Gurudev Shreena Vchanamrut

This document is a collection of sermons and devotional songs titled "Gurudev Shri Na Vachanamrut" (The Nectar of Gurudev's Words), attributed to Pujya Gurudev Shri Kanji Swami. The publisher is Shri Digambar Jain Swadhyay Mandir Trust, Songadh.

The text is structured as follows:

Introduction and Publisher's Note:

• The book is a compilation of select preachings of Gurudev Shri Kanji Swami, delivered on various Jain scriptures like Shrimad Bhagvat Kundakundacharya's Samaysar.
• It highlights Gurudev's profound influence in re-establishing the importance of the Samaysar and the pure soul-centric path in the 20th century.
• The compilation was initially intended for inscription on marble slabs within the newly constructed Shri Digambar Jain Panchameru Nandishwar Jinalay and Gurudev Shri Kanji Swami Vachanamrut Bhavan in Songadh.
• The text emphasizes Gurudev's deep study of Jain Agamas, his unwavering faith in the teachings of Kundakundacharya, and his unique ability to explain complex spiritual truths with clarity and depth.
• It mentions the significant impact of Gurudev's preachings, which led many to embrace the pure soul-centric path of Jainism.
• The book also includes testimonials from revered figures like Pujya Ben Shri Champaben, highlighting Gurudev's spiritual stature and the profound impact of his words.

Praise of Gurudev Shri Kanji Swami:

• The text offers extensive praise for Gurudev Shri Kanji Swami, detailing his birth, early life, spiritual inclination, and his pivotal decision to embrace the Digambar Jain path.
• His journey from a devout Shvetambara Sthanakvasi to a proponent of the Digambar Jain way of life is described, emphasizing his commitment to truth and spiritual realization.
• His impactful preachings on scriptures like Samaysar, Pravachan Sar, Niyamsar, Parmatma Prakash, and Purusharth Siddhi Upay are highlighted, noting his ability to convey profound spiritual wisdom in an accessible manner.
• The text attributes the resurgence of the pure soul-centric path in this era to Gurudev's efforts and emphasizes his role in establishing Songadh as a prominent spiritual center.

Compilation of Gurudev's Teachings (Vachanamrut): The core of the document consists of numbered spiritual insights and teachings attributed to Gurudev Shri Kanji Swami. These teachings cover a wide range of Jain philosophical and spiritual concepts, including:

• The nature of the Soul (Atma): Emphasis on the soul as pure, omniscient, blissful, and inherently identical to the divine (Parmatma). The soul's independence from external factors and its true nature as pure consciousness (Gyayak).
• The path to Liberation (Moksha): Stress on self-realization, detachment from worldly possessions and emotions (like Raga and Dvesha), the importance of Samyagdarshan (right faith), Samyagjnana (right knowledge), and Samyagcharitra (right conduct) as the path to liberation.
• Nayas (Perspectives): Explanation of Nischay Naya (ultimate truth perspective) and Vyavahar Naya (conventional truth perspective), emphasizing the primacy of Nischay Naya for spiritual progress.
• Karma and its impact: Clarification on the nature of karma, its relation to the soul, and the understanding that the soul is not the doer of karma but merely a witness.
• The role of scripture and Guru: The importance of studying scriptures under the guidance of a true Guru for correct understanding and spiritual realization.
• Detachment and equanimity: The significance of detaching from worldly desires, emotions, and external factors to achieve inner peace and liberation.
• The nature of 'Tapa' (Austerity): Redefining Tapa not just as external practices but as internal control over desires and attachment to the soul's true nature.
• Discrimination between Dharma and Puṇya: Differentiating between true spiritual practice (Dharma) and merit-earning activities (Puṇya), stating that Puṇya ultimately leads to worldly pleasures and not liberation.
• The illusoriness of worldly happiness: Highlighting that true and lasting happiness lies solely within the soul and not in external objects or experiences.
• The importance of self-effort (Purushartha): The necessity of strong self-effort in realizing the soul's true nature.
• The concept of 'Nimit' (Secondary cause): Explaining that external factors are merely secondary causes and do not directly cause or hinder the soul's spiritual progress.

Devotional Songs (Bhaktigeet): The book concludes with several devotional songs (Bhaktigeet) dedicated to Gurudev Shri Kanji Swami. These songs express deep reverence, gratitude, and love for his teachings and spiritual guidance. They often refer to him as "Kahan Guru," "Kanji Swami," "Yogiraj," and highlight his role as a spiritual guide, a revealer of the true path, and an embodiment of Jain ideals. The songs praise his wisdom, detachment, compassion, and the transformative impact of his preachings.

Overall Theme: The central theme of "Gurudev Shri Na Vachanamrut" is the exposition of the pure soul-centric (Shuddhatma) philosophy within Jainism, as expounded by Gurudev Shri Kanji Swami. It emphasizes the inherent divinity of the soul, the path of self-realization through detachment, right faith, knowledge, and conduct, and the ultimate goal of liberation. The teachings are presented as profound and transformative, aiming to guide individuals towards spiritual awakening and liberation.