Aptavani Shreni 14 Part 03 - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Aptavani Shreni 14 Part 03" by Dada Bhagwan, based on the provided Gujarati text:

Book Title: Aptavani Shreni 14 Part 03 Author: Dada Bhagwan (attributed to the manifestation within A.M. Patel) Publisher: Dada Bhagwan Aradhana Trust / Mahavideh Foundation

This volume, part three of the fourteenth series of "Aptavani" (translated as "The Words of the Self-Realized"), compiles the spiritual discourse of Dada Bhagwan (Param Pujya Dadashri) as transcribed and compiled by Deepak Desai. The text is a detailed exploration of the nature of the soul and its journey, presented through a question-and-answer format, elucidating Dada Bhagwan's unique teachings on Self-realization and spiritual science.

Core Teachings and Themes:

The primary focus of this volume is to unravel the intricate principles of the soul ('Atma') and its various states and manifestations, primarily through Dada Bhagwan's 'Akram Vignan' (the science of the stepless path to Self-realization). Key concepts discussed include:

The Nature of the Soul (Atma):
- Real vs. Relative: Dada Bhagwan distinguishes between the true, eternal Self (Shuddhatma/Mool Atma) and the relative, worldly self (Pratishthit Atma/Vyavahar Atma). The Mool Atma is described as pure, unchanging, and the source of infinite knowledge and vision.
- Pratishthit Atma (The Consecrated/Established Soul): This refers to the soul as it is perceived and identified with in the worldly sense, based on beliefs, designations, and karmic imprints. It is considered a manifestation of 'maya' or illusion, a product of 'wrong belief' and ego. This entity is responsible for charging new karma and is described as 'mechanical' or 'power-charged'.
- Vyavahar Atma (The Conventional Soul): This is synonymous with the Pratishthit Atma, the soul as conventionally understood and identified with in the world, which mistakenly believes itself to be the doer and enjoyer of karma.
- Mishra Chetan (Mixed Consciousness): This state arises from the proximity of the real soul and the non-soul (pudgal). It possesses characteristics of both but is fundamentally an illusionary state.
- Nishchetan Chetan (Inert Consciousness/Mechanical Consciousness): This refers to the physical body and its functions, which appear alive due to the presence of consciousness but are essentially inert, mechanical processes. It is often described as a 'dead body' ('madata') in the spiritual sense, functioning due to past karmic charges.
- Pawar Chetan (Powered Consciousness): This term is used interchangeably with Mishra Chetan and Pratishthit Atma, describing the entity that appears to act and experience, driven by the 'power' of past karmas and beliefs, but is not the true Self.
Karma and Liberation:
- Karma Bandh (Bondage of Karma): The text explains how karma is charged through the ego-centric identification ('I am the doer,' 'this is mine') with the Pratishthit/Vyavahar Atma.
- Akram Vignan: Dada Bhagwan's path emphasizes the direct realization of the Self (Mool Atma) through Self-Inquiry and understanding the distinction between the Self and the non-self. This bypasses the step-by-step process of 'kramik marg' (sequential path).
- Release from Karma: Liberation ('moksha') is achieved by recognizing the true Self and ceasing the charging of new karma by identifying with the Pratishthit Atma. The discharge of existing karma occurs naturally.
The Nature of Knowledge (Gyan):
- Types of Knowledge: The text delves into various types of knowledge:
  - Shrut Gyan: Knowledge gained through listening or reading scriptures and teachings.
  - Mati Gyan: The understanding and assimilation of Shrut Gyan, leading to practical insight.
  - Avadhi Gyan: Clairvoyance, limited to a specific range or scope.
  - Manahparyav Gyan: The ability to know the thoughts of others.
  - Keval Gyan: Absolute, omniscient knowledge, the ultimate state of liberation.
- Keval Gyan vs. Shrut Gyan: Dada Bhagwan clarifies that Shrut Gyan is theoretical, while Keval Gyan is experiential and absolute. He emphasizes that his own path leads directly to Self-realization and the understanding of Keval Gyan, even if full manifestation is a gradual process.
- Subtlety of Knowledge: Dada Bhagwan stresses that ultimate knowledge (Keval Gyan) transcends words and intellect, being an direct experience of the Self.
The Self-Realized State (Gyani):
- Dada Bhagwan's State: Dada Bhagwan describes his own state as having realized the Self, but with a slight deficiency in experiencing the full manifestation of Keval Gyan due to the limitations of the current era ('Kaal'). He humbly refers to himself as a 'Gyani Purush' (Knower) rather than a 'Keval Gyani' (All-Knower).
- The Role of the Gnani: The Gnani Purush serves as the link to Self-realization, guiding seekers to understand the distinction between the Self and the non-self.
Key Concepts Explained:
- Pratishthit Atma (Consecrated Soul): The false self created by beliefs and ego.
- Vyavahar Atma (Conventional Soul): The soul as understood in worldly interactions.
- Pawar Chetan (Powered Consciousness): The apparent consciousness in the inert body, likened to a battery.
- Mishra Chetan (Mixed Consciousness): The state of being influenced by both the real and the non-soul.
- Nishchetan Chetan (Inert Consciousness): The mechanical aspect of the body and mind, appearing alive but fundamentally inert.
- Chanchal vs. Achal: The transient nature of the physical world versus the permanent, unchanging nature of the Self.
- Vyavasthit: The underlying scientific, natural, and unerring principle that governs the universe, working independently of the Self.

Structure of the Volume:

The volume is meticulously organized into two main sections:

Khand 1: Atmana Swarupo (Forms/Aspects of the Soul): This section elaborates on the different perceived forms or states of the soul, including Pratishthit Atma, Vyavahar Atma, Pawar Chetan, Mishra Chetan, Nishchetan Chetan, Mechanical Atma, and the distinction between Chanchal (moving) and Achal (unmoving).
Khand 2: Atmana Gnan-Darshan na Prakaro (Types of Soul's Knowledge and Vision): This section explains the different types of spiritual knowledge (Mati, Shrut, Avadhi, Manahparyav, Keval Gyan) and the nature of divine vision (Darshan), with a particular emphasis on the clarity and direct experience of the Self.

Publisher's Note and Dedication:

The text begins with a dedication and acknowledgement of the efforts involved in compiling Dada Bhagwan's wisdom. It highlights the systematic nature of the compilation process, from recording cassettes to subject-wise organization and proofreading, all guided by Divine grace and the service of sincere devotees. The 'Trimantra,' a sacred chant, and 'Jai Sachchidanand' are presented as spiritual salutations.

Overall Message:

Aptavani Shreni 14 Part 03 serves as a profound guide for spiritual seekers, offering clear explanations and practical insights into the nature of the soul and the path to liberation, as revealed by Dada Bhagwan's Akram Vignan. It emphasizes direct Self-experience over intellectual understanding and aims to remove worldly illusions to reveal the eternal, pure Self within. The compilation is presented as a universal scripture, beneficial to all religions and for the welfare of the entire world.