Logassa Ek Sadhna Part 02

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Book Title: Logassa Ek Sadhna Part 02 (A Sadhana of Logassa, Part 2) Author: Sadhvi Punyayashashreeji Publisher: Adarsh Sahitya Sangh Prakashan

Overview:

This book, "Logassa Ek Sadhna Part 02," is a profound exploration of the Jain mantra "Logassa" (Logassa Ujjogayare), also known as the "Chaturvimsati Stava" (Praise of the Twenty-four Tirthankaras). The author, Sadhvi Punyayashashreeji, presents "Logassa" not just as a devotional hymn but as a powerful tool for spiritual sadhana (practice) and self-realization. The book aims to unveil the inherent bliss and mysteries within this ancient Jain scripture, guiding readers towards spiritual awakening and the attainment of ultimate well-being.

Key Themes and Concepts:

1. The Essence of Logassa: The author emphasizes that "Logassa" is a potent seed for cultivating spiritual growth. It encapsulates the glorious tales and mantras of 24 supreme beings within limited verses, offering auspiciousness, welfare, good fortune, and attainment of spiritual powers. Each verse is said to be filled with immense bliss.

2. Self-Inquiry and the Search for Truth: The book begins by highlighting the human tendency to seek external knowledge about the universe while neglecting the inner search for "Who am I?" It posits that true spiritual awakening lies in understanding the self, the ultimate truth. The dialogue between a teacher and Confucius serves as an analogy for the inner light that illuminates the soul, which is eternal, unlike the fleeting light of material objects.

3. The Power of "Logassa" as a Sadhana:

   • Life-Building and Goal Achievement: "Logassa" is presented as a foundational text that instills the principle of "self-agency" (Atmakartrutvavada) for life's construction, development, and goal attainment.
   • Concentration of Greatness: It is miraculous how the essence of 24 supreme personalities, representing the highest powers and achievements in the universe, is condensed into just seven verses.
   • Spiritual Treasure: The text compares "Logassa" to a hidden treasure in mines or the ocean, containing profound spiritual knowledge, wisdom (Jnana-bodhi), philosophical insight (Darshan-bodhi), and ethical conduct (Charitra-bodhi), along with immense peace and spiritual powers.
   • Attaining Higher Knowledge: By meditating on "Logassa" with focus, and establishing oneness with the Arhat and Siddha Parmatmas, one can achieve profound spiritual insights, clairvoyance (Avadhi Jnana), telepathy (Manah Paryaya Jnana), and ultimately, omniscience (Kevala Jnana).

4. The Scientific and Philosophical Dimensions of Mantras:

   • The Power of Sound: The book delves into the scientific basis of mantras, explaining how sound (Vedic-Tarang) carries immense, incomprehensible power. It draws parallels between the effects of conch shells on pollution and the impact of Tirthankara desana (teachings) on the environment.
   • Sound Vibration and Its Effects: The author discusses how sound vibrations can influence the body and mind, citing experiments with sound waves and their impact on physical objects. The unique arrangement of letters and sounds in mantras is credited with generating immense power.
   • Elemental Association: It explains how certain sounds are associated with elements, leading to specific effects (e.g., chanting "khaṁ" for peace in conflicts) due to the principle of "sajatiyata" (similarity) and "vijatiyata" (dissimilarity) in the body's elemental composition.
   • Healing Properties of Sounds: Various sounds ('a', 'i', 'u', 'ṛ', 'l', 'v', 's', 'haṁ', 'hiṁ', 'huṁ', 'heṁ', 'hauṁ', 'haṁ', 'haḥ') are linked to specific bodily health benefits, such as digestion, respiratory health, and memory enhancement.
   • The Bija Mantras: The concept of "Bija Mantras" (seed syllables) is introduced, explaining their inherent power based on the combination of letters. The example of "Arham" (from "Arhant") is analyzed to show how the addition of 'ra' (representing fire) enhances its spiritual potency.

5. The Importance of Faith (Shraddha) and Samyak Darshan (Right Faith):

   • Foundation of Spirituality: Faith is presented as the key to realizing truth. Bhagwan Mahavir's teachings highlight the supreme importance of Samyak Darshan, even over right conduct if there's a slip.
   • Protection and Liberation: Right faith has the power to prevent negative karmic repercussions and guide towards liberation, even in future lives.
   • Inspiration from Examples: The book provides numerous historical and scriptural examples of individuals who achieved extraordinary feats or were saved from dire calamities through unwavering faith and devotion.
   • Qualities of True Faith: Unwavering, steadfast, unshaken, and doubt-free faith, stemming from a pure heart and simple nature, is crucial.

6. Samadhi (Concentration/Equanimity) and its Attainment:

   • Progressive Attainment: The text explains that supreme Samadhi is sought after Bodhi (Right Faith), highlighting that true concentration and equanimity are only possible once the delusion of false beliefs (mithyatva) is removed.
   • Inner Awakening: Samadhi is described as an inner awakening, a realization of the soul's immortality and inherent bliss.
   • Means of Samadhi: Key practices for achieving Samadhi include breath control (Shwas Sanyam), detachment (Vairagya), concentration (Ekagrata), and joyfulness (Prasannata).
   • Distinction from Happiness: Happiness is seen as related to body, mind, and possessions, while Samadhi is purely spiritual. A person in Samadhi can experience joy even amidst suffering.
   • The Role of "Logassa" in Samadhi: The "Logassa" mantra, particularly the verses related to purity, radiance, and depth, are presented as powerful aids for achieving Samadhi through focused meditation on specific bodily centers (chakras).

