JAINISM----WAYS TO CONNECT WITH GOD---------!!!

As usual after much time gap I could attend the lecture of Gurudeo, This was my first lecture after returning back to India. Few young students were participating in today's lecture. To guide youth section of my blog, I decided to cover the discussion in this blog. Hope it will fetch desired results with all age groups particularly youngsters.

A student sent a question on piece of paper. Gurudeo read it, it was saying------"Sir, I do not know the reason but I could not connect to spirituality or God. Please explain me the possible reasons and ways to connect with Almighty. It will be highly obligatory for my soul.

  Gurudeo looked at the student & started to address the audiences.
 Here is the the summary of lecture. It can certainly help to all of us.
"No doubt everybody can connect with God. But it requires some changes in daily routine. I guess a working youth has no spare time 
except weekend i.e. Saturday and Sunday. Both  the days are usually utilized to have restoration of energy for body and mind by so called entertainment .With this time table of five days full work and two days full enjoyment. it is difficult to connect with God, I really feel.

Each day in the morning-- start to spare some time for mediation. Later on it can take full form of Samaik. In the process one has to change mind set and must learn to differentiate between soul and body. So far most time we have  prayed to God for material things. pleasure or for end of sufferings. Now onward we have to  pray to free soul from all sufferings caused by series of births and deaths. As per Jainism God only shows way to salvation, He should not be looked for any other domestic or material help of different nature.

With closed eyed sitting in a clean place one can engage in thinking process with following two questions in full concentration of mind.

1) Where from I came to take birth on this Earth ? Where I will go after death ? Is it mine's only life ? or is it one out of so many births waiting behind. What is the reason and purpose of my this birth--?.
2) What I brought at time when I took birth ? What I will take back while leaving? Empty hands seems probable answer. Is it correct--?
It may be difficult to have answer for first question in the beginning while the second question has simple answer -Nothing, Second one

answer has universal acceptance and nobody will or can dispute it.

Here you have to find answer if ---I cannot take any penny with me, then why I am greedy and keep running after money all the time and madly loving it. The nothing answer refers to physical or material things. But while leaving one always carries good or bad name and fame for his contribution during his lifetime known as 'Karman Body " in Jainism. It is root cause which shapes destiny.

Now if you want to know answer of first question you have to learn basics of Jainism like Gati (4 categories of taking  birth), Jaati (five categories of living souls on basis of organs) and nine Tatva. Here be careful not to get trapped in wrong answers, One basic test one has to follow that no one can arrange birth, death and sufferings for you. Only Your Karma alone related to past, present or future has this power. From net of mighty Karmas, there cannot be escape.
 In the beginning you may not agree to the basics. To verify it you have to visit following four places and make keen observations.

1] Hospital : Here you can see the various sufferings from kids to old people with categories of curable to incurable diseases. The place will puzzle you to know the root causes of all such sufferings of us.

2] Courts : Here you can see all types of disputes ranging from divorce, property claims, cheating, frauds, murder and so on. You will be surprised to know both parties to disputes were  connected with love or friendship in past. The place will give you idea of truth of human relationships and put a question in your mind whether all relationships are really permanent ? If they are worth than soul-- ?.

3] Old age homes or Day care centers for kids. Here you can again see the testing of human relations and reduced power of body. Same body which was talk of town once upon a time is now dependent on  nurses to have daily routines. Here you can know the effect of time factor and limitations of human body. One can visualize his old age appearance with white or no hair and almost all teeth missing. He can wonder whether it is the same body for whose taste and growth he went for drinks and non vegetarian food allowing killing of  much

innocent animals and birds. If one start thinking process here he can find one truth that body is mortal while soul is immortal. Hence to be more cautious for soul is the real need of this fifth Kalchakra period.

4] Graveyard : The place has it's clients base irrespective of ages. The entrant  may be small kid, youth or old one. The matter will again surprise you that there is no first in first out basis followed here. No age limit. It will show you the power of death. Now you can not bank of immortality concept for self. Last visit to this place is most certain event for each living soul. Then why to engage in activities that are harmful to others--?. Let the individual thinking process begin by asking this question to each of us.
        With such observations and with so many lessons taught by life and surroundings your thought process will start to change from material world to spiritual world. Soon you will decide to allot more time to mediate as it awards inner peace to practitioners.
Now you will be more interested to find  truth and mystery of life.

 With reading Jain Literature slowly you can know the true meaning of life and importance of actions of mind, speech and body. Later on with study of "Karma" theory you will know the root cause of all sufferings. With passage of time you will acquire correct knowledge. With correct knowledge the faith will be corrected. True knowledge and correct faith are the basics to connect with God. Now what was seemed as difficult can be very easy and in eye sight and too easy to  
reach Just see the  absolute change in thinking process  and thus the connectivity can be established- "Gurudeo concluded.

