Ojas Ditha Aatmbalna - Book Summary

This is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Ojas Ditha Aatmbalna" by Acharya Vijayvallabhsuri, edited by Dr. Kumarpal Desai, published by Shri Jaybhikshu Sahitya Trust. The book focuses on spiritual strength and discipline within the Jain tradition, particularly through the teachings and life of Acharya Shri Vijayvallabhsurishwarji.

The summary can be broken down into the following key sections, reflecting the structure of the book's content as presented in the provided pages:

1. Introduction and Family Background (Pages 1-6):

Book Details: The book is titled "Ojas Ditha Aatmbalna" (Ojas Witnessed, Inner Strength), authored by Acharya Vijayvallabhsuri and edited by Dr. Kumarpal Desai. It is published by Shri Jaybhikshu Sahitya Trust and is part of a series inspired by Shri Somchand D. Shah of the Karmal family.
Karmal Family Legacy: The text highlights the remarkable Karman family from Haripar, Jamnagar, Saurashtra. This family is praised for embodying both "Purusharth" (effort/endeavor) and "Paramarth" (altruism/benevolence) simultaneously. The summary traces the family's history from its origins in agriculture to its entrepreneurial success in business across Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia, London, and Indore. The core value of selfless service and unwavering integrity, exemplified by the elder Damji Karman, is emphasized. Damji's pledge not to pursue outstanding debts and not to file lawsuits, relying on voluntary repayment, sets a powerful ethical precedent that permeated through generations. The publication of this religious and valuable book series is attributed to the support of such a noble family.

2. The Visionary Acharya Shri Vijayvallabhsurishwarji (Pages 6-25):

A Great Personality: The introduction frames Acharya Shri Vijayvallabhsurishwarji as a luminous figure whose influence extended far beyond sectarian boundaries, illuminating the entire world. His vision is described as encompassing the future, and he possessed the courage to challenge rigid traditions and superstitions.
Universalism and Self-Realization: A pivotal quote attributed to the Acharya on his 84th birthday states, "I am not Jain, nor Buddhist, nor Vaishnav, nor Shaiv, nor Hindu, nor Muslim; I am a human being, a traveler on the path of seeking the Vitarag God, the Supreme Soul. Today everyone seeks peace, but the search for peace should first begin in one's own mind." This highlights his focus on universal spiritual principles and self-discovery, deeply rooted in the essence of Jainism's emphasis on inner exploration.
Social Reform and National Service: The Acharya is portrayed as a leader who analyzed societal ills with sociological insight and worked tirelessly to reawaken a weakened society. He was instrumental in resolving conflicts within the Jain community, addressing ignorance, disunity, and poverty that had afflicted it. He championed unity, upliftment of the poor and middle class, and access to religious and practical education. His commitment extended to supporting the nation's independence movement with detachment and advocating for broad-mindedness that transcended narrow sectarianism.
Core Principles: His life exemplified the "Taratraya" (Triple Gem) of discretion, affection, and humility. He is presented as a spiritual leader who broke down barriers of dogma, advocating for unity and understanding.
Impact on Society: The text suggests that his discourses brought about a significant awakening in the society of Bikaner, Rajasthan, over forty years prior, inspiring a move away from stagnation and entrenched customs. He challenged hypocrisy and superficial religiosity, bravely confronting societal norms and traditions.
Life's Mission: The Acharya's life was dedicated to the service of society, religion, literature, country, and humanity. His philosophy was rooted in "Sarvadharma Samabhava" (universal religious tolerance), drawing references from epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata, and poets like Bhartrihari and Tulsidas, to present a message of truth, friendship, and humanity.
Life Journey (Jivanrekha): Pages 14-17 provide a detailed timeline of Acharya Shri Vijayvallabhsurishwarji's life, detailing his birth, initiation, education, travels, establishment of institutions (pathshalas, libraries, colleges), spiritual activities, public discourses, and significant events throughout his long and impactful life until his passing in 1954.

