Sharda Sagar

"Sharada Sagar" (શારદા સાગર), a Jain text authored by Shardabai Mahasati and published by Mansukhlal Chhaganlal Desai, is a collection of discourses delivered during the Chaturmas in Wal-keshwar, Mumbai, in Samvat 2031. The text is a profound spiritual work that delves into Jain philosophy, ethics, and the path to liberation.

The book is a compilation of lectures by Shardabai Mahasati, a prominent Jain scholar and preacher, who was a disciple of the esteemed Acharya Ratnachandraji Maharaj. The discourses are presented in Gujarati, with the original text being a translation from Gujarati to English.

The content of "Sharada Sagar" focuses on various aspects of Jainism, including:

• Spiritual Guidance: The discourses offer spiritual guidance on living a virtuous life, cultivating detachment, and understanding the principles of Jainism.
• Philosophical Insights: The book explores profound philosophical concepts such as the nature of the soul, karma, reincarnation, and the path to Moksha (liberation).
• Ethical Teachings: Shardabai Mahasati emphasizes the importance of ethical conduct, including non-violence (ahimsa), truthfulness, non-possession (aparigraha), and celibacy (brahmacharya).
• Commentary on Scriptures: The discourses often refer to and explain key Jain scriptures, such as the Uttaradhyayan Sutra, to illustrate spiritual principles.
• Biographical Accounts: The text also includes biographical sketches of prominent Jain figures, highlighting their spiritual journeys and contributions to Jainism.
• Practical Application: The teachings are presented in a way that aims to guide individuals in applying Jain principles to their daily lives, promoting spiritual growth and well-being.

The catalog link provided is for the Jainology Archives, which houses a vast collection of Jain literature and resources. The book is described as being for "private and personal use only," indicating its spiritual and devotional nature. The publication details highlight the collective effort involved in bringing these discourses to light, with various individuals and organizations contributing to its production and dissemination.