Aptvani 09 - Book Summary | JainGPT

A Comprehensive Summary of "Aptavani 09" by Dada Bhagwan

"Aptavani 09," authored by Dada Bhagwan and published by Dada Bhagwan Aradhana Trust, is part of a series that compiles the spiritual discourses and teachings of Dada Bhagwan (Shri Ambalal Mulji Patel). This particular volume, Aptavani Series 09, delves into various spiritual and behavioral aspects of life, aiming to guide seekers towards self-realization and liberation (moksha).

The book is presented as a compilation of Dada Bhagwan's divine speech, recorded, edited, and published for the benefit of spiritual aspirants. It emphasizes that while the text provides valuable guidance, true self-knowledge and liberation can only be attained through direct interaction with a living Gnani (a self-realized soul).

Key Themes and Concepts:

The primary focus of Aptavani 09 is to identify and address the obstacles that hinder spiritual progress, particularly on the path to moksha. These obstacles are often subtle internal tendencies and deeply ingrained habits that act as impediments. The book systematically analyzes several of these major obstacles, providing insights and practical guidance to overcome them:

Aadai (Stubbornness/Obstinacy): This section discusses the deep-seated arrogance that leads to rigidity in one's views and actions. It explains how stubbornness, even in seemingly simple matters, creates internal barriers and prevents one from accepting truths or adapting to circumstances. Dada Bhagwan highlights that accepting one's own stubbornness is the first step to overcoming it, and that true simplicity and humility are essential for spiritual progress.
Roothna (Sulking/Taking Offense): This topic is presented as a manifestation of aadai. It describes how sulking leads to self-imposed isolation and prevents growth. The teachings emphasize that the world does not stop for one's sulking and that learning to let go of personal offense is crucial for maintaining inner peace and forward momentum.
Traga (Maneuvering/Coercion): This section addresses the manipulative tendencies individuals resort to when their desires are not met. It explains how traga, often involving emotional outbursts, guilt-tripping, or creating pressure, is a futile attempt to control others and situations. The book advises recognizing and disengaging from such behavior, as it ultimately leads to self-destruction and severe karmic consequences.
Udveg (Agitation/Anxiety): This topic explores the mental turmoil caused by unmet desires and the inability to control external circumstances. Dada Bhagwan explains that agitation arises from attachment and the ego's insistence on having things its own way. The solution lies in relinquishing desires and accepting events as they unfold, guided by the principle of vyavasthit (the scientifically ordained order of the universe).
Shanka (Doubt): Doubt is identified as a major impediment, stemming from lack of complete understanding and the interference of the intellect. The teachings strongly advocate against doubt, especially towards a Gnani, as it hinders spiritual growth and leads to confusion and suffering. True faith and acceptance are presented as antidotes to doubt. The book distinguishes between doubt and healthy curiosity.
Nondh (Taking Mental Notes/Holding Grudges): This section addresses the detrimental habit of mentally recording perceived slights or favors, which leads to resentment and the formation of mental baggage. The teachings emphasize the importance of a vitarag (free from attachment and aversion) state, where one does not hold onto past experiences, whether positive or negative. Letting go of nondh is presented as essential for inner freedom and true love.
Common Sense (Vyavaharik Buddhi): While not a direct obstacle, the lack of true common sense is discussed as a significant issue in daily life. Dada Bhagwan redefines common sense as "everywhere applicable, theoretically as well as practically." It's presented as an innate understanding that allows for seamless interaction and conflict resolution. The book contrasts this with mere intellectual knowledge, stating that common sense helps navigate the world but not necessarily towards liberation.
Welding (Melding/Reconciliation): This concept, used metaphorically, refers to the art of reconciling differences and creating harmony. Dada Bhagwan highlights the importance of welding relationships, even if it requires personal effort or sacrifice. However, he cautions that in the current era, those who try to mend broken relationships often face criticism and loss, but it is still a virtuous act.
Mamata (Attachment/Possessiveness): This is a fundamental obstacle to liberation. Mamata is explained as the identification with 'mine' which fuels the ego's 'I'. The book stresses that attachment, even to one's own body, is the root cause of suffering and bondage. True detachment, recognizing all as transient, is the path to freedom.
