Aptavani 01

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Aptavani 01" by Dada Bhagwan, presented in English:

Book Title: Aptavani 01 Author: Dada Bhagwan (referred to as Dada Shri) Publisher: Mahavideh Foundation

Core Philosophy and Introduction:

Aptavani 01, the first in the Aptavani series, presents the profound spiritual teachings of Dada Bhagwan, a Gnani Purush (Enlightened Being). The text emphasizes that these "Aptavani" (Words of the Self-Realized One) reveal the reality of things as they are, leading to complete understanding and liberation. Dada Bhagwan's teachings are described as "science-based" and "immediately effective," offering liberation instantly. His spiritual path is termed the "Akram Marg" (Intantaneous Path), a shortcut to self-realization, in contrast to the gradual "kramic marg."

Dada Bhagwan: The Gnani Purush:

Dada Bhagwan's spiritual manifestation occurred in June 1958, revealing the complete essence of the "Dadabhagwan" within the body of A. M. Patel. This event brought about universal knowledge, answering fundamental questions about the Self, God, the world, karma, and liberation. Through his unique "Gnan Vigyan" (Science of Self-Knowledge), he could impart self-realization to others within hours. He emphasized that the "Dadabhagwan" resided within everyone, and in him, it had become fully manifest. He humbly stated, "I am not God. I myself bow down to the Dadabhagwan that has manifested within me."

The Nature of a Gnani Purush:

The text extensively describes the characteristics of a Gnani Purush, highlighting:

• Vitraag Vaani: The authority of their words is based on their "Vitaraagta" (freedom from attachment and aversion). Their speech is clear, insightful, and directly affects the listener.
• Divine Qualities: They possess the radiance of the sun (Pratap) and the gentleness of the moon (Saumyatam), the depth of the ocean (Gambhirata), and the unshakeable stability of Mount Meru (Sthirata).
• Innocence and Simplicity: They possess childlike innocence with complete understanding and see the entire world as innocent. They are free from ego and are completely pliable to the will of the Self.
• Unwavering Equanimity: They remain unaffected by external circumstances, not getting agitated or disturbed. They are unaffected by pleasure or pain.
• Unconditional Compassion: They are filled with immense compassion, seeing all beings as their own Self, and their sole aim is to provide permanent peace to the suffering world.
• Non-duality: They are completely impartial and see all religions and philosophies as one. They are both omniscient and simple, lacking any worldly intellect.
• The Ultimate Goal: They possess the "Apta" (trustworthy) quality, guiding beings towards moksha. They are the living embodiments of moksha, like a touchstone that transforms base metal into gold.
• Three Qualities for Interaction: They are comprehensible (Congresible), flexible (Flexible), and resilient (Tensile).

Key Concepts and Teachings:

The book delves into numerous spiritual concepts, including:

• Dharma (Religion/Nature): Dharma is defined as the intrinsic nature of a substance. The Self's nature is its Dharma. Impurities (Anatma) are considered non-Self.
• Akram Marg: The instantaneous path to liberation, allowing one to remain in the world while achieving liberation.
• The Nature of the World: The world is not external but a puzzle, a creation of scientific circumstantial evidence, governed by the "Vyavasthit Shakti" (Self-Organized Energy). There is no external creator God.
• The Self (Atma) vs. Non-Self (Anatma): The teachings clarify the distinction between the eternal, pure Self and the temporary, material phenomena.
• Causality and Effects: Every effect has a cause, and every cause has an effect, forming a continuous cycle. The Gnani Purush clarifies that these are governed by "Vyavasthit."
• The Three Powers (Man-Vachan-Kaya): These are effective and work according to the karmic impressions.
• Adhi-Vyadhi-Upadhi: The three types of suffering that plague the world.
• The Trimantra: A powerful mantra for warding off difficulties and attaining peace.
• The Nature of Happiness and Suffering: True happiness lies within the Self, not in transient external objects. Suffering is a mental construct, not an inherent reality.
• Prarabdha and Purusharth: The interrelationship and the correct understanding of destiny and self-effort.
• The Nature of the Mind: The mind is seen as a collection of knots, a physical entity that can be understood and managed through knowledge.
• The Nature of Intellect (Buddhi) vs. Knowledge (Gnan): Intellect is considered indirect and dependent, while knowledge is direct and self-luminous.
• Relativity and Reality: The teachings differentiate between relative truths and the ultimate Reality.
• The Four States of Consciousness: Explained in relation to the Self and the non-Self.
• The Importance of Self-Realization: The ultimate goal is to know one's true Self.
• The Nature of Karma: Karma is explained as a science, with its workings revealed through the Akram path.
• The True Meaning of Religion: Religion is the intrinsic nature of a substance.
• The Illusion of Attachment: Worldly relationships and possessions are temporary adjustments.
• The Path to Moksha: Moksha is attainable in one hour through the Gnani Purush's grace.
• The Nature of Faith and Knowledge: True faith arises from understanding, not blind belief.
• The Concept of Rebirth: Explained scientifically through cause and effect.
• The Nature of Divinity: God is within every creature and is fully manifest in the Gnani Purush.
• The "Akram" Path: A direct, shortcut path to liberation, bypassing strenuous practices.
• The Nature of Truth: The absolute truth is the Self, while the world is relatively true.
• The Importance of "Param Vinay" (Ultimate Humility) and "I know nothing": These attitudes are crucial for receiving true knowledge.
• The Power of the Gnani's Speech: Their words carry immense spiritual power, capable of breaking inner coverings and revealing the Self.
• The Three Qualities of the Gnani: Comprehensible, Flexible, and Tensile.
• The Distinction between "I am the body" (Anatma) and "I am the Self" (Atma).
• The Purpose of Human Life: To attain self-realization and liberation.
• The "Vyavasthit" Power: The inherent order that governs the universe without a creator.
• The Nature of the Self: The Self is pure, unchanging, and independent.
• The Importance of Right Vision: Seeing things as they are leads to the Self.
• The Nature of Desire: Desire is seen as the root of suffering.
• The Control of the Mind: The mind cannot be controlled by force but by knowledge and self-understanding.
• The Importance of Forgiveness: Forgiving others and letting go of resentment is crucial for inner peace.
• The Nature of True Happiness: Eternal happiness resides within the Self.
• The Role of the Gnani: They are the "Taranhar" (Savior) who can lead one to moksha.
• The Nature of the "Akram" Path: It is an extraordinary path that allows one to remain in worldly life while achieving liberation, offering a shortcut to God-realization.

Structure and Tone:

Aptavani 01 is structured as a discourse, with questions posed by seekers and direct, insightful answers from Dada Bhagwan. The language is direct, accessible, and often uses analogies and everyday examples to explain profound spiritual truths. The tone is authoritative, compassionate, and unwavering in its commitment to revealing the ultimate truth.

Conclusion:

Aptavani 01 serves as a foundational text for understanding Dada Bhagwan's unique path to self-realization. It offers a practical and immediate approach to spiritual liberation, emphasizing the role of the Gnani Purush as the living guide to the Self. The teachings aim to dismantle ignorance, remove ego, and reveal the pure, eternal Self within.