Aptavani Shreni 07

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Aptavani Shreni 07" by Dada Bhagwan, based on the provided text:

Book Title: Aptavani Shreni 07 (Aptavani Series 07) Author: Dada Bhagwan Publisher: Dada Bhagwan Aradhana Trust

Core Theme: This book is a collection of spiritual discourses and insights from Dada Bhagwan, a self-realized being who expounded the Akram Marg (the effortless path to Self-realization). The "Aptavani" series compiles these discourses, aiming to provide clarity and guidance on various aspects of life, spirituality, and the path to liberation. This particular volume, Aptavani 07, focuses on practical spiritual wisdom and navigating life's challenges with a spiritual perspective.

Key Concepts and Teachings:

The book is structured around various themes, each elaborating on Dada Bhagwan's unique perspective on life and spirituality. Here's a breakdown of the major topics and their essence:

1. Awakening in a Tangled Life (जागृति, जंजाली जीवन में):

   • Illusion of Attachment: Dada Bhagwan highlights that entanglement in worldly affairs is due to attachment (moh), not the world itself. The world appears sweet because of this attachment, which stems from ignorance of the true Self.
   • The True Self: Understanding "Who am I?" is the key to liberation. The world is merely a relative reality, and the true Self (atma) is the ultimate reality.
   • Living as a Witness: Life involves constant challenges and "stings" (chubhan). The Akram Marg helps one remain detached from these, experiencing inner peace.
   • The Nature of Life: Life is a complex web (janjal) that can only be escaped through Self-knowledge, not by abandoning the world. The goal is to live in the world, fulfill responsibilities, yet remain free within.
   • The Illusion of Choice: Many of life's experiences are dictated by destiny or "vyavasthit" (the scientifically unfolding cosmic order). Recognizing this reduces the burden of 'doing'.

2. Contemplation of Wealth (लक्ष्मी की चिंतना):

   • Wealth as a By-product: True wealth (Lakshmi) is a by-product of spiritual practice. Obsession with acquiring wealth leads to suffering.
   • The Cycle of Desire: The pursuit of wealth is a futile race (racecourse) that leads to exhaustion without ultimate satisfaction.
   • True Contentment: Contentment arises naturally from Self-knowledge, not from artificial restraint.
   • The Dangers of Wealth Worship: Worshiping money leads to a distracted mind, preventing spiritual progress. True devotion is towards the Self.
   • The Law of Karma: Wealth comes according to one's destiny (punya). Misusing wealth (adharma) leads to suffering, while using it righteously (dharma) leads to happiness and eventual liberation.
   • The Nature of Lakshmi: Lakshmi is naturally fickle. Its true value lies in its rightful use and the detachment with which it is handled. True wealth is "Atmalakshmi" (Self-wealth).

3. Peace Even Amidst Confusion (उलझन में भी शांति):

   • The Nature of the World: The world is inherently a puzzle (janjal). Confusion arises from attachment and ignorance.
   • The Role of Knowledge: True Self-knowledge received from a Gnani (Enlightened Being) resolves all worldly puzzles and leads to inner peace.
   • Freedom from Dependence: True freedom comes from realizing the Self, which eliminates the feeling of dependence and confusion.

4. Avoid Boredom (टालो कंटाला):

   • The Root of Boredom: Boredom (kantala) arises from our own aversion and misunderstanding of things. What is unpleasant is due to our own mistaken perceptions.
   • Beyond Duality: The goal is to rise above preferences and aversions (priya-apriya) to maintain inner equanimity.
   • The Nature of the Self: The Self is eternally blissful and unaffected by external circumstances.

5. Freedom from Worry (चिंता से मुक्ति):

   • Worry as Ego: Worry is a manifestation of ego (ahankar), the belief that "I am the doer."
   • The Role of "Vyavasthit": Understanding that everything is unfolding according to the cosmic order ("vyavasthit") frees one from worry.
   • The Power of Faith: Trust in the Self and the divine order eliminates worry. Worry itself creates obstacles (antaray karma).
   • The Source of Worry: Worry arises from a lack of Self-knowledge and an inflated sense of self-importance.

6. Fearlessness Amidst Fear (भय में भी निर्भयता):

   • The Nature of Fear: Fear is a product of ignorance and ego. It's an illusion of the mind.
   • The Inner Power: One possesses inherent strength and fearlessness, which is revealed through Self-knowledge.
   • Living as a Guest: Those who live as guests of nature, understanding their true Self, are free from fear.
   • The Illusion of Control: Worrying about what others will think is a form of fear.
   • The Role of Knowledge: The Gnani, having realized the world as correct and just, is free from fear.

