संस्कृत भाषा का अदुष्य-वैदुष्य : संदर्भ आचार्यश्री महाप्रज्ञ

Summary

Acharya Shri Mahapragya, initially known as Muni Nathmalji, faced difficulty learning Sanskrit early in his monastic life. His guru, Muni Tulsi, once questioned whether he would ever learn the language. However, Acharya Shri Mahapragya later achieved remarkable mastery, composing one hundred Sanskrit verses in a single day. He also delivered extemporaneous speeches and composed spontaneous poetry in Sanskrit, a significant intellectual achievement. His scholarly prowess was demonstrated at the All India Sanskrit Literature Conference in Varanasi in Vikram Samvat 2005. His research paper on "Sanskrit and Indian Culture" and his poetic compositions were presented. His work, including verses on the theme of a child being bound in a lake, deeply impressed the assembled scholars. They proposed awarding him the top prize, but it was declined as per his monastic vow of non-possession. This incident highlighted the ascetic discipline of Jain monks. Acharya Shri Mahapragya memorized numerous Sanskrit texts early in his life, including the Bhaktamara Stotra, Siddhanta Chandrika, and parts of Hemashabdanushasanam. He believed memorized knowledge holds unique value, being readily accessible anytime. On another occasion in Pune in 1955, he was challenged to compose spontaneous poetry in the difficult Sragdhara meter on the subject of a clock. Despite the difficulty, he immediately composed four verses, demonstrating his intellectual agility and deep command of Sanskrit. His dedication to Sanskrit scholarship is considered a source of great pride for the Terapanth order.