Atmadrushtinu Antar Nirikshan

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Atmadrushtinu Antar Nirikshan" by Sukhlal Sanghavi, based on the provided PDF pages:

Book Title: Atmadrushtinu Antar Nirikshan (Self-Observation of Inner Vision) Author: Sukhlal Sanghavi Publisher: Z_Darshan_ane_Chintan_Part_2_004635.pdf Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/249194/1

This text is an analysis and commentary by Sukhlal Sanghavi on a devotional poem (stavan) composed by Shri Devchandji Maharaj. The core of the text is to interpret the spiritual and philosophical insights contained within Devchandji's stavan, offering a deeper understanding of Jain teachings on introspection and self-realization.

Summary of the Stavan and Sanghavi's Commentary:

The stavan, titled "Shri Vajradhar Jin Stavan," is addressed to Lord Vajradhar, one of the twenty continuously teaching Tirthankaras (Viharman Jins) residing in the Mahavideh region. Sanghavi's commentary delves into each verse, explaining its meaning within the context of Jain philosophy and the author's life.

Key Themes and Interpretations:

1. The Author (Devchandji) and His Context:

   • Devchandji Maharaj (born VS 1746, passed VS 1812) was a prominent Shvetambar Jain monk known for his deep spiritual insights and prolific writing in Gujarati, Marathi, and Hindi.
   • He was born into the Marwari Oswal community but traveled extensively across Gujarat and Kathiawar.
   • His writings often employ "Kathanuyog" (narrative tradition) and treat mythological accounts as literal truths, a common practice of the era.
   • Sanghavi notes that while the concept of Mahavideh and Viharman Jins might be seen as allegorical or symbolic in modern times, for Devchandji, they were a real spiritual landscape.

2. The Mahavideh Region and Viharman Jins:

   • Jain tradition posits the existence of five Mahavideh regions, where twenty Tirthankaras are currently teaching (Viharman Jins).
   • Lord Simandhar Swami is the most well-known among them.
   • The commentary highlights the deep faith and belief in the Viharman Jins within the Jain community, citing ancient traditions and stories that reinforce this belief, even in the face of modern scientific inquiry.

3. Devchandji's Spiritual Journey and Contrition (Stavan Verses):

   • Verse 1: Addressing the Lord: Devchandji begins by addressing Lord Vajradhar, acknowledging his omniscience and position as the sustainer of the three worlds. Despite knowing the Lord is aware, he feels compelled to share his "past talk" (vitak vaat), indicating deep regret.
   • Verse 2: Abandoning the True Self and Engaging with the World: This verse is central to the theme of introspection. Devchandji confesses to abandoning his "own true nature" (nij swarup chhodi) and getting entangled with external objects and sensory desires ("pugal," "vishaytushna"). He acknowledges creating "asrava" (influx of karmas) and "bandha" (bondage) and blames others for his own faults, a sign of immaturity. Sanghavi explains this in terms of the Jain concept of Jiva (soul) and Ajiva (non-soul) and the dualistic philosophical approach leading to spiritual progress.
   • Verse 3: Hypocrisy and Superficial Practices: Devchandji criticizes himself for performing Jain rituals ("Jinmat Kriya") merely to cover his faults and without truly abandoning his ingrained negative habits ("avaguna chal"). He admits to mistaking superficial practices and attachment to his own views ("drishtirag") for true equanimity ("Samkit"). He also laments his inability to see the multifaceted nature of reality through the lens of Syadvada (the Jain doctrine of conditioned predication) and to recognize his own shortcomings. Sanghavi interprets this as a critique of societal hypocrisy and the superficial adherence to religious practices.
   • Verse 4: The Unsteady Mind and the True Devotee: He describes his mind as fickle ("chapal swabhav") and his speech as one-sided ("ekantata"), failing to grasp the infinite nature of reality. He contrasts this with the "lokottar" (transcendent) nature of the true Jain Tirthankaras and expresses his longing for the "durlabh siddh swabhav" (rare liberated state). Sanghavi emphasizes the importance of mental and verbal stability in spiritual progress and criticizes the tendency to admire transcendent beings while harboring worldly desires.
   • Verse 5: Faith in the Lord's Power to Save: Devchandji expresses his complete faith in Lord Vajradhar, residing in Mahavideh, as the "tarak" (savior) and "arhat" with infinite virtues. He believes this supreme physician will cure him of the disease of worldly existence ("bhav rog").
   • Verse 6: Hope for Realizing the True Nature: He expresses a hope that by focusing on the Lord's glorious nature, his soul will achieve steadfastness and reach the state of liberation ("shiv pad"), which is a source of immense happiness and a "mine of bliss."
   • Verse 7: Seeking Divine Grace for Devotion: In the concluding verse, Devchandji seeks the Lord's help to stabilize his mind on the Lord's name, which is the abode of virtues. He prays for the strength to engage in devotion ("bhakti") in accordance with the Lord's teachings ("Jin aanayukta bhakti"), not just blind devotion, but devotion that leads to true spiritual progress.

Sanghavi's Analytical Approach:

• Emphasis on Introspection: Sanghavi's primary goal is to highlight the profound self-analysis and contrition expressed by Devchandji. He sees the stavan as a powerful example of internal scrutiny.
• Critique of Superficial Religiosity: Sanghavi supports Devchandji's critique of performing rituals without genuine inner transformation, a common societal issue that Devchandji bravely addresses.
• Dual Perspective (Nishchay & Vyavahar): Sanghavi often employs the Jain concepts of Nishchay Naya (ultimate truth perspective) and Vyavahar Naya (conventional truth perspective) to explain complex philosophical points, such as the soul's true nature versus its perceived state.
• The Nature of Faith and Devotion: He distinguishes between true devotion, rooted in spiritual understanding, and mere ritualistic adherence or desire-driven worship.
• The Universal Nature of Spiritual Struggles: While focusing on a Jain text, Sanghavi draws parallels with other philosophical traditions (like Sankhya and Vedanta) to show the universality of questions about the soul, the material world, and the path to liberation.
• The Importance of Truthfulness: He commends Devchandji's courage in exposing his own faults and those within the community, seeing this self-awareness as the first step towards spiritual development.

Overall Message:

"Atmadrushtinu Antar Nirikshan" is a scholarly exploration of a devotional poem that serves as a powerful mirror for self-reflection. Sukhlal Sanghavi's commentary guides the reader to understand the deep philosophical underpinnings of Devchandji's self-criticism and his unwavering faith in the Tirthankaras as guides to liberation. The text emphasizes the importance of genuine inner transformation, the dangers of superficial religious practices, and the essential role of unwavering devotion and self-awareness in the spiritual journey. It encourages readers to look beyond outward appearances and delve into their own inner vision for true spiritual progress.