Acharya Gyansagar
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A brief biography
Nov 15, 2021: The Times of India
Peace And Prosperity The Jain Muni’s Way
JK Jain
Digambar Jain muni Acharya Gyansagar was indeed a gyansagar, an ocean of knowledge, in the real sense. A great saint, social reformer, and epitome of penance, Acharya Maharaj spent a large part of his life studying sacred scriptures, spreading the teachings of Mahavir, and raising his voice against the ills in society.
The Jain sage firmly believed that the concept of Anekantavad can resolve all conflicts in the world. Each substance has various attributes contradictory in nature. To have proper understanding one has to look at things in totality, from all angles
However, the problem starts when we stick to our point of view and refuse to respect others’ perspective. Mahavir was among the first world teachers to declare that the same truth can be viewed differently by diverse people. In Jainism, there are 24 Tirthankaras in every kaal, period. Mahavir never said that only Jains should progress in the world; he gave the same respect to plants and trees as he gave to human beings. He promoted the concept of Anekantavad that teaches us to be tolerant, said Acharya ji.
Contrary to what people think, Jains are not atheists. Removing misconceptions about the Jain belief system, Gurudev would say that the universe, cosmos, according to Jain cosmology, is Anadi Nidhan. It is not created, protected, or destroyed by any superpower called God. It has existed since time immemorial and will continue till infinity. It consists of six dravyas, substances, namely jiva, soul; pudgala, matter; dhar ma, ether; adhar ma, anti-ether; akasha, space; and kaal, time. The jiva journeys through 84 lakh yonis, species, according to its good or bad karmas, and pudgala, karmic particles, remain attached to the jiva till it wanders; dharma helps the jiva and pudgala move from one place to another; adharma helps them stay, remain stationary; akasha provides space; and kaal helps substance in Parinaman, continuous change of form. The jiva is the doer of its karma. God doesn’t punish or reward it for its deeds. Why would he punish his own children? The jiva reaps the fruit of its karmas when they fructify. Every soul can attain nirvana, salvation, by freeing itself from the karmic bondage through penance and renunciation.
Progressive in his outlook, Gyansagar ji believed that to get wealthy, worshipping Lakshmi is not as important as doing good karma. “Why worship Lakshmi? Earn your livelihood honestly, do good karma, and wealth will automatically come to you. Don’t kill innocent, small creatures and cause pollution by bursting crackers and fireworks. Celebrate Deepavali differently, distribute sweets and provide monetary help to the poor and needy and be the reason of their happiness. Then Lakshmi will be yours forever,” he said.
