Aptvani 13 Uttararddh

This is a comprehensive summary of "Aptavani 13 Uttararddh" by Dada Bhagwan, based on the provided text.

Book Overview:

• Title: Aptavani 13 Uttararddh (Volume 13, Second Part)
• Author: Dada Bhagwan (as spoken through A.M. Patel)
• Publisher: Dada Bhagwan Aradhana Trust
• Nature of the Text: This book is presented as a compilation of the divinely inspired, ownerless (maliki rahit), Syadvad (multi-faceted truth) speech of Dada Bhagwan, which emerged spontaneously from Param Pujya Dadashri. It is described as a guide for those seeking liberation (moksha) and contains profound spiritual and behavioral knowledge. The text is considered a key to transcending the stages of spiritual evolution and attaining Self-realization.

Core Philosophy and Teachings:

The central theme of "Aptavani 13 Uttararddh" revolves around the teachings of Dada Bhagwan, a Gnani Purush (Self-Realized Master) who emphasized the Akram Marg (The Effortless Path) to Self-Realization. Key concepts include:

1. Pragna (Higher Intellect/Intuition):

   • Pragna is described as a divine Shakti (power) that arises after Self-knowledge, emanating directly from the Soul. It acts as a guide, distinguishing between the Soul and the non-Self (body, ego, mind).
   • It is the direct light of the Soul, unlike intellect (Buddhi), which is indirect and dependent on worldly knowledge.
   • Pragna helps in discerning real from relative, prevents entanglement in worldly affairs, and is essential for recognizing the Soul.
   • It is the driving force behind spiritual practices like repentance (pratikraman) and introspection (nidhidhyasan).

2. Rag-Dvesh (Attachment-Aversion) and their Root Cause:

   • The text identifies Agnan (Ignorance) as the root cause of Rag-Dvesh. When Agnan is removed through Self-knowledge, Rag-Dvesh cease.
   • The teachings explain that Rag (attachment) and Dvesh (aversion) are not inherent qualities of the Soul but arise from the interaction of Soul with matter (Pudgal).
   • The Akram path, upon receiving Self-knowledge, immediately eradicates the root cause of Rag-Dvesh, leading to a state of detachment.
   • The book differentiates between the discharge of past karma (where reactions may appear similar to Rag-Dvesh but are not) and genuine Rag-Dvesh.

3. Prakshast Rag (Pure/Beneficial Attachment):

   • The text introduces the concept of Prakshast Rag, a specific type of attachment that arises towards the Gnani Purush or spiritual scriptures.
   • Unlike worldly attachment, Prakshast Rag does not lead to further bondage; instead, it is a means of liberation. It helps in detaching from other worldly attachments and ultimately leads towards Vitraagta (freedom from attachment and aversion).

4. Vitraagta (Freedom from Attachment and Aversion):

   • Vitraagta is presented as the ultimate goal, a state of complete equanimity.
   • The path to Vitraagta begins with overcoming Dvesh (aversion). Once Dvesh is conquered, Rag (attachment) naturally diminishes, leading to Vitraagta.
   • The teachings emphasize that true Vitraagta is not merely the absence of negative reactions but a state of pure equanimity where all worldly interactions are seen without attachment or aversion.

5. Gyan, Darshan, Charitra (Knowledge, Vision, Conduct):

   • The book elaborates on the interconnectedness of Gyan, Darshan, and Charitra as the path to Moksha.
   • Darshan is the initial glimpse of the Soul, the self-realization that "I am the pure Soul." It is the correct vision.
   • Gyan is the deepening of this realization through experience and understanding.
   • Charitra is the living of life in accordance with this knowledge and vision, remaining in the awareness of the Self as a knower-seer.
   • In the Akram path, Darshan is received instantly, followed by Gyan and then Charitra.

6. Niralamb (Without Support/Self-reliant):

   • The ultimate state is Niralamb, where one is completely free from all worldly supports and dependencies, including the body and the ego.
   • This state is achieved through the grace of the Gnani Purush and consistent adherence to His teachings.
   • The journey from supported (sa-avalamban) to unsupported (ni-ralamb) is a gradual process of shedding all external and internal dependencies.

7. 'Main, Bavo, Mangaldas' (I, Bavo, and Mangaldas):

   • This is a unique and profound teaching explaining the different layers of existence experienced by a human being.
   • Mangaldas: Represents the physical body and its functions, the entirely material aspect that can be observed by doctors. It is the 'relative' self, subject to change.
   • Bavo: Represents the intermediate aspect, the ego or the 'relative self' that experiences states of attachment and aversion, belief systems, and the sense of doership ('I am the doer'). This is the aspect that changes with circumstances and roles.
   • Main (I): Represents the pure, Self-realized Soul, the 'Absolute' Self, which is beyond all these changing states. It is the witness, the knower-seer.
   • The teachings guide the seeker to identify with the 'Main' (the pure Soul) and to understand the nature of Bavo and Mangaldas as separate from the Self. This leads to the transcendence of the ego and the dissolution of the relative self into the Absolute.

Key Themes and Emphasis:

• Akram Marg: The book consistently highlights the ease and directness of the Akram Marg, which leads to Self-realization in a short period through the grace of the Gnani Purush.
• Self-Knowledge: The ultimate aim is to realize one's true Self, the pure Soul, as distinct from the body, ego, and mind.
• Practical Application: The teachings are not merely theoretical but are intended to be lived. The emphasis is on understanding and experiencing these truths in daily life.
• Grace of the Gnani: The crucial role of a living Gnani Purush in imparting Self-knowledge and guiding the seeker on the path is repeatedly emphasized.
• Ego and Belief Systems: The teachings focus on dismantling the ego (Ahamkar) and correcting erroneous beliefs (wrong beliefs) that bind one to the cycle of birth and death.

Overall Message:

"Aptavani 13 Uttararddh" offers a profound and practical path to liberation through the Akram Marg. It demystifies spiritual concepts, making them accessible and experiential. The central message is that through the grace of Dada Bhagwan and by understanding the distinction between the Self and the non-Self, one can attain ultimate freedom and bliss. The book acts as a spiritual guide, illuminating the way to Self-realization and complete freedom from suffering.