Meri Drushti Meri Srushti

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Meri Drishti Meri Srishti" by Mahapragna Acharya, based on the provided pages:

The book, "Meri Drishti Meri Srishti" (My Vision, My Creation), authored by Mahapragna Acharya and published by Adarsh Sahitya Sangh, delves into profound philosophical and practical aspects of life from a Jain perspective. The core theme revolves around the interconnectedness of one's inner vision and the reality one experiences, emphasizing the power of consciousness, spiritual discipline, and the pursuit of truth.

Key Concepts and Themes:

• The Inner Vision as Creation (Meri Drishti Meri Srishti): The fundamental premise is that our inner vision, our perception, is the architect of our reality. By striving to see our pure, unblemished consciousness, we can access the true reflection of existence. This highlights the profound impact of our internal state on our external world.
• The Mantras of Creation and Existence:
  • Perpetual Burning (Satat Jalte Rahna): The essence of creation is continuous engagement and inner burning, never extinguishing. This is the principle of "Apramada" (vigilance and diligence). It emphasizes sustained effort and the avoidance of negligence. Just as a lamp is valued for its continuous, unwavering flame, so too is a life dedicated to continuous spiritual pursuit.
  • Nurturing Growth (Unmesh, Sanbhal, Sanrakshan, Poshan): Creation is not just about generating new ideas or expressions ("unmesh") but also about sustaining, protecting, and nurturing them. This applies to personal spiritual growth and the development of a meaningful life.
  • The Soul as the Origin and Destination (Aatma Adi Bindu, Aatma Charam Bindu): The journey of existence begins with the soul and ultimately leads back to the soul. Continuous effort ("purusharth") is the driving force that sustains this journey and keeps the inner light burning. When effort ceases, the light dims, and creation stagnates.
• The Importance of Purification and Discrimination (Vivek): The text draws parallels with natural processes to illustrate the need for purification and discrimination. Just as water needs filtering, and the mythical swan separates milk from water, one must use their intellect and wisdom ("vivek") to discern truth from falsehood, the essential from the non-essential, especially within religious scriptures. The analogy of the moon's phases (Krishna Paksha and Shukla Paksha) highlights how external recognition or "fame" ("yash") can sometimes be disproportionate to the actual essence, emphasizing the importance of internal discernment over external validation.
• The Nature of "Mangal" (Auspiciousness): The book explores the concept of auspiciousness, moving beyond mere ritualistic observances. It explains that auspiciousness arises from substances that positively influence our thoughts and consciousness through their inherent radiant qualities. However, it distinguishes between material or ritualistic auspiciousness ("dravya mangal") and true, spiritual auspiciousness ("bhava mangal"). True auspiciousness is found in spiritual principles and practices that foster inner transformation, not in external objects alone.
• The Fivefold Auspicious Beings (Panch Mangal): The text identifies the five supreme beings (Arhants, Siddhas, Acharyas, Upadhyayas, and Sadhus) as the ultimate source of auspiciousness. Their auspiciousness stems from their inherent purity, consciousness, bliss, and infinite power – the very nature of the soul.
• The Power of Inner Control (Indriya Nigraha and Gupti): The pursuit of controlling external forces (like deities) is futile without first gaining mastery over one's own inner faculties – mind, speech, and body ("manogupti, vachan gupti, kayagupti"). True power lies in self-mastery, achieved through disciplined practice like "Preksha Dhyan."
• The Role of Faith and Devotion (Shraddha and Samarpan): While intellectual understanding ("tark") is crucial for seeking truth, the path of spiritual practice requires unwavering faith and complete surrender ("samarpan"). The text differentiates between using faith in the realm of spiritual practice and logical reasoning in the realm of intellectual inquiry.
• The Nature of "Jina Shasan" (Teachings of the Victorious Ones): The teachings of the Jinas represent the governance of the self ("atma ka shasan"). True discipline ("anushasan") arises from self-governance. The Jain tradition emphasizes communal spiritual practice ("sanghabaddha sadhana"), recognizing the power of collective spiritual energy.
• The Significance of "Ahimsa" (Non-violence): Ahimsa is presented not as a passive concept but as a powerful, creative force that requires research, experimentation, and training. It advocates for a shift from a focus on violence and its justifications to a dedicated effort in understanding and practicing non-violence, even to the point of self-sacrifice.
• Addressing Societal Problems through Inner Transformation: The book addresses contemporary issues like poverty, indiscipline, casteism, communalism, crime, and moral decay. It posits that external solutions are insufficient. True change must originate from within, through the transformation of consciousness and values, a process facilitated by practices like Preksha Dhyan and the principles of Anuvrat.
• The Interplay of Principles and Practice: The text consistently emphasizes that theoretical knowledge ("siddhant") without practical application ("prayog") is incomplete. Whether it's the teachings of the Gita or Jain scriptures, their true meaning and benefit are realized through dedicated practice and integration into one's life.
• The Importance of Balance and Perspective (Anekanta): The book advocates for a balanced approach, drawing insights from various philosophical traditions without discarding any entirely. Anekanta (non-absolutism) is presented as the key to understanding truth from multiple perspectives, fostering harmony and intellectual non-violence.
• The Subtle Science of Consciousness and the Body: The text delves into the subtle workings of the soul, its connection to the body, the role of "prana" (life force), and the various subtle bodies. It touches upon the scientific basis of subtle phenomena, including the influence of vibrations and energy fields.
• The Path to True Well-being: The ultimate goal is presented as attaining a state of balance, characterized by physical, mental, and spiritual health ("arogya, bodhi, samadhi"). This is achieved through self-discipline, introspection, and a conscious effort to purify one's thoughts, words, and actions.

Overall Message:

"Meri Drishti Meri Srishti" serves as a guide for individuals seeking to understand the profound connection between their inner world and their outer experience. It encourages readers to cultivate self-awareness, engage in diligent spiritual practice, discriminate between truth and falsehood, and strive for holistic well-being by harmonizing their thoughts, words, and deeds. The book advocates for a life of continuous learning, ethical conduct, and the realization of one's true potential as a soul, ultimately leading to a creation that is both personally fulfilling and beneficial to the world.