Malyo Bodh Sukhkaj Aatmsiddhi Shastra

This document is a Gujarati text titled "મળ્યો બોધ સુખસાજ" (Malyo Bodh Sukhkaj), which is a commentary on the responses of four revered disciples to the renowned Jain scripture "Shri Atmasiddhi Shastra" authored by Shrimad Rajchandraji. The text is attributed to Pujya Gurudev Shri Rakeshbhai and published by Shrimad Rajchandra Ashram.

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided pages:

1. Title and Authorship:

• Book Title: મળ્યો બોધ સુખસાજ (Malyo Bodh Sukhkaj)
• Subtitle: શ્રી આત્મસિદ્ધિ શાસ્ત્ર વિષે ચાર ભક્તરત્નોના પ્રતિભાવ ઉપર વિવેચન (Commentary on the Responses of Four Devotee Gems Regarding Shri Atmasiddhi Shastra)
• Author/Commentator: પૂજ્ય ગુરુદેવશ્રી રાકેશભાઈ (Pujya Gurudev Shri Rakeshbhai)
• Publisher: શ્રીમદ્ રાજચંદ્ર મિશન, ધરમપુર (Shrimad Rajchandra Mission, Dharampur)
• Publication Details: First Edition - 2011

2. Introduction and Context (Pages 2, 9-12):

• The book discusses the profound impact of Shrimad Rajchandraji's "Shri Atmasiddhi Shastra" on four of his prominent disciples: Shri Saubhagya-bhai, Shri Lalluji Muni, Shri Ambalalbhai, and Shri Maneklal Ghelabhai Zaveri.
• "Shri Atmasiddhi Shastra," composed by Shrimad Rajchandraji at the age of 29 in Nadiad, Gujarat, is described as a concise yet comprehensive guide to the path of liberation (moksha marga). It encapsulates the essence of six philosophical schools (shat-darshan) and the conclusion of the study of substances (dravyanuyog).
• The book is based on the discourses of Pujya Gurudev Shri Rakeshbhai, who holds a PhD from Mumbai University for his extensive research on "Shri Atmasiddhi Shastra." These discourses analyze the profound influence of the Shastra on these four disciples and their invaluable feedback.
• The publication aims to share the divine impact of these discourses with all spiritual seekers.
• The text also mentions the construction of a memorial at Nadiad, the birthplace of the Shastra's creation, preserving elements from its original construction period.

3. Shri Atmasiddhi Shastra - Overview and Content (Pages 13-29, 31-48):

• The Shastra Itself: The text includes excerpts from "Shri Atmasiddhi Shastra," highlighting its core teachings.
  • It begins with a salutation to the Sadguru who revealed the true nature of the Self.
  • The Shastra addresses the decline of the path to liberation in the current era and the prevalence of superficiality in external rituals and dry knowledge.
  • It emphasizes the importance of self-knowledge (atma-jnana) alongside renunciation and detachment.
  • Crucially, it advocates for seeking the guidance of a living Sadguru as essential for understanding the teachings of the Jinas (victors over passions).
  • It differentiates between "Matarthi" (one attached to doctrines) and "Atmarthi" (one focused on the Self), detailing the characteristics of each.
  • The core of the Shastra lies in the six fundamental truths (Shat-pada): "The soul exists," "It is eternal," "It is the doer of its own actions," "It is the enjoyer," "Liberation (moksha) exists," and "Liberation has a means (right path)."
  • The Shastra is presented in a dialogue format between a disciple (Shishya) and the Guru (Sadguru), where the disciple poses doubts (Shanka) about the existence, eternality, agency, experience, liberation, and means of liberation of the soul. The Guru provides detailed answers (Samadhan).
  • The Shastra concludes with a discourse on detachment from worldly affairs, the realization of the Self, and the attainment of liberation.
• The Author's Intent: Shrimad Rajchandraji created this Shastra to provide a clear and accessible path to spiritual progress, especially for those in the current age.
• The Style: The Shastra is written in simple, evocative Gujarati verse (Doha meter), making profound spiritual truths accessible to a wide audience. The question-answer format is particularly effective in addressing seeker's doubts.

4. The Four Disciples and Their Responses (Pages 55-148): The book is structured around the perspectives of the four main disciples:

• Pujya Shri Saubhagya-bhai (Pages 55-92):

  • He is identified as the primary inspiration for the creation of "Shri Atmasiddhi Shastra."
  • His letters to Shrimad Rajchandraji express profound joy and a sense of complete satisfaction derived from studying the Shastra. He states that after reading it, he felt no need for other scriptures.
  • He highlights that the Shastra helped him realize the true nature of the soul and the body as distinct entities, overcoming the illusion of self-identification with the body.
  • He emphasizes that suffering arises from the mistaken identification with the body and mind, and true happiness is found in realizing the Self, which is inherently blissful.
  • His discourse stresses the importance of introspection and detaching oneself from external desires and pursuits, as true happiness resides within.

