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Letter 27
177
Just see that Samyak Dnyanis are so merciful and have obliged us immensely!
After studying this subject of philosophy i.e. process of self realisation for many many years, they have put forth the same in such simple language for us.
You may ask, "whether you know Swa or Para what difference does it make? In any case we are acquiring knowledge. Then what is a special benefit in knowing Swa?"
It is a very apt and important question. And the answer to it is also very important. Atma is a mass of Dnyan, Darshan, Sukh, Veerya etc. and many other infinite attributes. Wherever there is Dnyan the presence of all the other infinite attributes is established through their Avinabhavi Sambandha. When Dnyan knows Swa i.e. one's own self, all the other attributes of Atma are also experienced. And this experience is itself extra sensory pleasure or Bliss; in other words Ateendriya ni Dnyan i.e. the knowledge which is attained beyond the help of sensory organs is inclusive of Ateendriya Anand after an i.e. extra sensory pleasure. Bliss is inseparable from Atma Dnyan. This Jeev is Blissful just as it is full of knowledge.
In scriptures Atma is described by different words from the point of view or with reference to the different qualities of Atma e.g. Chitghana faqua i.e. mass of Chaitanya i.e. sentience, Vidnyanghana faşın i.e. mass of Dnyan, Anandaghana i i.e. mass of Bliss, Veeryaghana adi.e. mass of vitality etc.
This Bliss is independent; and does not need the help from any other substances, it can not be obstructed or disturbed by any thing else and once attained it is always constant. It does not increase or decrease because of any thing else from outside and it is tension free.
You may say," We get pleasure even by knowing Para Padarthas as well; e.g. while earning wealth, watching T.V. or consuming sweets or good food etc. ". But all these pleasures are sensory pleasures and are depending on other things. In this pleasure the existence of many other objects is essential. Your sensory organs have to be in healthy condition; the presence of objects of pleasure like wealth, T.V., food etc. is also necessary. And despite the existence of all these things if your health is not good or you are sick none of these things can give you pleasure. Above all, one is never sure as to when these pleasures will vanish. This pleasure is always associated with anxiety. In acquiring these pleasures
