Aptavani 01

Aptavani 01, authored by Dada Bhagwan and published by the Dada Bhagwan Foundation, is a foundational text in the Akram Vignan path of Self-realization. The book is a compilation of Dada Bhagwan's spiritual discourses, meticulously recorded and presented by Dr. Niruben Amin. Dada Bhagwan, also known as Ambalal Muljibhai Patel, attained spontaneous Self-realization in 1958, after which he dedicated his life to guiding humanity toward liberation.

Core Teachings and Concepts:

• Akram Vignan: This is the central theme, signifying a "step-less" or "shortcut" path to Self-realization, in contrast to the traditional "kramik" (step-by-step) spiritual journey. Akram Vignan allows individuals to attain Self-realization within a couple of hours while continuing to live their worldly lives.
• Dada Bhagwan: This is the divine consciousness or the Lord within that manifested fully within A. M. Patel. Dada Bhagwan is present in all living beings, but fully expressed only in the Gnani Purush (Self-realized being). Dada Bhagwan is not the physical body of A. M. Patel, but the pure Soul residing within.
• Gnani Purush (The Awakened One): The book extensively describes the characteristics of a Gnani Purush, highlighting their absolute speech, detachment (vitragta), inner poise, childlike innocence stemming from wisdom, lack of ego, non-partiality, and the ability to see things as they truly are. Recognizing a Gnani is crucial for those seeking liberation.
• Self-Realization (Atma Gnan): The ultimate goal is the direct experiential knowledge of the Self (Soul). This knowledge is not found in books but is imparted by a living Gnani Purush through a process called Gnan Vidhi.
• Vyavasthit Shakti (Scientific Circumstantial Evidence): This is the unseen force that governs the functioning of the entire universe, organizing everything and everyone. It is presented as the scientific explanation for how the world operates, rather than a creator God. Vyavasthit ensures that every event occurs precisely as it is meant to, based on past causes.
• The Nature of Reality: Dada Bhagwan clarifies that the world is not an illusion but a relative truth, while the Self is the absolute truth. He emphasizes understanding the distinction between the Self and the non-self (prakruti).
• The Antahkaran (Inner Psychic Organ): The book delves into the four components of the antahkaran – mind, intellect, chit, and ego – explaining their functions and how they contribute to the human experience. It highlights that the mind is physical and the chit wanders, while the Self (Cheta) is pure consciousness.
• Karma and Liberation: The text explains karma as the cause and effect that binds the soul, leading to rebirths. Liberation (moksha) is achieved by eradicating the ego and through the knowledge of the Self, thereby ceasing the creation of new karma.
• The Trimantra: The book introduces the Trimantra (Namo Arihantanam, Namo Siddhanam, Namo Aayariyanam) and other mantras, explaining their power to remove obstacles and bestow auspiciousness.
• Akram vs. Kramik Path: The distinction between the gradual, step-by-step spiritual path (kramik) and the direct, stepless Akram path of Akram Vignan is clearly delineated, emphasizing the latter's efficiency and ease.
• Key Concepts for Spiritual Progress: The book discusses numerous other topics such as happiness and misery, destiny versus effort, non-contradictory dependence, reincarnation, the nature of speech, the dangers of ego, the importance of humility, the practice of seeing one's own faults, and the nature of maya (illusion).

Purpose and Audience:

Aptavani 01 is primarily intended for spiritual seekers who have a scientific bent of mind and desire tranquility of the Soul amidst worldly suffering. It aims to provide the essence of Dada Bhagwan's teachings, offering a direct path to Self-realization and ultimate liberation. The book stresses the importance of humility and an open mind ("I know nothing") when approaching the Gnani to receive this profound knowledge.

In essence, Aptavani 01 serves as an introduction to Dada Bhagwan's unique spiritual science, Akram Vignan, offering a practical and experiential path to discovering the true Self and achieving liberation while living in the world.