Main Kuch Hona Chahta Hu

The book "Main Kuch Hona Chahta Hu" (I Want to Become Something) by Mahapragna Acharya is a philosophical and spiritual guide based on Jain principles, aiming to help readers achieve self-transformation and personal growth. The central theme revolves around the aspiration to "become something" by refining one's inner qualities and transcending limitations.

Here's a comprehensive summary of the key concepts and ideas presented in the book, based on the provided pages:

I. The Core Aspiration: "Main Kuch Hona Chahta Hu" (I Want to Become Something)

• Overcoming Human Weaknesses: The book identifies three primary human weaknesses: cruelty, inequality/disharmony, and complexity of nature. The path to overcoming these lies in cultivating compassion, equality, and control over passions. In essence, it's about eradicating cruelty and establishing equality, eradicating disharmony and fostering equanimity, and eradicating impulses and cultivating tolerance.
• The Role of Meditation: The ultimate means to achieve this aspiration of "becoming something" is meditation. Meditation is defined as becoming aware of one's consciousness and realizing it. This leads to awakening and then self-realization.

II. Understanding the Self: "Who Am I?"

• Three Types of Selves: Based on the movement of consciousness, one can be identified as an "Ichha-purush" (Man of Desire), "Prana-purush" (Man of Life-Force), or "Pragya-purush" (Man of Wisdom). The location of consciousness determines this:
  • Ichha-purush: Consciousness active around the navel.
  • Prana-purush: Consciousness active above the navel up to the tip of the nose.
  • Pragya-purush: Consciousness active above the eyebrows.
• Self-Realization through Location: Understanding "where you are" helps determine "who you are."

III. The Pillars of Self-Discipline (Aatma-Anushasan)

The book emphasizes the importance of discipline in various aspects of life:

• Five Components of Self-Discipline:
  1. Discipline of Breath (Shwas par anushasan)
  2. Discipline of Body (Sharir par anushasan)
  3. Discipline of Senses (Indriyon par anushasan)
  4. Discipline of Life-Force (Pran par anushasan)
  5. Discipline of Mind (Man par anushasan)
• Interconnectedness of Disciplines: The book, particularly in the context of "Manonushasan" (Discipline of the Mind), outlines a sequence: Discipline of Desire (Ichha), leading to Discipline of the Mind. This is further broken down into six limbs, starting with diet, body, senses, breath, desire, and finally mind.

IV. The Process of Discipline and Transformation

• The "Khichdi" Analogy: The text uses the analogy of eating khichdi (a rice and lentil dish) to illustrate the importance of a gradual approach to mental discipline. Trying to control the mind directly is like trying to eat hot khichdi from the center – it leads to being burnt or stuck. One must first let it cool and then eat from the periphery inwards, implying a step-by-step process of discipline.
• The Centrality of Desire (Ichha): The book suggests that the name "Manonushasan" (Discipline of the Mind) might be better served by "Ichhanushasan" (Discipline of Desire) because it is desire that fuels the mind's restlessness.
• The Six Limbs of Mind Discipline (Manonushasan):
  1. Discipline of Diet (Aahar ka anushasan)
  2. Discipline of Body (Sharir ka anushasan)
  3. Discipline of Senses (Indriyon ka anushasan)
  4. Discipline of Breath (Shwas ka anushasan)
  5. Discipline of Desire (Ichha ka anushasan)
  6. Discipline of Mind (Man ka anushasan)
• The Foundation of Desire: The process begins with controlling desires, as they are the root of mental activity and restlessness.

V. The Impact of Diet (Aahar)

• Diet and Habits: The purity of diet is directly linked to the ability to change habits. The food we consume influences the "consciousness centers" in our brain, which in turn control our tendencies and actions.
• Holistic Understanding of Diet: Diet is not just what we eat, but also what we inhale, hear, speak, and think. All external inputs are considered as diet.
• Chemical Influence: Diet influences brain chemicals, which affect brain activity, leading to changes in behavior, thoughts, and habits.
• Ayurvedic Principles: The book touches upon Ayurvedic concepts of "hit" (beneficial), "mit" (measured), and "satvik" (pure) food. It also discusses the influence of food on the body's humors (Vata, Pitta, Kapha) and their connection to emotions like anger and greed.
• The Importance of Moderation: Overconsumption (atiyog) and underconsumption (ayog) are both detrimental. "Yoga" (balanced consumption) is essential for well-being.

VI. Discipline of the Senses (Indriya Anushasan)

• Overcoming the "Don'ts": The book addresses the common perception that spirituality is about prohibitions ("don't look, don't listen, don't eat"). It argues that true spirituality is not about mere negation but about refining desires and purifying the senses.
• The Interconnectedness of Senses: The senses are interconnected. Controlling one sense often requires controlling others, especially the tongue (rasan) and the sense of touch (sparshan), which are closely linked to desire and passion.
• The Essence of Spirituality: Spirituality is presented as a process that makes life "rasamay" (full of essence/joy) and "saras" (juicy/meaningful), not "rasheen" (tasteless).
• The True Value of Things: The book emphasizes that the value of things is often based on context and need, not inherent worth. The true joy and essence come from within, through inner exploration.
• The Twofold Discipline:
  1. Samyog (Proper Engagement): Engaging with sense objects in a disciplined manner, with awareness of their true nature and without attachment or aversion.
  2. Pratisanlinata (Withdrawal/Focus Inward): Directing attention inward, away from external distractions.

