Art and Science of Self-Realization

by Jagdish Prasad Jain ‘Sadhak’

This volume on the moral discipline of a householder by Amrtachandra is a masterly exposition of the means (upaya) to attain the highest objective of human endeavour (purusharthasiddhi), i.e. self-realization.

It argues that the external behaviour of the conscious self (purusha) cannot be divorced from the world of his inner thoughts and feelings. The book stresses that internal aspects or the self-referential spiritual perspective of nishchaya naya (viewpoint) plays the primary role in the life of an individual, whereas the external, other-referential, ethico-social perspective of vyavahara naya performs a secondary or supporting role. The two viewpoints are complementary to one another and are essential for understanding the reality of things. 

This excellent treatise defines ahimsa (non-violence) as non-emergence of attachment, aversion, pride, greed, etc., thereby emphasizing internal purity which ensures both individual peace and happiness as well as social well-being.  The book will be useful to scholars and students of Indian philosophy and religion, particularly Jainism