Gagar Me Sagar

Here is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Gagar me Sagar" by Ratanchand Bharilla, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Gagar me Sagar (गागर में सागर) Author: Ratanchand Bharilla (सम्पादक - Editor) Publisher: Todarmal Granthamala Jaipur (प्रकाशक - Publisher) Source Material:

• 44th, 59th, 76th, and 897th verses (Gathas) from Gyan Samuchchay Saar (ज्ञानसमुच्चयसार) compiled by Shri Jin Taran Taran Swami (श्री जिन तारणतरणस्वामी).
• Discourses (Pravachan) by Dr. Hukumchand Bharill (डॉ० हुकमचन्द मारिल्ल) on the verses and on Lord Mahavir and his concept of non-violence (Ahimsa).

Overall Theme:

"Gagar me Sagar" translates to "A Pot of Ocean," implying a condensed yet profound essence of knowledge. This book, compiled and edited by Pandit Ratanchand Bharilla, presents the spiritual essence of Shri Jin Taran Taran Swami's profound verses, made accessible through the eloquent discourses of Dr. Hukumchand Bharill. The central focus is on understanding the true nature of the soul (Atma) as the ultimate reality and the path to spiritual liberation. It also highlights the teachings of Lord Mahavir, particularly his concept of Ahimsa (non-violence).

Key Sections and Content:

1. Editorial (प्रकाशकीय & सम्पादकीय - Publisher's Note & Editor's Note):

   • The Publisher's Note expresses joy at the fifth edition of the book, noting the widespread popularity and previous successful print runs. It emphasizes Dr. Bharill's talent as a scholar, speaker, writer, and poet, whose work has made Jaipur a center for spiritual activities. It mentions Dr. Bharill's significant contributions in simplifying complex Jain philosophical texts and his deep connection with Pujya Shri Kanji Swami. The note also acknowledges the significant contribution of the editor, Pandit Ratanchand Bharilla, and the donors.
   • The Editor's Note delves into the historical context of the 16th century, a period of religious turmoil. It highlights the rise of Shri Jin Taran Taran Swami (also known as Taran Swami) as a revolutionary spiritual leader who emphasized the study of scriptures and the inner soul's worship during times of temple destruction and external threats. Taran Swami's philosophy focused on the soul as the true sanctuary, urging followers to seek refuge in their own consciousness. The note praises Taran Swami's clarity in directing devotees to see the divine within themselves and praises Dr. Bharill's ability to simplify these complex teachings for the common person. It also mentions Dr. Bharill's extensive travels and publications, underscoring his prolific and impactful contribution to spiritual discourse.

2. Discourses on Verses from Gyan Samuchchay Saar (गाथा ४४, ५६, ७६, ८९७ पर प्रवचन):

   • Verse 44 (गाथा ४४): This discourse focuses on the verse which states: "My soul is pure, my soul is pure, my soul is supreme soul, dwelling in the body yet non-corporeal, my soul is the eternal supreme soul." Dr. Bharill explains that the soul is inherently pure, unblemished, and distinct from the body and its modifications. He emphasizes that while temporary impurities (like attachment, aversion) arise, they are not the soul's true nature, akin to a boil on the body not being the body itself. The key takeaway is realizing the soul's inherent purity and its identity as the supreme being, not needing to become pure but recognizing its existing pure state. This understanding is crucial for establishing oneness (ekatva) with the soul, leading to self-surrender and spiritual progress.
   • Verse 59 (गाथा ५६): This discourse explains the verse: "Pure is everything, pure is the Omniscient, eternal abode. Pure soul is the subject of pure meditation, pure is Right Faith." The emphasis here is on the soul's inherent purity, its omniscience, and its eternal nature. The verse highlights that the pure soul is the object of pure meditation and leads to pure Right Faith (Samyak Darshan). Dr. Bharill reiterates the soul's intrinsic purity, comparing it to gold in mud or a diamond's inherent value regardless of whether its worth is recognized. He stresses that the soul's purity is not something to be achieved but to be realized. The discourse also touches upon the human tendency to overlook the soul's magnificence, mistaking it for something insignificant or difficult to attain.
   • Verse 76 (गाथा ७६): This verse emphasizes the essence of the Twelve Angas (scriptural divisions) and Fourteen Purvas (ancient texts), stating that the soul, residing with the body, is the supreme soul. Dr. Bharill explains that all scriptures ultimately point to the soul. He highlights the concept of Bhed-vigyan (discrimination between the self and the non-self) as the core message. The discourse uses analogies like a child looking at the moon, guided by a finger or a tree, to explain how to focus on the soul within the body, distinguishing it from the physical form. The essential message is that the soul is distinct from the body and all external things, and realizing this self-identity is the ultimate goal.
   • Verse 897 (गाथा ८९७): This discourse focuses on the definition of Gyan Samuchchay Saar itself. Taran Swami states that the knowledge imparted by the Jin (Jain Tirthankaras) is the Gyan Samuchchay Saar, or alternatively, the pure meditation on the soul's inherent knowledge-nature is the Gyan Samuchchay Saar. Dr. Bharill clarifies that the book's name signifies both the soul as the essence of all knowledge and the compilation of Taran Swami's teachings as the essence of knowledge. He emphasizes that the soul's nature is to know and perceive (Gyan Swabhav), not to act upon others. The discourse contrasts this with the common tendency to get entangled in external actions and desires, leading to suffering. It stresses that the soul is inherently pure and omniscient, and understanding this truth leads to liberation.

