Atm Vaibhav Ke Vikas Hetu Prarthana

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Atm Vaibhav ke Vikas Hetu Prarthana" by Dhanraj Chaudhary:

The book "Atm Vaibhav ke Vikas Hetu Prarthana" (Prayer for the Development of Self-Splendor) by Dr. Dhanraj Chaudhary is a detailed exploration of the concept and practice of prayer within the Jain tradition, drawing heavily on the teachings of Acharya Shri Hastimalji Maharaj Saheb.

The Need for a Practical Approach to Prayer:

Chaudhary begins by highlighting a scarcity of comprehensive books solely dedicated to prayer in spiritual literature. Existing writings are often found to be obscure, incomplete, and insufficient for the average seeker. He emphasizes that seekers need more than just initial inspiration; they require consistent "fuel" to maintain their practice and achieve desired spiritual growth. While various methods like sumiran (remembrance), jap (chanting), bhajan (devotional singing), and kirtan (congregational singing) are available for the soul to surrender itself, shed doubts, and overcome karma, Chaudhary argues for a more practical, "how-to" guide. He points out the abundance of books on writing applications and letters in consumer culture, contrasting this with the lack of a practical manual for prayer that acts like a "laboratory" for experimentation. He desires a transparent approach, akin to Jesus Christ's saying, "We do what we know and testify what we have seen," or the sentiment of "What is heard is not as good as what is seen."

The Teachings of Acharya Shri Hastimalji Maharaj Saheb:

The author then shifts to the profound influence of Acharya Shri Hastimalji Maharaj Saheb, whose discourse on prayer in March 1960, published as "Prarthana Pravachan," is the primary source of inspiration for this book. Sitting in Acharya Shri's presence is described as an awakening of the soul through extraordinary vibrations, and being taught by such a peaceful and profound guru is attributed to immense accumulated merit.

Defining Prayer:

Acharya Shri Maharaj Saheb defines prayer as "the methodical effort to rub the faculty of the mind with the Supreme Being." He contrasts this with the "rubbing" of our desires and worldly distractions, which continuously weaken us. He questions if our birth was meant solely for accumulating worldly clutter. The analogy of rubbing a flint against a matchbox versus a stone is used: the former produces a flame, while the latter diminishes its power. Similarly, when the mind's state interacts with the Supreme Being, it generates an infinite radiance that transcends time and space, unlike the fleeting nature of a match.

The Nature of the Supreme Being and the Goal of Prayer:

The text explains that the Supreme Being is the sajatiya (of the same nature) substance for the soul, while material objects are vijatiya (of a different nature) and akin to poison. Union with the sajatiya is natural and eternal. Therefore, the aim of prayer, according to Maharaj Saheb, is to "rub against the Supreme Being" who has shed the veils of ignorance and attachment, attained equanimity (vitaragata) and omniscience (sarvajñata), and possesses infinite knowledge, perception, strength, peace, and bliss. This "rubbing" is about igniting the inner light.

Overcoming Self-Doubt and the Role of Imperfection:

The text addresses the common struggle of seekers who, even after waking up spiritually, are paralyzed by guilt over their flaws like lust, anger, pride, greed, and delusion. They doubt how they can connect with the pure, enlightened state. Maharaj Saheb reassures them, stating that the very reason for praying is their impurity. If they were already pure, the need for prayer would not arise. This realization brings comfort and hope to the seeker.

The Practice of Prayer:

The core of prayer, as explained by Maharaj Saheb, is to immerse the mind in the vast form of the Supreme Being without any pretense or concealment. No specific ritual is necessary; the emphasis is on moving in harmony with the Supreme Being's nature. A verse illustrates this: "Cleanse the heart's abode, for the Beloved to arrive. Let go of thoughts of others, to seat the Beloved."

Avoiding Ego and the Importance of Inner Journey:

The text warns against ego-driven thoughts like being knowledgeable, a great practitioner, wealthy, or holding a position. Such pride acts like dampening the "flint," preventing the desired interaction with the Supreme Being. The teachings of Pipaji Maharaj are quoted, advocating for an inward journey, discarding external rituals. The true deity, the divine essence, and all creation reside within the body itself.

The Power of Prayer and Practical Guidance:

The chapter "The Wonderful Attraction of Prayer" is described as invigorating and energizing. Acharya Shri imparts a method for direct experience of spiritual heat. The text then delves into how to pray effectively, emphasizing the need for an inner cleansing, calming the mind, and bringing the senses under control. When making requests in prayer, the examples of Mantunga Acharya and Chandanbala Sati are given. The Bhaktamar Stotra, for instance, does not contain demands like "Save me" or "Break my chains." Instead, Chandanbala's prayer, when faced with the inability to accept alms, involved her own tears of sorrow, leading to divine intervention.

Rabindranath Tagore's poetry is cited, where the prayer is not to be saved from adversities but to be free from the fear of them, and to gain strength to conquer sorrow, not just receive solace. Another poem emphasizes the development and purification of the inner self.

Key Elements of Successful Prayer:

From "Prarthana Pravachan," the author quotes instructions for achieving successful prayer:

• Becoming so absorbed in the words that goosebumps arise.
• Experiencing exhilaration when praising the Lord's glory.
• Crying when opening the "box of one's faults."
• Forgetting time and place, reaching a state of complete absorption, oneness, and emotional fervor.

The Legacy of Acharya Shri Hastimalji Maharaj Saheb:

The author expresses that a complete mention of Acharya Shri's contributions would require extensive time and research. However, the core principles that emerge from his teachings, direct interactions, and writings are: remembering the Supreme Reality, considering scripture as a guide for self-study, and cultivating love like a fish loves water, a miser loves money, or a mother loves her child.

The essence of his teachings is also heard in the recitation of the Navkar Mantra, with his very being seemingly engaged in ajapa-jap (unspoken recitation). He is seen as bestowing the gift of prayer upon his followers. The author believes Acharya Shri's mission was to transform lost souls into true seekers, guiding them towards their true nature and helping them overcome all suffering. The poem "I am the king of that city" is cited as empowering the desolate.

Conclusion:

The lectures on prayer are described as the "strength of the weak" and a guide for the novice, empowering them to become self-reliant. The concluding words, quoting Jesus Christ, state that the water He gives will become a wellspring of eternal life within the giver. The text ends with three powerful affirmations attributed to Acharya Shri:

• "Prayer that arises from the heart is true prayer."
• "The prayer of the Vitarag (one who has conquered passions) is the sweet nectar of the ocean of milk."
• "Devotion is the lifeblood of prayer."