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Book Review
Spiritual wisdom
C. L. RAMAKRISHNAN
BLISS — The Culmination of Detachment: English translation of the discourses by Upadhyaya Amar Muni, pub. by Sugal & Damani, No.11, Ponnappa Lane, Triplicane, Chennai-600005. Rs. 299.
This handy volume is an English translation by Sugalchand Jain, of the 11 speeches in Hindi by Upadhyaya Amar Muni. These speeches give the quintessence of the scriptural teachings, which should be followed for cutting asunder the trammels of transmigration of the soul. He has quoted from Vedic texts though Jainism generally does not accept the validity of the Vedas. The distinction between “collection of materialist objects” and “possessiveness” ha
s been brought out in a convincing manner. It is of importance to note, as he stresses, that wealth is not an impediment to spiritual progress. In fact, it can be helpful if used in the proper way. Actually, Hindus believe in the formula of Dharma, Artha, Kama and Moksha, which signifies the step-by-step progress of the aspirant. That renunciation is not running away from the world is very well established by him. Escapism has never been advocated by philosophy. Being in the world and not of it is said to be the be-all and end-all of all spiritual pursuits.
Concepts
The concepts raised and expounded are backed by authoritative quotations from texts like Uttaradhyanana Sutra, Aupapaatika Sutra, Tattvartha Sutra, Dasavaikalika Sutra, Dhammapada, and the Mahabharata and from philosophers like Sankara.
A preacher should follow what he preaches to inspire confidence in the people. The life of Mahavira has been outlined in a touching manner to bring home this truth. Mahavira held that the world is transient. Though this has been observed many centuries before Him in the Vedas, the Vedic seers were perhaps not able to reach out to the common man. This, then, marks out Mahavira from the other philosophers. These concepts remind one of the Bhagavad Gita and the Kathopanishad, which declare that practice rather than precept, and devotion than mere study will achieve the desired results.
Detachment
The chapter “Attachment is bondage, detachment liberation” is the core of all philosophies, as may be seen in the Bhagavata Purana, Amrita Bindu Upanishad and in the Tirukkural. This has been very beautifully presented in this chapter. Almost all the speeches centre round avarice. Jain philosophy extols detachment. Avarice is the first and foremost of the evils. Since these were conquered by the seers, they were hailed as “Arihant” — one who has annihilated the six enemies. In sum this is an excellent publication for serious seekers of knowledge. The translator is to be congratulated for spreading the message to a wider audience. As always, if valuable things are seen in quality and not in quantity, this sleek edition is a perfect example.
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