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Ätmasiddhi
FORWARD In modern times, Shrimad Räjchandra (Räychandbhäi) has taught the path of self-realization to the aspirants, who had strayed from the true path of Lord Mahävir, in a simple language. He had attained the self-realization and his living was saintly without any attachment for a position, wealth, fame, and even his body. He was friendly to all. In 142 stanzas of the "Ätmasiddhi" he has taught the pathway to self-realization, the true meaning of life.
Mahätmä Gändhi was greatly influenced by Shrimad. His teachings had helped Gandhi to develop the non-violent way of life and the non-violent freedom struggle for India. In his autobiography, Gandhiji writes, "No one else has ever made on me the impression that Räychandbhäi did". His pathway of true happiness is a boon to the spiritual aspirants in the 21st century where religion and faith could play major pacifying roles in many of today's conflicts in the world.
I have known shri Manubhai Doshi of Chicago for quite sometime. He is well-read and was a teacher in Jain Pathshala in Chicago for many years. He is active in Jain Society of Metropolitan Chicago. He is the editor of fine publication "Jain Darshan". Shri Manubhai has translated many prose and poems into English for the benefit of young Jains and new generation. Being a teacher and professional, he is meticulous and well organized.
It is indeed gratifying that Manubhai has written this English version with short commentary on Ätmasiddhi by Shrimad Räjchandra. Before embarking on this project, he has carefully researched the related past work and included the essence of it with due credit and references. He has studied Vachanämrutji (the collection of spiritual letters by Shrimad Räjchandra, about 1000 page volume) very well and has provided plenty of references and quotes to elucidate the profound spiritual wisdom behind the simple-looking stanzas of Ätmasiddhi.
Manubhai has organized the book in a way that can be used
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