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Adhyatmasar of Yasovijayji seems to provide a detailed treatment We feel more and more convinced that Shrimad's teachings of the above verse of Shriamd.
are exactly the same as those of Lord Mahavir in the Agam Sutras. Shriamd clearly states that the ignorance about ones self can In fact, Shriamd states in letter no. 322: In the modern times, if never be destroyed by rituals or self control only. One must find any one can understand the true essence of Lord Tirthankara, it is the true master (Sadguru) and follow his Mantras as cited in the definitely me. Because the result of my higher state of self realizaabove stanza to attain self realization. If we study any Jain Agam tion is VitragataIn letter no. 170, he writes: Sutras or the texts of eminent Jain Masters, we find enormous I do not want to be a Tirthankara, but I want to do what emphasis on this matter that Shriamd has condensed in this epic. Tirthankara has said It is said that one can write a million stanzas to expand each of the Since most of us are not capable of understanding or finding original stanzas of Shrimad's Atmasiddishastra. One needs to look time to study the original Agam Sutras, we can use the writings of no further to find such simple and easy to understand process to Shrimad Rajchandra as user friendly Agams for the modern time. attain self realization as provided in this great and immortal epic In fact, the Atmsiddhishstra alone is sufficient for a keen disciple by Shrimad. By composing this epic, Shrimad has made a new to use it as a complete Agam text to determine if one has the right revolution in our time to bring back the original values and im- qualification to be a Mumuxu, how to search for the true master, portance of true Bhakti, the need of a true teacher to pursue the and to follow the stepwise process to unfold the higher state of spiritual path of self realization, and the metaphysics of soul and consciousness. This epic has been translated in English along with matter.
the letter no 491 which is known as the letter of six steps of soul. Many of us often wonder if the philosophy of Jainism is real
It is interesting to note that when Muni Valmiki wrote or not and can it be scientifically reasoned and applied in this age the Ramayan in Sanskrit, only a few sages and scholars followed it of internet. As a professional rheologist, I find the basic philoso- to benefit from it. However, when Tulsidasji composed Ram Charit phy of soul and matter described in Shriamd's Atmasiddhi as sci- Manas in Hindi, it became so popular to the masses. The reason is entific as water being composed of hydrogen and oxygen. When that the later is written in native mother tongue and hence its we drink a glass of water, we hardly ever think of it as hydrogen appeal to the masses. I feel Shrimad's Atmasiddhi and other epic and oxygen molecules because we do not see it that way. The meta- works offer similar user friendly text to the readers and hence their physics of soul and matter is also very scientific. Pure soul is con- popularity and appeal to all sects of Jains is overwhelming. Shrimad sidered inert, formless, and self knowing, while the body and the has indeed condensed the ocean of knowledge from Lord Mahavir's karma are known as organic in nature having physical form. Body Agam Sutras into a golden cup that we all can enjoy and digest and soul coexist due to the bondage of karma due to our igno- easily. Jains and non Jains all will benefit tremendously by studyrance of its true science. In this epic Shrimad has described the ing the writings of Shrimad Rajchandra by developing reverence chemical process how to separate soul from the body and the karma toward this great master who has blessed us with user friendly Jain in a scientific way. He first succeeded in attaining his own self Agams for the 21st century. realization and then described the process for the benefit of all
Shriamd Rajchandra has made a monumental contribution human beings. In other words, this epic can be called universal
to Jainism by providing simple and fluid texts on difficult topics science of 21st century for self realization.
simplified for a layman. He also united Jains of all beliefs into a When we study any of Shrimad's writings we at once feel that unity as Lord Maahvira's students as he wrote in his famous letter he is just quoting the exact words of Lord Mahavir as if he just no. 37: heard the Lord's words right now. In letter number 100, Shrimad Forget about the faith of different sects and sectors; only folwrites, A Each word of a great seer is a summary of infinite Agams. low the Year
or infinite Agams. low the teachings of a true living master. I do not belong to any In Shrimad's Moxmala, when we study the third verse of lesson
religious sect; I only reside in Atma. Go within your self and you no. 67 which states:
will find the eternal bliss and peace. Who am I? Where did I come from?
In conclusion, Shrimad's Atmasiddhishastra and his immorand what is my real form
tal letters will continue to be guiding light for centuries to come Similar question is raised by Lord Mahavir in the 4th Agam and will serve as authentic Agam Sutras for Jain followers of all text Samvayang Sutra and also in the Dasvaikalik Sutra:
ages in search of Lord Mahavir's true and original science of self What is Atma? What is karma? Who is the doer? What is realization. Karma's metaphysics?
22 / JAIN DIGEST. SUMMER 2000 Jain Education Interational 2010_02
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