Yashovijay Suriji - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary in English of the provided Jain text, focusing on Acharya Yashovijay Suriji:

This text, found in "Shramana Bhagwanto-2," is a tribute to Acharya Yashovijay Suriji Maharaj, a highly respected and influential figure in the Jain tradition. The author, Nandlal B Devluk, describes him as a beacon of spiritual guidance and inspiration.

Key aspects of Acharya Yashovijay Suriji's life and contributions highlighted in the text include:

Spiritual Prowess and Dedication: He is described as a deeply learned and spiritually detached individual who immersed himself in the profound ocean of spiritual knowledge. His adherence to "apramattata" (vigilance and non-negligence) is particularly emphasized. He is presented as someone whose association (satsang) is like drinking the nectar of inspiration.
Scholarly Pursuits: Acharya Yashovijay Suriji was deeply engaged in historical study and writing, composing Sanskrit verses in various meters, and appreciating ancient inscriptions and Jina images.
Leadership and Influence: He is recognized as a "Shasanaprabhavak" (one who enhances the glory of the Jain order) who generously shared the "rasa" (essence) of equanimity with countless beings. His presence is considered equivalent to a holy pilgrimage site, offering immediate benefits compared to the time-bound fruition of other holy places.
Ordination and Ascendancy:
- He was born in 1946 (Samvat 2002) in Zinzuvada to a cultured and pious family. His parents were Jayantilal and Kanchanben.
- His spiritual journey began under the guidance of Acharya Bhagwant Shri Kar Suriji Maharaj.
- He took initiation (diksha) in 1957 (Samvat 2013) at Zinzuvada, becoming known as Yashovijayji, a devoted disciple of Acharya Shri Kar Suriji Maharaj.
- He was honored with the title of Nyaspadvi (Panyas) in 1986 (Samvat 2042) at Juna Disa by Acharya Shri Kar Suriji Maharaj.
- He attained the prestigious Acharya padvi (Acharya title) on the auspicious day of Mahā Sud 5, Samvat 2045 in Vav, Banaskantha district, under the blessings of Acharya Shri Himanshu Surishwarji Maharaj.
Active Role in Jain Practices: Acharya Yashovijay Suriji actively organized and participated in various significant religious activities. These include delivering sermons (vyakhyanas), honoring ascetics (tapasvis), leading pilgrimage groups (yatra sanghas), organizing community feasts (swamivatsalya), conducting spiritual retreats (upadhan), celebratory events (ujamana), and initiation ceremonies (diksha prasanga).
Spreading Goodness: He traveled extensively throughout his birthplace and Gujarat, spreading moral teachings and inspiring spiritual awareness. He made significant contributions to enriching Jain literature and knowledge repositories, encouraging related activities.
Character and Demeanor: His personality is characterized by deep affection for the Jain community (sadhavatsalata) and devotion to fellow ascetics (sadharmik bhakti). Even a brief acquaintance with him provides an experience of bathing in the confluence of a pleasant countenance, an equanimous heart, and loving eyes. His serene disposition and ever-present, cheerful laughter are said to be reminiscent of his guru.
Devotion to Knowledge and Devotion: He is described as a great proponent of Shrutabhakti (devotion to scripture) and a unique worshiper of the devotional path (bhaktimarg). He is a devoted follower of Anandghanji Maharaj and an ardent practitioner of numerous spiritual disciplines.
Family Involvement in Spirituality: Notably, his father, Muniraj Shri Jinchandravijayji Maharaj, is also engaged in rigorous spiritual practice. His younger brother, Munichandravijayji Maharaj, is actively involved in research, and his mother, Sadhvishri Kalpalatashriji Maharaj, is a practicing nun. Another younger brother, Rajendra Muniraj, is Muniraj Shri Rajeshvijayji, also diligently pursuing spiritual discipline. This indicates that Acharya Yashovijay Suriji has inspired his own family and many others towards the path of renunciation and spiritual discipline.
Deep Study and Contemplation: He is recognized as a profound scholar of the current Jain teachings, a high-level spiritual thinker, and a devoted worshiper of Anandghan's soul.

The text concludes with a fervent prayer for Acharya Yashovijay Suriji to continue undertaking auspicious activities for the Jain order for a long time, offering him numerous obeisances. He is lauded as a star of the present Jain dispensation.