________________
1
The Self Realization
masterpiece in philosophical literature. The author has, in a simple form of question and answer, explained the gist of Jainism and of all true religion namely the six fundamental truths, that the soul exists, that it is eternal, that it is the author of its activities, that therfore it is responsible for the results of its activities, that it aspires for liberation and that this is achieved by following a right kind of religion.
Srimad instructed Sri Ambalalbhai to make out four copies of the manuscript and give one copy each, to his close and deserving disciples namely, to Sri Sobhagyabhai, Sri Ambalal himself, Sri Lalluji Maharaj and lastly to Zaveri Maneklal Ghelabhai. He instructed to Sri Lalluji to study and reflect upon the Atmasiddhi in solitude and not to make it a subject of collective reading or public discourse.
A Short Summary
4
In the first 44 verses the subject is introduced The truth that without self-knowledge, the worldly pains cannot be completely removed is clearly demonstrated, the mechanical attachment to the path of sacrificial activities and the theoretical parrotlike dry as bone repetition of the different natures of the soul and the body as found in the theoretical academicians of the Vedanta system are declared as two major obstacles in the path of the aspirant for self-realization. The special characteristics of the persons who belong to the above two lines of thinking are humourously described and all this is done to remove these drawbacks from all aspirants for soul-saving knowledge and experience. Then, the way to remove these defects or to keep them miles away from the spiritual pilgrim, the resort to the advice of an enlightened self-realized Guru is advised and advocated. All the authentic scriptures helpful to the spiritual pilgrim should be studied and
Jain Education International
46
For Private & Personal Use Only
-
www.jainelibrary.org