Shrimad Rajchandra
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Shrimad Rajchandra (1867-1901), the most enlightened saint and poet of recent times is recognized as the ideal symbol of ‘clarity, purity and holiness as it should be’. This is best reflected in HIS literature captured in the scripture ‘Vachanamrut’, which world over is becoming one of the simplest inspirational source of eternal truth. It is one of the leading scriptures being researched upon, attracting several interpretations and translations. Mahatma Gandhiji kept contact with HIM for obtaining clarity on spiritualism and derived his spiritual inspiration from Life History of Shrimad Rajchandra Life History of Shrimad Rajchandra After Lord Mahavir achieved Liberation (about 2600 years ago), those trying to re-establish the order of detachment or the six schools of ‘Aatma Dharma’ i.e. Philosophy of Self-Realisation, got divided; leading to differences and conflicts amongst themselves. Religion was no longer what one strived to attain but merely became a topic for debate, arguments and discussions; creating a situation of disharmony. Amidst, these conditions, a child was born, a revolutionary and an incarnation of Pure Knowledge. The day was 9th November 1867, the night of full moon day (Chaitra Sud Poonam). When the Sun rises, its rays dispel the gloom and darkness, similarly, Shrimad Rajchandra’s birth brought the universal philosophy of the Soul (Aatman) back into its true light, exactly as was preached by Lord Mahavir and all other Great Souls who succeeded on the path of Self-Realisation. His birth itself brought the rays of Tatva Gyan - the Philosophy of Self, which had got lost in the name of Dharma (Religion).
Shrimad Rajchandra (gratefully and respectfully addressed as “Param Krupaludev” by his disciples) took the world by surprise right from the time HE was born. Born as a highly advanced enlightened soul, HE was endowed with exceptional powers since childhood. HE chanted mantras before He started speaking. He achieved ‘Jaati Smriti Gyan’ (clear remembrance and vision of several past lives) at the age of 7, started writing poems at the age of 8 and wrote 5000 lines in the first year itself and composed Ramayana & Mahabharata in verse at the age of 10. At the age of 11 and 12, He contributed several articles to newspapers on issues such as need for women-education, etc. and won several prizes. As a child, He surprised everyone with His mystic powers of clairvoyance, mind-reading (Manahparyav Gyan) and perfection. At the age of 16, He wrote the entire book “Mokshmala’ – Path towards Liberation (a unique text of 108 golden lessons) in a span of just 3 days. HE possessed immense memory powers and publicly performed ‘Shatavadhan’ (performing 100 things at a time) at the age of 19. This was witnessed by the Governor General & other leading personalities of Mumbai. He won several medals and his amazing feats were widely covered by several newspapers then, including The Times of India. Amazed by his exceptional art and memory powers, Queen Victoria invited Him for performance in foreign countries but He thought that such publicity could hinder his quest towards Self-Realization and refused the offer to visit Great Britain (120 years ago). He also possessed ‘Avadhi Gyan’ i.e. He could see all material things within a radius of 100 miles. Despite such amazing skills and powers, He considered it all negligible when compared with the powers of the Self and never used or pursued His unusual powers or publicized His Knowledge. An era, when the whole world was blindly chasing outward happiness and prosperity, He declined and refused all opportunities of fame and popularity; this makes one wonder what divine and true happiness must He have attained? He attained true Bliss and Knowledge that went beyond the scope of five senses and guided his dear disciples to attain the said ‘Ati-indriya Gyan’ (Knowledge beyond the scope of senses to Experience the Aatman.)
The vast literature that He wrote during a short lifespan of 33 years gives us an insight into the high internal state of Shrimad Rajchandra’s Soul. Unfortunately, several of His childhood writings are not available with us today, but at the same time it is also important to remember that even a single word (Vachan) of a ‘Gyani” - Self-realised Soul, if grasped and implemented as advised, is adequate to lead one on the path of Emancipation!
