Atmadravyathi Bhinn Parichintan - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Atmadravyathi Bhinn Parichintan" by Punyavijay, based on the provided pages:

Core Theme: The Centrality of Self-Contemplation for Liberation

The fundamental message of "Atmadravyathi Bhinn Parichintan" is that true liberation (moksha) is achieved solely through the contemplation of one's own pure, essential self (Atmadravya), and by abstaining from contemplation of external, non-self substances (Paradravya).

Understanding Contemplation (Chintan) and Its Pitfalls:

Contemplation as the Cause of Karma: The text asserts that any form of contemplation (chintan) is the root cause of karmic bondage (karmabandh). This karmic entanglement leads to birth and the cycle of existence (janma-sansar).
Two Types of Contemplation:
1. Contemplation leading to detachment: This involves understanding the nature of external objects, recognizing their inherent suffering, and withdrawing from them. This is a positive and necessary form of contemplation.
2. Contemplation driven by attachment and aversion (Rag-Dvesh): This is the problematic type of contemplation that the text primarily aims to address. It arises from emotional reactions to external objects.
Contemplation of External Objects (Paradravya):
- Origin: This contemplation is driven by the attractive and enchanting qualities of external objects or by comparing oneself to them to understand one's own nature.
- Discouraged Contemplation: Contemplation stemming from the attractive qualities of external objects, which fuels attachment, is to be abandoned.
- Valuable Contemplation: Contemplation that helps discern the true nature of things and leads to a firm conviction about one's own self is beneficial. However, even this should ultimately lead to detachment from external things.

The Path to Self-Contemplation and Liberation:

Discernment of Self and Non-Self: The universe is filled with sentient (sajeev) and non-sentient (nirjeev) substances. Sentient beings contain innumerable soul-substances (jivadravya). Non-sentient substances are infinitely greater in quantity and nature than soul-substances. The key is to distinguish one's own soul from all other sentient and non-sentient substances.
Focusing on the Pure Soul: The text emphasizes contemplating one's own soul as the knower-seer (jnata-drushta), the experiencer of happiness and sorrow, and the source of one's own utility.
The Role of Pure Souls (Arahants, Siddhas, etc.): While pure souls like Arahants, Siddhas, Acharyas, Upadhyayas, and Munis are important aids in the spiritual journey, they are like a ladder (nisarni) to climb a building. Once the pure self (shuddha Atmadravya) is attained, the contemplation of these supporting souls should also be relinquished.
Stages of Spiritual Progress:
- Dispassion (Vairagya): The initial stage involves developing dispassion. Through "Dosh-darshan" (seeing faults), one recognizes the suffering inherent in worldly possessions and relationships (wealth, spouse, children, friends, family, home, land, etc.). This leads to renunciation.
- Transformation of Renunciation: Initial renunciation often involves replacing one set of attachments with another, albeit less binding ones (e.g., replacing worldly possessions with scriptures, monks with disciples, homes with monasteries). These are considered helpful tools for progress.
- Knowledge-Informed Dispassion (Gyan-Gabhit Vairagya): True dispassion arises from studying scriptures, serving gurus, and associating with the virtuous. This is not mere aversion to worldly affairs but a deeper understanding.
- Obstacles of Superficial Renunciation: If dispassion is temporary, born out of disgust, or due to the absence of certain objects, these transformed possessions can become new fetters, even stronger than the original ones.
- Deepening of Dispassion and Self-Awareness: When dispassion continuously grows, the focus on the self intensifies, and the determination to realize the self at any cost solidifies, then a profound state is reached. This stage involves breaking dogmatic beliefs through the philosophy of Syadvada, conquering anger and pride, and gaining self-knowledge through the guru's grace.
- Equanimity (Samabhava): Dispassion eventually transforms into equanimity, a state of peacefulness devoid of both attachment and aversion. In this state, contemplation of external, material objects nearly ceases.
- Cessation of Mental Modifications: The next stage involves the cessation of mental impulses (vruttis). No thought or speech can enter this state. The mind merges with the objectless state.
- Experiencing Unbroken Bliss: The liberated soul becomes an experiencer of unbroken bliss. The entire universe appears as if held in one's palm, transparent and knowable.

The Essence of Self-Contemplation:

Effort for the Self: The text urges readers to dedicate the same effort to their own soul as they do to pleasing others. This will bring liberation closer.
Abstaining from External Pleasures: Pleasing others is a state of external modification (vibhava parinam). The self is in its pure nature (svabhav). True happiness only comes from returning to this natural state.
Detachment from External Objects: By gaining self-knowledge from a true guru, abandoning external associations, and resting in the self, external objects are effectively destroyed. Therefore, love and attachment should only be for the self.
Ultimate Truth: For those with true vision, nothing is truly to be renounced except the contemplation of the non-self. State, women, sensory pleasures, or even wish-fulfilling trees cannot bring fulfillment without the realization of the self.
The Knowledgeable Person: A knowledgeable person (jnani-muniraj) understands that material objects satisfy material needs, and the soul is satisfied by the soul alone. Seeking satisfaction from external sources is not fitting for them.
Purpose of Jain Scriptures: Jain scriptures, which are inherently calm and tranquil, have been expounded for the sake of achieving this inner tranquility. The worship of these scriptures is meaningful only when it leads to the realization of the self.

In essence, "Atmadravyathi Bhinn Parichintan" is a profound guide to spiritual discipline, highlighting the detrimental nature of external contemplation and advocating for unwavering focus on the pure, intrinsic nature of the soul as the sole path to ultimate liberation and lasting bliss.