Jain Sanatan Vitrag Darshan

"Jain Sanatan Vitrag Darshan" by Ramniklal Savla is a foundational text in Jain philosophy, focusing on the principles of Vitraagta (freedom from attachment and aversion) as the ultimate goal and the essence of Jain Dharma. The book, published by Ramniklal Savla, emphasizes personal study and is circulated privately.

The core message of the book revolves around understanding the true nature of the soul (Atma) as pure consciousness, knowledge, and bliss, inherent in every living being. It asserts that the soul is distinct from all material and karmic substances, and its inherent nature is free from passions and impurities.

Here's a breakdown of the key themes and concepts presented in the book:

1. The Nature of the Soul (Atma):

• The soul is described as knowledge itself (Gyan Swarup), inherently blissful, powerful, and eternal.
• It is free from all karmas and external influences in its pure state.
• The perception of the soul as the doer of external actions or being affected by external states is considered ignorance (Moha) of the worldly beings, as stated in the quote from Shri Samaysar: "The soul is knowledge itself, it is knowledge itself, what else does it do besides knowledge? The soul being the doer of external states is the delusion of the practical beings."

2. Jain Dharma (Jin Shasan):

• Jain Dharma is presented not as a man-made religion but as the inherent nature of reality (Vastu ka Swabhav).
• It is eternal and not dependent on any individual, scripture, or miracle.
• The Tirthankaras are not founders of religion but revealers of lost truths, reminding souls of their own inherent divine nature.
• The essence of Jain Dharma is Vitraagta (non-attachment and non-aversion), Anekantavada (multi-faceted reality), and Syadvada (conditional statements).
• It is a path of reason and direct experience (Anubhuti).

3. The Path to Liberation (Moksha):

• The ultimate goal is liberation from the cycle of birth and death (samsara), which is achieved by realizing and abiding in one's true soul-nature.
• This realization is achieved through the Triple Jewels (Ratna Traya): Right Faith (Samyag Darshan), Right Knowledge (Samyag Gyan), and Right Conduct (Samyag Charitra).
• Vitragta (non-attachment and non-aversion) is the central virtue that leads to liberation.
• The book stresses the importance of self-realization (Atmanubhuti) through introspection and meditation.
• External rituals and devotional practices (Shubha Raag) are not considered the true path to liberation but rather a means to purify the mind. The ultimate is the pure application of consciousness (Shuddhopayog).

4. Key Principles and Concepts:

• Anekantavada: The understanding that reality is multi-faceted and can be viewed from various perspectives.
• Syadvada: The principle of speaking from a particular perspective, acknowledging that statements are always relative and conditional.
• Dravya, Guna, and Paryaya: Understanding the distinction between substance (Dravya), its inherent qualities (Guna), and its transient states (Paryaya).
• Cause and Effect: Emphasis on self-causation and the principle of "what you sow, you shall reap," where actions (karmas) lead to consequences, and liberation comes from understanding and neutralizing these karmic causes.
• The Six Substances (Dravyas): Detailed explanation of Jiva (soul), Pudgala (matter), Dharma (motion principle), Adharma (rest principle), Akasha (space), and Kala (time).
• Seven Tattvas: Explanation of the fundamental principles of Jainism: Jiva (soul), Ajiva (non-soul), Asrava (influx of karma), Bandha (bondage of karma), Samvara (cessation of karma influx), Nirjara (shedding of karma), and Moksha (liberation).
• Karma Theory: A detailed explanation of how karma binds the soul and the process of its dissolution.

5. Spiritual Practices and Attainment:

• The book guides the reader towards self-awareness and introspection.
• It emphasizes the practice of distinguishing the soul from the non-soul (Bhed Gyan).
• Cultivating virtuous qualities like compassion, forgiveness, truthfulness, and equanimity is encouraged.
• The importance of scriptural study (Swadhyay) and association with the virtuous (Satsang) is highlighted as crucial for spiritual progress.

6. The Nature of True Religion:

• True religion is not about external rituals or beliefs but about the internal transformation and realization of one's true self.
• The emphasis is on living a life of detachment, non-violence (Ahimsa), and truthfulness in thought, word, and deed.

In essence, "Jain Sanatan Vitrag Darshan" is a profound exposition of Jain philosophy that guides the reader toward self-discovery and liberation by understanding the soul's true nature and practicing the principles of detachment, non-violence, and self-control. It is a call to realize one's inherent divinity and achieve the state of Vitraagta, which leads to eternal peace and bliss.