Parmatma Ke Pamaratma

Here is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Parmatma ke Pamaratma" by Lalitvijay, based on the provided pages:

Title: Parmatma ke Pamaratma (The Divine Soul and the Fallen Soul) Author: Muni Lalitvijay Publisher: Shrutgyan Amidhara Gyan Mandir Dedication: The book is dedicated to Pujya Panyasji Maharaj Shri Bhaktivijayji Ganivar for his constant inspiration and guidance.

Core Theme: The central theme of the book is to explore the reasons why the soul, which is inherently divine (Parmatma), becomes fallen or impure (Pamar Atma) in the cycle of worldly existence and how it can regain its divine state.

Key Concepts and Arguments:

• Defining Parmatma (The Divine Soul): The text defines Parmatma as the highest, most elevated soul that has achieved perfection through the practice of the Vitaraga-proclaimed Dharma. These souls have completed their journey through the four states of existence and have no further desires or obligations to fulfill. They have accumulated "punyanubandhi punya" (meritorious karma that leads to further good fortune) and have transcended the cycle of birth and death.

• The Cause of Pamar Atma (The Fallen Soul): The text attributes the fallen state of the soul primarily to "raag" (attachment or passion) towards worldly pleasures and possessions. This attachment, even to seemingly pleasant things, leads to suffering, loss, and ultimately, the soul's degradation. The book argues that external comforts like luxurious homes, vehicles, clothing, and possessions are ultimately "paradhin" (dependent on external factors), and this dependency itself is a source of suffering. Envy, greed for more, and the subsequent disappointment when desires are not met further contribute to the soul's fallen state.

• The Illusory Nature of Worldly Happiness: The book emphasizes that appearing happy and actually being happy are vastly different. Worldly happiness, even when attained through effort or good fortune (punya), is transient and dependent. The examples of Ravana, the Kauravas, and Dhawal Seth highlight that immense wealth and comfort did not bring lasting happiness.

• The Importance of "Connection" (Punya as Connection): The text uses an analogy of electricity to explain the role of "punya" (merit/virtue). Just as a switch connects us to light or fan despite the distance, punya acts as the "connection" that allows us to access desirable things. It suggests that merely possessing things is not enough; having the "connection" of punya is essential.

• Critique of Modern Mindsets: The book criticizes the modern trend of discarding or mocking religious and spiritual advice, often labeling it as outdated or rigid. It argues that those who blindly follow trends without critical thought are not true "samayajnya" (those who understand time); true understanding lies in learning from the past, thinking wisely, and acting in ways that benefit oneself and others across lifetimes.

• The Role of Attachment (Raag) and Detachment (Tyaag): The text repeatedly stresses that attachment (raag) to worldly pleasures is the root cause of suffering and the soul's fallen state. The path to becoming Parmatma lies in the renunciation (tyaag) of these attachments and the cultivation of detachment. Plans and actions should be oriented towards tyaag, not raag.

• The Nature of Suffering and Happiness: Suffering is universally acknowledged as bad, but the text posits that the attachment to happiness itself is the root cause of suffering and its continuation. Detachment from happiness is the only way to break the cycle. It critiques the pursuit of material happiness, stating that even when attained, it leads to anxiety about its protection and eventual loss.

• Examples from Jain Mythology and History: The book extensively uses examples from Jain scripture and history to illustrate its points. These include:

  • Ravana, Kauravas, Dhawal Seth: Examples of immense wealth and power leading to downfall due to attachment.
  • Ram, Sita, Nala, Damayanti, Pandavas, Draupadi: Illustrating how even righteous individuals faced suffering due to past karma, but their adherence to Dharma and virtues ultimately led them to higher states.
  • Kanaka Vati: A detailed narrative illustrating her journey from worldly happiness to spiritual realization through various lifetimes, highlighting the long-term effects of karma and the eventual attainment of liberation through right conduct and faith.
  • Nala and Damayanti: A significant portion of the book narrates their story, detailing Nala's fall due to gambling and attachment, his suffering in exile, Damayanti's unwavering chastity and devotion, and their eventual reunion and spiritual progress. This narrative serves as a powerful example of karma's workings and the importance of maintaining virtue even in adversity.
  • King Harshavardhana and his queen: Mentioned in the context of renunciation.
  • Various Munis and Sadhvis: Cited as examples of detachment and austerity.
  • Piligotacharya (Marichi): Used as an example of someone who, despite having knowledge, fell due to lack of proper conduct and attachment.
  • Chandanbala, Bandhak Muni, Metarraj Muni, Gaj Sukamal: Examples of individuals who faced severe karmic consequences but transformed them through their virtuous conduct and penance.
  • King Bharat, Guṇasagar: Examples of those who enjoyed worldly pleasures but maintained detachment and ultimately achieved liberation.
  • Krishna Vasudeva: Used as an example of the transient nature of even great power and the impact of karma, where even his divine powers were eventually overwhelmed by destiny.

• The Path to Parmatma: The book emphasizes that the path to becoming Parmatma involves:

  • Detachment (Tyaag): Renouncing attachment to worldly pleasures, possessions, and even the desire for worldly happiness.
  • Right Faith (Samyak Darshan): Understanding the true nature of reality as taught by the Tirthankaras and having unwavering faith in it.
  • Right Knowledge (Samyak Gyan): Acquiring knowledge of the soul and its true nature.
  • Right Conduct (Samyak Charitra): Living a life guided by Jain principles, such as non-violence (Ahimsa), truthfulness (Satya), non-stealing (Asteya), celibacy (Brahmacharya), and non-possession (Aparigraha).
  • Austerity (Tapa): Engaging in various forms of penance to purify the soul and burn away karma.
  • Control of the Senses and Mind: Mastering desires, anger, pride, deceit, and greed.

• The Importance of Right Faith (Samyak Darshan): The book highlights that without Samyak Darshan, even religious practices like asceticism, vows, or worship become mere rituals that lead to continued worldly entanglement rather than liberation. True devotion (Bhakti) means following the teachings of the Tirthankaras with complete surrender and a singular focus on liberation.

• The Nature of True Effort: The author stresses that the true effort lies not in accumulating worldly possessions or comforts, but in cultivating detachment and spiritual knowledge. The desire for liberation (Moksha) should be the ultimate driving force.

• The Role of Karma: The book consistently refers to the law of karma, explaining how past actions (shubh and ashubh karma) influence present circumstances and future lives. It emphasizes that suffering arises from our own actions and attachments, and liberation comes from understanding and transcending the karmic cycle.

• The Uniqueness of Jain Dharma: The author asserts that only the Jain path, as taught by the Tirthankaras, leads to true and lasting happiness and liberation. It critiques the concept of "all religions are equal" when it leads to a dilution or abandonment of core principles. It argues that those with the power to correct misconceptions about Dharma have a responsibility to do so, lest they become complicit in spreading falsehood.

Overall Message: "Parmatma ke Pamaratma" is a profound exploration of the Jain path to spiritual liberation. It serves as a guide for understanding the causes of worldly suffering and provides a roadmap for transforming the soul from a state of fallenness back to its inherent divine nature through detachment, right faith, right knowledge, and right conduct. The book uses compelling narratives and philosophical arguments to underscore the ephemeral nature of worldly pleasures and the ultimate, eternal bliss found in spiritual realization.