Samaysaar Kalash Tika

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Samaysaar Kalash Tika" by Mahendrasen Jaini, based on the provided pages:

Overview:

The text, "Samaysaar Kalash Tika," is a commentary (Tika) by Pt. Mahendrasen Jaini on the "Samaysaar Kalash." The introduction highlights Mahendrasen Jaini's background as a successful professional who later dedicated himself to spiritual pursuits, serving as the General Secretary of Veer Seva Mandir, a significant Jain research center. The text is presented as a modern Hindi adaptation of an earlier commentary in the Dhundhari language by Pt. Rajmal.

The core purpose of the book, as indicated by the title and the detailed preface, is to expound the "Samaysaar" (the essence of time or self) from a Jain perspective, focusing on achieving liberation (Moksha). It aims to guide the reader towards understanding the true nature of the soul (Jiva) and distinguishing it from non-soul (Ajiva) substances.

Key Themes and Arguments:

The text delves into the fundamental Jain principles by analyzing the causes of suffering and the path to liberation. The preface and subsequent chapters (though only the preface and the initial parts of the first few chapters are detailed) outline several key areas of discussion:

1. The Root of Suffering: Ignorance (Ajnan) The preface identifies ignorance as the primary cause of all suffering. This ignorance manifests in several ways:

   • Mistaking the Body for the Self: The soul, being an eternal, conscious entity with infinite qualities, is mistakenly identified with the inert, material body. The soul is not visible to the physical eyes but is known through self-experience.
   • Attributing Happiness and Suffering to External Objects: The soul wrongly believes that happiness and sorrow come from external objects (para-dravya) or that external factors cause its emotions (kashayas). In reality, the soul's own desires and mental states (vikalpas) are the cause. The perceived happiness from fulfilling a desire is actually the cessation of that specific desire, while countless others remain, perpetuating suffering.
   • Attachment and Aversion (Rag-Dvesh) based on Imagined Qualities: The soul falsely attributes desirable (ishta) or undesirable (anishta) qualities to external objects, leading to attachment and aversion. These are merely mental constructs, not inherent qualities of the objects themselves.
   • The Illusion of Being the Doer (Kartrutva Buddhi): The soul, unaware of its true nature as a knower and witness (gyata-drushta), mistakenly believes itself to be the doer of all actions and experiences in the world. This leads to a constant preoccupation with doing and undoing, rather than understanding its inherent state of being.
   • Attributing Agency to God or External Forces: The soul either considers itself the doer or blames deities and external powers for its circumstances, failing to recognize its own responsibility and the role of its own choices. It often engages in transactional worship, seeking material benefits.
   • Misunderstanding of True Dev, Guru, and Shastra: Even when encountering genuine spiritual guides and scriptures, the ignorant soul remains stuck in external rituals, worship, and mere intellectual knowledge, failing to realize the path of self-awareness (Atma Darshan), knowledge (Atma Gyan), and conduct (Atma Charitra) leading to Moksha.

2. The Path to Liberation (Moksha): Self-Realization and Non-Attachment The text emphasizes that true happiness and liberation lie in realizing the soul's true nature:

   • Recognizing the Soul as Pure Consciousness: The soul is pure consciousness, the knower and witness, possessing infinite qualities.
   • Discernment (Bhed Vigyan): The crucial step is to differentiate the soul from the non-soul (body, mind, emotions, external objects). This discernment leads to the understanding that "I am not this body, I am not these emotions, I am the pure consciousness."
   • Detachment from Externalities: True happiness comes from detachment from external circumstances and possessions, and turning inward.
   • The Importance of Self-Effort (Purushartha): While external factors might play a role, ultimately, the soul's own effort and right understanding are paramount in achieving liberation.
   • The Role of the Present Moment: Dwelling on the past or future is futile. Focusing on the present and observing reality as it is, is key.
   • The Power of Inner Vision: The true nature of the soul is not visible to the outer eyes but must be perceived through the inner eye of wisdom.
   • The Analogy of the Lake: Just as a thirsty person finds relief in a cool, clean lake, the soul finds peace by immersing itself in its own pure consciousness.
   • The Value of Opportunity: Every moment is precious. Wasting time on worldly pursuits instead of self-realization is a grave mistake.

3. The Nature of Reality: Nayas and Syadvada: The text introduces the Jain concept of Nayas (standpoints) and Syadvada (the doctrine of manifold aspects) to explain that reality can be viewed from different perspectives. For instance, the soul is one in its essence (Dravya) but appears manifold through its qualities and modifications (Paryayas). Understanding these different viewpoints helps to resolve apparent contradictions and grasp the complex nature of reality without falling into rigid, one-sided beliefs.

4. The Practice of Self-Realization: The text suggests practical methods for experiencing the soul:

   • Mindfulness as a Witness (Sakshi Bhav): Cultivating a state of detached observation of one's thoughts, breath, and actions without judgment.
   • Concentration and Meditation: Focusing the mind inward and practicing meditation, observing thoughts without getting caught in them.
   • Recitation and Listening: The practice of reciting mantras (like Namokar Mantra) and listening to them can help stabilize the mind.
   • Awareness of Breath: Observing the breath without controlling it can lead to a state of inner awareness.
   • Devotional Practices (Puja, Stuti): Engaging in these activities with mindful listening and internal focus can also be a means to self-awareness.

5. The Goal: Moksha and the Nature of the Enlightened One: The text describes the state of Moksha as one of complete liberation from suffering, a state of pure consciousness, bliss, and omniscience. The enlightened soul is described as one who has overcome all attachments, hatred, and illusions, living in perpetual peace and self-awareness, appearing as a detached witness to the world's play.

Structure and Style:

The "Samaysaar Kalash Tika" is structured as a systematic exposition of Jain philosophy. It begins with a detailed preface explaining the context and purpose of the text, followed by chapters dedicated to specific topics such as the soul, non-soul, the doer and the deed, influx (ashrava), control (samvara), cessation (nirjara), bondage (bandha), liberation (moksha), pure soul, and Syadvada. The language is philosophical, aiming to clarify complex spiritual concepts for the reader.

Overall Message:

The book serves as a profound guide for spiritual seekers, emphasizing the soul's inherent purity and the path to realizing it through self-effort, discernment, and detachment. It seeks to dispel the illusions that cause suffering and to lead the reader towards the ultimate goal of liberation, a state of eternal peace and bliss.