Book Title: Comtemporary Jain Legends
Author(s): Atmanandji Maharaj
Publisher: Shrimad Rajchandra Ashram

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Page 100
________________ famous and voluminous book in Sanskrit written by Jain Mooni Shri Siddharshi Gani and this was published in three parts. In one of these three parts, Shri Motilalji has given historical and spiritual summary and comments on the life and literary works of Siddharshi Gani. He published an interesting commentary on the poetic epic named ShantSudha Ras and this work was much appreciated by the learned Jain personalities. He also translated and published the biography of Shrimad Hemchandracharya written by Dr. Bullar. In addition to this he wrote many books and poems like "Jain outlook on Yoga", "A Jain of the present age", "Yashodhar a character", "Life and works of Sheth Motisha" and "Much gone, little remains" and so on and these are all published in due course of time. He wrote detailed commentary on the well-known scripture named Prashamarati during the period of two and a half years from August 1948, when he had recovered from his major illness, till the end of his life. He completed his work of writing commentary on the remaining poems of Anand Ghan Padya Ratnavali and also a Chovisi. He wanted to collect all poems, devotional songs, prayers, and other writings on Lord Mahavir in one book and he had divided this plan in 25 parts. He had completed first part of this plan, which was on the previous lives of Lord Mahavir and had started, with the second part a few days before his death. Thus, there is a big lot of unpublished literature created by Shri Motilalji. The books, which are already published, are also awaiting their re-print. His Literary Style: His style of writing indicates that he was a man of common people. He looked to the people who were not much educated and whose power of understanding was much limited. He deeply longed to lead these people on the path of religion, spirituality and detachment with worldly affairs. He, therefore, repeated one and the same matter many times. He was never tired of putting up one philosophical idea in many different forms and words. He believed that repetition is not a drawback in spiritual literature. He held that common man couldn't understand serious issues in brief writings. Hence, he adopted simple language; several illustrations to explain complicated subjects and poetic tone. Special Qualities and Culture: He was always hopeful of bright future. This was his most important virtue. Even in the circumstances driving to hopelessness, he found out a way and encouraged every one to work hard to face the situation. He never spoke harsh words to any one. He called on everybody by love and sympathy. He was pleased to work for others. He helped others as much as he could. He had deepmost attachment with Jainism and yet he never disrespected other sects or religions. He was always active. He never felt tired of continuous working. He passed through serious sickness at the age of 69 but he was fully active before this age. He never liked to keep any work half way. He was always humble. Whenever he worked for any institution, he did his duties with total devotion, hard work and sincerity. If he had to follow others, he followed with interest. He never disliked going behind others and accepted new things from all corners and from everyone without hesitation. His life was fully busy in outward activities as well as inward activities. He was handling several institutions with doing literary work at home. His life is worth following and initiating. He lived long but left leaving many immortal works behind. He had worked so much that hardly any one could even imagine. We receive all-round inspiration from his life. 100

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