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JA IN
2005
SHRIMAD RAJCHANDRA'S EPIC POEM “APURVA AVASAR”
By Dr. Pravin L. Shah Describes The Fourteen Stages of Spiritual Elevation
Shrimad Rajchandra (1868-1901) was a great Seer and one of the most recognized Jain sages of the modern time who has made priceless contribution to Jain philosophy and literature. In the poem “Apurva Avasar”, Shrimadji describes one's genuine aspiration for achieving the spiritual elevation and a burning desire to ascend the 14 stages of elevation prescribed in Tatvarthsutra. One may think of this poem as a short version of Haribhadra's Yogdrasti Samuchhya.
One can use this poem in performing daily Samayik to meditate and contemplate deeply on how to move forward on the fourteen stages of spiritual elevation. Shrimad Laghuraj Swami, the first disciple of Shrimadji, who attained self realization had this to say about this epic poem: Each word of Apurva Avasar is truly a holy Mantra evolving from the heart of a highly accomplished Siddha Yogi like Shrimad Rajchandra. The poem has the divine powers to awaken and lead an aspirant to self realization in less than six months if one constantly meditates on its meaning in depth with genuine faith. The following translation of this poem is provided for daily meditation:
When will I attain that unprecedented spiritual stage, When will I break off the external and internal bonds of desire; When will I fully detach from all the worldly relationships, And when will I follow the spiritual path of the great Masters? When......1
When will I detach from all the emotions and desires, When will I experience complete self control, When will I arrive at a state of pure self content, And when will I have no attachment to my physical body?
When.....2
By fully destroying the self ignorance, I realized pure consciousness separate from the body, With the enlightened contemplation of pure self, May I remain an observer to all the diminishing activities?
When.....3
Let the blissful peace of self illumination Remain steadfast for ever, Let the state of equanimity not be disturbed By the external or internal adversities. Let all my efforts be focused at self control,
When......4
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