Glimpses Of Sentiments

"Glimpses of Sentiments" by Muni Shri Yashovijayji, translated by Malay Kantharia, is a collection of profound devotional reflections and prayers presented in an accessible English version. Published by Jain Educationa International, this book is a spiritual guide intended for personal and private use.

The book is dedicated to Gurudev Late Gachchhadhipati Pujyapad Acharya Bhagwant Shrimad Vijay Bhuvanbhanu Surishwarji Maharaj. It aims to help seekers on the path of spiritual living through simple, lucid, and heartfelt words that touch the core of one's being. The author, Muni Yashovijayji, describes his writings as expressions of his inner devotional feelings, drawing from deep study, observation, self-introspection, and mystic experiences.

The book's preface highlights the significant role of written works in shaping human thought and behavior. It positions "Glimpses of Sentiments," along with "Fragrance of Sentiments" and "Abundant Joy of Sentiments," as guides for devotees and seekers, offering a path towards purification, transformation, and the dissolution of ego to merge with the Supreme Soul.

The "Inner Voice of the Writer" section reveals that devotion is primarily about feelings, emotions, and good wishes, with words or silence serving as expressions. Muni Yashovijayji humbly admits his limitations in giving form to his devotional feelings but, through the grace of the Supreme Soul, presents this collection. The book features a variety of sentiments, including requests to the Supreme Soul, dialogues with the divine, self-reflection on one's shortcomings, declarations of faith, and expressions of anxiety, joy, and even arguments with the Divine Power. The author expresses gratitude to his readers and supporters, hoping the book serves as a boat to navigate the ocean of sensitivities towards the goal of achieving the three Ratnas: Darshan, Gnyan, and Charitra.

The table of contents reveals a wide range of topics covered, each presented as a distinct "glimpse" of sentiment. These include themes such as:

• The nature of invitations to the Divine: "Did you read my letter of invitation?"
• The spiritual journey: "Trekking without any charts"
• The Divine's apparent stubbornness: "You are adamant"
• The urgency of spiritual seeking: "The time is up"
• The unique nature of the relationship with the Divine: "What kind of relationship is it?"
• The oscillation between faith and doubt: "I get oscillated"
• The Divine's choice between different forms of devotion: "Will you like a palace or a hut?"
• The perceived transformation of sacred places into difficult journeys: "The place of pilgrimage or the place of torchure?"
• The ardent desire for the Divine's presence: "Give me 'Darshan', oh compassionate!"
• The Divine's response to devotion motivated by worldly desires: "And Prabhu spoke"
• The nature of devotion during suffering: "Ornamental make-up of devotion in unhappiness"
• The quality of spiritual practice: "You performed 'SADHANA' but..."
• The power of unwavering devotion: "You get so much liked that the world is not liked"
• The triumph of faith over intellect: "Intellect gets defeated; faith wins"
• The impact of repentance and the authenticity of spiritual practices: "Question after repentance"
• The essence of spiritual remembrance: "Then repetition of name real..."
• The pursuit of life and spiritual growth: "Not in suicide; I have interest in life..."
• The reconciliation of inner conflicts: "You get this reconciled..."
• The profound significance of tears in devotion: "Tears are everything..."
• The sustaining power of Divine grace: "It is sustained only due to your generosity"
• The victory found in surrender: "Even in defeat, there is my victory..."
• The goal of spiritual progress: "Not in a coma, interest is in a full-stop."
• The growth of spiritual sentiment: "A lake of sentiments can not become an ocean..."
• The desire for Divine connection: "Want your photograph..."
• The breaking of illusions: "Intoxicated illusion may get broken, illusory life may get broken"
• The spiritual essence in sorrow: "Fragrance even in tears"
• The transformative power of the Divine: "You transform me."
• The significance of remembering the Divine: "Death without remembrance of name"
• The glory of the Divine's presence: "Delightful splendour of your Royal Court."
• The preference for inner devotion over outward displays: "Not illumination of intellect, a lamp of faith"
• The longing for communion: "Give me a boon of conversation"
• The desire for Divine intervention: "Kindly show your impact."
• The elevated status of the devotee: "More than Bhagwan, a devotee is more fortunate"
• The need for emotional clarity: "You just tear-off a curtain of eyes and tears"
• The importance of sincere requests: "If to demand, that only before you."
• The mystery of the Divine's names: "A wonder of the name of the nameless"
• The unspoken language of devotion: "Language of even silence."
• The perceived disconnect between the Divine and the world: "There is not harmony between the lord of the world and the world."
• The root of conflict: "Not taking care is its quarrel."
• The nature of faith: "Faith is destined to remain blind."
• The desire for divine intervention in worldly matters: "Get released the security mortgaged"
• The longing for Divine connection: "Take me on your side."
• The paradox of seeking solace: "Though there is a remedy, without any remedy."
• The power of Divine grace: "There is strength even in a look."
• Finding joy amidst hardship: "Unhappiness and an edible root of happiness."
• The importance of Divine acceptance: "Do not drive away contemptuously from your royal court."
• The learning process in spirituality: "Kindly teach me utilisation of remembrance and forgetting."
• The desire for spiritual transformation: "Do you want to change agency?"
• The Divine as the ultimate goal: "Devotion to you, my future."
• The reflection on past lives and karma: "My past is seen."
• The importance of addressing root causes: "Not action, leave cause."
• The fear of intense devotion: "I am afraid in devoting."
• The supremacy of devotion even in liberation: "Even in freedom, the devotion supreme."
• The feeling of spiritual emptiness: "My bag is empty."
• The mirroring of Divine joy: "In your joy, my joy."
• The tranquility of spiritual realization: "Even peace has a smile and beauty."
• The experience of oneness: "Experience of non-duality."
• The unique nature of Divine joy: "Your joy also is unique."
• The Divine's presence making all experiences sacred: "84 Lacs speices of birth also places of pilgrimage."
• The aspiration for constant praise: "Let there be constant flow of 'STUTI."
• The desire for ultimate rest in the Divine: "At your feet to take rest."
• The endlessness of spiritual discourse: "There is no end to the talk."
• The fear of being forgotten: "Did you forget me?"
• The importance of Divine attention: "Do not remove your attention."
• The mystery of the Divine's nature: "Secrets of your life are quite astonishing."
• The desire for partial fulfillment: "Keep atleast half of demands of my mind."
• The paradox of experiencing spiritual dryness amidst Divine grace: "Even in rains that got dried."
• The unreliability of worldly supports: "All supports without protection."
• The realization of Divine companionship: "Now I have your company."
• The transformative power of Divine sight: "Impact of 'DARSHAN'."
• The desire for spiritual exchange: "Do you want to trade?"

The book is a deep exploration of the devotee's emotional and spiritual landscape, expressed through poignant and often questioning dialogues with the Divine. It underscores the Jain principles of detachment, pure perception, and the pursuit of liberation.