Aspirants Guide

Author(s): Atmanandji Maharaj
Publisher: Shrimad Rajchandra Sadhna Kendra Koba

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STUDY OF SELF
as the reward par excellence of Svadhyaya. 7. Indulgence in self-study reveals countless virtues. One becomes conscious about truth and untruth; intellect flowers; doubts are set at rest; the grasp of Reality dawns; the habit to resort to illogical attitudes leaves the mind. The fame of such an aspirant spreads far and wide. 8. Pride, anger, negligence, disease, and laziness are the five main obstacles in the acquirement of knowledge (Vidya). With due diligence and care, the aspirant should avoid these and exert constant efforts to acquire knowledge. 9. Just as humility is essential for acquisition of knowledge, similarly even after knowledge is acquired, it shines forth only through humility. A really learned person is always humble and ever continues to be so.
LIVING EXAMPLES OF SELF-STUDY (1) About 150 years ago, Maharaja (king) Jagatesh of Jaipur, of the state of Rajasthan, India, who was very just, impartial and devoted to the service of his people, was ruling the state of Jaipur. Many learned scholars visited his court and were duly honored. One of his ministers was Shri Jaichand Chhavda, a scholar of great merit. He had a son name Nandlalji, who was also working for state. Both father and son were very famous and high ranking scholars. Their knowledge of the scriptures was shining forth with their spiritual Sadhana. They have contributed uniquely by translating Jain scriptures in old Hindi Language.
Once, a great scholar (pundit), who had defeated many other scholars in different parts of India, arrived at Jaipur and made the following announcement, "If nobody enters into discussion on the meaning of scriptures (Shastras) with me within five days, | shall take myself as victorious over all in this city and the state."
The king was puzzled. No scholar in the city came forward to enter into discussion with this outsider. On the advice of some, the Maharaja approached Shri Jaichand and requested him to save the prestige of the state. Shri Jaichand sent his son Nandlal for discussion with the Pundit.
Nandlal defeated the pundit easily. The King decided to honor the father and the son in public. On learning this, Shri
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