Jai Jinendra

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Life of Param Krupalu DevShrimad Rajchandra

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LIFE

2500 years ago, the 24th Tirthankar,

Bhagwan Mahavira attained nirvan

(liberation). Since then, several

Enlightened Souls have expounded the

philosophy of Jainism. 

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LIFE A

* who was deeply venerated for the great spiritual heights, * who had attained self realization, * who had outstanding personality, * who had remarkable exposition of Bhagwan Mahavira's teachings & His literary genius,

One such exalted soul was Shrimad Rajchandraji,

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LIFE B

* who was spirituality incarnated, * who was benevolence personified, * who had perfect blend of pure knowledge,

absolute and selfless devotion and complete detachment,  * who was a surging ocean of divine compassion, * who’s life was an epitome of an intense and incessant pursuit of religion,

One such exalted soul was Shrimad Rajchandraji

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LIFE C

* who unfolded the unprecedented infinite prowess of the Soul,

* who traversed a long journey in an amazingly short time, continually unveiling the powers of the Soul, traveling at jet speed on the path of liberation till the very end. * Shrimad Rajchandraji was a spiritual Gem.

One such exalted soul was Shrimad Rajchandraji

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Birth

Parents Shri Ravjibhai &

Smt. Devba Mehta

Shrimad (Raichand) was

born on the auspicious day

of kartik purnima, in V.S. 1924 (9th Nov,

1867).

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Birth

Birth place town of Vavania bandar, a village in Gujarat (near Morbi), India

9

Jatismaranjnan A

When Shrimad was seven years old, an elderly man named Amichand, a neighbor in

his village, suddenly expired of a serpent bite.

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Jatismaranjnan B

Shimad asked his grandfather as to what was the meaning of death. he said: "To die means the separation of the soul from the body. A dead body has no movement, it contaminates and decays. Such a dead body will be burnt to ashes near a river-bank as it has ceased to

function."

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Jatismaranjnan C

Young Shrimad passed through this extraordinary experience of seeing burning

body of Amichand at the river bank.

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Jatismaranjnan D

The visual of the burning pyre triggered an unprecedented intense churning,

so profound that it led to the attainment of Jatismaranjnan

(knowledge of past lives).

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Jatismaranjnan E

This vivid recollection established continuity with His previously attained elevated state of

knowledge, meditation and penance.

14

Education

Shrimad started school at the age of

seven, but the school teachers soon

realized, He was like no other.

He was gifted by an extraordinary grasping power,

perceptive intelligence and paranormal

memory,

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Education A

He completed the study of 7 academic years in just two.

16

Education B

By the time His physical age touched

the teens, He was endowed with great literary skills which earned Him great

name and fame as a poet.

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Education C

His spiritual leaning was accompanied by a great appeal for bhakti, accompanying his dad

to bhajan sessions of Lord Krishna.

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Education D

The age of 13 to 16 years was a period of deep contemplation.

He judiciously studied and mastered almost

all the eminent treatises on philosophy in this remarkably short span of time.

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Education F

His sole purpose of education was

to discover the ultimate truth.

20

Mnemonic Powers

Shatavdhan Shrimad was endowed with the extraordinary power of shatavdhan (Shatavdhan = Shat +

avdhan).Shat = 100, avdhan = power of attention & recollection

Shatavdhani can remember 100 different things (activities & objects) in a 100 different

orders, spoken by 100 different people, in a single act of attention.

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Mnemonic Powers 1

On a few occasions Shrimad has demonstrated this special skill (avdhan) in public.

Some of the tasks performed by Him include: (1) Playing Chopat with three players.

(2) Playing cards with three players (at the end, called out all 13 cards he had) at the same time playing chess, at the end he called out all the pieces which were removed from the chess board.

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Mnemonic Powers 2

(3) Performed addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and kept the results in mind and to declared them at the

end of the memory test.(4) Heard words of 16 sentences in 16 different languages in a random fashion and later called out all the 16 sentences in the 16 languages.

(5) Composing verses on sixteen diverse topics selected on the spot, and in the specific meter chosen by various members of the audience.

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Mnemonic Powers 3

(6) Recalling four hundred words spoken at random in different languages, including

Greek, English, Sanskrit, Arabic, Latin, Urdu, Gujarati, Marathi, Bengali and rearranging

them in the proper order of subject, object etc.

Shrimad used to say that his powers were merely a drop in the ocean,

that the powers of the Self were infinite.

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Mnemonic Powers 4

Some of his admirers suggested Shrimadji to tour the foreign countries and show his ability

and super powers to the outside world.

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Mnemonic Powers 5

But he refused the suggestion on the ground that he could not observe religious discipline

in foreign countries.

