Aatmsakshatkar

This document is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Aatmsakshatkar" (Self-Realization) by Dada Bhagwan, published by Dada Bhagwan Aradhana Trust. The book, compiled by Pujyashri Deepakbhai Desai, presents a simple and precise science for achieving self-realization through the "Akram" (non-sequential) path.

Here's a breakdown of the key concepts and teachings presented in the text:

1. Who is Dada Bhagwan?

• Dada Bhagwan manifested naturally and spontaneously in the body-temple of Shri Ambalal Muljibhai Patel (A.M. Patel) in 1958.
• This manifestation led to a profound spiritual understanding, revealing the secrets of the universe, God, karma, and liberation.
• Dada Bhagwan is described as the Lord of the fourteen realms, present within everyone, but fully manifest within A.M. Patel. A.M. Patel himself regarded Dada Bhagwan within him with respect.
• A.M. Patel lived by the principle of "religion in business, not business in religion," never took money from anyone, and sponsored devotees' travels from his earnings.
• He possessed the unique ability to grant self-knowledge to others in just two hours through his "Gnan Prayog" (knowledge experiment), known as the Akram path – a shortcut or "lift" compared to the traditional step-by-step "Kramik" path.

2. The Goal of Human Life and Eternal Bliss

• The text emphasizes that life without a clear goal is meaningless.
• Two Types of Goals:
  • Worldly Goal: To live in the world without causing suffering to others and to associate with virtuous people.
  • Ultimate Goal: To attain self-knowledge from a Gnani Purush (Enlightened Being) and ultimately achieve Moksha (liberation).
• Moksha: Defined in two stages:
  • First Moksha: Absence of worldly suffering, maintaining equanimity even amidst difficulties.
  • Ultimate Moksha: Liberation from the cycle of birth and death (achieved after the physical body is shed).
• Eternal Bliss (Sanatan Sukh): Humans seek happiness, but worldly pleasures are temporary and lead to suffering. True, eternal happiness resides within the Self (Soul). Attaining the Self leads to the realization of this eternal bliss.

3. The Separation of "I" and "My"

• This is a core principle of Akram Vigyan.
• "I" represents the Self (Soul), which is God.
• "My" represents Maya (illusion), everything that is relative and possessive.
• The practice involves separating "I" from "My" (body, mind, senses, possessions, relationships) like separating cream from milk.
• The goal is to realize, "I am Pure Soul," and to experience this truth.

4. Identifying the Self ("I")

• The importance of a Gnani Purush: Self-identification is not possible through self-effort alone. A Gnani Purush is essential to grant this knowledge.
• Distinction between Guru and Gnani Purush:
  • Guru: Shows the path.
  • Gnani Purush: Grants the Self-knowledge, leading to direct experience. They can resolve all life's puzzles and provide peace amidst worldly troubles.
• Akram vs. Kramik Path:
  • Kramik Path: Gradual, step-by-step progress, requiring extensive effort.
  • Akram Path: A direct, "lift" path, allowing one to attain self-realization quickly, even while living worldly life.

5. The Role of a Gnani Purush

• Who is a Gnani Purush? One who has experienced the Self completely, possesses no ego or possessiveness, and is free from all desires. They are the "wonder of the world" and a "manifest lamp."
• Identifying a Gnani Purush: Recognized by their spiritual presence, distinct speech, radiant eyes, profound credibility, and the fact that their every word is like scripture.
• The need for a Gnani: They burn away karmic impurities, grant divine sight (seeing the Self in all beings), and clarify the nature of the world and the Self.
• The "Gyan Vidhi": A spiritual experiment conducted by the Gnani Purush to separate the Soul from the non-Self (matter) and ignite the fire of knowledge, burning past karma.

6. The "Gyan Vidhi" (Knowledge Ceremony)

• Purpose: To achieve self-realization and liberation from the cycle of birth and death.
• Process: Involves chanting specific sentences to discriminate between the Soul and the non-Self. This purifies past karma, breaks through veils of ignorance, and awakens the Soul.
• Benefits: Eternal bliss, freedom from worries, peaceful relationships, resolution of worldly conflicts, and the cessation of new karma.
• The "Gyan Vidhi" is a direct blessing from God through the Gnani Purush, not achievable through books or audio-visual means alone.

7. Following the Five Commands (Aagnya)

• Protection of Knowledge: After receiving self-knowledge through the Gyan Vidhi, it's crucial to follow the five commands given by the Gnani Purush. These commands act as a protective fence for the awakened Self.
• Significance: Following these commands prevents the contamination of the newfound spiritual awareness by the negative influences of the world (kusang). It ensures sustained spiritual progress and the actualization of the awakened state.
• The commands are the true "sadhana" (spiritual practice).

8. "Adjust Everywhere" and Avoiding Conflict

• "Adjust Everywhere" is a key principle for maintaining inner peace and progressing spiritually. It means adapting to circumstances and people without internal resistance.
• Avoiding Conflict: Clashes with others lead to loss of energy and spiritual progress. The advice is to avoid conflicts and, if they arise, to resolve them without creating friction.
• "Happened is Justice" (Huwa so Nyay): Understanding that everything that happens is a natural consequence and an expression of divine justice is crucial for liberation. Blaming others or seeking external justice leads to more entanglement.
• "Bhugte Ushi Bhool" (He who suffers is the one who made the mistake): This principle highlights that suffering arises from one's own past actions and ignorance. The law of karma is precise and unchangeable.

9. The Importance of "Pratikraman" (Self-Correction)

• Pratikraman is the process of repenting and rectifying past mistakes, particularly those that caused harm or negative intentions towards others.
• It involves:
  • Alochana (Criticism): Recognizing the mistake.
  • Pratikraman (Repentance): Asking for forgiveness from the Pure Self of the affected person.
  • Pratyakhyan (Resolve): Vowing not to repeat the mistake and seeking strength to uphold the vow.
• Benefits: It purifies karma, purifies intentions, changes the perspective of others, and aids in spiritual progress.

10. The Trimandir Project

• The Trimandir project, a unique concept of a temple complex housing the principal deities of different religions without sectarian bias, is presented as a step towards unifying humanity under the umbrella of Self-knowledge. It aims to remove religious conflicts and promote a universal understanding of the Self.

In essence, "Aatmsakshatkar" by Dada Bhagwan offers a practical, scientific, and direct path to spiritual liberation, emphasizing the critical role of a Gnani Purush and the internal work of self-discovery through the principles of "Akram Vigyan," the separation of "I" and "My," adherence to the Five Commands, and the practice of "Pratikraman."