Bhavna Sudhare Janmo Janam - Book Summary

This comprehensive summary is based on the provided Jain text, "Bhavna Sudhare Janmo Janam" (Emotions Improve Lives Across Births) by Dada Bhagwan, published by Mahavideh Foundation. The book introduces nine specific "kalams" (sayings/affirmations) that are presented as the essence of all Jain scriptures, particularly emphasizing the Akram Marg (Intricate Path) of spiritual progress.

Core Message:

The central theme of the book is that by adopting and consistently reciting the nine kalams, individuals can purify their inner states, rectify past karmic mistakes, and ultimately improve their lives across multiple births, leading to spiritual liberation. Dada Bhagwan emphasizes that these are not just words to be memorized, but rather seeds of pure intentions that, when nurtured with consistent feeling and devotion, lead to profound internal transformation.

Introduction to Dada Bhagwan and the Akram Marg:

Dada Bhagwan: The book begins by introducing Dada Bhagwan, a manifestation of the pure Self (Ātma) within Shri Ambalal M. Patel. He is described as a fully enlightened being who, in 1958, experienced vishvadarshan (universal vision) and gained complete knowledge of the universe, karma, and liberation.
Akram Marg: Dada Bhagwan's teachings are characterized as the Akram Marg (Intricate Path) or "lift route," a shortcut to self-realization and liberation. This contrasts with the kramik marg (gradual path) which involves a step-by-step approach through various spiritual disciplines over many lifetimes. The Akram Marg allows for self-realization in a much shorter timeframe, often within hours.
The "Dada Bhagwan" within: Dada Bhagwan clarifies that the visible form is "A.M. Patel," a Gnani Purush (enlightened being), while "Dada Bhagwan" is the pure, omnipresent Soul within. He states that "Dada Bhagwan" resides within everyone, though it is fully manifest within him.

The Nine "Kalams" (Affirmations):

The book elaborates on nine specific affirmations that are the core of this practice. Each kalam is a plea to "Dada Bhagwan" for the strength to:

Not hurt anyone's ego (aham): To avoid hurting, being hurt by, or approving of hurting anyone's ego. It also asks for the power of syadvad (speech, conduct, and thought that respects multiple viewpoints) to achieve this.
Not disrespect any religion: To avoid disrespecting, being disrespected by, or approving of disrespect towards any religion or faith. It again emphasizes syadvad for this.
Not criticize or offend any preacher/ascetic: To refrain from speaking negatively, committing offenses, or showing disrespect towards any preacher, nun, or spiritual leader.
Not harbor ill will or contempt: To never develop, cause, or approve of ill will or contempt towards any living being.
Not use harsh or hurtful language: To avoid speaking or causing others to speak harsh or biting language. If such language is spoken by others, it asks for the strength to respond with gentle and straightforward speech.
Not harbor sexual desires or intentions: To be free from lustful desires, intentions, or actions towards any person regardless of their gender. It asks for the strength to remain nirvikar (unaffected by desires).
Not be attached to any taste: To avoid craving or attachment to specific tastes in food and to practice samarsi aahar (balanced and harmonious eating).
Not speak ill of anyone (living or dead): To refrain from speaking negatively, offending, or showing disrespect towards any living being, whether present or absent, alive or deceased.
Become an instrument for world welfare: To be granted the power to become an instrument for the welfare of the entire world.

Key Principles and Explanations:

Cause and Effect (Cause and Effect): Dada Bhagwan explains that behavior is an effect, and emotions (bhav) are the cause. To change the effect, one must change the cause. These kalams are designed to change the inner causes (emotions) to bring about desired changes in behavior.
Syadvad: The concept of syadvad is crucial. It means understanding and respecting the viewpoint of others, speaking and acting in a way that does not cause them pain or offense, and acknowledging that truth can be relative to different perspectives.
Pratikraman (Confession/Repentance): The book strongly advocates for immediate pratikraman when any mistake is made. This means acknowledging the mistake, seeking forgiveness (internally or externally), and resolving not to repeat it. The kalams are also seen as a form of continuous pratikraman.
Intention vs. Action: Dada Bhagwan emphasizes that the inner intention (bhav) is more powerful than the outward action. The kalams are about purifying these inner intentions.
Spiritual Power: The repeated plea for "strength" (shakti) from "Dada Bhagwan" is not about demanding something from an external deity, but about awakening the inherent spiritual power within oneself. These kalams are the means to access this power.
Understanding vs. Doing: The emphasis is on understanding and feeling the kalams, not on striving or forcing oneself to adhere to them. The kalams are presented as a "medicine to read" and a "medicine of feeling," not a medicine of "doing."
Not a Matter of Intelligence: The teachings are presented as beyond the realm of intellect. Trying to logically understand or implement them through one's own intelligence can lead to confusion. Surrendering to the words and the feeling is key.
The Nature of the Kalams: These kalams are unique, not found in traditional scriptures, and are described as the "essence of all scriptures" and the "butter churned from the milk of the fourteen realms." They are the distilled wisdom of a liberated being.
Impact on Future Lives: Consistent practice of these kalams is said to cleanse karmic accounts, dissolve past bindings, and purify the "account books" of the soul, leading to better lives in the future.
The "Planting of Seeds": The kalams are like seeds planted in the present to yield positive results in future lives. While immediate changes might not be apparent, the process of planting and nurturing these seeds is crucial for long-term spiritual growth.
Beyond Ritual: The practice is not mechanical or ritualistic. It is about developing a genuine feeling and intention. The repetition of the kalams is a means to cultivate this inner disposition.

Overall Purpose:

"Bhavna Sudhare Janmo Janam" is a practical guide to spiritual purification as taught by Dada Bhagwan. It offers a simple yet profound method to transform one's inner state, leading to freedom from suffering and the attainment of ultimate liberation. The book encourages readers to make these kalams a daily practice, not as a duty, but as a conscious act of seeking inner purity and spiritual progress.