7. "Kadhaapa-Ajampa" (कढ़ापा-अजंपा):

   • Understanding these Terms: "Kadhaapa" refers to outward anger, frustration, or agitation, while "ajampa" is the inner agitation, worry, and restlessness.
   • The Cause of Suffering: These internal states are the primary sources of suffering, arising from attachments and ego.
   • The Path to Godhood: Eliminating "kadhaapa" and "ajampa" leads to the state of Godhood. True understanding from a Gnani resolves these inner disturbances.
   • The Importance of Non-judgment: Not getting agitated over broken objects or mistakes of others leads to peace and merit.

8. Be Alert, Especially in the Final Moments (सावधान जीव, अंतिम पलों में):

   • The Final Reckoning: The end of life is a time for settling accounts, forgiving, and seeking repentance. The last moments reflect the entire life's trajectory.
   • The Importance of Self-Realization: The true value of human life is realized in its final moments when one understands their true nature.
   • Acceptance of Death: Death is an inevitable transition. The fear of death stems from ignorance.
   • The Non-existence of Suicide: Suicide is presented as a futile escape, leading to further suffering in future lives. The Self is eternal and powerful.
   • The Need for Forgiveness: Releasing grudges and practicing repentance is crucial for a peaceful transition.

9. Purity is True Equanimity (निष्क्लुशितता, ही समाधि है):

   • Freedom from Clashes: True religion leads to freedom from inner turmoil (klesh).
   • The Cause of Suffering: Suffering arises from misunderstanding and ignorance.
   • The Power of Self-Knowledge: True understanding dissolves inner conflicts and leads to lasting peace.
   • Humanity's Duty: The essence of human dharma is to not cause suffering to any living being.

10. The Beginning is When it's Fractured (फ्रैक्चर हुआ तभी से शुरूआत):

    • The Nature of Events: What appears as a "fracture" or break is actually the beginning of healing and integration.
    • The Gnani's Perspective: The Enlightened Being sees the underlying unity and process of wholeness even in apparent breakage.

11. The Definition of Sin and Merit (पाप-पुण्य की परिभाषा):

    • Harm and Help: Sin is causing harm to any living being, and merit is providing happiness to any living being.
    • The Illusion of Ignorance: Even unintentional harm generates karma. The analogy of unknowingly touching hot coals illustrates this point.

12. Fatigue from the Sense of Doership (कर्तापन से ही थकान):

    • The Illusion of Doing: The feeling of fatigue arises from the belief "I am the doer."
    • The Role of "Vyavasthit": Recognizing that actions and their outcomes are orchestrated by "vyavasthit" liberates one from the fatigue of doership. The analogy of a train journey illustrates this: whether you sleep or remain awake, the destination is reached.

13. Experiencing Wealth (भोगवटा, लक्ष्मी का):

    • The Fleeting Nature of Wealth: Wealth is temporary. Only what is used for the welfare of others truly becomes one's own.
    • The Importance of True Intent: Giving with a pure motive of helping others creates true merit, while giving for fame or recognition yields only that. Giving without attachment frees one from karma.
    • Wealth and Destiny: Wealth is primarily a result of past merit, not just hard work or intelligence.
    • Detachment: True happiness comes from detachment from both the accumulation and loss of wealth.

14. Liking Natural Qualities (पसंद, प्राकृत गुणों की):

    • The Essence of True Love: True love is selfless and free from personal gain.
    • The Pervasiveness of Ego: Ego is the root of suffering and misperceptions.
    • The Power of Simplicity: Simplicity and humility are valuable qualities that attract divine grace.
    • Seeing the World as It Is: Understanding the world's true nature eliminates confusion and leads to inner peace.

15. Means to Erase Suffering (दुःख मिटाने के साधन):

    • Empathy vs. Identification: True compassion involves wishing well for others, not getting entangled in their suffering.
    • Taking Responsibility: Suffering arises from taking ownership of situations rather than understanding them as "vyavasthit."
    • The Role of the Gnani: Only the Gnani can truly eliminate suffering by providing the correct Self-knowledge.

16. Boss-Servant Behavior (बॉस-नौकर का व्यवहार):

    • Respect for All: Treat everyone with respect, regardless of their position. This creates harmony and prevents negative karma.
    • The Law of Reciprocity: How you treat your subordinates will be reflected in how you are treated by your superiors.
    • The Importance of Kindness: Understanding the "vyavasthit" perspective helps in dealing with employees gently and effectively.

