Buddhisagarsuri


Buddhisagarsuri was a Jain ascetic, philosopher and author of the early 20th century.

Life

Buddhisagarsuri was born as Bechardas Patel in Hindu family of Shivabhai and Ambaben in 1874 at Vijapur in north Gujarat. He studied up to sixth standard. He met Muni Ravisagar, a Jain monk, and became his disciple. He studied at Yashovijay Sanskrit Pathshala in Mehsana, a school for religious studies. He took job of religious teacher in Ajol near Mehsana. Upon death of Ravisagar in 1898, his spiritual quest intensified. Ravisagar's disciple, Sukhsagar initiated him as a Jain monk in 1901. He was given a new name, Muni Buddhisagar. He was conferred with informal title of Yog-nishtha, firm in Yoga. He was elevated to title of Acharya in 1914 in Mansa. He established Mahudi Jain temple in 1917. He was invited by royals of Baroda, Idar, Pethapur to preach there. He died at Vijapur in 1925. Vijapur Jain Temple and memorial shrine were built where Buddhisagar suri was later cremated.

Works

He wrote more than hundred books. His first book was Jain Dharma Khristi Dharma no Mukablo, a comparison between Jainism and Christianity. He criticised Christianity and its missionary activities in Gujarat.
He was involved in debates regarding icon worship during those time. He defended it and authored a booklet Jain Sutro ma Murtipuja. He termed icons as a form of love and devotion.

Selected works