Lalach (Greed): Greed is presented as the driving force behind attachment and a significant impediment to spiritual progress. It's described as an insatiable desire for worldly pleasures and possessions, leading to suffering and a loss of spiritual focus. The teachings highlight that greed prevents one from recognizing their true spiritual nature.
Maan (Pride/Ego): Pride, in its various forms, is analyzed as a major obstacle. It discusses how pride, especially when rooted in worldly achievements or status, blinds individuals to their true selves and fosters arrogance. The teachings emphasize that true humility and recognizing one's inherent ignorance are pathways to shedding pride.
Garva (Arrogance/Conceit): This section further explores pride, particularly the conceit arising from intellectual knowledge or spiritual understanding. It warns against the subtle trap of intellectual pride, which can be more detrimental than worldly arrogance. The ideal is to remain humble and acknowledge that true knowledge comes from a higher source.
Garavata (Complacency/Lethargy): This refers to a state of contentment derived from worldly comforts or minor spiritual achievements, leading to a lack of further striving. Dada Bhagwan uses the analogy of a buffalo wallowing in mud to describe this state, where individuals become complacent and resist spiritual advancement.
Laghutam (Smallness/Humility): This is presented as a highly virtuous quality essential for spiritual growth. By embracing humility and considering oneself the smallest, one can transcend the ego and move towards higher spiritual states. True laghutam is described as an internal state, not just an external behavior.
Gurutam (Greatness/Exaltedness): This is discussed in contrast to laghutam. The book explains that the pursuit of worldly or even spiritual greatness without the foundation of humility leads to downfall. True greatness is attained through becoming the smallest, which then naturally leads to a higher, spiritual exaltedness.
Khench (Persistence/Stubbornness in Argument): This refers to the tendency to cling to one's own opinions and stubbornly defend them, often leading to futile arguments. The teachings advise against khench, promoting flexibility and a willingness to understand different perspectives.
Kapat (Deceit/Hypocrisy): Deceit is identified as a deeply insidious obstacle, often hidden and sweet-tasting, which leads to karmic entanglement and a loss of self-awareness. It is described as a powerful force that veils the truth and keeps individuals bound to the cycle of birth and death.
Point Man (Mediator/Influencer): This term is used metaphorically to describe individuals or influences that can divert one from the correct spiritual path. The book warns against being swayed by such influences and stresses the importance of staying on the path guided by a true Gnani.
Jaagriti (Awareness/Consciousness): This is presented as a crucial spiritual quality. The teachings explain that true awareness helps in recognizing subtle internal impurities and maintaining one's spiritual focus. It is the foundation for all spiritual progress.
Poojane ki Kamana (Desire to be Worshipped): This is highlighted as a dangerous spiritual ambition that leads to ego inflation and spiritual downfall. True spiritual progress lies in humility and surrender, not in seeking adoration.

Dada Bhagwan's Unique Approach (Akram Marg):

The book repeatedly refers to the "Akram Marg" (the indirect path) as taught by Dada Bhagwan. This path emphasizes attaining self-knowledge through a spiritual process that bypasses the need for arduous, step-by-step purification of karma. It's described as a direct, elevator-like path to liberation, contrasting with the traditional kramik (gradual) path. The key to this path is the Gnan Kriya (process of Self-Realization) transmitted by the Gnani.

Publisher and Context:

The book is published by Dada Bhagwan Aradhana Trust, and the catalog link provided indicates its availability within the Jain religious and philosophical context. The publisher and author information confirms it as a work of Dada Bhagwan's teachings.

Overall Message:

Aptavani 09 serves as a comprehensive guide for spiritual seekers, illuminating the common pitfalls on the path to liberation. It encourages introspection, self-awareness, and the adoption of virtues like humility, simplicity, and detachment. The underlying message is that by understanding and overcoming these internal obstacles, one can progress towards realizing their true Self and attaining moksha, ideally through the guidance of a living Gnani Purush. The book is presented in a question-answer format, reflecting a direct dialogue between Dada Bhagwan and his disciples, making the spiritual concepts relatable and accessible.