Vijay Labdhisuriji - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text about Acharya Vijaylabdhisurishwarji Maharaj, based on the provided pages:

This text is an eulogy and biographical account of Acharya Shri Vijaylabdhisurishwarji Maharaj, a highly respected and influential figure in Jainism. He is described as a "Jainratna Vyakhya Vachaspati" (a gem of Jain discourse) and a creator and editor of many scriptural texts, contributing significantly to the propagation of Jainism.

Early Life and Renunciation:

Born in a small village named Malshasan near Bhayani in North Gujarat.
His parents were Pitamberdas and Motibahen.
He was born in the year 1940 of the Vikrami era, on the 12th day of the bright fortnight of the first Posh month.
His birth name was Lalchand.
Due to his parents' religious upbringing and early association with monks and nuns, he developed a strong sense of detachment from worldly affairs.
At the young age of 19, he embraced asceticism (diksha) under the guidance of the revered Acharya Shri Vijaykamalsurishwarji Maharaj, and was named Munishri Labdhivijayji.

Qualities and Achievements:

He embodied the principle that the path of a monk is for the brave, not the cowardly.
His dedication to scripture study, immense enthusiasm, unwavering effort, service to his guru, and commitment to the welfare of himself and others quickly established him as a learned scholar.
He was skilled in Jain scriptures, adept in logic and debate, and proficient in penance and meditation.
His profound knowledge is evident in his edited work, the four volumes of the Dvadashar Nayachakra, which was released by the Jain Gnanamandir of Dadar and graced by the Vice-President of India, Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan. He captivated the audience with his eloquent speech in Sanskrit on that occasion.
He was an accomplished orator, fluent in Sanskrit, Prakrit, Hindi, and Gujarati.
His scholarly wisdom was beautifully combined with poetic talent, drawing large crowds to his discourses.
In 1971 of the Vikrami era, the Jain community of Idar honored him with the title "Jainratna Vyakhya Vachaspati." The Punjabi Jain community affectionately referred to him as "Chhote Atmaramji."
At the young age of 26-27, he fearlessly traveled to regions like Punjab, delivering public discourses with great flair and a powerful voice. As a result, hundreds of meat-eaters renounced their practice.
He traversed various states including Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Bengal, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Rajasthan, spreading the teachings of Lord Mahavir, particularly non-violence.
He made significant efforts to transform violent individuals into non-violent ones, immoral people into virtuous ones, and undisciplined people into self-controlled ones, displaying relentless enthusiasm in this endeavor.
He was dedicated to fostering virtues like non-violence, self-control, renunciation, ethics, penance, and good conduct in society.

Literary Contributions and Debates:

He was a renowned poet, and his numerous poems, known for their simplicity and beauty, became so popular that they are still sung by people of all ages, from great Jain temples to small villages.
His followers disseminated his works through one lakh (one hundred thousand) books, and the demand for these books continues. His immense influence earned him the title "Kavikulakaleel" (the crown jewel of poets).
He composed over three thousand songs and hymns in Sanskrit, Gujarati, and Hindi. The devotion and moving rhythm of these bhajans were so profound that some virtuous individuals decided to embrace an ascetic life after listening to them.
Over his long monastic life of 58 years, he made an unparalleled contribution to literature by creating, compiling, and editing numerous texts in prose and poetry, in Gujarati, Hindi, Urdu, and Sanskrit, catering to both the general public and scholars.
He engaged in many debates with scholars of other philosophies, emerging victorious in every instance. His sharp intellect, keen logic, and extraordinary eloquence consistently defeated his opponents.
In a debate with Arya Samajists in Narsanda, he successfully established the validity of idol worship.
In the village of Vadodara near Khambhat, when a renunciate named Mukundashram debated Vedic scriptures with Sanatanists, Acharya Vijaylabdhisurishwarji demonstrated that the Vedas advocated violence, while Jainism was purely non-violent.
He participated in and won numerous debates in Punjab as well. His victories in poetry as well as debate are considered unforgettable achievements.

Propagation of Jainism and Legacy:

To propagate Jainism, he organized numerous Jain temple consecrations, dedications, initiations for new monks, religious processions (Sanghs), ordinations, and festivals of communal welfare and other auspicious events.
He often displayed unwavering courage and roared like a lion in adverse situations, achieving victory and adorning the position of Acharya with great dignity.
Constant scriptural study and penance were his exemplary qualities, leading to a large number of learned scholars, poets, and orators among his disciples and grand-disciples.
Eight Acharyas are currently active in his lineage, with Acharya Shri Vijaylakshmansurishwarji Maharaj being a prominent figure.
His life was glorious, and his final journey was equally grand. Approximately one lakh (100,000) people tearfully bid him farewell, and numerous eulogy assemblies and celebrations were held.
In Mumbai, a prominent intersection in Tardeo (near Navjivan Society) was renamed "Acharya Labdhisurishwarji Chowk" as a humble tribute.
His birthplace, Balshasan, was decided to be named "Labdhinagar" as a commendable honor.
Through his immeasurable influence in various spheres, Acharya Bhagwant earned an eternal place in Jainism, his name inscribed in golden letters. The text concludes with a salutation of immense respect to this great Surishwarji.

The text also briefly introduces Acharya Shri Vijaygambhirsurishwarji Maharaj:

Described as the first traveler to South India, a bold ascetic, and a glorious propagator of Jainism.
He was a follower of Acharya Shri Vijaykamalsurishwarji Maharaj and possessed an influential personality and dedicated asceticism.
His worldly home was the village of Bhasan near the sacred Joyani Tirth.
Born in 1950 of the Vikrami era, his worldly name was Umedchandbhai.
The text highlights how the company of great souls can transform ordinary people, likening saints to spring blossoming in the hearts of common individuals.
Umedchand's life changed when he stayed at Mansa during the Chaturmas of Acharya Shri Vijaykamalsurishwarji Maharaj. The association with his guru sparked a flame of detachment in his heart.
Although his guru departed for Punjab after Chaturmas, the seed of renunciation in Umedchand's heart continued to grow.
During a pilgrimage to Siddhachal Tirth, he met a Punjabi Shravak who reminded him of his guru, Acharya Shri Vijaykamalsurishwarji Maharaj.
Learning that his guru was in Gwalior, Umedchand went to meet him, but his brother brought him back from Gwalior. However, as the text states, "Who can stop a bird that wishes to fly?" and "Who can bind a seeker ready to leave the world?"
He convinced his family and traveled to the distant land of Punjab.
In the village of Narewal, the words of Acharya Shri Vijaylabdhisurishwarji Maharaj captivated him.
In 1965 of the Vikrami era, he received diksha from the blessed hands of Acharya Shri Vijaykamalsurishwarji Maharaj, becoming the first disciple of Acharya Shri Vijaylabdhisurishwarji Maharaj and taking the honorable name Munishri Gambhirvijayji.
The text mentions that his grand-guru, Shri Vimalsurishwarji Maharaj, was planning to travel towards Bikaner.