Bahar Ke Akar Yatate Vichar

This Jain text, "Bahar ke Akar Yatate Vichar" by Acharya Gyanmuni, explores the concept of understanding inner thoughts and intentions through external physical signs and behaviors. The core message is that while individuals may try to hide their thoughts, they often manifest outwardly through subtle cues that can be deciphered by an intelligent observer.

Here's a breakdown of the key points:

• The Manifestation of Inner Thoughts: The text begins by stating that no matter how much one tries to hide their thoughts, they inevitably appear on the senses. A wise person can infer these inner thoughts from these external manifestations. For instance, suppressed anger will eventually show on one's face.

• The Importance of Understanding "Kashayas" and Guidance: To truly understand these outward expressions, it's essential to grasp the detailed definitions of "Kashayas" (passions or afflictions like anger, pride, deceit, and greed) and to gain knowledge through a guru's guidance. Just as medical advice is crucial for taking medicine, a qualified guru is necessary to correctly interpret the knowledge gained from books.

• External Signs as Indicators of Inner Thoughts: Several ethical scholars have highlighted that external forms, gestures, movements, and speech can reveal a person's inner thoughts. The text quotes a verse that states, "By form, gesture, movement, and speech, and by the change in eyes and face, the mind within is understood."

• The Three "Yogas": Mind, Speech, and Body: Every individual possesses three "Yogas" (activities or faculties): mind, speech, and body. These faculties primarily function in thinking, speaking, and doing. They connect the soul from within to the external world. Thoughts originating in the mind inevitably impact speech and actions.

• Controlling the Mind is Key: The text emphasizes the importance of controlling the mind, as advocated by the wise. When the mind is controlled, speech and actions naturally follow suit. The Jain scriptures highlight the control of the mind, which is directly connected to the soul. The mind is described as having two aspects: "dravya-man" (material mind) and "bhava-man" (mental aspect or thoughts). Thoughts themselves are considered akin to the soul.

• The "Inside-Outside" Principle: The text uses the analogy of a pot of water to illustrate the "inside-outside" principle. If the water inside is cold, the outside will feel cold; if the water is boiling, the outside will feel hot. Similarly, a person's outer appearance reflects their inner state. To correct the outside, one must first correct the inside.

• Scientific and Jain Perspectives on Body Language:

  • Animal Experiments: The text references experiments where a scientist monitored the physiological responses of a mother rat when her pups were killed, demonstrating a direct link between the pups' distress (inner state) and the mother's physical reactions (external manifestation).
  • Palmistry and Physiognomy: The text discusses understanding the outer condition through "Swar Vigyan" (science of breath) and palmistry. It mentions the significance of breathing through the left nostril (Chandra Swara) for success and the right nostril (Surya Swara) for overcoming obstacles. Palmistry is also discussed, with lines on the palm indicating personality traits and future events.
  • Jain Scripture References: Jain scriptures state that Tirthankaras have 108 auspicious marks on their bodies, which signify their spiritual status. The text also refers to "Padma Rekha" (lotus markings) found on the feet of individuals, which can indicate great fortune.
  • Indications of Death: The text details various physical signs that are believed to indicate approaching death, such as changes in body color, stiffness of limbs, and peculiar sensations.
  • Omens and Superstitions: The text delves into the concept of omens, both good and bad, in Indian culture, citing traditional beliefs about animals and natural phenomena preceding events like earthquakes. It also mentions "Shakun" (omens) as interpreted by scholars like Bhaddari.
  • Body Language in Communication: The text highlights the significance of body language in communication, citing Albert Mehrabian's findings that only 7% of communication is through spoken words, 38% through tone of voice, and 55% through body language. It explains how gestures, posture, and eye contact convey meaning, citing examples from Jain traditions like the posture during prayers and the way people sit or offer blessings.

• The Importance of Discernment: The text concludes by emphasizing that while external signs and omens can offer insights, true success lies in developing discerning wisdom ("Kshir Neer Vivek Buddhi"). This involves combining knowledge from external signs with an understanding of their deeper meaning. By aligning one's actions, speech, and mind with self-control, individuals can awaken their inner strength.

In essence, "Bahar ke Akar Yatate Vichar" is a treatise on the subtle language of the human body and its connection to the inner world, drawing upon both traditional Indian wisdom and Jain philosophy to guide readers in understanding themselves and others better.