Adhyatma Upnishat

The provided text is a Gujarati translation and commentary of the Adhyatma Upanishat, attributed to Muni Kirtisenvijay, published by Gyandipak Prakashan Mandir. The book is dedicated to Acharya Bhagwant Shri Vijay Jinendrasurishwarji Maharaj.

Here's a comprehensive summary of the text based on the provided pages:

Overall Purpose and Context:

The book is presented as a treasure of spiritual wisdom from Jain scriptures. It aims to guide souls towards spiritual realization through reading, contemplation, and meditation. The "Adhyatma Upanishat" is highlighted as an important work that delves into both philosophical knowledge and the profound mysteries of spirituality. The translation and commentary are an effort to make this profound text more accessible, as it was previously not widely available with detailed explanations.

Key Themes and Structure:

The text is structured into four main sections, or "Adhikars":

1. Shastra Yoga Shuddhi Adhikar (शास्त्रयोग शुद्धि अधिकार - Science/Scripture Yoga Purity Section):

   • This section begins with invocations and a definition of "Adhyatma" (spirituality).
   • It delves into the different ways words derive their meaning, including Rudhi (conventional meaning), Yaugik (meaning derived from roots/affixes), Yogrudhi (meaning that is both conventional and derived), and Yaugik Rudh (words with dual meanings).
   • It then discusses the seven Nayas (perspectives) in Jain philosophy: Naigam (part-based view), Sangrah (collective view), Vyavahar (practical/conventional view), Rujusutra (present-moment view), Shabd (word-based understanding), Samabhirudh (refined word meaning), and Evambhuta (state-dependent meaning).
   • The text emphasizes that true understanding comes from synthesizing these perspectives, particularly Vyavahar and Rujusutra.
   • It stresses the importance of Agam (scriptural authority) and Upapatti (reason/logic) for understanding transcendental realities. Scripture is seen as a guide, not a direct perceiver.
   • The text critiques the limitations of relying solely on intellect or logic for understanding spiritual truths, stating that true realization requires scriptural guidance and profound experience.
   • It highlights the importance of Vitarag (the liberated ones) teachings as the only true scripture, as they are free from attachment and aversion.
   • It discusses the concept of "Kash Shuddhi" (purity of examination/scrutiny) in scriptures, where valid scriptures are those that uphold principles of Vidhi (prescriptions) and Nishedh (prohibitions) for liberation, and are free from contradictions and flaws.
   • The text further elaborates on various forms of scriptural purity, including Chhed Shuddhi (purity of excision, meaning clear guidelines) and Tap Shuddhi (purity of process/scrutiny).
   • It explains how Anekanta (non-absolutism) is the essence of correct scripture, and how different philosophical schools, while having unique perspectives, can be reconciled within the framework of Anekanta.
   • The section concludes by defining the three types of knowledge: Shrut Gyan (scriptural knowledge), Chinta Gyan (contemplative knowledge), and Bhavana Gyan (realizational knowledge). It emphasizes that true spiritual progress comes from Bhavana Gyan.

