Life Style

This Jain text, titled "Life Style" and authored by Acharya Kalyanbodhisuri, is a comprehensive guide to living a virtuous and fulfilling life from a Jain perspective. The book emphasizes the importance of understanding life's purpose and cultivating positive qualities through conscious effort and spiritual practice.

The core message revolves around the idea that life is a precious opportunity for spiritual growth and self-realization. It's not meant to be wasted on trivial pursuits but rather dedicated to self-improvement and the pursuit of ultimate liberation. The book advocates for a proactive and mindful approach to living, urging readers to take responsibility for their actions and their consequences.

Key themes and principles highlighted throughout the text include:

• Living a Conscious Life: The book repeatedly stresses the importance of awareness and mindfulness in every aspect of life. This involves understanding the impact of one's thoughts, words, and deeds on oneself and others.
• Taking Responsibility: A central tenet is personal accountability. The text emphasizes that individuals are the architects of their own destiny, and external factors are merely निमित्त (causes or occasions) for one's own karmic consequences. Blaming others is discouraged, and self-reflection is encouraged.
• The Power of Righteous Conduct: The text underscores the significance of living a life guided by Jain principles, such as non-violence (ahimsa), truthfulness (satya), non-stealing (asteya), celibacy (brahmacharya), and non-possession (aparigraha). It explores the practical application of these principles in daily life.
• Cultivating Inner Qualities: The book delves into the importance of developing positive mental and emotional states. This includes cultivating patience, forgiveness, humility, equanimity (samata), contentment, compassion, and self-control (samyam). It also addresses the eradication of negative emotions like anger (krodh), pride (maan), deceit (maya), and greed (lobh).
• The Value of Speech: The text emphasizes the power of right speech (samyak vachana), advocating for kind, truthful, and beneficial communication, while warning against harsh, deceitful, or divisive language.
• The Importance of Knowledge and Wisdom: The book highlights the role of spiritual knowledge (gyan) in illuminating the path to liberation. It encourages continuous learning and the application of wisdom in understanding oneself and the world.
• The Significance of Relationships: The text offers guidance on fostering healthy and harmonious relationships based on love, trust, cooperation, and tolerance. It stresses the importance of cherishing and nurturing these connections.
• Embracing Challenges: Difficulties and adversies are presented not as obstacles but as opportunities for personal growth and strengthening one's resolve. The text encourages facing challenges with courage and perseverance.
• The Transience of Life: A recurring theme is the impermanence of worldly possessions, relationships, and life itself. This understanding is meant to inspire detachment from material pursuits and a focus on spiritual development.
• The Path to Liberation: Ultimately, the book guides readers towards the Jain goal of Moksha (liberation) by emphasizing the transformative power of spiritual practices, devotion, and righteous living.

The book also touches upon the significance of holy places like Pawapuri Tirthdham, describing its various temples and the spiritual atmosphere conducive to devotion and spiritual practice. The K.P. Sanghvi Group is credited as the publisher, indicating its support for Jain literature and education.

In essence, "Life Style" is a practical and philosophical manual that aims to equip individuals with the knowledge and principles to live a meaningful, ethical, and spiritually elevated life, leading towards ultimate freedom.