Samadhi Sadhna Aur Siddhi - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Samadhi Sadhna Aur Siddhi" (समाधि साधना और सिद्धि) by Ratanchand Bharilla, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Samadhi Sadhna Aur Siddhi (समाधि साधना और सिद्धि) Author: Pandit Ratanchand Bharilla Publisher: Akhil Bharatvarshiya Digambar Jain Vidwat Parishad Trust

Core Concept: Samadhi (समाधि)

The book defines "Samadhi" as a state of being free from the mental disturbances of anger and other vices (आधि - Aadhi), physical ailments (व्याधि - Vyadhi), and the burden of the ego of doership (उपाधि - Upadhi). It is the state of stability in one's pure soul-nature (शुद्धात्मस्वरूप). Understanding Samadhi leads to the recognition of the soul, practicing Samadhi leads to the growth of soul-virtues and prosperity of soul-powers. The author emphasizes that Samadhi is the art of living, beneficial for the soul, and essential to avoid the endless cycle of reincarnation (संसरण).

Samadhi as an Art of Living and Path to Liberation:

Samadhi is presented as the art of living and the path to spiritual well-being.
Samadhi Sadhna (practice) is the way to attain spiritual virtues and strengthen spiritual powers.
Sullekhana (सल्लेखना), a related concept, is described as a joyous celebration of death that weakens the body and passions, making one fearless and unhesitating. It is the means to reach the abode of liberated souls (सिद्ध शिला).

The Contrast: Death (Maran) vs. Samadhi-Maran (Samadhi-Maran):

The book sharply contrasts ordinary death (मरण) with a death achieved through Samadhi (समाधिमरण).

Ordinary Death (Maran): This is characterized by immense suffering and is a feared event for those unaware of the soul's immortality. It's a transition into potentially lower realms (नरकादि गतियों) due to negative emotions and impure results at the time of death.
Samadhi-Maran (Samadhi-Maran): This is a glorious and blissful transition, a "celebration of death" (मृत्यु महोत्सव). It is attained by those who have lived a life of contemplation, equanimity, and detachment. They shed their mortal coil with a calm and virtuous mind, leading to higher realms (स्वर्गादि उत्तमगति).

The Role of Knowledge and Discrimination (Jnana and Bhed-Vijnan):

The Ignorant (Ajnan): They fear death, clinging to the physical body, and experience immense suffering, often leading to rebirths in hellish states due to their attachment and negative emotions.
The Knowledgeable (Jnani/Tatva-Jnani): They understand the transient nature of the body and the soul's eternal existence. They see death as a mere change of dwelling or clothing. Even if they shed tears, it doesn't mean they are ignorant, but rather that the weakness of attachment (चारित्रमोह) might still be present at the emotional level, even if their understanding is firm. They practice equanimity and detachment, transforming death into Samadhi-Maran.

Key Principles for Achieving Samadhi:

Understanding the Nature of Reality (Vastu Swaroop): Recognizing that each object in the universe is independent and self-reliant. No entity is the doer or enjoyer of another. This understanding reduces anger, attachment, and aversion.
Detachment (Vairagya) and Renunciation (Sanyas): Detaching oneself from worldly possessions, the body, and sensual pleasures, considering them transient and the source of suffering.
Right Faith (Samyak Darshan): True faith in the soul's nature, the true God, scriptures, and saints (Dev-Shastra-Guru) is crucial. This involves understanding the seven tattvas (principles) or nine padarthas (entities) and discerning what is to be adopted and what is to be rejected.
Mind Control (Indriya Daman): Controlling the senses and the mind.
Internal Peace (Kashaya Rahit Shanta Parinam): Achieving a state free from passions like anger, pride, deceit, and greed.
Concentration (Ekagrata): Focusing the mind on the soul.

The Process of Samadhi Sadhna:

Sanyas (Renunciation): It's the prerequisite for Samadhi, involving detachment from the world, body, and pleasures.
Samadhi: It's the art of living with equanimity and without passions. It's not just for the time of death; it must be practiced throughout life.
Sullekhana: This is the practice of gradually reducing the intake of food and passions, especially in times of unavoidable hardship like illness or old age, to achieve a virtuous death.

Types of Death Mentioned in Jainism:

The book categorizes deaths based on the spiritual stage of the individual:

Pandit-Pandit Maran: Attained by Kevalis (omniscient beings), leading to immediate liberation.
Pandit Maran: Attained by ascetics in higher spiritual stages, leading to liberation within a few lifetimes.
Bal Pandit Maran: Attained by partially restrained ascetics, leading to higher heavens.
Bal Maran: Attained by those with right faith, often leading to heaven.
Bal-Bal Maran: Attained by those with perverted faith, leading to rebirth in any of the four realms based on their passions.

The first four types of deaths are described as being achieved through Samadhi, with varying degrees of purity and stability.

The Importance of Mindset and Actions:

The book strongly advocates for improving life rather than just focusing on a good death. A life lived with attachment and turmoil will likely result in a difficult death. Conversely, a life dedicated to spiritual practice, equanimity, and detachment naturally leads to Samadhi-Maran.

Addressing Misconceptions:

The power of the Namokar Mantra: The book clarifies that while the Namokar Mantra is highly potent, its effect (as illustrated by the story of the dog in Jivandhar Charitra) is not solely due to hearing it at the time of death. It's a combination of the mantra's power, the favorable mental state at the moment of death, and the individual's past merits and religious predispositions. The primary message is that life-long practice of spiritual principles is paramount.
Death as an Omen: The book dismisses the idea that discussing death is inauspicious. Instead, it encourages facing death squarely and preparing for it through spiritual practice.

Conclusion:

"Samadhi Sadhna Aur Siddhi" is a guide to achieving a peaceful and purposeful life, culminating in a glorious death. It emphasizes understanding the soul's true nature, practicing detachment and equanimity, and living a life of spiritual discipline. By embracing these principles, one can transform the inevitable event of death into a "celebration of death" and achieve ultimate liberation. The ultimate goal is to realize that Samadhi is the state of being free from mental anxieties, physical ailments, and ego-driven burdens, living a life of complete peace, fearlessness, and equanimity.