Apurv Avsar - Book Summary | JainGPT

This document is a detailed summary and commentary on the Jain text "Apurva Avsar" by Vasantbhai Khokhani, published by Shrimad Rajchandra Gyanmandir Trust. The text, consisting of 21 verses (Gathas), is a guide to spiritual liberation and achieving the state of a "Nirgrantha" (one who is free from attachments and bonds).

Overall Structure and Purpose:

The book is structured as a series of "Swadhyays" (study sessions), each focusing on specific verses and concepts within "Apurva Avsar." The author, Vasantbhai Khokhani, aims to elucidate the path to spiritual attainment as described by Shrimad Rajchandra, emphasizing the progressive stages of spiritual development.

Key Themes and Concepts:

The Goal: Nirgrantha Pad and Siddha Pad: The central theme is the pursuit of "Nirgrantha Pad" (the state of being free from all worldly bonds and attachments) as a prerequisite for attaining "Siddha Pad" (the ultimate state of liberation). The text highlights that one cannot reach the final liberation (Siddha Pad) without first achieving the state of a Nirgrantha.
The "Apurva Avsar" (Unprecedented Opportunity): The title itself signifies a rare and unique chance for spiritual advancement. The book questions when this "Apurva Avsar" will come, defining it as the opportunity to become inwardly and outwardly free from all worldly possessions and relationships. It contrasts mundane opportunities (like birthdays or anniversaries) with this profound spiritual one.
Inner and Outer Freedom (Bahyantar Nirgrantha): The text elaborates on the meaning of "Nirgrantha," emphasizing the need for freedom from both external attachments (like possessions, wealth, family) and internal attachments (like anger, pride, deceit, greed, passions, negative thoughts). True Nirgrantha transcends both.
The Path of the Great Souls: The text repeatedly refers to the path trodden by enlightened beings like Tirthankaras, Kevalis, and saints. It stresses that following their footsteps is essential for liberation.
Stages of Spiritual Progress (Gunathana Arohan): The "Apurva Avsar" verses are presented as a progression through spiritual stages, from the initial desire for liberation to the ultimate state of Keval Gyan (omniscience) and Siddha Pad. The author maps out how the verses correspond to specific spiritual milestones.
Distinction between Nishchay (Ultimate Truth) and Vyavahar (Conventional Truth): The text emphasizes the importance of understanding both the ultimate reality (Nishchay) and the practical means to achieve it (Vyavahar). It criticizes the neglect of Vyavahar in the pursuit of Nishchay, calling it a great misunderstanding.
The Nature of Karma and Liberation: The book explains how karma binds the soul and how liberation is achieved through the destruction of karma. It touches upon the states of "Sanyogi Kevali" (omniscient with a body) and "Ayogi Kevali" (omniscient without a body), and the role of karma in these states.
The Importance of Bodh (Enlightenment) and Vitraagta (Non-attachment): The text stresses that true understanding (Bodh) leads to freedom from delusion (Darshan Moh). This, in turn, paves the way for conquering passions and desires (Charitra Moh) through detachment (Vairagya), indifference (Udasinata), and ultimately non-attachment (Vitaragta).
The Characteristics of a True Spiritual Seeker: The book describes the qualities of an aspirant, such as equanimity, detachment from the body, freedom from desires, the absence of the slightest attachment, and a mindset of seeing all beings with equanimity. It emphasizes the importance of virtuous conduct and devotion to the Tirthankaras and learned masters.
The Role of the Guru: The text highlights the indispensability of a true Guru (Sadguru) who can guide the seeker through the complex path of spiritual realization, especially in understanding the subtle nuances of Jain philosophy.
The "Apurva Avsar" as a Practical Guide: The commentary acts as a step-by-step guide, breaking down the profound concepts of "Apurva Avsar" into digestible parts, urging the reader to internalize each step and strive for the ultimate goal. It emphasizes that the verses are not mere literature but a practical roadmap for spiritual evolution, derived from personal experience and deep spiritual insight.

Commentary on Specific Verses (Swadhyays):

Swadhyay 1 (Gathas 1-3): Introduces the concept of "Apurva Avsar" and the desire to become a "Bahyantar Nirgrantha" (inner and outer free). It emphasizes the need to cut off all worldly attachments and follow the path of the great souls.
Swadhyay 2 (Gathas 4-6): Focuses on "Bhav Charitra" (inner conduct) of a Nirgrantha, emphasizing detachment from all states of existence, seeing the body as merely an instrument for restraint, and the absence of any dependence on external factors.
Swadhyay 3 (Gathas 7-9): Explains the "Dravya Charitra" (external conduct) of a Nirgrantha, detailing the qualities like controlling anger by being angry at one's own anger, manifesting humility in the face of pride, observing Maya (deceit) with detachment, and practicing non-attachment towards greed. It also covers the importance of equanimity in all circumstances, the absence of attachment even to the body, and freedom from worldly desires.
Swadhyay 4 (Gathas 10-12): Discusses the attainment of "Nirgrantha Pad" and the qualities of a perfected soul, including equanimity towards friends and foes, honor and dishonor, life and death, and even the pursuit of liberation itself. It highlights the importance of understanding the Tirthankara's teachings and the absence of arrogance.
Swadhyay 5 (Gathas 13-14): Details the "Nirgrantha Pad Shreni ka Arohan" (climbing the ladder of Nirgrantha Pad). It describes the spiritual journey, including the process of overcoming karma, reaching states like "Apura Karana" and "Kshapak Shreni," and the eventual attainment of omniscience.
Swadhyay 6 (Gathas 15-17): Focuses on the states of "Sanyogi Kevali" (omniscient with a body) and "Ayogi Kevali" (omniscient without a body). It explains the nature of the remaining karma (Ghati and Aghati) and how the soul attains absolute liberation (Moksha).
Swadhyay 7 (Gathas 18-19): Describes the "Siddha Pad ka Swaroop" (the nature of the Siddha state). It elaborates on the attributes of the liberated soul – pure, eternal, blissful, omniscient, and existing in its own true form, free from all worldly contamination.
Swadhyay 8 (Gathas 20-21): Concludes with the "Nishchay of Paramapad Prapti" (the determination to achieve the ultimate goal). It reiterates the unwavering resolve to attain liberation, the importance of following the Tirthankaras' teachings, and the need for true spiritual practice and devotion.

Overall Message:

"Apurva Avsar" is presented as a profound spiritual treatise that guides the seeker from the initial stages of spiritual longing to the ultimate state of liberation. It emphasizes self-realization, detachment, and unwavering devotion to the Tirthankaras' path. The commentary by Vasantbhai Khokhani makes these complex concepts accessible, urging readers to strive for this "Apurva Avsar" in their own lives.