I am The Soul Part 02

Author(s): Tarulatabai Mahasati
Publisher: Shri Gujarati Shwetambar Sthanakwasi Jain Association

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I am the Soul spirituality. These saint poets raised themselves above sectarianism and propitiated the supreme self. Their spiritual experiences were of a very high standard and their literature is deeply touching and meaningfully rich and influential. Revered Sadhviji has made a thorough study of the literature of Srimad Rajachandra and is qualified to deliver lectures on his Atmasiddhi Shastra.
At the age of 29, Srimad Rajachandra composed the Atmasiddhi Shastra in just about two hours at Nadiad in 1896 A.D. The work is a proof of his pure thought process and his extraordinary command over words. He has used the right words at right places. Even today, after so many years, the text is in such a fine shape one does not feel like changing a single word or line from its place.
Srimad Rajachandra in his Atma Siddhi Shastra has given a clear picture of the nature of the pure self. He says
आत्मा छे, ते नित्य छे, छे कर्ता निजकर्म,
i HTCM, cost H , TH 34r4 guf.....83 i.e. There is the existence of the soul, it is eternal and it is the doer and enjoyer of karmas. There is emancipation and the means to acquire it is Sudharma i.e. right conduct.
The author has elaborated these six characteristics of the soul in such an impressive and convincing style that even an ordinary man can grasp it with ease. He has narrated the nature of a person in search of the self (Atmarthi) and also that of a person who is dogmatic (Matarthi). He has also carved out the path of liberation and importance of a noble preceptor for spiritual upliftment. In this way the Atmasiddhi Shastra has become a mini scripture. Various philosophical topics viz. Nine Tattvas, six Dravyas, eight Karmas, fourteen Gunasthanas, six Leshyas etc., are elaborated in Jaina Agamas, the knowledge of which is important to understand the pathway of liberation. The