Jain Center of America NY 2005 06 Pratishtha

Author(s): Jain Center of America NY
Publisher: USA Jain Center America NY

Page 33

WODUABUDU TUTUCULTURE
KNOW THY SELF* Muni Shree Jinchandraji (Bandhu Triputi) Translated by: Yogesh Desai
Know thy self' is the ardent call of the Rishis of the Yore. The saints and sages of all the ages by scrupulously adhereing to the said cry of the great Mahatmas, have reached the pinncale of Truth and there is no religion higher than Truth.
Thus, inquiry in one's own Real Nature which is nothing but Truth - the Self, the Atmah, starts with introspection of one's own self. One who wants to attain the real peace and bliss of the Self, observation of one's innerself is a must' as a preliminary Sadhana or exercise for treading on the Path of Truth. It is a privilege of Man alone to 'look within'. Animals are not endowed with this faculty of introspection. No spiritual Sadhana or practice or exercise at any level - be it physical, mental or intellectual - will bear any fruit whatsoever unless one knows the art of 'looking within'.
Introspection is a process of self-analysis of one's activities performed during the day. At the initial stage it may be performed only for a few minutes at any convenient time, preferably before going to bed. Sadhak should try to remember at least the main events of the day and gradually cover as many details as possible. With consistent and sincere application, more activities reveal themselves to his memory, until at last he is able to remember and recollect the minutest details of all that he has done during the day, with less effort and time. When such introspection is practised regularly, the constant observation of one's own actions with their merits and demerits, helps him to remember and observe them even at the time of performance. Thus man becomes conscious and watchful of all his activities day in and day out. To pause, to think, to judge and then act needs concentration which is provided by introspection. Introspection, therefore, prepares the seeker to think, to speak and to act rightly at the right moment of time. As the Sadhak progresses in observation of one's own self, correction comes automatically when he becomes fully aware of his imperfections. He develops ethical and moral values, mental equanimity and intellectual poise. With these qualities his concentration on any matter is perfected and he emerges successful in any walk of life. The more he lives right values of life, the more he shall succeed in introspection. Thus, the right way of living and introspection promise each other and they together help on to reach the Divine Abode of Truth.
"Original Lecture in Gujarati Titled "Anter Ma Dokiyu"