Bikhre Sutro Ko Jodne Ki Kala Swadhyaya

This text, an excerpt from "Bikhre Sutro ko Jodne ki Kala Swadhyaya" by Uday Jain, focuses on the profound significance of "Swadhyaya" (self-study) within the context of Jain philosophy and its contribution to human civilization. The author highlights Jainism's rich tradition of scientific and spiritual thought, predating Western scientific inquiry by millennia.

Key Themes and Arguments:

• India's Dual Legacy: Atom and Ahimsa: The text asserts that India's unique contributions to humanity are "Atom" (representing scientific advancement, particularly in the understanding of atoms and subatomic particles as analyzed in Jain philosophy) and "Ahimsa" (non-violence). This challenges the notion that scientific tradition originated solely in the West, emphasizing India's ancient and profound scientific and spiritual contemplations.
• Swadhyaya as the Key to Unifying Dispersed Knowledge: The author argues that the "scattered threads of history" – the wisdom of India, particularly the ethical and philosophical tenets of Jainism – can only be unified and understood through "Swadhyaya." This self-study is presented as the essential tool for comprehending the true value of India's contributions to human civilization.
• Acharya Shri Hastimalji's Emphasis on Swadhyaya: The text specifically praises Acharya Shri Hastimalji for his strong advocacy of Swadhyaya. His focus was on the importance of "self-study" for self-discovery, self-identification, and ultimately, self-realization.
• The Upanishadic Call and Jain Philosophy: The text draws a parallel between the Upanishadic invocation ("Lead me from unreal to real, from darkness to light, from death to immortality") and Jain philosophy's teachings. Jainism, in this view, guides individuals on the path from mortality to immortality through the precious human life.
• Inner Reflection and the Essence of Life: Acharya Shri Hastimalji is credited with encouraging people to look inward, beyond external superficialities, to discover inner beauty, a new perspective, and a life free from attachment, desire, anger, hatred, conflict, lust, and possessions.
• The Jain Path: Holism over Extremism: Jainism is presented as a philosophy that does not endorse any single path exclusively. Instead, it offers a unified path with multiple interconnected components. This allows individuals to progress according to their own capabilities.
• The True Nature of Prayer: Prayer is described as an integral part of self-purification, with devotion being its core. True prayer, it is argued, originates from a heartfelt outpouring of devotion, leading to the utterance of prayerful words.
• Who to Pray To: The text emphasizes praying to perfected beings (Vitaraag Dev) and those who have followed their path, having achieved spiritual progress. The primary characteristic of a divine being is "Vitaraagata" (freedom from attachment and aversion).
• Beyond Superficial Worship: The text critiques the practice of worshipping "stones" (idols) with the hope of material gain, asserting that true peace comes not from external acquisitions but from internal transformation.
• The Human Potential for Divinity: Jainism is lauded for empowering humans with the potential to become divine or "Vitaraag" irrespective of their caste, color, creed, wealth, or social status. This universalizing aspect of Jainism is what gives it a global appeal.
• Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam and Universal Consciousness: India's understanding of the universe as a single entity, leading to the concept of "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam" (the world is one family), is seen as a reflection of this interconnectedness. Any suffering or destruction elsewhere is felt personally.
• Jainism's Contribution to Ahimsa: Jain philosophy has significantly contributed to the development of Ahimsa as a powerful life philosophy and practice in a world often filled with violence. The text credits Jain saints and enlightened figures like Acharya Shri Hastimalji for spreading this message and integrating Swadhyaya into their lives and those of others.
• The Power of Atom and Ahimsa: The piece concludes by reiterating India's gift of both "Atom" (physical energy) and "Ahimsa" (spiritual energy). It calls for the further propagation of Ahimsa to create a new, non-violent humanity and society, sending a message of universal unity and consciousness to the world.

In essence, the excerpt champions Swadhyaya as the foundational practice for reconnecting with India's profound philosophical and scientific heritage, particularly the Jain path of self-realization and universal compassion, exemplified by the teachings and life of Acharya Shri Hastimalji.