I am The Soul Part 01

SR No.: 006790
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Tarulatabai Mahasati
Publisher: Shri Gujarati Shwetambar Sthanakwasi Jain Association
Total Pages: 468
Language: English, Hindi
Classification: Book_English
File Size: 19 MB

Page 64

I am the Soul
In the Hindu mythology, it is said that when the earth was overburdened with sins, it became necessary to bring down the holy Ganga from the heavens, to wash away those sins. King Bhageeratha performed a severe penance to please Ganga and Lord Shiva. When ultimately Ganga gushed down from the heaven, Lord Shiva sheltered her in the locks of his matted hair and then let her flow on to the earth. Drawing an analogy, Sowbhagyabhai has been compared to the great Bhageeratha. Like him, Sowbhagyabhai was instrumental in the appearance of the ‘Atmasiddhi Shastra'which flowed from Srimadji, exulting every mind. We are all indebted to that worthy soul, Sowbhagyabhai through whom we have obtained this great gift.
It does not suffice to simply study such a great Shastra; its essence has to be imbibed. The only way of doing that is through single minded devotion, without which we will stray away from the spiritual awakening. We can realise Self only when we totally detach ourselves from the outer world. Self can only be awakened with the guidance of a good spiritual preceptor. A jiva cannot progress on the path of spirituality unless there is unquestioned faith in and total devotion towards the preceptor. It is with this realisation that the Indian tradition places utmost respect in a good preceptor, a spiritual guide.
Srimadji invokes the blessings of the Guru in the opening lines and then commences the Shastra. Now let us begin the study of ‘Atmasiddhi Shastra'.
जे स्वरूप समज्या विना, पाम्यो दुःख अनन्त,
Huuroja ug ty, sît Haya nda.....
The benediction of this work offers salutations to the great Preceptor. In the Indian tradition, every scripture begins with a benediction. The intense sense of devotion is typical of the Indian spirit. Saintly poets and writers commence their works with the propitiation of their deity. Auspicious work is begun with an invocation to thwart any hindrances on the way.