7. Chakras and Their Significance:

   • Body-Mind Connection: The book elaborates on the concept of chakras (energy centers) in the body, their connection to nerve plexuses and endocrine glands, and their role in spiritual and physical well-being.
   • Tirthankara Mantras and Chakras: Specific Tirthankaras and mantra verses from "Logassa" are associated with particular chakras and colors for healing, spiritual development, and overcoming obstacles. For instance:
     • Mooladhara Chakra: Associated with stability and foundation, linked to chanting "Namo Arhatam" for reduction of attachment.
     • Swadhisthana Chakra: Linked to past impressions and primal instincts, chanting "Namo Arhatam" and focusing on the navel area is recommended for overcoming desires and achieving purity.
     • Manipura Chakra: Associated with digestion and energy, chanting for Sunita Nath or other mantras in this region is suggested for vitality and overcoming lethargy.
     • Anahata Chakra: The heart center, representing love and compassion, linked to the mantra "Namo Arhatam" for anger reduction and peace.
     • Vishuddhi Chakra: The throat center, associated with speech and purity, linked to "Aham Namah" and other mantras for vocal clarity and overcoming negativity.
     • Agya Chakra (Third Eye): The center of intuition and higher consciousness, linked to "Shant Jin" and "Chande Su Nirmalayara" for mental clarity and insight.
     • Sahasrara Chakra: The crown chakra, representing ultimate consciousness and liberation.
   • Planetary and Spiritual Affiliations: The text maps the nine planets (Sun, Moon, Mars, Mercury, Jupiter, Venus, Saturn, Rahu, Ketu) to specific chakras and colors, suggesting Tirthankara mantras for appeasing planetary influences and enhancing spiritual development.

8. Kayo-utsarg (Body-Stillness) and Its Significance:

   • Spiritual Discipline: Kayo-utsarg is presented as a fundamental Jain practice, involving stillness of body and mind for spiritual purification and the dissolution of karmas.
   • Protection and Stress Relief: It acts as a protective shield against external negativities and a powerful technique for stress release and relaxation.
   • Scientific Basis: The text touches upon the scientific understanding of Kayo-utsarg's benefits in reducing muscle tension, calming the nervous system, and generating alpha brain waves.
   • Scriptural References: Various scriptural references detail the procedures and benefits of Kayo-utsarg in different contexts, such as during travel, before significant tasks, and for atonement of transgressions.
   • The "Logassa" Kayo-utsarg: Specific methods of performing Kayo-utsarg with "Logassa" verses and associated breathing techniques are provided, highlighting its role in achieving peace, overcoming nightmares, and gaining spiritual insights.

9. Tapas (Austerities) and "Logassa":

   • Purpose of Tapas: The book reiterates that in Jainism, tapas is primarily for karma purification and liberation, not for worldly gains or fame.
   • Integration with Mantras: It illustrates how various forms of tapas (fasting, ekasana, etc.) are often combined with the chanting and meditation of "Logassa" and other mantras, enhancing their efficacy for karma niijra (karmic expulsion).
   • Specific Tapas: Several specific tapas practices are described, such as "Gyan Panchami Tap," "Ashok Vriksha Tap," and "Siddha Bhakti Tap," all incorporating "Logassa" chants and Kayo-utsarg as integral components.

10. Logassa Kalpa (Rituals/Formulas):

    • Mantra-Based Practices: The text presents several "Kalpas" or ritualistic practices involving specific mantras derived from "Logassa" verses, to be performed with specific intentions, timings, and methods for achieving desired benefits like overcoming obstacles, gaining knowledge, and achieving spiritual advancement.

11. Jaya-Krit Chobis (Jaya-acharya's Twenty-four Praises):

    • A Popular Jain Composition: This section highlights the importance of Jaya-acharya's "Chobis" (Twenty-four Praises), which are based on "Logassa" and are widely popular in the Jain tradition.
    • Spiritual and Literary Merit: The work is praised for its profound spiritual essence, its mantra-like verses, its meditative elements, and its beautiful literary style, encompassing devotion, wisdom, and detachment.
    • The Power of Devotion and Surrender: The book includes anecdotes illustrating the immense power of faith and devotion, particularly in overcoming adversies through the chanting of specific verses from Jaya-acharya's "Chobis" and other Jain mantras. These stories demonstrate the transformative impact of surrendering to the teachings and grace of the Tirthankaras.

12. Vajrapanjara Stotra (Diamond Fortress Hymn):

    • Protection and Well-being: This sacred hymn is presented as a powerful protective shield for the body and soul, safeguarding against diseases, accidents, attacks, and fear.
    • Method of Practice: Detailed instructions are provided on how to perform the "Vajrapanjara Stotra" by visualizing specific protective layers around oneself, invoking the power of the Pancha Parameshthi (the Five Supreme Beings).

Conclusion:

"Logassa Ek Sadhna Part 02" serves as a comprehensive guide to understanding and practicing the "Logassa" mantra as a path to spiritual enlightenment. It blends philosophical depth, scientific insights into sound and energy, practical sadhana techniques (meditation, Kayo-utsarg, tapas), and inspirational narratives, all centered around the profound power of the "Logassa" mantra and the teachings of the Tirthankaras. The book encourages readers to embark on their inner journey, drawing strength and wisdom from this ancient Jain scripture for a life of purpose, peace, and spiritual fulfillment.