Pravachana Ratnakar 01

This document contains the initial pages of "Pravachan Ratnakar Bhag 1," a collection of discourses by Param Pujya Gurudev Shri Kanji Swami on the revered Jain text, Shrimad Shrimadacharyapada Shri Kundakundacharyadeva's Samaysara Paramagama. The volume documented covers discourses delivered for the eighteenth time on Samaysara.

Key Information from the Initial Pages:

• Title: Pravachan Ratnakar (Bhag 1)
• Author: Param Pujya Gurudev Shri Kanji Swami
• Subject: Discourses on Shrimad Shrimadacharyapada Shri Kundakundacharyadeva's Samaysara Paramagama.
• Publisher: Shri Kundakund Kahhan Paramagama Pravachan Trust, Mumbai.
• Edition: First Edition, 5000 copies.
• Origin of Content: These are discourses on Samaysara delivered by Kanji Swami for the eighteenth time in 1975, 1976, and 1977.
• Purpose of Publication: To provide the benefit of self-study (swadhyaya) and to make the profound teachings of Samaysara accessible to a wider audience, especially to those who may not have had the opportunity to hear the complete series of discourses. The aim is to inspire continuous self-inquiry (swadhyaya) through the nectar-like words of Gurudev Shri Kanji Swami.
• Context: The preface emphasizes the profound importance of Samaysara, stating that even understanding a single word can lead to liberation. It also highlights the declining intellectual capacity of beings in the current era (Pancham Kaal) to grasp the subtle and deep secrets of the Parmagamas, making the clear and simple discourses of Kanji Swami invaluable.
• Process of Creation: The discourses were initially tape-recorded and then transcribed. The transcription process involved multiple checks and validations by different individuals to ensure accuracy and faithfulness to the original spoken word. The final preparation involved paragraphing and further verification by scholars.
• Acknowledgements: Gratitude is expressed to various individuals and trusts for their contribution to the publication, including the donor of the shastra, those who transcribed and verified the text, and financial contributors.
• Table of Contents: A detailed index is provided, listing the chapters (Gathas/Shlokas) covered and the corresponding page numbers and discourse numbers. The initial chapters cover Manglacharan (verses of auspicious invocation), Kalsaha 1-4, and Gathas 1-17.
• Content Overview: The initial discourses focus on the Manglacharan verses of Samaysara, particularly the commentaries by Shri Amritchandrasuri. These discourses delve into the nature of the soul, the concept of "Samay" (time/essence), the refutation of various philosophical viewpoints (like atheism and dualism), and the characteristics of the pure soul (Atma) as the supreme deity. The text uses descriptive language to elucidate Jain philosophical concepts, emphasizing the soul's inherent purity, eternal nature, and its true essence as pure consciousness. It also touches upon the significance of understanding and realizing the soul's true nature for spiritual liberation. The initial discussions highlight the importance of sincere devotion, the limitations of external rituals without inner realization, and the path of self-knowledge as illuminated by the Tirthankaras.

In essence, this volume serves as a foundational introduction to Kanji Swami's profound commentary on Samaysara, setting the stage for a deep exploration of Jain philosophy and the path to spiritual liberation, emphasizing the direct realization of the soul's pure essence.