Jivan Sandhyae Arunoday - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Jivan Sandhyae Arunoday" by Gunvant Barvalia, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Jivan Sandhyae Arunoday (Sunrise at the Dusk of Life) Author: Gunvant Barvalia Publisher: Navbharat Sahitya Mandir Theme: This book, a revised edition of "Mritayu nu Smaran" (Remembrance of Death), explores the concept of death not as a fearful end, but as a natural transition, a gateway to higher consciousness and spiritual liberation. It emphasizes preparing for death with equanimity and understanding, drawing heavily from Jain philosophy and spiritual teachings.

Overall Message: The central theme of "Jivan Sandhyae Arunoday" is to reframe the perception of death from a somber, frightening event into a natural, inevitable, and even auspicious occasion. The author advocates for embracing death with awareness, detachment, and spiritual preparation, which ultimately leads to a more meaningful and peaceful life. The "Arunoday" (sunrise) in the title signifies the dawn of spiritual awakening and liberation that can arise from contemplating and preparing for the "Jivan Sandhya" (dusk of life).

Key Concepts and Arguments:

Death as a Certainty, Not a Surprise: The book repeatedly stresses that birth is the first step towards death. Death is not an accident but a planned, though unknown, event. This understanding should remove the fear and allow for preparation.
The Importance of Death Remembrance (Mritayu nu Smaran): Remembering death at every moment is considered beneficial for the soul. It helps detach from worldly possessions, relationships, and sensory pleasures, paving the way for an unattached life.
Inner Transformation vs. Outer Rituals: The text critiques the tendency to focus on external rituals and appearances when death approaches. True spiritual progress, it argues, lies in inner transformation, cultivating good thoughts, and achieving mental equanimity, as illustrated by the story of the Yogi and the courtesan.
Death as a "Maha Utsav" (Grand Celebration): Just as life milestones like birthdays and anniversaries are celebrated, the author suggests that death, the ultimate transition, should also be viewed as a "Maha Utsav" – a celebration of the soul's journey towards liberation. This shift in perspective can help avoid grief and sorrow for the departed.
The Harmony of Knowledge and Detachment (Gyan and Vairagya): Contemplation of death leads to knowledge and fosters detachment. This combination of knowledge and detachment is the path to spiritual progress and ultimate salvation (Sadgati).
Life is a Journey, Death is a Destination: Life is likened to a flowing river or a journey across a river. Death is the other shore, a natural progression. Embracing this perspective makes the transition less daunting.
Living with Purpose and Awareness: The book encourages living each moment consciously, understanding the impermanence of life, and focusing on spiritual pursuits (Atma-gyan, righteous actions) rather than being caught in worldly attachments.
The Role of Intention and Inner State: The ultimate destination of the soul (heaven or hell, liberation) depends on the inner state of mind and the intentions held at the time of death, rather than just external actions or social status. This is exemplified by the story of the Yogi and the courtesan.
The Value of Virtue and Good Deeds: The book emphasizes that only virtues and good deeds (karma) accompany the soul after death. Material possessions and worldly relationships are left behind.
The Illusion of Material Wealth and Attachment: The text uses metaphors like the "ghost bungalows" (Bhoot Bangala) and the story of Jeevanlal Seth to illustrate how attachments to possessions and worldly desires create illusions and hinder spiritual progress.
Preparation for the "Dusk of Life": The book offers practical advice for planning for old age, emphasizing financial independence, maintaining health, cultivating inner peace, and fostering positive relationships to ensure a graceful "Jivan Sandhya" that leads to an "Arunoday."
The Power of Samadhi Maran (Peaceful Death): The ultimate goal is to achieve "Samadhi Maran" – a death attained with peace, awareness, and spiritual resolve. This is achieved through consistent spiritual practice, contemplation of the soul's true nature, and detachment from worldly affairs.
The Importance of "Samlekhana" (The Art of Peaceful Relinquishment): In Jainism, "Samlekhana" or "Santhanara" is highlighted as a conscious and deliberate process of preparing for death by gradually relinquishing attachments to the body, possessions, and relationships. This is not suicide but a Tapa (ascetic practice) undertaken with full awareness and equanimity.
The Concept of "A-Shok" (Without Sorrow) Death: The text draws parallels from various philosophical traditions, including Buddhism and the story of Emperor Ashoka, to advocate for a death free from sorrow, achieved through understanding, spiritual preparation, and the absence of attachment.
The "Sunrise at Life's Dusk" Metaphor: The book consistently uses the metaphor of the sunset of life (Jivan Sandhya) leading to a new sunrise (Arunoday) of spiritual awakening and liberation.

Structure and Content: The book is structured into chapters, each exploring a different facet of death, life, spirituality, and preparation for the end of life. These include:

Satsangati ke Durgati: The role of the inner mind in determining one's fate.
Mritayu nu Smaran: The importance of remembering death.
Maran Jivan nu Amrit: Death as the nectar of life.
Jindgi no Khro Swadhyay: The true study of life is death.
Mritayu no Pagrav: The footsteps of death.
Aushadh Upchar Chintan: Reflections on medicine and treatment, emphasizing spiritual remedies.
Divya Sukh no Alokik Pradesh: The realm of divine happiness.
Akhil Brahmand ma Aapnu Sthan Kya? Understanding our place in the universe.
Hu Thakto pan Nahi: A reflection on enduring efforts.
Mritayu Vishe Shrimad Bhagvad Gita: Death as described in the Bhagavad Gita.
Olvayeli Minabatti: The extinguished candle, representing a life extinguished too soon due to grief.
Mritayu Nivaris Shakatu Nathi, Sudhari Shakay Che: Death cannot be avoided, but it can be improved.
Aa Divaso pan Chali Jase: These days too shall pass.
Moksha Marg na Dwara ma Pravesh Kone Male?: Who gets entry into the path of liberation?
Dubto Suraj, Pilo Pan, Jovta Lu Hari Taru Naam!: Seeing the setting sun and yellow leaves, I take God's name.
A-Shok Nipatakar Vidai: A sorrowless farewell.
Aa Lok nu Mamtv Chodva Vina Parlok Sidh Thato Nathi: The afterlife cannot be achieved without letting go of worldly attachments.
Mritayu ni Anubhuti: The experience of death.
Antim Vidai Purv nu Ghoshana Patra: A declaration before the final farewell.
Vairagya no Divo: The lamp of detachment.
Jivan Sandhya Mate Aayojan: Planning for the dusk of life.
Amarta... Tuz Mulya Karse E Maran ni Zankhana Jene: Immortality will be valued by him who yearns for death.
Nirlepi Dasha: The state of being unattached.
Alochna: Self-reflection and introspection.
Darshan Sahitya ma Mritayu Chintan: Death contemplation in philosophical literature.
Asahishnuta: Intolerance.
Aathmu Vachan: The eighth vow (referencing marital vows).
Aaradhna no Avsar: The opportunity for worship and spiritual practice.
Jivan Sandhyae Arunoday: The overarching theme.
Chhelle To Amane Be J Hoisu: In the end, it will be just the two of us (referring to spouses).

Author's Background: The concluding pages provide a glimpse into the author's extensive work in spiritual and Jain literature, highlighting his contributions to various Jain publications and his active role in Jain organizations. He has authored and edited numerous books on religion, spirituality, poetry, and culture, earning him recognition and awards.

In essence, "Jivan Sandhyae Arunoday" is a spiritual guide that encourages readers to live a life of awareness, purpose, and detachment, so that the twilight of their lives can be illuminated by the sunrise of spiritual awakening and ultimate liberation.