Enlightened Vision of the Self

Author(s): Akalankadev, Devendra K Goyal
Publisher: Radiant Publishers New Delhi

Page 39

FOREWORD
utmost importance. This is discussed in verses 13 and 14. The attribute "enlightened" is added to conduct in order to exclude conduct based on delusion (wrong or perverted vision) and wrong or perverted knowledge.
The states of consciousness in respect of perceiving, knowing and feeling are constantly changing into varying modes and psychic dispositions (bhara) or mental states of attachment and aversion, giving rise to feelings of pleasure and pain. The author, however, advises the aspirant soul to remain steadfast in the true nature of the Self and maintain an attitude of equanimity and unperturbedness towards the pleasures and sufferings of the world. (Verse 13)
True Self is beyond all changing perceptions, thoughts and feelings of good and evil. One who contemplates oneself as jnata (knower) and drashta (disinterested observer), witnessing these changing and differing experiences with choiceless awareness, remains equanimous and unperturbed in the midst of pleasures and sufferings of the world (Verse 14). According to Bhagavada Gita, one should be dukkheshu anudrignamana sukheshu rigataspraha i.e. neither feel perturbed by the miseries nor feel elated during favourable circumstances, but remain non-attached (uitaraga). In the Samayika Path (Song of Equanimity), that Jains are enjoined to recite daily, the aspirant is asked, among other things, to remain equanimous in pleasure or pain, among friends or foes, in favourable or unfavourable circumstances, in a mansion or in the forest.52 Affirmation of such contemplations and reflections (bharana) with firmness and determination strengthens the resolve to remain equanimous and is considered enlightened conduct. (Verse 14)
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The internal causes and conditions of samyak (enlightened) darshan, jnana, and charitra, explained in the preceding four verses (Verses 11 to 14) are described as moolheto (the foundation or the basic constituents) of self-realization while the external conditions like place, time, etc. and external austerities and penances are said to be subsidiary or auxiliary causes and conditions. (Verse 15)
Thoroughly understanding all these factors, the Self should give up, to the best of one's capabilities, attachment and aversion under all conditions, both favourable and unfavourable, and repeatedly and constantly contemplate on the true nature of the Self. (Verse 16)