Atma Sambodhan

This document is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Atma Sambodhan" (Self-Realization) authored by Manohar Maharaj and published by Sahajanand Satsang Seva Samiti. The provided text includes the preface, an introduction to the author, and a detailed table of contents, along with excerpts from the book.

Here's a breakdown of the key aspects:

1. Book Title and Author:

• Title: Atma Sambodhan (आत्म-सम्बोधन) which translates to "Self-Realization" or "Enlightenment of the Self."
• Author: Pujya Shri 105 Kshullak Varni Manohar Ji "Sahajanand" Maharaj (पूज्य श्री १०५ क्षुल्लक वर्णी ___मनोहर जी "सहजानंद" महाराज), also described as Adhyatmurangi, Adhyatmavagi, Shantmurti, Nyaytirtha, Siddhanta Nyay Shastrastri, and Nyaytirtha.

2. Publisher and Publication Details:

• Publisher: Sahajanand Satsang Seva Samiti (सहजानंद सत्संग सेवा समिति).
• Publication Year: V.S. 2008 / Vira Nirvana Samvat 2478 / A.D. 1951.
• The book was printed at Vijay Printing Press, Meerut City.

3. Purpose and Theme:

• The book aims to address the pervasive suffering and unhappiness in human life. It posits that humans mistakenly seek happiness in external, transient objects and sensory pleasures, which are the root cause of their discontent.
• The central theme is to guide readers toward understanding the true nature of happiness and the path to achieving it through self-realization and introspection.
• The author's intention is to help destroy the darkness of ignorance (mithyattva) and lead readers towards a state of detachment (vitarag parinati).

4. Author's Background and Guruship:

• The author, Manohar Maharaj, is highly lauded for his profound scholarship, eloquent oratory, peaceful demeanor, and detachment from worldly pleasures and the body.
• He is described as a rare talent with exceptional memory and intellectual capacity, capable of memorizing complex philosophical texts rapidly.
• His spiritual mentor was the revered Pujya Shri 105 Kshullak Ganesh Prasad Ji Varni Maharaj (प्रातःस्मरणीय आध्यात्मिक संत प्रशान्तमूर्ति न्यायाचार्य पूज्य श्री १०५ क्षुल्लक गणेशप्रसाद जी वर्णी महाराज).
• The text includes a personal letter from his guru, Ganesh Prasad Ji Varni, praising Manohar Maharaj's brilliance and prophesying his significant spiritual role.

5. Content and Structure (Based on the Table of Contents): The book is structured into numerous short sections or "kalpanas" (कल्पनाएं - thoughts/ideas), each exploring a spiritual concept. The table of contents reveals a wide array of topics covered, including:

• Core Jain Principles: Self-effort, discrimination (bhedvijnan), devotion (bhakti), proper conduct (vyavahar), fame and infamy (yash-apaysh), praise and criticism (prashansa-ninda), equanimity (samata), self-conduct (nijachar), happiness (sukh), self-power (atmashakti), the rarity of truth (tattvadurlabhata), purity (pavitrata), non-action (akartva), suffering (dukh), sensory pleasures (vishaysava), delusion (bhram), right perspective (drishti).
• Ethical and Moral Conduct: Anger (krodh), pride (maan), deceit (maya), greed (lobh), renunciation (tyag), self-identity (atmavibhava), self-knowledge (atmgyan), non-duality (advaita), cause and effect of union and separation (sanyog-vighog), application of spiritual knowledge (yog), auspicious spiritual exertion (shubhopyog), kindness (upkar), worry (chinta), contentment (santosh), self-effort (purusharth), freedom (swatantrata), service to the righteous (dharmisava), righteousness itself (dharm), attitude (adhyavasan), attachment/delusion (moh), passion (raag), worldly splendor (laukik vaibhav), hope (asha), courage (dhairya), welfare (kalyan), indifference (upeksha), hypocrisy (maya), contemplation of options (vikalp), desire (iccha), faith (shraddha).
• Spiritual Practices and Experiences: Meditation (dhyan), self-control (sanyam), non-violence (ahinsa), natural disposition (sahajparinati), nature of truth (tattvaswarup), company of the virtuous (satsang), conduct (charya), self-service (atmaseva), non-possession (akinchanay), forgiveness (kshama), tolerance (sahishnuta), peace (shanti), refuge (sharan).

6. Key Teachings and Concepts Highlighted in Excerpts:

• Cause of Suffering: Suffering arises not from external objects but from the attachment and possessive belief ("atmīya buddhi") in them.
• Impermanence: All worldly possessions, relationships, and even the body are transient and subject to change and separation.
• True Happiness: True happiness is found within the self, in one's own inherent nature, not in external objects or sensory gratifications.
• Self-Reliance: The individual self is the ultimate source of support and well-being.
• Discrimination (Bhedvijnan): The ability to distinguish between the self (soul) and non-self (matter, emotions) is presented as the foundational step towards liberation.
• Detachment: Cultivating detachment from worldly desires, possessions, and sensory experiences is crucial for spiritual progress.
• The Power of Thought: Our thoughts and perceptions significantly influence our experience of happiness and suffering.
• Living in the Present: Focusing on the present moment and one's inner state, rather than worrying about the future or dwelling on the past, leads to peace.
• Virtue of Non-Violence (Ahimsa): Ahimsa is presented not just as refraining from physical harm but as a state of inner peacefulness and non-aggression, extending to thoughts and words.

7. The Author's Life Journey (Briefly): The text provides a biographical sketch of Manohar Maharaj, detailing his birth, childhood, education, his aversion to worldly life, his marriage (which he found undesirable), his spiritual awakening, and his subsequent adoption of ascetic vows under his guru. It highlights his dedication to learning, writing, and spreading spiritual knowledge through public discourse.

In essence, "Atma Sambodhan" by Manohar Maharaj is a profound and practical guide for Jain followers and seekers of truth, offering timeless wisdom on achieving inner peace and liberation by understanding the true self and detaching from the illusions of the material world. The book uses simple language to convey complex philosophical concepts, making it accessible to a broad audience.