Vijay Siddhisuriji - Book Summary

This document is a biographical sketch of two prominent Jain Acharyas (spiritual leaders), Acharya Vijay Siddhishurisvarji (referred to as "Bapji") and Acharya Vijay Meghsurishvarji Maharaj. It is part of a larger work titled "Shramana Bhagwanto" (Jain Monks).

Here's a summary of the key information presented:

Acharya Vijay Siddhishurisvarji (Bapji) Maharaj:

Longevity and Asceticism: Bapji Maharaj is highlighted as an exceptionally long-lived and devoted ascetic, living through the 20th and 21st centuries. The text places him among revered ancient Jain Acharyas known for their extended lifespans and long periods of monastic life. He is described as an ardent follower of both external and internal austerities (tapasya).
Birth and Early Life: Born in Vikram Samvat (V.S.) 1911 (1854 AD) on the auspicious day of Raksha Bandhan in Sal Valad. His family's ancestral village was in the Pili of Khetarpal in Ahmedabad. His parents, Mansukhlal and Ujamben, were religious and instilled religious values in their six sons and one daughter, with Bapji Maharaj being the youngest. His worldly name was Chunilal.
Early Inclinations and Vairagya (Detachment): Chunilal was diligent and successful in worldly affairs, earning affection from everyone. However, his inner inclination was towards detachment (vairagya). He performed worldly duties with dedication but remained unattached, a blend of work ethic and renunciation. He received religious education from Shri Subaji Ravchand Jecchand in Ahmedabad.
Marriage and Renunciation: At the age of 18-20, his parents desired his marriage. Chunilal, however, yearned for renunciation. Despite his parents' wishes, he married Chandanben from the Kharidiya family. Even after marriage and two to three years of married life, his desire for renunciation intensified. At the age of 23, he resolved to embrace the monastic life.
Overcoming Obstacles to Diksha (Initiation): His decision faced strong opposition from his family, particularly his elder brother who viewed his departure as a great loss. His wife, Chandanben, also faced an uncertain future. However, Chunilal's resolve was firm. He even shaved his head and adopted the monk's attire on his own. He went without food and water for three days in protest to convince his family. Ultimately, his family had to concede to his unwavering decision.
Initiation and Guru-Seva: He received initiation from the influential Acharya Shri Manivijayji Dada at the Upashray in Zapadani Pol, in the presence of the Sangha. This event took place on Jeth Vad Bij, V.S. 1934 (1778 AD). He became Muni Shri Siddhivijayji and the youngest disciple of Acharya Manivijayji Dada. He performed his first Chaturmas (monsoon retreat) with his Guru in Ahmedabad.
Service to Muni Ratnasagarji: Upon learning that Muni Shri Ratnasagarji in Rander (near Surat) was ill, Acharya Manivijayji Dada instructed Muni Shri Siddhivijayji to go and serve him. Despite his personal reluctance to leave his aging Guru, he obeyed the command and went to Surat. He served Muni Shri Ratnasagarji for eight years and was known as an ideal caregiver.
Interactions and Dedication to Learning: During his time in Surat, he also served a sick monk from the Khartargachh, demonstrating the spirit of unity and compassion within the monastic community at that time. He established a 'Pathshala' (school) in Surat, naming it after Muni Shri Ratnasagarji, reflecting his selfless nature. He came into contact with Acharya Shri Atmaramji Maharaj and diligently studied scriptures, especially the Uttaradhyayan Sutra. He was known for his intense desire for learning, even undertaking a 12-mile daily round trip to study Sanskrit poetry and logic with a scholar in Vadodara while residing in Chhani.
Promotions and Recognition: In V.S. 1957 (1900 AD), he was honored with the title of Panyas by Panyas Shri Chaturvijayji Maharaj in Surat, with a grand ceremony attended by thousands. In V.S. 1975 (1918 AD), he was elevated to the position of Acharya in Mehsana. His lectures were deeply impactful due to his melodious voice and profound knowledge.
Dual Austerity and Scholarly Pursuits: His life was dedicated to both intense asceticism and continuous pursuit of knowledge. He was particularly fond of handwriting ancient religious texts, diligently researching and correcting them. This pursuit continued until the age of 90, as long as his eyesight allowed. He also practiced Jap (chanting) and meditation.
Austerities and Equanimity: He is presented as an ideal for severe and prolonged austerities. From V.S. 1957 onwards, he observed alternate-day fasting during Chaturmas and continued this practice for 33 years until his last days. Even with high fever, his vows remained unbroken. His Ayambil (a specific type of fasting) was characterized by a lack of taste, exemplifying extreme austerity. Despite his strictness, he never succumbed to anger, always maintaining equanimity. His typical response to displeasure was a gentle "May you be well," which deeply touched people.
Philosophy of Engagement: His motto was to never be idle, preventing negative thoughts from taking root. His entire life was driven by this self-awareness, encompassing his ascetic practices, study, and engagement with the world.
Legacy and Discipleship: He officiated numerous consecrations and 'Anjanshalaka' ceremonies and initiated hundreds of disciples. He had over 40 disciples, but he did not seek to amass followers. His satisfaction came from individuals receiving spiritual enlightenment, regardless of who their guru became. He maintained a profound affection for all his disciples and ensured they had the resources for study and practice. He also encouraged self-reliance in his disciples. He remained deeply devoted to his Guru, Manivijayji Dada, even undertaking a difficult journey to visit his Guru's idol in Sanand despite illness.
Inspiring Feats of Devotion: At the age of 85, he undertook the challenging pilgrimages to Girnar and Shatrunjaya mountains, demonstrating remarkable physical and spiritual vitality. He declined to spend the monsoon in Palitana to avoid any potential disrespect to the holy site due to his age and physical condition. He was meticulous about time management. The text concludes by stating that true devotion to him lies in emulating his many virtues.
Family's Spiritual Path: About five years after his initiation, his wife Chandanben, mother-in-law, and brother-in-law also took initiation. Chandanben became Sadhvi Shri Chandan Shriji Maharaj, and her spiritual lineage now includes over 300 Sadhvis.

Acharya Vijay Meghsurishvarji Maharaj:

Background: Born in V.S. 1932 (1875 AD) to a respected and religious couple, Jaychand and Jamnaben, in Randher, near Surat. His worldly name was Mulchand.
Early Brilliance and Vairagya: Mulchand was intellectually gifted and quickly passed his training college. However, influenced by his Guru's teachings, he developed a strong sense of detachment.
Initiation and Asceticism: With the willing consent of his family, he received initiation from Acharya Shri Vijay Siddhishurisvarji Maharaj (Bapji Maharaj) in Karjan on Kartak Vad 9, V.S. 1958 (1901 AD), and was named Meghvijayji. He later received higher initiation from his Guru in Chhani.
Scholarly Prowess and Devotion: He quickly mastered subjects like poetry, grammar, and logic under his Guru. He was dedicated to studying Jinagam (Jain scriptures) and serving the Jain faith. His sermons were described as divine, as if Saraswati (goddess of knowledge) herself resided in them.
Recognition and Qualities: Acharya Bapji Maharaj personally conferred the titles of Ganini and Panyas upon him in V.S. 1969 (1912 AD) in Chhani. He was known for his patience, seriousness, generosity, extensive knowledge, simplicity, spiritual teaching ability, and mastery of scriptures. He traveled extensively and was admired by the Sangha.

In essence, the document provides a detailed and reverential account of the lives of these two significant Jain spiritual leaders, emphasizing their unwavering devotion, rigorous asceticism, dedication to learning, and profound spiritual impact.