3. Discourse on Lord Mahavir and His Ahimsa (भगवान महावीर और उनकी अहिंसा):

   • This section discusses Lord Mahavir's teachings on Ahimsa (non-violence). Dr. Bharill begins by explaining why Mahavir is remembered even after 2500 years, attributing it to the profound principles he taught, especially Ahimsa, which remain eternally relevant.
   • He contrasts the current violent world with Mahavir's teachings, noting how modern warfare, driven by greed, passion, and territorial disputes, has become incredibly destructive. He argues that Mahavir's Ahimsa is not outdated but profoundly relevant, perhaps even more so than in his own time.
   • Crucially, Dr. Bharill elucidates Mahavir's unique definition of Ahimsa and Himsa. According to Mahavir, Himsa is the origination of passions (Raga, Dvesha, Moha, etc.) within the soul, while Ahimsa is the absence of these passions. This definition goes beyond mere physical violence. While physical harm (Dravya Himsa) is also condemned, the root cause of all violence is identified as the inner passions (Bhava Himsa).
   • He uses analogies to explain this:
     • Physical vs. Emotional Violence: He compares the government's inability to arrest someone for a verbal threat (mental/verbal violence) versus arresting someone for physical assault.
     • The Master and Disciple: He illustrates how anger (a passion) manifests, from the mind to speech to action, highlighting that preventing the passion's origin is key.
     • The Mirror Analogy: The soul's pure knowledge reflects all existence without attachment or aversion. When we get attached or averse, that's Himsa.
     • Selfish vs. Selfless Actions: He explains that even actions like trying to "save" someone can be Himsa if they stem from attachment or a desire to interfere with their destiny. True Ahimsa involves non-interference and respecting the soul's autonomy.
   • The discourse emphasizes that "love" or attachment (Raga) is also considered Himsa by Mahavir, as it creates inner disturbance and attachment to the object of love. This contrasts with common understanding where love is seen as virtuous. He argues that attachment, even to dharma or religious practices, can be a form of Himsa if it leads to inner agitation.
   • The discourse explains that Mahavir's teachings are the ultimate truth, not bound by time or religion. The core message of Ahimsa, as the absence of inner passions, applies to all souls.
   • The book concludes with an appeal for readers to embrace Mahavir's principle of Ahimsa by purifying their inner state, leading to genuine peace and happiness.

Key Features and Strengths:

• Accessibility: Dr. Bharill's discourse simplifies complex Jain philosophical concepts, making them understandable for a wide audience.
• Depth: Despite the simplification, the spiritual and philosophical depth of Taran Swami's verses is retained.
• Practical Application: The book encourages introspection and the application of these principles in daily life.
• Holistic Approach: It covers both the essential philosophy of the soul's nature and the practical ethical teachings of Lord Mahavir, especially Ahimsa.
• Endorsements: The "Abhimat" (Opinions) section includes testimonials from respected scholars and Jain figures, attesting to the book's value and impact.

In essence, "Gagar me Sagar" serves as a spiritual guide, condensing profound Jain wisdom into a digestible format, encouraging readers to realize their true self and live by the principles of non-violence, both externally and internally.