Sadhyani Drushtie Sadhak Nayavatar - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary in English of the provided Jain text, "Sadhyani Drushtie Sadhak Nayavatar" by Punyavijay:

The text, "Sadhyani Drushtie Sadhak Nayavatar" (The Sadhak's Naya Avatar from the Perspective of the Goal), is presented as a guide for spiritual seekers, drawing upon concepts from a text titled "Tattvagyan" (Knowledge of Reality). The author, Punyavijay, aims to explain the profound meaning of these concepts to the earnest seeker. The core idea revolves around the interplay of various "Nayas" (perspectives or standpoints) and their relationship to the "Evambhuta" state, which signifies the true, pure, and inherent nature of the soul (Atman).

The text outlines fourteen directives, each proposing a specific relationship between a particular Naya and the Evambhuta state, ultimately guiding the practitioner towards the realization of their true self. These directives can be broadly categorized by the Naya being invoked to achieve or purify the Evambhuta state, or vice versa:

I. Directives focusing on achieving the Evambhuta state through other Nayas:

From the Evambhuta perspective, establish a three-pronged status. This means aligning one's present state of being and actions with the pure, inherent nature of the soul (Evambhuta) as perceived from the ultimate, definite standpoint.
From the 'Jusa-sutra' (or perhaps referring to a specific interpretation of the 'Jusa' Naya) perspective, establish the Evambhuta state. This implies aligning one's current practices and actions, even in the mundane world, with the pure, essential nature of the soul.
From the 'Nigama' (or Nagam) perspective, attain the Evambhuta state. This involves recognizing the soul by its characteristics that are widely known in worldly dealings and then aligning oneself with the pure, conscious nature of the soul. Alternatively, it suggests adopting practices that are known to lead to liberation (like devotion, detachment) and through these, striving to become one with the true nature of the soul.
From the Evambhuta perspective, purify the Nigama. This means constantly keeping the ultimate goal of the pure soul in sight and purifying one's actions and practices (Nigama) that are meant to lead to that goal.
From the 'Sangraha' (collection or general) perspective, become Evambhuta. Recognizing that, from a general viewpoint, all souls possess an inherent, pure nature, one should strive to attain this state of being, aligning with their true self.
From the Evambhuta perspective, purify the Sangraha. With the pure, inherent soul-state as the guiding vision, one should purify their own essential existence (Sangraha). This means engaging in pure practices that are conducive to achieving that ultimate, pure soul-state.
From the 'Vyavahar' (conventional) perspective, move towards the Evambhuta. Through practices and actions that are conducive to attaining the ultimate truth, one should progress towards the pure soul-state, as all worldly actions are ultimately aimed at self-realization.
From the Evambhuta perspective, cease Vyavahar. By keeping the pure, definite, soul-state as the ultimate aim, one should progressively withdraw from worldly practices. As the realization of the ultimate truth deepens, the need for external practices diminishes.

II. Directives focusing on achieving the Evambhuta state through specific understandings of words and states:

From the 'Shabda' (word) perspective, move towards the Evambhuta. This means understanding the true meaning of words, like "Atman" (soul), which signifies one who moves and transforms in knowledge, perception, and conduct. Aligning with this true meaning, one should strive to attain the pure soul-state.
From the Evambhuta perspective, make the Shabda nirvikalpa (free from conceptualization). With the pure soul-state as the focus, one should purify the word "Atman" by removing all associated worldly concepts and attachments, thereby reaching a state of pure meditation, devoid of duality.
From the 'Samabhirudha' (established in truth) perspective, observe the Evambhuta. From a perspective firmly established in truth and having attained a high spiritual stage, one should witness the inherent pure soul-state. This is because those at such advanced stages directly perceive their true self.
From the Evambhuta perspective, achieve the Samabhirudha state. With the pure soul-state as the guiding vision, one should attain a state of being profoundly rooted and established within the true nature of the soul, reaching ultimate spiritual attainment.

III. Directives emphasizing the unity and absorption into the Evambhuta state:

From the Evambhuta perspective, become Evambhuta. By maintaining the vision of the pure soul-state, one should simply become that pure soul-state, firmly established within it.
From the Evambhuta state, the Evambhuta perspective merges. Once one is firmly established in their true soul-state, the distinct perspective of the Evambhuta state itself merges. This is because the vision and the state of being have become one and the same. The goal (the Evambhuta state) has been achieved, and the "eye" that perceived it has also been absorbed into that reality. The practitioner has attained the ultimate union, the non-dual state where sight and sight itself are one.

In essence, the book advocates a journey of spiritual practice where different philosophical standpoints (Nayas) are used as tools to progressively realize and embody the true, pure, and eternal nature of the soul (Evambhuta). The process involves understanding, striving, purifying, and ultimately merging with this ultimate reality, transcending even the distinct perception of it.