| The Jain path
to freedom |
Guru Shree
Chitra Bhanu |
Preface
In this universe, all of us are on different levels of
seeing, of understanding, of experiencing. Some of us are caught by the
bramble bushes at the foot of the mountain. Others are halfway to the
summit, but because of clouded vision, take two steps backward for every
two steps forward and reach nowhere. Still others are hurtling their way
downward, unable to keep their footing, unable to glimpse their purpose.
Those human beings who consistently and carefully remove the obstacles,
meet the challenges, and climb onward toward the peak are rewarded with
the panoramic view. What we long for is that--comprehensive awareness of
all life as one, the experience of completion and fulfillment, a unity of
our seeing, knowing, and living. In this clarity of understanding lies our
true freedom.
According to Gurudev Shree Chitrabhanu, the great
masters were those who, like a doctor, knew just where to operate to
remove the cataract, the confusion in thinking. Because they stood at the
peak, the height of self-mastery, they were able to show others the way.
In this book, Gurudev draws upon his own thirty-eight years of experience
in meditation to bring to life ancient reflections on twelve different
facets of reality known as bhavanas. The insights which have arisen from
his authenticity of experience and which he shares with us here can help
us stop clinging to a distorted or dogmatic view and correct our vision.
To the Jains, the ultimate experience of reality is one
universal, unfragmented. Like a perfect diamond, it is radiant, luminous,
reflecting its source, that in each of us which is flawless, enlightened,
pure, conscious.
When that conscious reality comes into manifestation it
has a multitude of facets, countless rays of wisdom. Individually, each
living being experiences that heart of the Self in his or her own unique
way. That is why an integral part of the Jain philosophy and practice is
anekantavada, a deep respect for others' viewpoints, an honest
appreciation of the complementary nature of many approaches to truth.
Behind this recognition, there is the feeling of wordless oneness which
experiences the unity amidst all diversity. As the third in a trilogy of
Gurudev's books, Twelve Facets of Reality: The Jain Path to Freedom
reflects this principle, for it complements and completes its companion
volumes, Realize What you Are: The Dynamics of Jain Meditation, and The
Psychology of Enlightenment: Meditations on the Seven Energy Centers.
Supportive to one another, these books take a person from the beginning
steps in meditation to progressively deeper levels of practice and greater
dimensions of awareness of life.
Gurudev's purpose in elucidating the bhavanas is to
offer contemplations, pathways, open windows from which to see and feel
the freshness of life. In each chapter, Gurudev presents a different pair
of angles of vision different facets of reality. When you plunge into the
meaning of each one, a moment comes and your mind calms down. It hushes
its chatter and ceases to breed dissension, friction, doubt and fear. It
stops clinging to the past and fantasizing about the future. It
disengages. When the mind is not engaged, it is possible for you to have a
genuine experience of reality. There is silence, space, receptivity. The
glimpse strikes home and you bask in uncluttered awareness, in wonder and
ecstasy. At that point, the window drops its frames and you are one with
infinite vision. This is how these twelve facets can help you, as they
have helped Jain monks for thousands of years, to take a leap beyond all
limitations into your own vivid pulsating life.
Once Gurudev's master told him, "I can give you the
maps, the teachings, the guidelines, the steps, but I cannot give you the
eyes." Underlying these twelve contemplations is the same statement. Are
you eager to grow? Are you willing to give up pain and suffering? Do you
long to open your eyes and see clearly? If you have this quest for
freedom, take this map in heart and mind. With patience and energy,
enthusiasm and confidence, you can reach the peak.
In Gurudev's words, "For those who open themselves,
there is transformation, from age to youth, from misery to joy, from pain
to peace, from dwelling on one's mortal frame to feeling one's immortal
life."
It has been a privilege and a joy to work on these
chapters which were originally a series of twelve talks given by Gurudev
to his students at the Jain Meditation International Center from March 2
to May 18, 1977. I am deeply grateful to three special people who gave to
this book their loving help, enthusiasm, and spirit: John Miller and
Richard Kleifgen, who went over the text with a careful and caring eye,
and June Fogg, who coordinated many of the details which enabled this
project to come to completion. In particular, a warm word of appreciation
to Allan, my husband, for continuing to understand, accept, and give me
the loving space I never had to ask for in order to concentrate on and
complete this endeavor.
To Gurudev Shree Chitrabhanuji who has shared with us
all this gift of his experience, insights, and ancient teachings, and to
you, fellow travelers on the path to freedom, I bow, in deep reverence,
friendship, and love.
--Clare Rosenfield
Philosophy
