Panchbhashi Pushpmala English

This document is a promotional and informational piece for "Panchabhashi Pushpmala" (Five-Lingual Rosary of Pious Golden Thoughts for Today), published by Vardhaman Bharati International Foundation. The book is based on the original Gujarati work "Pushpamala" by Srimad Rajchandraji, a prominent Jain spiritual figure and the spiritual guide of Mahatma Gandhi.

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided pages:

1. Core Offering:

• "Panchabhashi Pushpmala" is a translation and compilation of Srimad Rajchandraji's "Pushpamala" (meaning "Garland of Flowers") into five languages: Gujarati, Hindi, English, Kannada, and Bangla.
• The original "Pushpmala" was written by Srimad Rajchandraji at the tender age of ten, and it's presented as an extraordinary exposition of knowledge and spiritual insight, even at such a young age.
• The book is described as a "Rosary of Pious Golden Thoughts for Today," offering practical guidance for daily life.

2. Publisher and Contributors:

• Publisher: Vardhaman Bharati International Foundation, located in Bangalore, India.
• Original Author: Srimad Rajchandraji.
• Hindi Critical Explanations: Poojya Sadhvishri Bhavprabha Shreeji.
• Editing & Hindi-English Versions: Prof. Pratap Kumar J. Toliya and Smt. Sumitra P. Toliya. They are also credited as Singers and Directors of other related works like "Atmasiddhi."
• Other Contributors: The text also acknowledges support from various scholars and individuals, including Sri K.R. Bannerjee (Bangla Translation), Smt. Pushpabai Swayam Shakti (Kannada Translation), and Sri Vasantbhai Khokhani (Foreword).

3. Significance and Philosophy:

• "Pushpmala" as a Guide for Life: The book is presented as a "daily guide for every one, for every one's practical, moral, social, religious life." It aims to help individuals capture and utilize every moment of the present, learn from the past, and build a better future.
• Universal Appeal: Srimad Rajchandraji's writings, particularly "Pushpmala," are highlighted for their universal relevance. Mahatma Gandhi himself is quoted stating that Srimadji's writings provide guidance to anyone seeking to overcome personal flaws, regardless of their religion. Gandhi even called "Pushpmala" evidence of rebirth.
• Jain Principles: The foreword touches upon Jainism's emphasis on conduct ("Achar"), outlining the fivefold conduct (Jnana, Darshana, Charitra, Veerya, and Tapa). "Pushpmala" is seen as providing codes of conduct for everyday life.
• Spiritual Power of Srimadji: The publication is believed to be guided by the "Yogic Spiritual Powers" of Srimad Rajchandraji and other realized souls.

4. Content of "Pushpmala" (Sample Verses Provided): The document includes a significant portion of the "Pushpmala" itself, presented as numbered verses. These verses offer specific, actionable advice for individuals throughout the day, tailored to various roles, conditions, and ethical considerations. Key themes include: * Waking Up and Ignorance: Encouragement to awaken from spiritual ignorance. * Introspection and Reflection: Reviewing the past, learning from mistakes, and making the present day fruitful. * Time Management: Dividing the day into periods for devotional, religious, meals, knowledge acquisition, sleep, and worldly activities. * Ethical Conduct: Avoiding harm, speaking truthfully, being temperate, and practicing non-violence. * Advice for Different Roles: Specific guidance is offered to kings, lawyers, wealthy individuals, butchers, children, youth, the aged, women, poets, misers, power-hungry individuals, religious heads, servants, those with bad character, unhappy people, artisans, etc. * Spiritual Discipline: Emphasis on purity of mind, remembering death, reflecting on the body's impermanence, and seeking divine guidance. * Detachment and Contentment: Advising against excessive attachment to sensual pleasures and worldly attractions. * Social Responsibility: Encouraging welfare of people, loyalty, humility, and avoiding exploitation. * Forgiveness and Repentance: The importance of seeking forgiveness and learning from past errors. * Personal Growth: Focusing on increasing knowledge, inner power, and good deeds.

5. Related Works and Publishers' Activities:

• The document extensively promotes other works by Jina Bharati and Vardhaman Bharati International Foundation, including audio CDs and cassettes related to Jain scriptures, spiritual discourses, and devotional music.
• A significant mention is made of "Saptabhashi Atmasiddhi" (Seven-Lingual "Atmasiddhi"), another major publication by the same foundation, which took 31 years to complete and involved extensive translation and editing efforts. This highlights the foundation's commitment to disseminating Jain spiritual literature across languages.
• The publication of "Panchabhashi Pushpmala" is framed as a continuation of their mission to spread the teachings of Srimad Rajchandraji and other Jain luminaries.

In essence, "Panchabhashi Pushpmala" is presented as a profound and practical spiritual guide authored by a young prodigy, Srimad Rajchandraji, translated into multiple languages to make its timeless wisdom accessible to a global audience. It provides day-to-day ethical and spiritual instructions for living a meaningful and virtuous life, rooted in Jain principles.