“Bhavna Bodh” written at the age of 16 is a basic fundamental narrative of the 12 conceptual thoughts (viz. Anitya bhaavna, Ekatva bhaavna, Sansaar bhaavna, Anyatva bhaavna, etc.), which are necessary to understand for aspirants who are in search of TRUTH!
“Mokshmala”, a unique text of 108 golden lessons is a complete scripture in itself, covering all dimensions of Gyan and is truly a source for relief from all confusions and doubts with respect to true religion and true path!
"Shri Aatma-Siddhi Shastra", the ultimate gem of a work, written at the age of 28, explains the gist of ‘Aatma Dharma’ and the fundamentals of all the six tenets (DARSHAN) of Indian philosophy in a poetic composition. Through a beautifully and simply crafted Question & Answer exchange between the Guru and Disciple on the Six tenets viz “Aatman (Self) Exists, Aatman (Self) is Eternal, Aatman (Self) is the Doer, Aatman (Self) is the Sufferer, Aatman (Self) can attain Liberation, There is definite path for Liberation”; He has synchronized all the philosophies prevalent in the world and clarified as to how the philosphy of “Aatman” (Self) is the only complete (entire) Philosophy! Understanding the rendition of this masterpiece is like drinking divine nectar. The fundamentals (Six tenets) of this masterpiece, was originally written as a letter by Shrimad Rajchandra to his very close disciple, Shri Sobhagyabhai. At the request of Shri Sobhagyabhai (who was then bed-ridden), Shrimad Rajchandra composed this masterpiece (142 couplets) in mere 90 minutes. This divine evergreen rendition of 142 verses is the ultimate piece of literature for the Devotional path of Self-Realisation! – Beginning with a bow to the Guide (Live Experienced Soul!) and ending with a bow to the Guide (Live Experienced Soul!), the composition beautifully captures all aspects such as Characteristics of ‘Aatmarthi’ (Soul-Searcher), ‘Mataarthi’ (so called Religious people), Equation between ‘Guru and Disciple’ and how Devotion is an effortless path for permanent Peace to put an end to the unending cycle of birth and death. "Aatma-Siddhi" is a divine, invaluable gift presented to this world and it is our duty to also thank Shri Sobhagyabhai for his inspirational contribution!
"Apurva Avsar" written at the age of 30 years is another amazing and ultimate piece of literature in the form of 21 beautiful 4-line stanzas, pointing towards the stage of ‘Sarvagnya’ (All-Knower) and ‘’Sarvavyapi’ (Omnipresent) prevalent during the last 48 minutes before Liberation! A stage which cannot be understood by oneself but achievable through ‘Pratyaksha Guru’ (Living Self-Realised Soul)! Each stanza provides a different and step-by-step dimension as to how the ‘Happiness of “Aatma” (Self)’ is beyond the scope of any Matter, Time, Feelings, Place, Body, Senses, Words, etc. and the ‘Aatman’ (Self) is nothing else but EXPERIENCE! “Apurva Avsar” subtly generates a desire to THINK what Emancipation and Liberation is all about!
Thanks to his eminent disciple, Pujya Shree Prabhushree, all of Shrimad Rajchandra’s compositions and writings, chiefly His Letters (Replies) to all those who sought guidance, solutions and advice from Him is all captured in the Scripture titled "Vachnamrut". Like Tirthankaras (Emancipated Souls) his words have the power of truth. A collection of over 900 letters, written to different individuals during the age group of 11 to 33, leave no question unanswered provided read and grasped at right time under the guidance of a Living Self-Realised Soul. Amazingly every letter is equivalent to a scripture! Each letter and every word of every single letter directs one to nothing else but Self-realization through karma-cancellation. Therefore even if we rightly abide by any one Letter throughout our lifetime, it is sufficient to lead to salvation.
