Yashovijaysuri

Bhaktiyogacharya Yashovijay Suri (born 1946) is a contemporary Jain monk of the Śvetāmbara tradition in India. He is an acharya (senior monastic leader) known for his emphasis on devotional practice (bhakti), meditation, and disciplined ascetic conduct within Jain monastic life. He should not be confused with Upādhyāya Yaśovijayjī (1624–1688), the Jain philosopher and logician.

Early life Yashovijay Suri was born on 1 March 1946 in Zinzuwada, in present-day Gujarat, into a religiously observant Jain family. His birth name was Yashwantbhai. From an early age, he displayed interest in religious study, discipline, and meditative practices. Contemporary Jain biographical literature describes his childhood disposition as marked by devotion, study, and inclination toward ascetic life.

Monastic initiation He received Jain monastic initiation (dīkṣā) at a young age in Zinzuwada, becoming a disciple of Acharya Omkarsuri. Following initiation in the monastic lineage of Acharya Sthulibhadra, Acharya Jagatchandrasuri, Acharya Hiravijaya, through Acharya Siddhisuri known as "Baapji Maharaj" and he adopted the monastic name Yashovijayji. His early monastic training involved systematic study of Jain scriptures, disciplined observance of monastic conduct (ācāra), and sustained engagement in meditation and scriptural reflection.

In September 2024, the official website of the Governor of Maharashtra listed him among Jain religious leaders present at a Jain Sangh Rath Yatra held in Mumbai, indicating his participation in public religious events of state-level visibility.

Family and monastic lineage According to Jain biographical sources, several members of Yashovijay Suri's family later adopted monastic life. His father became a Jain monk known as Muniraj Jinachandravijayji, while his mother entered the monastic order as Sadhvi Kalpalatashriji. His brothers are also described as having taken monastic vows and engaging in scriptural study and religious practice. Meditation: A Journey Within (English translation). Dhyan ane Kayotsarga (Gujarati). Shakrastav Paramno Shakshaatkaar (Gujarati).