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"Extending Jain Heritage to the Next Generation"
to his inspirations Samayik and of the society or person lies in right edu- Mandal" was established with an objecSwadhaya associations have been estab- cation, good habits and internal spiritual tive to publish and help to spread spirilished in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, development. To fulfill these objectives tual literature and right knowledge. This Maharashtra, Karnataka and Tamilnadu. Acharya Shri inspired people to set up institution is publishing a monthly Acharya Shri inspired more than 700 institutions which provide right educa- magazine 'JINVANI" for the last 45 years. people (swadhayees) to organise them- tion and help to preserve and propagate Acharya Shri himself a profound selves under the banner of Swadhaya our cultural heritage. One such institu- scholarand a literary, wrote severalbooks Sangh. These devoted people who are tion is "Acharya Vinaychand Gyan on Jainism, interpreted several Jain householders lead simple, pure and dis- Bhandar" in Jaipur in which more than scriptures into modern simple Hindi ciplined lives, go to places during 25000 hand written rare manuscripts are language, wrote commenteries and edParyushan Mahaparva wherever people preserved. Another institution in the area ited several publications of great impordo not have priviledge of having Jain of education set up by his inspiration is tance. He himself a great learned person saints or nuns, to spread the message of "Shri Jain Sidhanth Shikshan Sansthan" knew the plight of wise and likely. In this Tirthankar Mahavir.
Jaipur. In this institution students are world where money plays a dominant Acharya Shri Hasti was a great histo- given traditional and religious education role Acharya Shri inspired people to set rian. He emphasized that one must learn along with the formal education.
up "Akhil Bharatiya Vidvat Parishad" in and take inspiration from the past to Acharya Shri Hasti was a great social which works of scholars of Jainism all
reformer. He was a crusader for the poor over India are reviewed and brought to preached that our old religious and cul- and weaker section of the society. He light. Every year scholars of Jainism are tural traditions are very useful and ev- asked people not to spend lavishly on honored in a special function, held to eryone should study and analyse them. social occasions such as marriages and to recognise and distinguish them. Under the able guidance of Acharya Shri maintain simplicity and austerity even in In short, these are the few glimpses "JAIN DHARM KA MAULIK ITHIAS" religious occasions such as Athai(8 days of this great saint who devoted his life to has been written and published in four of fasting), Maas Khaman (30 days of spread the message of Jainism all across volumes. These volumes have received fasting) and Varshitap (fasting for 360 the country. Having practised and rare reviews by several prominent au- days at every alternate day). He inspired preached knowledge, faith and conduct thors and scholars all over India. This people to set up charitable organisations for 71 years Acharya Shri saw his end of work has been recognised as one of the "Bhudhar Swadharmi Vatsalya Kalyan life coming near and as a true saint demost authentic and non partisan rational Kosh", the purpose of which is to give clared on his 81st birthday in Pali city study of Jain history. Acharya Shri de monetary help to the poor and needy that as a Acharya, I have guided all the voted years of his life visiting each and persons. Every month help is given to saints, nuns and devotees to the best of every important library, searching for hundreds of families who are in dire my ability and during this lengthy pefacts and figures during his travel from need of medicine, food, education etc. riod of 61 years as an Acharya I ask Rajasthan to Tamilnadu to bring about several hundred families have been forgiveness from everyone and forgive this magnificent work, a master piece of helped by the magnanimous donations everyone. his creation.
by kind hearted and socially conscious On April 12, 1991, in Nimbaj, a disAcharya Shri was an ardent advo- persons. Another important institution trict of Pali in Rajasthan, he voluntarily cate of education. 70 years ago there were worth mentioning in the cause of serving decided to leave his body and took a vow hardly few schools and there was negli- the suffering humanly is "Amar Jain of "Santhara", also known as Pundit gible education among women. Educa- Medical Relief Society". It has a fully Maran, that is not to eat or drink except tion was confined to the urban cities developed medical hospital in the very water until the soul departs from the where rich and the male section of the heart of Jaipur society. This hospital treats body. On 21st April he left for heavenly society could avail it. Acharya Shri in- several thousand patients every month abode. 150,000 people from across the spired people to open schools in villages and gives medical aid to the poor people country attended the funeral in this small and rural areas. He laid great emphasis irrespective of caste, creed, sex or religion. village. Though his body is no more with on educating women and children of all This hospital was inspired by Acharya us but his preachings shall last for time the cross section of the society. With Shri in the memory of his fellow saint memorial. We pay homage to this great modern education he wanted the chil- Swami Amar Chandji Maharaj Saheb. saint. JAI GURU HASTT!!! dren to be educated in religious sphere This institution has its own building and too so that they become true Jains. He well equiped operation theater and
This article was sponsored by the asked people to open educational insti- modern medical machines of several
following firms and individuals: tutions with boarding and lodging so kinds.
Dharmendra Hirawat that also weaker section of the society Acharya Shri Hasti gave equal im
of Forest Hills, NY may come forward and benefit by this portance to knowledge as well as con
Pramod and Vina Jhaveri of educational process. duct. According to him one without the
Cincinnati, Oll Acharya Shri was of firm belief that other is meaningless and may prove
Nimmi Gems, Inc. of NY a person or society cannot be considered dangerous. Inspired by the teachings of
Gyan Chand & Kanchan Jain great by monetary power alone. Strength Acharya Shri "Samayik Gyan Pracharak
of Toronto, Canada
6TH BIENNIAL JAINA CONVENTION
JULY 1991
86
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