Atmanushasanam

This is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Atmanushasanam" by Acharya Gunbhadrasuri, based on the provided Hindi text and its English translation.

Book Title: Atmanushasanam (Instruction of the Self) Author: Acharya Gunbhadrasuri Publisher: Bharat Varshiya Anekant Vidwat Parishad Commentary: Sanskrit commentary by Prabhachandracharya Editors: Dr. A. N. Upadhye, Dr. Hiralal Jain, Pt. Balchandra Siddhantashastri Language: Sanskrit (original text and commentary), Hindi (translation and editorial work)

Overview:

Atmanushasanam is a significant Jain text authored by the renowned Acharya Gunbhadrasuri. It is dedicated to providing instruction on the true nature of the self, aiming to guide individuals towards spiritual liberation (moksha). The text emphasizes the practical application of Jain principles in daily life, offering guidance on ethics, conduct, and spiritual discipline. The present edition is enriched with a Sanskrit commentary by Prabhachandracharya, along with Hindi translations and extensive editorial notes.

Key Themes and Content:

The Atmanushasanam is structured to lead the reader from worldly understanding to spiritual insight. Its core themes revolve around:

1. The Nature of the Self (Atman): The text aims to educate individuals about the self, distinguishing it from the physical body and its transient states. It highlights the self's true nature as pure consciousness, free from karmic impurities.
2. Dharma as the Path to Happiness: The text asserts that true and lasting happiness (sukha) can only be attained through adherence to Dharma, which is defined as the path that eradicates karmas, liberates beings from the cycle of birth and death, and leads to eternal bliss.
3. Discrimination Between True and False Happiness: It distinguishes between the fleeting, sensory pleasures of the world, which are described as mere illusions and ultimately lead to suffering, and the true, unadulterated bliss of the soul, which is attained through spiritual discipline.
4. Ethical Conduct and Moral Values: The text elaborates on the importance of virtues like compassion, restraint, non-violence, truthfulness, and detachment. It strongly advises against worldly attachments and the pursuit of ephemeral pleasures.
5. The Practice of Austerities (Tapas): Atmanushasanam underscores the significance of austerities as a means to purify the soul and overcome karmic obstacles. It encourages rigorous spiritual practices to achieve liberation.
6. The Role of Right Faith, Knowledge, and Conduct (Ratnatraya): The text emphasizes the indispensable trio of Samyagdarshan (Right Faith), Samyagjnana (Right Knowledge), and Samyakcharitra (Right Conduct) as the foundational elements for spiritual progress and the ultimate goal of liberation.
7. Critique of Worldly Pursuits and Attachment: It offers a strong critique of mundane activities, worldly attachments, and the pursuit of wealth, status, and sensual pleasures, portraying them as impediments to spiritual growth.
8. The Impermanence of Life and the Body: The text consistently reminds readers of the transient nature of life, the body, and worldly possessions, urging them to detach from these impermanent entities.
9. The Importance of a Guru: The text highlights the role of a virtuous and knowledgeable guru in guiding the disciple towards spiritual realization.
10. The Danger of Delusion (Moh): A major theme is the pervasive nature of Moha (delusion) which blinds individuals to the true reality of the self and the consequences of their actions, leading them to suffer repeatedly in the cycle of existence.

Author's Background and Significance:

Acharya Gunbhadrasuri was a prolific scholar and a devout follower of Jain principles. He is known for completing the Mahapurana initiated by his guru, Acharya Jinadesena. His deep knowledge of philosophy, ethics, and the sciences, including Ayurveda, is reflected in his writings. Atmanushasanam is considered a masterful exposition of Jain spiritual philosophy, praised for its clarity, depth, and practical guidance.

Commentary and Editions:

The Sanskrit commentary by Prabhachandracharya is crucial for understanding the nuances of the original text. The editors, Dr. A. N. Upadhye, Dr. Hiralal Jain, and Pt. Balchandra Siddhantashastri, have provided valuable introductions, comparative analyses, and scholarly annotations, making the text accessible to modern readers. The publication by Bharat Varshiya Anekant Vidwat Parishad signifies its importance in preserving and disseminating Jain knowledge.

Key Examples and Analogies Used:

The text employs various analogies and examples from Indian literature and everyday life to illustrate its points, such as:

• The comparison of the body to a prison cell.
• The analogy of the medicinal qualities of bitter herbs that lead to eventual health.
• The description of the mind as a restless monkey that needs to be trained.
• The illustration of the destructive nature of desire compared to fire.
• The contrast between the fleeting nature of worldly pleasures and the enduring bliss of liberation.

Overall Message:

Atmanushasanam serves as a profound guide for spiritual seekers. Its central message is the liberation of the self through self-knowledge, ethical living, and rigorous spiritual practices, ultimately leading to the attainment of eternal peace and bliss. The text encourages readers to actively engage with its teachings, to discriminate between the real and the unreal, and to strive for the ultimate goal of spiritual emancipation.