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Mnemonic Powers 6

Shrimad thought the wide publicity of his exceptional powers may hinder his march

towards the Self-realization & stopped performing.

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Marriage

Though Shrimad had an intrinsic sentiment of detachment & a burning desire for total

renunciation, His parents denied Him the liberty to sever all worldly connections & take

renunciation.

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Marriage 1

Accepting as an outcome of His own previous karma, Shrimad tied the knot of marriage at

the age of twenty, He was married to Jhabakbai in V.S. 1944 (1988), at Morbi

29

Businessman

Shrimad was also an accomplished businessman in jewelry and pearls.

Of all the jewelry merchants he was known as one of the most reliable and honest.

30

Businessman 1

Shri Maneklal Ghelabhai, while appreciating Shrimad's business acumen, wrote that even foreign customers used to praise the excellent

business organization of Shrimad.

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Businessman 2

Shrimad wrote in his diary certain rules of discipline which he decided to observe after he joined a partnership business in Bombay in

Vikram Samvat 1946 or 1890 A.D.One of the rule was to tell your partner that on

no account you are prepared to sacrifice your discipline for Self-realization, that he should not

use you as a means to secure his unethical motives

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Businessman 3

In case of possible conflict of the rules, he will clear out of the joint partnership with

no harm to your partner.In case your partner doubts your confides,

request him to declare them freely and explain to him that there is no ground for such doubt.

Should he not accept your explanation, respectfully terminate partnership.

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Samyak Darshan

An incessant inward pursuit of spirituality and a consciousness deeply immersed in the Truth,

resulted in the attainment of shuddh

samyak darshan (rational self-perception) at the age of 23, in

V.S. 1947 (1891). 

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Samyak Darshan 1

He remained in the state of samadhi (inner

equanimity), in all activities. 

No external occurrence could disrupt this inner

equipoise.  Lit by His complete

detachment, He kept the flame of self-realization alive even in the black

dungeon of worldly activities.

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Samyak Darshan 2

Amidst various demands from the family and

business, and in spite of His primary stay in a city as enticing as Mumbai, His ceaseless spiritual endeavors ensured that

His spiritual state was ever-advancing.

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Spiritual Retreats

After the age of 28 Shrimad began to

spend more time in seclusion in jungles,

mountains and remote places in Gujarat,

immersed in the bliss of the Soul effortlessly leading an austere life.

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Spiritual Retreats 1

The purpose of solitude was only one, to remain constantly immersed in the Self through deep contemplation and meditation

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Spiritual Retreats 2

He remained equanimous in all circumstances like hunger, thirst, the attacks of mosquitoes, the scorching heat or the stinging cold etc.,

thus increasing the depth of His spiritual state. He observed the conduct of a nirgranth

(monk).

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Spiritual Retreats 3

He remained so absorbed in ecstasy that external focus on meals, clothes, family bonds,

financial activities etc. lost their value. He would consume very little food only once a

day.

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Spiritual Retreats 4

The villages of Kavitha, Vaso,

Uttarsanda, Kheda, the hills of Idar and other places were all witness to this

Great Soul's incessant spiritual

advancement.

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Spiritual Retreats 5

Shrimad meditating with Lalluji Muni and other Sadhus (monks) at IDAR Ghad(Hills) at IDAR.

42

DISCIPLES

Four bhakt ratnas, they got conquered by Shrimad’s Love, Compassion & Divine Stature

and became his disciples.

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DISCIPLES 1

In a short span of 33 years, Shrimad not only scaled great spiritual heights but also kindled the flame of enlightenment in worthy souls who

came in close contact with Him.His poised demeanor, His forthright approach in discourses, His spiritual virtues and attainments

which followed as a natural outcome of His extraordinary spiritual elevation, drew many

aspirants towards Him, either as great admirers, faithful followers or ardent devotees.

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DISCIPLES 2

Even the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi, was highly impressed by Shrimad, and

asked for His spiritual guidance. 

Each benefited as per his receptivity, but there were some, particularly four, who need a special mention, as they attained a high spiritual state under

His shelter, and during His lifetime.

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DISCIPLES 3The Four Jewel-like Devotees

(1) Juthabhai

Addressed by Shrimadji as 'Satyaparayan'

(devoted to truth) in appreciation of his

dedication towards dharma, Juthabhai takes the honor

of being one of Shrimadji's first close devotees.

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DISCIPLES 4The Four Jewel-like Devotees

(2) Ambalalbhai

He played a major part in collating, compiling and publishing Shrimad's

literature in the volume entitled 'Shrimad Rajchandra‘

His selfless service continued even after

Shrimad passed away.

