Bruhad Adhyatmik Path Sangraha

This Jain text, titled "Bruhad Adhyatmik Path Sangraha" (Vast Collection of Spiritual Texts), compiled and edited by Pandit Abhaykumarji Devlali, and published by Shri Kundkundswami Swadhyaya Mandir Trust, Bhind, is a comprehensive anthology of devotional hymns, prayers, and spiritual discourses primarily aimed at fostering detachment (vairagya) and spiritual contemplation within the Jain community.

Key Aspects and Content:

• Purpose: The book's primary objective, as stated in the editorial, is to provide a substantial compilation of spiritual texts that enrich spiritual thinking, promote detachment from worldly pleasures, and lead to liberation (moksha). It aims to serve the broader Jain society by making these texts accessible.
• Inspiration and Context: The collection builds upon an earlier work published in 1987 by the Akhil Bharatiya Jain Yuva Federation, Jaipur. This edition includes additional spiritual compositions from contemporary scholars and highlights the works of Bal Brahmachari Ravindra Kumarji 'Atman'. The publication aims to incorporate newer, spiritually uplifting compositions.
• Core Philosophy: The text emphasizes the Jain principle that detachment (vairagya) is the path to freedom from suffering. It underscores the importance of spiritual contemplation and the role of devotional practices like Jindarshan (seeing the Tirthankaras), Pujan (worship), Path (recitation), and Swadhyay (self-study) as essential duties for Jain followers.
• Content Structure: The book is organized into various sections, as indicated by the detailed table of contents:
  • Morning Prayers (Prabhat Stotras): Hymns to start the day with spiritual awareness, often invoking the Tirthankaras.
  • Auspicious Chants (Mangal Panchak, Mangalashtak, Mahavir Ashtak): Prayers for well-being and auspiciousness, celebrating the virtues of Tirthankaras and key Jain figures.
  • Praise of Tirthankaras: Extensive sections dedicated to praising each of the 24 Tirthankaras, including:
    • Bhaktamar Stotra: A highly revered and extensive Sanskrit hymn attributed to Acharya Manatunga Suri, praising Lord Rishabhdev.
    • Vishapahara Stotra: A hymn focused on overcoming poison and suffering.
    • Kalyan Mandir Stotra: A hymn invoking auspiciousness and liberation.
    • Ekeebhava Stotra: A hymn focusing on the oneness of the soul.
    • Swayambhu Stotra: A hymn praising self-existing divine beings, attributed to Acharya Samantabhadra.
    • Paramananda Stotra: Hymns on supreme bliss.
    • Swaroop Sambodhana Stotra: Hymns on self-realization.
    • Mahavir Ashtak (Padyanuvaad): A poetic rendering of hymns about Lord Mahavir.
    • Stotras for various Tirthankaras: Including Padmanabha, Suparshva, Chandraprabha, Pushpadanta, Sheetalanath, Shreyanshanath, Vasupujya, Vimalnath, Anantnath, Dharmnath, Shantinath, Kunthunath, Neminath, Parshvanath, Mahavir, and others.
  • Contemplation and Detachment (Bhavana Dvātrinśatikā, Vaishya Bhavana, Atma-Bhavana): Texts guiding the reader in contemplating spiritual principles, fostering detachment from worldly affairs, and cultivating inner peace.
  • Samaayik (Equanimity): Texts describing the practice of Samaayik, a Jain meditation and equanimity exercise, including the "Samaayik Path Bhasha" and "Samaayik Bhavana."
  • Mourning and Renunciation: Texts related to renunciation (Nishkraman) and the contemplation of impermanence, as exemplified by the "Neminath Nishkraman" and "Yashodhar Gatha."
  • Lives of Great Souls: Narratives about significant Jain figures like Acharya Jin-sen, Deshbhushan-Phulbhushan, Akalank-Nikalank, Seth Sudarshan, and Mati Anantamati, illustrating virtuous conduct and spiritual journeys.
  • Essence of Daslakshan Dharma: Explanations of the ten virtues essential to Jain practice.
  • Final Prayers and Blessings (Mangal Shrungar, Jin Chaturvinshtika Padyanuvaad): Concluding hymns for peace and well-being.
  • Philosophical Discourse (Amulya Tattva Vichar, Ragaadi Nirnayastak, Six Dhalas, Atma Bodh, Adhyatm Panchasika): These sections delve into core Jain philosophical concepts, the nature of the soul, the illusion of attachment, and the path to liberation.
  • Two-Part Teachings (Guru-Shishya Chaturdashi, Prashnottar Doha): Dialogues conveying spiritual wisdom.
  • Wisdom and Knowledge (Gyan Pachisi, Karta-Akarta Pachisi, Baish Parishah): Texts focusing on the nature of knowledge, action and inaction, and overcoming trials (Parishah).
  • Seasonal Devotion (Barahmasa): Poetic reflections on spiritual practices throughout the year, possibly reflecting the lives of great souls.
  • Contemplative Reflections (Atma Chintan ki Ghadi Hai): Guided meditations for introspection.
  • Devotional Practices: Sections on Guru Vandana, Guru Stuti, and discussions on cause and effect (Upaadan Nimitta Samvad).
  • The Twelve Reflections (Bara Bhavana): A core Jain practice of meditating on the impermanence of the world, suffering, the soul, purity, charity, and liberation.
  • Prophecies and Auspicious Signs: Narratives of the dreams of Bharat Chakravarti and Samrat Chandragupta, interpreted as auspicious signs and prophecies for the future of Jainism.
• Compilation and Accessibility: The book is intended to be affordable, with a selling price significantly lower than its cost price, made possible by donations. The trust expresses gratitude to all contributors, proofreaders (Dr. Veersagar Jain, Pandit Abhaykumarji Devlali, Pandit Nitul Kumar Shastri 'Dhruvdham'), printers (Sanyam Publishers & Printers), and contributors for their efforts.
• Spiritual Goal: The ultimate aim is to inspire readers to turn towards Dharma, overcome worldly attachments, and progress spiritually, ultimately realizing the soul's inherent purity and achieving liberation.

In essence, "Bruhad Adhyatmik Path Sangraha" is a valuable resource for Jains seeking to deepen their understanding and practice of spirituality, offering a rich collection of devotional and philosophical content for daily contemplation and guidance.