Aptavani Shreni 14 Part 03 - Book Summary

This document is the third part of the fourteenth series of "Aptavani" (Divine Speeches) compiled by Dipak Desai, published by Mahavideh Foundation. The book is based on the teachings of 'Dada Bhagwan' (Dadashri), also known as Dadashri.

The core message of this volume, as presented across its pages, revolves around the nature of the soul (Atma) and its various manifestations and states of being, primarily within the context of Jain philosophy and the unique spiritual science propagated by Dada Bhagwan.

Here's a comprehensive summary of the key themes and concepts discussed:

1. The Nature of the Soul (Atma):

Dada Bhagwan as the Manifestation: The text begins by explaining that Dada Bhagwan fully manifested within the body of A.M. Patel in 1958, leading to a profound spiritual realization. This realization provided answers to fundamental questions about the soul, God, the universe, karma, and liberation.
Akram Marg (The Instantaneous Path): Dada Bhagwan's teachings are characterized by the "Akram Marg," described as a direct or shortcut path to self-realization, in contrast to the traditional "kramik marg" (step-by-step path).
Dada Bhagwan is Not the Body: Dada Bhagwan clarified that the visible form is not Dada Bhagwan itself. Dada Bhagwan is the divine consciousness residing within, the Lord of the fourteen realms, which is present in everyone but fully manifested in Him. He emphasized that He Himself is not God but a vessel for the divine consciousness.
The Real Soul (Shuddhatma): The text repeatedly stresses that the real soul (Shuddhatma) is pure, unchanging, and distinct from the body, mind, and ego. The perceived soul, often referred to as the "vyavahar atma" or "pratishthit atma," is an illusionary construct arising from ignorance and incorrect beliefs.

2. Key Concepts and Terminology:

Pratishthit Atma (The Consecrated/Established Soul): This refers to the soul as it is conceived or established through beliefs and identification with the body, ego, and worldly relations. It's a relative, functional soul that charges and discharges karma.
Vyavahar Atma (The Functional/Relative Soul): This is closely related to Pratishthit Atma, representing the soul as it functions in the relative world, identified with worldly roles and actions.
Power Chetan (Energetic Consciousness): This is described as a mixed consciousness, neither purely material nor purely spiritual, that fuels the mind, speech, and body. It's the energetic aspect that animates the relative self.
Nishchetan Chetan (Inert Consciousness): This refers to the discharged or mechanical aspect, the 'dead' or non-conscious aspect that functions due to past charging. It is the body-mind complex that continues to operate based on past karma and the presence of the pure soul.
Mishra Chetan (Mixed Consciousness): This is the state where the pure soul's presence mixes with material elements, leading to the formation of the relative ego and the functioning of the relative self.
Mikal Atma (Mechanical Soul): This concept highlights the mechanical, programmed nature of the relative self, operating like a machine without true independent will or consciousness.
Mada (The Corpse): This term is used to describe the physical and mental apparatus that operates without the direct will or consciousness of the pure soul, functioning like a mechanical entity.
Achal Atma (Unmoving Soul): This refers to the true, permanent, unmoving nature of the Self (Shuddhatma).
Sachal Atma (Moving Soul): This refers to the relative, mechanical, and changing aspect of the self.
Keval Gyan (Omniscience): The ultimate state of pure, complete, and direct knowledge, encompassing all past, present, and future.
Keval Darshan (Omniscience of Perception): The ultimate state of pure perception, seeing things as they are.
Kevalcharitra (Pure Conduct): The ultimate state of pure conduct, arising from the realization of the Self.

3. The Process of Self-Realization:

Knowledge and Understanding: The text explains that true knowledge (Jnaan) is distinct from mere intellectual understanding (Mati). Shruta Jnaan (scriptural knowledge) is the foundation, leading to Mati Jnaan (intellectual understanding) and ultimately to direct experience.
The Role of the Gnani (Knower): The Gnani Purush (the Enlightened One) is crucial for dispelling ignorance and guiding individuals to their true nature. Their grace and teachings are paramount.
Akram Path to Keval Gyan: The Akram path, through Dada Bhagwan's guidance and the Gnani's grace, aims to bypass the gradual purification of the relative self and directly lead to the realization of the Self (Shuddhatma). This is described as an accelerated path, aiming for direct experience of the Self and ultimately the state of Keval Gyan (Omniscience).
Distinction between Gnani and Kevaljñani: While Gnani Purush (Enlightened One) has realized the Self, Kevaljñani has attained complete omniscience. Dada Bhagwan identifies Himself as a Gnani Purush, close to Kevaljñani, but with a few degrees short of complete omniscience due to the era's limitations.

4. Emphasis on Practical Application:

Living in the World: The teachings emphasize that liberation is possible while living in the world, fulfilling responsibilities, but remaining detached from the worldly activities.
Self-Observation: The importance of observing the 'mechanical soul' (Mishra Chetan, Nishchetan Chetan) without identifying with its actions or experiences is stressed.
Beyond Rituals: The text distinguishes between external practices and the inner realization of the Self, emphasizing that true spiritual progress comes from understanding the nature of the Self, not just performing rituals.

5. The Goal of Liberation (Moksha):

The ultimate goal is to transcend all relative states and realize the pure, unchanging, absolute nature of the Self, the Shuddhatma, which is identified with Keval Gyan (Omniscience).

