Abhamandal - Book Summary | JainGPT

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Abhamandal" by Mahapragna Acharya, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Abhamandal Author: Mahapragna Acharya Publisher: Anekant Bharati Prakashan

Core Concept: The Aura (Abhamandal) and its Significance

The book "Abhamandal" by Acharya Mahapragna explores the concept of the aura, referred to as "Abhamandal" in Gujarati. The aura is described as a halo or a ring of light surrounding the body, like a fine network of subtle waves or a cluster of fine cotton fibers, extending in all directions. This aura is not static; it changes and fluctuates based on one's inner state, emotions, and thoughts, reflecting the quality of one's "Bhavdhara" (flow of consciousness or mental state).

Key Themes and Insights:

Aura as a Reflection of Inner State: The aura's form and nature are directly influenced by one's "Bhavdhara" (mental and emotional state, also referred to as "Leshya"). Purity, impurity, contraction, and expansion are all reflected in the aura. Studying the aura allows for understanding changes in consciousness and events occurring at the physical and mental levels. Since events in the gross body first occur in the subtle body, their reflection on the aura can help predict future occurrences, including health, disease, and even death.
Leshya and Aura Manipulation: The text emphasizes that the aura changes according to "Leshya" (the mental and emotional state). Crucially, by manipulating the aura through practices like "Leshya-dhyan" (meditation on states/colors), one can also alter their "Bhavdhara." This highlights the importance of "Leshya-dhyan" or "color meditation" for self-transformation.
Mind-Body-Consciousness Connection: The book details the deep connection between the body, mind, and consciousness ("Chitta"). The body is a physical entity, the mind is a subtler physical structure, and consciousness ("Chitta") is a non-physical level of awareness that functions with the body and mind. The mind's fluctuations, influenced by subtle atoms of color, smell, taste, and touch, impact consciousness. The brain is identified as the primary center for mental activity, connected to the inner world of awareness and the outer world through the aura.
The Aura and Predictive Power: Studying the aura is presented as a means to gain insight into future events. Predictions can be made about health, illness, life, and death by observing and understanding the aura.
The Role of Bhavdhara (Leshya) in Action: One's mental state ("Bhavdhara") influences their physical posture, expressions, gestures, and movements. For instance, a person in a state of anger is more likely to act angrily, while someone in a state of forgiveness finds it easier to embrace forgiving thoughts. This further underscores the significance of "Leshya-dhyan."
The Multidimensional Nature of Personality: The text delves into the concept of a multifaceted personality, suggesting that a person is not a single entity but has multiple "chittas" (mental states or consciousness centers). This multiplicity leads to a constantly changing personality, making it difficult to recognize the same person at different times of the day, much like the changing moods of the ocean.
The Inner World and Outer Manifestation: The book explains that internal thoughts and emotions manifest externally. Negative thoughts affect muscles and lead to negative actions. The breath can become a vehicle for negative thoughts and actions. Therefore, awareness of the breath and body is crucial for controlling these manifestations.
The Interplay of Sanklesha and Asanklesha: A central theme is the presence of two major "oceans" within: the ocean of "Sanklesha" (impurities, negative tendencies) and the ocean of "Asanklesha" (purity, positive tendencies). These oceans continuously emit streams of energy. The "Sanklesha" stream, even without conscious desire, fills the mind with negative thoughts and actions. The "Asanklesha" stream leads to positive thoughts and actions, regardless of conscious desire.
Responsibility and Control: While internal "flows" compel actions, the individual is ultimately responsible for opening or closing the "doors" to these flows. The "self" controls these doors. The ability to discriminate between positive and negative flows is crucial.
The Importance of Practices for Self-Transformation: The book highlights the utility of "Leshya-dhyan" and similar practices for transforming one's nature. It connects these practices to the control of desires, the purification of the mind, and the development of positive traits.
The Three Pillars of Transformation: The text identifies three essential practices for self-transformation:
- Kāyotsarga (Body Observation/Relaxation): This is seen as the first step, involving physical relaxation and awareness.
- Anupreksha (Self-Analysis/Introspection): Analyzing one's thoughts, emotions, and habits is crucial.
- Vivek (Discrimination): Developing the ability to discriminate between right and wrong, positive and negative.
- Dhyana (Meditation): Focusing attention on specific centers, like the "Darshan Kendra" (center of vision/insight), is vital for internal change.
- Sharan (Taking Refuge): This involves seeking refuge in higher consciousness or the self's inherent power.
- Bhavna (Cultivation of Positive Thoughts): Actively cultivating positive mental states is essential.
The Subtle Body and its Connection to the Gross Body: The text discusses the structure of personality, linking the soul ("Atma") with the body. It describes how "Adhyavasa" (consciousness/attitude) connects to the subtle and ultra-subtle bodies, influencing the "Leshya-tantra" (system of emotional states) and "Color Granthis" (color-related energetic knots). The "Kriya-tantra" (action system) of mind, speech, and body is influenced by these subtle systems, leading to the manifestation of colors in the "Taijasa Sharira" (subtle body of light).
The Role of Colors (Leshya) in Personality: Colors are presented as a manifestation of different emotional and mental states. Krishna (black), Neel (blue), and Kapot (dove-colored) "Leshya" are associated with negative states, while Tejo (red), Padma (yellow), and Shukla (white) "Leshya" are linked to positive states and spiritual growth. The book suggests that by engaging in color meditation, one can transform their personality.
The Importance of Self-Control and Purity: The text stresses the necessity of self-control and inner purity ("Atma-shuddhi"). Self-control is seen as a means to achieve self-purity, which is the ultimate goal. Practices like fasting ("Upvas"), physical discipline ("Kayotsarga"), and introspection are highlighted for their role in achieving self-control and purity.
The Ultimate Goal: Self-Realization and Liberation: The underlying aim of these practices is to achieve self-realization, understand one's true existence, and ultimately attain liberation ("Nirvana").

In essence, "Abhamandal" provides a framework for understanding the subtle energetic field surrounding the body and its direct correlation with one's inner state. It offers practical guidance through various meditative and yogic practices to purify these states, transform the aura, and ultimately achieve spiritual growth and well-being.