Draft:Ba. Br. Itihasratnakar Adhyatmaratna Basant Ji Maharaj

Full Name: Ba. Br. Itihasratnakar Adhyatmaratna Basant Ji Maharaj Born: 05/2/1963 Education: Eleventh grade, Bareilly; Sanskrit education, Bina, District Sagar, Madhya Pradesh Language : Prakrit, Sanskrit, Hindi, English, Marathi Occupation: Spiritual leader, author, educator Known For: Reviving Taran Panth Jain tradition, spreading spirituality, promoting vegetarianism, and authoring several religious texts

early Life and Education

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Basant Ji Maharaj was born with a strong inclination toward religion and spirituality. He completed his initial education in the eleventh grade with a focus on biology in Bareilly, Madhya Pradesh, with aspirations to become a doctor. However, an incident during a biology dissection class, where he was unable to bear the suffering of a frog, changed the course of his life. On the same day, a discourse on non-violence by Shri Pandit Roshanlal Ji inspired him to abandon his medical studies and pursue the path of spirituality.

Basant Ji Maharaj received his Sanskrit education from Grammar Scholar Goswami Shri Jankiprasad Ji Shastri in Bina, District Sagar, Madhya Pradesh. His knowledge of multiple languages, including Prakrit, Sanskrit, Hindi, English, and Marathi, has enabled him to reach a diverse audience.

Initiation and Spiritual Journey

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At the age of 16, in 1680, Basant Ji Maharaj took the vow of celibacy. His spiritual journey deepened when he received the Seventh Precept Initiation on February 3, 1687 (Basant Panchami) and later the Eighth Precept on January 7, 1666, at Ganj Basoda. He was initiated by his Guru, the revered Spiritual Gem Pujya Shri Gyananand Ji Maharaj, at Shri Atishay Teerth Kshetra Semarkhedi Ji.

Since his initiation, Basant Ji Maharaj has traveled extensively across India, conducting spiritual gatherings and religious camps aimed at spiritual enlightenment, meditation, children's education, and public awareness. == Contributions to Literature and Spirituality == Basant Ji Maharaj has made significant contributions to the spiritual and literary world. He has authored and edited numerous works, providing a deep understanding of Jain teachings and philosophy. Some of his major literary works include: Taran Panth Introduction Dev, Guru, Shastra Worship Chintan Vaibhav Barah Bhavana (Twelve Reflections) Adhyatma Aradhana (Spiritual Worship) Gyan Deepika (Volumes 1, 2, 3) Om Namah Siddham (Comprehensive research work) He has also written commentaries on the Three Battisi Texts by Acharya Shri Jin Taran Swami in Hindi and Marathi. His literary works aim to preserve and promote the core values of Jainism.

pecial Projects

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From 2015 to 2017, Basant Ji Maharaj led a massive project titled "Taran Taran Amnaya: History and Philosophy", a six-volume work detailing the history of Jain temples, communities, and families across India. This monumental project has preserved the history of the Taran Panth and provided a comprehensive pictorial record of Jain temples and traditions.

Promotion of Vegetarianism and Interfaith Harmony

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Basant Ji Maharaj is known for his efforts in promoting vegetarianism and interfaith harmony. In 2003, Ahimsa International, Delhi, awarded him the Bhagwandas Shobhalal Vegetarian Award for his advocacy of a vegetarian lifestyle. His discourses on non-violence, compassion, and ethical living have brought together people from diverse communities, fostering inter-religious harmony.

Awards and Recognitions Basant Ji Maharaj has been honored with several prestigious awards for his contributions to spirituality and social service, including:

Adhyatma Ratna (Spiritual Jewel): Awarded by the Sakal Taran Taran Digambar Jain Society of Pipariya and the entire town of Pipariya in 1995 for his significant impact during his Chaturmas stay. Dharma Samvardhan Award (2004): Presented by Bal Brahmachari Mii Kaushalya Ji of Shri Rishabhanchal Institute, Ghaziabad, Delhi, for organizing spiritual programs. Itihas Ratnakar (Gem of History) (2017): Awarded by the All India Taran Taran Digambar Jain Mahasabha Trust during the release of the "Taran Taran Amnaya: History and Philosophy" in Amarwara, District Chhindwara, Madhya Pradesh.

Spiritual Campaigns

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Under the direction of his Guru, Shri Gyananand Ji Maharaj, Basant Ji Maharaj led a nationwide spiritual flag propagation campaign in 1686. This campaign, alongside Brahmachari Sahajanand Ji and others, ignited a spiritual flame across the country, spreading the message of non-violence, compassion, and Jain values.

Musical Contributions

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Basant Ji Maharaj’s hymns and devotional music, based on the spiritual compositions of Acharya Shri Taran Swami, have touched the hearts of countless followers. His melodious recitations and bhajans have enhanced the spiritual experience for both Jain and non-Jain communities alike.

Legacy and Impact

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Basant Ji Maharaj has left a lasting legacy in the Jain community and beyond. His teachings on humanity, interfaith harmony, environmental awareness, and the promotion of vegetarianism have had a transformative effect on his followers. His dedication to preserving the spiritual heritage of the Taran Panth has revitalized the sect and inspired new generations of practitioners.

Conclusion

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Ba. Br. Itihasratnakar Adhyatmaratna Basant Ji Maharaj's contributions to spirituality, literature, and social service have made him a towering figure in the Jain community. His work has been recognized through numerous awards, and his teachings continue to inspire people toward a more ethical, compassionate, and spiritually enriched life. He is truly deserving of a Padma award for his lifelong dedication to the betterment of humanity.





References

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https://www.youtube.com/@jaitarantaran