Hu Aatma Chu Part 02 - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Hu Aatma Chu Part 02" by Tarulatabai Mahasati, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Hu Aatma Chu Part 02 Author: Tarulatabai Mahasati Publisher: Gujarati Shwetambar Sthanakwasi Jain Association

This book is a discourse delivered by Ba. Brahmachari Dr. Tarulatabai Mahasatiji, delving into Shrimad Rajchandra's "Shri Atmashiddhi Shastra." It focuses on the six fundamental truths about the soul as expounded in the scripture, starting from the assertion "The soul exists" (Page 10, Gatha 43) and concluding with the discourse on overcoming obstacles to spiritual realization.

Core Theme: The Nature of the Soul and the Path to Liberation

The central theme of the book revolves around understanding and realizing the true nature of the soul ("Aatma") and the path to liberation ("Moksha"). Mahasatiji, through her commentary on Shrimad Rajchandra's verses, aims to guide the reader towards self-realization.

Key Concepts and Structure:

The book meticulously analyzes the six essential propositions from the "Atmshiddhi Shastra," which form the bedrock of Jain spiritual philosophy:

"Aatma Chhe" (The Soul Exists): This foundational truth emphasizes the undeniable existence of the soul. The discourse addresses the skepticism, particularly from materialistic viewpoints, that denies the soul's existence due to its imperceptible nature to the senses. The text argues that while the soul is not directly perceivable by the physical senses like objects (like a pot or cloth), its existence is proven through reasoning, the experience of consciousness, and its role as the knower. The example of Raja Pardeshi and the Charvaka school highlights the philosophical challenges to the soul's existence and the materialistic worldview.
"Te Nitya Che" (It is Eternal): This proposition establishes the soul's eternal and unchanging nature. It contrasts the soul (as a substance) with its transient states or modifications (as a modification or attribute). The body, being a collection of atoms, is subject to decay and destruction, making it impermanent. The soul, however, as pure consciousness, is beyond birth, death, and decay. The concept of energy conservation from science is used to analogize the soul's imperishable nature. The soul's eternality is crucial for the possibility of liberation.
"Nahi Thudhu Eydhan" (No Distinct Identification): This section likely addresses the student's initial confusion and doubt, questioning how to identify the soul, especially since it's not directly perceptible by the senses. The text delves into the limitations of sensory perception and the need for introspection and higher knowledge to understand the soul.
"Aatma Chhe Te Dhrrav Nitya Che" (The Soul is an Eternal Substance): This further reinforces the soul's eternal nature, distinguishing it from transient states or attributes. The concept of substance ("Dravya") versus modification ("Paryay") is key here. The soul as a substance remains eternally, even as its modifications change.
"Karm Nij Karma Che Jokta Vadi Moksha Chhe" (It is the Doer of its Own Karma, and the Enjoyer of that Karma): This proposition emphasizes the soul's agency in creating its karma and experiencing its fruits. The soul is the doer of its actions and the enjoyer of the consequences. The text stresses personal responsibility for one's karma, noting that no external force dictates actions or their outcomes.
"Moksha Upay Sudharma" (The path to Moksha is Righteousness/One's Own Dharma): This final proposition highlights the means to achieve liberation. It identifies "Sudharma" or "Swa-Dharma" (one's own inherent nature) as the path. This means living according to the soul's pure nature, which is characterized by knowledge, perception, and equanimity. The analogy of the lion cub and the wolf, and the story of the mouse freeing the lion, illustrate how one's true nature and inherent capabilities are the tools for overcoming obstacles and achieving liberation.

Key Themes and Explanations:

The Dialogue Format: The book presents the teachings as a dialogue between a disciple and a guru (Saddguru). The disciple raises doubts and questions based on worldly observations and common beliefs, and the guru provides profound, logical, and experiential explanations. This format makes the complex philosophical concepts accessible.
Critique of Materialism and Sensory Perception: The text strongly emphasizes that true reality, like the soul, cannot be grasped solely through sensory perception. It distinguishes between superficial observation and deeper, introspective understanding.
The Role of the Guru: The importance of a qualified guru is highlighted, as they possess the knowledge and experience to guide the disciple through their doubts and towards self-realization.
Integration with Other Indian Philosophies (Shad Darshana): A significant portion of the text (Pages 35-43) explores how the six core propositions of Jainism are reflected or can be harmonized with the principles of the six major schools of Indian philosophy (Vedanta, Jainism, Sankhya, Yoga, Nyaya, and Buddhism). This demonstrates Jainism's inclusive and comprehensive philosophical outlook, particularly its concept of Anekantavada (non-absolutism).
The Nature of Karma: The book discusses karma as a natural consequence of actions and the soul's agency in its creation and fruition. The understanding of karma is presented as essential for grasping the path to liberation.
The Path to Moksha: The ultimate goal is liberation from the cycle of birth and death, achieved by understanding and living in accordance with the soul's true, eternal, and pure nature. This involves shedding external attachments and cultivating inner purity.
Personal Experience and Realization: The emphasis is not just on intellectual understanding but on the direct experience and realization of the soul's nature, which is described as "Avyabadh Anubhav" (unimpeded experience).

Dedications and Acknowledgements:

The book includes numerous dedications and acknowledgments to various individuals and organizations who supported its publication, indicating a strong community involvement in promoting Jain teachings. These acknowledgments highlight the financial and moral support received from various Jain communities and individuals across India and even from overseas (USA).

Overall Message:

"Hu Aatma Chu Part 02" serves as a profound exposition of Jain spiritual principles, specifically focusing on the nature of the soul and the means to attain liberation. It encourages introspection, critical thinking, and the guidance of a guru to overcome worldly illusions and realize the soul's inherent divinity and eternal freedom. The text aims to instill in the reader the firm conviction: "I am the Soul."