Bhagwatta Mahavir Ke Drushti Me

This Jain text, "Bhagwatta: Mahavir Ke Drushti Me" (Divinity: In the Vision of Mahavir) by Amarmuni, argues that Truth (Satya) is the ultimate divinity, as envisioned by Lord Mahavir. The book critiques traditional religious practices that focus on worshiping an external, anthropomorphic God, suggesting that true spiritual progress lies in the internal realization of Truth.

Here's a comprehensive summary of the key points:

1. The True Nature of Divinity: Truth is God:

• The text asserts that while ordinary language may not fully capture the profound meaning of Truth, its true essence can only be found by looking deep within oneself.
• Jainism, through Lord Mahavir's teachings, brought a significant revolution by shifting the focus of spiritual practice away from a singular, creator God.
• Unlike other philosophies where all spiritual endeavors are centered around God as an external entity, Jainism posits that Truth itself is God. The ultimate aim of spiritual practice is to realize this Truth.

2. The Problem of External Worship and Idolatry:

• The book criticizes the prevalent practice of worshiping external deities or even symbolic representations of God, which often becomes a mere ritual or a means to appease an external power.
• This external focus leads to a disconnect between spiritual aspirations and ethical conduct in daily life. The text provides an example of devotees offering lavish gifts to God in temples but showing no compassion or generosity towards the poor outside.
• This inconsistency arises from neglecting the internal truth and getting lost in external rituals, ceremonies, and appeasement of deities or spiritual leaders.

3. The Inner Sanctuary: The Self as the Temple of Truth:

• Lord Mahavir's message was to find God within oneself, emphasizing that Truth resides within. The true temple is the inner self, where the divine is waiting to be awakened.
• The text uses the analogy of finding God within the body, stating that the soul residing within is the greatest deity. If this inner deity is realized, there is no need to search elsewhere.
• The author quotes saints like Kabir to reinforce the idea that the search for the divine is ultimately an inward journey.

4. The Power of Truth Over External Forces:

• The book highlights the limitations of external powers like beauty, wealth, and even familial relationships, which are transient and ultimately fail to provide solace or succor in times of crisis.
• It draws examples from the Mahabharata, like Draupadi's plight, where only the power of Truth (and the adherence to Dharma) could save her when powerful men and relatives were rendered helpless.
• The text argues that in the face of death or ultimate adversity, only the strength of Truth can provide unwavering support and a peaceful departure from life.

5. Truth as the Foundation of the Universe:

• Citing ancient texts and philosophical insights, the author states that Truth sustains the Earth, the Sun's radiance, and the movement of the wind. Everything in existence, both animate and inanimate, is founded upon Truth.
• Natural laws and cosmic order are manifestations of Truth. Any disruption in this cosmic Truth leads to chaos and destruction.

6. The Spiritual Analysis of Truth: Inner Truth Prevails:

• Jainism, particularly through Mahavir's teachings, emphasizes the truth of the mind and thoughts over mere truthful speech.
• True adherence to Truth begins with purity of thought, followed by purity of speech. If the mind is filled with falsehood, deceit, and malice, even truthful words lose their value.
• The text identifies anger, pride, delusion, and greed as corrupting influences that lead to untruthfulness. It stresses the importance of forgiveness, humility, and detachment from ego to uphold the truth.

7. Practicing Truth in Daily Life:

• Generosity and liberality are presented as integral aspects of practicing Truth. Sharing one's wealth and resources for the well-being of society is a form of spiritual worship.
• Humility and service are also highlighted as manifestations of Truth. A sincere desire to serve, performed with humility, is considered the practice of Truth.
• Simplicity and consistency in one's actions and thoughts, whether alone or in public, are hallmarks of a true practitioner of Truth. One should not alter their path based on the opinions or gaze of others.

8. The Ultimate Culmination of Truth: Omniscience and Righteousness:

• The highest realization of Truth leads to omniscience (Sarvajñata), where one gains complete knowledge and unwavering insight.
• Even if one makes mistakes or holds incorrect beliefs, the path of Truth involves acknowledging and correcting them immediately upon realizing the truth. This is the essence of "Samyak Drishti" (right vision).
• The text emphasizes that true faith is not about clinging to false notions but about embracing the truth whenever it is revealed, even if it means challenging one's previously held beliefs.

9. The Nature of Truth and Falsehood is Subjective:

• The distinction between Truth and falsehood is often a matter of individual perspective. What is considered Truth in common parlance can be falsehood in principle, and vice versa.
• Therefore, the "vision of Truth" or "truth of the mind" is paramount. Without this inner truth, even truthful speech can be manipulative.

10. Innate Spiritual Potential: The Soul's True Nature:

• The text asserts that the virtues like non-violence, Truth, compassion, and the desire to do good to the world are not external impositions but are innate qualities of the soul.
• These virtues are not like foreign substances (like sugar in water) that can be mixed and separated. They are inherent to the soul's true nature.
• Religious teachings are presented not as imparting something new but as awakening the dormant spiritual potential within.

11. The True Meaning of Being Human: Humanity is the True Birth:

• The book emphasizes that simply being born as a human being is not the ultimate achievement. True humanity lies in manifesting human virtues and ethical conduct.
• The text draws an analogy from the concept of 'Dvija' (twice-born), referring to the spiritual rebirth that occurs when one awakens their inner consciousness and lives a life of righteousness.
• Lord Mahavir's final message, "Manusyam khy sudurlabham" (Human life is indeed very rare), underscores the preciousness of the human form and the responsibility to cultivate true humanity within it.

12. The Four Pillars of True Humanity:

• The text identifies four key elements for cultivating true humanity:
  1. Prakriti Bhadarta (Natural Goodness/Virtue): This involves self-reflection to ensure one is not acting hypocritically, presenting different behaviors in different situations. It emphasizes consistency and sincerity in one's actions.
  2. Simplicity and Uniformity: Living a consistent life, where one's actions and thoughts remain the same regardless of the circumstances or presence of others.
  3. Compassion and Empathy: The development of deep compassion for all living beings. This inner compassion is the foundation of natural goodness.
  4. Duty with Inner Joy: Fulfilling one's duties with a sense of inner joy and dedication, rather than out of compulsion or fear of external judgment.

In essence, "Bhagwatta: Mahavir Ke Drushti Me" is a profound exploration of Jain philosophy, advocating for a life dedicated to the internal realization of Truth as the highest form of divinity, and emphasizing that true humanity lies in embodying virtues like compassion, sincerity, and selfless service.