Upasya Pade Upadeyta - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Upasya Pade Upadeyta" by Pratap J Tolia, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Upasya Pade Upadeyta (In the position of the worshipped, the worthy of worship) Author: Pratap J Tolia (Translator/Editor) Publisher: Jina Bharati Original Author of Content: Yogindra Yugapradhan Shri Sahajanandghanji

Core Themes and Content:

This book is a Hindi translation of a work originally by Yogindra Yugapradhan Shri Sahajanandghanji. It primarily focuses on two interconnected themes:

The "Mahavidehi Dasha" (Transcendent State) of Shrimad Rajchandraji: The book explores the sublime, disembodied, and transcendent state of Shrimad Rajchandraji, a revered Jain saint and spiritual leader. It argues that Shrimad Rajchandraji, even while in his physical body, had attained a state of consciousness that transcended the physical realm. This is referred to as his "Mahavidehi Dasha."
The Worshipworthiness (Upadeyta) of Shrimad Rajchandraji in His Transcendent State: The book asserts that Shrimad Rajchandraji, in this transcendent state, is not just worthy of worship but is actively present and accessible to his devotees. His teachings and spiritual presence continue to be relevant and guiding.
Introduction to Shrimad Rajchandra Ashram, Hamphi: The text also provides a detailed account of the establishment and significance of the Shrimad Rajchandra Ashram in Hamphi, South India.

Key Figures:

Shrimad Rajchandraji: The central figure, described as a saint who achieved a transcendent, disembodied state while still alive. He is presented as a figure of profound spiritual realization and a guiding light.
Yogindra Yugapradhan Shri Sahajanandghanji: The original author of the core content. He was a disciple deeply devoted to Shrimad Rajchandraji and experienced his spiritual presence directly. He attained the title of "Yugapradhan" (leader of an era) and is credited with spreading Shrimad Rajchandraji's teachings.
Atmajnya Mataji Shri Dhanadevi: Another spiritual figure associated with the Hamphi Ashram, who guided its development after Shri Sahajanandghanji's mahaprayan (passing).
Yugapradhan Dada Gurudev Shri Jinsuttasuri: Mentioned as an ancestral spiritual guide.
Benefactors: Several individuals and trusts are mentioned as major financial supporters of the book's publication.

Narrative and Arguments:

The Author's Perspective (Pratap J Tolia): The editor and translator, Pratap J Tolia, emphasizes that understanding Shrimad Rajchandraji's transcendent state requires the profound insight of someone who has also achieved a high level of spiritual realization, like Shri Sahajanandghanji. He likens this understanding to a gemologist appreciating a gem.
Shrimad Rajchandraji's Transcendent State: The text quotes extensively from Shrimad Rajchandraji's own writings (specifically his letters) to illustrate his profound detachment from the material world, his unwavering focus on the soul (Atma), his experience of equanimity, and his attainment of a state of spiritual realization akin to that of a Kevali (omniscient being). The book argues that Shrimad Rajchandraji achieved "Kshayik Samyaktva" (the highest form of perfect vision) and a state of "Beej Kevalgyan" (seed omniscience) while still in his physical form.
Worshipworthiness and Accessibility: The book contends that Shrimad Rajchandraji's transcendent state makes him accessible to devotees, not as a historical figure but as a present spiritual guide. The text addresses the question of why a "body-less" or transcendent being can be worshipped and argues, citing Jain scriptures and the experiences of spiritual leaders, that such realized souls are as worthy of worship as Tirthankaras. It highlights the concept that the spiritual essence and guidance are paramount, regardless of the physical form.
The Shrimad Rajchandra Ashram, Hamphi: The book details the founding of the ashram in Hamphi in 1961 (Samvat 2017) by Shri Sahajanandghanji. It describes the historical and spiritual significance of Hamphi, the establishment of the ashram on Ratnakoot hill, and its growth under the guidance of both Shri Sahajanandghanji and later Mataji Shri Dhanadevi. The ashram serves as a center for spiritual practice, devotion, and the propagation of Jain teachings.
The Role of the Yugapradhan: The concept of "Yugapradhan" is crucial. Shri Sahajanandghanji was a Yugapradhan, and the book explains that Yugapradhans are individuals who, in their time, possess unique spiritual power and insight to guide and uplift beings, sometimes even being metaphorically referred to as Tirthankaras.
Refutation of Doubts: The book addresses potential doubts and criticisms regarding the worship of Shrimad Rajchandraji in his transcendent state, particularly concerning the absence of physical monastic implements or complete Kevalgyan in the conventional sense. It argues that true spiritual realization and the essence of monasticism lie in self-knowledge and detachment, not just external symbols.
Mahavideh Connection: A significant argument is made that Shrimad Rajchandraji's soul has ascended to the Mahavideh region, a place where Tirthankaras like Shri Simandhar Swami are currently present. This connection further solidifies his spiritual presence and relevance.

Key Arguments and Philosophical Points:

Unity of the Worshipped and the Worshipper (Upasya and Upadeyta): The core idea is that true spiritual guides, in their highest realized states, become both the object of worship and the means to achieve spiritual realization themselves.
Inner Experience over External Form: The book emphasizes that genuine spiritual connection and understanding come from inner experience and devotion rather than adherence to strict external rituals or appearances.
The Importance of Direct Spiritual Experience: The writings of Shri Sahajanandghanji are presented as a testament to the possibility of directly experiencing the presence of realized souls like Shrimad Rajchandraji.
Reinterpreting Jain Tradition: The text implicitly suggests a need to reinterpret certain aspects of Jain tradition based on the direct spiritual insights and experiences of great souls like Shrimad Rajchandraji and Shri Sahajanandghanji.

Publication Context:

The book was published by Jina Bharati.
This Hindi edition is a translation and compilation made on the occasion of Shri Sahajanandghanji's birth centenary.
The original Gujarati edition was published in 1967 (Samvat 2024) by the Shrimad Rajchandra Gyan Pracharak Trust.
The book is dedicated to promoting the teachings of Shrimad Rajchandraji and the legacy of Shri Sahajanandghanji.

In essence, "Upasya Pade Upadeyta" is a profound exploration of the spiritual achievements of Shrimad Rajchandraji, arguing for his continued relevance and accessibility to humanity through his transcendent state. It also serves as a tribute to the dedicated work of Shri Sahajanandghanji in establishing the Shrimad Rajchandra Ashram and propagating these teachings.