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DISCIPLES 4aThe Four Jewel-like Devotees

Ambalalbhai standing with a lantern during composition of Shri AtmaSiddhi Shatra by

Shrimad.

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DISCIPLES 5The Four Jewel-like Devotees

(3) Sobhagbhai

In His letters, Shrimad addressed Sobhagbhai as his soul mate,

a friend in his spiritual journey,

and an eternal tranquility.

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DISCIPLES 5aThe Four Jewel-like Devotees

(3) Sobhagbhai

Shrimad was inspired to compose the essence of His teachings,

'Atmasiddhi Shastra', one of His best literary

creations, at Sobhagbhai's behest.

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DISCIPLES 5bThe Four Jewel-like Devotees

(3) Sobhagbhai

Evo Märga Vinay Tano, Bhäkhyo Shri Viträg; Mool Hetu E Märgano, Samaje Koi Subhägya. 20

In stanza 20, word Subhägya relates to the

name of his devotee Saubhägyabhäi by whose request Shrimad has

written the Ätmasiddhi Shästra

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DISCIPLES 6aThe Four Jewel-like Devotees

(4) Lalluji Muni

Shrimad lovingly addressed Lalluji Muni as, 'A monk from the fourth era’.

Lalluji Muni survived Shrimad by 35 years, as

the torch bearer in spreading the message of his Master.

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DISCIPLES 6bThe Four Jewel-like Devotees

Lalluji Muni paying homage and bowing down to Shrimad,

but Shrimad discouraged bowing.

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DISCIPLES 6cThe Four Jewel-like Devotees

Shrimad’s first contact with Shrimad Rajchandra

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DISCIPLES 6dThe Four Jewel-like Devotees

Lalluji Muni used to go to woods alone and study Atma sidhi shastra.

55

GANDHI

"This man has won my heart in spiritual matters, and no one else has ever

made on me the same impression." ‘Mahatma Gandhi, Modern Review' June 1930

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GANDHI 1

A Close Association

The first meeting with Shrimad left a deep-rooted impression on Gandhiji.

This close association with Shrimadji, in person in & then through correspondence from South Africa, contributed a great deal

in molding Gandhiji's character. 

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GANDHI 1a

A Close Association

In those visits Gandhiji intently observed Shrimadji's way of life.

In fact, he attributes his strong foundation of truth, non-violence & self-improvement,

to Shrimad.

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GANDHI 2

Refuge in Spiritual Crisis

In South Africa, Gandhiji was faced with constant pressure from his Christian and

Muslim friends to adopt their faith. In this moment of spiritual crisis, he resorted

to Shrimadji for help, conveying his doubts through 27 questions by post.

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GANDHI 3Influence of Shrimad's

teachings

Shrimad's teachings left an indelible mark on Gandhiji.

Shrimadji's priceless letters and compositions were his constant companions,

physically and mentally.

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GANDHI 3a

Influence of Shrimad's teachings

'Apurva Avsar Evo Kyare Aavshe?' was one of Gandhiji's favourite compositions

which was included in his 'Ashram Bhajanavali‘, a collection of devotional songs sung at his daily public

prayer meetings.

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GANDHI 4

Heartfelt tributes to Shrimad

Gandhiji writes about Shrimadji's works :"It is my firm belief that those who want to

free themselves from the torture of their souls, and are eager to know what is their

main duty in this life, will gather a lot from Shrimad's writings, then may he be a Hindu

and for that matter, follower of any other religion.”

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GANDHI 5

Contribution to the Nation

Gandhiji's memorable accounts on Shrimad testify the profound influence that Shrimad's personality exerted on the Mahatma's life.

Shrimad's emphasis on truth, compassion and non-violence in every walk of life, later

crystallized as the fundamental tenets of Gandhism, which played a significant role in

the India’s struggle for independence.

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Nature of religion

Religion is the spiritual quality of the soul. It is embedded in human nature in

visible or invisible form. If we do not know ourselves we cannot

know others rightly. By religion one can know him self.

Such a religion can be selected from wherever it is found.

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Nature of religion A

Shankaracharya expressed the quintessence of all scriptures in the formula

"Brahma Satyam Jagat Mithya" that Brahma is the only reality,

all else called the world and its differences are unreal or mixtures of truth and falsehood. Koran Sharif declared that God is only one and he is the only real, and

there is nothing else.

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Nature of religion B

In Bible, Christ said: "I and my father are one All the rest are only manifestations

of the one God ”.

Those who are in earnest about their salvation should leave these differences and

follow advice of the experienced Guru.

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Nature of religion C

Jainism is the true appreciation of God, man and the world.

