Can You Be Enlightened Without Being Spiritual First or Having an Experience with a Higher Power?

Yes, it is very much possible to attain enlightenment without first embracing spiritual practices or having a profound experience with a higher power. This journey can be profound and transformative, as demonstrated by the remarkable story of Shrimad Rajchandra, a Jain philosopher and guru of Mahatma Gandhi, who delved deeply into understanding the soul and consciousness.

Shrimad Rajchandra's Journey to Enlightenment

Shrimad Rajchandra, born in 1867 and passing away in 1901, was a Jains philosopher known for his profound understanding of the atman (soul) and his ability to recollect past lives. At the age of seven, he wrote the Atma Siddhi, wherein he detailed his understanding of the soul. By the age of thirty, he revisited his earlier work and found no need for corrections, highlighting his deep and consistent understanding of the atman.

Jatismaran (Crafting Enlightenment Through Memory)

One of Shrimad Rajchandra's unique practices was jatismaran, the recollection of past lives. This practice enabled him to gain insights into the nature of the soul and its journey through multiple lifetimes. Through jatismaran, he was able to achieve a level of enlightenment known as Shuddh Samyak Darshan. This higher state of consciousness, akin to Brahmgyan in Hinduism, is the realization of the absolute reality where all is one and one is all.

The Description of Enlightenment

Shrimad Rajchandra vividly described his state of enlightenment. In his writings, he expressed that:

“Day and night reflection upon the supreme reality alone prevails. That alone is the food, that alone is the sleep, that alone is the bed, that alone is the dream, that alone is the fear, that alone is the pleasure, that alone is the possession, that alone is the walking, that alone is the sitting. What more do I say? Bones, flesh, and their marrow are only coloured in the colour of that alone.”

Understanding the Atman (Soul)

Shrimad Rajchandra is one of the two great saints who wrote extensively about the atman. The other is Swami Vivekananda, a prominent figure in the modern Indian Renasissance and a key proponent of the Advaita Vedanta philosophy. These two great souls provided profound insights into the nature of the soul, making their writings invaluable to anyone seeking deeper understanding of this essential aspect of human existence.

Legacy and Impact

Before the contributions of Shrimad Rajchandra and Swami Vivekananda, the knowledge of the atman was not clearly or systematically shared. Their works not only provided a comprehensive understanding of the soul but also paved the way for spiritual and philosophical discourse. If you have the opportunity, reading about Shrimad Rajchandra's writings on the soul can be a transformative experience.

Saluting the Heroes of Enlightenment

It is imperative to pay tribute to these great souls who illuminated the path of understanding the atman. By doing so, they have provided a beacon of light for generations to come. Their teachings transcend religious boundaries and offer profound wisdom that can enrich every aspect of our lives. As Shrimad Rajchandra declares, Life will be Dhanyam, Dhanyam eternally.

Conclusion

Shrimad Rajchandra's journey and teachings challenge the traditional notion that enlightenment requires a rigid spiritual practice or a direct experience with a higher power. His life and writings inspire us to explore the inner self and the profound reality that exists within and beyond us. Embracing the wisdom of these great souls can lead to a more meaningful and fulfilling life.