Vijaydharmasuri

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Vijaya Dharma Sūri: His Life and Work" by A. J. Sunavala, based on the provided pages:

Overall Theme: The book is a biography of Vijaya Dharma Sūri, a prominent Jain monk, scholar, and reformer, highlighting his life's journey, his significant contributions to Jainism and broader society, and his embodiment of Jain ideals. It emphasizes his intellectual and moral greatness, his dedication to service, and his role as a bridge between traditional Jainism and the modern world, including Western scholarship.

Key Aspects of Vijaya Dharma Sūri's Life and Work:

• Early Life and Transformation: Born Mula Chandra in 1868 in Kathiawar, he had a tumultuous youth marked by gambling and a lack of academic focus. A significant gambling loss and subsequent parental disappointment led to a profound realization of the vanity of worldly possessions and a desire for spiritual seeking, a state known as Vairagya.

• Renunciation and Initiation: Dissatisfied with worldly life, Mula Chandra sought out the revered monk Vriddhi Chandra. After a sermon on detachment and the nature of rebirth, he was deeply inspired. Despite initial refusal from his Guru due to his youth, Mula Chandra persisted and eventually gained his parents' consent for renunciation. He was initiated as a monk in 1887 at the age of nineteen, adopting the name Dharma Vijaya.

• Preparation for a Mission: The initiation marked the true beginning of his monastic life. Jain monks are not meant for mere cloistered study but are also expected to be teachers and guides to the laity. Dharma Vijaya engaged in rigorous study of Jain scriptures, grammar, and literature under his Guru's guidance.

• The Guru's Passing and Dharma Vijaya's Ascendancy: Vriddhi Chandra died in 1893, leaving Dharma Vijaya as a prominent disciple. He was recommended for the Pannyāsa-pada, signifying leadership.

• The Triumphal Tour: Following his Guru's death, Dharma Vijaya embarked on extensive travels across Kathiawar, Gujarat, and Marwar. He preached, propagated Jainism, and worked for the betterment of society, uplifting the masses, dispelling superstitions, and restoring neglected religious practices. His return to his birthplace, Mahuwa, saw his transformation from a wayward youth to a revered monk.

• Establishment of Institutions:

  • Yashovijaya Jaina Pathashala at Benares: Recognizing the need for sustained efforts, Dharma Vijaya established a school in Mandal, Gujarat, in 1902, named after the 17th-century Jain scholar Yashovijaya. He later relocated it to Benares, the center of Brahmanic learning, in 1903, facing significant initial opposition from orthodox Hindus. Despite this, he persevered, preaching and explaining Jain principles, ultimately winning over the populace and establishing the Pathashala on a solid foundation. This institution admitted students of all castes and creeds, fostering the study of Jain literature and languages like Sanskrit and Prakrit.
  • Hemachandracharya Jaina Pustakalaya: A library was established alongside the Pathashala, housing a vast collection of Jain works.
  • Other Institutions: He also founded a Pashushala (animal hospital) in Benares and later a library and a free dispensary in Agra, with financial support from patrons. He also established the Yashovijaya Jaina Gurukula in Palitana.

• Interfaith Dialogue and Recognition:

  • Court of the Maharaja of Benares: Dharma Vijaya was invited to the Maharaja's court, where he delivered a sermon emphasizing the common ethical principles (Ahimsā, Satya, Asteya, Brahmacharya, Aparigraha) shared by Jainism and Hinduism. He clarified that Jainism is not atheistic but affirms a Supreme Being and the soul's immortality. This engagement earned him the Maharaja's respect and support for his institutions.
  • Sanatana Dharma Mahāsabhā at Allahabad: He participated in this gathering, speaking on unity and the Jain religion's teachings, impressing attendees, including the Maharaja of Darbhanga.
  • Pilgrimage to Bihar: He led a pilgrimage to important Jain sites in Bihar, the land of Mahavira's life and teachings.
  • Mission in Bengal: He traveled to Bengal, focusing on promoting the principle of Ahimsā (non-violence), which he believed was particularly disregarded there. He engaged with the Bengali populace, explaining Jain ethics and their alignment with existing traditions.

• Literary and Scholarly Contributions:

  • Honorary Titles: He was honored with the title Shastravisharada Jainacharya by a consensus of Indian Pandits in 1908, recognizing his profound knowledge and contributions to religious and philosophical discourse.
  • Western Scholars: Vijaya Dharma Sūri fostered significant relationships with Western scholars like Dr. Hermann Jacobi, Dr. L. Tessitori, Dr. Hertel, and Dr. Guérinot. He provided them with invaluable assistance, including access to manuscripts and clarification of complex Jain texts, thereby contributing significantly to the Western understanding of Jainism.
  • Literary Activity: He authored several original works, including Ahimsa-dig-darshana, Brahmacharya-dig-darshana, and Jaina-tattva-dig-darshana, which explained Jain philosophy and ethics to the general public. He also produced a critical edition of Hemachandra Acharya's Yoga-shastra. His most significant literary undertaking was the Yashovijaya Jaina Granthamala, a series of Sanskrit and Prakrit works aimed at preserving and disseminating Jain literature. He also contributed to journals like Jaina-Shasana and Dharmābhyudaya.
  • Archaeological and Historical Research: He actively engaged in collecting and publishing Jain archaeological and historical materials, including inscriptions and historical Rasas.

• Ideal Monk and Teacher: The book portrays Vijaya Dharma Sūri as an embodiment of Jain ideals:

  • Self-Sacrifice and Detachment: He lived a life of extreme simplicity, renunciation, and detachment from worldly possessions and desires.
  • Intellectual and Moral Greatness: He possessed profound knowledge, keen intellect, and exceptional moral character, prioritizing compassion, tolerance, and service.
  • Broad-mindedness and Tolerance: He was remarkably open-minded, extending sympathy and respect to people of all faiths, castes, and creeds, actively working to reduce sectarian divisions.
  • Effective Preacher and Communicator: His eloquence, persuasive power, and clear communication style made him an influential spiritual leader, able to connect with diverse audiences.
  • Promoter of Jain Learning: He was dedicated to reviving and spreading Jain learning and culture through education, publications, and scholarly engagement.

Conclusion: The book presents Vijaya Dharma Sūri as a monumental figure in modern Jainism, a sage who lived the ideal of the monk, dedicating his life to the service of humanity. His legacy lies in his institutional foundations, his scholarly contributions, his interfaith efforts, and his personal example of selfless devotion, making him a vital figure in the understanding and advancement of Jainism.