Dakshina Pathni Sadhna Yatra

This comprehensive summary is based on the provided Gujarati text, which appears to be the preface and introduction to the book "Dakshina Pathni Sadhna Yatra" by Pratap J Tolia, published by Vardhaman Bharati International Foundation. The text is rich in philosophical and spiritual content related to Jainism and the author's spiritual journey.

Book Title: Dakshina Pathni Sadhna Yatra (A Sadhana Journey on the Southern Path) Author: Prof. Pratap Kumar Tolia Publisher: Vardhaman Bharati International Foundation

Overall Theme: The book chronicles the author's profound spiritual journey and the inspiration behind establishing a Jain Veda-Vidya Peeth (University of Jain Knowledge) in the sacred and historically significant region of Dakshina Path (Southern India), particularly in Hampi, Karnataka, known for its ancient ruins and spiritual resonance. The journey is deeply rooted in the teachings of Shri Gunesthana Ratna Shri Jinendra, Shri Bhagwan Mahavir, and particularly the philosophy of Paramgurudev Shri Shrimad Rajchandraji.

Key Concepts and Narrative Arc:

1. The Vision of a Jain University:

   • The core inspiration stems from a profound vision, experienced in deep meditation by the author's Gurus. This vision was to establish a Jain institution that would facilitate balanced and complete sadhana (spiritual practice) encompassing knowledge, devotion, service, and action, based on the principles of "Atma" (self) as outlined by Shrimad Rajchandraji.
   • This institution was envisioned not in crowded cities, but amidst pristine nature – in tranquil forests, by serene rivers, and in quiet mountain caves, as alluded to in ancient scriptures. The goal is to nurture enlightened scholars grounded in Jain vidya (Jain knowledge) and all other meaningful and beneficial sciences.
   • The author feels called to establish this university, hearing the call from the sacred caves of Sabarmati to the banks of the Tungabhadra river.

2. The Need and the Void:

   • The author laments a significant void in the Jain community – the lack of a large-scale, comprehensive Jain university despite a rich heritage of knowledge, penance, and righteous conduct.
   • He contrasts this with the glorious past of India, where institutions like Ajanta-Ellora and universities like Takshashila and Nalanda (where Lord Mahavir spent several Chaturmasas) were established, highlighting the perceived lack of similar grand institutions for Jainism.

3. The Journey and the Inspiration:

   • The book details the author's personal journey, which began with the first glimpse of the Shri Madhurajchandra Ashram in Hampi, Karnataka. This experience was profoundly inspiring, leading him to leave his professorship at Gujarat Vidyapith and decline foreign invitations to dedicate himself to establishing an educational institution at this sacred site.
   • The initial impetus and guidance came from the revered Dr. Sukh Lalji, a renowned Jain scholar.
   • The author's late elder brother, Chandubhai Tolia, who was the Ashram president, was a major inspiration and co-visionary. Together, they dreamt of creating a "Jinalaya and Jain University" at Hampi, reminiscent of the historical figures Vastupal and Tejpal.
   • Tragically, both Dr. Sukh Lalji and Chandubhai Tolia passed away before these grand visions could fully materialize. This loss was a profound setback, but the author was encouraged by the "Guru's command" to see adversities as opportunities and received continued support from other spiritual guides and family members.

4. The Significance of Hampi (Ratnakuta):

   • The text describes Hampi as a place with a deep historical and spiritual lineage, associated with Lord Munisuvratnath, Lord Rama, the Vanaras (like Vali, Sugriva, Hanuman), and the Vijayanagar empire.
   • The author paints a vivid picture of Hampi's natural beauty, its ruins, and the Tungabhadra river, emphasizing the presence of ancient energy from the sadhanas of past enlightened beings.
   • The 'Ratnakuta' mountain region within Hampi, with its caves and natural formations, is described as a place that once served as a sadhana-bhumi for sages and a battleground for warriors. It had become a place of darkness and negative energies, but was revitalized by the arrival of an "Avadhut" (renounced yogi) who established the Shri Madhurajchandra Ashram.

