Aatmsakshatkar

Here is a comprehensive summary in English of the Jain text "Aatmsakshatkar" by Dada Bhagwan, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Aatmsakshatkar (Self-Realization) Author: Dada Bhagwan (Shri A.M. Patel) Publisher: Dada Bhagwan Aradhana Trust Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/030002/1

Overall Theme: "Aatmsakshatkar" is a collection of spiritual discourses by Dada Bhagwan, focusing on the "Akram Marg" (the effortless path) to Self-Realization. The central message is that true and lasting happiness, or Moksha (liberation), can be attained through Self-Knowledge, which is directly imparted by a living Gnani Purush (a fully enlightened being). The book emphasizes practical spiritual science that can be applied in daily life to overcome suffering and attain inner peace.

Key Concepts and Teachings:

1. The Goal of Human Life:

   • The primary purpose of human life is to achieve Self-Realization and Moksha.
   • A life without this goal is meaningless, merely a cycle of pursuing worldly pleasures that ultimately lead to more entanglement.
   • The ultimate goal is to realize one's true Self, the pure Soul (Shuddhatma), and attain liberation.

2. Two Types of Goals:

   • Worldly Goals: Living in the world without causing harm to others and associating with spiritual people.
   • Ultimate Goal: Meeting a Gnani Purush, receiving Self-Knowledge, and residing in His spiritual company to attain Moksha.

3. Akram Vigyan (Effortless Science):

   • This is presented as a direct and simple science for Self-Realization, contrasting with the traditional "Kramik Marg" (step-by-step path).
   • Akram Marg is described as a "lift" or shortcut to Moksha, allowing one to attain liberation while living in the world and fulfilling worldly responsibilities.
   • It bypasses the need for arduous penance, asceticism, or complex spiritual practices.

4. The Nature of the Self (Aatma) vs. The Ego (I) and Belongings (My):

   • A core teaching is the scientific separation of the true Self ('I' - the Soul) from the ego and all that one identifies with as 'mine' ('My' - ego, body, possessions, relationships).
   • The Gnani Purush helps in this separation, enabling the seeker to realize, "I am the Pure Soul."
   • This is illustrated with analogies like separating cream from milk, clarifying that 'I' is the pure, unchanging Self, while 'My' refers to all that is temporary and associated with the ego.

5. Attaining Eternal Happiness (Sanatan Sukh):

   • The world offers only temporary and illusory happiness, which is followed by suffering.
   • True, eternal happiness resides within the Self (Aatma).
   • By realizing the Self, one attains this everlasting happiness, which is synonymous with Moksha.

6. The Role of the Gnani Purush:

   • A Gnani Purush is essential for Self-Realization. They are the direct link to the Divine.
   • They have realized their own Self and have the power to impart the knowledge of the Self to others through a spiritual process called "Gyan Vidhi."
   • The Gnani Purush is not the body but the divine presence of the 'Dada Bhagwan' (the Self of all beings) manifested within.
   • The Gnani Purush is the "world's greatest scientist" who can separate the Self from the non-Self and burn away past karmas.

7. Gyan Vidhi (The Ritual of Knowledge):

   • This is a scientific process conducted by the Gnani Purush that lasts about two hours.
   • It involves a dialogue and specific scientific sentences that cause the separation of the Soul from the ego and the body.
   • This process burns karmas (like fire turning things to ash), breaks the veils of ignorance, and awakens the Soul, leading to immediate Self-awareness and continuous awareness.
   • The result is the direct experience of "I am the Pure Soul."

8. The Five Commands (Panch Aagna):

   • After receiving the Gyan Vidhi, the seeker is given five guiding principles or commands to follow.
   • These commands act as a protective fence for the gained Self-Knowledge, preventing it from being eroded by the negative influences of the world (kusang).
   • Following these commands is considered the true spiritual practice (Sadhana) and the real human endeavor (Purusharth). They are the key to maintaining the state of awareness and progress towards Moksha.

9. The Importance of Satsang (Spiritual Company):

   • Regular association with the Gnani Purush through Satsang is crucial for understanding the knowledge deeply, resolving doubts, and maintaining spiritual progress.
   • Satsang provides the "water" needed to nourish the seed of knowledge received in Gyan Vidhi.

10. Key Principles for Harmonious Living:

    • "Adjust Everywhere": A fundamental principle for navigating life. It emphasizes adapting to circumstances and people without clinging to one's own rigid views or demanding others to change. This leads to peace and avoids conflict.
    • "Avoid Clashes": Do not get into confrontations or arguments. If a clash occurs, resolve it without friction. Clashes arise from ignorance and the belief that others are at fault.
    • "Everything Happens as Justice" (Banyu te Nyay): The universe operates under perfect divine justice. Whatever happens is a result of past karma and is in accordance with natural laws. Understanding this removes complaint and suffering.
    • "The Fault Lies with the One Who Experiences" (Bhogve eni Bhul): This is the ultimate law of karma. Suffering is not caused by others but by one's own past actions. Recognizing one's own fault (Pratikraman) is key to breaking the cycle of suffering.

11. Pratikraman (Self-Correction):

    • When one makes a mistake or has negative thoughts/actions, Pratikraman is the process of apologizing to the Self (the Pure Soul) and resolving not to repeat the mistake.
    • This act washes away karmic impurities and leads to purity of consciousness.

12. Distinction Between Saints and Gnani Purush:

    • Saints guide people towards righteousness (good deeds) and away from sin.
    • Gnani Purush transcends both sin and merit, leading directly to liberation. They possess no ego or possessiveness.

13. The Trimandir Concept:

    • The book mentions the unique concept of "Nishpakshpati Trimandir" (impartial Three Temples) which house deities from different religions under one roof.
    • This fosters universal harmony, removes sectarianism, and promotes the understanding that all religions have the same ultimate goal of Self-Realization.

Methodology: The book presents Dada Bhagwan's teachings through a question-and-answer format, making complex spiritual concepts accessible and practical. It emphasizes a scientific approach to spirituality, focusing on direct experience rather than mere theoretical knowledge.

Conclusion: "Aatmsakshatkar" offers a profound yet simple path to liberation, emphasizing that by meeting a Gnani Purush and following His guidance (Gyan Vidhi and Five Commands), one can achieve Self-Realization and live a life free from suffering, filled with peace and bliss, while still fulfilling worldly duties. The teachings are presented as a spiritual science that leads to definitive results.