Acharya Hastimalji Ke Sahitya Me Sadhna Ka Swarup

This document is a summary of the concept of "Sadhana" (spiritual practice or discipline) as presented in the literature of Acharya Hastimalji M.S. The author, Keshrikishor Nalvaya, highlights key ideas from Acharya Hastimalji's works, particularly "Prarthana Pravachan" (Discourses on Prayer) and "Gajendra Vyakhyanmala" (Gajendra Lecture Series).

Here's a breakdown of the core concepts discussed:

• The Goal of Sadhana: Union with the Supreme Soul: Acharya Hastimalji posits that the soul is inherently similar to the Supreme Soul (Paramatma). When an individual, after seeking peace in worldly pleasures and possessions and finding disappointment, turns away from them, they naturally gravitate towards the nature of the Supreme Soul. It is in this union that true peace and rest are found. The soul, tired from an endless cycle of birth and death due to its ignorance of its true nature, seeks this ultimate repose. When the soul, through meditation and contemplation of the Supreme Soul, remembers its own pure, detached (Vitaraag) nature, its inherent "mukulita" (a state of being veiled or unclear) dissolves.

• The Nature of the Soul and the Supreme Soul: The soul is described as incomplete, driven by desires and longings, whereas the Supreme Soul is complete. This incompleteness creates a thirst and a yearning, leading to prayer. The soul is naturally drawn to completeness.

• Obstacles to Sadhana and Their Removal: Acharya Hastimalji uses the analogy of a mirror to explain the hindrances to spiritual progress.

  • Dirt/Tarnish: Even a thin cloth on a clean mirror obstructs its shine. Similarly, impurities prevent the soul from reflecting its true radiance.
  • Incorrect Positioning: If the mirror is placed upside down, it cannot reflect. This signifies a deviation from the right path or understanding.
  • Instability: A moving or unstable mirror cannot properly reflect rays of light. This represents a lack of mental stillness and focus in spiritual practice. Acharya Hastimalji emphasizes that as long as the mirror (soul) has instability, impurity, or covering, it cannot properly receive the "sun's rays" (divine illumination). The mirror must be polished (cleansed) to reveal its brilliance.

• Means of Achieving Union: The text identifies several practices as means to achieve oneness with the Vitaraag (detached) form:

  • Prayer (Prarthana)
  • Contemplation (Chintan)
  • Meditation (Dhyan)
  • Self-study (Swadhyay)
  • Association with the virtuous (Satsang)
  • Self-control (Sanyam) By embracing these practices, the inherent light of the soul will certainly manifest.

• The Two Primary Causes of the Soul's Fall:

  • Ego ("Aham" - I am): The belief in a separate self.
  • Possessiveness ("Mamkar" - Mine): The attachment to things as belonging to oneself. Acharya Hastimalji illustrates this with the metaphor of a boat. The soul is a boat capable of navigating and rescuing others. However, if there's a hole in the boat caused by "desire" or "craving" (chahna ya kamna), water (karma) enters, filling the boat and causing it to sink.

• The Importance of Detachment and Equanimity: True happiness cannot be attained without cutting the vine of desire and cultivating equanimity (Samabhav). The mind is described as being like water, both having a natural tendency to move downwards. Attachment is linked to affection and attraction, while hatred is coupled with ego. Therefore, relinquishing possessiveness is key to overcoming suffering. One should live with the understanding that "things are not mine; they are merely in my care."

• Specific Guidelines for Sadhana: The text outlines further practical advice:

  1. Do not be attached to material possessions.
  2. Purity of thought is essential for Sadhana.
  3. It is joyful to practice renunciation while one has the strength.
  4. Renounce attachment (Raag) with a mindset of knowledge (Gyaan bhaav).
  5. Wealth is external; your duty is merely to guard it.
  6. Control the mind and senses.
  7. Embrace a monastic path (Angar Dharma) by gradually moving away from worldly attachments (Aagar Dharma).
  8. Attachment (Raag) is the cause of bondage, while non-attachment (Viraag) is the cause of liberation.

• Sadhana is Primarily About Austerity (Tapa): Austerity is the core of Sadhana. It involves contemplation, which is aided by self-study. Austerity is the practice of reducing attachment and must be accompanied by discernment (Vivek). For spiritual Sadhana, it is crucial for the practitioner to be resolutely determined, renounce envy, and maintain right faith (Samyak Dristi).

The document concludes with a devotional poem attributed to Acharya Ratan Chandji M.S., emphasizing the transient nature of the physical body, the folly of worldly pride, the sweetness of true knowledge over worldly desires, the inevitability of time's passage, and the ultimate refuge found in the grace of a true guru.