Shrimad Rajchandra was the last disciple of Lord Mahavir. Due to ‘Jaati Smriti Gyan’, he could always experience the live presence of his Guru and the Purest Form that Lord Mahavir realised is what Param Krupaludev talks everywhere in his “Vachans” (writings). His words, his teachings hold true for all times. The all-capable Param Krupaludev's words are devoid of any kind of attachment, deceit, selfish motive, hatred or ignorance. That is why they touch our hearts!
Today, all over the world people worship the Lord / Gods / Tirthankaras / Deities without understanding the true Godliness (Form) of God, they worship just the outward form of the God. Rather, it may not be incorrect to say that in the name of God, they actually worship only their own beliefs! Shrimad Rajchandra realized God as the real ‘Tatva’ - the philosophy of ‘Aatman’ and clarified how GOD EXISTS but not in a manner the whole world considers the existence of GOD!
The revered Mahatma Gandhi idolized Shrimad Rajchandra as a very highly spiritually advanced Soul. Gandhiji says that he has learnt many things from Great people like Tolstoy & Ruskin, but the maximum that anyone influenced him for his spiritual values, is Shrimad Rajchandra (Raichandbhai). Gandhiji says "I have drunk to my heart's content the nectar of religion that was offered to me by Shri Rajchandrabhai." According to Gandhiji - "Shrimad's language was so complete that He never had to search words to express his thoughts. I always felt that His writings are immersed in the truth. I am confident that those who want to get over their inner turmoil and are eager to know how to perform their duties can find several solutions from Shrimad's writings, whether he is a Hindu, Muslim or from any other faith. Shrimad coordinated a successful business with religion, along-with fulfilling his duties as a family person and this left a deep impression on me. He used to study the tenets of religion regularly and always behaved according to what he believed in. He followed ‘Aatma Dharma’, but at the same time he was very tolerant towards other religions. He totally won over my heart on the ground of religion. I have not met anybody yet who has made such an impact on me. Shrimad Rajchandra has contributed totally towards moulding my inner self, my values with respect to Ahinsa and Charity”.
Shrimad Rajchandra's life was very short, he lived for 33 years only, but in this very short time He composed eternal compositions, which is the testimony of HIS very high state of spiritual awareness, which He utilized in every moment of His life. He wrote prose, poetry and literature on various topics. He conducted his business and also fulfilled his worldly responsibilities with a neutral approach thus canceling his karmas every moment and He concentrated only on progressing further and further on the path of Self-Purification, which was his main objective and final goal. He practiced self-control by going into solitude, Meditation, silence and detachment to realize the endless supreme strengths of the soul. He paved the path for those who aspired to know their souls and set an example on how to lead on the path towards salvation.
He was a rare person to have attained the supreme state of the soul in this era. He led His life like any other normal person, occupied with family and business life and during his lifetime very few people came to know Him or understood his state of an almost All-Knower Soul. Today, whoever understands his writings, feel a sense of connectivity and unity with HIM. And when they gain experience of His teachings, they realize their life getting better and better in every respect. There is an amazing power and depth in each of his ‘Vachan’ (words), which is difficult to express; it can only be felt, as many people have experienced! His every sentence, every word encompasses the endless ever-lasting truths of all scriptures. Like his teacher Lord Mahavir, Shrimad Rajchandra (Param Krupaludev) too showed love and compassion for all living beings including birds, insects, animals etc. Several anecdotes form His life (like returning the Arab's money even if that would have benefited him materially, tears welling from his eyes whilst skinning vegetables, etc), speak of His benevolent outlook!
He broke the insistence of various religious sects and of various rigid schools of thought and preached that Soul is the Supreme and one should make One's Soul as One's sole aim. His heart pained when he saw himself surrounded by untrue religion, false self-conceit as well as wrongful religious practices. He preached that by any whatsoever means, the religion (dharma) of Soul (Aatma) is the only true religion (dharma) and in this way breathed life into a dying philosophy and made the whole world awaken to the truth. As salutations to His Lord, He revived the path of Self-Realisation exactly as he learnt from his Lord and showered us with the beaming rays of self-realization.
