Chetnani Bhitarma - Book Summary

This document is a comprehensive summary in English of the Jain text "Chetna ni Bhitarm" (Inside Consciousness) by Sunandaben Vohra, published by Anand Sumangal Parivar. The book is divided into two volumes: Volume 1 on "Dharmachetna" (Consciousness of Dharma) and Volume 2 on "Karmachetna" (Consciousness of Karma).

The text aims to present the two streams of consciousness: the natural and the consequential, or the actual and the accidental. Dharmachetna is defined as the unbroken consciousness of the soul, the divine consciousness, while Karmachetna is consciousness that manifests as pure or good thoughts (Dharmachetna-oriented consciousness) and consciousness that manifests as impure or evil thoughts (Karmachetna). These two are seen as two sides of the same coin.

The author emphasizes that for a long time, the life journey of beings has been primarily characterized by Karmachetna. Dharmachetna, when cultivated, leads to the dissolution of Karmachetna, eventually leading to the full manifestation of the divine nature, where all karmic illusions vanish. Dharmachetna is life-giving in the beginning and liberating in the end, making the soul eternal and unborn.

The book highlights several key Jain philosophical concepts, including:

The Six Substances (Dravyas): Fundamental principles of Jainism.
The Nine Tattvas (Principles): A framework for understanding reality.
Kashayas (Passions): The binding forces of anger, pride, deceit, and greed.
Samyagdarshan (Right Faith/Vision): The correct perspective.
Mithyadarshan (Wrong Faith/Vision): The incorrect perspective.
The path to Moksha (Liberation): The gradual process described in scriptures.

Volume 1: Dharmachetna (Consciousness of Dharma)

The Fundamental Principle of Dharma: Dharma is derived from the root "dhri," meaning to uphold or sustain. Dharma sustains the soul in times of suffering and leads to freedom from happiness and sorrow.
The Nature of Dharmachetna: It is the soul's innate, pure, and peaceful state. It's described as a radiant consciousness that dispels ignorance. The author stresses that Dharmachetna is not understood through intellect or debate but through inner experience and the guidance of a Guru.
The Three Jewels (Ratnatraya): Samyagdarshan (Right Faith), Samyagjnana (Right Knowledge), and Samyakcharitra (Right Conduct) are presented as the core components of the path to liberation.
- Samyagdarshan: It's the soul's inclination or faith in its true nature. It's often obscured by delusion (moha) and leads to wrong perception where the body and soul are mistaken as one.
- Samyagjnana: True knowledge of the essence of reality, particularly the soul's pure form. It is guided by right faith.
- Samyakcharitra: Complete renunciation of worldly affairs, leading to inner strength, purity, and the experience of the soul's true nature.
Practical Dharmacharana: The book details various aspects of practicing Dharma, including:
- The Ten Virtues (Das Dharma): Excellence in Forgiveness (Kshama), Humility (Mardava), Straightforwardness (Arjava), Purity (Shaunch), Truthfulness (Satya), Self-restraint (Sanyam), Austerity (Tapa), Renunciation (Tyaga), Renunciation of possessiveness (Achin'chany), and Celibacy (Brahmacharya). Each is explained with examples and moral lessons.
- The Four Purusharthas (Goals of Life): Dharma (Righteousness), Artha (Wealth), Kama (Desire), and Moksha (Liberation). The importance of starting with Dharma is stressed.
- The Ten Limbs of Dharma: These are presented as essential qualities for spiritual practice.
Analogies and Stories: The book uses allegories like the story of the four princes seeking a great city and the analogy of sandalwood to illustrate the nature of Dharmachetna and the cultivation of virtues.

Volume 2: Karmachetna (Consciousness of Karma)

The Nature of Karmachetna: This volume deals with the forces that bind the soul to the cycle of birth and death. It describes how consciousness becomes entangled with karma, leading to suffering and the cycle of rebirth in four Gatis (realms of existence: Narak, Tiryanch, Manushya, Deva).
The Five Senses and Mind: The book explores how the senses and the mind are the primary conduits of Karmachetna, leading to bondage. The author emphasizes that true liberation comes from transcending sensory pleasures and delving into the depths of consciousness.
The Influence of Passions (Kashayas): The four Kashayas (anger, pride, deceit, greed) are explained as the main drivers of Karmachetna, perpetuating the cycle of suffering.
The Binding of Karma: A brief outline of how karma binds the soul is provided, explaining the subtle nature of karmic matter that attaches to the soul based on its thoughts and actions.
The Illusion of Sensory Pleasure: The book illustrates how attachment to sensory pleasures (like the elephant to touch, fish to taste, bee to smell, moth to sight, and deer to sound) leads to destruction, and how human beings, with their advanced senses and mind, are even more susceptible to this bondage.
The Cycle of Birth and Death: The concept of rebirth in different realms based on past karma is discussed, highlighting the immense suffering involved. The human birth is considered precious because it offers the potential for liberation.
The Role of Ignorance (Mithyadarshan): Ignorance about the true nature of the self and reality is identified as the root cause of karma and suffering.
The Paths to Liberation: The text reiterates the importance of the Three Jewels (Samyakdarshan, Samyagjnana, Samyakcharitra) as the means to overcome Karmachetna and achieve liberation.
The Ten Virtues as an Antidote to Karma: The ten virtues discussed in Volume 1 are presented as the means to purify the soul and weaken the grip of karma.
The Power of Spiritual Practice: The book emphasizes that through diligent practice, consistent effort, and the grace of a Guru, one can gradually shed karmic coverings and reveal the soul's true, luminous nature.

Overall Message:

"Chetna ni Bhitarm" is a spiritual guide that delves into the core principles of Jain philosophy, explaining the interplay between Dharmachetna and Karmachetna. It encourages readers to understand the nature of their consciousness, detach from worldly pursuits, and strive for self-realization and liberation through ethical conduct, knowledge, and devotion, guided by the teachings of the Tirthankaras and the wisdom of learned scholars. The book provides a detailed roadmap for spiritual growth, emphasizing the practical application of these principles in daily life.