Book Title: Aspirants Guide
Author(s): Atmanandji Maharaj
Publisher: Shrimad Rajchandra Sadhna Kendra Koba

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Page 162
________________ PRINCIPLE OF RELATIVITY important ? It seems that you put most emphasis on the intention or aim of the religious activity (Sadhana)." Acharya said, "Both religious activities and the intention or aim behind the activities are correlated. The purpose of spiritual Sadhana lies in not forgetting the aim, through constant awareness of Soul (Atma). If the aim will remain intact, practices will also progress properly." (2) In the year 1930, a Jain monk, Acharya Shantisagar was spending the four months of the rainy season at Lalitpur in Madhya Pradesh. The Acharya did not have coventional high school education. However, his intellect was shining through constant pondering over and study of what was heard from his preceptor (Guru), and deep concentration and repeated meditation on what was heard. A renowned scholar (pundit), Shree Devakinandan had come to Lalitpur at that time. He inquired of the Acharya, "Sir ! One question has been disturbing me for a long time. May I ask it with your kind permission ?" After getting permission, he asked, "Religious scriptures have indicated that there are 8.4 million faults of human beings. How can a monk remember 8.4 millions faults ? Without memorizing, how will their full observance be possible ?" The Acharya replied, "Your inquiry is serious and important. Just as monks are asked to become dispassionate and detached towards all external objects, they are also asked constantly, to meditate on their Soul (Atma). Thus when the Atma of the monk merges in meditation, the true monk automatically observes refrainment from 8.4 million faults. It is not necessary to keep a separate account of these." The religious book Niyamasara (Gatha 93) says, "A monk (Sadhu) gives up all faults as he merges himself in meditation." When the pundit heard this reply he felt happy, he was fully convinced. This is the fruit of the unique method of knowledge which is relative. (3) Mahatma Kabir was a renowned saint, devotee, and great socio-religious reformer of the medieval age in India. He was one of the pioneers of the "Devotional Movement" of the middle A SAPEKSHATANO SIDHDHANT or SYADVADA 153 Jain Education International For Private & Personal Use Only www.jainelibrary.org

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