Adhyatma Sandesh

Here is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Adhyatma Sandesh" by Kanjiswami, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Adhyatma Sandesh Author: Kanjiswami Publisher: Shri Di. Jain Swadhyay Mandir Trust, Songadh Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/008202/1

Overview:

"Adhyatma Sandesh" (Spiritual Message) is a compilation of discourses by the esteemed Digambar Jain ascetic, Pujya Shri Kanjiswami. These discourses are based on three significant philosophical letters or treatises written by revered Jain scholars Pandit Todarmalji and Pandit Banarasidasji. The book delves deep into the essence of Jain spirituality, focusing on self-realization, right faith (Samyaktva), and the path to liberation.

Key Components and Themes:

The book is structured around Kanjiswami's discourses on three seminal works:

1. Pandit Todarmalji's "Rahasya Purna Chhithi" (Mysterious Letter): This section, covering pages 1 to 96, primarily discusses the concepts of Samyaktva (Right Faith) and Svaanubhava (Self-Experience). Kanjiswami elaborates on Pandit Todarmalji's intricate philosophical discussions regarding:

   • The nature of Samyaktva: It is explained that true Samyaktva originates from the correct understanding and conviction of self and non-self (Sva-Para Vivek). This conviction, particularly the belief in the pure soul as the true self, is considered intrinsic to Samyaktva, whether in a savikalpa (with thoughts) or nirvikalpa (without thoughts) state.
   • The path to Svaanubhava: Kanjiswami emphasizes that self-experience is not merely intellectual knowledge but a direct, intuitive perception of the soul's true nature. This experience is described as atindriya (beyond the senses) and is the ultimate goal.
   • The role of Miti-Shrut Gyan: The discourses highlight that even ordinary knowledge (Miti-Shrut Gyan), when directed inwards towards the soul, can become a path to self-experience. While it may be indirect compared to Kevala Gyan, its internal focus makes it a direct experience of the soul's essence.
   • The distinction between Svaanubhava and external practices: The discourses stress that true spiritual practice lies in internal contemplation and experience, not mere external rituals or actions.
   • The nature of Svaanubhava: It is described as a state of profound bliss, beyond ordinary sensory pleasure, attained through introspection and detachment from worldly desires.
   • The concept of "Subh" (Auspicious) and "Ashubh" (Inauspicious) activities: While not the ultimate goal, auspicious activities are seen as a stepping stone, leading towards greater detachment and the potential for self-realization. However, attachment to these auspicious states themselves can hinder ultimate liberation.
   • The gradual progression of spiritual development: The discourses touch upon the stages of spiritual progress (Gunasthans) and how the understanding and experience of the soul evolve through these stages.

2. Pandit Banarasidasji's "Parmarth Vanika" (Discourse on Ultimate Truth): This section, covering pages 97 to 170, delves into the fundamental principles of Jain philosophy, the nature of reality, and the path to liberation. Kanjiswami expounds on:

   • The nature of Soul (Jiva) and Matter (Pudgal): The book begins by establishing the distinct realities of soul and matter, each with its own unique attributes and transformations. It emphasizes the soul's inherent purity and its eternal existence, distinct from the physical body and karmic matter.
   • The concept of Upadan and Nimitta (Material Cause and Instrumental Cause): A significant portion is dedicated to explaining the principle of independent causality. The soul's transformation is primarily driven by its own intrinsic nature (Upadan), while external factors (Nimitta) play a secondary, facilitating role without directly causing the change. This highlights the soul's autonomy in its spiritual journey.
   • The three states of the soul: The discourses explain the soul's journey through three main states: impurity (Ashuddh), a mixture of purity and impurity (Mishra), and complete purity (Shuddh). These correspond to different stages of spiritual development.
   • The distinction between Agam and Adhyatma: The text differentiates between 'Agam' (conventional or ritualistic path, often involving external actions and adherence to scriptures) and 'Adhyatma' (the direct path of self-experience and introspection). While Agam has its place, Adhyatma is presented as the direct means to liberation. Agam is often associated with the cycle of worldly existence (bandha), while Adhyatma leads to liberation (moksha).
   • The path to Moksha: The discourses consistently point towards self-reliance and introspection as the key to liberation. The soul's own inherent nature and potential are the true source of spiritual progress.

3. Pandit Banarasidasji's "Upadan-Nimitta ni Chhithi" (Letter on Material and Instrumental Cause): This final section, from page 171 onwards, further explores the concept of causality, specifically focusing on Upadan (Material Cause) and Nimitta (Instrumental Cause). The key takeaways are:

   • The Self-Sufficient Nature of the Soul: The discussions reinforce the idea that the soul's inherent nature (Upadan) is the primary driver of its state, whether pure or impure. External factors (Nimitta) are merely circumstantial and do not dictate the soul's ultimate destiny.
   • The Independence of Qualities: Using the example of knowledge (Gyan) and conduct (Charitra), the discourses illustrate that even within the same soul, different qualities operate independently. This underscores the inherent autonomy of each aspect of the soul.
   • Causality in Jainism: The text clarifies that while external factors might appear to be causes, true causality for spiritual transformation lies within the soul's own potential and disposition (Upadan). The emphasis is on self-effort and the soul's intrinsic capacity for purification and liberation.
   • The Importance of Self-Realization: The ultimate goal is to realize the soul's inherent purity and self-sufficiency, independent of any external factors. This internal realization is the true path to Moksha.

Overall Message:

Pujya Shri Kanjiswami, through his profound discourses, aims to awaken the spiritual seeker's consciousness towards the inherent divinity and self-sufficiency of the soul. The book emphasizes that liberation is not dependent on external conditions or actions, but on the internal realization and cultivation of one's own pure, conscious, and blissful nature. The teachings encourage a deep study of the soul (Adhyatma) and living by its principles, leading to ultimate freedom and peace. The discourses, rooted in the wisdom of ancient Jain scholars, provide a clear and insightful path for spiritual seekers.