Vicharmala Granth Satik Pustak 1 To 8

Here's a comprehensive summary of "Vichar Mala Granth Satik Pustak 1 to 8," based on the provided English translation and its accompanying preface and introduction:

Overall Theme:

"Vichar Mala" is a Jain text translated into English, focusing on Vedantic philosophy, particularly the doctrine of non-duality (Advaita Vedanta). Its central aim is to explain the oneness of the individual Self (Jiva) with the Supreme Being (Brahma/Parabrahma). The text is structured as a dialogue between a Guru and his pupils, guiding the reader through various stages of spiritual inquiry and understanding.

Key Concepts and Teachings:

• The Nature of Self: The "Self" (Atma) is presented as the eternal, immaterial, infinite, unborn, and unchanging Reality. It is distinct from the physical body, senses, mind, intellect, and even the subtle and causal bodies. Popularly, the "I am" expresses this Self. However, common expressions like "I am rich" or "I am poor" are misconceptions, as the Self is not affected by material conditions.
• The Unreality of the World: The material world and its phenomena are considered unreal, a product of illusion or ignorance (Maya). While seemingly tangible, this world is ultimately unsubstantial and temporary. The text uses analogies like mirages and dreams to illustrate this unreality.
• Ignorance (Avidya) as the Root Cause: Ignorance is identified as the primary cause of suffering, bondage, and the cycle of rebirth (metempsychosis). It veils the true nature of the Self, leading to misidentifications and worldly attachments.
• The Role of the Guru: A true Guru is paramount in the journey to Self-knowledge. He is described as an ocean of kindness, a giver of true knowledge, and superior to all worldly relations. The Guru's role is to dispel ignorance, remove doubts, and guide the disciple through clear instruction, often using profound phrases like "That art thou" (Tat tvam asi).
• The Path to Emancipation:
  • Discrimination: Differentiating the real (Self/Brahma) from the unreal (the world).
  • Indifference: Detachment from worldly enjoyments and material possessions.
  • Passivity and Self-Control: Subjugating the senses and the mind.
  • Seeking a Guru: Devotion and service to a qualified teacher.
  • Hearing, Consideration, and Profound Contemplation: The process of understanding and internalizing the teachings of the Upanishads and the Guru.
  • Knowledge: The ultimate means of destroying ignorance and realizing the oneness of Self and Brahma.
• The Potency of Actions (Karma): While actions have consequences and influence future lives, true emancipation comes from knowledge that transcends the cycle of karma. The text distinguishes between accumulated, fructescent, and current actions and how knowledge affects them.
• The Seven Grounds of Knowledge: The text outlines seven stages or aspects of spiritual knowledge, including good desire, discrimination, restraining the mind, removing objections against non-duality, indifference, the absence of materiality, and finally, ecstasy.
• The Means of Knowledge: The text emphasizes that knowledge of Brahma is achieved through various means, including scriptural study, contemplation, and understanding the import of transcendental phrases like "That art thou" through the guidance of a Guru.
• The Nature of the Wise (Theosophist): The text provides detailed descriptions of the characteristics of a realized soul or a theosophist. They are free from desires, passions, ego, and worldly attachments. They exhibit kindness, equanimity, and a profound understanding of the non-dual reality. They are unaffected by praise or blame, pleasure or pain, and regard all beings with equanimity.
• Overcoming Misapprehensions: The dialogue format helps to address common doubts and misapprehensions that arise in the spiritual journey. The Guru patiently clarifies complex concepts and guides the pupil towards correct understanding.

Structure and Style:

The book is presented in a dialogue format, featuring conversations between a Guru and his pupils. This conversational style makes the complex philosophical concepts more accessible, especially for beginners. The language is often illustrative, using analogies and examples from everyday life, mythology, and scripture to explain abstract ideas. The translator, Lala Sri Ram, aimed for simplicity and clarity, making it understandable for a broader audience.

Purpose and Audience:

The "Vichar Mala" is intended to provide a clear and convincing exposition of Vedantic philosophy, particularly for those new to its teachings. It aims to awaken spiritual intuition and guide individuals towards Self-realization and liberation from the cycle of birth and death. The translation seeks to make these profound teachings available to a wider English-speaking readership.

Publisher and Context:

Published in 1886 by Heeralal Dhole, the book is part of a broader effort to disseminate Indian spiritual and philosophical literature in English. The accompanying reviews highlight the publisher's commitment to making these texts accessible and the translator's skill in rendering complex ideas with clarity.

In essence, "Vichar Mala" is a guide to spiritual liberation through the understanding and realization of the non-dual nature of reality, emphasizing the importance of a Guru, self-inquiry, and the transcendence of worldly illusions.