3. The Essence of Tap (Austerity) (Pages 26-45):

Tap as Elixir of Life: The text emphasizes "Tap" (austerity/penance) as the "elixir of life" in Jainism, leading to immortality by eradicating negative karma and revealing the soul's inherent radiance.
Types of Tap: Tap is divided into two main categories: Bahya Tap (External Tap) and Abhyantar Tap (Internal Tap).
- Bahya Tap (External Tap) - Six Types: The book elaborates on the six types of external tapas:
  1. Anashan (Fasting): This involves the voluntary renunciation of food (Anshan, Udari, Vrittisankshaya, Rasaparityag). It includes various durations, from short fasts to long ones, including Santhara (fast unto death). The importance of proper method and intention is stressed.
  2. Unodari (Eating Less): Consuming less food than one's capacity, maintaining moderation in eating, and avoiding gluttony are highlighted. This is linked to physical health and mental clarity.
  3. Vrittisankshaya (Restraint in Activities/Lifestyle): Limiting one's activities, possessions, and sensory indulgences. This involves conscious reduction of desires and needs.
  4. Rasaparityaga (Renunciation of Taste): Giving up or reducing the consumption of specific desired foods or tastes, particularly those that excite the senses.
  5. Kaya Klesh (Body Hardship): Enduring physical discomfort or hardship voluntarily, such as sitting in uncomfortable postures for extended periods (asanas like Virasana, Padmasana), or enduring difficult conditions for the sake of spiritual practice or helping others.
  6. Pratisamlinata (Control of Indriyas/Senses): This involves withdrawing the senses and mental faculties from engaging with external objects and redirecting them inwards towards the self.
- The Purpose of Tap: The underlying purpose of tap is to purify the soul, overcome passions (kashayas), and generate spiritual strength.

4. Internal Tap (Abhyantar Tap) - Six Types (Pages 45-63):

The Inner Cleansing: Following external tap, the text delves into internal tapas, which are essential for truly cleansing the soul.
- Prayashchitta (Atonement/Repentance): This involves confessing one's faults (Alochan), regretting them (Ninda), seeking forgiveness from elders or society (Gahan), and undertaking penance (Upvas, etc.). The text details the four types of transgression (Atikram, Vyatikram, Atichar, Anachar) and how Prayashchitta helps in their purification. The story of Lakshman Sadhvi highlights the importance of genuine repentance and the potential pitfalls of insincere confession.
- Vinaya (Humility/Respect): Described as the root of religion, Vinaya is crucial for receiving knowledge and spiritual growth. It involves humility, discipline, and respect towards teachers, scriptures, and the righteous path.
- Vaiyavrutya (Service): This involves selfless service to others, especially the needy, the sick, and the elderly, motivated by compassion and detachment. It is presented as a path to spiritual elevation and even Tirthankar-hood.
- Swadhyaya (Self-Study/Scriptural Study): The practice of diligent and focused study of scriptures and reflective contemplation on their meaning. It is presented as the gateway to spiritual knowledge and self-realization.
- Dhyana (Meditation): The practice of focusing the mind on a single object or divine form to achieve inner peace and clarity. Different types of meditation are discussed, emphasizing the need for correct posture, concentration, and detachment from worldly distractions.
- Viyutsarga (Non-attachment/Renunciation): The detachment from body, possessions, and even karmic effects, leading to complete equanimity and freedom from worldly desires.

5. The Foundation of Religion: Vinaya (Pages 78-97):

Vinaya as the Root: The text strongly emphasizes Vinaya (humility, respect, discipline) as the fundamental principle of religion. Without Vinaya, all other spiritual efforts are futile.
Cultivating Humility: It explains how arrogance, pride, and ego obstruct spiritual knowledge. True knowledge requires a humble heart, open to learning from all sources, not just learned texts but also through sincere interaction and reflection.
Beyond External Gestures: Vinaya is not merely external bowing or polite speech; it's an inner disposition of humility, respecting the inherent dignity of all beings and recognizing the limitations of one's own knowledge.
Examples of Vinaya: The text provides examples from Jain history and general wisdom, including the stories of King Kumarapala, Mahatma Gandhi, Acharya Hemchandrasuri, and the humility of even great saints and teachers in seeking knowledge. It contrasts true Vinaya with mere flattery or fear-driven compliance.

6. The Significance of Service: Vaiyavrutya (Pages 117-155):

Service with Sacrifice: Vaiyavrutya is presented as a path of selfless service, akin to the fragrance of a rose that sacrifices its own essence to spread sweetness. It involves enduring hardships and dedicating oneself to the welfare of others.
True Living: The text distinguishes between mere existence and true living, defining the latter as dedicating one's life to the service of others and alleviating their suffering.
The Ultimate Goal: It highlights how selfless service, particularly for the needy and those dedicated to spiritual pursuits (like monks and nuns), can lead to profound spiritual development, even Tirthankar-hood, as exemplified by Lord Rishabhdev.
Ten Types of Vaiyavrutya: The book details ten primary categories of individuals worthy of Vaiyavrutya: Acharya, Upadhyaya, Sthavir (senior monks), Tapasvi (ascetics), Gylan (the sick), Shaixya (novices), Kul (monastic lineage), Gan (sect), Sangh (community), and Sadharmik (fellow practitioners).
Distinguishing True Service: It differentiates between mere charity or social service and true Vaiyavrutya, which requires underlying austerity (tap), detachment, and selfless intent, free from the desire for name, fame, or personal gain. The example of Nandiṣen Muni's unwavering dedication to his vow of service even when faced with extreme hardship and deception illustrates the depth of true Vaiyavrutya.

