Bhagavati Sutra Me Paramanovigyan Evam Parashaktiyo Ke Tattva

Here's a comprehensive summary in English of the Jain text "Bhagavati Sutra me Paramanovigyan evam Parashaktiyo ke Tattva" by Saubhagyamuni, based on the provided pages:

This text, "Paramanovigyan evam Parashaktiyo ke Tattva in the Bhagavati Sutra," by Saubhagyamuni, delves into the profound concepts of parapsychology and extraordinary powers as described in the Bhagavati Sutra, a significant scripture of Shraman culture illuminated by Lord Mahavir and systematized by Sudharma Swami.

The author asserts that the human mind is an endless repository of sensations, constantly fluctuating. What we perceive is merely an outward manifestation of these mental sensations, with the unmanifest and unknown aspects being far vaster. The Bhagavati Sutra, a complex text dealing with thousands of subjects concerning soul and the universe, holds immense significance in Jain literature.

The text highlights that the Bhagavati Sutra contains numerous references and explanatory verses concerning parapsychology. Analyzing these in a modern style can reveal many parapsychological facts, challenging the notion that the scientific era alone made such exploration possible. The author aims to draw the attention of scholars to these aspects by presenting select verses.

The Bhagavati Sutra, through its question-and-answer format, contains thousands of expositions. As the intricacies of the human mind are unraveled, new and extraordinary characteristics emerge, revealing a treasure trove of para (transcendent) and apara (worldly) powers.

The book then explores several specific examples of these powers and concepts:

• Knowledge of Past, Present, and Future (Parabhavik Gyan): The text quotes a dialogue where Gautam Swami asks Lord Mahavir if knowledge is limited to this life, the next life, or both. Lord Mahavir affirms that knowledge can be of all three types. This validates the existence of knowledge from past lives (Parabhavik Gyan), which implies memory of previous births.

• Perception of the Unseen (Parashaktiya):

  • The text describes how monks dedicated to penance and discipline become incredibly powerful. Through the power of "Vaikriya," they can not only manifest multiple forms by absorbing external particles but can also traverse insurmountable mountains.
  • A specific instance is cited where Lord Mahavir predicts that Gautam Swami would meet his former companion, Skanda Parivrajak. This demonstrates the ability to know the unseen, a testament to the mind's capabilities.

• Knowing the Internal and External (Puroksha ko Pratyaksha Janna-Dekhna):

  • The Bhagavati Sutra describes different levels of perception: sometimes one knows and sees the external but not the internal; sometimes the internal is perceived but not the external; and sometimes both are perceived and known.
  • Monks engaging in specific spiritual practices develop extraordinary parapsychological abilities, allowing them to perceive the unseen as present.
  • The text mentions that scientific methods have attempted to document past-life memories, but the fundamental challenge remains. The author points out that most documented cases involve children who recall past lives from birth. However, the case of Sudarshan, a householder who, through sustained mental development and specific spiritual practices, gained memories of his past life, is highlighted as a significant exception. This suggests that the human mind's potential for such development, even in adulthood, is vast.

• Telepathy (Parabhav Gyapti):

  • The ability to understand the thoughts of others is a common human endeavor. The text notes that we often grasp subtle cues that reveal the thoughts of people around us or even those far away. This capacity is presented as a truth that has manifested throughout ages.
  • The example of King Udāyana of Vītibhaya, who wished for Lord Mahavir's presence for worship, is given. Lord Mahavir, while meditating in the Purnabhadra garden outside Champa, perceived Udāyana's thoughts and traveled a long distance to Vītibhaya, where he was honored and accepted into the monastic order. This illustrates telepathic awareness.

• Fiery Powers (Jwalanshil Parashakti - Tejoleshya):

  • The text recounts an incident involving Goshala, a disciple of Makkhali Goshal. Goshala encounters a tapasvin (ascetic) who, angered by Goshala's disrespect, projects intense heat (Tejoleshya) upon him, causing him to burn. Lord Mahavir, out of compassion, manifests a cooling radiance (Sheetal Tejoleshya) that neutralizes the heat and saves Goshala.
  • This phenomenon of "Tejoleshya" (fiery energy) and "Sheetal Tejoleshya" (cooling energy) is presented as an extraordinary power originating from consciousness. The text explains that acquiring "Tejoleshya" requires rigorous penance, including enduring solar heat for six months. It establishes consciousness as a powerful center capable of manifesting abilities through specific practices.

• Manifestation of Multiple Forms (Aneka Roop Parashakti - Utkarika Bhed):

  • Lord Mahavir addressed a question about whether 14 Purvdhar monks could manifest a thousand pots from a single pot. He confirmed that they could through "Utkarika Bhed" (a method of splitting or multiplication) by acquiring infinite substances. This demonstrates the power of manifesting multiple forms from a single source.

• Swift Movement (Uchcharika Parashakti - Tivra Gaman Parashakti):

  • The text refers to the swift movement of Charana Munis, who possess the power of "Vidya Charana" and "Jangha Charana." Their incredible speed allows them to circumnavigate Jambudvipa (the central continent of the Jain cosmology) in a remarkably short time. This power is also attained through intense penance.

In conclusion, the text emphasizes that the Bhagavati Sutra contains numerous references to parapsychology and extraordinary powers. While these may appear astonishing or exaggerated at first glance, they are the result of a limited, materialistically inclined perception. The author argues that when viewed in the context of the infinite potential within life, these abilities become understandable. The article notes that modern science has begun to accept and research parapsychological phenomena, with institutions in America and Europe, as well as in India, actively investigating these areas. As scientific understanding of the para-realm deepens, many hidden mysteries are being revealed.

The author concludes by stating that the human soul is an entity of infinite power, and parapsychology and related research are actively exploring these subjects. It is hoped that scientific endeavors will bring to light the incredible, yet fundamental, truths about life and the inherent, eternal powers that reside within every being. The text suggests that a rigorous compilation and critical analysis of all such accounts from Jain literature would be beneficial in unveiling hidden truths about these phenomena.