Bhilwara: Rashtra Sant Manojnacharya Pulak Sagarji Maharaj, who is observing his Chaturmas in Bhilwara for the first time, delivered an insightful discourse on Moksha, the soul, the human body and spiritual practice at Suryamahal in Shastri Nagar on Friday.

The discourse was organized by the entire Digambar Jain community under the aegis of Shri Parshwanath Digambar Jain Temple Trust, Main Sector, Shastri Nagar. A large number of devotees attended the programme.

Addressing the gathering, Acharya Pulak Sagarji Maharaj said that he was engaged in the pursuit of Moksha, but when its ultimate fruit would be attained was unknown. He said that his only prayer was to be born in the Videh Kshetra and have the opportunity to witness Simandhar Bhagwan and a Tirthankara with his own eyes.

He observed that in the present Pancham Kaal, no one can become like a Tirthankara. When divine grace is received and the Tirthankara's vision falls upon a devotee, the doors to Moksha open.

Human Body Is a Temporary Abode for the Soul

Acharya Pulak Sagarji explained that the human body is like a rented house for the soul, which must eventually be vacated. No matter how powerful or physically strong a person may be, the body has to be relinquished one day.

He said that the soul remains associated with the body as long as the body possesses strength. When the body becomes weak and loses its vitality, the soul moves on to another body. The soul experiences both spiritual pursuits and worldly pleasures through the body.

Therefore, he urged devotees to make the best possible use of their physical strength for religious practice, meditation, penance and spiritual pursuits while the body continues to support them.

Importance of Self-Study and Good Spiritual Practice

Acharya Pulak Sagarji said that although a Shuddhopayogi Muni may not be possible in the present era, a Shubhopayogi Muni is superior to a Shravak in every respect. Such monks engage in auspicious meditation and play an important role in imparting spiritual values and संस्कार to devotees and their children.

He emphasized that Swadhyaya (self-study) is that which connects a person with God, scriptures and Guru. Anything that weakens one's faith, he said, cannot be considered true Swadhyaya.

He further explained that a Shubhopayogi Muni follows a disciplined routine that includes one meal a day, Pratikraman twice a day, Samayik three times a day and Swadhyaya four times a day. He added that humility is the true hallmark of monkhood.

Acharya Pulak Sagarji also spoke about the mutual responsibilities of monks and Shravaks, emphasizing that monks should protect the spiritual well-being of devotees, while devotees should care for the physical well-being of monks.

Paryushan Sadhana Camp from September 16 to 25

Praveen Chaudhary, President of the Shri Pulak Sagar Chaturmas Committee, informed that the Paryushan (Daslakshan) Parva Sadhana will be organized from September 16 to 25 at Suryamahal under the guidance of Acharya Pulak Sagarji Maharaj.

A ten-day ‘Paap Nashanam’ Sadhana Camp will also be conducted during this period, for which hundreds of Shravaks and Shravikas have already registered.

At the beginning of the discourse, the deep prajwalan, Pad Prakshalan and Shastra Bhet ceremonies were performed with the participation of the Hiralal Aditya Jivik Rara family from Sikar.

Chaturmas Committee Convenor Manish Shah and Co-Convenor Lokesh Ajmera welcomed the guests. The programme was conducted by Committee General Secretary Jaikumar Patni.

The daily Chaturmas discourses are being held at Suryamahal from 8:30 AM to 10:00 AM, while Anand Yatra and Aarti are organized every evening from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM, attracting devotees from different parts of the city.

I’ve kept the tone suitable for newspaper publication and an official media release, while preserving the spiritual context and terminology.