Jarnaro Janai Che

This comprehensive summary focuses on the core teachings of "Jarnaro Janai che" (The Knower is Known) by Lalchandra Pandit, based on the provided text. The text, a compilation of the teachings of Pujya Shri Kahn Gurudev, emphasizes the Jain philosophy of the soul as the ultimate reality, characterized by its nature of knowing.

Central Theme: The Soul as the Knower

The central tenet of the book revolves around the concept that the soul's fundamental nature is to know. The soul is not an agent of action but a pure, unadulterated knower. This knowing entity, the soul, is eternally present and is revealed through self-awareness.

Key Concepts and Teachings:

• "Jarnaro Janai che" (The Knower is Known): This recurring phrase is the cornerstone of the teachings. It signifies that the soul, in its essence, is the knower, and this very nature of knowing is what it is. It is not something external to be acquired but an inherent truth to be realized.
• "Hu Jarnaro Chhu, Karnaar Nathi" (I am the Knower, Not the Doer): A fundamental distinction is drawn between the soul's nature of knowing and the actions performed by the body or external factors. The soul is an observer, unaffected by the actions of the external world. This understanding is crucial for detachment.
• "Kharakhar Par Janatu Nathi" (Truly, the Other is Not Known): This statement highlights the soul's inability to truly know or be affected by external objects or circumstances. While there might be an appearance of knowing, the true nature of the soul remains untouched and separate from the known. This emphasizes the soul's inherent purity and indifference to external phenomena.
• "Swabhav" (Inherent Nature): The teachings consistently point towards realizing and abiding in one's true, inherent nature as the soul. This nature is described as pure, conscious, blissful, and omniscient.
• Discernment (Bhed Gyan): The text repeatedly stresses the importance of discerning between the soul (the knower) and the non-soul (the known), including the body, emotions, and external objects. This discernment leads to the cessation of attachment and suffering.
• Self-Awareness and Realization: The ultimate goal is the direct experience and realization of the soul's true nature. This is achieved through introspection, self-observation, and consistent contemplation of the "knower."
• Beyond Action and Reaction: The soul, being the knower, is beyond the cycle of action and reaction. It witnesses events without being involved or affected. This understanding is key to achieving liberation from the cycle of birth and death.
• The Role of Gurudev: The teachings are presented as guided by the profound insights of Pujya Shri Kahn Gurudev, whose spiritual understanding and compassion are highlighted as instrumental in illuminating these profound truths.
• The Title's Significance: The title "Jarnaro Janai che" encapsulates the entire message, implying that the realization of the soul is not an external acquisition but an inner discovery of one's inherent nature. The knower is already known within; one needs to turn inward to recognize this truth.

Structure and Emphasis:

The book is presented as a collection of profound spiritual insights, likely derived from lectures or writings of Pujya Shri Kahn Gurudev, compiled and published by his devoted followers. The text emphasizes the practical application of these spiritual truths in daily life, encouraging readers to cultivate self-awareness and abide in their true nature for spiritual progress and ultimate liberation. The repeated emphasis on these core principles aims to imprint the reader's consciousness with this fundamental Jain spiritual understanding.