Journey To Enlightenment Part 02 - Book Summary

This document is a comprehensive summary of "Journey to Enlightenment Part 02," a book of spiritual messages by Gurudev Shree Chitrabhanuji, edited by Nirmala Hanke and published by CreateSpace. The book, subtitled "On the Wings of Light and Love Volume Two," is a collection of talks and messages given by Gurudev Shree Chitrabhanuji at the Lighthouse Center and other venues, many of which were previously published in The Lighthouse Beacon newsletter.

The book begins with an introduction, a biography of Gurudev Shree Chitrabhanuji, a letter from Catherine Florida (founder of the Lighthouse Center, later known as Chetana), and a tribute to Gurudev from Chetana.

Gurudev Shree Chitrabhanuji's Life and Teachings: The biography highlights Gurudev Shree Chitrabhanuji as the first Jain Master to leave India and travel to the West in 1970, a significant act given traditional Jain monastic injunctions. He is described as a spiritual leader who dedicated his life to the Jain philosophy of "Reverence for All Life" and "Relativity in Thinking." His journey included periods of intense meditation, study of various philosophies, and founding the Divine Knowledge Society in Bombay. His travels and lectures in the West led to him addressing the United Nations on Ahimsa and founding the World Fellowship of Religions in America. He achieved a state of self-awareness in 1981 and has served as a spiritual advisor to numerous centers globally. The term "Jain" is explained as deriving from the Sanskrit verb "ji" (to conquer), referring to the conquest of inner enemies like anger, ego, and greed. His teachings aim to help individuals realize their true divine nature and promote compassion for self and others.

Key Themes and Messages from the Book:

The book contains numerous messages and talks, each offering spiritual guidance and practical advice. The overarching themes revolve around:

Mindfulness and Awareness: Several sections emphasize the importance of being present, aware of one's thoughts, words, and actions, and how this awareness can lead to positive change and inner peace.
The Power of Breath: The breath is presented as a central tool for meditation, stress management, and connecting with one's inner self and divinity.
Ahinsa (Non-Violence) and Reverence for Life: This core Jain principle is explored extensively. It's defined not just as not harming others, but as a profound feeling of reverence and interconnectedness with all living beings, extending to thoughts, words, and actions. The book touches on the impact of our food choices (like dairy) on Ahinsa.
Self-Realization and Inner Divinity: A recurring message is that divinity resides within each individual. Meditation and self-inquiry are presented as paths to discover this inner light and realize one's true nature.
Letting Go of the Past and Embracing the Present: The teachings encourage releasing past grievances, negative conditioning, and limiting beliefs to live fully in the present moment, which is seen as the best day.
Forgiveness: Paryushana, the Jain festival of forgiveness, is discussed as a time for introspection, seeking and granting forgiveness, and cleansing the heart. Forgiveness, especially of oneself, is highlighted as a powerful path to healing.
Attitude and Belief: The book stresses that our attitude is a direct outcome of our nurtured beliefs. Changing inner attitudes through self-discovery and meditation is key to transforming outer circumstances.
Simplicity and Detachment: Gurudev advocates for a simple life, detachment from material possessions, and freedom from ego, greed, and possessiveness, which are seen as hindrances to spiritual growth.
Meditation as a Tool: Meditation is consistently presented as a vital practice for self-discovery, managing life, achieving peace, and connecting with one's inner self and the divine. The book outlines various meditative steps, from focusing on words and images to experiencing the formless divine within.
Karma and Cause-and-Effect: The principle of karma is explained not as fate, but as freedom of action and the natural consequences of our thoughts, words, and deeds.
Individuation and Uniqueness: Each person is encouraged to embrace their unique identity and not fall into the trap of comparison, conformity, or living according to others' expectations.

Specific Stories and Concepts Mentioned:

"Grow Flowers, Not Thorns": Illustrates the importance of changing one's perspective and focusing on positivity.
The Story of Nandeshen: A narrative about an ugly boy who finds self-worth and becomes beloved through selfless service.
"The Changeless Beneath the Changes": Explores the concept of impermanence (anityata) and the eternal, changeless self.
"The Story of Charity from the Heart": A parable about the true meaning of giving, emphasizing the sincerity of intention over the amount of donation.
"The Great Soul of Ahinsa": Discusses Ahinsa through the examples of Nelson Mandela, Gandhiji, and Mahavir, highlighting Anekantavada (relativity of thinking).
"The Way of Ahinsa": Breaks down Ahinsa into six components: Awareness, Harmony, Integration, Nobility, Service, and Abstinence.
"Giving Priority to the Breath": Emphasizes the breath as the secret to life and meditation.
"Are We 'Antique' Collectors?": Encourages letting go of the past and identifying with the true Self.
"The Presence of God": Suggests that God is not an external entity but an indwelling energy, felt through love and connection.
"Celebrate Your Day": Promotes an attitude of gratitude and celebrating each day as a gift.
"Make a Commitment to Yourself": Highlights the importance of self-reliance and making commitments to personal spiritual growth.
"Live Day by Day": Advises against dwelling on the past or future, focusing instead on making the most of the present day.
"The Freedom of Choice": Explores how we are freed from past conditioning and guilt by making conscious choices in the present.
"Four Steps to Reach the State": Outlines a meditative path involving Padasth Dhyana, Rupastha Dhyana, Pindastha Dhyana, and Rupateet Dhyana.
"JIVADAYA: Compassion to Living Beings": Discusses compassion for all life forms, rooted in Ahinsa.
"Karma": Defines karma as freedom of action and emphasizes self-awareness and the consequences of our choices.
"Six Steps to Evolution": Reinforces the principles of Ahinsa through Awareness, Harmony, Integration, Nobility, Service, and Abstinence.
"Life is Liberation": Presents life's journey through different lenses—tragedy, comedy, journey, and liberation—advocating for the latter.
"Managing Life with Meditation": Highlights meditation as a way to awaken from programmed existence and discover inner clarity and purpose.
"Paryushana: A Week of Forgiveness": Explains the Jain festival as a time for introspection and reconciliation.
"The Nature of Mind and Truth": Discusses the mind's tendency to resist the unknown and the nature of reality as perceived through beliefs.
"Ahinsa Is Life": Defines Ahinsa as a deep inner experience and a way of living that fosters peace and interconnectedness.
"Feel the Meaning of the Word and We are Breath": Emphasizes the importance of the intention and feeling behind words and the profound connection to the breath.
"Five Steps to Healthy Living": Provides a framework for a healthy life: breathing with awareness, eating plant-based food, exercising regularly, thinking peacefully, and living spiritually.
"Talks at the Lighthouse Center": Summarizes recent talks on experiencing the presence within and the importance of individuation.
"Happy New Year": A brief message of well wishes.
"Your Attitude is Only the Outcome of Your Belief You Nurture": Connects inner attitudes to beliefs and emphasizes self-discovery through meditation.
"MILK": A critical examination of dairy consumption from an Ahinsa perspective, highlighting the suffering of cows and calves.

In essence, "Journey to Enlightenment Part 02" offers a rich tapestry of spiritual wisdom from Gurudev Shree Chitrabhanuji, guiding readers towards self-awareness, inner peace, compassion, and a life lived in harmony with all existence. The book aims to inspire individuals to embark on their own spiritual journeys with clarity and purpose.