Banna Hai To Bano Arihant - Book Summary

This comprehensive summary is based on the provided Jain text, "Banna Hai to Bano Arihant" by Chandraprabhsagar, published by Jityasha Foundation. The book, edited by Shrimati Lata Bhandari 'Meera', is presented as a guiding light towards self-mastery and spiritual realization, drawing wisdom from the teachings of Lord Mahavir.

The book emphasizes that the messages of Lord Mahavir, delivered thousands of years ago, remain relevant and potent today. It encourages readers to start their day by reflecting on these teachings, promising a unique joy and a transformative change in their life. The text highlights that the selected verses are pearls from the ocean of Mahavir's wisdom, meant to be absorbed with the heart rather than just the intellect. Engaging with these verses with sincerity and a desire for self-discovery is key to experiencing a new dimension of existence.

Core Themes and Chapters:

The book is structured into several chapters, each focusing on a specific aspect of the spiritual journey:

Invitation to Inner Journey: This section introduces the concept that everyone possesses the potential to become divine (Parmatma). The core Jain principle "Appa so Paramappa" (the soul is the supreme soul) is highlighted, stating that the soul deviates from its true nature due to external attachments, leading to a loss of its divine essence. The journey inward is presented as the path to realizing this inherent divinity.
Four Steps Towards Self-Victory: This chapter likely outlines a practical roadmap for achieving mastery over oneself. The text contrasts external conquest with internal victory, arguing that true victory lies in conquering one's own inner demons and desires. It uses examples of historical figures to illustrate the fleeting nature of worldly achievements versus the eternal significance of self-mastery.
Controlling Greed: This section delves into the destructive nature of greed, illustrating how it can lead individuals astray. A narrative about a young man named Kapil, who initially sought a small amount of gold but became consumed by escalating desires for wealth and power, serves as a powerful cautionary tale. The chapter emphasizes that true contentment comes not from acquisition but from detachment (alobh).
Making Meaningful Use of Time: This chapter stresses the preciousness and irreversibility of time. It likens life to a flowing river or the falling leaves of a tree, highlighting that time, once gone, never returns. The importance of living each moment with awareness and purpose is underscored, urging readers to avoid procrastination and make the most of the present.
Life Transformation: This chapter likely focuses on the concept of inner transformation and self-renewal. It encourages readers to look beyond superficial changes and embrace a profound inner metamorphosis, drawing parallels to the life-changing impact of spiritual practices.
Understanding the Secret of Dharma: This section explores the true essence of religion, differentiating it from rituals, dogmas, and external displays. It emphasizes that true dharma resides in purity of mind, soul, and the reduction of inner passions. The book criticizes the sectarianism and ritualism that have diluted the original spirit of religions.
Igniting the Lamp of Inner Wisdom: This chapter focuses on cultivating inner awareness and understanding. It suggests that true wisdom is not gained from external scriptures alone but from introspection and self-discovery. The importance of awakening the inner consciousness is highlighted.
Awakening the Soul Again: This theme suggests a process of spiritual reawakening, urging individuals to reconnect with their true, pure nature. It speaks to the potential for redemption and rebirth into a higher spiritual state.
Making Our Nights Successful: This section likely discusses the importance of aligning one's inner and outer life, ensuring that thoughts and actions are harmonious. It emphasizes that true success lies in living a life of integrity and purpose, where even the quiet moments are spiritually enriching.
My Path is the Free Sky: This chapter symbolizes freedom from worldly attachments and limitations. It suggests that the ultimate spiritual goal is to achieve a state of liberation, akin to a bird soaring in an open sky, unburdened by worldly concerns.
Wings of Liberation Unfurl: This concluding theme speaks to the ultimate attainment of spiritual freedom and liberation (moksha). It implies that by following the path of self-knowledge and detachment, one can achieve the state of Arihant, the liberated soul.

Key Concepts and Teachings:

"Appa so Paramappa" (The soul is the supreme soul): This fundamental Jain principle is central, asserting that everyone has the potential for divinity.
Inner Journey: The book strongly advocates for introspection and turning one's gaze inward to discover the true self and the divine within.
Self-Victory: True victory is defined as conquering one's own desires, anger, ego, and other inner adversaries, rather than external conquests.
Detachment (Virakta/Aparigraha): The text criticizes attachment to possessions, relationships, and even one's own name and reputation, emphasizing that true freedom comes from non-attachment.
Mindfulness and Awareness (Sajagta): Living each moment with consciousness, understanding the impermanence of life, and utilizing time wisely are crucial.
"Arya Karma" (Noble Actions): The book encourages living by noble principles like truth, non-violence, non-stealing, non-possession, and celibacy, as advocated by Jainism and Buddhism.
Inner Purity: The true essence of religion lies in the purity of mind and soul, not in external rituals or appearances.
The Power of Present Moment: The book emphasizes living in the present, as the past is gone and the future is uncertain.
Controlling Desires (Trishna): Greed and desires are depicted as insatiable, leading to suffering.
Self-Reliance: True liberation comes from within, and external help, while sometimes necessary, cannot replace one's own inner effort.
Living Like a Lotus: The metaphor of a lotus, rising above the mud without being tainted by it, symbolizes living in the world without being attached to its impurities.
Inner Transformation: The ultimate goal is not to imitate but to embody the qualities of the enlightened ones, becoming an "Arihant" oneself.

In essence, "Banna Hai to Bano Arihant" is a guide to spiritual transformation, urging readers to embark on an inner journey of self-discovery, conquer their inner limitations, and realize their inherent divine potential, following the path illuminated by Lord Mahavir.