Swadhyaya Is Par Se Us Par Jane Ki Nav

Here is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Swadhyaya Is Par se Us Par Jane ki Nav" by Kusum Jain, based on the provided pages:

The book "Swadhyaya Is Par se Us Par Jane ki Nav" (Self-Study is the Boat to Cross from This Shore to That Shore) by Dr. Kusum Jain explores the profound importance of Swadhyaya (self-study or introspection) as a transformative tool for spiritual growth and achieving ultimate truth. The author uses illustrative examples to highlight the power of focused study and deep contemplation.

The text begins with two anecdotes. The first involves the renowned scientist Albert Einstein, who, when designing two holes in a door for his cat and its kitten, initially conceived of separate openings. He struggled to grasp the simple idea that a single, larger hole would suffice for both, illustrating how even great intellects can sometimes miss obvious solutions due to a lack of broad perspective or perhaps over-complication. The second anecdote recounts the life of the Indian grammarian Panini. Fascinated by the sounds of nature, Panini, a "scientist of sound," was drawn by the melodious sound of a waterfall and the dripping water onto dry leaves. His pursuit of understanding sound led him to a dangerous encounter with a lion; so engrossed was he in measuring the lion's roar that he failed to notice the danger and was ultimately killed. These stories underscore that "greatness" is not inherited but is a product of discipline, concentration, continuous effort, and the relentless pursuit of understanding.

The author then connects these ideas to Swadhyaya, describing it as the key to a treasure trove of concentration, devotion, continuous action, and contemplation, a gift bestowed by Acharya Shri Hastimalji Maharaj. Swadhyaya is presented as the boat that ferries us from "this shore" (the mundane, material world) to "that shore" (spiritual enlightenment and ultimate truth). Just as a religious idol serves as a means to reach beyond the physical form to the divine, those who merely cling to the idol itself remain stuck on "this shore."

The text then provides a third example of a highly acclaimed poet and orator, known as the "son of Saraswati" and "son of speech." Despite his immense talent in composing songs of love, beauty, pain, and development, his constant engagement in administrative work led to a decline in the freshness of his speeches. His lectures became repetitive, predictable, and eventually boring, losing their original charm and audience engagement.

Recognizing this decline, the orator transformed Swadhyaya into his form of worship. He began dedicating three hours each morning to Swadhyaya, delving into the profound wisdom of scriptures like the Agamas, Vedas, Puranas, Upanishads, and the experiences of sages and saints. This dedicated practice revitalized his intellect and oratory skills, leading to a resurgence in his popularity, with crowds now flocking to hear him speak. This revival is attributed solely to the power of Swadhyaya.

The author emphasizes that Swadhyaya is a potent remedy that grants life a meaningful perspective. It hones our focus, provides concentration, and equips us with the ability to see things in their true context, much like a mirror. It cultivates our inner vision to perceive and comprehend things beyond their superficial appearance, enabling us to journey from "this shore" to "that shore," from attachment to detachment, from materialism to spirituality, from darkness to light, and from mortality to immortality. Ultimately, however, the initiative to embark on this journey must come from the individual. As Buddha advised, "Be your own lamp" ("Appo Deepo Bhav"), for each person must ultimately find their own path. Swadhyaya simplifies this quest, purifying our ability to discern truth, ideas, philosophy, and beauty.

The piece concludes with an invitation to embrace Swadhyaya on a propitious occasion, with the blessings of Acharya Shri. By doing so, it will be easier to attain the true, beautiful, and auspicious essence of life. The author, a Professor of Chemistry, adds that Swadhyaya is the best method for achieving mental stability and purity. She states that our true strength is obscured by external influences, and Swadhyaya is the path to remove this veil and recognize our pure, inner self. Finally, the importance of promoting Swadhyaya in every home is highlighted for the spiritual and intellectual development of the future generation and society.