7. The Power of Self-Study: Swadhyaya (Pages 156-174):

The Gateway to Knowledge: Swadhyaya is presented as the primary gateway to spiritual knowledge and the abode of wisdom.
Diligent Learning: It emphasizes the importance of sincere and dedicated study, not just rote memorization, but deep contemplation and analysis of scriptures.
Three Benefits: Swadhyaya yields three benefits: acquiring knowledge, preserving knowledge, and enhancing knowledge.
The Necessity of Regularity: Consistent and regular Swadhyaya is vital for retaining and deepening spiritual understanding.
Personal Reflection: The text stresses the importance of applying scriptural knowledge to one's own life, analyzing one's actions and motivations in light of spiritual teachings.
The Story of King Kumarpal: The anecdote of King Kumarpal and Acharya Hemchandrasuri illustrates how diligent Swadhyaya and humble inquiry led Kumarpal to profound spiritual insights and adherence to Jain principles.

8. The Influence of Religious Discourse: Dharmakatha (Pages 210-244):

Dharmakatha as Spiritual Sustenance: Dharmakatha is described as essential spiritual food for the soul, strengthening it to overcome vices like anger, greed, and delusion.
Four Types of Dharmakatha: The text categorizes Dharmakatha into:
1. Akṣepaṇī (Attracting): Stories that draw listeners towards righteous conduct and Jain principles.
2. Viksapaṇī (Distinguishing): Narratives that highlight the merits of Jain teachings while distinguishing them from other doctrines.
3. Saṁvegini (Generating Urgency): Stories that inspire a sense of urgency for spiritual liberation by depicting the impermanence of worldly life and the consequences of karma.
4. Nirvedini (Instilling Detachment): Narratives that foster detachment from worldly affairs by illustrating their ephemeral nature and the ultimate suffering they entail.
The Art of Storytelling: The importance of skillful and appropriate delivery is emphasized, where stories are tailored to the audience's receptiveness and capacity, aiming to inspire virtuous conduct and spiritual progress.
The Power of Transformation: The stories of King Kumarpal and the monk Nandiṣeṇ, among others, demonstrate how well-presented Dharmakatha can transform individuals and guide them towards a spiritual path.

9. Meditation: Dhyana (Pages 245-285):

The Pinnacle of Inner Practice: Dhyana (meditation) is presented as the highest form of internal austerity, leading to spiritual realization and liberation.
Cultivating Inner Peace: The text explains how the mind, influenced by its environment and associations, can be trained through meditation to achieve peace and overcome worldly distractions.
Types of Meditation: The four types of meditation are discussed:
1. Arta Dhyana (Sorrowful Meditation): Focused on suffering, pain, and loss.
2. Raudra Dhyana (Wrathful Meditation): Characterized by anger, violence, and malice.
3. Dharma Dhyana (Righteous Meditation): Focused on virtuous principles like non-violence, truth, and compassion, and the study of scriptures.
4. Shukla Dhyana (Pure Meditation): The highest form, involving intense concentration on the pure nature of the soul, leading to liberation.
The Path to Liberation: Dharma Dhyana is crucial for progressing towards Shukla Dhyana, the ultimate state of spiritual enlightenment and freedom.

10. The Virtue of Viyutsarga (Non-attachment) and Kayotsarga (Body-Awareness) (Pages 286-317):

Viyutsarga - The Art of Letting Go: Viyutsarga is the practice of detachment from worldly possessions, relationships, and even the body itself, driven by pure intention and free from attachment, desire, or ego. It's about renouncing what is not truly ours.
Kayotsarga - Discipline of the Body: Kayotsarga involves physical stillness and detachment from bodily sensations, seen as a preparatory step for Viyutsarga. It's about training the body to endure discomfort and remain undisturbed by external stimuli, ultimately strengthening the resolve for higher spiritual practices.
The Path of Renunciation: Both Viyutsarga and Kayotsarga are presented as challenging but essential practices for achieving spiritual freedom and overcoming the deep-seated attachment to the physical self and the material world. The text stresses the importance of pure intent behind these practices, warning against mere outward show or superficial performance.

Overall Theme: "Ojas Ditha Aatmbalna" is a profound exploration of spiritual strength and inner discipline within Jainism. It emphasizes the interconnectedness of external actions (Tap) and internal transformation (Dhyana, Vinaya, Swadhyaya) in the journey towards self-realization and liberation. The teachings are presented through the life and wisdom of Acharya Shri Vijayvallabhsurishwarji, underscoring the practical application of these principles in daily life for the welfare of both the individual and society.