Jain Legend Vol 2

SR No.: 007595
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Hastimal Maharaj, Shuganchand Jain, P S Surana
Publisher: Hastimal Maharaj Shugan C Jain P S Surana
Publication Year: 2011
Total Pages: 342
Language: English
Classification: Book_English
File Size: 2 MB

Page 341

Legendary personality c rya Hast malj
A great Indian thinker of the era, r Hast malaj Mah r ja has remained as a bright star in the family of Nirgrath (passionless) Mok a. He was born in the city of Pipad, in Jodhpur district in Rajasthan on 13th January 1911, i.e., VS 1967 Paush Shukla Chaturdasi. Two months before his birth, his father r Kevala Chandj of Oswal lineage, died due to plague. This was a big jolt like a thunderbolt in a cloudless sky, to his virtuous mother Rupkanvar (Rupadev ). Due to this incident she got aversion towards the world. She brought up her son with a feeling of detachment and taught him the values of righteousness. Within a few years, Hasti's paternal grandparents also passed away.
The aforesaid incidents strengthened the feelings of aversion in Hasti, who was already a born ascetic.
At a tender age of 10 years and 18 days, ascetic Hast mala accepted monastic life from c rya r Shobhachandraj on Magh Shukla Dvitiya VS 1977 (10th February 1921). Along with him, his mother Rupadev, and two more people who were aspirants of liberation, took refuge in Jainism. Immediately after joining the Order, Hast mala started studying the Jain scriptures, oriental languages, philosophy and literature. At the tender age of 15 1/2 years, the child monk Hast mala, who was bestowed with distinct abilities and talent was chosen as the leader of the Jain Order.
In a short span of time, he acquired unparalleled knowledge, combined with meditation. In VS 1987 Vaishakh Shukla (Akshaya Tritiya) at a mere age of 19 years, he was appointed as the seventh Head of Sthanakvasi tradition of Ratna congregation in Jodhpur. He was the only person in Jain history who was made a c rya at an age of less than 20 years, probably after the omniscient crya Hemachandra of Kalaiyuga.
c rya Hast mala was a persona full of spiritual energy and a multifaceted genius. With appropriate practice (Samayik), he spread the message of equanimity. He also inspired lakhs of people for the study of the scriptures and spread a new enlightenment of amity and knowle in the society. With indefatigable zeal he strived hard to eliminate profligacy and to root out the evil deeds among mankind, and to
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