Sense Beyond Senses

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Sense Beyond Senses" by Chitrabhanu, based on the provided pages:

Overall Theme:

"Sense Beyond Senses" by Poojya Shree Chitrabhanu explores the concept of a "sixth sense" or inner awareness that transcends the five physical senses. This inner sense, referred to as pragna in Jain philosophy, is presented as the key to unlocking true meaning, joy, peace, and fulfillment in life. The book emphasizes the inherent spiritual potential within every individual and provides guidance on how to cultivate this inner sense through self-awareness, meditation, and living by core Jain principles.

Key Concepts and Arguments:

• The Limitations of the Five Senses: The author begins by highlighting how our reliance solely on the five senses often leads to a "senseless" existence. We may see, hear, touch, taste, and smell, but without the pragna, these experiences lack deeper meaning and understanding. This results in limited vision, being trapped by social conventions, and a failure to develop our full potential.
• The "Sixth Sense" (Pragna): This is the central theme. It's described as a spiritual sense, an inner wisdom, or a sixth sense that illuminates our physical senses. When developed, it allows us to:
  • Live with Meaning and Joy: Everything becomes a source of joy, from a simple handshake to observing a flower, as we connect with the life force.
  • Break Through Ignorance: Pragna helps to break the "shell of ignorance" and allows for a different, more profound perception of reality.
  • Transform Challenges: It equips individuals to face any challenge with inner strength, transforming negative situations into positive ones.
  • Be "Sensible" and Aware: A person with a developed sixth sense is aware of their actions and feelings, understanding what they are saying and doing.
• Developing the Sixth Sense:
  • Nourishing the Soul: Just as physical well-being requires material sustenance, the soul needs to be "nourished and sustained."
  • Opening Up: We need to be more open in our lives, breaking down cultural, social, and religious barriers that confine our minds.
  • Constant Use and Practice: Like a muscle, the sixth sense needs regular exercise. Neglecting it leads to numbness and a belief that it doesn't exist.
  • Meditation: The book outlines three types of meditation as crucial tools for cultivating this inner sense:
    1. Observation of Thoughts ("Surfacing"): Allowing thoughts to pass without attachment, like observing traffic from a window, and then catching inspiring thoughts.
    2. Focusing on an Object/Idea: Connecting with something beautiful (a flower, the moon) or an inspiring idea to feel universal connection and oneness.
    3. Concentration on Breath: Using the breath as an anchor to go inside and find unity of body, mind, spirit, and the universe.
  • Self-Reflection: Taking time to be alone and ask profound questions like "Who am I?" and "Am I manufacturing unhappiness?" is essential.
  • Taking Responsibility: Not blaming external factors for unhappiness, but taking personal responsibility to break through internal barriers of negativism.
• Perfection is Within: The concept of "Perfection is in Us" emphasizes that true completeness and fulfillment come from within, not from external acquisition. This inner perfection is revealed through polishing the soul, removing impurities, and awakening our inherent light.
• The Interconnectedness of Desires: Happiness, freedom, fearlessness, and love are presented as interconnected goals. Freedom from fear is necessary for happiness, and a healthy society contributes to collective freedom and happiness, which in turn requires love.
• The Importance of Love and Contribution: True work is motivated by love, not just money. A mother's unconditional love for her child is used as an analogy for the kind of love needed for society. We must extend this love and work towards a healthy society for our own well-being.
• The Law of Karma: The book touches upon the Jain concept of Karma, explaining that our actions shape our destiny. It emphasizes that while Karma influences us, individuals have free will to overcome negative karma through positive thought and action.
• The Essence of Jainism: The core principles of Jainism are presented as:
  • Ahimsa (Non-violence): Extending to thoughts, words, and actions, recognizing the sacredness of all life. This involves careful action to minimize harm and strict vegetarianism.
  • Anekantwad (Theory of Relativity): Viewing situations from multiple perspectives to find truth and reconcile differing viewpoints, fostering universal understanding.
  • Aparigraha (Non-acquisition): Limiting desires and attachments to material possessions and even relationships, to avoid suffering and promote equitable distribution.
  • Karma (Deeds or Action): Understanding that actions have consequences and that through free will, we can shape our future.
• The Four Pillars of Conduct: The prayer for Maitri (Amity), Pramoda (Appreciation), Karunya (Compassion), and Madhyasthya (Equanimity) are highlighted as guiding principles for life.
  • Amity: Friendly goodwill towards all, bridging divides.
  • Appreciation: Admiring those who are better than us, reducing envy.
  • Compassion: Showing kindness and understanding towards the less fortunate and those who err.
  • Equanimity: Maintaining inner balance and serenity amidst life's ups and downs.
• Relevance to Modern Youth: The author addresses the skepticism of modern youth, explaining that religion's core message of friendliness, sympathy, tolerance, and justice, when stripped of rituals and superstitions, can offer guidance and address the stresses of modern life by redirecting destructive energy into constructive channels.

In essence, "Sense Beyond Senses" is a call to awaken our inner spiritual potential, the pragna, through conscious effort and practice. It teaches that true fulfillment and a harmonious existence are not found in external circumstances but in the cultivation of inner awareness and the application of universal ethical principles like non-violence, relativity, non-possession, and mindful action.