Bhakti Kartavya

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Bhakti Kartavya" (Duty of Devotion) by Pratapkumar J. Toliiya, published by Shrimad Rajchandra Ashram:

Book Title: Bhakti Kartavya (भक्ति-कर्तव्य) Author(s): Shrimad Rajchandraji and Yogindra Yugapradhan Shri Sahajanandghanji (original authors); Pratapkumar J. Toliiya (editor) Publisher: Shrimad Rajchandra Ashram, Ratnakoot, Hampi

Overall Theme: "Bhakti Kartavya" is a compilation of teachings and insights on the significance and practice of bhakti (devotion) within the Jain tradition, primarily drawing from the spiritual wisdom of Shrimad Rajchandraji and Yogiendrayugapradhan Shri Sahajanandghanji. The book emphasizes that true devotion is not mere ritual but a profound internal connection and a path towards spiritual liberation. It highlights the importance of devotion to a realized soul (Sadhguru) as a crucial element in spiritual progress, especially in the current era where direct realization of the soul is challenging.

Key Sections and Concepts:

• Introduction and Editorial: The book begins with introductory remarks, blessings from Pujya Mataji Shrimati Dhandevi ji, and an editorial by the editor, Prof. Pratapkumar J. Toliiya. The editorial explains the purpose of the book – to present the teachings of Shrimad Rajchandraji and Shri Sahajanandghanji on bhakti for the welfare of all. It acknowledges the efforts of Shri Sahajanandghanji to spread Shrimad Rajchandraji's teachings and outlines the publication's aim to make this valuable spiritual literature accessible.

• Raj-vani: Nitya Kartavya (Shrimad Rajchandraji's Words: Daily Duty):

  • Division of Time: Shrimad Rajchandraji suggests a daily schedule for spiritual progress, allocating time for devotion (1 prahar), religious duty (1 prahar), meals (1 prahar), study (1 prahar), sleep (2 prahar), and worldly affairs (2 prahar).
  • "Why Bhakti?": This section explores the necessity of devotion, especially in a spiritual path that is otherwise difficult to traverse. It argues that the ultimate goal of self-realization (gaining pure, independent soul-states) is challenging due to inherent ignorance from beginningless time. Therefore, the path of devotion, by taking refuge in a knower of reality (Gyanipurush), is presented as a more accessible means to attain the state of knowledge.
  • Taking Refuge in a True Soul (Aashray Bhakti): True devotion involves establishing the mind at the feet of a virtuous soul and diligently following their commands. While initially difficult, consistent contemplation of their teachings and viewing them with reverence makes it easier.
  • Essence of Devotion to a Sadguru: The teachings express a profound reverence for the Sadguru, considering them even more important than the ultimate reality (Paramatma) because the Paramatma itself is attainable through the Sadguru. The Sadguru's teachings and presence are paramount for cutting down ego and expediting spiritual understanding.
  • Devotion to One's True Self and Detachment (Swa-rup ki Bhakti evam Asangata): The ultimate devotion is to one's true, pure self and the practice of detachment.
  • Preeminence of the Path of Devotion (Bhakti Marg ka Pradhanya): The path of knowledge is considered difficult and prone to pitfalls like doubt, indecisiveness, and self-will. The path of action can lead to ego, attachment to rituals, and pride. Therefore, the path of devotion, under the guidance of a Sadguru, is presented as the most accessible and beneficial route for spiritual liberation, offering unwavering refuge to the helpless.
  • Parabhakti (Supreme Devotion): This refers to the state of oneness with the Paramatma. It is achieved by dwelling in the divine consciousness. True Parabhakti is attained through devotion to a soul-embodied Paramatma (a realized soul or Sadguru). Recognizing the Paramatma within the Sadguru is key, as there is no distance between them. Devotion to a divine, embodied Guru is the highest form of worship.
  • Mahatmya of Devotion (Bhakti Mahatmya): Devotion without love is considered empty knowledge. The ultimate fruit of devotion is to understand the Sadguru as the embodiment of knowledge and to serve them with love and devotion.