In essence, "Aptavani Shreni 14 Part 03" is a deep dive into the spiritual science of Dada Bhagwan, explaining the intricate workings of the soul, karma, and the path to liberation through self-realization and the grace of the Gnani. It aims to provide clarity on complex spiritual concepts using simple language and relatable analogies, guiding the reader towards understanding their true, eternal Self.The book "Aptavani Shreni 14 Part 03" is part of a series of divine discourses by Param Pujya Dadashri, compiled by Dipak Desai and published by Mahavideh Foundation. The volume delves into the profound spiritual science of the Self, elaborating on various aspects of the soul's nature, its experiences, and the path to liberation as explained by Dada Bhagwan.

Here's a comprehensive summary of the key themes and concepts presented in this part:

1. The Nature of the Soul (Atma) and its Manifestations: The book meticulously explains different states and forms of the soul's existence, often using analogies to make complex spiritual concepts understandable. These include:

Pratishthit Atma (Consecrated/Established Soul): This refers to the soul as it is identified with the worldly ego, body, and relations. It is the entity that charges and discharges karma, creating the cycle of birth and death. It is described as a 'mechanical' or 'power-charged' consciousness that continues to function based on past beliefs and actions.
Vyavahar Atma (Functional/Relative Soul): This is the soul as it operates in the relative world, carrying the impressions of karma and worldly experiences. It is distinguished from the 'real' or 'Nischay Atma'.
Nishchetan Chetan (Inert Consciousness): This refers to the non-conscious, mechanical aspect of the relative self, which operates like a machine, devoid of true awareness but appearing to function due to past energies. It is further categorized into 'Mishra Chetan' (mixed consciousness) and 'Nishchetan Chetan' (inert consciousness).
Mishra Chetan (Mixed Consciousness): This is the state where pure consciousness seems to mix with material elements, leading to the formation of the relative ego and the functioning of the relative self. It is a state of energetic consciousness influenced by beliefs.
Nishchetan Chetan (Inert Consciousness): This is the purely mechanical or 'dead' aspect, which functions due to prior charging but lacks inherent consciousness. It operates like a machine or a puppet.
Mada (The Corpse): This term is used to describe the physical and mental apparatus that operates mechanically, without the direct will or consciousness of the pure soul. It functions based on past karma and the presence of the pure soul.
Achal Atma (Unmoving Soul): This represents the true, eternal, unchanging nature of the Self (Shuddhatma).
Sachal Atma (Moving Soul): This refers to the relative, mechanical, and constantly changing aspect of the self, which is subject to the laws of karma and cause-effect.

2. The Path to Self-Realization:

The Gnani's Role: The text emphasizes the indispensable role of the Gnani Purush (Enlightened One) in guiding the seeker. The Gnani's grace and direct knowledge are essential for dispelling ignorance.
Distinguishing Real from Relative: A key aspect of the teachings is learning to differentiate between the true Self (Nischay Atma) and the relative self (Vyavahar Atma). This involves recognizing the mechanical and inert nature of the latter.
Akram Upadesha (Unsolicited Teachings): Dada Bhagwan's teachings are characterized by their directness and the elimination of the need for gradual purification. The emphasis is on acquiring the correct understanding (Samaj) and perspective, leading to immediate self-awareness.
Overcoming Ignorance: The core of the spiritual journey lies in overcoming the ignorance ('Agyan') that binds the soul to the relative self, the ego, and the cycle of karma. This is achieved through the Gnani's grace and the right belief ('Rait Belief').

3. Levels of Knowledge: The book details various types of knowledge, explaining their significance and limitations on the path to ultimate liberation:

Shruta Jnaan (Scriptural Knowledge): Knowledge gained from scriptures or spoken words.
Mati Jnaan (Intellectual Understanding): The ability to process and internalize scriptural knowledge, leading to a conceptual understanding.
Avadhi Jnaan (Limited Clairvoyance): Knowledge of specific realms or timeframes, but limited in scope.
Manahparyav Jnaan (Knowledge of Others' Thoughts): The ability to perceive the thoughts of others.
Keval Gyan (Omniscience): The ultimate, absolute, and complete knowledge, encompassing all reality, which is the final goal.

4. The Concept of 'Vyavasthit':

Scientific Circumstantial Evidence: The concept of 'Vyavasthit' is presented as the underlying scientific principle governing the universe. Understanding Vyavasthit is crucial for spiritual progress, as it explains the cause-and-effect relationships in a systematic and unerring manner.

5. The State of the Gnani and Kevaljñani:

Dada Bhagwan's State: Dada Bhagwan identifies Himself as a Gnani Purush, possessing complete knowledge of the Self, but with a slight deficit in achieving the final state of Keval Gyan (omniscience) within the current cosmic era (Kalyuga). This partial realization is attributed to the cosmic laws and His compassion for humanity.
The Nature of Keval Gyan: Keval Gyan is described as absolute, unadulterated knowledge, beyond words and intellect. It is the state of pure awareness, where the Self is realized in its entirety.

6. Practical Implications:

Living Without Attachment: The teachings emphasize living in the world with detachment, understanding that all actions are performed by the relative self ('Chandubhai' in Dada Bhagwan's terminology) under the influence of 'Vyavasthit', while the true Self remains an uninvolved observer.
The Goal of Unalloyed Bliss: The ultimate aim is to attain the state of pure bliss, which is the inherent nature of the Self, by shedding all coverings of ignorance and relative identification.

In essence, "Aptavani Shreni 14 Part 03" serves as a guide to understanding the fundamental truths of existence, the nature of the soul, and the practical steps towards self-realization within the framework of Dada Bhagwan's spiritual science. It highlights the importance of the Gnani's grace in achieving this ultimate goal.