Twelve Facets Of Reality - Book Summary

Here is a comprehensive summary of "Twelve Facets of Reality: The Jain Path to Freedom" by Gurudev Shree Chitrabhanu, based on the provided text:

Book Overview:

"Twelve Facets of Reality: The Jain Path to Freedom" by Gurudev Shree Chitrabhanu, edited by Clare Rosenfield, is a profound exploration of Jain philosophy and meditation presented as twelve "bhavanas" or contemplations. Drawing from his extensive experience in meditation and monastic life, Gurudev aims to guide readers towards understanding the true nature of reality and achieving inner freedom. The book is based on a series of talks given at the Jain Meditation International Center in New York City.

Core Message and Purpose:

The central theme of the book is the transformation of perception. By delving into these twelve facets of reality, individuals can shift their focus from external dependencies and limitations to inner strength and inherent perfection. The ultimate goal is to touch the "permanent reality of life behind the ever-changing elements of existence," leading to a state of liberation, peace, and radiant consciousness. The bhavanas are presented as tools to help individuals overcome confusion, inertia, anxiety, and the distractions of daily life, enabling them to experience life as it truly is.

Key Concepts and Facets:

The book systematically introduces twelve facets of reality, each offering a unique perspective for contemplation and practice:

The Changeless Beneath the Changes (Anitya & Nitya): This facet encourages understanding the inherent permanence that underlies constant change. It highlights how identifying with transient forms leads to suffering, while recognizing the changeless Self brings freedom from fear and attachment. The analogy of the sun rising and setting, or leaves changing, illustrates this point, emphasizing that change is a natural part of growth and renewal.
Our Protection in an Unprotected World (Asharana & Sharana): This facet addresses the human tendency to seek external protection and saviors, which stems from mental dependency and a fear of helplessness. It guides readers to recognize that true protection comes from within, from connecting to the "Higher Self" or the "pure stream of consciousness." By understanding "unprotectedness" (asharana), one can find true "protection" (sharana) in their inner strength.
Liberation from the Cycle of Birth and Death (Samsara): This facet encourages observing the "Ferris wheel of life" – the constant ups and downs, births and deaths – without identifying with them. It emphasizes detaching from external props and fantasies, understanding that true freedom comes from realizing one's unchanging essence, which is distinct from the transient physical form. This understanding helps in transcending the cycle of samsara.
Freedom from Dependency (Ekatva): This facet focuses on realizing "Oneness" (ekatva) by understanding the difference between the tangible (bahutva – multiplicity) and the intangible (the true Self). It advocates for breaking the illusion of duality and dependency on external things, relationships, or circumstances. By embracing aloneness, one can discover the meaning of all-oneness and live fearlessly.
In Search of the Incomparable (Anyatva-Swatva): This facet guides the reader to distinguish between "otherness" (anyatva) – that which is identified with mistakenly – and "Selfhood" (swatva). It emphasizes disidentifying from external labels, possessions, and concepts that lead to self-punishment and pain. The aim is to realize the unique, incomparable Self, which is beyond all material and mental conditioning.
The Flame in the Candle (Suchi & Asuchi): This facet uses the metaphor of a candle to illustrate the distinction between the ascending spiritual flame (suchi) and the descending, decomposing wax (asuchi). It encourages dehypnotizing the mind from societal influences and recognizing the true Self (the flame) as distinct from the physical body and its limitations (the wax). The story of Princess Malli highlights the importance of understanding the impermanence of the physical body and the eternal nature of the soul.
Observing the Inflow of Vibrations (Ashrava): This facet introduces the concept of "ashrava" – the constant inflow of vibrations from the external world and internal conditioning. It stresses the importance of vigilance and discrimination to prevent negative influences (like kashaya – anger, pride, greed, deceit; yoga – sensual attachment; pramada – lethargy; avirati – uncontrolled desires; and mithyathva – ignorance) from polluting one's pure consciousness.
The Art of the Full Stop (Samvara): Building on the previous facet, "samvara" signifies the practice of stopping the inflow of negative vibrations by closing the "gates" of consciousness. This involves self-control, awareness, and taking responsibility for one's thoughts, words, and actions, especially when facing storms like anger, ego, greed, and deceit.
The Art of Cleansing (Nirjara): This facet focuses on "nirjara," the process of shedding or cleansing away the accumulated negative vibrations, addictions, and conditioning that bind the soul. Using the analogy of a monkey freeing its hand by dropping chickpeas, it emphasizes letting go of attachments and identifying with the pure Self, which is inherently divine and unaffected by these impurities.
The Nature of the Universe (Loka & Aloka): This facet explores the dual nature of reality – the permanent essence (dravya) and the transient forms (paryaya). It encourages living with "double awareness," appreciating both the transient beauty of the outer world and the permanent bliss of the inner Self. It also introduces the Jain concepts of "loka" (the universe of existence) and "aloka" (the void beyond), and the six fundamental substances of the universe.
The Rare Occasion (Bodhidurlabha): This facet highlights the profound difficulty and rarity of achieving deep inner knowledge and self-realization ("bodhi"). It encourages readers to recognize that true achievement lies not in external accomplishments but in understanding one's true, unborn, and immortal nature. The book emphasizes the importance of refining the intellect and distinguishing between truth and untruth, reality and unreality.
The Nature of Our Nature (Dharma): The final facet defines "dharma" in its multifaceted meaning: reality, religion (union with the Higher Self), inner truth, and nature. It emphasizes reaching a stable inner state of peace and contentment, independent of external circumstances. This involves self-awareness, living in truth, and understanding the inherent nature of oneself and others to cultivate compassion and harmony.

Gurudev Shree Chitrabhanu's Approach:

Gurudev's teachings are characterized by their emphasis on personal experience, introspection, and practical application of spiritual principles. He advocates for moving beyond intellectual understanding to direct, felt experience. His journey from a traditional Jain monk to a universal teacher who travels the world sharing his message underscores his commitment to making ancient wisdom accessible and relevant to modern life.

Target Audience and Impact:

The book is intended for anyone seeking to understand themselves and the universe more deeply, and to find lasting peace and freedom. It offers a path for transformation, helping individuals move from a state of dependency, confusion, and suffering to one of self-reliance, clarity, and joy. The twelve facets provide a structured approach to self-discovery and spiritual growth.