Rajchandrani Jivan Sadhna

This book, "Rajchandrani Jivan Sadhna" (The Life's Spiritual Practice of Shrimad Rajchandra) authored by Pujya Shri Atmanandji Maharaj and published by Shrimad Rajchandra Sadhna Kendra Koba, is a concise yet comprehensive overview of the life, teachings, and spiritual journey of Shrimad Rajchandra, a prominent spiritual figure of the 20th century.

Key aspects of the book include:

• Introduction and Purpose: The book aims to provide a simple and brief introduction to Shrimad Rajchandra's life and work, particularly for students, youth, and the general public. It explicitly states that it does not delve into the intricate details of his profound philosophy or advanced spiritual practices, recommending more extensive biographies for deeper study. The publication is presented as a tribute during the institution's silver jubilee.

• Biographical Sketch:

  • Birth and Family: Shrimad Rajchandra was born on Kartik Sud Poonam, V.S. 1924 (November 9, 1867), in Vavania village, Morvi state, Saurashtra. His grandfather, Panchaanbhai Mehta, was a businessman. His parents were Devba and Ravjibhai.
  • Early Influences: He was raised in an environment with Vaishnav (devotional) influences from his grandfather and Jain principles from his mother. Initially drawn to Vaishnavism, he was later deeply touched by the compassion and humility found in Jain scriptures, leading him towards Jainism.

• Childhood and Early Manifestations:

  • Intense Curiosity and Intellect: Even as a child, he displayed remarkable intelligence and a thirst for knowledge. He had a sharp memory, enabling him to grasp lessons quickly.
  • Literary Aptitude: He began composing poetry at the age of eight, writing verses on epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata. He also excelled in writing essays, delivering speeches, and expressing original thoughts on women's education, which were published in magazines.
  • Business Acumen: He participated in his father's business with integrity and fairness, demonstrating a strong moral compass.
  • Linguistic Skills: By the age of thirteen or fourteen, he had mastered Gujarati, Hindi, Sanskrit, and Prakrit.
  • Compassion and Tolerance: Even at a young age, he exhibited traits of love and tolerance towards all living beings.

• Extraordinary Powers and Spiritual Development:

  • Jatismaran Gyan (Knowledge of Past Lives): A pivotal event in his childhood, triggered by witnessing a cremation, led to the recollection of his past lives. This experience significantly fueled his detachment and spiritual pursuit.
  • Avadhan (Concentration and Memory): At sixteen, he mastered the art of Avadhan, performing complex feats of memory and concentration, earning him widespread recognition. He demonstrated astounding abilities, performing up to fifty-two Avadhans.
  • Jyotish (Astrology) and Samudrik Shastra (Palmistry): He also developed proficiency in astrology and palmistry, further demonstrating his multifaceted talents.
  • Other Abilities: He possessed extrasensory abilities like identifying books by touch and recognizing tastes without tasting. His extraordinary abilities were acknowledged in various newspapers and by societal figures, who bestowed upon him titles like "Sakshat Saraswati" (Goddess Saraswati incarnate).
  • Renunciation of Powers: Notably, at the age of twenty and twenty-four, he consciously ceased using these extraordinary abilities, recognizing their potential for ego and worldly attachment, and dedicated himself to intense spiritual practices like austerity, detachment, study, contemplation, and solitude.

• Business and Social Reform:

  • Ethical Business Practices: He conducted a significant business with international reach, known for its honesty, fairness, and meticulous record-keeping. Mahatma Gandhi later testified to his ability to reconcile spirituality with business acumen.
  • Social Contributions: He was also a social reformer, advocating for women's education, opposing child marriages, and challenging ostentatious wedding expenses.

• Married Life and Continued Spiritual Pursuit:

  • Marriage: He married Zabbakben, the daughter of Shri Popatlalbhai Mehta, in V.S. 1944 (around 1888).
  • Internal Detachment: Despite being married and engaged in business, his inner focus remained on spiritual realization. His letters from this period reveal a deep contemplation on the nature of relationships and a growing desire for detachment. He viewed his worldly life as a consequence of past karma but maintained an inner commitment to spiritual practice.

• Attainment of Self-Knowledge (Atmajnana):

  • In V.S. 1947 (around 1891), after intense contemplation, study, and cultivation of virtues, he attained pure self-knowledge, a significant milestone in his spiritual journey.

• Intensified Spiritual Practice (Antim Sadhana):

  • From V.S. 1952 to his passing in V.S. 1957 (around 1896-1901), he engaged in rigorous spiritual practices. This involved severe detachment from worldly comforts, simple living, prolonged periods of solitude, meditation, and silence. He sought to relinquish family, wealth, and even the sense of self.

• Disciples and Influences:

  • The book highlights the profound impact Shrimad Rajchandra had on numerous individuals, including prominent figures like Mahatma Gandhi, whom he deeply influenced spiritually.
  • Key Disciples: The book details his close relationships and spiritual guidance provided to disciples like Shri Saubhagbhai (who authored the "Atma-Siddhi Shastra" at Shrimad's behest), Shri Laghurajswami, Shri Ambalalbhai, Shri Juthabhai, Shri Mansukhbhai (Shrimad's younger brother), and Mahatma Gandhi. The impact on these individuals and their subsequent contributions are also noted.

• Inspirational Anecdotes: The book includes several touching and insightful anecdotes illustrating Shrimad Rajchandra's wisdom, compassion, and spiritual insights:

  • The Influence of Peace: An incident where his calm presence pacified two fighting bulls, demonstrating the power of inner peace.
  • Concern for the Soul: His response to a question about the Earth's shape, redirecting the seeker to focus on spiritual well-being rather than material knowledge.
  • Fear of Death: His advice to someone fearful of death, emphasizing the role of karma and the futility of fearing the inevitable.
  • Foresight and Caution: His subtle warning to a nobleman about the danger of riding his horse that day, which later proved true.
  • Precise Guidance: His advice to a widower to remarry after six months, which was followed by a tragic incident, emphasizing the impact of karma and adherence to spiritual counsel.
  • Integrity: His profound explanation of Jain honesty, stating that a Jain's integrity should surpass even that of a High Court judge.
  • Adherence to Truth: His immediate and truthful response to a scholar who praised him.
  • Unconditional Compassion: An instance where he returned to his hometown, foregoing his journey, to provide spiritual discourse to a devotee who had missed it due to family obligations.
  • Keeping the Mind Engaged: His advice to keep the mind productively engaged to prevent it from falling into negative thoughts.

• Conclusion and Legacy: The book concludes by emphasizing Shrimad Rajchandra's multifaceted personality – a spiritual leader, educator, poet, orator, reformist, and proponent of truth, non-violence, and universal brotherhood. It laments that his profound message did not reach the masses during his lifetime as widely as it deserved, urging readers to recognize his true stature and benefit from his teachings to foster peace, love, tolerance, and universal kinship.

In essence, "Rajchandrani Jivan Sadhna" is an inspiring biographical account that highlights Shrimad Rajchandra's remarkable spiritual journey, his extraordinary abilities, his ethical principles, and his profound teachings on detachment, self-realization, and righteous living.