VII. Discipline of Breath (Shwas Par Anushasan)

• Breath as a Gateway to the Soul: Breath is presented as a direct link to the soul. Observing the breath is a fundamental step in self-realization.
• The "Why" of Breath Observation: The initial frustration of observing breath instead of the soul is addressed. The analogy of the diamond craftsman is used: one must process the raw material (breath) to find the precious element (soul).
• The Importance of Breath Regulation: Proper breathing techniques (Pranayama, Samtal Shwas, Deergh Shwas) are crucial for physical and mental balance, energy management, and ultimately, self-awareness.
• The Connection Between Breath and Emotions: Breath patterns are directly linked to emotional states; anger constricts breath, while calm breathing promotes peace.
• The Foundation of Life: Breath is the fundamental source of life-force (Prana), essential for all bodily functions and mental clarity.

VIII. Discipline of the Body (Sharirik Anushasan)

• The Body as a Vehicle for Sadhana: Despite its perceived impurity, the body is a crucial instrument for spiritual practice. It needs to be disciplined and cared for.
• The Paradox of Suffering in Sadhana: The discomfort experienced during meditation or asanas is not seen as "hurting" the body but as "disciplining" it (saadhna). This temporary discomfort leads to purification and strength.
• The Body's Hidden Potential: The body possesses immense, untapped potential (90% of brain capacity is unused), which can be awakened through consistent practice.
• The Importance of Posture and Flexibility: Maintaining proper posture, especially the flexibility of the spine, is vital for physical and mental health, and for deeper states of meditation.
• Purity and Inner Cleanliness: Physical purity (kaya shuddhi) is achieved through various practices like cleansing, asanas, pranayama, and most importantly, detachment (nisangata) from worldly desires and attachments.

IX. Discipline of Speech (Vachik Anushasan)

• The Power of Speech: Speech is highlighted as the most powerful tool in human interaction, capable of creation and destruction. It shapes society, knowledge, and relationships.
• The Interplay of Mind, Speech, and Body: The book emphasizes that speech is deeply connected to the mind. If the mind is unbalanced, speech will be uncontrolled, leading to problems.
• The Science of Sound (Mantra Shastra): The text touches upon the scientific basis of sound vibrations, mantras, and their impact on consciousness, hormones, and well-being.
• The Importance of Truthfulness (Satyavadi): Truthfulness, coupled with compassionate intent and consistency in speech, is presented as the key to purified speech and potent influence.

X. Discipline of the Mind (Mansik Santulan)

• The Dual Nature of the Mind: The mind is described as having two aspects: the thinking mind and the acting mind, often in conflict. The root cause of problems is often found in deeper subconscious patterns and ingrained tendencies (samskaras) rather than the mind itself.
• Conquering Desires and Impulses: True mental discipline involves mastering desires and impulses, not suppressing them forcefully, but transforming them through practices like meditation and cultivating higher awareness.
• The Power of Concentration (Ekagrata): Concentration, developed through practices like observing the breath, is the key to strengthening willpower and transforming habits.
• Internal Transformation: The focus is on inner purification rather than external control. By addressing the root causes within, external behavioral changes naturally follow.

XI. The Path to Self-Improvement (Sudhre Vyakti Samaj Vyakti Se)

• Individual Transformation for Societal Change: The book asserts that societal improvement stems from individual transformation. A "disciplined person" is the foundation of a disciplined society.
• The Limitations of External Control: External discipline and control are often temporary. True change comes from within, from self-discipline and inner transformation.
• The Role of Experience: Mere intellectual understanding or dogma is insufficient. Direct experience through practices like meditation is necessary for genuine change and growth.
• The Power of Right Livelihood and Intent: Ethical conduct, right livelihood, and pure intentions are crucial for personal and societal upliftment.

XII. Meditation as the Ultimate Pursuit (Dhyan: Ek Param Purusharth)

• Integrated Vision: The book advocates for an integrated approach to knowledge, combining scientific understanding with spiritual insights.
• Focus on Inner Strength: Meditation is presented not as an escape from productivity but as a means to enhance inner strength, concentration, and efficiency, leading to more effective action.
• Holistic Development: Meditation fosters the development of physical strength (body-power), mental strength (mind-power), and vocal strength (speech-power), all fueled by breath control.
• Beyond Materialism: While acknowledging the material progress of the world, the book emphasizes that true fulfillment and lasting change come from spiritual practices like meditation, which unlock inner potential and lead to a life of purpose and well-being.

XIII. Brahmacharya (Celibacy/Spiritual Discipline)

• Broader Meaning: Brahmacharya is defined not just as the control of the sense of touch but as the discipline of all senses, mind, thoughts, and desires, ultimately aiming for union with the divine.
• The Interconnectedness of Senses: The control of one sense is linked to the control of others, with the tongue and sense of touch being particularly influential in generating desire and passion.
• The Role of Diet: Balanced and pure diet is essential for managing desires and maintaining mental clarity.
• Beyond Physicality: The book clarifies that while physical aspects are involved, true Brahmacharya is primarily about mental and spiritual control, leading to higher states of consciousness and inner bliss.

In essence, "Main Kuch Hona Chahta Hu" is a guide for those seeking to understand themselves better and embark on a journey of self-transformation. It advocates for a disciplined, mindful approach to life, emphasizing that true change and fulfillment come from within, through consistent effort, self-awareness, and spiritual practices like meditation.