Chahe To Par Karo - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Chahe to Par Karo" by Munishri Vairagyarativijay, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Chahe to Par Karo (If You Wish, You Can Cross Over) Author: Munishri Vairagyarativijay Publisher: Pravachan Prakashan Puna Theme: This booklet is an Hindi translation of a Gujarati work and focuses on the profound meaning of the 'Prarthana Sutra' used in the Chaityavandan (worship) ritual. It is a collection of devotional prayers and reflections addressed to the Vitraag (one who is free from attachment and aversion) Lord, expressing the author's earnest desire for spiritual progress and liberation.

Core Message and Prayers:

The central theme revolves around seeking the Lord's grace for spiritual transformation and ultimately achieving liberation (Moksha). The prayers are characterized by deep humility, self-awareness of flaws, and an unwavering faith in the Lord's compassion and guidance. The book is structured around a series of aspirations or blessings the devotee wishes to receive.

Key Aspirations and Themes Explored:

Vitrāg Parichay (Understanding the Vitrāg): The author expresses an intense longing for the Lord, recognizing Him as the ultimate friend and the embodiment of compassion. The Lord's freedom from worldly attachments (rag, dwesh, lobh) is deeply admired. The desire is to internalize this "Vitrāgta" (state of detachment).
Jagadguru (Universal Teacher): The Lord is hailed as the Jagadguru, the true teacher who has given everything to the world without expectation. The author contrasts this with their own inability to give, being preoccupied with taking. There's a yearning to become a true devotee, which requires a pure heart, free from worldly entanglements.
Bhav Nivrutti (Renunciation of Worldly Existence): The text uses the analogy of a caged bird to illustrate the plight of a soul bound by worldly comforts and securities. Despite having everything, the bird yearns for freedom. Similarly, the author recognizes that worldly possessions, family, and social status, while seemingly secure, are a form of imprisonment. The prayer is to break free from this "golden cage" of comfort and attain true freedom.
Mārgānusāriā (Following the Path): The author acknowledges the difficulty of the spiritual path, marked by challenges and obstacles. The lack of faith and reliance on intellect alone have led to fear, doubt, and a deficiency in love. The prayer is for the strength to follow the Lord's path with unwavering faith, learning to use the heart over the intellect. The Lord is likened to a mother who will guide the devotee.
Īṣṭaphalasiddhi (Attainment of Desired Fruit): The ultimate desired fruit is to become one with the Lord. This requires eradicating worldly desires and attachments that pull the soul away from the Lord. The author prays for the Lord's presence in their heart, even amidst the allurements of the world.
Lokaviruddhācārā (Avoiding Actions Condemned by the World): The text addresses the nature of "dosha" (faults or sins). Even small faults, like small thorns, can impede progress. The author acknowledges having many minor faults that hinder good deeds. There's a deep introspection into personal flaws like disrespect, criticism, anger, dishonesty, and self-deception. The prayer is for the strength to overcome these by dedicating the senses and mind to the Lord.
Gurujanapūjā (Veneration of Gurus): The importance of respecting Gurus is highlighted, drawing parallels with great figures like Rama, Shravan Kumar, and Kunal who made significant sacrifices for their parents. The author recognizes that true devotion begins with honoring those closest, including parents and Gurus. The prayer is for the humility to accept guidance and not become selfish or inconsiderate towards elders.
Paramakarana (Perpetual Benevolence): Nature is presented as an example of selfless giving (flowers giving fragrance, trees giving shade, rivers giving water). Humans, unlike nature, are often seen as exploiters. The author prays for the development of "pararthabhav" (altruism) and a broad heart like a river, rather than the narrowness of a mountain. The analogy of the flag and carpet illustrates how humility (being underfoot) leads to happiness, while pride (being above all) leads to suffering.
Shubhaguruyogō (Association with a Virtuous Guru): The text emphasizes the need for a true Guru to navigate the complexities of spiritual life and overcome ego and attachments. The author expresses the desire to be guided by a Guru who can lead them to the Lord, or for the Lord Himself to be their Guru.
Tavvacanasēvanā (Service to the Words of the Guru): The importance of unwavering devotion to the Guru's teachings is stressed. Even though the Lord prohibits asking for personal gain, the desire for continuous service to the Lord's feet is expressed. The prayer is for the strength to uphold the Guru's words throughout one's life.
Duḥkhakṣaya (Eradication of Sorrows): The pursuit of happiness in the world is deemed impossible, like a rose blooming in a polluted drain. The author recognizes that their sad demeanor and negative thoughts stem from inner turmoil (sanklesha). True happiness comes from the Lord, and the prayer is for the right attitude and devotion to achieve it.
Karmakṣaya (Eradication of Karma): The analogy of the painter creating "heaven on earth" and then "hell on earth" through the same child highlights how one's own thoughts and actions shape destiny. The author admits to having cultivated negative thoughts and habits, turning a beautiful life into a painful one. The plea is not just to cut the branches of bad karma but to uproot the causes – negative thoughts and conditioning.
Samāhimaraṇaṁ (Peaceful Death): The Gujarati saying "A good end means everything is good" is quoted. The author desires a good death, which necessitates a good beginning, middle, and end to life. This requires cultivating virtues and letting go of internal conflicts. The prayer is for the ability to die peacefully, embracing death rather than fearing it, and living a life free from struggle and ill will towards others.
Bohillābho (Attainment of Right Vision): The ultimate desire is for "sadrishti" (right vision) and the ability to live in the world without being influenced by it. The core problem is the deep belief and attachment to the world, which leads to attraction and incorrect perceptions. The prayer is for detachment, like a lotus leaf in water, so that worldly influences do not stain the soul. The success of these prayers is seen in the internal transformation of the devotee.

Overall Tone and Spirit:

The book is characterized by profound humility, sincere introspection, and a yearning for divine grace. It's a testament to the seeker's awareness of their own shortcomings and a fervent plea for the Lord's intervention to guide them towards spiritual perfection and liberation. The language is devotional and evocative, reflecting a deep emotional connection with the divine.