Atmssiddhi

This comprehensive summary is based on the provided text, focusing on the content of Shrimad Rajchandra's "Atmasiddhi" as translated and commented on by Manu Doshi.

Title: Atmasiddhi: Adhyatma Gita and Atmopanishad (English Translation with Commentary) by Manu Doshi, published by Shrimad Rajchandra Adhyatmik Sadhna Kendra, Koba.

Overview: The book presents an English translation and commentary of Shrimad Rajchandra's "Atmasiddhi," a significant Jain text composed of 142 stanzas. The work is presented as an "Adhyatma Gita" (Spiritual Song) and "Atmopanishad" (Spiritual Upanishad) due to its profound spiritual teachings on the nature of the soul and the path to self-realization. The author, Manu Doshi, aims to make Shrimad Rajchandra's profound wisdom accessible to a wider audience, particularly English speakers.

Core Teachings and Structure: "Atmasiddhi" (Self-Realization) is structured around the "Six Fundamentals" of Jainism, which are presented as the core tenets for spiritual progress. The book elaborates on these fundamentals through a dialogue between a pupil (representing a truth seeker) and a preceptor (representing an enlightened Guru). The dialogue format allows for the exploration of doubts and the clarification of complex spiritual concepts in a systematic manner.

The book can be broadly divided into the following thematic sections:

1. Introduction and Background (Chapters 1-4):

   • Chapter 1: Background: Introduces the purpose and structure of "Atmasiddhi," highlighting the importance of a true Guru and the lost path of liberation in current times. It contrasts "lifeless ritualists" (those performing rituals without understanding) and "bare knowledgeable persons" (those with intellectual knowledge but no practical application) with true truth seekers.
   • Chapter 2: Characteristics of Sectarians: Details the traits of those who are dogmatic and confined to their own narrow viewpoints (Matärthis). This includes misconceptions about gurus, scriptures, and rituals, as well as the persistence of ego and attachment.
   • Chapter 3: Characteristics of Truth Seekers: Outlines the qualities of a genuine seeker of truth (Mumukshu or Ätmärthi), emphasizing the importance of recognizing a true Guru, following their guidance, calming passions, aspiring for liberation, disaffection for worldly life, and compassion for all beings.
   • Chapter 4: Statement of Six Fundamentals: Introduces the core six tenets of Jainism which form the basis of "Atmasiddhi." These are:
     1. Existence of the Soul
     2. Everlastingness of the Soul
     3. The Soul as the Kartä (Doer/Actuator) of its Karma
     4. The Soul bears the consequences of Karma
     5. Existence of Liberation
     6. The path and means to achieve Liberation The chapter also establishes the relationship of these fundamentals to the broader Indian philosophical schools (Shaddarshan) and their historical context within Jain scriptures.

2. Exploration of the Six Fundamentals through Dialogue (Chapters 5-16):

   • Chapters 5-6: Address the pupil's first doubt regarding the existence of the soul, countering the arguments that it's invisible, formless, or indistinguishable from the body, senses, or breath. The Guru explains that consciousness is the soul's inherent property and the seer of all perceptions.
   • Chapters 7-8: Tackle the pupil's second doubt concerning the everlastingness of the soul. The Guru explains that the soul, as a substance, is eternal, though its states change. It is not created by composition, nor can it be destroyed, and traits observed from previous births point to its continuity.
   • Chapters 9-10: Address the third doubt about the soul being the Kartä of Karma. The Guru clarifies that Karma acquisition arises from the soul's own indulgence in craving and aversion, driven by ignorance, not from external factors like Karma itself, innate nature, Prakruti, or God. The soul is the Kartä when it acts with delusion but remains beyond Karma when it stays attuned to its true nature.
   • Chapters 11-12: Deal with the fourth doubt about the soul bearing the consequences of Karma. The Guru explains that while Karma particles are lifeless, the soul's inclinations (Bhäv Karma) lead to their attachment (Dravya Karma). Consequences are experienced due to the nature of Karma itself, not by an external judge, and differences in worldly situations are a result of past Karma.
   • Chapters 13-14: Address the fifth doubt regarding liberation. The pupil questions how liberation is possible if Karma continues to be acquired. The Guru clarifies that liberation is achieved by breaking the cycle of Karma through Nivrutti (detachment and withdrawal from attachment/aversion). This leads to the Karmaless state, described as the ultimate dissociation from the body and experience of infinite bliss.
   • Chapters 15-16: Explore the sixth doubt concerning the means of liberation. The pupil expresses confusion about various paths prescribed by different sects. The Guru explains that the path involves overcoming delusion (ignorance, craving, aversion) through enlightenment and detachment, leading to right perception and conduct. Key practices include introspection, contemplation, meditation, and adherence to the Guru's guidance. The path is unified, transcending caste and attire, and requires understanding the six fundamentals and practicing their essence.

3. Pupil's Enlightenment and Conclusion (Chapters 17-18):

   • Chapter 17: Statement of the Pupil's Enlightenment: Demonstrates the pupil's full understanding and assimilation of the teachings. He expresses his profound gratitude to the Guru, acknowledging the attainment of unprecedented self-knowledge, the realization of the soul's pure, ageless, and transcendental nature, and the cessation of ignorance. He pledges to live by the Guru's teachings.
   • Chapter 18: Conclusion: Summarizes the key takeaways, reiterating that the six Fundamentals encompass all philosophical schools and provide a complete path to liberation. It highlights the spiritual disease of self-delusion, the role of the Guru as a physician, and the importance of contemplation and meditation as medicine. The conclusion emphasizes striving for truth through right endeavor, the integration of absolute and practical viewpoints, and the ultimate goal of realizing one's true, pure, conscious, and blissful nature, which is liberation itself. It concludes with profound respect for enlightened beings and the path they have shown.

Key Themes:

• The Soul (Ätmä): The central subject, defined as eternal, conscious, and distinct from the body.
• Karma: The mechanism of action and consequence that binds the soul to the cycle of birth and death.
• Liberation (Moksha): The ultimate goal, characterized by the soul's release from Karma and attainment of its pure, inherent state of infinite knowledge, perception, and bliss.
• The True Guru: Essential for guiding the seeker through the complex spiritual path, offering insight and dispelling doubts.
• Right Perception (Samyagdarshan): The foundation of the spiritual path, gained through understanding the true nature of the soul and the illusion of worldly existence.
• Detachment and Non-Attachment: Crucial for overcoming deluding Karma and progressing towards liberation.
• Anekäntväd (Multiplicity of Viewpoints): Jainism's principle of considering different perspectives, integrated within the six fundamentals to provide a holistic understanding.
• Self-Effort (Purushärtha): Emphasized as vital for spiritual progress, rather than solely relying on destiny or external factors.

Significance: "Atmasiddhi" is presented as a guide for spiritual aspirants seeking self-realization. It demystifies complex Jain philosophical concepts, making them accessible through a clear dialogue and commentary. The book aims to provide a practical roadmap towards liberation by emphasizing the importance of the soul, understanding Karma, following a true Guru, and cultivating inner virtues.