His neutral and unbiased teachings have appealed to people from all religions, all over the world and He is worshipped as the All-Knower Saint! His innate capacity is like that of ‘Vitraag Bhagwaan’ – “Emancipated Soul”. He followed his Lord's footprints in every step of the way and abided by only His Lord's wishes. He says, "In remembering my Lord I break from endless karmas or bondage." His birth in this Kalyug is truly a blessing in disguise for seekers of Truth! And it would only be apt to say that HE took birth for our well-being and welfare! It is due to our past good deeds and his pending karma account that we have been really fortunate to get an opportunity to study his life-history and absorb his message. This rare opportunity should not go in vain. Even in the past we had come in contact with Tirthankars (Gods) but alas we did not capitalize on that! We should not just know HIM by his name but more importantly imbibe his teachings, knowledge into our being such that it leads us to the path of Emancipation!
Many a times, we have found that when a great person passes away his message is forgotten in a very short span of time. In case of ‘Param Krupaludev’, it is just the opposite - even in this era, which they call Kalyug. During his lifetime only 5-25 people knew that He possessed all the qualities of God, but today after a century of His departure, lakhs of people know Him and worship Him like God through the medium of ‘Vachanamrut’. Today not only in India but people from all over the world including the most advanced countries such as America and Britain follow with devotion and faith, the Spiritual Path as preached by HIM! His life profile and prolific caliber has given several people the key to immortality. The manner in which Shri Krishna guided Arjun on the battlefield, similarly in this era when we are entangled in our tensions & problems on the battlefield of our karmas, His teachings show us the way to inner peace.
HIS state of almost complete Knowledge and oneness with the true nature of ‘Self’ is what we have to strive to achieve! We all have the potential to become self-enlightened; it is only that we do not know the process. This process can be understood only from a Living Experienced Soul. Shrimad Rajchandra achieved the ultimate state of oneness of 'Knowledge' (Gyan), 'Faith' (Darshan) and 'Conduct' (Charitra)! And HIS teachings give us the realization that the right balance and combination of Detachment (Gyan) and Surrender (Devotion) attained through a “Living Self-Realised (Experienced) Soul” is the only real and true medium to achieve that state. "May all the living beings of this world be blessed with a favour by such self-realized souls:" Source - Shrimad Rajchandra Aatma Tatva Research Centre - Raj Nagar Parli, Post Gothavade, Taluka Sudhagadh, Off-Khopoli-Pali Road, Dist. Raigad 410205. Tel: 91-22-32542393 and 91-2142-244413 / 15 /16.
PARAM KRUPALU DEV "My utmost Religion is to free myself from attachment and hatred in whichever way possible. Every living being is capable of becoming Self-Realized; one who realizes this is himself bound to become a Realized Soul" "I am not in any caste or creed. I am the Soul (Aatman) and believer of Soul (Aatman)!" - Shrimad Rajchandra
Sun sets every day but rarely do we have a Sun-Set that lights the atmosphere with its golden colour, bringing out the real natural beauty as it is; and an environment all serene, calm and composed. Such a situation can be compared with human life. Death is seen every time and all around but the departure of Great Saint - Shrimad Rajchandra (1867 - 1901) was a rare situation. It gave birth to an opportunity and atmosphere that till date brings Bliss, Solace and Life in the lives of people who get to know Him through a Live Experienced Soul.
Yes! Its sad but true that we have always missed to realize the value and worth of Great Saints when they are alive and thus miss the opportunity of fastest and quickest means of 'Aatma Gyan' (Self-Realisation), which is achievable through (Samagam) - Direct Contact with Live Experienced Soul!
In this time and Era - 'Kalyug', where core materialistic environment provides every opportunity for the Soul to get trapped in the unreal world and fall spiritually, Shrimad Rajchandra's 'Vachan' and 'Mudra' have emerged as the Saving Grace to the real Seekers of Truth!
