Aakashganga

The book "Aakashganga" (which translates to "River of the Sky" or "Milky Way") is a collection of insightful thoughts and teachings compiled by Pujya Nyas Shri Muktichandravijayji Ganivar and Pujya Nyas Shri Munichandravijayji Ganivar. Published by Shri Shanti Jin Aradhak Mandal, Manfara, it aims to provide "thoughts of the sky" or "river of thoughts" for the purification of the mind, contrasting it with the earthly Ganga that cleanses the body.

The book emphasizes that while a person's feet are on the earth, their head is in the sky. If good thoughts arise in the mind, they become like a Ganga for that person. The text states that there is no other Ganga that can wash away sins like good thoughts. It presents numerous "thought points" that foster positive mental dispositions, intending for the reader to cultivate a "Ganga" within their mind, making themselves and those around them happy and pure.

The book was first published in 1992 (VS 2049) and the second edition in 2007 (VS 2063). It includes a foreword by Acharyadev Shrimad Vijaykalapurnasurishwarji M.S. and Acharyadev Shrimad Vijaykalaprabhsurishwarji M.S., and was released on June 24, 2007, during a Chaumasa event in Manfara.

The content is structured into various chapters, indicated by a table of contents that lists topics from "Shravak" (lay follower) and "Dharma-Shravan" (listening to Dharma) to concepts like "Karma," "Deva" (gods), "Narak" (hells), "Paap" (sins), "Tapas" (austerities), "Sanyam" (restraint), "Vani-Maun" (speech-silence), "Updesh" (preaching), and various virtues and vices. It delves into the nature of vows, conduct, devotion, meditation, contemplation, and the principles of Jainism, often illustrated with allegories, examples from scriptures, and philosophical insights.

The book appears to be a compendium of Jain philosophy, ethics, and practical guidance for spiritual living, presented in a structured and easily digestible format. Each section offers brief, aphoristic statements or short explanations on various aspects of spiritual practice and understanding.