Brief life sketch of Atmaramji Maharaj

Author(s): S P Jain
Publisher: Z_Vijyanandsuri_Swargarohan_Shatabdi_Granth_012023.pdf

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which case he would not be given shelter or food and he could be reduced to the position of a starving beggar. But for the sake of truth he did not mind whatever may befall him. It was at Malerkotla that he unfurled the flag of true tenets of Jainism and converted two persons named Kanwar Sain and Mangat Ram to his views. Shri Bishen Chand & Shri Champa Lal were doing the same at Jandiala Guru and converting Shri Mohar Singh and Bisakhi Mal and Lala Buta Rai of Amritsar. In this way, starting from a trickle, in a short time thousands were converted and initiated into the true ancient Jain religion. The traditions die hard and men are naturally conservative and find it easy to tread the familiar path. So when Atmaramji shed new light to dispel darkness of ignorance, Jain laymen did not automatically accept his views. They would ask for proof/and also invite Atmaramji to take part in 'shastrarth' i.e. wordy duel between the scholars. Shri Atmaramji did not shy away as he had mastered the scriptures along with their interpretations and explanations and annotation, he would quote them verse for verse to prove his point. While delivering a lecture, he would ask the audience to demand clarification from him on any point they felt doubt and that he would do his best to satisfy them. And if anybody wanted to discuss the matters in private, he would be glad to receive him at the place where he was staying. He would say that people buy earthen pots of meagre value after fully satisfying them that are not cracked; faith is of much higher value, so why not accept it only after sound knowledge. He would declare that after profound study and deep understanding, he had discovered a nugget of gold in the true teachings of the Perfect Soul. He believed that it was pure and not stolen : then why be afraid of having it tested on a touchstone in the open. He would pronounce that he would be glad if anyone could convince him of the wrong path and he would immediately give it up. But if others are convinced that what he said was the truth, then why hesitate in accepting it. In this way, he won over Jain laymen and monks on to his side, not by using a glib tongue but on the firm ground of sound knowledge and correct judgment.
IN OPEN CONFLICT The views expressed by Shri Atmaramji naturally brought him in conflict with established authority. Pooj Shri Amar Singhji represented the establishment. By issuing an order, he exhorted his people that they should not make obeisance to Shri Atmaramji nor give him shelter, nor hear his lecture, nor give him food, because he has abjured the 'dhundak'
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Shri Vijyanand Suri Swargarohan Shatabdi Granth