Holy Tirthankars: In the Light of Heartfulness | Explore Jain Wisdom & Yogic Tools | Practices for Inner Peace, Spiritual Growth & Mindful Living

by Kamlesh D. Patel, B. Rathinasabapathy

In the Jain tradition, a Tirthankar is a person who has attained enlightenment through many lifetimes of spiritual practice. The trees under which they attained Kaivalya are called Deeksha-Vriksha. It symbolises the profound connection between their spiritual journey and the natural world. The Tirthankars are the earliest advocates of non-violence and environmental coexistence. Their qualities of tolerance, willpower, aspiration for spiritual evolution, courage, confidence, and compassion are vital for the contemporary world.

Building on these timeless values, this book explores the synergy between the profound tools of the Heartfulness Way - such as yogic Transmission, Rejuvenative Cleaning, and Heartful Connection at bedtime - and the profound spiritual essence of Jainism, which emphasises a deep yearning for inner growth, unwavering discipline, clarity of focus, purity of intent, and boundless compassion. Together, these approaches hold the potential to usher in a new era of spiritual evolution for humanity.

262 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 30, 2025

About the author

Born in Gujarat, India, Kamlesh D. Patel showed an early interest in meditation and spiritual growth. In 1976, as a pharmacy student in Ahmedabad, he met his Guide, Shri Ram Chandra of Shahjahanpur (Babuji), the founder and first President of Shri Ram Chandra Mission.

After graduating with honours in 1980, he moved to the US and practised pharmacy in New York City, while also continuing the Raja Yoga system of Sahaj Marg, with great devotion. He continues to excel in both his material career and spiritual life.

Kamlesh continued to follow Parthasarathi Rajagopalachari (Chariji), the second President of Shri Ram Chandra Mission, after Babuji’s passing, and has held a number of increasingly responsible roles as well as offering his support to the growth of the Mission worldwide. In October 2011 he was proclaimed as Chariji’s successor, and in August 2012 was appointed Vice-President of SRCM with the full powers of the President, due to Chariji’s failing physical health. Following Chariji’s passing on the 20th of December 2014, he became the spiritual Guide of the Sahaj Marg system, and the third President of Shri Ram Chandra Mission. He is often endearingly referred to as Daaji.

Daaji and his wife have two sons. These days he is constantly travelling, conducting meditation with yogic transmission for seekers worldwide, and speaking at the Mission’s many centres and ashrams, as well as to the general public through newspaper articles, TV and radio. He is a vital role model for anyone wanting to evolve as a human being and expand consciousness. A spiritual catalyst, displaying the perfect blend of the Eastern heart and Western mind, he is able to connect with people from all walks of life and backgrounds, giving special attention to today’s youth.

Reviews

[Aparna Prabhu]

’Holy Tirthankars’ is a spiritually awakening read that traces the beginnings of 24 Tirthankars of Jainism. Compiled by Daaji and B. Rathinasabapathy, the book also gives details about their Deeksha Vrikshas, the trees under which they attained enlightenment. Originally written in Tamil by B. Rathinasabapathy, the translatory endeavours of Daaji to reach a wider audience specifically targeting the youth is commendable.

There are five auspicious occasions in the life of a Tirthankar - i) Garbha Kalyanak (conception) ii) Janma Kalyanak (birth) iii) Deeksha Kalyanak (renunciation) iv) Kaivalya Kalyanak (enlightenment) v) Nirvana Kalyanak (liberation) where Kalyanak translates to auspicious events. The trees with sturdy branches and strong roots are known to have great medicinal properties. The Tirthankars shed their royal life and embarked on a journey of giving, thereby setting an example of Dharma and Non-violence. The legends behind their birth are narrated with poetic elegance. The language is made accessible so that their teachings travel far and wide in this contemporary age. The heartfulness way of living by following the principles of Jain monks usher in a new era of spiritual evolution.

The book though historical in nature, simplifies the subject matter into an engaging narrative that invites reflection without overwhelming the reader.

The illustrations and pictures add value to the source material, breathing life to the stories richly endowed by lessons. The golden edges accentuate the presentation adding a touch of elegance and timeless charm.

[Mahi Aggarwal]

Holding "Holy Tirthankars: In the Light of Heartfulness" by Daaji in my hands felt special even before I opened it. The golden edges, the hardcover, and the beautiful pictures make it feel like a piece of art. But what really touched me was what it carries inside.

This book gently brings together the essence of Jainism and the practices of Heartfulness in such a meaningful way. It speaks about the Tirthankars ~ their courage, compassion, and the quiet strength that led them to enlightenment and connects those timeless qualities with tools that can guide us today. Reading it felt peaceful, almost like sitting in a quiet temple, away from the rush of daily life.

It’s not a book you read quickly. Each page invites you to pause, reflect, and feel. It reminds you that spiritual growth is possible in today’s world, that discipline, kindness, and inner clarity are not just ideals, but living paths we can walk.

I found it deeply calming, beautifully written, and truly inspiring , something I know I’ll return to again whenever I feel the need for inner peace, for self Awaken. I need such books time to time genuinely.

[Sanjay]

Great book to learn about Jainism.