Anand Pravachan Part 07

This document is the seventh volume of "Anand Pravachan" (Discourses of Anand), a collection of sermons by Acharya Shri Anandrishi, compiled and edited by Kamla Jain. Published by Shri Ratna Jain Pustakalaya, this volume focuses on twenty-six discourses by Acharya Shri Anandrishi, with a particular emphasis on the twenty-two types of "Parishaha" (endurances) in Jainism.

The book is dedicated to the 25th Nirvana anniversary of Lord Mahavir. The editor, Kamla Jain, expresses her gratitude for the opportunity to compile these discourses and for the positive reception of previous volumes. The preface highlights the importance of human beings and their intellectual capacity, while also lamenting the imbalance created by scientific advancement without spiritual progress, leading to societal issues and a lack of empathy.

The content of this volume, as indicated by the index, covers various spiritual and ethical topics relevant to Jain philosophy and practice, including:

• Overcoming "Prajna Parishaha" (Hardship of Intellect/Wisdom): This discourse delves into the challenges related to wisdom and intellect, emphasizing the importance of humility and the correct understanding of knowledge. It discusses how pride in knowledge can lead to "ashrava" (influx of karmas) and how to overcome the hardship of not attaining knowledge.
• The Nature of Karma ("Gahana Karmano Gatih"): This section explores the profound and intricate workings of karma, explaining how actions in this life can lead to different life forms and experiences in future births, illustrating this with the story of Nandan Manihaar.
• Truth and Falsehood ("Satya te Asatya Dise"): This discourse addresses the difficulty of discerning truth from falsehood and the consequences of being misled by ignorance.
• The Value of Dharma ("Dharmacharana Nirarthaka Nahi Jata"): This section reassures that righteous conduct in accordance with Dharma is never in vain and will yield positive results.
• Faith and Purification ("Shraddha Pap-Promochini"): This discourse highlights how faith can purify individuals from sins and negative karmas.
• Spiritual Celebrations ("Adhyatmik Dashahra Manao!"): This section likely connects the festival of Dussehra with inner spiritual victory over vices like anger, pride, deceit, and greed, personified by Ravana.
• The True Nature of the World ("Ih-lok Mitha, Paralok Kone Disha"): This discourse likely discusses the impermanence of worldly pleasures and the importance of understanding the reality of the afterlife.
• Accountability for Actions ("Apradhi ko Alpakaal ke Liye Bhi Chutkara Nahi Hota"): This section emphasizes that no one escapes the consequences of their actions, even for a short period.
• True Witness ("Sacchi Gavahee Kiski"): This likely refers to understanding the true witness within oneself, the soul, and not relying on external or material evidence.
• The Right Time for Action ("Ka Varsha Jab Krishi Sukhani"): This proverb suggests the importance of acting at the opportune moment, comparing it to sowing seeds when the soil is ready for rain.
• The True Meaning of Renunciation ("Jaae Sadhaye Nikkhante"): This likely discusses the essence of true renunciation beyond mere outward appearances.
• The Uncertainty of Life ("Saman Sau Baras Ka, Kal Ki Khabar Nahi"): This proverb highlights the unpredictability of life and the need to be prepared for the future.
• The Outcome of Actions ("Sab Tukur-Tukur Herenge"): This likely refers to the inevitability of seeing the results of one's actions, either positive or negative.
• The Reality of the World ("Sansar Ka Sachcha Swarup"): This discourse likely explores the transient and impermanent nature of worldly existence.
• Self-Realization ("Egoham Nathi Me Koi"): This likely touches upon the Jain concept of "Anekantavada" (non-absolutism) and the understanding of the self as distinct from possessions or relationships.
• Uniqueness of the Self ("Apna Roop Anokha"): This discourse might focus on the inherent purity and uniqueness of the soul.
• The Soul's Journey ("Hans Ka Jeevit Karagar"): This metaphor likely describes the soul trapped within the body and the cycle of birth and death.
• Rooting Out Karmas ("Kar Aasrav Ko Nirmul"): This section focuses on the Jain path of stopping the influx of karmas.
• Austerity and Liberation ("Samvar Atma Swarup Hai"): This highlights the practice of austerities (Samvar) as the path to self-realization and freedom from karmas.
• The Path to Salvation ("Kar Karma-Nirjara Paya Moksha Thikana"): This discourse likely explains how through the process of karma-eradication (Nirjara), one can attain liberation (Moksha).
• Understanding the World ("Socho Lok Swarup Ko"): This emphasizes the importance of comprehending the nature of the universe and the cycle of existence.
• Reliance on Dharma ("He Dharma! Tu Hi Jag Ka Sahara"): This highlights Dharma as the ultimate refuge and support in life.
• Spiritual Vigilance ("Ungho Mat Panthijan!"): This is a call to remain spiritually alert and aware.
• Discernment ("Sunkar Sab Kuch Janiye"): This emphasizes the importance of listening to teachings and discerning the truth.
• The Goal of Liberation ("Moksha Garh Jeetva Ko"): This discourse likely focuses on the ultimate aim of achieving liberation from the cycle of birth and death.
• Worship of the Sangha ("Sanghasya Pooja Vidhih"): This section explains the significance of venerating the Jain monastic community (Sangha).
• Forgiveness as a Virtue ("Kshama Virasya Bhushanam"): This emphasizes forgiveness as a noble quality.
• Self-Knowledge ("Are, Jeev Jauhari! Jawahir Parakh Le!"): This is an exhortation for the soul to recognize its own inherent qualities like a jeweller recognizing precious gems.
• The Post-Meal Ritual ("Pakwan ke Pashchat Pan"): This likely refers to post-meal practices or reflections.

The volume includes a list of donors who contributed to its publication, reflecting community support for the dissemination of Jain teachings. The editor's note and the introduction provide context and highlight the philosophical depth of Acharya Anandrishi's teachings, particularly his ability to explain complex spiritual concepts in an accessible manner. The specific discourse on "Prajna Parishaha" discusses the spiritual challenges related to intellect, emphasizing the need for humility and equanimity in both having and lacking knowledge. It further differentiates between worldly and spiritual knowledge, stressing the importance of the latter for liberation. The discourse on "Karma" highlights its intricate nature and long-lasting effects, using the story of Nandan Manihaar as an example. The book aims to guide readers towards spiritual enlightenment and ethical living through the principles of Jainism.