Kaise Soche

Here's a comprehensive summary of Acharya Mahaprajna's book "Kaise Soche" (How to Think), based on the provided text:

Overview:

"Kaise Soche" by Acharya Mahaprajna, published by Jain Vishva Bharati, delves into three fundamental aspects of human well-being: how to think, the principles of inner transformation (heart change), and the methods for overcoming fear. The book emphasizes the profound connection between our thoughts, emotions, and physical health, advocating for a constructive and positive approach to life.

Key Themes and Concepts:

The book is structured around three core questions, each explored in detail:

1. Kaise Soche? (How to Think?)

   • The Power of Thought: Humans, being thinking beings, possess the capacity to engage in high-level thought due to their developed nervous systems. This ability distinguishes them from animals.
   • Mind-Body Connection: There's a deep, reciprocal relationship between the body and mind. While the body influences the mind, the mind has a more significant impact on the body.
   • Constructive vs. Destructive Thinking:
     • Constructive (Vidhayak) Thinking: Leads to a healthy body, improved social and human relationships, and paves the way for development and progress.
     • Destructive (Nishedhatmak) Thinking: Often linked to attachment (Mohaniya Karma) and delusion (Murcha), it can lead to physical ailments, bitterness in relationships, and obstruct progress. When attachment subsides, thinking naturally becomes constructive.
   • Preksha Dhyana as a Solution: The practice of Preksha Dhyana (Insight Meditation) is presented as a powerful tool to reduce negative thoughts and cultivate positive ones.
   • The Nature of Thought: The book clarifies that thinking is a function of the brain, an "ekस्फुलिंग" (spark) of consciousness, not the totality of it. The ultimate goal of meditation is to transcend thought and reach a state of direct experience (Sakshatkar).
   • Two Types of Thoughtlessness: The author interestingly compares the directly enlightened (Pratyakshyagyaani) who don't need to think, and the ignorant (Agyani) who lack the capacity to think. Both are "thought-free" states, though for vastly different reasons.
   • The Art of Thinking: Thinking is presented as an art that not everyone masters. Those who learn it find their path cleared. The book highlights the importance of positive thinking, citing the example of a thief who, despite constant failure, maintained hope, teaching the value of perseverance.
   • Destructive vs. Constructive Perspectives:
     • Destructive Perspective (Nishedhatmak Drishti): Rejects truths, leading to despair, discouragement, inactivity, and ultimately, failure.
     • Constructive Perspective (Vidhayak Drishti): Embraces truths, leads to success, and provides solutions to problems. This perspective is cultivated through meditation, mental purification, concentration, and detachment from desires.
   • Holistic View vs. Fragmented View: Thinking holistically (Samagrata ki Drishti) is crucial for constructive thinking. A fragmented or agitated view (Vyagrata ki Drishti) leads to one-sided biases and distorted thinking. The example of the chameleon illustrates how viewing something partially leads to conflict, while a holistic view recognizes the complete picture.
   • Avoiding Impulsive Reactions: Thinking should not be driven by emotion or impulse (Aavesh). Healthy thinking is based on facts and a calm state of mind.

2. Hridaya-Parivartan (Heart Transformation):

   • The Goal of Transformation: True development lies in internal change, not just external circumstances.
   • Three Components of Inner Change:
     • Change in Emotion (Bhav ka Parivartan)
     • Change in Thought (Vichar ka Parivartan)
     • Change in Internal Chemistry (Rasayanon ka Parivartan)
   • The Process: Emotion generates thought, not vice-versa. A change in emotion leads to a change in thought, mind, and ultimately internal chemistry, initiating heart transformation. This is a continuous process of purifying influx (Ashrav-Shodhan).
   • Five Principles for Heart Transformation:
     1. Practice of Concentration (Ekagrata ka Abhyas)
     2. Practice of Equanimity (Samata ka Abhyas)
     3. Practice of Awareness (Jagrukta ka Abhyas)
     4. Change in Attraction to Objects (Vastu-nishth Akarshan ka Parivartan)
     5. Change in Wrong Perspective (Mithya Drishtikon ka Parivartan)
   • Training for Heart Change: The book emphasizes that heart transformation is a trainable process.

3. Bhaya-Mukti (Freedom from Fear):

   • Four Root Sources of Fear:
     1. Lack of Inner Strength (Sattvahinta)
     2. Fearful Mentality (Bhaya ki Mati)
     3. Constant Rumination on Fear (Bhaya ka Satat Chintan)
     4. Stimulation of Fearful Impulses (Bhaya ke Paramano ka Uttejit Hona)
   • Five Reactions to Fear: Disease, old age, death, forgetfulness, and madness.
   • Overcoming Fear: The chapter discusses the means of fearlessness and how Preksha Dhyana aids in their implementation.
   • Fearlessness (Abhaya): This is presented as a key to spiritual growth and overall well-being. Fear is identified as the root of many problems, including diseases and conflicts.
   • The Power of Calmness: Maintaining a cool mind (especially the brain) is crucial for a long, peaceful, and joyful life, as well as for healthy thinking.
   • The Role of Ritual vs. Inner Change: The author criticizes superficial religious practices and emphasizes the importance of inner transformation through practices like Preksha Dhyana, which directly address the root causes of negative emotions and fears.
   • The Importance of Self-Reliance: True freedom comes from cultivating inner strength, self-reliance (Swavalamban), and faith in one's own potential (Purusharth).
   • Mindfulness and Equanimity: The practices of awareness (Jagrukta) and equanimity (Samata) are presented as crucial for managing emotions and preventing negative reactions.
   • The Power of Abhay (Fearlessness): The book strongly advocates for cultivating fearlessness, stating that it's the foundation of spirituality and health.

Methodology and Approach:

• Practical Guidance: The book offers practical advice and techniques, particularly emphasizing the role of Preksha Dhyana.
• Illustrative Examples: Acharya Mahaprajna uses numerous anecdotes and stories (like the king and the mangoes, the story of the chameleon, the story of the sick king, and the example of Acharya Bhikshu) to illustrate his points and make them relatable.
• Holistic Perspective: The book encourages a holistic view of life, considering both individual and societal aspects, as well as the interplay between mind, body, and environment.
• Root Cause Analysis: It stresses the importance of addressing the root causes of problems, whether in thinking, emotional states, or fears, rather than merely managing symptoms.

Overall Message:

"Kaise Soche" is a profound guide to cultivating a positive and constructive mindset, transforming one's inner world, and achieving fearlessness. Acharya Mahaprajna's teachings, rooted in Jain philosophy and presented with modern psychological insights, offer a path towards a more balanced, peaceful, and fulfilling life through the practice of self-awareness, equanimity, and consistent effort. The book highlights that true change originates from within and that by understanding and transforming our inner landscape, we can achieve a more harmonious existence.