Aptavani 05 06

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Aptavani 05-06," authored by Dada Bhagwan:

Overall Theme: The Essence of the Self and the Path to Liberation

The text is a discourse by Dada Bhagwan (also referred to as the manifestation of 'Dada Bhagwan' within A. M. Patel), offering profound spiritual insights primarily focused on understanding the true nature of the Self (Atma) and the path to liberation (Moksha). It emphasizes a deep, practical understanding of spiritual principles, moving beyond mere intellectual knowledge.

Key Concepts and Discussions:

• The Nature of the Self (Atma):

  • Pure Observer: The Self is defined as the Knower-Seer (Gnātā-Drashtā), not involved in the actions or experiences of the body and senses. It is described as being in eternal bliss, possessing infinite knowledge, vision, strength, and conduct.
  • Distinct from the Body and Senses: Dada Bhagwan clarifies that the Self does not hear, see, smell, taste, or speak. These are functions of the physical senses and their corresponding subtle counterparts. The Self's presence animates the body, but it is not the doer of these actions.
  • Untouched by Karmic Imprints: The Self is compared to gold, which does not get tarnished like iron. It is inherently pure and unaffected by the qualities of matter (pudgal).
  • Mistaken Identity (Wrong Beliefs): The primary obstacle to realizing the Self is the mistaken identification with the body, mind, intellect, ego, and the worldly roles we play (e.g., "I am Chandulal," "I am a father"). These "wrong beliefs" obscure the Self.

• The Inner Faculties and their Functions:

  • Mind (Man): The mind's function is to think, to create chains of thoughts, both positive and negative. It is identified as completely inert (jada).
  • Chitta (Mind-stuff/Consciousness): The Chitta is described as "mixed consciousness" (mishra chetan). It wanders externally, allowing us to perceive things like our home, tables, and clocks, even while we are physically elsewhere. It is distinct from the pure Self.
  • Buddhi (Intellect): The intellect's function is to discern profit and loss, to make decisions. However, decision-making is not its independent function; it requires the ego's (Ahankar) approval to be finalized.
  • Ahankar (Ego): The ego's primary function is to claim ownership and doership ("I did," "I enjoyed"). It is responsible for the "I-ness" and "my-ness" that binds us. The ego is a temporary, arisen entity, not part of the Self.

• The Path to Self-Realization:

  • The Role of the Gnani Purush (Enlightened Being): The central theme is that true self-knowledge and liberation can only be attained through the grace and guidance of a Gnani Purush. They are the "key" (chavi) to unlocking the Self.
  • Akram Yoga (The Unmechanical Path): Dada Bhagwan presents an "Akram" path, which is a direct, effortless way to realize the Self, contrasting it with "Kramik" (mechanical) paths that involve gradual practices.
  • Samyak Darshan (Right Vision): The turning point is the shift from incorrect vision (mithyā drushti) to right vision (samyak drushti), which is achieved through the Gnani's grace. This involves breaking wrong beliefs and establishing the correct belief ("I am the Self").
  • Understanding the Truthful Reality (Real vs. Relative): The teachings distinguish between the relative (vyavahar) and the real (nishchay). The goal is to stabilize in the real, the unchanging Self, while understanding the transient nature of the relative.
  • The Importance of Awareness and Non-Identification: A key practice is to remain aware of one's true Self (Shuddhatma) and not identify with the actions, thoughts, or feelings of the body and mind.
  • The Role of the Inner Faculties in the "Parliament": The text describes the inner workings of the mind, intellect, chitta, and ego as a "parliament" where decisions are made, but ultimately it's the Self that is the true Knower.
  • Karma and its Release: While acknowledging the role of past karma, the emphasis is on neutralizing new karma by not identifying with actions and by practicing the teachings of the Gnani. The process of self-realization breaks the chain of karma.
  • The Nature of Suffering: Suffering is seen as a consequence of wrong beliefs and identification with the non-Self. True bliss (Atma-sukha) is inherent in the Self and is realized when the mistaken identity is removed.
  • The Power of 'Aptavani': The 'Aptavani' (utterances of the Self-realized) are presented as the essence of all religions and a source of universal clarity. They are described as not being lost and being capable of guiding people towards spiritual realization.

• Key Principles for Daily Life:

  • Non-Ownership of Actions: Understanding that the Self is not the doer, but the Knower, is crucial. Actions happen through the relative self (vyavahar), influenced by 'vyavasthit' (a scientific, circumstantial law).
  • Right Belief (Samayik): The text advocates for maintaining constant awareness (jagruti) of the Self.
  • Samayik (Equanimity): The practice of 'samayik' is explained as being in a state of awareness where one is not affected by external circumstances or inner turmoil.
  • Pratikraman (Self-Correction): The importance of introspection and self-correction through 'pratikraman' is highlighted to neutralize past errors.
  • Vitarag Gati (State of Non-Attachment): The ultimate goal is to become 'Vitarag', free from all attachments and aversions.
  • The Gnani's Role in Breaking 'Adhyas' (Misconceptions): The Gnani Purush helps to dismantle the deep-seated "misconceptions" that bind the soul.

Emphasis on Practicality and Direct Experience:

Throughout the discourse, Dada Bhagwan stresses the importance of direct experience and practical application rather than just theoretical knowledge. He uses simple analogies and direct questions to guide the questioners towards understanding the truth of their Self. The teachings aim to dissolve the illusion of doership and ownership, leading to a state of inner freedom.

Conclusion:

Aptavani 05-06 serves as a guide to the core Jain spiritual teachings as expounded by Dada Bhagwan. It offers a clear and practical path to Self-realization, emphasizing the transformative power of the Gnani Purush and the understanding of the Self as distinct from the body, senses, and ego. The ultimate aim is to attain 'Moksha' (liberation) by shedding all mistaken identities and resting in the pure, blissful nature of the Soul.