 JAI JINENDRA-----------!!!------------- JAI MAHAVEER------!!!.

U.S--HAPPINESS AND PROSPERITY-------------!!!

In direct way this blog is not related to it's theme of Salvation and Jainism. But in indirect sense it definitely relates to it. As Jain brothers settled in U.S. can try to give the contents a thought. It was last day of my stay at U.S. During my stay I became member of  Indian Parents of working youngsters .On my last day I was offered send off by the group, During our meeting naturally the topic was good things of U.S and the areas needed to be covered by India.

Here with I summarize views of my friends. Not necessarily correct.

No doubt since  majority of members have not visited other countries and had also limited U.S. area covered, views expressed herewith cannot be taken as final or expert views .
1-First View--- In my view the visit is a experience to watch life style. Historical places or sight seeing is common in all visits. But what impressed me is to see happy people. The country's success can be attributed to vision. They preferred to sell knowledge or new ideas to rest of world instead of serving local market demands, Let it be software ,defense, aircraft or other innovative products. For it they have provided basic peace, free society and hassle free education system with world class Universities. That is reason nine out of ten

biggest corporate giants belong to US. If mind is free and tension free, it can think differently and can aim to achieve what seems to be difficult. A unique or innovative product can enjoy monopoly ,give the country price advantage making the exchange rate strong. Such products take care of local youth job creation beside creating global employment opportunities, Education within specified radius of the location is free in public schools. Students are encouraged to have varied interest in music ,arts and orator skills and other development.

The country welcomes all scholars in spite of caste, breed or nationality to part good education at their price. If one has new idea authorities  are all set to assist him with his venture or start up.
2-Second View---I feel clear cut laws and corruption free efficient enforcement agency make the life of middle class enjoyable. A quick judiciary system creates confidence in law of land. I do not think an ordinary man is ever required to visit any officer, or public officer or representative to get his work done. Most work can be possible on line. In our country school admission of a kid can be a challenge. Here the green card grant requires certain period. In this period the personal record of a individual is tracked. It automatically makes the person responsible citizen. It offers transparent data of an individual. It can help to have good records candidates in elections. Kid are being taught civic sense and discipline  since school days. For them it is almost important to see that our actions are not causing any smallest inconvenience to others, People are not free to throw garbage any where or park vehicles any where, In our country We  had to run cleanliness mission orally  ( with out providing steel bins on street ). No doubt literacy plays a big role. Green lawns ,big roads ,big fly overs .big cars all create a fascination for newcomer. One can observe smiling crowd on street. In our country we step out our

house with unknown fear. Even birds like pigeons are not afraid of human being. It is a symbol of fearless society. Almost every where there is separate arrangement for handicapped be it bus ,restroom or footpath. It's care treatment is worth copying. They believe in theory  of prevention rather than disaster management. Every house must have smoke alert device for fire warning signal. Majority of trucks must be covered permanent body for safety and convenient objects.
Staring at woman is  bad manner there, while we could not eradicate rape related crimes and molestation. I really envy the smiling faces of crowd. They trust you completely (I do not know if due to CCTV coverage or otherwise).In all malls we visited, never had we been subjected to physical security check except  only for airports.
3-Third View--In my opinion the country is  enjoying fruits of better infrastructure. Minimum six lines of concrete roads. world class airports. railway stations and buses make the life easy. It caused very flourishing  business of automobile and all other transportation mode with auxiliary units. It can add to their development and prosperity. 
Traffic rules are so strict with camera and radar assistance any rule broken can be taken care with ticket accompanied by violation incident photograph. Self adjusting signals, dividers so many good things one can observed. The minimum gap between two cars is to be maintained. No horn blowing is required. Pedestrian  are being given priority to cross roads. A rare sight in Our country. Most cities are planned. Streets are identified by two directions and  two number section and intersection. It avoid personal names of buildings, roads.

4-Fourth View---- In my view the benefits of progress are reached to bottom. Minimum wages ranges from 12$ onward for a hour. It made labor costly, It resulted into more automation and self sufficiency. There is total gender equality. In our country, we do not allow certain jobs to woman. I could not see any such restrictions here. One can see women power in almost all field. With strict visa regulation there is check on inward flow. The country had blessing of natural resources .ample land and manageable population. With better good administration opportunities are turned into realities for youngsters.

