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Acharya Gyānsagar followed the path of sacrifice to implement his own saying 'Gyan bhāram kriyā bina' i.e. Knowledge without action is a burden. As such lie left his home in 1949 and got consecrated as 'Kshullaka' (Primary stage of Jain ascetic) by Acārya Vīrasāgara in 1955 and named - Gyanbhooshan and as muni i.e. ascetic on June 22, 1959 by Acharya Shivasagar. He was named Gyan sagar. During this period he continued his study, teaching and writing religious Literature. He realized the simplicity and gravity of the life of an ascetic and devoted himself by mind,, word and action for the cause of Jainism. He was a great scholar and orator of Jainism. Acharya Vidyasagar, a Kannad Knowing person is his unique creation. He used to say if you want to be happy don't make others unhappy. Abondon your passions, Limit your desires, be contented only then you may achieve happiness. The life full of spiritualism and selflessness leads to moral, and spiritual development. On the request of the group of Jain ascetics (munis and aryikās) and devotees he agreed to become Acharya, the head of ascetics on Feb. 17, 1969 at Naseerabad (Rajasthan)
'Chaturmas' (Cāturmas) (four months of rainy season-the staying time of ascetics at a place) of 1972 in Naseerabad he became physically weak with growing age and observing intense penance and afflictions. He, therefore, handed over Achayapost to his most suitable disciple,, Vidyasagar, on Nov. 22, 1972 in the presence of the Society. His disciple humbly asked him, 'How can I promote the religion during movement in your absence ?'. His simple reply was, 'Not to work for the demotion is great promotion'. He abondoned the attachment for the perishable body and gradually abondoned taking food stuffs. In the presence of ascetics, devotees and public he observed the procedure of physical mortification (yama sallekhna) for holy death under the guidance of Acharya Vidyasagar and abondoned his perishable physical body on June 1, 1973 peacefully. It was the supreme transformation of Digamber Jain Tradition. His physical body is perished, the lamp of Knowledge and worldly detachment he has kindled will continue to enlighten the path of religious observers for ages to come.
Received: 24.01.11
* Retd. Principal
Abhinand Nagar, Makronia - Sagar (M.P.)
Mob. 9425626653
Arhat Vacana, 23 (4), 2011
