Pudgalno Parihar Parmarthni Prapti

Here is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Pudgalno Parihar Parmarthni Prapti" by Sunandaben Vohra, based on the provided pages:

The book, "Pudgalno Parihar Parmarthni Prapti" (Renunciation of Pudgala for Attainment of the Supreme), authored by Sunandaben Vohra and inspired by Pujya Shri Bhadra Guptasuriji, is a commentary on the "Pudgal Gita" by Yogi Chidanandji. The core message of the book is to understand the nature of "Pudgala" (matter, the phenomenal world) and its impermanence to ultimately achieve "Parmarth" (the Supreme Reality, the Self, liberation).

Key Themes and Concepts:

• The Nature of Pudgala:

  • Pudgala is defined as anything that dissolves in water or burns in fire. It encompasses everything seen, felt, smelled, tasted, and heard, including our own bodies, physical objects, thoughts, and even subtle forms like light and shadow.
  • Pudgala is characterized by constant change, decay, dissolution, and eventual destruction ("Sadan-padan-vidhvamsan"). It is impermanent and undergoes transformations (e.g., from good to bad and vice-versa).
  • The world is filled with Pudgala, leaving no space unoccupied. The universe is a stage for the "play" of Pudgala.
  • Pudgala attracts the soul through its sensory attributes (color, smell, taste, touch, sound) and its endless manifestations (23 basic categories, which expand exponentially when considering their variations and combinations).
  • Pudgala is the cause of bondage and suffering, leading the soul through the cycle of birth and death (the four realms of existence: hellish beings, animals, humans, and celestial beings).

• The Illusion of Pudgala:

  • The soul (Jivatma) is deeply attached to Pudgala, mistaking it for its true self. This attachment leads to happiness derived from worldly pleasures and sorrow from their loss.
  • The soul experiences joy and sorrow through its interaction with Pudgala, becoming entangled in the "play of Pudgala."
  • The materialistic pursuits of the scientific age, driven by the constant desire for novelty, further bind the soul to Pudgala.
  • The author emphasizes that the Pudgala-attached soul is like a bird repeatedly seeking a new cage, experiencing fleeting happiness and prolonged sorrow.

• The Importance of Self-Inquiry (Parmarth):

  • True happiness and liberation ("Parmarth," "Moksha") lie in understanding and realizing the true nature of the Self (Atma).
  • The book advocates for breaking free from the "coverings" of Pudgala through self-reflection and understanding the futility and danger of Pudgala.
  • The path to Parmarth is the path of liberation (Moksha Marg) and self-realization ("Atma-bodh").
  • The text quotes Upadhyay Shri Yashovijayji from "Samadhi Shatak" stating that shedding attachments and seeking one's inherent qualities leads to the realization of inner bliss (Chidananda).

• Discrimination between the Self and Pudgala (Bhed-Gyan):

  • A crucial aspect is developing "Bhed-Gyan" (discriminative knowledge) to distinguish the soul (Atma) from Pudgala.
  • The soul is described as conscious, pure, and eternal, possessing infinite knowledge and bliss, while Pudgala is inert, changing, and perishable.
  • The soul's true nature is described as "Arup" (formless), "Avvedi" (non-experiencing of sensory pleasure/pain), and "Abhang" (unbroken).
  • The soul's power is diminished by its attachment to Pudgala.

• The Path to Liberation:

  • Renunciation of Pudgala (Pudgal no Parihar): This involves detachment from worldly desires and possessions, recognizing their impermanence. It's about letting go of the "attachment" to Pudgala, not necessarily renouncing material things physically, but mentally detaching from them.
  • Attaining the Supreme (Parmarth ni Prapti): This is achieved through constant self-reflection, discrimination (Bhed-Gyan), and ultimately, the realization of the Self.
  • Knowledge, Meditation, Renunciation, and Devotion: These are highlighted as essential tools for practicing "Parmarth."
  • The Role of a True Guru: The guidance of a "Sadguru" is essential to understand the true nature of the Self and the path to liberation.
  • Living in the Present: The book emphasizes living in the present moment, understanding the impermanence of everything, and focusing on the eternal nature of the soul.

• The Dangers of Pudgala and Attachment:

  • The text vividly describes the suffering caused by Pudgala, including the horrors of hellish existence, the struggles of animal life, and the fleeting nature of human and celestial pleasures.
  • The descriptions of hell are particularly graphic, detailing extreme physical and mental suffering resulting from past negative karma.
  • The illusion of happiness derived from Pudgala is likened to drinking poison, which may appear sweet initially but leads to destruction.

• The Pursuit of True Happiness:

  • True happiness is found not in external Pudgala but within the Self.
  • The soul's inherent nature is bliss and consciousness, which is obscured by ignorance and attachment to Pudgala.
  • By understanding the impermanence of Pudgala and the eternal nature of the Self, one can attain unwavering peace and liberation.

Key Metaphors and Analogies:

• The Bird in the Cage: The soul trapped by Pudgala is like a bird that keeps seeking new cages.
• The Spider and its Web: The soul creates its own bondage through its desires and attachments.
• The Magnet and Iron: Attachment draws the soul to karma.
• The Clay Pot: The soul is like clay, which can be molded into a pot but remains fundamentally clay.
• The Oil-Soaked Cloth: Attachment attracts impurities.
• The Fire and Fuel: Desires fuel the cycle of suffering.
• The Sweet Poison: The deceptive nature of worldly pleasures.
• The Mirage: The illusory happiness of Pudgala.
• The Water in a Pot: The soul's inherent bliss is like water, which can be contained but when mixed with impurities (Pudgala), loses its clarity.
• The Diamond and Glass: The soul's true value is like a diamond, which can be mistaken for mere glass due to external influences.
• The River and the Bank: The soul is the bank, and the river (Pudgala) flows by, but the bank remains constant.

The Commentary:

Sunandaben Vohra's commentary is praised for its simplicity, beauty, and flavor. She elucidates the concepts from the "Pudgal Gita" in an accessible manner, making profound spiritual truths relatable to the reader. Pujya Shri Bhadra Guptasuri's inspiration and guidance were instrumental in the creation of this commentary.

Overall Message:

"Pudgalno Parihar Parmarthni Prapti" is a call to the soul to awaken from its slumber of ignorance and attachment to the phenomenal world. By understanding the true, unchangeable nature of the Self and the impermanent, suffering-filled nature of Pudgala, one can embark on the path of liberation, ultimately achieving the supreme goal of spiritual realization. The book serves as a guide to shedding the veils of Pudgala and attaining the eternal bliss of the Self.