5-Fifth View--I liked the county. But will not like my kids to settle here. I feel absence of spirituality here. Youth work hard for five days. On week ends enjoys life  socially. The society is too open. One can have weapons easily. Since they believe in free life, no curb on some non essential luxuries. Too much of anything can lead to depression or psychological problems They needed spiritual guidance to distinguish between good deeds and bad deeds (Sin  and Punya) with mediation to have inner peace as taught in Jainism. It can be good in long run.
I had very tough time to search for Jain or pure vegetarian food. Indian settled here are trying to keep cultural link alive by calling parents to mix with kids, Indian language classes and religious classes etc.. That is a ray of hope.

The gathering lasted for  nearly two hours.It was a nice experience.
It was a sweet flash back of my memories of U.S It showed me that willingness, right education. and participation of people can make any country Great---------!!! Let us dream to bring good things of it to our country and make it great. It is difficult but not impossible.

JAI JINENDRA------------!!!---- JAI MAHAVEER--------------!!!.

JAINISM --- GURUDEO MEETING DEFNCE EXPERTS----WAR AND JAINISM-----!!!.

In my spare time. I was referring notes complied from lectures of Gurudeo, One note which covered discussion on non-violence and war between panel of Defense experts and Gurudeo attracted my attention, So I thought to make it subject of my today's blog since each day we are on verge of explosion of tension.
 "Sir, in modern times how one can justify Non-violence--The main theory of Jainism- when all nations are well equipped with weapons, air crafts, nukes and forces. Not a single year passes when any single Nation  avoids allocation to defense budget" one expert from panel asked Gurudeo on starting note. Others were anxious for answer.

 Gurudeo looked at him and replied -"Sir we both, belongs to entire different worlds. Mine is spiritual one while yours's is material. All my beliefs are based on faith that Lord Mahaveer's preaching is ultimate Truth. Your beliefs are based on facts, logic, discussion, and
proofs, economy, employment data, power, foreign policy, arguments and so on. Still I can provide you my version of answer for the basic reasons to avoid wars. My beliefs are based on my faith pf Jainism.

Here you can have more study of 2 Chapters from Bhagwatisutra to understand  my answer better. Local guy can help you to read it.
1-12/07-It's part one tells us that each soul has so far established relationship with every other soul in various capacity such as mother, father, brother. sister, spouse, friend and so on over period of time. Since we all are here from ever  may be in various different forms.

2-12/07- part two tells us that, we had life and death in all locations of this universe.(Except Annutaar Viman and as Devi  in 3rd to 12 heavens as it's pre salvation last but one life,
Study of both chapters connect us with each other without a single doubt. Now you will not like to kill your ex-relative I believe, Now let us examine how  it is possible to be true. Why the one world one family concept is true even though seems difficult in practical life.

1-Area of Universe is too large-----------The point needs no further explanation. Simply no one can claim --   oh! see that is the last point where sky ends. Science also believes it through milky ways galaxy.
2-Existence of Universe is far ever.-Jainism terms the period as to be "Anadhi-Anant" means neither it has beginning nor it has end. It means years passed so far is beyond human counting methods.

3-Soul is also for ever and permanent. Each soul is bound to pass through cycles of life and death due to Karmas theory.(B/S 09/33). The cycles ends only when one attains salvation. Only free souls will have no relationship of any kind. Otherwise in each life each soul has establish or renew relationships with all other living souls.
4-Kaalchakra Period----We measure years passed by number like 2017 and so on. Jainism counts single cycle as Kaalchakra consisting of one Awasarpini period and second Utasarpini one. One kalchakra covers total period of 20 Kodakodi Sagropam. In simple term it is much more than 20 crores years multiplied by 20  

 crores years Just imagine the period we and universe have been here and various location we have stayed. Such long existence certainly establishes relationship with all in different period of time. No we cannot remember them in current life term. But in real sense we all belong to each other in one or some other way.

So you will not like to kill your relative or friend of  past. More over it is not certain that you will take birth in same country next time for which you are fighting now, You can not tolerate pain if a sharp nail enters your feet So just imagine the pain one will suffer to tolerate bullet injury or bomb explosion. Death can only end his all suffering.
 A bullet not only kills a soldier but indirectly it ensures  indirect death of family and friends, If one has post war study of all wars undertaken by human race one can conclude that the basic objects remains unsolved even after war. Only it sowed seeds of full hate

between two warring nations for ever. So Non violence cannot be irrelevant at any given point of time as you said. Jainism cannot support a quarrel between two individuals then how it can support war between two or more nations ? No it can never support such one.
Jain  take care not to hurt small ant while walking and term it as non violence-thus you can imagine how minutely they mean non-violence. Hence there is a big no to war from us.

