Adjust Every Where

The Jain text "Adjust Everywhere" by Dada Bhagwan, published by Dada Bhagwan Aradhana Trust, is a spiritual guide that emphasizes the paramount importance of "adjusting everywhere" in life to achieve peace, happiness, and spiritual liberation. The book, translated from English to Telugu, presents the core teachings of Dada Bhagwan, a spiritual master who attained self-realization in 1958 and dedicated his life to helping humanity find liberation through the "Akram Vignan" (the step-less path).

Here's a comprehensive summary of the key themes and advice presented in the text:

The Core Principle: "Adjust Everywhere"

• The Ultimate Dharma: The central message is that the ability to adjust with everyone and in every situation is the greatest religion and the highest dharma. Life is fundamentally about adjustment, from birth to death.
• Avoiding Conflict: Adjusting is presented as the key to avoiding life's conflicts and tribulations. When we adjust with understanding, we can navigate life peacefully and happily. Conversely, resisting adjustment leads to suffering and a "poisonous" life.
• Universality of Adjustment: The principle of adjustment applies to all aspects of life:
  • Relationships: With family, friends, colleagues, and even adversaries.
  • Situations: Both favorable and unfavorable, pleasant and unpleasant.
  • Changes: Adapting to the ever-changing nature of the world and life.
• The "Key" to Life: The phrase "Adjust Everywhere" is presented as a "key" that opens all doors in life, leading to a pleasant and beautiful existence.

Understanding the "Why" Behind Adjustment:

• Nature's Law: Dada Bhagwan states that the world is not going to change for us; therefore, we must adjust to it. Resistance to this natural law leads to suffering.
• Different Natures (Prakrutis): People have diverse personalities, qualities, and opinions. To live harmoniously, one must acknowledge and adapt to these differences.
• Karma and Past Accounts: Our interactions and conflicts are often rooted in past karma. Adjusting helps to settle these "past accounts" and prevent the creation of new karma.
• The Purpose of Life: Dada Bhagwan clarifies that while self-knowledge (Atmajnana) is the ultimate goal, practical wisdom in worldly affairs, particularly the art of adjustment, is crucial for navigating life and making spiritual progress.

How to "Adjust Everywhere": Practical Advice and Examples

• Acceptance, Not Resistance: Instead of trying to correct or change others, accept them as they are. For instance, if your wife cooks Khichdi when you wanted Gulab Jam, accept the Khichdi. If she wants to go to Satsang, adjust to her desire.
• Empathy and Understanding: Try to understand the other person's perspective and point of view, even if it differs from yours. When someone criticizes you, acknowledge their statement by saying, "What you say is true," and explain that you've known it all along. This disarms conflict.
• Non-Interference: Avoid interfering unnecessarily in others' affairs. Let them live according to their nature and the times.
• Counter-Pulley Analogy: Dada Bhagwan uses the analogy of a counter-pulley in machinery to explain how to adjust. This means reducing your own speed (mental and emotional) to match the other person's level, allowing for smoother communication and understanding.
• The "Yes" Approach: Saying "yes" to others, even if it's to seven people simultaneously, is more conducive to peace than saying "no." This doesn't mean compromising your core principles but rather finding a way to accommodate others.
• Taking Responsibility: When you make a mistake (e.g., saying something hurtful), admit it, apologize, and adjust.
• Flexibility in Daily Life:
  • Food: If the food is too salty, eat it in small quantities or ask for a balancing dish, rather than complaining or causing a scene.
  • Marriage: When a spouse is upset, respond with calmness and understanding. For example, if your wife is angry about your late return, calmly agree with her statement and offer to do as she wishes. This often de-escalates the situation.
  • Generational Differences: Be understanding of the younger generation's preferences and lifestyle changes. Don't cling to old ways; adjust to the times.
• Seeing the Good: Focus on the positive aspects of a situation or person, even when there are perceived flaws. See the convenience in inconvenience.
• Neutrality: Rise above opinions of "good" and "bad." Learn to see both equally.
• The Power of Observation: Learn from observing the behavior of others. Dada Bhagwan's own life is presented as an example of seamless adjustment.
• Humility and Awareness: Ultimate humility and the awareness of "I don't know anything" are crucial for effective adjustment.

The Spiritual Dimension:

• Akram Vignan: Dada Bhagwan's teachings are based on Akram Vignan, a direct, shortcut path to self-realization. This path is facilitated through the "Gnan Vidhi" (knowledge-bestowal ceremony) which can be conducted by those who have received the grace of Dada Bhagwan.
• Self-Realization: The ultimate goal is to realize one's true Self (Atma). However, worldly adjustment is presented as a prerequisite and a practical skill that supports spiritual progress.
• Inner Peace: By practicing "Adjust Everywhere," one can achieve lasting peace and inner contentment, free from the turmoil of worldly conflicts.
• Overcoming Ego: Ego is identified as the root cause of conflicts. Letting go of ego allows for natural adjustment.

Key Figures and Transmission of Knowledge:

• Dada Bhagwan (Ambalal M. Patel): The spiritual master who experienced self-realization and expounded the science of Akram Vignan. He lived a life of simplicity, integrity, and selfless service.
• Dr. Niruben Amin: A close disciple of Dada Bhagwan, who continued his work after his passing, spreading Akram Vignan globally.
• Shri Deepakbhai Desai: The current spiritual leader who carries forward the lineage and teachings of Dada Bhagwan.

In summary, "Adjust Everywhere" is a profound spiritual manual that equips individuals with the practical wisdom to navigate the complexities of life with grace, peace, and a profound sense of spiritual understanding. It emphasizes that the ability to adjust is not a sign of weakness but a testament to inner strength, wisdom, and the highest form of spiritual conduct.