Ratnatrayina Ajwala - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Ratnatrayina Ajwala" by Kumarpal Desai, based on the provided pages:

Title: Ratnatrayina Ajwala (The Brightness of the Three Jewels) Author: Kumarpal Desai (Editor) Original Preacher: Acharya Vijayvallabhsuriji Maharaj Publisher: Anukampa Trust Prakashan

This book is a compilation of discourses by the revered Acharya Vijayvallabhsuriji Maharaj, expertly edited by Dr. Kumarpal Desai. It was published by Anukampa Trust Prakashan and dedicated to Shri Arvindbhai Panalal on the occasion of his 80th birthday.

Core Theme:

The central theme of "Ratnatrayina Ajwala" is the exploration and elucidation of the Three Jewels of Jainism (Ratnatraya):

Sammyakdarshan (Right Faith/Perception)
Sammyagyan (Right Knowledge)
Sammyakcharitra (Right Conduct)

The book delves into these fundamental principles to guide the reader towards spiritual liberation (Moksha).

Key Concepts and Sections:

The book is structured into several chapters, each addressing a crucial aspect of Jain philosophy and practice:

Ishwar nu Swarup (The Nature of God): This section begins by exploring the concept of God as understood across different Indian philosophical schools (Shaivism, Vedanta, Buddhism, Nyaya, Jainism, Mimamsa). It emphasizes that while names may differ, the essence of the Divine is the same. In Jainism, God is identified as the Siddha Paramatma – the liberated soul who has shed all karmas, is free from the cycle of birth and death, and possesses infinite knowledge, perception, bliss, and power. The text clarifies that the Jain concept of God is not a creator or sustainer in the Vedic sense but rather the ultimate state of purity and perfection that souls can achieve through their own efforts. The book presents a poetic description of God as eternal, formless, pure consciousness, free from all worldly attachments and imperfections.
Ishwarshraddha na Ajwala (The Light of Faith in God): This chapter discusses the importance of faith in the divine, particularly in the context of Jainism's scientific approach to spirituality. It addresses the skepticism of atheists and materialists who question the existence of God because God is not empirically visible. The text argues that just as we believe in things like electricity or the existence of our ancestors based on evidence of their actions or effects, similarly, the existence of God can be inferred from the order of the universe, the existence of liberated souls (Siddhas), and the teachings of enlightened beings (Tirthankaras). It highlights the benefits of faith, such as inner strength during adversity, detachment from material possessions, and the inspiration to cultivate divine virtues like non-violence, truthfulness, and compassion.
Paramatma nu Nivasasthan (The Abode of the Supreme Soul): This section explores where God (Paramatma) resides. The Jain perspective is that the Supreme Soul (Paramatma) resides within every soul. The difference between an ordinary soul and a Paramatma lies in the presence or absence of karmic obscurations. When all karmas are destroyed, the soul realizes its true, pure, and infinite nature – becoming a Paramatma. The text uses the analogy of the sun hidden behind clouds to illustrate how our true divine nature is obscured by ignorance and karma. True faith and righteous conduct are presented as the means to remove these veils and realize the divine within.
Sachi Sevabhakti (True Devotion/Service): This chapter clarifies what constitutes true devotion in Jainism. It emphasizes that serving God is not about physical service to an external deity but about adhering to the divine teachings and living by the principles of Right Faith, Right Knowledge, and Right Conduct. True service is living a life of ahimsa (non-violence), satya (truthfulness), asteya (non-stealing), brahmacharya (celibacy/chastity), and aparigraha (non-possession). It stresses that outward rituals are secondary to inner transformation and righteous living in accordance with the principles taught by the Tirthankaras.
Atma ane Paramatma (The Soul and the Supreme Soul): This section delves into the relationship between the individual soul (Atma) and the Supreme Soul (Paramatma). It explains that in their essential nature, all souls are potentially Paramatma. The difference lies in the degree of karmic bondage. Through dedicated spiritual practice, the soul can shed all karmas and realize its inherent divine nature. The text distinguishes between Siddha Ishwar (the liberated soul), Mukta Ishwar (the embodied liberated soul like Jinas and Tirthankaras), and Baddha Ishwar (the bound soul), explaining how the potential for divinity exists within all beings.
Sat, Chit, and Anand ni Olakh (The Identity of Being, Consciousness, and Bliss): This chapter likely elaborates on the intrinsic qualities of the soul (Atma), which are described as Sat (existence), Chit (consciousness/knowledge), and Anand (bliss). It explores how these inherent qualities are realized and expressed when the soul is free from karmic hindrances.
Atmoddhar nu Amrutatattva (The Ambrosia of Soul's Liberation): This section likely focuses on the practical path and principles for the soul's liberation. It emphasizes that liberation is an inner journey of self-purification and realization, achieved through the diligent practice of the Three Jewels.
Samajo dhar no Mool Mantra (The Root Mantra of Societal Upliftment): This chapter shifts focus to the broader societal implications of Jain principles. It highlights the interconnectedness of individual spiritual progress (Atmoddhar) and societal well-being (Samajoddhar). The text argues that a virtuous society is conducive to individual spiritual growth, and vice versa. It likely advocates for ethical conduct, compassion, social justice, and the eradication of harmful practices as essential for societal upliftment, which in turn supports the spiritual journey of individuals.
Ratnatray no Prakash (The Light of the Three Jewels): This chapter serves as a summary and reinforcement of the core teachings. It reiterates the interconnectedness and mutual dependence of Right Faith, Right Knowledge, and Right Conduct in achieving the ultimate goal of liberation.
Samyagdarshan no Prabhav (The Influence of Right Faith): This section likely focuses on the transformative power of Right Faith, explaining how it acts as the foundation for Right Knowledge and Right Conduct, guiding individuals towards a virtuous life and spiritual progress.
Namo Nanassa (Salutations to Knowledge): This chapter emphasizes the paramount importance of Right Knowledge. It likely explains how true knowledge dispels ignorance, clarifies the nature of reality, and guides one towards the path of liberation.
Charitrya e J Dharm (Conduct Itself is Religion): This chapter underscores the practical application of Jain principles in daily life. It asserts that true religion lies in righteous conduct, which is the manifestation of Right Faith and Right Knowledge. Without righteous action, knowledge and faith remain incomplete.
Dharm nu Sachu Swarup (The True Nature of Dharma): This section aims to define Dharma in its purest form, distinguishing it from superficial rituals or sectarian differences. It emphasizes Dharma as the inherent nature of the soul and the path of righteousness that leads to spiritual well-being.
Punnya ane Pap nu Rahasya (The Secret of Merit and Demerit/Sin): This chapter likely explores the karmic law of cause and effect, explaining how actions (karma) lead to consequences (merit or demerit), shaping one's present and future experiences, and how understanding this secret is crucial for spiritual progress.

Overall Message:

"Ratnatrayina Ajwala" is a profound spiritual guide that systematically explains the essence of Jainism's Three Jewels. It aims to illuminate the path to self-realization and liberation by emphasizing the inseparable nature of Right Faith, Right Knowledge, and Right Conduct. The book encourages a life of ethical living, self-discipline, and unwavering devotion to spiritual truths, not just as personal practice but also as a means to contribute to societal upliftment. It offers practical insights and timeless wisdom for seekers aspiring to lead a meaningful and spiritually fulfilling life.