  I know immediately you will not accept my version. But if you decides to walk a step forward towards spiritual world I am sure some day ours thoughts will definitely match. because truth always  prevails" Gurudeo concluded his point by point reply to questions .
The panel seemed to be in deep thinking mode. Heart seemed to accept what Gurudeo has told but brain seemed to be in deep confusion. Only time will tell how their thought process shaped on this subject in future,

JAI JINENDRA----------!!!-------- JAI MAHAVEER-----------!!!.

JAINISM--WELCOME CHATURMAS--- 2016-----------!!!

One of my Blog Reader asked me to share time table for coming Chaturmas with a brief on it's importance. Here are the details with a hope that it can also guide other devotees.

I have here Pakkhi Panchang of Sthanakwasi traditions based on it the time table is being provided. Brothers and sisters having faith in different branches of Jainism need to make necessary adjustments to follow Chaturmas. As Thithi calculations differ the difference arise.

1) 19-07-2016: Full Moon day - Starting Chaturmas .
2) 30/08/2016 to  06/09/2016: Paryusan Parva.
3) 06/09/2016: Panchmai - Sawastari Mahaparva,
4) 07/09/2016: Khamatkhamna - Forgiveness Day.
5) 30/10/2016: Dipawali - Full dark day (Amawasya).It is being
 celebrated as Mahaveer Bhagwan's Nirwan /Moksha day.
6) 14-11-2016: Full Moon Day - Chaturmas Ending.

For eight months we keep running after body and money. Bhagwan Mahaveerswami asked all devotees to reserve 4 months for soul and it's introspection. Every Jain and other who seek to attain salvation in future must utilize maximum period of this Chaturmas.
 Those four months of monsoon favors maximum birth of plants. To avoid harms to them Bhagwan asked all monks (Sadhus and Sadhvies) to stay at one place in this period. Soon all cities will witness arrival of Gurudeo as per approval of Chaturmas places.

So be ready to have maximum religious engagements with them to purify our soul to maximum extent. In case one is too busy mark not to miss the date 06/09/2016 means Sawastari .On this day next life fixation chances are maximum. Every one must aim for fast and his presence in Pratikaman. Just try not to miss all lectures based on the "Antagarhasutra" during eight days of Paryusan.

It has magnetic power of motivation to take Diksha  detach listener self from domestic affairs .How a true follower of Bhgwan Mahaveer swami can miss his last lectures of "Uttaradhyanasutra " on day of Veernirvan- ?.Bhagwan has covered so many useful contents in it.
OK Friends wish you all the best to reduce maximum burden of negative deeds in this Chaturmas.Have maximum "Nirjara".

JAI MAHAVEER----------!!!--------- JAI JINENDRA----------!!!.

JAINISM-THEORY OF BIRTH AND LIFE--------------!!!

Last week was really hectic for me. I have to leave for USA (Seattle) to be with my son and other personal issues. The Blog viewers number crossed the mark of 25 K, so I have to meet Gurudeo to get idea of new subject for Blog as a token of gratitude and celebration. Anyhow, I happened to participate in said question/answer session. Gurudeo was answering questions related to life formation theory of Jainism. I cover it as it is of immense interest to all of Jain devotees.

 Following is the brief point wise summary of reply by Gurudeo.
1) Nobody is immortal while soul is immortal, birth and death cycles are being governed by individual Karma till salvation is being attained. Soul is permanent forever and body is perishable.
2) Life category (Gati) and it's term in particular life was already being fixed by actions and Karma of immediately preceding last birth ( Bhagwati-05/3 ).There cannot be any minute second change.

3) Term so fixed cannot be changed by anyone or any reason. There may be apparent clinical or other reason which can be attributed to such timely or untimely death, but it is not  real truth .Real reason can be known with Kevaldyan only. (Sopkram and Nirupkram term Bhagwatisutra chapter - 20/10 and Lavsaptamdeo example-14/07).
4) Life fixation for next life happens during current life only once and that too unknowingly to the soul concerned or any other ordinary human,(Bhagwati 07/06 and Pradnyapana). It  involves six phases. Jati, Gati. term, shape, happiness or suffering and severity.
5)-Soul lives life which arise out of term fixed (Uday-Prapta) .

Once it gets exhausted the soul leaves current body.(Bhagwatisutra o1/o2) and travel to destination fixed at Aayushyabandha time.
6) Reasons of short/ long life span, happy/painful long life span are being explained in Bhagwatisutra- 05/06 and 07/06) which mainly consists incurring  18 sins( Violence to wrong faith) and remaining absent from such sins most of time. It can be by Pachkkan-Virati.
7) Souls in Heaven and Hell have fixed life span. They fix next life position before expiry of six months of current term, while for all other categories life span can be of both type-fix or flexible.

