Updesh Sara Sangraha

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided text from "Updesh Sara Sangraha," focusing on the reviewer's perspective:

This review, written by Dr. Bharat Singh, discusses the book "Updesh Sara Sangraha," a collection of sermons delivered by Param Pujya Swami Deshbhushan Ji Maharaj during his Chaturmas in Delhi. The reviewer admits his inadequacy for the task but is compelled by the Maharaj's public service and the affectionate insistence of Dr. Ramesh Gupta.

The reviewer highlights the book's relevance in the current materialistic age, where the pursuit of wealth overshadows duty, leading to social decay, corruption, and the erosion of ethical values. He notes the scarcity of principled leaders and genuine spiritual figures. In this context, the sermons of Swami Deshbhushan Ji Maharaj offer a beacon of hope.

The review emphasizes Swami Deshbhushan Ji Maharaj's lifelong dedication to Jainism, his Brahmacharya, and his immense sacrifice in dedicating his life to the propagation of Jain teachings. The reviewer observes that while people attend religious gatherings, they often fail to internalize and implement the teachings in their daily lives, returning to their old habits. This lack of application, he suggests, stems from insufficient focus and a superficial approach to these sermons, sometimes driven by social pressure or a desire for self-aggrandizement. This superficial religiosity, where outward displays of piety mask unethical lives, is condemned by the reviewer as a reason for the growing detachment from genuine spiritual values.

The reviewer praises the collection of these sermons, stating that it extends the benefit beyond those present at the physical gatherings. He argues that studying these teachings in a focused environment, as presented in book form, offers a deeper and more beneficial experience than hearing them in a prayer assembly. The book is considered a valuable treasure, inspiring religious sentiment, character building, and social reform for generations to come.

Dr. Bharat Singh points out that Swami Deshbhushan Ji Maharaj possesses profound knowledge, drawn from a deep study of Vedic scriptures, Sanskrit texts, Jain Prakrit-Pali literature, and the devotional poetry of Hindi saints. He has not just studied but thoroughly assimilated this vast body of knowledge, extracting life-enriching gems for the upliftment of his audience.

The scope of the book is vast, covering spiritual topics like the soul, God, dharma, rituals, devotion, and meditation. It also addresses social evils, urging listeners to strive for both worldly and spiritual well-being. The Maharaj emphasizes the importance of tradition, abstaining from meat, fish, and eggs, and condemns corruption in business. He advocates for a pure, sattvic, and nutritious diet, believing that "the mind is made from food."

The reviewer highlights the paramount importance of a guru in the book, stating that no knowledge or skill can be acquired without a teacher. The sermons vehemently denounce harmful practices (vamaachar) and criticize the Western practice of meat consumption, asserting that vegetarian food is more nutritious and strength-giving, even "three times more potent than meat" (page 36). The abandonment of meat is deemed essential for moral upliftment.

The reviewer finds the Maharaj's statement that the greatest enemy is not any external entity but mithyatva (delusion or false belief) particularly apt for today's society. This delusion, he explains, distorts one's perception of oneself and others, making the recognition of the divine impossible. The sermons also stress practical purity, especially in the context of the business-oriented Jain community. The reviewer cites the Maharaj's observation that unethical earnings, regardless of the wealth accumulated, do not bring true happiness or peace. The prevalence of misfortune, theft, litigation, illness, and squandering of wealth, even after engaging in unethical practices, is attributed to excessive greed. The Maharaj believes that renouncing greed will lead to the upliftment of both individuals and society.

The book also addresses personal attachment, aversion, and selfishness. The Maharaj states that purifying the soul from emotions like anger and desire is the path to liberation from karmic bondage. He posits the soul as supreme among all substances, making its salvation the ultimate duty of every being, which leads to freedom from the cycle of birth and death.

The reviewer acknowledges the Maharaj's concern for societal well-being, drawing attention to social ills like theft, violence, gambling, alcoholism, and the dowry system. The book advocates for marrying daughters to virtuous, healthy, and righteous grooms, not solely based on wealth, and for choosing educated, virtuous, and gentle brides for sons, disregarding dowry. It also calls for simple, affordable wedding customs to accommodate the poor.

Swami Deshbhushan Ji Maharaj is presented as a proponent of holistic societal development, emphasizing that proportional growth is achieved when individuals are motivated by non-violence, truth, renunciation, charity, cooperation, and mutual sympathy, prioritizing the development of others over self-interest. He strongly advocates for social cooperation as the key to societal progress. The reviewer notes the Maharaj's emphasis on assisting the less fortunate through financial aid and helping them find employment.

The reviewer concludes by praising the book's utility and the Maharaj's simple, accessible style of preaching, enriched with analogies, examples, and proofs that make even complex ideas easy to grasp. He believes anyone with a basic understanding can appreciate these sermons. The Maharaj's mastery of various languages (Vedic Sanskrit, Sanskrit, Prakrit, Pali, and Hindi) and his ability to interpret their evidence are highlighted. The reviewer is hopeful that this book will provide direction for the development of individuals, society, and the nation.