Moksh Marg Me Bis Kadam - Book Summary

This document is a summary of the Jain text "Moksh Marg me Bis Kadam" (Twenty Steps on the Path to Liberation) authored by Acharya Shri Padmasagarsuri. The book is published by Arunoday Foundation and is a compilation of twenty discourses given by Acharya Shri Padmasagarsuri, disciple of Acharya Shri Kailassagarsuri.

The book aims to guide individuals on the path to spiritual liberation (Moksha) by elaborating on twenty virtues or principles essential for spiritual progress.

Here's a summary of the initial virtues covered in the provided text:

Key Themes and Virtues Discussed:

The introduction highlights Acharya Shri Padmasagarsuri's dedication to Jain culture, literature, art, and his efforts to promote national unity, communal harmony, and interfaith understanding. He is described as a revolutionary thinker with the renunciation of a sage, combined with brilliance and foresight. His teachings are characterized by profound knowledge, saintliness, straightforwardness, and an energetic style, earning him widespread admiration. He emphasizes his universal identity and the welfare of all living beings.

The book then systematically breaks down the path to Moksha into twenty steps (virtues), explained through discourses. The provided text details the first few:

Achaurya (Non-Stealing/Honesty): This chapter emphasizes the importance of honesty, integrity, and truthfulness in all dealings, be it in personal life, business, or societal interactions. It condemns theft, bribery, corruption, adulteration, and any form of dishonesty, stating that ill-gotten wealth is fleeting and leads to suffering. It draws upon scriptures and quotes from various saints and thinkers to illustrate the detrimental effects of dishonesty and the virtue of being truthful even in poverty. It also discusses different types of stealing, including the acquisition of unnecessary items and the concept of Adattadan (taking what is not given), highlighting the Jain ethical principles on this matter.
Anasakti (Non-Attachment/Detachment): This section focuses on the necessity of detachment from worldly possessions, relationships, and even the physical body to achieve liberation. It explains how attachment to anything leads to suffering when that thing is lost or altered. The principle of Bhed Vigyan (discrimination between the soul and the body/matter) is introduced as a way to cultivate detachment. The text uses analogies like a mirror reflecting objects without holding onto them, or a hand dipped in oily water remaining dry, to illustrate how one can live in the world without being attached to it. It emphasizes that true wealth lies in spiritual qualities, not material possessions. The importance of overcoming attachment to people and avoiding partiality is also highlighted.
Anekant (Non-One-Sidedness/Multiplicity of Viewpoints): This chapter explains the core Jain philosophical concept of Anekantavada, which advocates for understanding things from multiple perspectives. It states that truth is relative and depends on the viewpoint. The text uses everyday examples, like the same person being a father, husband, uncle, or brother to different people, to illustrate how one object can have multiple characteristics without contradiction. It contrasts this with Ekantavada (one-sidedness), which leads to dogmatism and conflict. Anekantavada is presented as a solution to philosophical and religious disputes, promoting harmony and understanding. It explains how the concept of Syadvada (the doctrine of conditional predication) is a manifestation of Anekantavada.
Abhiman (Pride/Ego): This section addresses the detrimental nature of pride and ego, which are seen as obstacles to humility and spiritual progress. The text suggests that the Namaskar Mahamantra and the concept of remembering God's grace can help curb ego. It criticizes the pride of knowledge and the tendency to show off. True humility, the text argues, is essential for learning and spiritual growth. It draws parallels between seeking medical help for physical ailments and seeking spiritual guidance from a guru for the purification of the soul. The importance of self-reflection and acknowledging one's limitations is emphasized. It uses examples to show how pride can lead to downfall and how humility can lead to respect and wisdom.
Akrodh (Non-Anger): This discourse emphasizes that anger is a temporary state of mind (vibhava) and not the soul's true nature (swabhav), which is peace. Anger is described as a destructive force that harms both the individual experiencing it and the target of the anger. It corrupts understanding and blocks the influx of virtuous qualities. The text explores the causes of anger, attributing it to ego and desires. It highlights the destructive consequences of anger, including health deterioration and the disruption of relationships. It suggests that controlling anger involves understanding its roots, practicing patience, and refraining from reacting impulsively. It also uses scientific and spiritual analogies to explain how anger poisons the mind and body.
Ahimsa (Non-Violence): This chapter expounds on Ahimsa as the essence of all religions and the supreme virtue. It states that all religious paths ultimately lead to Ahimsa. The text quotes from various religious traditions (Hinduism, Christianity, Islam) to demonstrate the universal emphasis on non-violence. Ahimsa is presented not just as the absence of physical violence but also as the cultivation of love, compassion, and goodwill towards all living beings. It explains that true peace and harmony can only be achieved through the practice of Ahimsa. The examples of Mahatma Gandhi and Lord Mahavir are used to illustrate the power and transformative effect of Ahimsa. It also touches upon the importance of vegetarianism and the ethical implications of harming any living being.

The book appears to be a comprehensive guide to Jain ethics and spiritual practices, aiming to equip readers with the knowledge and motivation to progress on the path to Moksha. The remaining virtues (17 through 20) are mentioned in the table of contents but not detailed in the provided text.