Aptavani 02 - Book Summary | JainGPT

This text is an excerpt from "Aptavani 02," a book by Dada Bhagwan, published by Mahavideh Foundation. The book is a compilation of the teachings of Dada Bhagwan, also known as Ambalal Muljibhai Patel, a Gujarati spiritual leader who experienced spontaneous Self-realization in 1958. The core message of Dada Bhagwan, and therefore of the Aptavani series, is the path of Akram Vignan, a direct and effortless path to Self-realization.

Here's a summary of the key themes and teachings presented in this excerpt:

1. The Nature of "Aptavani":

"Aptavani" means the speech of an "Aptapurush," someone who can be fully trusted in worldly and spiritual matters. Tirthankaras and their direct disciples are identified as Aptapurushas.
Their speech is considered divine scripture, free from contradictions, and requiring no intellectual deduction. It aims for the salvation of the world.

2. Dada Bhagwan and Self-Realization:

Dada Bhagwan describes himself as an instrument of the Lord "Dada Bhagwan" who resides within him and within everyone else. His Self-realization in 1958 led to the melting of his ego and detachment from his relative self ("Chandulal").
The path taught is Akram Vignan, meaning "without steps" or a shortcut to Self-realization, imparted through a scientific process called "Gnan Vidhi," which can grant Self-realization in about two hours.

3. The Nature of the World and Reality:

The world is described as a "puzzle itself," not created by a God in the conventional sense. It runs by "vyavasthit shakti" (scientific circumstantial evidence).
The fundamental illusion perpetuating worldly life is the false belief, "I am Chandulal" (the relative self). The real Self is the Soul (Shuddhatma).
Worldly relationships are temporary and ultimately betraying. True connection is only with the Self.

4. Religion and Spirituality:

Real vs. Relative Dharma: Relative dharma encompasses the activities of the mind, speech, and body (the non-self), while real dharma is the religion of the Soul (Self). True religion, the religion of the Soul, resides only within a Gnani Purush.
The Role of a Gnani Purush: A Gnani Purush is essential for Self-realization. They are the "lit candle" that can light another candle. They impart "siddhis" (spiritual powers) and impart the knowledge of the Self directly.
Akram Vignan vs. Kramic Path: The Kramic path is a step-by-step spiritual journey, while Akram Vignan is a direct, stepless path. Akram Vignan is presented as a rare phenomenon, occurring perhaps once every million years.
Dharma Dhyan: True meditation is not mere rituals but the inner state and intent while performing activities. It involves understanding that adverse situations are due to one's own past karma and making a resolve not to repeat mistakes (pratikraman).
Idol Worship: Idols are seen as necessary support until one attains the religion of the formless Self. They are representations of Vitarag Lords.
Vows (Vratas): True vows are natural conduct, not ego-driven renunciations. Mahavrats are inherent in one's conduct, while Anuvratas are minor vows.
Penance (Tapa): True penance is internal suffering of mistakes with serenity, not external austerities.
Renunciation (Tyaga): True renunciation is the renunciation of infatuation and illusion, not the act of external renunciation, which often stems from ego.
Ahimsa (Non-violence): True ahimsa lies in the inner intent of not hurting any living being, not in overt actions.
Yoga: Dehayoga (body yoga), Japayoga (speech yoga), and Manoyoga (mind yoga) are discussed as relative paths. True yoga is Atmavoga (union with the Self), which is attained through Gnan.
Samadhi: True samadhi is a continuous, unaffected state, even amidst worldly activities, not mere sensory deprivation or physical control.
Mind, Chit, Intellect, Ego: These are explained as components of the inner instrument (antahkaran), with the Self being the true knower-seer. The mind is described as a boat to moksha, but it needs Gnan to guide it.
Ego (Ahamkar): The ego is identified as the root cause of worldly life and suffering. The goal is to dissolve the ego and remain as the Self. The ego of a Gnani is described as "wise" and "beautiful," unlike the "mad" ego of others.
Pratikraman: Essential for purifying the chit and ending karma. It must be done instantly ("cash") when a mistake (atikraman) occurs, involving alochana (confession), pratikraman (repentance), and pratyakhyan (resolve not to repeat).
Vengeance (Veyr): Identified as the primary cause of perpetuating worldly life. Settling all "files" with equanimity is the way to end vengeance.
Satsang: Company of the Gnani Purush is considered the highest form of satsang, leading to spiritual prosperity and liberation. It provides "real pearls" of knowledge.
Trimantra: The combination of Navkar Mantra, Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya, and Namah Shivaya is recommended for removing worldly obstacles and pleasing all celestial beings.
Vyavahar (Worldly Interactions): This is the natural unfolding of karma. One should accept vyavahar as it is and avoid seeking justice in it, instead focusing on pratikraman to avoid further entanglement.
Fault is of the Sufferer: This is a core principle. Suffering indicates one's own past mistakes. One should accept responsibility and do pratikraman.
Prakruti: The non-self complex, which is temporary and reactive by nature. It needs to be understood and managed through Gnan to become natural.
Goddesses (Ambama, Saraswati, Lakshmi): Represent natural purity of prakruti, proper use of speech, and wealth, respectively. Following their principles pleases them and brings benefits.
Money: It comes due to past merit karma but can bind demerit karma if handled with negative intent. True wealth brings peace and happiness.
Akram Vignan: Described as the "eleventh wonder of the world," a direct, effortless path to Self-realization, granting immediate benefits.

5. Practical Guidance:

The importance of "I am the pure Soul" awareness.
The necessity of understanding the Self, not just performing rituals.
The need for humility and surrender to the Gnani Purush.
The emphasis on "pratikraman" done instantly for any mistake.
The concept of "nishkam karma" (action without attachment to results) is explained as accepting circumstances with equanimity.
The book advocates for a life of normality and eschewing extremes.

In essence, Aptavani 02, through Dada Bhagwan's teachings, offers a path to liberation by understanding one's true Self, shedding the ego and false identifications, and living in accordance with the Gnani's guidance, particularly through the practice of pratikraman and maintaining awareness of the Self amidst all worldly interactions.