5. The Ashram and its Founder (Shri Sahajanandghanji):

   • The Ashram is portrayed as a sanctuary of peace and spiritual seeking, established in natural caves by Shri Sahajanandghanji (also known as Bhadramuni). He is depicted as a profoundly influential yogi who radiated spiritual energy.
   • Shri Sahajanandghanji, originally a Shvetambara Jain monk named Bhadramuni, later adopted a Digambara ascetic lifestyle and became known as Sahajanandghan. His life was dedicated to the spiritual path and the teachings of Shrimad Rajchandraji.
   • He is credited with purifying the land, dispelling negative energies, and establishing a harmonious environment for spiritual seekers from all backgrounds.
   • The Ashram is open to all who seek spiritual knowledge and practice, regardless of their background, with a core principle of renouncing sectarianism and embracing spiritual unity, as exemplified by Shrimad Rajchandraji's philosophy.

6. The "Matataji" (Mother Figure):

   • The narrative introduces "Matataji" (identified as Dhanadevi), the spiritual head of the Ashram and a manifestation of divine maternal energy. She is described as a soul with profound spiritual realization, embodying compassion and universality.
   • She cares for humans and animals alike, demonstrating an incredible capacity for selfless service and spiritual guidance. Her presence is described as a source of peace and spiritual illumination for the entire Ashram.
   • The author highlights instances of animals and people achieving peaceful samadhi under her guidance, emphasizing her extraordinary spiritual stature.

7. The Author's Sadhana and Observations:

   • The book shares the author's personal experiences and observations of fellow sadhakas (spiritual practitioners) at the Ashram.
   • Khengarbapa: An eighty-year-old man who left his successful business to pursue spiritual practice, dedicating seven years to meditation in the Ashram, aspiring to achieve samadhi here.
   • Atmārām (the Dog): A remarkable account of a dog named Atmārām, believed to be a spiritually evolved soul from a past life, who exhibits profound spiritual tendencies and discriminates between Jain and non-Jain visitors, exhibiting unique spiritual behavior. This section emphasizes the idea that spiritual awakening is not limited by species.
   • Matataji's Devotion: The author vividly describes Matataji's ecstatic devotional practices, which are said to attract divine attention, with flowers showering down as a sign of divine appreciation. This underscores the power of pure devotion.
   • The author's journey involves deep contemplation on the transient nature of worldly achievements, the lessons learned from the ruins of Hampi, and the profound teachings of Shri Shrimad Rajchandraji and other spiritual masters like Anandghanji.
   • The author's personal sadhana is enriched by his interactions with Shri Sahajanandghanji and Matataji, deepening his understanding of balanced spiritual practice (samyak sadhana) which integrates knowledge, devotion, and yoga.

8. The Message of Self-Discovery:

   • The overarching message is about self-realization, the pursuit of truth, and the importance of inner spiritual practice. The echoes of the caves and the teachings of the great souls inspire the author and readers to seek their own true self.
   • The author's journey culminates in a powerful realization of his own spiritual potential and the eternal nature of the soul.

9. The Role of Vardhaman Bharati International Foundation:

   • The foundation is presented as an organization dedicated to promoting spirituality, meditation, music, and knowledge, with a special focus on Jainism. It aims to uplift societal values and promote a harmonious way of life through various spiritual and artistic means.
   • The author, Prof. Pratap Tolia, is highlighted as the driving force behind these initiatives, using music and meditation to convey eternal spiritual truths.
   • The foundation has published numerous works and organized various spiritual events, including meditation camps. The legacy of his daughter, Parul, who contributed significantly to these efforts, is also poignantly mentioned.

In essence, "Dakshina Pathni Sadhna Yatra" is a narrative of spiritual awakening, the establishment of a profound spiritual center, and a tribute to the timeless teachings of Jainism and its great luminaries. It is a call to embark on one's own spiritual journey towards self-discovery and inner peace, inspired by the wisdom of the past and the living examples of spiritual masters.