I Am The Soul Part 01

This book, "I am The Soul Part 01," is an English translation of original Gujarati discourses delivered by Dr. Tarulatabai Mahasatiji. These discourses are based on Srimad Rajachandra's renowned "Atmasiddhi Shastra." Published by the Shri Gujarati Shwetambar Sthanakwasi Jain Association, this volume is part of a larger effort to make Jain literature accessible in universally used languages.

The book emphasizes the Jain philosophical quest for self-realization, particularly the understanding and experience of the Soul (Atma). It highlights the pivotal question, "Who am I?" which, through deep contemplation and introspection, leads to the profound answer, "I am the Soul."

The preface and acknowledgments detail the historical context of Jainism's resurgence in South India and the significant role played by Pujya Lalitabai Mahasatiji and her disciples, including Dr. Tarulatabai Mahasatiji, in disseminating Jain teachings. The publication of these discourses is presented as a boon to the Jain community, fostering greater awareness and providing access to spiritual knowledge.

The core of the book is the detailed commentary on Srimad Rajachandra's "Atmasiddhi Shastra," a work comprising 142 couplets that encapsulate Jain philosophy. The discourses, delivered over a period of Chaturmas, delve into the six essential characteristics of the soul, the nature of a spiritually inclined person versus a dogmatic one, the path to liberation, and the importance of a spiritual preceptor (Guru).

Dr. Tarulatabai Mahasatiji, with her academic background and deep spiritual understanding, expounds on complex Jain tenets like Syadvada and Anekantavada, making them accessible to the common reader. The book also draws parallels and influences from other spiritual traditions and saintly figures like Kabir, Anandghanji, and Ramana Maharshi, showcasing the universal appeal and essence of the spiritual quest.

The content is structured to guide the reader through various aspects of self-inquiry, including:

• Understanding the Self: Distinguishing the Soul from the body, senses, and mind.
• The Path of Liberation: Detailing the three-fold path of True Faith, True Knowledge, and True Conduct.
• The Role of the Guru: Emphasizing the indispensable guidance of a Sadguru in spiritual progress.
• Conquering Passions: Explaining the necessity of subduing ego, attachment, aversion, and other inner enemies.
• Prudence and Discrimination: The importance of discernment in differentiating between what is beneficial and detrimental for spiritual growth.
• The Nature of the Soul: Explaining the Soul as an eternal, pure, conscious, and independent substance, distinct from the physical world.
• The Matarthi vs. Atmarthi: Differentiating between those who are superficially religious or merely knowledgeable (Matarthi) and those who are genuinely seeking the Self through introspection and effort (Atmarthi).
• The Six Padas: A systematic analysis of the fundamental principles of Jainism, including the existence, perpetuity, doership, suffering, possibility of liberation, and the means to liberation of the Soul.
• Comparative Philosophy: The book touches upon how Jain philosophy, through its Anekantavada approach, accommodates and integrates insights from other Indian philosophical schools like Vedanta, Sankhya, Yoga, Buddhism, and Charvak.

The book's introduction and preface by Surendra Manilal Mehta and Krishanchand Choradia, respectively, highlight the association's commitment to promoting Jainology and making profound spiritual works available to a global audience. The overall tone is one of reverence, encouraging diligent introspection and the earnest pursuit of self-realization, which is the ultimate aim of Jainism. The discourses are infused with poetic language and relatable anecdotes, making the profound spiritual concepts relatable and inspiring for the reader. The book aims to be a comprehensive guide for both those new to Jainism and seasoned scholars, offering a "window to the world of Jain tenets."