It does not deny Godhood to any one, it only denies God as the creator of the world.

Jain religion is complete & perfect as it has elaborately described the nature of reality and

the sure method of soul's salvation.

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DIVINE WORK

Simple, crystal clear & directed solely at the seeker's internal growth, Shrimad's teachings

have been incessantly illuminating the spiritual path for thousands of seekers over the years.

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DIVINE WORK 1

Religion, according to Him, is to realize the true innate nature of the soul. 

His teachings therefore emphasize a conduct in accordance with the spiritual & ethical norms, and the necessity of a Spiritual Master, a Guru, whose personal guidance is invaluable for

one's spiritual advancement. He also emphasizes an important precursor to

the inward journey, single-minded focus towards the goal of self-realisation.

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DIVINE WORK 2

At a time where the true meaning of religion had receded into the background, Shrimad

actively preached the gospel of liberation and the Eternal Truth as enunciated by Bhagwan

Mahavira.Shrimad's preaching are expressions of that

which is unfathomable, inexhaustible and almost inexpressible, the experience of the

ultimate reality of the Self.

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DIVINE WORK 3

His prolific writings can be classified as follows:(1) Treatises: Shrimad authored several

texts/treatises- some in prose, some in verse, of these the principle ones are :

Atmasiddhi ShastraMokshmala BhavnabodhPratimasiddhi

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DIVINE WORK 3His prolific writings can be classified as follows: (2) Poetic Compositions:

Shrimadji also penned close to 20 poetic compositions of spiritual content. The popular compositions are:

Apurva Avsar Evo

Kyare Aavshe Mool Marg Sambhlo Jinno Re Bina Nayan Pavey Nahi Hey Prabhu! Hey Prabhu! Shu KahuYam Niyam Sanjam Aap

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DIVINE WORK 4His prolific writings can be classified as follows: (3) Translations:

For the benefit of seekers, sections of many Jain sutras and scriptures have been translated by Shrimad into Gujarati. Notable amongst these are:

Shri Ratnakarandshravakachar Shri Uttaradhyayan SutraShri Dashvaikalik SutraJnanarnav, Panchastikay, Dravyasangrah

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DIVINE WORK 5His prolific writings can be classified as follows: (4) Commentaries:

He has also written commentaries on certain sections of some important religious literature. Notable amongst these are:

Swaroday Jnan,

Navtattva Prakran Jivatattva Sambhandhi Vichar Samayasarnatak Aath Yogdrashtini SajjhayAnandaghan Chovishi

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DIVINE WORK 6His prolific writings can be classified as follows: (5) . Articles: Shrimadji has written various articles.

Some articles are titled, Muni Samagam

Jainmarg Vivek Mokshsiddhant

however, for the most part, either the complete article is unavailable or has been left incomplete.

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DIVINE WORK 7His prolific writings can be classified as follows: (6) . Aphorisms: About 1116 moral and spiritual aphorisms compiled under various headings, such as:

Pushpamala, Bodhvachan, Mahaniti, Vachanamrut etc.,

Offering an insight into His deep rumination on universal subjects like conduct,

correct thinking, ethics, straight forwardness and discrimination.

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DIVINE WORK 8His prolific writings can be classified as follows: (7) Personal Notes:

These are profound narratives, which encompass His autobiography till the age of twenty two. Notable amongst these are: Samucchayvayacharya Rojnishi

NondhbookHaathnondh

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DIVINE WORK 9His prolific writings can be classified as follows: (8) Priceless Letters :

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DIVINE WORK 10His prolific writings can be classified as follows: (8) Priceless Letters :

A large part of Shrimadji's extant literature comprises of letters imparting spiritual guidance

to devotees, which speak volumes of the exalted spiritual state He had attained.

These letters are a crystalline reflection of the pure philosophy of Bhagwan Mahavira, solely

aimed at the welfare & bliss of every individual.

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DIVINE WORK 11His prolific writings can be classified as follows: (9) Preaching, Transcribed by Devotees. Notable transcriptions amongst these are:

Updeshnondh UpdeshchhayaVyakhyansaar-1 Vyakhyansaar-2

Transcription are question-answers between the Guru and His devotees.

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Last years

He was only 32 and at the threshold of complete renunciation, when He contracted a

severe illness, one from which He never recovered. 

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Last years A

As His health deteriorated, He was taken to places where the climate

would suit His frail physical condition.

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Last years BOne such place that He visited, was the land

of Dharampur, which He graced with His presence in the month of chaitra (March-1900)

. Having stayed there for a month, He visited Ahmedabad, Viramgam, Vavania,

Morbi, followed by Wadhwan Camp.

