“Words may be few, but the feelings are infinite. This is the rule of the universe.”
Even a small visual or message can convey boundless knowledge and deep emotions. That’s the essence of the “Gagar Ma Sagar” (An Ocean in a Pot) series.
In the last episode, we learned about the principles of Kshetra Vishuddhi (Purity of Place). It was a joyful experience. Now, let us dive into the significance of spiritual discourses (Vyakhyan) — what it means, why it matters, and how it benefits us.
🔹 The Divine Duty of the Tirthankaras
The main purpose of the Tirthankaras’ life is to deliver Deshna — the sacred teaching or discourse.
Deshna is known by many names: Vyakhyan, Swadhyay, Dharmakatha, Arya-Vachan, Nirgranth Pravachan.
The entire arrangement of Samavasaran — the divine assembly adorned with golden thrones, celestial symmetries, and miraculous elements — exists only for one purpose: to deliver and listen to the supreme truth.
The words of the Tirthankara are so powerful that even a hungry soul feels fulfilled just by hearing them. This celestial gathering becomes a monument of non-violence, where every living being hears the Lord’s message in their own language.
🔹 The Listener’s Role in Jain Dharma
Just as the Lord’s duty is to give Vyakhyan, our duty is to listen to it with devotion. Listening is not just a ritual—it’s the core responsibility of every Shravak (lay follower).
Unlike other religions where discourses are given by teachers or saints, in Jainism the structure of the discourse itself is scientifically classified and consistently delivered by every Tirthankara — past, present, and future — without contradiction.
How is that possible?
Because Jain Dharma is founded on eternal, unchanging truths. The same wisdom spoken by Rishabhdev is later spoken by Ajitnath, Sambhavnath, and Abhinandan Swami. Their teachings are not opinions—they are absolute spiritual science passed down unchanged through time.
🔹 Why Are These Discourses So Powerful?
These principles, when truly understood, are so transformative that thousands of people renounce worldly life and accept initiation after hearing them. People begin to declare:
“O Lord, your path is the only truth. There is no doubt in it. Everything else is meaningless.”
These words are not emotional exaggerations. They are deeply rooted in scientific, metaphysical understanding. The Vyakhyan contains teachings on:
- The nature of karma
- The soul’s journey through different states (hell, animal, human, celestial)
- The 63 Shalaka Purushas
- The way to liberation through Sadhu Dharma and Shravak Dharma
🔹 The Four Types of Jain Discourses (Dharmakatha)
Jain discourses are scientifically categorized into four types:
- Akshepani Dharmakatha
– Positive discourses focusing on the joy of liberation and qualities of Moksha. - Vikshepani Dharmakatha
– Shows the wrongdoings of worldly life and how sin leads to spiritual downfall. - Samvegani Dharmakatha
– Describes the heroic austerities of great monks like Dhundhun Muni and inspires courage to face karma. - Nirvedani Dharmakatha
– Focuses on the sufferings of hell and the futility of worldly pleasures, producing deep detachment.
Even a single word from the Lord’s mouth is enough to awaken a soul. Just like a war elephant becomes calm when exposed to saints, and a gentle elephant becomes aggressive in a battlefield—our environment shapes our mind.
If you sit in front of a TV, you become like what you watch. If you sit in a Satsang, you begin to transform.
🔹 A Simple Story That Explains It All
A child was once asked by his mother to fetch some spices from a cupboard. After failing, the mother climbed up and retrieved them easily. When she slapped the child for not finding them, he said, “But these spices are not hot!”
She replied, “They feel cold now, but once they go into the stomach, they show their real effect.”
Just like the spices, this world looks attractive from outside. But when we consume it—experience it—it brings suffering. That’s the true nature of Samsar, and the Vyakhyan exists to reveal that truth.
🔚 Conclusion: The Ultimate Power of Listening
In Jainism, listening to Vyakhyan is the easiest yet most powerful spiritual act.
You don’t spend a single rupee. You don’t have to perform a ritual. Just listen with full attention.
From listening comes knowledge. From knowledge comes spiritual insight. From that, comes detachment. From detachment, vows are taken. From vows, karma begins to fall off.
And from that, liberation becomes possible.
Even listening for just 12 minutes a day can begin your transformation. Remember the story of Rohiniya the thief — just listening led him to salvation.
Let us also pray for the opportunity to one day hear the direct words of the Lord in the divine Samavasaran.
Until then, let us keep listening, keep reflecting, and keep moving toward Moksha.