Chinta Ke Vividh Ayam - Book Summary

Here is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Chinta ke Vividh Ayam" by Deshbhushan Acharya, based on the provided PDF pages:

The text, "Chinta ke Vividh Ayam" (Various Dimensions of Contemplation) by Acharya Deshbhushan Ji Maharaj, is a profound discourse on spiritual introspection and the path to liberation within Jainism. It emphasizes the inherent divine nature within each soul and guides the reader towards realizing this true self.

The True Self and Liberation:

Inherent Divinity: The core message is that the pure, divine soul resides within us eternally. Through concentration and meditation, this divine essence, referred to as the "Siddha Purush," can be found within, not in external material objects.
Freedom from External Attachments: When the soul detaches itself from external substances, it attains the state of liberation (Siddha Kshetra). A liberated soul experiences infinite knowledge, infinite perception, and infinite, indescribable bliss.
Direct Knowledge: When pure consciousness manifests, the soul can directly perceive all substances across all three times (past, present, future) simultaneously.
The Nature of the Siddha: Siddha Bhagwan is described as being free from birth, old age, and death, unburdened by karma, devoid of worldly activities and transmigration, pure, immaculate, incomparable, possessing eight supreme qualities, and free from dependence on others. They are indestructible, unbreakable, and filled with bliss.

The Cause of Suffering and the Path to Salvation:

Attachment to External Objects: For eons, the soul has suffered by dwelling in external objects, becoming a slave to desires and passions. The soul mistakenly seeks happiness and peace in the body and other external things.
Ignorance of True Nature: Despite experiencing numerous external objects, the soul has remained ignorant of its true nature – pure knowledge, pure perception, and pure conduct. This intrinsic self is different from all other substances, unchanging, pure, and full of virtues. Yet, the soul, neglecting its inner self, remains engrossed in external objects.
Karma and Liberation: Understanding and contemplating the spiritual truth, and embracing it with devotion, leads to the destruction of karma. Austerity (Tapas) helps in the shedding of accumulated karma (Nirjara), and the complete cessation of all karma leads to Moksha (liberation).
The Role of a Guru: Until the soul recognizes its true nature and develops a liking for it, it cannot separate itself from external substances. Therefore, the guidance of a true Guru is essential for thorough understanding.
The Impact of Thoughts: Unwholesome thoughts lead to sinful karma, wholesome thoughts to virtuous karma, and pure thoughts devoid of attachment and aversion lead to liberation.

Practices for Spiritual Growth:

Meditation (Dhyana): The text elaborates on three types of meditation:
- Pindastha Dhyana: Contemplating the self within the lotus of the heart, akin to the moon's light shining in a crystal vessel.
- Rupastha Dhyana: Contemplating the form of the Arhat Bhagwan in the Samavasharan, radiating immense brilliance.
- Rupatita Dhyana: Contemplating the innate happiness, knowledge, and self-perception, leading to the destruction of all sins.
The Navkar Mantra (Namokar Mantra): The Navkar Mantra, glorifying the five supreme beings (Panch Parmeshthi), is highly praised for its power to destroy sins accumulated over countless lifetimes and to lead to the ultimate goal of liberation. Constant recitation of this mantra, even while engaged in daily activities, fulfills desires, dispels fears, and can even change one's destiny from lower realms to the divine realm.
Self-Reflection: The text urges introspection at all times, asking fundamental questions like "Who am I?", "What is my true nature?", and "What is my duty?". This human life is a rare opportunity to understand oneself.
Discernment and Detachment: The soul should detach from external pursuits and seek happiness within. The body is transient and a source of suffering. Attachment to the body and external possessions leads to misery.
The Importance of Right Faith, Knowledge, and Conduct (Samyak Darshan, Samyak Gyan, Samyak Charitra): These are the true religion and the soul's inherent nature. Without taking refuge in them, no one can be protected or find peace.
Austerity and Endurance: Enduring hardships (Parishaha) with equanimity leads to the destruction of negative karma. Fleeing from trials weakens the soul. True strength lies in facing difficulties with fortitude.
Renunciation: True liberation comes from inner renunciation of desires and attachments, not just external separation from family or possessions.
The Value of Human Birth: This human birth is extremely rare and precious. Wise individuals do not waste even a moment of it.
Equanimity (Samabhav): Maintaining equanimity in happiness and sorrow, gain and loss, the presence of friends and enemies, and all life situations is the highest austerity and the path to peace.
Controlling the Senses: The five senses and the mind are the root of suffering. Controlling them through discipline and detachment leads to true happiness.
Knowledge and Wisdom: Knowledge is paramount, leading to liberation. Without true knowledge, all actions are in vain. Scripture knowledge is like fire that purifies the soul.
Discipline of Mind, Speech, and Body: Control over mind, speech, and actions is crucial for spiritual progress and the destruction of karma.
The Danger of Attachment and Desire: Attachment to worldly pleasures and the cycle of birth and death arises from desire. Renouncing these desires is essential for ultimate peace.
The Nature of Reality: The universe is transient. True wealth lies within the soul, in the form of self-knowledge.
The Power of the Soul: The soul possesses infinite knowledge, strength, and bliss. It is obscured by karma and ignorance.
The Importance of Dharma: Dharma is the only true companion that never abandons the soul, even at the time of death. It brings peace and happiness.
The Impermanence of Wealth and Youth: Youth, wealth, and power are fleeting. True fulfillment comes from spiritual pursuit.
The Dangers of Negative Traits: Pride, anger, deceit, greed, and attachment are detrimental to spiritual progress.
The Efficacy of the Navkar Mantra: The Navkar Mantra is described as a powerful tool that eradicates sins, removes obstacles, and grants ultimate peace and liberation.
The Inner Self: The true essence of the soul is within. The external world is a distraction. By turning inwards, one can discover the divine within.
Self-Reliance: True liberation is achieved through self-effort, self-knowledge, and self-discipline.

Specific Jain Teachings Highlighted:

The Seven Tattvas (Seven Truths): Belief in the soul, non-soul, influx of karma, bondage, stoppage of karma, shedding of karma, and liberation constitutes Right Faith (Samyak Darshan). Understanding these is Right Knowledge (Samyak Gyan), and acting accordingly is Right Conduct (Samyak Charitra).
The Five Great Vows (Panch Mahavratas): Non-violence, truthfulness, non-stealing, chastity, and non-possession are the foundational principles.
The Sixteen Sacred Contemplations (Shola Bhavanas): These are essential for the development of virtues and can lead to the attainment of Tirthankara status.
The Ten Types of Samyaktva: Different levels of right faith are described, culminating in the highest form attained by omniscient beings.
The Dangers of Mimicry: Following external religious practices without inner understanding and true faith is considered futile.
The Significance of Austerity: True austerity involves inner purification and control of passions, not just external penances.
The Role of Devotion: Devotion to the Tirthankaras and spiritual preceptors purifies the mind and aids in spiritual progress.
Charity (Dan): Charity in its four forms – food, medicine, knowledge, and fearlessness – is a vital aspect of spiritual practice.

In essence, "Chinta ke Vividh Ayam" is a spiritual guide that emphasizes introspection, detachment, self-control, and devotion as the keys to understanding one's true nature and achieving ultimate liberation from the cycle of birth and death. It encourages a life dedicated to righteous conduct, knowledge, and faith, guided by the teachings of the omniscient Tirthankaras and the wisdom of true Gurus.