Atmanushasana

This document is a detailed summary of the Jain text "Atmanushasana" (Discourse to the Soul), authored by Shri Guna-Bhadra Acharya and translated/edited by Rai Bahadur J. L. Jaini, with assistance from Brahmachari Sital Prasad Ji. The book was published by The Central Jaina Publishing House in Lucknow in 1928.

The core message of "Atmanushasana," as highlighted in the Publisher's Note, is a "divine discourse for the Divinity in man." Its 270 verses are described as exhortations to the soul to separate itself from the "non-Atman" (the non-self), leading to victory over sin, sorrow, and death, and ultimately achieving absolute, perfect, eternal liberation (Moksha).

The text begins with a benediction invoking Lord Mahavir, the 24th Tirthankara. It then proceeds to offer advice to the soul, emphasizing the desire for happiness and the aversion to pain. The work stresses the importance of virtue (Dharma) as the cause of happiness and warns against demerit.

Key themes and teachings within the "Atmanushasana" include:

• The Nature of the Soul and Liberation: The soul's true nature is knowledge. Liberation is achieved through self-knowledge and the elimination of karmic bondage.
• The Role of Right Belief (Samyaktva): Right belief is presented as the first step towards liberation, free from ignorance and defects. It is acquired through various means, including scripture and the teachings of the enlightened.
• The Path of Right Conduct and Knowledge: The text emphasizes the importance of right conduct and right knowledge, which stem from scriptural understanding and the teachings of the omniscient beings (Arhats).
• The Dangers of Worldly Attachments and Sense-Gratification: Numerous verses warn against the allure of sensory pleasures, wealth, and worldly possessions, describing them as poisons or illusions that lead to suffering and further transmigration.
• The Impermanence of the Worldly Life: The body, wealth, and life itself are described as transient and subject to decay and death, highlighting the futility of excessive attachment to them.
• The Power of Austerity and Renunciation: Austerity (Tapas) and renunciation (Tyaga) are presented as the primary means to overcome passions, purify the soul, and attain liberation. Ascetics who practice these virtues are lauded.
• The Nature of Virtues and Vices: The text elaborates on various virtues like compassion, self-control, and equanimity, and warns against vices such as anger, greed, deceit, and attachment.
• The Inevitability of Karma: The concept of Karma and its inevitable consequences are frequently mentioned, urging individuals to cultivate merit and avoid demerit.
• The Importance of Self-Control and Inner Peace: The text repeatedly advises controlling the mind, overcoming desires, and cultivating inner peace as crucial steps towards spiritual progress.
• The Superiority of Spiritual Pursuit over Worldly Pursuits: Worldly achievements like kingship are deemed insignificant compared to the spiritual wealth gained through austerity and renunciation.
• Guidance on the Nature of Reality: Some verses touch upon the Jain philosophical concept of Anekanta (non-one-sidedness) and the cyclical nature of existence.

The text uses a wealth of metaphors and illustrations, often drawing from Indian mythology and common life, to convey its message effectively. It aims to guide the reader towards a life of detachment, self-discipline, and spiritual endeavor, ultimately leading to the ultimate goal of liberation. The work is presented as a guide for individuals seeking to understand and cultivate their inner spiritual potential.