Jain Sadhna Ka Icchayoga - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Jain Sadhna ka Icchayoga" by Amarchand Maharaj, based on the provided pages:

The book "Jain Sadhna ka Icchayoga" by Kaviratna Shradheya Shri Amarchandji Maharaj emphasizes that Jain spiritual practice (Sadhna) is fundamentally a practice of "Icchayoga", which translates to "Yoga of Desire" or "Volitional Yoga". It is a path of natural and effortless effort, not one that involves force or compulsion.

The core message of Jainism, as presented in the text, is one of non-violence, peace, love, and friendship. Its strength lies in love, not the sword; in spirituality, not materialism. The foundation of Jain Sadhna is emotion (Bhavna) and faith (Shraddha). There is no room for insistence or coercion. Sadhna begins when the practitioner awakens, just as a lotus blooms by the sun's touch. The Guru awakens the dormant mind, but the actual walking (progress) is the practitioner's own responsibility.

Lord Mahavir's fundamental teaching to every practitioner is: "Jaha suham devappiya, ma padibandham kareha" – "O beloved human, engage in the practice that brings you happiness and peace." However, there's a crucial condition: "On the path of welfare that you have decided to walk, do not delay or be negligent."

This implies that Jain Sadhna is not about forceful imposition. The practitioner is free and unburdened by any pressure. Fear and temptation have no place here. True Sadhna is that which is done spontaneously and with ease. Those who come to self-welfare, regardless of their stage in life – whether they are faltering in the evening of their lives, enjoying the spring, or just entering their prime – are all encouraged with the principle of Icchayoga: "Jaha suham..." (Do as you are comfortable with).

The text illustrates this with examples:

Shrimati Chandanbala: Welcomed warmly.
Gahapati Anand: When unable to become a monk, was encouraged to become a lay follower (Shravak) by Lord Mahavir's words, "Jaha suham."
Samrat Shrenik: When unable to become a lay follower, was advised to at least be a person of right faith (Samyagdrishti).

The principle is to walk according to one's capacity. Just as a heavy cloud releases as much water as the receptacle can hold, individuals should engage in Sadhna to the extent of their ability.

Key Aspects of Jain Sadhna as Icchayoga:

Freedom and Spontaneity: Jainism is a vast and expansive religion that embraces the individual soul. It never forces anyone. The key elements of Sadhna are natural inclination and inner impulse. True religion is that which is done willingly and spontaneously; anything else is merely a facade of religion.
Quality over Quantity: Jainism doesn't ask how much you have done, but how you have done it. During practices like Samayika or Paushadh, the focus is on whether one was immersed in pure thoughts and good intentions. If inner peace is absent, the action will only cause suffering and not contribute to true religion, as "actions without feeling do not bear fruit."
Utilizing One's Strength: A significant aspect of Jain Sadhna is never to hide one's strength. It is considered a great sin not to utilize one's capacity, just as misusing it is a sin. One should engage in chanting, austerity, and renunciation to the best of their ability. As the scriptures say, "Do what you can, and have faith in what you cannot."
Loyalty and Steadfastness: Practitioners are urged to faithfully follow the path they have chosen with their own will. Whether a lay follower or a monk, they must adhere to their respective duties with faith and devotion.
Mindfulness and Enthusiasm: One should never approach Sadhna with an empty mind. The mind should always be radiant and filled with enthusiasm and vigor. The focus should be on how one walks, not just how far.
Universal Accessibility: The Icchayoga of Jainism is always open for the welfare of humanity. It requires no wealth, status, or influence. There are no barriers of country, caste, or lineage. The only requirement is to awaken one's dormant mind and assess one's own capacity.

In conclusion, the text posits that in today's restless world, when humanity seeks peace and happiness, it must turn to the natural and volitional path of Jain Icchayoga. It is a path that respects individual capacity, fosters inner peace, and leads to true spiritual progress without any form of compulsion.