Nar Se Narayan

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Nar se Narayan," as reviewed by Guruprasad Kapur:

The book "Nar se Narayan" (From Human to Divinity) by Guruprasad Kapur is presented as a significant work that champions the core principles of Jainism: ahimsa (non-violence), humanity, love, compassion, and the light of consciousness and knowledge. The review highlights the profound contribution of Acharya Ratna Shri Deshbhushan Ji Maharaj, the inspiration behind the book, to Jain society and all living beings through his deep study and philosophical insights.

Acharya Deshbhushan Ji is lauded as a great karma-yogi whose transcendental experiences, conveyed through simple language, transcend barriers of class and language, contributing significantly to national building. His mastery of multiple Indian and foreign languages enables his profound thoughts to reach the hearts of readers easily. His travels are described as sanctifying every place he visited, and people felt blessed by his presence. Through his padyatra (pilgrimage on foot), he connected with the common people and revitalized ancient pilgrimage sites, thereby enriching the spirit of Jainism. He is credited with teaching the youth of India to "live and wake up," demonstrating a beautiful understanding of their sense of duty. The review expresses confidence that his thoughts, captured in this book, will continue to guide readers effectively.

"Nar se Narayan" is specifically identified as one such guiding work, where Acharya Deshbhushan Ji's ideas on self-purification and character building deeply resonate with readers. The review emphasizes his direct challenge to malpractices, false ostentation, and immodest attire, and his open critique of women's attachment to ornaments. He advocates for moving away from superstition and embracing the path of duty.

The core message of the book revolves around the transient and perishable nature of life, warning against the dangers of greed, attachment, and lust, which perpetuate the cycle of birth and death. The review asserts that material pleasures are the root cause of our suffering. While escaping these influences is challenging, the book suggests mitigating their impact to create a happier future life.

The review highlights a key teaching: true strength is tested not in the arena but in overcoming addictions. It further states that devotion to the divine (Bhagavad-bhakti) is strengthened by past deeds and good samskaras (impressions/tendencies) and is the sole means to achieve liberation (moksha). However, Bhagavad-bhakti is not limited to mere worship or rituals. Its expansive nature is built upon a pure daily routine, ethical conduct, celibacy, non-violence, love, kindness, compassion, and other sattvic (pure) thoughts. Faith in these principles constitutes true divine devotion.

For the common person, the book suggests avoiding excessive indulgence in sensory pleasures as the first step towards divine worship. It also emphasizes that persistent good endeavors will eventually lead to the attainment of the goal, making effort in life as significant as a mountain. However, this effort must be "satvendrik" (powered by spiritual energy or virtue). Discerning wisdom (vivek gyan) is considered a close companion to divine devotion.

The review concludes by stating that the book effectively illustrates how human life can be transformed to become divine-like (Narayan-tuly) or to stand before the divine. This is presented as the book's central purpose and Acharya Deshbhushan Ji's "seed mantra." The review praises the book's emotional depth and its poignant and easily understandable style of presentation. The language is described as simple and accessible, and the profound ideas are capable of shaking the reader's mind and intellect. The reviewer notes the complete absence of pedantry or ego in Acharya Deshbhushan Ji's thoughts.

Finally, the reviewer expresses deep reverence for the "great human form of Narayan, the supreme ascetic, Shri Deshbhushan Ji Maharaj," showering him with "flowers of complete faith" and considering their life blessed by his teachings. The reviewer admits to being momentarily transported by his thoughts, forgetting their own "self-importance" and becoming one with the divine.