2. Gyan Yoga Shuddhi Adhikar (ज्ञानयोग शुद्धि अधिकार - Knowledge Yoga Purity Section):

   • This section focuses on the practice of Gyan Yoga (the yoga of knowledge) as a path to liberation.
   • It explains that after following the path prescribed by scriptures, one should engage in Gyan Yoga for deeper realization.
   • It distinguishes between different types of knowledge and powers that arise from spiritual practice, like Pratibha Gyan.
   • The text highlights that scripture is a guide, but true understanding and liberation are achieved through direct experience and inner realization, going beyond mere scriptural knowledge.
   • It emphasizes the importance of turning inwards (Antarmukh) through knowledge to attain self-realization. The union of the perceiver (Atma) with knowledge is liberation, while identification with perceived objects is the cycle of rebirth.
   • The text describes how a liberated soul (Muni) sees the material world as an illusion, like a magic show, and remains detached.
   • It discusses the difference between the seeker's (Sadhak) approach of renouncing worldly pleasures and the realized soul's (Siddha) approach of knowing them as they are without attachment.
   • The nature of happiness and suffering is explained: anything dependent on others is suffering, while anything dependent on the self is happiness.
   • The bliss of self-realization is described as ineffable, beyond comparison with worldly pleasures.
   • The text emphasizes that the ultimate goal is to realize the self as pure consciousness, which is unchanging and blissful.
   • It highlights the importance of Samadhi (meditative absorption), distinguishing between Savikalp Samadhi (meditation with an object of focus) and Nirvikalp Samadhi (meditation without an object, focused on pure self).
   • The text stresses that true understanding of the Self is beyond description and intellect, attainable only through pure experience.
   • It advises that the path to self-realization begins with purifying the mind through virtues and then understanding the true nature of the Self.
   • The importance of contemplation and the gradual process of spiritual development is outlined.

3. Kriya Yoga Shuddhi Adhikar (क्रियायोग शुद्धि अधिकार - Action Yoga Purity Section):

   • This section focuses on the role of Kriya Yoga (the yoga of action) in conjunction with knowledge.
   • It states that the practices undertaken initially for knowledge become innate qualities of a realized soul.
   • The text emphasizes the importance of Yatna (effort) in practice, especially in the early stages, and how these practices become natural with time.
   • It discusses the concept of Sthitapragna (one with steady wisdom) and how their actions, though outwardly similar to ordinary people, are performed with detachment and inner equanimity.
   • The text refutes the idea that a realized person can act without restraint, emphasizing that their actions are guided by wisdom and scriptural principles, not by mere whim.
   • It highlights that Gyan (knowledge) and Kriya (action/practice) are both essential and complementary for liberation. One without the other is incomplete.
   • The text explains that while knowledge destroys ignorance, action is necessary to destroy accumulated karma.
   • It uses analogies to explain how karma is shed through righteous actions and how knowledge and action work together.
   • The text discusses the difference between the actions of a beginner and a realized soul, and how the latter's actions are free from attachment and ego.
   • It points out that the ultimate state of liberation is beyond both knowledge and action, but the path to it involves both.
   • The text concludes by emphasizing the necessity of both knowledge and action working in harmony for spiritual attainment, stating that neglecting either leads to spiritual downfall.

4. Samya Yoga Shuddhi Adhikar (साम्ययोग शुद्धि अधिकार - Equanimity Yoga Purity Section):

   • This section focuses on the importance of Samya Yoga (the yoga of equanimity) as the ultimate state.
   • It states that one who rides the chariot of knowledge and action with equanimity moves towards liberation without being affected by the adverses of the world.
   • The text describes a truly equanimous person as one who is fully aware of their own spiritual path but remains indifferent to the actions and shortcomings of others, acting as if deaf, blind, and mute to their faults.
   • This equanimity helps overcome worldly challenges like desires, aversions, and afflictions.
   • The text stresses that true happiness lies in equanimity, not in external pleasures.
   • It explains that when the illusion of the external world dissolves in the ocean of consciousness, one finds peace in the natural state of equanimity.
   • The text criticizes practices that are merely external or performed without inner equanimity, deeming them as mere imitations.
   • It highlights that true equanimity leads to the realization of the pure Self.
   • The section provides numerous examples of saints and spiritual figures who demonstrated immense equanimity in the face of adversity, illustrating the power of this state.
   • It concludes by stating that by understanding the profound influence of equanimity, one who cultivates it and is free from ignorance attains ultimate happiness and victory over inner enemies, achieving renown and spiritual progress.

In essence, the Adhyatma Upanishat, as presented in this Gujarati translation, is a profound guide to the Jain path of spiritual liberation. It meticulously details the interplay between scriptural understanding, inner knowledge, righteous action, and ultimately, the attainment of equanimity as the pinnacle of spiritual development.