17. Pocket Picked? There's the Solution! (जेब कटी? वहाँ समाधान!):

    • The Justice of Nature: Nature is inherently just. What is lost is due to past karma. The "victim" is the true culprit in nature's eyes.
    • The Illusion of Ownership: The sense of "my pocket" is an illusion. The Self has no pockets to be picked.
    • Acceptance and Understanding: Accepting losses without complaint and understanding them as karmic settlements is the path to freedom.
    • The Role of "Vyavasthit": Everything that happens, including being robbed, is part of the cosmic order.
    • The Art of Letting Go: Learning to let go of material possessions and the sense of doership leads to peace.

18. Against Weakness of Anger (क्रोध की निर्बलता के सामने):

    • Anger as Weakness: Anger is a sign of weakness and ego, not strength.
    • The Power of Equanimity: Maintaining equanimity in the face of provocation demonstrates true strength.
    • The Nature of True Strength: True strength lies in not getting agitated and in maintaining inner peace, regardless of external provocations.
    • The Role of Understanding: Understanding the root causes of anger and the transient nature of events helps in overcoming it.

19. Business Obstacles (व्यापार की अड़चनें):

    • Obstacles as Opportunities: Challenges in business are opportunities for growth and spiritual progress.
    • The Importance of Equanimity: Maintaining equanimity (samta) in all situations is crucial for business success and spiritual advancement.
    • The Illusion of Control: Profit and loss are governed by "vyavasthit," not solely by human effort.
    • Integrity in Business: Conducting business with honesty and integrity is paramount.

20. Unrighteousness According to Rules (नियम से अनीति):

    • The Principle of Rule-Bound Unrighteousness: Dada Bhagwan introduces a radical concept: even unrighteousness, if performed within a defined set of rules, can ultimately lead to liberation. This is a complex spiritual principle that emphasizes self-control and adherence to a higher order, even when engaging in actions typically considered wrong. The core idea is that adherence to a self-imposed rule, even in an unrighteous act, represents a form of self-discipline that is ultimately beneficial.

21. The Art of Being Cheated Knowingly (कला, जान-बूझकर ठगे जाने की):

    • Voluntary Self-Deception: The Enlightened intentionally allow themselves to be cheated. This is a way to overcome ego and kashayas (inner impurities).
    • The Benefits of Being Cheated: Being cheated knowingly leads to spiritual progress and intellectual development.
    • The True Goal: The ultimate aim is to remain free from inner turmoil (kashayas), and being cheated willingly serves this purpose.

22. The Trouble of Recovering Dues (वसूली की परेशानी):

    • The Illusion of Ownership: The struggle to recover money highlights the attachment to material possessions.
    • The Law of Nature: Nature ensures that debts are settled, either in this life or the next.
    • Inner Peace over Material Gain: Maintaining inner peace is more important than recovering lost money. Detachment from money is the key.
    • The Art of Letting Go: Letting go of the need to recover money, by considering it a loss or part of the "vyavasthit," brings freedom.

23. Obstacles Lead to Obstacles (रुकावट डालने से डलें अंतराय):

    • The Cycle of Interference: Interfering with others' progress creates obstacles for oneself.
    • The Power of Willpower and Blessings: Consistent effort, coupled with the blessings of the Gnani and pure intentions, overcomes obstacles.
    • The Importance of Self-Reliance: True progress comes from understanding one's own inner power and the "vyavasthit" order.

Overall Message:

Aptavani Shreni 07 emphasizes a practical and profound approach to spirituality. Dada Bhagwan's teachings encourage followers to:

• Understand the Self: Realize the true nature of the Self, distinct from the body and mind.
• Practice Detachment: Live in the world while remaining internally detached from worldly possessions, relationships, and outcomes.
• Embrace "Vyavasthit": Understand and accept the cosmic order, surrendering to its flow without worry.
• Cultivate Inner Peace: Strive for inner equanimity, freedom from anger, worry, and fear.
• Live Righteously: Conduct oneself with integrity, honesty, and compassion in all dealings.
• Seek Self-Knowledge: Through association with a Gnani, gain the knowledge that liberates from suffering.

The book offers practical keys to navigate life's complexities, transforming challenges into opportunities for spiritual growth and ultimately leading to Self-realization and liberation. The language is simple, direct, and often uses everyday analogies to convey profound spiritual truths.