Book Title: Sahajanandaghana Gurugatha
Author(s): Pratap J Tolia
Publisher: Vardhaman Bharati International Foundation

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________________ Acharya Kunda Kunda and "Samadhisataka” by Acharya Pujyapada. His researches on the works of poets and saints of the medieval times, notably Anandaghana, Yashovijay, Dyanatrai, Banarsidas, Rajchandra and many others are very significant. He has compiled and edited a useful book, viz., "Tattvavijnan", based on the writings and letters of Srimad Rajchandra whom he considered as his spiritual guide and master. It is under the inspiration provided by him that the present writer translated Srimad Rajchandra's "Atmasiddhi Shastra” from Gujarati into Hindi. Besides, the letters written by him and tape-recordings of his speeches, if collected and published, would run into volumes. Sri Sahajananda was above all narrow, sectarian outlook. He had, in fact, acquired and embodied in himself the true spirit of Universal Jainism which is the Religion of the Soul. As for his teachings, he added nothing of his own except simplifying teachings, of the Jainas. His main emphasis has, however, been on self-realisation-to know the self or Atman, and to emancipate it from the encagement of karma. To sum up his teachings in short: 1) The soul is in slumber since ages. Awaken it, realise it and know that thou art the omniscient soul. and not inert body. 2) Even remaining in the body, the soul can be realised quite independent of the body. 3) Create within thyself a deep craving to come into contact with the enlightened souls as they alone can guide thee on the path of salvation. 4) The world is a creditor and we are the debtors and as such, we have to give much and get less. Offer and serve more and acquire less from others. an For these his formula was 'too tera sambhal 'Mind thy Self. Sahajananda's appeal is universal. One who minds his own Self, realises his Self. It is normal for the Jaina monks to have traditional names as given by the Acharya at the time of initiation. But Sri Sahajananda discarded the name Bhadra Muni and assumed the name of Sahajanandaghana. This is because of his non-sectarian views and outlook. He belonged to no sect but to his own Self which was absolute natural joy. The Srimad Rajchandra Ashram, of which Sri Sahajananda was the founder, came into existence after 1961 on a plot of land which came as a gift from Acharya Sri Tolappacharya of the Ramanuja sect and another such gift on Ratnakoot, Hampi, by the Government of Karnataka, through the good offices of Sri R.M. Patil, the then Page 4

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