________________
AWAKENNESS OF SOUL thus makes great strides in the path of Sadhana. However, outwardly, some saints take time in revealing their real personality, and there, even in the absence of external renunciation (Tyaga) the Atmajagruti is unique.
COMPLETE ATMAJAGRUTI The state of full or complete Atmajagruti is the state of a true monk. In this state, perfect vows of nonviolence, nonstealing, truth, celibacy, and nonpossession are observed all the time, but in addition one becomes free from all dependence on worldly
bjects. He becomes free from all worries and engages himself in the constant effort of attaining to Samadhi (to be one with God or Self) through knowledge and meditation.
Because of equanimity he has the conviction that "the whole world is filled with divinity". The result is that he would not accept the restriction of any particular place for his Sadhana. In the next stage, all attachment is abandoned even from this body which has come as a result of earlier destiny. Monks practice advanced equanimity and awaken godliness (Alakh) by the constant and condensed practice of Atmajagruti, so that the present life is filled up with delight and divine bliss of the self. The atmosphere around then becomes surcharged with supreme peace, coolness and pious. In the language of scriptures, the state of the true monk is known as "Abhikshna Jnana Upayoga," "Apramatta Samyama," "the state of natural Samadhi," and "the state of steadfast intellect."
GLORY OF ATMAJAGRUTI 1. Awake, o traveller ! It is morning, the night is gone, why do you sleep now ? The one who sleeps is a loser; the one who is awake, attains to the Truth. 2. O ! you unfortunate person ! you are in pain from several births ! Awake, O awake ! Be you colored by the spirit of uplift of the soul, let illusions leave the mind. O person ! attain by effort the spirit of devotion to God and a spirit of service to your revered preceptor. Discard worldly fears and the conventions of the family outright and this will free you from bondage. 3. "The souls that are asleep in the slumber of illusion are ordinary people of the world, while a monk remains awake by
103
ATMA-JAGRUTI Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
