Yogindra Yugapradhan Jindattsuri - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Yogindra Yugapradhan Jindattsuri," authored by Sukh Sagar Muni:

This text is a biographical account of Acharya Jinadatta Suri, a prominent Jain monk and spiritual leader of the 12th and 13th centuries. The author, Muni Sukh Sagar, positions saints as living embodiments of a nation's true wealth and cultural heritage.

Early Life and Asceticism:

Acharya Jinadatta Suri was born in the year 1132 VS (Vikram Samvat) in Dhavalpur (modern Dholka) in Gujarat, to a wealthy Humbad caste merchant named Vachhig and his wife Vahaddevi.
His mother, Vahaddevi, was a devoted follower of Acharya Jinshurishwar Suri. Impressed by a vision of her son's future spiritual greatness, she dedicated him to the service of his guru from a young age. This act of selflessness, prioritizing the spiritual development of her son and the welfare of society over personal attachment, is highlighted.
He was initiated by Acharya Dharmadev Upadhyay and named Somchandra. Later, he received his higher initiation (diksha) from Acharya Ashokchandracharya, a disciple of Sahadev Gani, who was a disciple of Jinshurishwar Suri.
He received extensive training in scriptural studies and acquired significant knowledge and skills under the tutelage of Acharya Harisinghacharya.

Rise to Prominence and Leadership:

After the demise of Acharya Jinavallabh Suri, Somchandra Gani was installed as Acharya Jinadatta Suri in the year 1166 VS at the Veer Mandir in Chittor.
Jinadatta Suri is presented as a transformative figure who revitalized the Jain tradition. He challenged archaic practices and defended the Jain faith against internal and external challenges.
His leadership was characterized by a commitment to "Krantie" (revolution), not in a destructive sense, but as a catalyst for positive change and the establishment of pure traditions for the future by drawing inspiration from the past.
He successfully reformed prevalent corrupt practices within the monastic community and skillfully navigated the adversies faced by Jainism and the monastic order. He is considered a pioneer in ushering in a new era for Jain culture.
His strong personality and profound scholarship earned him immense respect and reverence, which remains enduring.

Challenges and Reforms:

Jinadatta Suri took a stand against the prevailing practices of "Chaityavasi" (temple-dwelling monks) and upheld the ancient tradition of temple construction.
He managed to unite a large community, guiding them towards a path of peace and establishing a proper social order.
Even his opponents acknowledged his exemplary character and discipline. The "Chaityavasi" scholars like Jayadevacharya, witnessing his influence, abandoned their lax practices and embraced the "Suvihit marg" (well-regulated path).

Literary Contributions and Impact:

Acharya Jinadatta Suri was not only a charismatic leader but also a disciplined ascetic and a prolific writer. His works primarily focus on elevating human life and spiritual development.
His literary output spans Sanskrit, Prakrit, and Apabhramsha languages, making them valuable not only for religious study but also for linguistic research.
His writings can be broadly categorized into two types: encomiastic (praise) and didactic (instructional).
- Encomiastic works include various stotras (hymns) like Sarvadhishthayi Stotra, Suguru Partantrya Stotra, Vighna Vinashi Stotra, Shrutstav, Ajitshanti Stotra, and many others dedicated to various deities and gurus. These works reveal his deep devotion, respect for his predecessors, and reverence for great personalities, alongside his own scholarly and epoch-making nature, demonstrating his humility.
- Didactic works address the practical aspects of Jain life and spiritual practice. Notable among these are Dharmarasayan, Kalswaroopkulak, and Churchari, written in Apabhramsha, which are significant from a linguistic perspective and showcase his profound knowledge and deep scriptural understanding. Utasutra Padodghatanakula and Upadeshakula provide valuable insights into the ethical conduct of householders. Other works include Avasthakula, Vishika Pad Vyavastha, Vadikula, Shantiprava Vidhi, Aratrikavratani, and Adhyatmageetani.
His work "Ganshadh-Shardhatak" holds a special place, enumerating the virtues of great Acharyas from Lord Mahavir to his time. This work is considered highly useful for historical and practical purposes, as the "words of a sadhaka are mantras."
His "Sandehdolavali," a work in 150 Prakrit verses, addresses questions related to right faith (samyaktva), the importance of a good guru, and the progress of Jain philosophy, guiding householders on how to conduct themselves towards their gurus and the wider community. He also authored "Chaityavandanakulak," which is considered essential reading for every householder, detailing daily duties, devotion to monks, and principles related to temples and dietary matters.
The text mentions an incident where Jinadatta Suri provided a solution in the form of "Gandhar-Saptatika" to a householder harassed by a supernatural being, liberating him from his suffering and becoming a source of support for the community.

Influence and Legacy:

Jinadatta Suri's reformist ideology and his ability to inspire others are emphasized. His influence was such that even those who initially opposed him, like Jayadevacharya, adopted the righteous path.
He traveled extensively, including to Ajmer, where he received honor from King Arnoraj. With the king's encouragement, he secured land for building temples. The householder Ambada declared him "Yugapradhan" (leader of the era) through the worship of Ambikadevi.
His teachings and life exemplified a blend of strong leadership, disciplined practice, and scholarly brilliance.
He is credited with inspiring over one lakh and twenty-three thousand people to renounce violent tendencies and embrace Jainism through his powerful sermons. These converts belonged to various castes and were initially bound by the karmic rituals of their respective backgrounds.
His legacy is further cemented by the numerous "Dadavadis" (shrines dedicated to Jinadatta Suri) found throughout India, symbolizing his profound and lasting impact on the Jain community.
He passed away in Ajmer in the year 1211 VS. His association with Ajmer is significant as his successor, Acharya Jinchandra Suri, was also initiated there.

In essence, the book portrays Acharya Jinadatta Suri as a pivotal figure who rejuvenated Jainism through his intellectual prowess, spiritual discipline, reformist zeal, and literary contributions, leaving an indelible mark on the Jain tradition and society at large.