Atmanandji Jainacharya Janmashatabdi Smarakgranth

Author(s): Mohanlal Dalichand Desai
Publisher: Atmanand Janma Shatabdi Smarak Trust

Page 155

The man and his Message
needed to awaken the slumbering Jains to their sense of duty. Swami Atmaramji Maharaj was a Sage & a Seor. He could see through his penetrative eyes the danger ahead. He applied himself heart and soul for the purification of the society and restoration of ancient method of worship as a factor towards self-realisation. His preachings created a revolution in the community and generated vital energy for many a useful work. His efforts led to the resuscitation of Jain religion, art and literature about which very little was known before him.
HIS LOVE FOR TRUTH Truth was the point of his life. In quest of truth he renounced the world, sacrificed comforts, fame and name. Born of Khashtriya parents, martial blood ran in his vains. His father Ganesh Chandar who held i post of distinction under Maharaja Ranjit Singh initiated to equip him for a military career. His soul could find no solace in warlike pursuits. He was destined to become a preacher of Ahimsa and nonviolence. As a seaker after truth, he was iniciated as a Sthantkwasi Sadhu at the young age of seventeen. To satisfy the yearning of his soul, he studied scriptures intensively. As his knowledge advanced, doubts arose in his mind about the authenticity of the books and corre. ctness of the interpretation of texts. He resolved to sift the truth and for that he wandered from place to place. He began to propagate the cult of Murtipuja for that was laid down in scriptures. He had to face a storm of opposition for the vindication of his convictions. Love of Guru, honour from the highest quarter, and offer of alluring titles could not swerve him from treading the path of truth. He was threatened with expulsion from the community, but opposition could not frighten him. Throughout his life, he stood firmly for the propagation of truth,
NOT A SLAVE OF TRADITION
In his encounter with Maharaj Kani Ramji at Sanam in the Vikram Sambat 1922, he gave a spirited reply when he was asked to follow the path set out by elders. "I can not be a slave of tradition in interpreting the text. If the Guru is in the wrong, I cannot be his blind follower." Kani Ramji took exception to the interpretation put by Atmaranji simply because it was not in conformity with the traditional meaning. But he had a progressive mind and refused to be bound down by any
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[ Shree Atmaramji