Vashikaran Vidya Ane Punarjanma - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Vashikaran Vidya ane Punarjanma" (Hypnotism and Reincarnation) by Acharya Chandrashekharvijay, based on the provided PDF excerpts:

The book "Vashikaran Vidya ane Punarjanma" by Muni Raj Shri Chandrashekharvijayji, a disciple of Acharya Maharaj Shri Vijayamasuriswarji, explores the concept of reincarnation through the lens of hypnotism, drawing parallels with Jain philosophy.

The Core Argument:

The central thesis of the book is that reincarnation, a fundamental tenet of Jainism, is increasingly being validated by modern scientific research, particularly through the study of hypnotism. The author aims to demonstrate how scientific discoveries are corroborating the ancient wisdom of Jainism regarding the soul, its transmigration, and the karmic consequences that influence future lives.

Key Points and Themes:

Beyond Sensory Perception: The author begins by acknowledging that some truths lie beyond the reach of ordinary senses and require subtler means of observation and knowledge, often termed "yogic processes." Reincarnation falls into this category, being an "extrasensory" subject.
Jainism's Foundation in Reincarnation: The book asserts that the existence of reincarnation is the very foundation of Jain philosophy and practice. The stronger the belief in reincarnation, the stronger the faith and devotion to religious conduct.
The Jain Concept of the Soul (Atma): Jain philosophy unequivocally affirms the existence of the soul (Atma). The soul is considered eternal, the doer and experiencer of karma, capable of complete destruction of karmic bondage, and ultimately achievable liberation. The omniscient Tirthankaras, like Lord Mahavir, perceived this multifaceted nature of the soul and expounded it.
Karma and Reincarnation: In Jainism, the principle of "as you sow, so shall you reap" (જે કરે તેવું પામે) is directly linked to reincarnation. Good deeds in this life are crucial for a pleasant experience in subsequent lives. The book posits that past lives hold the causes for present life experiences, both good and bad, bridging the gap with the concept of "karma" as understood in Eastern philosophies.
Scientific Validation Through Hypnotism: The author highlights the growing scientific interest and research into reincarnation. He cites examples of scientific institutions and researchers, like Dr. Banerjee in India and the efforts in America, to investigate past-life memories.
Alexander Cannon's Work: A significant portion of the book is dedicated to the pioneering work of Alexander Cannon, an expert in hypnotism. Cannon, through extensive experiments (over 1383 cases), used deep hypnotism to access subjects' past-life memories. He initially doubted reincarnation but was compelled to accept its existence due to the consistent accounts from his subjects. His book, "The Power Within," is referenced as a source for his findings.
Hypnotism as a Tool: The book explains that hypnotism can access memories from the current life, prenatal experiences, and even past lives. It allows individuals to vividly describe events from centuries ago as if they are experiencing them in the present.
Resolving Present-Day Problems: Hypnotic regression is presented as a method to understand and resolve psychological issues like phobias and anxieties, which often have roots in past-life traumas. Two illustrative cases are provided:
- A person with a fear of descending in elevators was found to have a past-life memory of being a Chinese general who fell to his death from a tall building, causing a deep-seated fear of falling.
- A woman with a fear of water had a past-life memory of being a male slave in Rome who was drowned as punishment, linking the past trauma to her present fear.
The Immortality of the Soul: The book emphasizes that through hypnotism, numerous subjects have testified to the soul's immortality, stating, "We do not die! We live on through the ages into eternity." This aligns with the Jain belief in the soul's eternal nature.
Thoughts and Impressions (Samskaras): The book draws a parallel between Jain philosophy's concept of "samskaras" (impressions left by thoughts and actions) and the subconscious mind in psychology. Both highlight how lingering impressions, especially negative ones, can shape future experiences. The analogy of a sugar cube dissolving in water illustrates how thoughts, once they enter the subconscious, permeate and influence the entire being.
Critique of Justice System: The author questions the efficacy of current legal systems, particularly capital punishment, suggesting that it doesn't address the root cause of criminal behavior—the ingrained samskaras of the soul. He advocates for systems that address and "execute" these negative samskaras instead of just the physical body.
Cross-Cultural Corroboration: The book mentions Maryvonne Steiner and her research, particularly the case of Ruth Simmons and her past-life memories of being "Bride Murphy." The author notes that such findings, while challenging in Western societies (where the Bible does not support reincarnation), are increasingly gaining traction and even gaining recognition from various committees.
The Rarity of Past-Life Memories: The book addresses why not everyone remembers past lives. Jain philosophy attributes this to "mati-jnana-avaraniya karma" (knowledge-obscuring karma). Modern scientific perspectives also suggest that current educational systems and conditioning might "wash our brains," obliterating such memories.
Intuition and Tendencies: Even without explicit past-life recall, the author argues that our inherent feelings, tendencies, capacities, and dislikes are influenced by past-life samskaras, subtly linking present behavior to past experiences.
Parental Influence vs. Soul's Karma: The book refutes the idea that all traits are inherited from parents, suggesting that the soul carries its own accumulated samskaras from past lives, explaining why children may differ significantly from their parents in disposition. The analogy of a hat fitting a head is used to explain how a soul's nature matches a suitable parental lineage for rebirth.
The Jain Perspective on Gender and Planets: The book notes that the hypnotic regression experiences, including descriptions of life on planets like Mercury and Venus, bear similarities to descriptions in Jain cosmology, particularly regarding the long lifespans and luminous environments of celestial beings. It also supports the Jain tenet that the soul can transition between male and female forms across lives.
Conclusion: The author concludes by expressing joy at the convergence of modern scientific findings with the profound truths of Jain philosophy. He encourages readers to embrace the teachings of the omniscient beings (Sajnya Bhagwantos) and to live a life aligned with these principles, focusing on cultivating positive samskaras for a better future.

In essence, "Vashikaran Vidya ane Punarjanma" serves as a bridge between ancient Jain spiritual wisdom and modern scientific inquiry, asserting that the scientific exploration of hypnotism is, in fact, validating the profound and enduring principles of Jainism regarding the soul, karma, and the cyclical nature of existence.