Logassa Ek Sadhna Part 01 - Book Summary

This comprehensive summary is based on the provided Hindi text, focusing on the Jain text "Logassa Ek Sadhna Part 01" by Sadhvi Punyayashashreeji, published by Adarsh Sahitya Sangh Prakashan.

Book Title: Logassa Ek Sadhna Part 01 Author: Sadhvi Punyayashashreeji Publisher: Adarsh Sahitya Sangh Prakashan

Overview:

"Logassa Ek Sadhna Part 01" is presented as a profound exploration of the Jain mantra "Logassa" and its significance as a spiritual practice. The book delves into the multifaceted nature of this mantra, highlighting its inherent power, its connection to the twenty-four Tirthankaras, and its potential for spiritual enlightenment and well-being. The author, Sadhvi Punyayashashreeji, aims to awaken the inherent divinity within the reader through the devotional and scientific understanding of this sacred chant.

Key Themes and Concepts:

The Power and Significance of "Logassa": The book describes "Logassa" as an eternal, divine, mysterious, and unique composition in devotional literature. Its beauty in word construction, sentence structure, expression, aesthetic appeal, and inherent "mantra-like" quality makes it beloved and constantly remembered. It is revered as a "Jyoti Sutra" (light scripture), the seed mantra for peace, and a repository of divine powers. It is presented as a complete spiritual discipline encompassing study, praise, meditation, mantra recitation, worship, and devotion.
Purpose of the Work: The author's intention in writing this book is to awaken the "Logassa Mahamantra" within the reader, guiding them towards self-realization. The core objectives are to narrate the story of awakening consciousness, to foster a spirit of global welfare, and to facilitate the search and attainment of immortality.
Spiritual Journey and Self-Discovery: The book emphasizes that life is an ocean of endless mysteries, filled with hidden gems. It criticizes the human tendency to be engrossed in material pursuits, neglecting the inner quest of "Who am I?". The author uses a dialogue between a teacher and a student (Confucius) to illustrate the difference between external, fleeting light and the eternal inner light of the soul. True mastery lies in revealing this inner light, which requires a "bifocal" vision to perceive both the material and spiritual worlds.
The Essence of Jain Philosophy:
- Self-Knowledge: The core message of all Tirthankaras, from Rishabhdev to Mahavir, is "Atma-gyan" (self-knowledge). This leads to self-liberation and the attainment of the supreme soul.
- Self-Effort: The book stresses "Atma-kartrutvavaad" (self-authorship or self-reliance) as a fundamental principle for spiritual growth and goal achievement.
- The Twenty-Four Tirthankaras: "Logassa" is a powerful hymn dedicated to the twenty-four Tirthankaras, celebrating their glorious lives and divine attributes contained within just seven verses. These verses are considered sacred steps on the path to the Supreme Soul.
"Logassa" as a Treasure Trove: The text compares "Logassa" to hidden treasures found in mines or the depths of the ocean, revealing its immense spiritual wealth. Reciting, studying, and meditating on this mantra with concentration, and establishing unity with the Arhat and Siddha souls, can lead to profound insights, spiritual powers, divine knowledge (Avadhi Gyan, Manah-paryav Gyan), and ultimate liberation (Keval-gyan).
Scientific and Philosophical Dimensions: The book explores the scientific basis of sound and mantra, citing experiments on sound waves and their impact. It connects these concepts to the vibrational frequencies of "Logassa" and its potential to influence both the mind and the body, leading to the dissolution of karmic impurities and the attainment of spiritual powers. It emphasizes that the true power of the mantra comes not from external deities but from the inherent divinity of the Arhats and Siddhas.
The Power of Words and Sounds: The text highlights the immemorial and miraculous power of words and sounds. It mentions the scientific effects of sounds, such as the purification of areas by conch shell sounds and the historical accounts of Tirthankara teachings influencing the environment. It draws parallels between modern science, like radio waves and sound energy, and the ancient understanding of mantra power, asserting that the scientific principles behind ancient scriptures are being rediscovered.
The Science of Mantras: The book discusses how the specific arrangement of letters and sounds in mantras generates power. It explains that the efficacy of a mantra depends not only on the letters but also on the practitioner's state of mind, benevolent intentions, ascetic power, sincerity, purity, and unwavering faith in the mantra's efficacy.
"Logassa" as a Sadhana (Spiritual Practice): The name "Logassa Ek Sadhna" reflects its purpose as a means of spiritual discipline. It is a synthesis of eternal and contemporary life values, containing profound philosophical truths expressed in simple language. The book aims to present the spiritual, philosophical, and scientific aspects of "Logassa," making the esoteric accessible to the common person.
Inspiration and Gratitude: The author expresses deep gratitude to her gurus, Acharya Shri Mahapragyaji and Acharya Shri Mahashramanji, for their blessings and inspiration. She also thanks Professor S.L. Nahar for his guidance in refining the manuscript. The journey of writing this book took approximately one and a half years, drawing heavily from the works of Acharya Shri Mahapragyaji.
The "Logassa" Mantra: The book includes the "Logassa" mantra itself, which is a prayer of praise and reverence to the twenty-four Tirthankaras, requesting their blessings for health, knowledge, peace, and ultimate liberation.
Structure and Content: The book is organized into various chapters and appendices, covering themes like:
- Spirituality, Stavan (Praise), and Indian Literature.
- The role of Stuti (praise) in Jain literature and psychology.
- A detailed survey and discussion of "Logassa."
- The scientific basis of sound in "Logassa."
- The meaning and interpretation of "Logassa."
- The significance of name remembrance.
- "Tithayara Mein Pasiyantu" (May the Tirthankaras be pleased with me).
- "Logassa" as a process for alleviating suffering and disease.
- Appendices containing detailed information on Tirthankaras, their characteristics, and relevant scriptures.

Overall Message:

"Logassa Ek Sadhna Part 01" serves as a guide for spiritual seekers, encouraging them to look inward, connect with their inner potential, and strive for self-realization through the recitation and meditation of the "Logassa" mantra. It underscores the enduring relevance of ancient Jain wisdom in providing practical solutions for physical, mental, and spiritual well-being in the modern world. The book is a testament to the author's devotion and her earnest desire to share the transformative power of "Logassa" with her readers.