Swanubhuti Ki Aur Antaryatra - Book Summary

Here is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Swanubhuti ki Aur Antaryatra" by Sohanraj Kothari, based on the provided pages:

The book "Swanubhuti ki Aur Antaryatra" (Towards Self-Realization: The Inner Journey) by Sohanraj Kothari explores the path to spiritual realization and inner peace through a non-laborious, natural approach, diverging from strenuous yogic practices. The author, a District and Sessions Judge, emphasizes the importance of cultivating inner awareness and maintaining a detached, witnessing attitude towards external activities and internal states.

Core Philosophy and Approach:

Swanubhuti (Self-Realization) as the ultimate goal: The book defines spiritual realization as the highest achievement of one's entire personality, a comprehensive and accessible concept in the spiritual world.
Inner Journey (Antaryatra) as the path: The process through which an individual achieves this self-realization is termed "Yoga" in spiritual language. However, Kothari advocates for a less strenuous, more natural path to Yoga.
Effortless Awareness: Instead of demanding yogic postures or breathing exercises, the author stresses the importance of directing all one's energies, moment by moment, with ease and a sense of detachment towards one's consciousness or inner self.
Maintaining Inner Purity: It is crucial to ensure that no action, thought, or speech corrupts the soul or dulls consciousness. The goal is to prevent one's inner awareness from becoming inert or asleep, even while engaged in external activities.
The Triveni Sangam: The book uses the metaphor of the confluence of three sacred rivers (Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati) to represent the harmonious union of the body, mind, and soul. This union, like a pure pilgrimage site, is achieved when the inner "Saraswati" of consciousness flows uninterrupted, alongside external activities.
Inner Silence Amidst External Noise: The ideal state is to maintain an internal resonance of the "Anahad Naad" (unstruck sound) amidst external commotion. Even while engrossed in material pursuits, the "Ajapa Japa" (unspoken mantra) of the soul should continue. The author suggests that true spiritual growth occurs when the soul is constantly established in the essence of life, finding joy in the "music of breath" and the "dance of consciousness," rather than solely in external sensory pleasures.
Detachment and Witnessing: A key principle is to develop a broad and neutral perspective, observing the body and mind as separate entities. The body and mind's sensations should not overpower the soul, allowing for self-knowledge and union with the self. The book references Sant Bhikhanji's teachings on this broad meditative state, where one lives a worldly life while keeping the inner mind detached, much like a mother caring for a child while her heart remains separate.

Obstacles on the Inner Journey:

The book identifies three primary obstacles that hinder the inner journey:

The Mind (Man): The mind is the first major hurdle. Its constant flow of imagination, desires, ambitions, and endless thoughts leaves no room for introspection. The accumulation of memories, the pursuit of knowledge, and the ambition for future acquisitions consume life, preventing stillness. Overcoming this dense cloud of thoughts requires a shift towards Nirvicharita (Thoughtlessness). The author cautions against forcefully suppressing thoughts, advocating instead for a process of observing them arise and gently returning them to their source, thereby emptying the mind.
Time (Samay): Once the mind's clutter is navigated, the grip of past memories and future aspirations acts as a strong gravitational pull, trapping individuals in the "valleys of changing time." The book distinguishes between the ephemeral nature of the material world and the eternal nature of time, which is equated with consciousness itself. The author emphasizes that time is only the present moment, a minuscule fragment that is easily lost if one is not vigilant. Achieving Samayatitata (Timelessness) or "Still Yoga" requires a calm and pure mind capable of perceiving this present moment. This involves transcending the artificial divisions of past and future to inhabit the present, thereby stabilizing time and achieving self-awareness.
The Ego (Ahankar): The most formidable obstacle is the "rock of ego." All vices and passions stem from the ego. Until the ego is shattered and one enters a state of Ahanshanyata (Egolessness), self-realization remains elusive. The ego fuels anger, retaliation, violence, and conflict. Greed nourishes the ego, leading to insatiable desires and delusive attachments. External manifestations of ego include pride, possessiveness, attachment, hatred, and aversion. Even renunciates and sages struggle to shed the ego, often clinging to their disciples, doctrines, or desires for fame. The author notes that even those who renounce wealth and family can be ensnared by the ego if their renunciation is driven by subtle desires for recognition. True liberation comes from breaking the "stone of ego" to access the "fountain of soul's bliss."

Experiences and Potential Outcomes of the Inner Journey:

The book suggests that the journey towards thoughtlessness, timelessness, and egolessness through sustained, broad, and natural meditation leads to spontaneous, unexpected experiences:

Jatismaran Gyan (Knowledge of Past Lives): A calm and pure mind can access memories not just of the current life but also of past lives. This "knowledge of past lives" is a natural outcome of inner introspection and can help resolve mysteries in one's current existence.
Bhav-Darshan (Vision of the Beloved): As the journey progresses, one's emotions awaken. The soul's desires are fulfilled beyond the senses and mind. While material desires cease, a yearning to connect with higher consciousness may arise, leading to a desire to see great souls (Gods, Tirthankaras, Gurus, Saints). Through devotion and a clear mind, one can experience visions of their chosen deities, often feeling their presence and receiving solace.
Thought Transmission: Individuals who have cleared the obstacles on the path to consciousness can also transmit thoughts. This means of communication becomes natural when one becomes detached from the body and speech. This ability can be used to accomplish tasks, influence others, draw inspiration from spiritual guides, and purify one's surroundings, thereby facilitating the inner journey.

Conclusion:

The author concludes by stating that the ultimate culmination of uniting with consciousness is an experience that transcends words, is formless, and incomparable. Therefore, expressing this ultimate state, as well as the methods and obstacles on the path of simplicity, natural, broad meditation, and a pure mind, is challenging. Kothari expresses hope that his words serve as guiding pointers for individuals embarking on their journey of self-discovery and considers it a blessing if his expressions can offer even a slight indication of the path and its impediments.