Those who realized HIS state of an almost All-Knower Soul, worshipped HIM as GOD! Thanks to the few lucky ('punyashaali') aspirants then, who had the opportunity to be with Him due to their past good deeds and who understood Him during His life-time, we are blessed with :
1) HIS preachings - "Vachan"; - all collected in the book titled "Vachanamrut". 'Vachanamrut' is THE and ULTIMATE Scripture in itself, provided read and understood at the right time, through the guidance and support of live master (Guide). It provides solutions to all the intricate questions such as : Why am I here? Who am I? Where have I come from? Where do I go? What is my true nature? What is the significance of relationships? What is the true form of God? Does God exist?
2) HIS photograph - Mudra"; which is a true reflection of his Experience - the Self As It Is! His Body itself is 'bodhswaroop' (imparts knowledge) - depicting the radiance, power and strength of the Soul and that how the Soul though embodied in it, is completely different from the Body! Till date we have only had imaginary figures of GOD and HE is the first almost All-Knower Soul whose actual picture is available with us!
Shrimad Rajchandra experienced and preached the philosophy of "Aatman" (Self) exactly in the manner as he learnt from His Guru, the greatest Scientist, Lord Mahavir - thus depicting the significance of "Samagam (Direct Contact with Live Experienced Soul)", without which 'Vachan' and 'Mudra' lose its actual worthiness! Shrimad Rajchandra is not considered great saint just for having possessed immense and amazing powers such as memory feats, reading the mind of others, his poetic talent, etc. but for the fact that despite unusual and amazing powers and skills, HE never used or pursued them. Fame and popularity did not mean anything to Him and He considered them insignificant when compared with the powers of 'Aatman' (Self). He realized that these powers are natural when the Soul draws more and more towards itself. Also, He, never for a moment, forgot the 'upkaar' (favour) of His Guide and always directed others to God {The Purest from of 'Aatman' (Self)} depicting 'vinay' (utter modesty)!
He looked upon His Guide, Lord Mahavir and all other Great Saints not merely as learned individuals but as "Tatva" (a philosophy) to achieve 'Vairagya' (Detachment) and a medium for 'Unconditional Surrender' which eventually draws one to oneself and closer to God! While on one hand, he says that He is the student of entire world and each Soul is his Guru, on the other hand he also says that I am not different from the All-Knower (Emancipated Soul) and see no difference in Him and Me! - Thus HE signifies the thin line of difference between Ego and Self-Confidence (Realisation)!. His said 'Vachan' encourage and inspire to progress in the spiritual path, else how does one justify the perseverance if the Goal is not achievable!
Shrimad Rajchandra's teachings explain 'Dev' (Lord), 'Guru' (Master) and 'Dharma' (Religion) as "Tatva" (a philosophy) and do not drive or point towards any particular individual, community or religion! HE understood the Science of Life - 'Karma theory' in totality and experienced it every moment, freeing himself from bondages, getting lighter and lighter and rising spiritually every moment!
Amongst his wide literature, his best is captured in the 900 letters that HE wrote to friends, relatives and aspirants who approached him for spiritual progress. A rare phenomenon that simple communication of day-to-day-life, written in a very 'sahaj' natural and simple manner contains the Ultimate Secrets in total Depth! "Knowledge is Experience"; is best understood in his 'Vachanamrut' and 'Conduct'!
The Attainment of Happiness, Bliss and Peace should be such that it becomes the cause of contentment for others and this is truly seen and experienced from the life history of shrimad rajchandra, who today, even after 105 years of HIS departure is present and always available to all the true and genuine aspirants on the path of 'Aatma Gyan' (Self-Realisation)!
Shrimad Rajchandra's life-history preaches that "Knowledge is equivalent to Love" - Love for mankind and all living beings backed by a feeling of neutrality and unbiased outlook, leading to permanent Victory over Death!
