Vairagya Bhavna

This document is the seventh edition of "Vairagya Bhavna" (Vairagya Bhavna), authored by Acharya Maharajshri Vijaybhaktisuriji. Published by Vinodchandra Chandulal Shah in Ahmedabad, it was first released in V.S. 2009 / Vir Samvat 2479 / A.D. 1953.

The book is described as being filled with various kinds of beneficial teachings that guide virtuous souls towards righteousness. The author's intention is to instill the feeling of detachment (vairagya) in the hearts of noble beings, leading them to contemplate and improve their lives.

The text begins with a prologue that acknowledges that the concept of "vairagya" might be off-putting to those engrossed in worldly attachments. However, it argues that this very contrast is necessary for the welfare of all souls. The introduction emphasizes that true understanding of oneself, the world, and one's relationships within it, along with the knowledge of what is beneficial and what is not, can only arise when the initial shock of encountering detachment sparks a genuine curiosity for truth. Those who attain this true understanding find unparalleled joy in "vairagya bhavna," believing it to be the sole path to freedom from suffering and the attainment of happiness. Consequently, they strive to spread this understanding to the world, which constantly seeks pleasure and fears pain.

The author, Acharya Vijaybhaktisuriji, has endeavored to create this text for the very purpose of imparting this "vairagya bhavna." The book's value can only be fully appreciated by those who have already gained some insight into the true nature of the self and the world. The core challenge, it is stated, lies in recognizing the self, as the world operates largely on blind adherence to tradition and inertia. The text aims to illuminate the role of karma and past lives, which are crucial in understanding worldly phenomena and the path to liberation.

The preface then outlines the book's structure and content, highlighting key sections:

• The Fall of the Soul Without Dharma: Discusses the spiritual decline that occurs in the absence of righteous conduct.
• The Suffering of Subtle Nigoda Births and Their Calculation: Explains the immense suffering experienced in the lowest realms of existence.
• Wandering from Gross Nigoda to the Five-Sensory Beings: Details the cycle of rebirth across various forms of life.
• Examples Illustrating the Difficulty of Obtaining a Human Birth: Presents well-known stories and parables from Jain scriptures to emphasize the preciousness and rarity of human life.
• The Rarity of Hearing Dharma: Highlights how scarce it is to encounter and understand spiritual teachings.
• The Story of Dev Sharma Illustrating False Beliefs (Mithyatva): A cautionary tale about the perils of adhering to incorrect doctrines.
• The Importance of Associating with a True Guru: Stresses the necessity of guidance from a spiritual master.
• The Nature of the Thirteen Obstacles (Kathiya): Details the hindrances that prevent individuals from engaging in spiritual listening and practice.
• Beneficial Teachings for the Soul: Offers guidance for spiritual development.
• The Twelve Reflections (Dvadasha Bhavna): Explains the core contemplative practices for developing detachment, including impermanence, suffering, purity, etc.
• The Story of the Four Thieves on Good Intentions: An example illustrating the fruitfulness of virtuous intentions.
• How to View and Worship Jain Idols: Discusses the proper reverence and understanding of religious iconography.
• The Virtues of Paramatma Mahavir: Elaborates on the qualities of Lord Mahavir.
• Verses in Sutras Regarding Jain Idols: Cites scriptural references supporting idol worship.
• The Story of Anathi Muni: Another illustrative tale highlighting spiritual principles.
• Names of Future Tirthankaras: Lists those who will become enlightened beings in the future.
• Hita Upadesh (Beneficial Counsel): Offers valuable advice for life.
• The Importance of Not Delaying in Religious Practice: Urges prompt engagement in spiritual pursuits.
• The Necessity of Diligence in Religious Practice: Encourages earnest effort in spiritual endeavors.
• Ways to Purify the Soul: Provides methods for spiritual cleansing.
• The Story of Two Children: An anecdote illustrating a moral.
• The Fickleness of Wealth: Discusses the transient nature of material riches.
• The Story of Queen Kuntal Devi: A narrative demonstrating detachment.
• The Story of Sagar Sheth on Consuming Deva Dravya: A cautionary tale about the negative consequences of misappropriating religious offerings.
• The Story of the She-Camel: An illustration of a particular moral lesson.
• A Brief Story of Karma Sara and Punya Sara: A concise narrative about the interplay of karma and merit.
• The Thirty-Five Virtues of a Marganusari (One Who Follows the Path): Details the qualities of a spiritual aspirant.
• A Brief Description of King Kumarpal: A historical account of a righteous ruler.
• The Virtuous Deeds of Vastupal-Tejpala and Others: Narrates the meritorious actions of these notable figures.
• Attaining Right Faith (Samyaktva): Explains the path to correct spiritual understanding.
• Kshayika Samyaktva: Discusses the highest form of right faith.
• The Attainment of Samyakva: Elaborates on achieving correct faith.
• The Unending Bliss of Attaining Samyakva: Describes the joy derived from right faith.
• The Three Desires of a Shravak (Lay Disciple): Outlines the aspirations of a devout layperson.
• The Attainment of Restraint and Liberation for the Virtuous Soul: Explains the path to spiritual freedom.
• The Four Aspects of Liberation are Increasingly Rare: Discusses the progressive difficulty in attaining the highest spiritual states.
• Worship at the End of Life: Focuses on spiritual practices during the final moments.
• Elaboration on Transgressions (Atichara): Details the faults that hinder spiritual progress.
• Discussion on the Twelve Vows: Explains the vows undertaken by lay disciples.
• Chapters on the Ten Rights of Worship: Details the ten essential components of spiritual worship.
• The Story of Four Thieves: An anecdote about overcoming obstacles.
• The Importance of Jin Darshan: Emphasizes the significance of beholding the idols of the Jinas.
• The Virtues of Paramatma Mahavir: A detailed account of Lord Mahavir's qualities.
• Verses in Sutras about Jin Pratima: Scriptural references to idols.
• The Story of Anathi Muni: An illustrative tale.
• Names of Future Tirthankaras: A list of upcoming enlightened beings.
• Hita Upadesha: Beneficial counsel.
• On Not Delaying Religious Practice: The importance of timely spiritual engagement.
• Diligence in Religious Practice: The need for earnest effort.
• Remedies for Soul Purification: Methods for spiritual cleansing.
• The Story of Two Children: An anecdote about children.
• The Fickleness of Wealth: The transient nature of riches.
• The Story of Queen Kuntal Devi: A narrative about detachment.
• The Story of Sagar Sheth on Consuming Deva Dravya: A cautionary tale about misusing divine offerings.
• The Story of the She-Camel: An illustrative anecdote.
• A Brief Story of Karma Sara and Punya Sara: A short narrative about karma and merit.
• The Thirty-Five Virtues of Marganusari: Qualities of one who follows the spiritual path.
• A Brief Description of King Kumarpal: A summary of King Kumarpal's life.

The book also includes various devotional verses, hymns, and illustrative stories, covering a wide range of spiritual and ethical teachings within the Jain tradition. The table of contents further elaborates on the numerous topics covered, indicating a comprehensive approach to understanding and practicing detachment.