Yognishtha Acharya Shri Buddhisagarji Maharaj

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Yognishtha Acharya Shri Buddhisagarji Maharaj" by Atmanandji:

Introduction: The book introduces Acharya Shri Buddhisagarji Maharaj as a prominent Jain saint and mendicant of the 20th century, renowned for his tireless pursuit of knowledge, deep meditation practices, and the creation of spiritual literature. He is described as a confluence of the sacred rivers Ganges, Yamuna, and Saraswati, symbolizing his multifaceted spiritual achievements. He is recognized as a universally accepted great man of Gujarat.

Birth and Childhood: Born in 1874 on the auspicious occasion of Shivratri in Vijapur, Gujarat, to a religious and non-violent couple, Shivabhai and Ambaben, he was named Bahechar in his childhood. Known for his kind, thoughtful, and service-oriented nature from a young age, he excelled in his studies, holding the first position throughout his schooling.

Early Inclinations Towards Jainism: At the age of 15, an incident where he saved Jain mendicants from charging buffaloes exposed him to Jain teachings about the suffering of all living beings. This deeply impacted him, attracting him to Jainism and its principles of non-violence, forgiveness, penance, and scriptural study. He began attending Jain discourses and easily embraced the core tenets of Jainism, developing a contemplative and meditative approach to life. He taught himself Hindi, English, and Sanskrit, and later worked as a religious teacher in Ajol, continuing his own studies in religion, history, logic, and Yoga. Seeking deeper knowledge, he moved to Mahesana to access larger libraries and expand his understanding of Jain philosophy and logic.

Acceptance of Renunciation (Diksha): Upon the demise of his parents, Bahechar decided to renounce worldly life and accepted Diksha (initiation into asceticism) in 1901 at Palanpur, under the guidance of Shri Sukh Sagarji Maharaj. From Bahecharbhai, he became Mooni BuddhiSagar.

Ardent Practitioner of Yoga and Spiritual Practices: From the outset of his monastic life, Shri BuddhiSagarji displayed a detachment from worldly affairs, firmly believing that spiritual practices were the sole path to attaining the Absolute Truth or Salvation. He dedicated himself to meditation, transcending minor differences within Jainism and embracing the broader values of Indian culture. He often sought solitude for deep meditation, aiming to bring peace to all living beings. He authored accessible yet profound spiritual literature for common people, aiming to dispel blind faith and ignorance and guide them towards true knowledge and righteous conduct. His teachings were inclusive, reaching all segments of society irrespective of age, wealth, or religious affiliation.

Societal Impact and Spiritual Meditation: Following his Diksha, Shri BuddhiSagarji engaged in public welfare activities alongside his spiritual practices. His preachings profoundly impressed rulers of various states like Vadodara, Idar, and Mansa, leading them to ban hunting, drinking, gambling, and violence on specific days and to take vows under his counsel. He was awarded the title of Shashtra Visharad (expert in scriptures). Adhering to the monastic guideline of continuous movement, he traveled extensively, though he had particular attachments to three places for deep spiritual practice:

• Boriya Mahadev: Where he received advanced knowledge and guidance from Shri Sadanand Saraswati.
• Idar: Its serene natural surroundings, including mountains and caves, facilitated his deep meditation and recitation of mantras.
• Shri Kesariyaji: Its dense forests provided solitude for meditation, where he met Baba Hrushbhdev-Kala Baba, gaining deeper spiritual experiences.

Elevation to Acharya and Expansion of Jainism: In 1914, he was honored with the title of Acharya. His primary focus was on expanding knowledge, promoting good behavior, fostering self-confidence and brotherhood, and raising awareness of people's duties towards their nation, community, society, and all living beings. He preached to diverse groups, including Jains and non-Jains, and engaged in spiritual discussions with prominent figures from various religious and social backgrounds, clarifying their doubts and expounding on Jain principles.

Literary Contributions and Educational Institutions: In 1909, he established the Adhyatma Gnan Prasarak Mandal in Mansa to disseminate the teachings of Lord Mahavir to remote villages. This institution published approximately 125 books in Gujarati, Hindi, Sanskrit, and Madadhi, covering philosophy, history, Yoga, meditation, commentaries, biographies, and more. These books were intended for a wide audience, from the least learned to scholars and ascetics. Some of his notable works include "Samadhi Shatak," "Parmatma Darshan," "Yoga Deepak," "Karmyog," and biographies of influential figures.

Disciples and Legacy: Acharya Shri BuddhiSagarji also guided and initiated several advanced souls into monasticism, including Ajit Sagar, Kirti Sagar, Bhakti Sagar, Amrit Sagar, Jit Sagar, and Vriddhi Sagar. His disciples and their successors, such as Kailas Sagarji and Subodh Sagarji, have continued his legacy by actively promoting Jainism through lectures and discourses across India. The tradition remains vibrant, with the holy place of Mahudi being a significant center of activity.

Later Life and Passing: After being awarded the title of Acharya, he spent several years in and around Gujarat. He contracted diabetes and, despite a serious illness diagnosis in 1924, remained unperturbed, focusing on the publication of his pending literary works. In 1924, his chief disciple, Shri Ajit Sagarji, was also made an Acharya. The establishment of the idol of Ghantakarna Veer at Mahudi in the same year further drew attention to religious matters. In 1925, his health deteriorated further after the demise of Maharaj Shri VriddhiSagarji. He was moved to Vijapur, where he passed away in the presence of his followers and the community, with his last words being a whispered "Oom Arhat Mahavir."

Overall Character: Acharya Shri BuddhiSagarji Maharaj is portrayed as a virtuous individual with a broad outlook, courage, foresight, and dedication to useful work. He was a constant meditator, deeply faithful, secular in his respect for all religions, kind, sympathetic, free from attachment and greed, and committed to his vows. He fostered unity within the Jain community and expanded Jainism's reach through institutions like the Bharat Jain MahaGnanalaya. His deep devotion to Yoga and meditation was a hallmark of his life.