• Pujya Shri Lalluji Muni (Pages 93-148):

  • He experienced immense joy and felt his heart overflowing while reading "Shri Atmasiddhi Shastra," describing it as containing "unprecedented words" and the "essence of the fourteen Purvas" (ancient Jain scriptures).
  • He found solace and contentment through the Shastra, noting that his mind naturally gravitated towards self-inquiry and remembrance of the Sadguru.
  • He describes the Shastra's verses as having "unprecedented power" and being "miraculous," recommending it to all seekers of liberation.
  • His perspective emphasizes the concept of "Apura" (unprecedented) not in the truth itself, but in the experience and expression of that truth by the Sadguru, which leads to a profound inner transformation.
  • He highlights the importance of choosing a spiritual path that resonates with one's inner self and practicing it with devotion, rather than mere intellectual adherence.
  • His message stresses that true spiritual practice involves transforming one's inner state rather than just external actions or beliefs.

• Pujya Shri Ambalalbhai (Pages 153-190):

  • He was a witness to the actual creation of "Shri Atmasiddhi Shastra" by Shrimad Rajchandraji.
  • He describes the profound impact of the Shastra on his inner state, leading to a sense of peace and stability. He felt his mind naturally settled into self-contemplation and devotion to the Sadguru.
  • His discourse focuses on the internal journey, advising seekers to turn their attention inwards and realize that true happiness and peace are inherent within the Self, not external.
  • He uses the analogy of the tortoise to explain how to withdraw the senses inward, advocating for a shift from external pursuit of happiness to inner realization.
  • He stresses the importance of the Sadguru's grace in achieving this inner shift and realizing one's true nature.

• Shri Maneklal Ghelabhai Zaveri (Pages 193-226):

  • He was a business partner of Shrimad Rajchandraji and initially had a strong sense of pride in his own intellect and memory.
  • The Shastra was given to him to humble his intellectual pride and to help him realize the true nature of knowledge.
  • He describes the Shastra as "food for the starving" (kshudhatur), evoking immense joy.
  • His feedback highlights the Shastra's ability to clarify even complex spiritual concepts in simple language, making profound truths accessible.
  • He emphasizes the distinction between true spiritual aspiration (Moksha-iksha) and mere mental desires or societal pressures to appear religious.
  • His discourse delves into the concept of choosing a spiritual path and sticking to it with devotion, drawing parallels from history and everyday life to illustrate the importance of sincere practice over mere intellectual understanding or external show. He uses the story of Angulimala to show how courage and conviction, when directed towards the spiritual path, can lead to profound transformation.

5. Shrimad Rajchandra Mission Dharampur and Pujya Gurudev Shri Rakeshbhai (Pages 227-250):

• Shrimad Rajchandra Mission Dharampur: This section provides information about the mission founded by Pujya Gurudev Shri Rakeshbhai.
  • Mission Statement: "Know your true nature and serve others selflessly."
  • Activities: The mission focuses on spiritual development and social upliftment through various activities like spiritual retreats, festivals, workshops, and meditation programs at the Shrimad Rajchandra Ashram in Dharampur.
  • Youth and Children's Activities: The mission actively engages youth through programs focused on Sadhana (spiritual practice), Seva (service), and Sanskruti (culture). It also has specific programs for children's spiritual development.
  • Service Activities: The "Shrimad Rajchandra Love & Care" initiative encompasses various forms of service, including health, education, child welfare, women's welfare, tribal welfare, social service, humanitarian aid, animal welfare, and environmental protection.
• Pujya Gurudev Shri Rakeshbhai: He is described as a spiritual luminary and the founder of the Shrimad Rajchandra Mission Dharampur. He is known for his inspirational discourses and meditation retreats that have transformed the lives of thousands globally. His profound study of "Shri Atmasiddhi Shastra" earned him a PhD. He is revered for his boundless compassion and dedication to universal welfare.

Overall Essence: "Malyo Bodh Sukhkaj" serves as a tribute to Shrimad Rajchandraji's "Shri Atmasiddhi Shastra" by showcasing its transformative power through the experiences and heartfelt feedback of his devoted followers. It emphasizes the Shastra's unique ability to guide seekers towards self-realization and liberation, offering a clear, accessible, and profound path, elucidated through the insightful commentary of Pujya Gurudev Shri Rakeshbhai. The text encourages readers to not just study the Shastra but to internalize its teachings and embark on their own spiritual journey.