Avoid Clashes Oriya

The book "Avoid Clashes" (ଘର୍ଷଣ ଟାଳନ୍ତୁ) by Dada Bhagwan, published by Dada Bhagwan Aradhana Trust, is a spiritual guide based on the teachings of Dada Bhagwan. The core message of the book is to "avoid clashes" in all interactions.

Here's a comprehensive summary of the key themes and teachings presented in the book:

Central Message: Avoid Clashes

• Clashes as a Sign of Ignorance: The book posits that experiencing clashes or friction with anyone is a sign of one's own ignorance.
• The Goal of Life: Liberation: The ultimate aim of following this principle is to attain liberation (moksha). The teachings suggest that by avoiding clashes, one can live a life free from suffering and progress towards spiritual freedom.
• A Simple Yet Profound Principle: The book emphasizes that embracing the single principle of "avoid clashes" can lead to a beautiful worldly life and pave the way for liberation.

Dada Bhagwan and Akram Vignan:

• Enlightenment: The book introduces Dada Bhagwan (Ambalal M. Patel) as an enlightened being who attained self-realization in 1958. He experienced the "Self" and understood the fundamental truths of existence.
• Akram Vignan (The Defectless Path): Dada Bhagwan introduced the "Akram Vignan" path, which is described as a direct, shortcut, or "lift" path to self-realization, unlike the gradual, step-by-step "kram" path.
• Sharing the Knowledge: Dada Bhagwan's purpose was to help others attain self-realization, a state he achieved in just two hours through his experiential knowledge. He would empower others with this knowledge, enabling them to experience the Self while living in the world and fulfilling their worldly responsibilities.
• Successors: The book mentions Dr. Nirubhai Amin (Neeruma) and Deepakbhai Desai as individuals empowered by Dada Bhagwan to continue spreading this knowledge and helping others attain self-realization.

Understanding and Practicing "Avoid Clashes":

• The Nature of Clashes: Clashes are presented as a fundamental aspect of the worldly existence, which is seen as a "vibration." However, the book differentiates between physical clashes with inanimate objects and clashes with living beings.
• Inanimate Objects vs. Living Beings:
  • Inanimate Objects (Walls, Pillars): If one collides with a wall or a pillar, it's understood that the wall/pillar is not at fault. One naturally avoids such obstacles for one's own well-being. The book advises treating people who cause clashes like inanimate objects – understand their nature and avoid collision rather than engaging in arguments.
  • Living Beings: Clashes with living beings are presented as a consequence of our own karma and our inability to see things clearly.
• Avoiding Conflict is Not "Tolerating": The book clarifies that avoiding clashes is not about tolerating or suppressing anger. Tolerating is like pressing down a spring, which will eventually bounce back. Instead, the emphasis is on finding solutions (solution-oriented approach).
• The Principle of "Whatever Happened is Right": This principle, also taught by Dada Bhagwan, is related to accepting events as they are, understanding that they are a result of past karma, and not getting entangled in blaming others.
• Self-Responsibility: The book consistently points to self-responsibility. If a clash occurs, it is our own fault, not the other person's. Blaming the other person perpetuates the cycle of conflict.
• Understanding the "Why": When a clash happens, the immediate response should be to introspect and ask, "What did I say or do that led to this clash?" This introspection will reveal one's own mistake and facilitate a solution.
• The Role of Intellect (Buddhi): The book cautions against relying solely on intellect, as it can often lead to arguments and further clashes. True wisdom lies in avoiding these conflicts.
• The Power of Pratikraman: The practice of "Pratikraman" (self-reflection and asking forgiveness for one's faults) is presented as a key tool for resolving the negative impressions created by clashes. It's the only "weapon" to overcome the consequences of friction.
• Subtle and Gross Clashes: The book discusses different levels of clashes:
  • Gross (Sthool): Physical clashes or arguments that are apparent.
  • Subtle (Sukshma): Mental disagreements, verbal arguments not overtly visible.
  • Subtler (Sukshmatar): Seeing faults in others when one believes they are pure.
  • Subtlest (Sukshmattam): Becoming engrossed with another's ego (like Chandulal's interaction with his father).
• The Nature of the World: The world is described as being made of "friction." Progress, in a spiritual sense, is often gained through overcoming these frictions.
• The Root of Clashes: Enmity and Desire: The book identifies enmity and desires (vikar) as the root causes of clashes. Overcoming these leads to love and peace.
• The Importance of "Common Sense": "Common Sense" is defined as "everywhere applicable" or "scientifically circumstantial evidence." It helps in navigating interactions without creating friction.
• Spiritual Progress: Avoiding clashes is not about suppressing oneself but about gaining spiritual strength and awareness. Every interaction, even a clash, can be a learning opportunity if approached with the right understanding.
• The Guarantee of Liberation: By sincerely resolving to avoid clashes and practicing Pratikraman when they do occur, one is guaranteed to attain liberation within a few lifetimes.

In essence, "Avoid Clashes" is a practical guide to navigating life's interactions with equanimity and wisdom, leading to personal peace and spiritual upliftment. It emphasizes self-awareness, acceptance, and the power of internal transformation as the keys to avoiding conflict.