This chapter is the English translation of Gujarati Book Title - Sadhak and Sathi Author - Shri Atmanandji (Dr. Soneji) CHAPTER - 10 STUDY OF SELF (SVADHYAYA-SHILATA) BACKGROUND Study of Self is a basic necessity in various stages of spiritual progress (Sadhana). It is incomparable and indispensable. It yields immediate reward and is considered to be the guide to all other means. All the preceptors of various schools of philosophy in the world, have accepted its unique importance. Each one of them has given it its due place in the methods of Sadhana propounded by them. Looking from the absolute point of view, the fruit of engaging in self-studying is self-realization. To obtain the benefits of self-study, association with another self-realized soul, or the following of his spiritual instructions, is necessary. Three stages can be considered in the development of the Sadhana of self-study. 1. Obtaining time for study. 2. Careful study of scriptures. 3. Attainment of the supreme state of self-study, by continuously practicing contemplation of the acquired knowledge. In the first stage, the aspirant requires contact with the noble and learned persons. If he is firmly convinced that he wants to indulge in self-study, he will spare an hour or two from his busy life from business or service or domestic work. He should then put his efforts into the acquirement of knowledge in this spare time, and gradually go on creating greater and greater leisure by resorting to a secluded life and create more and more interest in advancing his scriptural studies. In the second-stage, study of good scriptures means those that lead to higher spiritual knowledge. If one studies the scriptures in the proper order, as laid down by the experienced and the learned saints, greater benefit will be derived. During the course of this study, one can constantly or occasionally stay in an Ashram with learned saints. He can also strengthen his knowledge by reading, writing, thinking, memorizing, pondering, and discussing with others. These different methods of studies, when combined harmoniously with success and joy, lead to great advancement of knowledge in a short time. As the knowledge acquired in this way is methodical, purposeful, useful, and blissful, and again, because it has been acquired in the presence of and under the guidance of some enlightened saint, it leads the aspirant to a great height of spiritual progress in a very short time. In the third and the last stage, further progress is required to be made by practicing in life the principles, which have been learned so far. This leads to the experience and conviction that the soul (Atma) is a pure consciousness, and its nature is truth, knowledge and bliss (Sacchidananda). Once this happens, all impure and sorrowful thoughts are gone. The aspirant realizes that passion (Kama), anger (Krodha), and infatuation (Moha) are doors to hell, he cultivates the virtues of non-attachment, forgiveness and contentment. Whether in worldly activities such as bathing, taking food, business, and other exchanges, family relations and their problems. Or in spiritual activities such as devotion, association with saintly persons, self-study, worship, daily spiritual activity, meditation, and so on the routine of the continued divine awareness should be cultivated. The feeling that I am "Sadhaka Atma" should be persevered with such intentness that life becomes remolded and the fragrance of virtues spreads in each activity of our life, and our entire life becomes propitious to ourselves as also to others. If we could accomplish this successfully, self-knowledge (Atma-jnana), self-meditation (Atma-Samadhi) and self-joyfulness (Atma-ananda) will surely manifest themselves, because of the principle that the appropriate causes having been provided the invariable association must manifest. GLORY OF ENGAGEMENT IN SELF-STUDY 1. We cannot make headway on the path of salvation without knowing what it is. We must therefore know the path through the sermons of a learned preceptor or through the study of the sublime scriptures. 2. True renunciation (Tyaga) is not possible without a proper understanding of what is to be given up and what is to be accepted. 3. Real compassion cannot be actually practiced without proper knowledge. Knowledge is therefore a forerunner of the practice of real compassion. 4. In this world of ours nothing is more sacred than knowledge. 5. Acquisition of the best of things is not possible without best efforts. Hence with a firm determination, a person must constantly cultivate the vow of self-study (Svadhyaya). He should not give up self-study in spite of difficulties, only such a noble and great aspirant attains to an established state of self-study (Svadhyaya). 6. By following this method and also by constantly engaging in study, one attains to concentration in Svadhyaya. Self realization and equanimity of the soul dawn on their own in this very life as the reward par excellence of Svadhyaya. 