recognized as a master of yoga, a guide for the present generation, and a creator of literature. The text emphasizes his immortality in the spiritual realm.

His secular name was Keshavji. He was born on the full moon day of Posh Sud in the year 1933 Vikram Samvat (VS) in Palitana, a holy pilgrimage site. His ancestral village was Paliyadi, near Betad, and his maternal home was in Palitana. His father was Madhavji Nagji and his mother was Panbai. He belonged to the Visa Shrimali caste and his family was in business. Keshavji completed his education up to the third standard in Palitana. In 1940 VS, his family moved to Wadhwan Camp, where he continued his education up to the sixth standard. However, a tragic event occurred when both his parents passed away within three days of each other. This profound loss led Keshavji to renounce worldly life. During this time, he met Pujya Acharya Shri Vijaykamalsurishwarji Maharaj in Vadodara, which strengthened his renunciation. He received initiation from Acharya Shri Vijaykamalsurishwarji Maharaj on the 10th day of Magshar Sud in 1950 VS, and his name was changed to Shri Kesharvijayji.

After his initiation, Munishri Kesharvijayji Maharaj dedicated himself to spiritual study and practices under his guru's guidance. He delved deeply into various scriptures during his stays in Vadodara and Surat. Later, his focus shifted towards yoga, a passion that he pursued throughout his life. He remained a practitioner of yoga, meditation, and Ashtanga Yoga until his last breath. He is credited with attaining many spiritual powers for the realization of Yoga. The continuous chanting of "Omkar" was a constant in his practice, and he encouraged others to do the same. As a result of his vast and profound knowledge of Dharma Shastra (religious scriptures) and Yoga Vidya (science of yoga), he authored several important books, including "Yogashastra," "Gnan Deepika," "Mya Darshan," "Grihasth Dharma," "Neetimay Jivan," "Atmavi Vikas Kram," "Mahamahne Parajay," "Malaysundari Charitra," "Prabhu Mahavir Tattva Prakash," and "Atmavishuddhi."

Acharya Shri Vijaykesharsurishwarji Maharaj was honored with the title of Ganipdavi in Surat in 1963 VS and the title of Nyaspadavi in Mumbai in 1974 VS. Following the passing of his guru, Acharya Shri Vijaykamalsurishwarji Maharaj, the entire community's responsibility fell upon him. This led to the suppression of his personal desire for further yogic pursuits. He played a crucial role in organizing a conference in Wadhwan to establish the structure of his guru's community. His scholarship, eloquence, and Siddhis (spiritual powers) had a significant impact. Many noble souls embarked on the path of renunciation under his guidance. His influence extended not only to Jains but also to people of other faiths such as Parsis, Muslims, and Marathis. Recognizing his growing influence, he was enthroned as Acharya on a propitious day in Kartik Vad 6, 1983 VS, in a grand ceremony.

In 1985 VS, after completing his Chaturmas (a four-month monastic retreat) in Vadali, he proceeded to Tarangai. While meditating in a cave there, he suffered a severe bout of cold, which affected his heart. He was brought to Ahmedabad and housed in the Ujalfai Dharamshala. He was diagnosed with cancer, and treatment began. On the fifth day of Shravan Vad, he renounced food and water, and with the continuous chanting of the Omkar mantra, he attained liberation (Kaldharma) in a state of samadhi (deep meditation). The text describes his compassionate eyes, which flowed with nectar during discourses and conversations, now disappearing forever from this transient world. His passing created an atmosphere of grief throughout the community. However, his immortal presence provided solace and joy. The text concludes this section with heartfelt salutations to this great ascetic, who was like a loving father to the Girnar mountain. The compilation is credited to the "Saurashtra Kesari Smriti Visheshank" of "Jain."

The text then introduces Acharya Shri Vijaylabhsurishwarji Maharaj, described as a humble servant of the Shasan and a compassionate ascetic. He was part of Acharya Shri Vijaykesharsurishwarji Maharaj's community and was an influential figure. Not much specific detail is available about him, but his birthplace was Limbdi. He was the nephew of the renowned leader Shri Chandulal Vardhman from Surendranagar. He took initiation a year after Acharya Shri Vijaykesharsurishwarji Maharaj and served his guru, Acharya Shri Vijaykamalsurishwarji Maharaj, with great devotion until his death. Acharya Shri Vijaylabhsurishwarji Maharaj had a significant role in the renovation of the Jinlay in Tadkeshwar village near Kim in Surat district. While not extensively learned, his spirit of service and altruism made him beloved and respected by all. The text suggests that his disciple, Acharya Shri Vijay Swayamprabhsurishwarji Maharaj, reflects his humble, compassionate, and service-oriented nature. He was equally dedicated to serving monks of other communities and continuously worked towards the glory of the Shasan and the upliftment of the Jain community, desiring everyone to be devoted to Dharma. Wherever he traveled, he created an atmosphere of love, peace, and prosperity. The text offers sincere salutations to this ascetic of great vows.

Finally, the text introduces Acharya Shri Vijaychandrasurishwarji Maharaj, described as a giver of spiritual nourishment, a proponent of penance, meditation, and yoga, and a spiritual yogi. The text states that the lives of great souls are like pure mirrors, reflecting one's own nature. By observing such great souls, one's own inner self is revealed – whether one is compassionate or angry, proud or humble, greedy or generous, cultured or uncultured.