8) Particles of soul (Aatmapradesh) goes to one place only while taking new birth.  In no case there is division of soul's particles over different locations . ( Bhagwatisutra chapter 01/07 ).
9) Soul takes birth is same Leshya in which he leaves previous body-Bhagwati- 9/32. Leshya means emotion and sentiments.
10) If the soul of human leaves body while in right and correct faith (Samyagdrishti) ,he gets life in heaven while in similar state soul in hell /heaven gets human life. Right faith is faith based on Jinwani.
Human life is only life where one can reduce the life cycles by efforts in right direction as guided by Jainism Philosophy. So let us try to cut seeds of life and death in current life."

I took leave from Gurudeo for such long holiday and left venue.  I thanked him for such a marvelous brief which covered such important topic. All important points with reference are covered.
For my Blog Readers in Seattle ,I will be available  at mail address in case any clarification for blog articles.

JAI JINENDRA---------!!!!----------JAI MAHAVEER----------!!!.

JAINISM -CONQUERING FEAR OF DEATH-----------!!!

The question and answer session attended by me on last full moon day was a blessing for me. Just sharing the answer by Gurudeo for my Blog readers, Gurudeo was answering question by a devotee "Sir, Why always I am being surrounded by fear of death-----------------?. 
Can you please guide me to overcome it so that ,I can live the normal life like many of us.." The devotee with much soft tone put request by offering Gurudeo Vandana by three Tikkhuto Path with respect.

  "Please excuse me-- and do not take it otherwise- Gurudeo started 
 conversation. A true Jain follower never fear for death or anything because he knew Karma theory and the basic first lesson respected  Pujya Bhagwan Mahaveerswami told to his principle 11 disciples.
It is called "Tripadi".With this Tripadi Gandhar Bhagwan compose

whole set of Aagams. It is the foundation stone of Jainism and spell out mainly the nature of soul and non living substance appropriately.

 The Tripadi is "Uppnneva ( apparent rebirth ) ,Vigameeva (apparent death/destruction), Dhuveva ( permanent, existence). This famous doctrine of Jainism is known as "Nityatvawaad"----- always present.
( continuous and permanent existence).With  their high and extra ordinary intellectual level Ghandhar  grasp- what Bhagwan wants to communicate with those three words only.Then they compose Agam

 Let me explain it -Universe has only two basic Dravya---Jivdravya 

( which cause living soul ) and Ajeevadravya ( causing non living material ). Both these basics are infinite in number and permanent in nature for all time to come. Roots of all world- what we see is this.

Their form may differ since each element has so many conversion options as per individual Karma involved. But in any circumstances one will not take form of former or vice versa. Simply living cannot turn out to be non living and like. Let us study Tripadi of Bhagwan.
Meaning of Tripadi is "When new option seems to come into being  in existence, the old option comes to an end but original substance is there for ever" It underlines the permanent nature of all living souls.

 The process of conversation may continue for definite or indefinite period for living soul till salvation is being obtained. For Abhavi and non living ones the process will be forever with total different forms.
For liberated souls there will not any rebirth so no changes in form of pure soul  called "Siddha". They will be at one place in constantly.

For example a man dies. He takes rebirth as God in heaven. On such term expiry ,he take birth in hell or plant or animal or human. Means the form or Gati or category may change but the original Dravya will always be the soul. Hence it is called that soul is immortal and never dies. In all forms ,he will be always there in this universe.

Now let us take non living category example of gold chain. It is melted and coin is being prepared. After some time the coin was again melted and ring/necklace prepared out of it. Means design or shape may be changed but basic non living metal will always remain as metal. It will not change nor will convert into living element at any given point of time. The conclusion is it's permanent existence.

 Thus the soul cannot be seen, cut, burnt or cached. It is there for ever. Living souls are fixed in numbers. It's Siddha category keeps increasing or constant balance four categories keeps changing. Though as a whole the  total number is fixed, and unchangeable. A
 liberated soul is a living  soul one without body residing at the top of Universe in eternal peace and in non movement state forever.

 If one knows this basic permanent theory, then one will not carry unnecessary burden of fear. So need of hour it to study Aagams where Bhagwan has unfolded many apparent mysteries of life." I thanked Gurudeo for unfolding such basic thing and helping us to lead a fearless life.Once you know soul is immortal fear vanishes.

 JAI JINENDRA-------!!!---------- JAI MAHAVEERA---------!!!.