Traverses on Less Trodden Path of Indian Philosophy and Religion

Author(s): Yajneshwar S Shastri
Publisher: L D Indology Ahmedabad

Page 204

Ātmabodha (Alocanä) of Padmanandi
195
justifies the title Ātmabodha. Though small in size, it is a very important hymn from the Jaina religious point of view, It seems to be a sponteneous expression of a mystic mind in its attempt to realise the Supreme Reality i.e. Ātman on the religious plane. This hymn is full of rhythm, vigour and insight, that inspire one for self-realization. This work is in the form of a prayer. Prayer is nothing but an expression of inner devotion. It is a firm belief of the author that devotional thoughts and prayers directed towards Jipesa bring the highest happiness (Liberation) here and now. The entire hymn can be summarised in the following manner : The way shown by the Jina leads one to the state of self-realisation, Self-awareness is nothing but a state of complete desirelessness and the realisation of sameness of all (Samatā). Jina is a perfact soul and treasure of bliss. Meditation on him, with an unflinching faith, constantly remembering his name and following the path of three jewels, which consist of Right faith, Right knowledge and Right conduct, one attains the highest object of life (ie., liberation). Firm faith in Jina will save one from the fear of birth, old age and death. Jina is like a good parasel of shower-bath, for the worldly people who are tormented by the strong heat of mundane life. Everything in the world is momentary and worthless, Jina - a perfect soul- is the only Reality, and knowledge, faith, bliss and vigour belong to this Reality. If Jina - the ultimate Reality-is realised, then everything else, automatically becomes known and nothing remains to be attained. Thus. Jina should only be prayed, remembered and saluted.
Whatever blemishes occur through negligence and doubt in the practice of religious duties and whatever sins occur thereby will become null and void after confessing one's own faults in the presence of Jina. Jineša is omniscient, knows everything. Still, for purification of one's own mind, one has to contess one's own faults in the presence of omniscient Lord. The main purpose of self-confession is to divest one's self from similar faults further and attain internal purification. Man's mind is very perplexed, deluded and thus, man commits endless faults. And it is wellnigh impossible to expiate them. It is only possible by withdrawing the mind from external objects and uniting oneself with the Universal Ātman by deep meditation and solemn contemplation. It is the only method to attain to the state of Jina. Mind is very fickle and nature of it is such that even after renouncing all worluly objects and taking shelter in forest, it runs towards the worldly objects. Control over the mind is possible only through concentrating it on the Supreme Self.
This mundane life is full of miseries and Nirväna is the only happiness. In this transitory world the only solace is the Jina's feet--the highest