Daaji’s Holy Tirthankaras Presents Jain Wisdom Through the Lens of Heartfulness
Mumbai, 14 July 2025: Holy Tirthankaras: In the Light of Heartfulness, the latest bestseller by Daaji, Global Guide of Heartfulness and President of Shri Ram Chandra Mission, presents the lives of the twenty-four Jain Tirthankaras. Co-authored with Shri B. Rathinasabapathy, the book weaves together historical accounts, meditative practice, and reflections for contemporary spiritual seekers. It highlights the continued relevance of the Tirthankaras’ values today, while also drawing attention to their connection with nature and the environment.
Each chapter traces the story of a Tirthankara and the tree under which they attained Kaivalya, or liberation. But the book does not stop at narration. It reflects on the qualities these sages lived, like non-violence, truthfulness, detachment, mental and emotional regulation, and how the same values can be practised now through methods like meditation in the presence of yogic Transmission (Pranahuti), and rejuvenative cleaning. These are part of the Heartfulness approach followed by millions around the world.
Daaji writes that, “The immense austerities [the Tirthankars] undertook without any aid… make us appreciate the help we receive from the yogic Transmission or Pranahuti in Heartfulness practices.” This contrast between then and now shows how approaches to inner development have changed over time.
The book also revisits the roots of Raja Yoga. Rishabh Nath, the first Tirthankara, is introduced as the originator of Raja Yoga who introduced Pranahuti to humanity in that ancient bygone era. Daaji also notes that Shri Ram Chandra of Shahjahanpur, also known as Babuji… talks of a sage who lived seventy-two generations before Raja Dashratha… who discovered Raja Yoga. However, he does not mention the name of that sage. Daaji has taken the bold step of revealing the sage’s name in his latest book, as Rishabh Nath, connecting Heartfulness to the most ancient spiritual lineage of our civilisation.
The connection with trees in the book goes beyond nature worship. Trees are described as retaining spiritual charge far longer than human beings. The Tirthankaras’ choice to meditate under trees is not a coincidence, attributed to peace or being under the shade. It is a very conscious decision to receive continuous support of spiritual energy required for their inner work. Their presence under these trees is presented as part of a natural environment that could absorb, reflect, and sustain the stillness and ongoing spiritual evolution.
Throughout the book, Daaji emphasises practical change and reminds readers that transformation requires effort. He speaks directly to younger readers, encouraging self-discipline, simplicity, and introspection. The Ten Guidelines for Heartful Living are included as practices to help cultivate a life oriented toward self-transformation, personal growth, and character formation.
Holy Tirthankaras is more than a history book or religious commentary. It uses the lives of the Tirthankaras as a reference point to ask: What kind of person are we becoming? What are we doing with our attention, energy, and life?