Atmashiksha

This document is a collection of Jain scriptures and teachings, primarily focusing on spiritual development and ethical conduct within the Jain tradition. Here's a comprehensive summary:

Book Title: Atmashiksha (Self-Education/Guidance) Author: Buddhisagar Publisher: Adhyatma Gyan Prasarak Mandal

Overall Purpose: The book aims to guide individuals towards spiritual enlightenment and a righteous life according to Jain principles. It emphasizes self-reflection, the impermanence of worldly life, the importance of virtuous actions, and the path to liberation.

Key Themes and Content:

• Introduction and Context (Pages 4-5):

  • The preface highlights the growing interest in Gujarati literature and the appreciation for the contributions of Jain scholars.
  • It introduces Acharya Yoganish Buddhisagar Suriji as a significant figure in this literary movement.
  • The book is presented as a collection of teachings aimed at spiritual upliftment.
  • It mentions the inclusion of works by:Shri Vijayasen Suri, Shri Manichandji, and Shri Yashovijayji, along with an essay on "Spiritualism" by R. R. Malal Nattabhai Doshi, B.A.
  • The publication is a result of the efforts and dedication of disciples of Guruni Maharaj Parshanashriji, namely Sobhagyashriji and Ratanshriji Maharaj.

• Core Teachings of Atmashiksha (Pages 6-25):

  • Impermanence of Life and Material Possessions: The text repeatedly stresses that life is fleeting, and worldly pleasures, wealth, youth, and beauty are temporary. It uses vivid imagery to illustrate this point, urging readers to contemplate the transient nature of existence.
  • The Importance of Righteous Conduct (Dharma): The core message revolves around the necessity of practicing Dharma (righteousness, spiritual duty). This includes:
    • Self-Reflection and Awareness: Understanding one's true nature (Atma) and the consequences of actions.
    • Renunciation of Negative Qualities: Detaching from desires, ego, pride, anger, greed, and attachment to senses.
    • Cultivating Virtues: Emphasizing qualities like compassion, truthfulness, contentment, patience, and knowledge.
    • Detachment from the Worldly: Understanding that worldly attachments lead to suffering and do not offer lasting happiness.
    • The Dangers of Sensory Pleasures and Relationships: The text strongly warns against excessive attachment to sensory pleasures and the deceptive nature of relationships driven by lust and desire. It highlights the potential for spiritual downfall through such attachments, particularly referencing the seductive nature of women.
    • Karma and its Consequences: The book delves into the concept of karma, illustrating how past actions (both good and bad) lead to present and future circumstances. It draws examples from the lives of great souls and historical figures (both Jain and otherwise) to demonstrate the inescapable law of karma.
    • The Path to Liberation (Moksha): The ultimate goal is liberation from the cycle of birth and death. This is achieved through a deep understanding of the self, detachment from worldly matters, and the practice of Dharma.
  • Exemplary Lives: The text frequently references the lives of Jain saints, Tirthankaras, and other spiritual figures to inspire readers by showcasing their struggles, their adherence to principles, and their eventual attainment of spiritual liberation. Examples include references to Rishabhdev, Neminath, Parshvanath, Mahavir, Bahubali, Shrenik, and various ascetics who endured hardships and achieved spiritual heights.
  • Ethical Guidelines: The verses offer practical advice on how to live a virtuous life, including:
    • Avoiding backbiting, falsehood, and deceit.
    • Practicing charity (Dana), adherence to vows (Shila), and asceticism (Tapa).
    • Cultivating inner virtues and avoiding external ostentation.
    • Understanding the true meaning of devotion and faith.
  • The Nature of the Soul (Atma): The text elaborates on the true nature of the soul, describing it as pure, eternal, and inherently blissful, obscured by karmic impurities. It differentiates between the outer self (Ahiraatma), the inner self (Antaraatma), and the supreme self (Paramatma).

