VIDYASAGAR JI MAHARAJ PRESENTATION

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Acharya vidya sagar Ji Maharaj

'Vidya Sagar Maharaj'

Body is not to be served but it be utilized to serve others.

Introduction

Born on October 10th, 1946, in Karnataka, he underwent diksha (spiritual discipline) in Rajasthan and has since become recognized for his extensive hours spent in meditation. Apart from his spiritual pursuits, he has also showcased his creativity by writing haiku poems and the epic Hindi poem "Mukamati".

Acharya Shri Vidyasagarji Maharaj, a Digambara Jain monk, is a well-known figure in the spiritual community renowned for his scholarship and austerity.

Early life

He was not a demanding child and was content with whatever was given to him. He showed an early interest in religion, often visiting temples and teaching his younger siblings the principles of the faith. Vidyadhar was an attentive student and was eager to pursue his studies. In his free time, he would indulge in painting.

During his early life, Acharya Shri Vidyasagarji Maharaj, then known as Vidyadhar, was the second of four sons in his family, with his elder brother being Mahavira Ashtage.

LegACY

Acharya Shri Vidyasagarji Maharaj was initiated as a Digambara monk in 1968 at the young age of 22 by Acharya Gyansagar at Ajmer, who belonged to the lineage of Acharya Shantisagar. In 1972, he was elevated to the esteemed position of Acharya. As an Acharya, he adheres to a strict code of conduct that includes abstaining from salt, sugar, fruits, milk, oil, and ghee, in addition to the traditional prohibitions such as onions. He takes his food once a day in the palm of his hand, one morsel at a time, from lay votaries.

cAcharya Shri Vidyasagarji Maharaj's impact extends beyond the Jain community. In 1999, the then Prime Minister of India, Atal Bihari Vajpayee, paid a visit to him during his visit to Gomatgiri Indore. In 2018, the French diplomat Alexandre Ziegler, along with his family, visited Khajuraho and felt peaceful and blessed after meeting Acharya Vidyasagar Ji. He was so moved by the experience that he vowed to become a vegetarian. In 2018, American ambassador Kenneth Juster paid a visit to Acharya Vidyasagar Ji and assured him he would follow a full vegetarian diet for one day a week.

Works

Acharya Vidyasagarji Maharaj is a highly skilled scholar with a proficiency in several languages including Sanskrit, Prakrit, Hindi, and Kannada. He has authored works in various languages such as Prakrit, Sanskrit, and Hindi, including Niranjana Shataka, Bhavana Shataka, Parishah Jaya Shataka, Suniti Shataka, and Shramana Shataka. Additionally, he has composed nearly 700 haiku poems, which remain unpublished to this day.His most notable work is the Hindi epic poem "Mukamati," which has been included in the syllabus of Hindi MA programmes at various institutions. The poem has also been translated into English by Lal Chandra Jain and presented to the President of India, Pratibha Patil. Many researchers have undertaken studies on his literary works for their masters and doctoral degrees.

Landmarc Films released a documentary titled Vidyoday on November 25, 2018, along with a trailer. The documentary was directed by Vidhi Kasliwal and focuses on Acharya Vidyasagarji Maharaj's life and contributions. Vidyoday had its international debut at the Harrow Safari Cinema in London.

Learnings From Him

Commitment to spiritual practice: Acharya Vidyasagar Ji Maharaj's dedication to long hours of meditation and austerity highlights the importance of commitment to spiritual practice. Service to humanity: His efforts towards reviving educational and religious activities in the Bundelkhand region showcase the significance of serving humanity. Cultural preservation: Acharya Vidyasagar Ji Maharaj's contribution towards preserving the cultural heritage of Jainism and his literary works demonstrate the importance of cultural preservation. Humility and simplicity: His humble and simple lifestyle as a Digambara monk and his acceptance of what was given to him as a child emphasize the virtues of humility and simplicity. Multilingual proficiency: His proficiency in various languages, including Sanskrit, Prakrit, Hindi, and Kannada, highlights the importance of learning different languages to broaden our perspectives and understanding.

Thank you!