Sadhna Ka Kendrabindu Antarman - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Sadhna Ka Kendrabindu Antarman" by Amarmuni, based on the provided pages:

The book emphasizes that the mind (Antarman) is the central point of all spiritual practice (Sadhana). It presents a nuanced view of the mind, acknowledging its dual nature as both a powerful friend and a formidable enemy.

The Mind: A Dual Nature

The Mind as an Enemy: The text begins by acknowledging the common perception of the mind as a fickle, restless, and "wicked horse" that is difficult to control. This has led many traditions to advocate for "killing the mind" to overcome negativity and achieve liberation. Examples are cited of how a misguided mind leads to destruction, bloodshed, and the creation of figures like Ravana, Duryodhana, and Hitler, causing immense suffering.
The Mind as a Friend and Creator: However, the author strongly argues that the mind is also our greatest friend and the source of all creation. He posits that if there is a creator of the universe, it is the mind itself, serving as Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva in its generative, preservative, and destructive aspects. All worldly possessions, societal structures, advancements in civilization, culture, religion, philosophy, spirituality, and science are born from the mind's contemplation and thought. The author equates the mind to Brahman, stating "Manah Satyam Jagat Maya" – the mind is truth, and the world is its illusion.

The Way Forward: Cultivation, Not Annihilation

The core message of the book is a shift from "killing the mind" to "cultivating" or "taming" the mind.

Critique of "Killing the Mind": The author criticizes practices that aim to suppress or incapacitate the mind, such as extreme yogic practices, intoxicants, and attempts to induce a comatose state. He likens this to riding a dead horse, stating that true mastery comes from guiding a powerful, energetic mind, not from rendering it inert. He argues that a true seeker is a cultivator, not an assassin.
The Mind as a Precious Achievement: The mind is presented not as a burden but as a "very great achievement" and a "rare treasure" obtained through immense merit. It is the prerequisite for achieving right perception (Samyak Darshan). Instead of fearing the mind's restlessness, the author suggests embracing it as the natural dharma of the mind, much like the natural dharma of wind to blow or fire to burn.

Cultivating the Mind: The Path to Joy

The book offers practical insights into how to cultivate the mind:

Focus on Purity, Not Just Concentration: The author distinguishes between mere concentration and the purity of the mind. While the mind can be concentrated on enjoyable activities like movies or sports, the real challenge lies in purifying it. A pure mind finds joy even in its natural restlessness.
The Process of "Filtering the Mind": Drawing from Jain principles, the text emphasizes "filtering the mind" by removing impure thoughts, akin to filtering water before drinking. This process involves transforming the mind into a friend, not an enemy.
Finding Joy in Action (Karma): The author highlights that difficulties like boredom, restlessness, and lack of sleep stem from a disconnected or unengaged mind. The solution lies in finding joy and "juice" (ras) in one's actions. He uses the examples of Acharya Vachaspati Mishra and an English doctor who were so absorbed in their work that they lost track of time and personal life, demonstrating the power of genuine interest and engagement.
Faith (Shraddha) as the Source of Joy: The ultimate source of this "juice" or "ras" in actions is faith (Shraddha). Faith in what one is doing – whether it's non-violence, truthfulness, or any other virtuous act – makes the action enjoyable and fulfilling. Faith is presented as the "source of juice" and the "fountain of joy," making even difficult tasks pleasurable.
Cultivating Faith: Faith is the foundation of the Three Jewels (Ratnatraya) in Jainism. It is through faith that one finds joy in righteous conduct and spiritual practice. Without faith, even virtuous actions can become mere policy or diplomacy, lacking genuine spiritual merit.
Friendship and Devotion are Based on Faith: The text extends this concept to relationships. Friendship, marriage, and the relationship between a guru and disciple or devotee and God are all built on faith and mutual trust. Faith is what creates the divine.
The Mind as a Honeybee: The mind is compared to a honeybee. Until it finds "juice" in the flowers of righteous actions, it will hover around them. Once it finds that juice, it becomes absorbed, silent, and utterly engaged.
Overcoming Distractions Simultaneously: The author advises against trying to eliminate distractions one by one. This is like trying to shoo away birds from a field one at a time, which is an endless task. Instead, distractions (like the birds on a banyan tree) need to be addressed collectively by immersing the mind in the "juice" of positive actions. This immersion is the "bang" that scares all the birds away at once.

Conclusion:

The book advocates for understanding, embracing, and cultivating the mind rather than fighting or suppressing it. By finding joy and faith in righteous actions, one can transform the mind into a powerful ally, leading to profound peace, happiness, and the ultimate goal of spiritual liberation. The mind, when engaged with "juice" and guided by faith, becomes the very essence of existence, leading to a life of joy and contentment.