• Teachings of Shri Manichandji (Pages 25-49):

  • This section presents verses from Shri Manichandji, who expounds on the characteristics of the spiritually awakened (Samkit) versus the deluded (Mithyavi).
  • Distinguishing True Devotion: It contrasts those who follow true Dharma with those who practice it superficially or for worldly gain.
  • The Power of Thought and Will: The teachings emphasize the significant role of thoughts, desires, and willpower in shaping one's destiny. It highlights how focused thoughts can lead to the manifestation of desires.
  • The Importance of Self-Control and Mental Purity: The text stresses the need to control the mind, overcome negative emotions (like anger, pride, greed, and deceit), and cultivate purity of thought through practices like meditation and contemplation.
  • The Five Types of Practices (Anushthan): Shri Manichandji describes five types of practices: Poison (Vish), Poison-like (Vishgaral), Opposite (Anyonya), Purposeful (Tahaetu), and Nectar (Amrit). The emphasis is on abandoning the first three and embracing the last two for spiritual progress and liberation.
  • The Path to Salvation: It reiterates that true spiritual progress comes from understanding the self, detaching from worldly objects, and cultivating virtues.

• Teachings of Shri Yashovijayji (Pages 37-41):

  • This section includes verses from Shri Yashovijayji, a prominent Jain scholar.
  • Inner Experience of Bliss: The verses describe the profound inner bliss and liberation attained through spiritual practices, likening it to being a king, an Indra, or a universal emperor.
  • The Soul as the True Source of Happiness: It emphasizes that true happiness and power reside within the soul, and external pursuits are ultimately meaningless.
  • The Purity of the Soul: The teachings highlight the soul's inherent purity and potential for enlightenment when freed from karmic obstructions.

• Spiritual Strength (DMLS HOLO) (Pages 51-64):

  • This section is an essay, likely translated or inspired by Mrs. Annie Besant, focusing on the concept of "Spiritual Strength."
  • Overcoming Ignorance: It identifies ignorance as the root cause of human suffering, emphasizing that individuals are often unaware of their true spiritual potential and the inherent power within their souls.
  • The Power of the Self: The text asserts that individuals have the inherent capacity to overcome karma and attain spiritual liberation, just as Tirthankaras did. It encourages faith in one's inner strength and perseverance.
  • The Role of Habits and Thoughts: The essay emphasizes how habits and thoughts shape one's character and destiny. It suggests cultivating positive habits and thoughts to achieve spiritual growth.
  • Mind Control and Purity: It highlights the importance of controlling the mind, purifying it through practices like meditation and ethical conduct, and overcoming distractions and negative influences.
  • The Body as a Tool: The body is presented as a crucial tool for spiritual development, emphasizing the need for a healthy and pure body to facilitate the expression of inner spiritual powers.
  • The Importance of Discipline and Moderation: The essay advocates for discipline in diet, lifestyle, and practices, and encourages a balanced approach (middle path) in all aspects of life.

• Parmanand Pachishi (Twenty-five Verses on Supreme Bliss) (Pages 67-73):

  • This section presents a series of verses describing the nature of the soul and the path to achieving supreme bliss.
  • The Nature of the Soul: The verses describe the soul as pure, eternal, formless, and full of infinite bliss, obscured by ignorance and karma.
  • The Path to Realization: It outlines the importance of meditation, detachment, and discerning the true nature of the self to realize the soul's inherent divinity.
  • The Soul as the Ultimate Reality: The verses equate the realized soul with Brahman, the supreme self, the ultimate consciousness, and the ultimate guru.

• Chovis Jineshwar na Chhand (Verses on the Twenty-four Tirthankaras) (Pages 74-79):

  • This section consists of poetic verses dedicated to each of the twenty-four Tirthankaras, highlighting their key attributes, life stories, and spiritual significance.

• Dhalas of Gyan Panchami (Songs/Hymns related to Gyan Panchami) (Pages 80-81):

  • These are devotional songs (Dhalas) celebrating Gyan Panchami, a Jain festival related to knowledge and spiritual learning. The verses often narrate stories and emphasize the merit of observing this day with devotion and righteous practices.

In essence, "Atmashiksha" is a profound Jain text that serves as a guide for spiritual seekers. It provides a comprehensive framework for understanding the self, the nature of reality, the consequences of actions, and the ultimate path to liberation through self-discipline, virtuous conduct, and profound spiritual contemplation.