• Sahajanand-vani: Bhakti-Shakti (Sahajanandghanji's Words: The Power of Devotion):

  • Infinite Power of Devotion: Shri Sahajanandghanji speaks of the immense power within devotion.
  • Internal Worship and Parabhakti: True worship is the firm establishment of the compassionate Lord's image in the heart-temple. This is described as the ultimate aim of tangible worship and the "nectar of truth." Establishing this in the Sahastradal Kamal (thousand-petaled lotus) and focusing the mind like an arrow towards it is called Parabhakti or devotion characterized by love. This "refuge" sustains memory and leads to the realization of the soul's luminous nature.
  • Oneness of Soul and Paramatma: This ultimate oneness is the pinnacle of Parabhakti and represents true equanimity-based right faith (Samagdarsan).
  • The Role of the Guru: The text emphasizes the importance of relying on a Sadguru whose own spiritual essence is pure. Devotion to such a Guru purifies one's thoughts and actions, integrating devotion, knowledge, and yoga.
  • Power of Remembering the Lord (Prabhu-smaran-bal): Constant remembrance of the Lord provides immense, unseen strength to face adversities. The aspiration is for all devotees to develop this inner strength.

• Mataji's Blessings: Pujya Mataji Shrimati Dhandevi ji blesses the book, stating that devotion is the soul's natural state. She cites the example of Ravana, who attained the Tirthankar-nam-gotra by devotion, and encourages readers not to hesitate in practicing it, as devotion is a great thing that reveals the doors to liberation.

• Editorial by Prof. Pratapumar J. Toliiya: This section details the genesis of the book, the inspiration from Shri Sahajanandghanji's desire to spread Shrimad Rajchandraji's teachings widely, and the compilation process. It mentions the translation from Gujarati to Hindi and the preservation of poetic verses. The editor also shares a personal anecdote about Shri Sahajanandghanji's encouragement and guidance in translating Shrimad Rajchandraji's "Atmavyanthi Shastra." He expresses hope that this publication will serve as a first step in making their collective literature accessible.

• Prakashakiy (Publisher's Note): The minister of Shrimad Rajchandra Ashram, Shri S.P. Ghevarchand Jain, provides an introduction to the book. He highlights the prevailing unrest in the world and the shortcomings of both materialistic science and superficial religious practices. He stresses the need for true spiritual knowledge and the reliance on the immortal words of enlightened souls like Shrimad Rajchandraji and Shri Sahajanandghanji, especially in this era when direct contact with such masters is rare. He also provides biographical details of Shri Sahajanandghanji, his spiritual journey, and the establishment of the Shrimad Rajchandra Ashram in Hampi.

• Sections on Specific Teachings:

  • Sadguru-Mahima: Praises the greatness and compassion of the Sadguru, who awakens dormant consciousness and guides towards liberation.
  • Jineshvarani Vani: Emphasizes the profound nature of the Tirthankaras' teachings, which are difficult to fully comprehend but are the key to understanding reality.
  • Jad-Chetan Vivek: Explains the distinction between the inert (jad) and the conscious (chetan) substances, stressing the importance of realizing the soul's true nature as distinct from the body and external matters.
  • Shri Sadguru Bhakti Rahasya (The Secret of Devotion to the Sadguru): This extensive section includes:
    • Bhakti na Vees Doha (Twenty Doha Couplets on Devotion): A series of couplets expressing deep humility, confession of faults, and earnest yearning for the Sadguru's grace and guidance.
    • Kaivalya Beej Shu? (What is the Seed of Kaivalya?): A poetic exploration of various spiritual practices (yoga, renunciation, austerities, scripture study) and how they are ultimately insufficient without the grace and guidance of a Sadguru.
    • Kshamaapana (Apology/Confession): A sincere apology to the divine for past transgressions and ignorance, acknowledging the power of the teachings.
    • Aalochana (Self-Criticism/Introspection): Deep introspection and confession of past mistakes, wanderings, and attachments, leading to a desire for true spiritual guidance.
    • Shatpad Vivek (Discrimination of Six Principles): Detailed explanations of the six fundamental principles necessary for right understanding and conduct in Jainism: the existence of the soul, its eternality, its role as a doer, its role as an experiencer, the state of liberation, and the means to achieve it. This section includes dialogues between a disciple and a Guru resolving doubts.
    • Dharm Nishtha (Steadfastness in Dharma): Emphasizes unwavering faith in the path of non-violence and truth as taught by the omniscient beings, and the importance of seeking refuge in the Sadguru to overcome worldly ailments.
    • Sapta Dosh Parihar (Abandonment of Seven Faults): A plea to overcome the seven obstacles (desire, pride, attachment, speech, delusion, etc.).
    • Shri Atma Siddhi Shastra (A study of the Soul's attainment): The book refers to this important work, highlighting its significance in understanding the path to self-realization.
    • Shri Brihad Aalochana (Great Self-Criticism): A very extensive section that serves as a detailed confession of sins and wrongdoings across various categories, including violence, falsehood, theft, lust, greed, anger, pride, delusion, attachment, hatred, slander, etc., with repeated apologies and requests for forgiveness and guidance. This section is particularly rich in its detailed enumeration of spiritual transgressions.
    • Aalochana Paath (Recitation of Self-Criticism): A section dedicated to the practice of reciting self-criticism.
    • Prabhat ka Bhakti Kram (Morning Devotional Routine): Describes practices of contemplation and reflection on the impermanence of worldly things, the non-reliance on external aid, the oneness of the self, the impurity of the body, equanimity, and detachment.
    • Shrimad Sahajanandghanji Krit Stavana Sangraha (Collection of Devotional Songs by Shri Sahajanandghanji): Includes various devotional songs and spiritual verses composed by Shri Sahajanandghanji, expressing his personal spiritual experiences, devotion to his Guru, and insights into the nature of the self and the spiritual path.

• Concluding Sections:

  • Shri Lallaji Ranjit Singhji Krit Brihad Alochana: This section contains a detailed critique and confession by Shri Lallaji Ranjit Singhji, reiterating the principles of Jainism and seeking forgiveness for his shortcomings.
  • Shuddhi Patrak (Errata): Lists corrections for printing errors.
  • Parichay Jhanki (Introduction to the Ashram): A vivid description of the Shrimad Rajchandra Ashram in Hampi, its location, the spiritual atmosphere, and its history.

Key Takeaways:

• Centrality of the Sadguru: The book consistently emphasizes that a true Sadguru is indispensable for navigating the spiritual path, particularly in the present age. They are the source of true knowledge, the guide to self-realization, and the embodiment of divine grace.
• Bhakti as a Path to Liberation: Devotion, when understood and practiced correctly, is presented not as a mere ritual but as a powerful means to attain spiritual liberation, complementing knowledge and right conduct.
• Importance of Introspection and Self-Criticism: The extensive "Aalochana" sections underscore the Jain emphasis on self-awareness, sincere introspection, and the confession of faults as crucial steps in spiritual purification.
• Distinction Between True and Superficial Practices: The text differentiates between genuine spiritual practice and mere external rituals or intellectual knowledge, highlighting the inner transformation that true devotion brings.
• Accessibility of the Spiritual Path: While acknowledging the inherent difficulties, the teachings offer a path that is made accessible and achievable through faith, devotion, and the guidance of enlightened masters.

In essence, "Bhakti Kartavya" is a profound spiritual guide that illuminates the path of devotion within Jainism, advocating for a sincere, loving, and unwavering dedication to the Sadguru and the pursuit of one's true self.