7. Indulgence in self-study reveals countless virtues. One becomes conscious about truth and untruth; intellect dawns; doubts are set at rest; the grasp of Reality dawns; the habit to resort to illogical attitudes leaves the mind. The fame of such a aspirant spreads far and wide. 8. Pride, anger, negligence, disease, and laziness are the five obstacles in the acquirement of knowledge (Vidya). With diligence and care, the aspirant should avoid these and exert constant efforts to acquire knowledge. 9. Just as humility is essential for acquisition of knowledge, similarly even after knowledge is acquired, it shines forth only through humility. A really learned person is always humble and ever continues to be so. LIVING EXAMPLES OF SELF-STUDY (1) About 150 years ago, Maharaja (king) Jagatesh of Jaipur, of the state of Rajasthan, India, who was very just, impartial and devoted to the service of his people. Many educated scholars visited his court and were duly honored. One of his ministers was Shri Jaichand Chhavda, a scholar of great merit. He had a son name Nandlalji, who was also working for the state. Both father and son were very famous and high ranking scholars. Their knowledge of the scriptures was shining forth with their spiritual Sadhana. They had contributed uniquely by translating Jain scriptures in old Hindi Language. Once, a great scholar (pundit), who had defeated many other scholars in different parts of India, arrived at Jaipur and made the following announcement, "If nobody enters into a discussion on the meaning of scriptures (Shastras) with me within five days, I shall take myself as victorious over all in this city and the state." The king was puzzled, no scholar in the city came forward to enter into discussion with this outsider. On the advice of some, the Maharaja approached Shri Jaichand and requested him to save the prestige of the state. Shri Jaichand sent his son Nandlal for discussion with the Pundit. Nandlal defeated the pundit easily. The King decided to honor the father and the son in public. On learning this, Shri Jaichand told the Maharaja, "I do not believe in disputation but I arranged this dialogue on the scriptures (Shastras) only to save the prestige of the state. I do not need any certificate of honor. If you are really pleased with me, please release me two hours earlier from my duties to the state. This will enable me to devote more time to my spiritual progress and study of authentic scriptures (Shastras), so that I can make my life more meaningful." He was a real Pundit. His detachment and indulgence in self- study prove that he was a man of great spiritual heights. Let us give honor to this great man Shri Jaichand Chhavda! (2) In the 18th century, after finishing his studies in Logic and Philosophy, Pundit Shri Ramnath settled near a town called Navadwip in the state of Bengal, India. He taught students religion and literature. He did not accept any salary or other benefits from the state. One day his wife told him that she had no wheat flour to make bread (Chapatis). He replied, "Cook whatever is available in the house." She cooked rice and boiled tamarind leaves. He praised how delicious the meal was. Maharaja Shivachandra of Krishnanagar had heard about this great Pundit and his economic condition; and had invited him to the palace. But Punditji never visited. At last the king visited and inquired, "Punditji, do you have any inconvenience? Is there any way I can be helpful to you or your family or deliver household goods?" Pundit answered, "As far as my household goods are concerned, inquire with my wife!" The king went in the house, bowed to the lady and inquired the same way adding he will consider himself lucky to supplement any need. The lady in a very dignified way indicated, that their needs were more or less met with. The king bowed to this detached personality of the lady and left. The next day he sent various items to the family but they returned everything except provision for three days. The king and the citizens worshipped the couple in their hearts. (3) In 1927, at a farewell function at Kashi University, the Professor of Logic inquired of all graduating students, "What do you aim of your life?" Someone wanted to become a Judge, someone else a college professor, or a principal etc. However, when it was the turn of Sumeruchandra Diwakar, he replied, "The ultimate goal of my life is to attain godliness". The professor said, "Look, how high the goal of life is of this Jain student! His feeling is that spiritual attainment is more blissful than worldly status!" The inspiring words of the professor had a magical effect on the minds of the students. Shri Sumeruchandra is today a life-long celibate, busy in the devotion of the Goddess of Learning. He has propagated the Aryan (traditional Hindu) culture and the Jain religion (Dharma) in many countries. Even today, at the age of 72, he is busy in studying the scriptures and has written many authentic and scholarly books and articles. Some time back Justice Dwivedi sought the meaning of the word "JAIN" from him and he replied, "A `JAIN' is one who is endowed with the following virtues: J = Just - he loves justness A = Affectionate - he is really affectionate I = Introspective - he is the tester of his inner-self N = Noble - his dealings are always noble.