A Critical Examination of Śrīmad Rājcandra's Teachings on Contemplative Practices

Śrīmad Rājcandra (1867–1901) was a prominent Jain mystic, philosopher, and poet whose impactful teachings continue to influence Jain philosophy and spirituality, particularly in Gujarat, India, and among the Gujarati diaspora. His spiritual approach emphasized the imminent potential for spiritual liberation through self-realization, detachment, and contemplation, offering a perspective that may seem more immediate than what many Jains might believe. This paper explores Śrīmad Rājcandra's teachings on contemplative practices, drawing from his works such as Mokṣamāḷā and the Ātmasiddhi, which provide detailed guidance on the contemplative practices important for liberation within the Jain tradition while connecting modern and pre-modern ideas about Jain contemplative practice.