While at Wadhwan Camp, Shrimad established an institution, library and Pathshala

in spite of His poor health.

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Last years C

While He remained internally unmoved, His body moved on, and from Wadhwan

Camp, He went to Ahmedabad and after that, returned to Mumbai.

He was taken to the coastal areas of Matunga and Shiv in Mumbai & Tithal near Valsad.

Once again He returned to Wadhwan Camp, and then to Rajkot, where He stayed till the final end

of His sojourn on this earth.

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Last years E

In Rajkot, His health took a turn for the worse. In spite of extreme physical discomfort,

His persona radiated bliss.

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Last years F

This Pure Enlightened Soul left His mortal body on the day of chaitra vad pancham, (4/9/1901) at Rajkot, in a state of complete awareness.

86

Last years G

Shrimad illuminated the whole of mankind with its divine flame of spirituality and attained

immortality on day of 9th April, 1901.

87

Last years HHe scaled great

heights of spiritual attainment and

achieved the lofty status of one who has to take only

one more birth till total emancipation, in a brief journey that lasted 33-5/12 years.

88

Contribution

Shrimad had an aspiration to re-establish Jain religion as propounded by Bhagwan

Mahavira, in its pristine glory.

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Contribution 1

Shrimad wished to restore the splendor of the religion that had been eclipsed by

sectarianism & ritualism prevalent during His times, weakening it at its very roots.

At a time where the true meaning of religion had receded into the background, Shrimad

actively preached the gospel of liberation & the Eternal Truth as enunciated by Bhagwan

Mahavira.

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Contribution 2

Shrimad as a rejuvenator of Jain religion in the light of His own experience,

Shrimad's contribution is truly unique.

Our koti koti vandana toKrupalu Dev Shrimad Rajchandraji

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TIME LINE1867Born on 9th Nov 1867, on the auspicious

day of kartik purnima,V.S. 1924, at Vavania

1875 (age of 7-8 yrs old)Attained jatismaranjnan on witnessing

a burning pyre, at the age of 7 years.

Started formal education at school, where Shrimad showed extraordinary grasping power and memory.

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TIME LINE 1

1881 (age of 14 yrs)Studied various scriptures and treatises on dispassion, philosophy.

1884 (age of 17 yrs)Authored Mokshmala, a text expounding on the profound principles of Jainism, in only three days, at the age of 16-5/12 years.

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TIME LINE 2

1886 (age of 19 yrs)Composed Bhavnabodh, a small

booklet inspiring the seeker to cultivate twelve specific sentiments leading to detachment from the material world.

1887 (age of 20 yrs)Performed the staggering feat of

shatavadhan, (being attentive to a hundred objects and activities at one time) at Mumbai.

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TIME LINE 3

1889 (age of 22 yrs)Ambalalbhai, Sobhagbhai

and Lalluji Muni met Him for the first time.

Divine experience of shuddh samyak darshan (right self-perception) in V.S. 1947.

1888 (age of 21 yrs)Tied the nuptial knot with Jhabakben on

maha sud 12, V.S. 1944, at Morbi.

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TIME LINE 41891 (age of 24 yrs)First meeting with Mahatma Gandhi.1896 (age of 29 yrs)

On aso V.S. 1952, composed His magnum opus –Shri Atmasiddhi Shastra,

embodying he quintessence of all the scriptures, in one sitting of about 1½ to 2 hours, at Nadiad.

Wrote His famous poetic composition, 'Apurva Avsar' expressing His desire for total

renunciation.

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TIME LINE 5

1898 (age of 31 yrs)Intense spiritual practices in the forests of Kavitha, Vaso,Uttarsanda, Kheda. In solitude in Idar.1900 (age of 33 yrs)

Severe deterioration in health.

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TIME LINE 6

1901 ( age of 33-5/12 yrs) Left His mortal body on

chaitra vad pancham, V.S. 1957

(9th April, 1901), at the young

age of 33-5/12 years, in Rajkot, in a state of awareness & equanimity.

Thank you & Michhämi Dukaddam

If we have made any mistakes Please accept our sincere apologies.

Atma Siddhi Shastra by Manu Doshi, other Jain web sites and other books.

Material in this presentation is compiled data, using shrimad.com, rajsaubhag.org,

cs.colostate.edu, shrimadrajchandramission.org,

Thank you & Michhämi DukaddamPlease let us know, if you have any

suggestions to improve this presentation orfor a copy of the presentation write to

bakulah@yahoo.comHarshad, Bakula & Maniar family,

Shäshan Viruddha käi lakhäyu hoy to

man, vachan ane käyä thi Micchhämi dukkadam

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