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In search of the self
In 1950, at the age of eleven, one Sunday evening I heard a voice from within "I AM’, but was unable to trace the source of the voice. As time passed by, the echo deepened and I got lost in it. I do not know how much time passed.
However, after some time the voice became low and merged in my inner self. At that time I was unable to comprehend the mystery behind the voice.
In 1958, I surrendered at the sacred feet of my Preceptor revered Bala Brahmacharini Lalitabai Mahasatiji (affectionately called Bapji) a great spiritual aspirant and practitioner with an immensely affectionate heart.
In her constant, intellectual and affectionate company, I resumed the search of 'The Self". The circumstances too favoured my search and the thirst for the knowledge and realisation of “The Self became intense. I struggled to solve the enigma and continued sincerely with my search.
The holy words of Ramana Maharishi and his eternal question “Who am I?' gave the required insight and impetus. I found a ray of light in his literature that pierced the darkness that prevailed all the while.
At such a time my eyes fell upon the ‘Atmasiddhi Shastra' of Srimad Rajachandra. I began to unravel the secrets of the scripture with my inept mind in order to pursue my search of “The Self".
What I place before you to-day is my humble search of “The Self”. There are many side-tracks on a path that may some times mislead the traveller and sometimes enable him to tread on the path successfully. One forgets the path, deviates from it and after a few setbacks is again on the right track. This goes on.
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