Adjust Everywhere Kannada - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Adjust Everywhere Kannada" by Dada Bhagwan, based on the provided pages:

The book "Adjust Everywhere Kannada" is a discourse by Dada Bhagwan, compiled from Gujarati by Dr. Niruben Amin and translated into Kannada by Mahatma Vrund. Published by Dada Bhagwan Aradhana Trust, the central theme of the book revolves around the profound principle of "Adjust Everywhere."

Core Message: The Universal Law of Adjustment

The fundamental tenet presented is that adjusting with everyone is the greatest religion. The book emphasizes that life itself is nothing but continuous adjustment, from birth to death, whether one is happy or sad. This adjustment is presented not just as a way to avoid conflict but as the very essence of a peaceful and fulfilling existence.

Dada Bhagwan: The Enlightened Being

The book introduces Dada Bhagwan as the Self-realized being who, in 1958, experienced complete manifestation of the Divine within him. This spiritual revelation brought profound understanding of life's ultimate questions, including the nature of the self, God, the universe, and karma. Dada Bhagwan is described as a contracter by profession who lived by the principle "Religion must be in business, not business in religion." He was known for his ability to grant Self-realization to others in a remarkably short time, a process called the "Akram Marg" or the "shortcut" path. He clarified that the person visible was not Dada Bhagwan himself, but the Divine manifestation within him, which also resides within everyone.

The Importance of "Adjust Everywhere"

The book argues that life is replete with unavoidable adjustments. Ignoring this reality leads to friction, a polluted life, and ultimately, the world forces adjustments upon us in unwelcome ways. Proactively embracing "Adjust Everywhere" can prevent countless conflicts and lead to peace and happiness.

Examples and Illustrations of Adjustment:

Marriage: The text highlights that even after the initial joy of marriage, a couple must continuously adjust to each other's differing natures to maintain the relationship. Even divine figures like Rama and Sita faced adjustments.
Family and Society: Harmony within families, friendships, business dealings, and even with external factors like weather requires constant adjustment. Failure to do so leads to accumulated suffering.
Dealing with Differences: The book advises accepting differences rather than fighting them. For instance, if elders in the family are stuck in old ways, one should try to adjust and understand their perspective, rather than criticizing them.
Practical Scenarios:
- Wife's Preferences: The text provides a detailed dialogue illustrating how to adjust with a wife's wishes, even when they differ from one's own, to maintain domestic peace. For example, if the wife wants to cook Khichdi when the husband desires Gulab Jamun, adjusting and accepting Khichdi, or later ordering pizza, is presented as a way to avoid conflict.
- Work and Social Life: Adjusting with colleagues, bosses, and even dealing with differences in opinion or schedules is emphasized.
- Unpleasant Situations: The principle extends to dealing with unpleasant smells or difficult people. Just as one doesn't argue with a foul odor, one should deal with disagreeable people with detachment and acceptance.
The "Counter-Weight" Concept: The wife is described as a "counter-weight" to the husband, balancing his nature. This concept is likened to counter-weights in engines that ensure smooth functioning. Without this balance, one might falter.
Dealing with Mistakes: If one makes a mistake in speech, the immediate step should be to apologize and "adjust" rather than letting the situation escalate.
Financial Adjustments: Even in financial matters, like buying a saree for the wife, a practical approach involving adjustment and understanding her needs without causing conflict is recommended.
Nature's Laws: The book suggests understanding the "laws of nature" and adapting accordingly. For example, understanding the difference between summer and winter sun and adjusting behavior.
Understanding "Revolution" (Thinking Speed): The text introduces a concept of "revolution" related to one's thinking speed. Adjusting to the different "revolution" speeds of others is crucial for harmonious interaction. This is likened to using a "counter-pulley" to match different engine speeds.
Accepting What Comes: Whatever is served or comes our way should be accepted with gratitude and without complaint, as rejecting it causes disharmony.
Dealing with Ignorance: The book addresses superstitions and ignorance, advocating for gentle correction and understanding, rather than confrontation.
The Nature of the Enlightened: Enlightened beings are characterized by their ability to adjust with everyone, even those with difficult natures, and to see the good in all situations. They possess an internal peace and do not impose their views on others.
The Goal: The ultimate aim of such continuous adjustment is to progress towards liberation (Moksha) and live a life free from conflict and suffering.

Key Takeaways:

"Adjust Everywhere" is a profound spiritual principle and a practical life skill.
It's about accepting people and situations as they are, rather than trying to change them.
This principle leads to inner peace, happiness, and freedom from suffering.
It's the greatest form of religion and the path to liberation.
Understanding the nature of others and adapting accordingly is crucial.
The text encourages a shift from blaming others to self-adjustment.

In essence, "Adjust Everywhere Kannada" is a guide to navigating the complexities of life by embracing a spirit of constant, compassionate adjustment, leading to a more peaceful and spiritually evolved existence.