Bhavna Sudhare Janmo Janm

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Bhavna Sudhare Janmo Janm" (Improve Bhavna Birth After Birth) by Dada Bhagwan, based on the provided content:

Book Title: Bhavna Sudhare Janmo Janm (भावना सुधारे जन्मोजन्म) Subtitle: Nav Kalame - Saar Tamam Shastraancho (नव कलमे - सार तमाम शास्त्रांचा) - Nine Principles - The Essence of All Scriptures Author: Dada Bhagwan (दादा भगवान), attributed to the teachings of Shri Ambalal Muljibhai Patel. Publisher: Dada Bhagwan Aradhana Trust / Mahavideh Foundation

Core Message and Purpose:

The book's central theme is that by understanding and implementing nine core principles (Nav Kalame), one can purify their inner disposition (Bhavna) and thereby improve their lives, not just in this birth but across multiple lifetimes. These nine principles are presented as the distilled essence of all religious and spiritual scriptures. The book aims to provide a practical path to spiritual liberation (Moksha) by addressing the root cause of suffering – the internal disposition and tendencies.

Key Concepts and Teachings:

1. Who is Dada Bhagwan?

   • The book introduces Dada Bhagwan as the manifestation of the Self within Shri Ambalal Muljibhai Patel, which naturally occurred in 1958.
   • Dada Bhagwan experienced and provided complete resolution to all spiritual questions about the self, God, the world, karma, and liberation.
   • He propagated an "Akram" (non-step-by-step) path, a shortcut or "lift" method to attain Self-knowledge and spiritual liberation.
   • Dada Bhagwan clarified that the physical body of A.M. Patel was not Dada Bhagwan; rather, Dada Bhagwan was the pure Soul residing within, which is also present in everyone. He emphasized living by the principle of "religion in business, but no business in religion."

2. The Power of the Nine Principles (Nav Kalame):

   • These nine principles are presented as the core essence of all scriptures, a scientific method for changing one's inner causes (Bhavna) to alter external effects (behavior).
   • The book stresses that external changes are difficult to bring about directly. Instead, by changing the internal cause (Bhavna), the external results will automatically transform.
   • Implementing these principles leads to inner peace, stops fault-finding in others, and ultimately leads to self-realization and liberation.
   • The principles are meant to be felt and lived, not just recited mechanically.
   • They are described as the author's (Dada Bhagwan's) lifelong practice and a tool for the welfare of humanity.

3. The Nine Principles Explained (as requested by the questioner): The book details each of the nine principles, presented as prayers or requests for strength to the "Dadashri" (Dada Bhagwan). Each principle is followed by a request for the strength to speak, behave, and think in accordance with it (Syadvada).

   • Principle 1: Not to hurt anyone's ego. This includes not hurting, causing to be hurt, or approving of hurting anyone's ego. It also asks for the strength of Syadvada speech, behavior, and thought. The emphasis is on understanding the other's viewpoint without causing them pain.
   • Principle 2: Not to hurt any religion's tenets. This emphasizes respecting all religions and their beliefs, using Syadvada to speak, behave, and think without disrespecting any faith.
   • Principle 3: Not to speak ill, criticize, or disrespect any spiritual guide, saint, or teacher. This extends to not speaking ill of any being, living or dead, seen or unseen. It highlights the severe consequence of "Avarnvad" (speaking ill of someone, especially spiritual figures) and "Viradhana" (going against the spiritual path).
   • Principle 4: Not to harbor dislike or contempt for any living being. This includes not creating such feelings in others or approving of them. It emphasizes maintaining a non-judgmental and accepting attitude.
   • Principle 5: Not to speak harsh or hurtful language. If someone else speaks harshly, the principle is to respond with gentle and humble language. It distinguishes between harshness and firmness, and between "Tantili" (pointed, competitive) language and gentle speech.
   • Principle 6: Not to harbor lustful desires or tendencies related to any gender. This also includes not engaging in suggestive actions or thoughts related to sexual desire and to remain free from such desires (Nirvikar).
   • Principle 7: Not to be attached to any particular taste or food. This promotes "Samarasi Ahar" (eating with equanimity, accepting what is available) and embracing all tastes, including bitter ones, for health. It's about avoiding indulgence and developing acceptance.
   • Principle 8: Not to speak ill, criticize, or disrespect any living being, alive or deceased. This reiterates the principle of not speaking ill and emphasizes that speaking ill of the dead is a significant offense. It highlights the importance of forgiving and moving past past-life karmic accounts.
   • Principle 9: To become an instrument for the welfare of the world. This is a prayer for universal well-being.

4. The "Akram" Path and Seeking Strength:

   • The book repeatedly emphasizes that the principles are not to be forced or implemented through personal effort, as that can lead to ego inflation.
   • Instead, the core practice is to ask for "strength" from Dada Bhagwan ("Dadashri, give me strength"). This seeking of strength is the real work.
   • This strength, when received, will naturally enable one to live according to these principles.
   • The principles are presented as seeds to be sown for future spiritual progress, with the full flowering in subsequent lives.

5. Pratikraman (Confession and Repentance):

   • The book also discusses the importance of Pratikraman immediately after any mistake is made, particularly if one fails to follow the principles. This is a continuous process of self-purification.
   • Mistakes are seen as "discharge" of past karma, and Pratikraman helps in not creating new "charge" (new karma).

6. Syadvada:

   • Syadvada, the principle of multi-faceted truth, is central to the teachings. It means understanding the other person's perspective (viewpoint) and interacting in a way that doesn't cause them pain or disrespect their beliefs.

7. The Nature of Karma and Liberation:

   • The teachings explain that internal dispositions ("Bhav" or "Karma") are the cause, and external events are the effect.
   • The "Akram" path liberates one from the cycle of karma by dissolving the underlying causes.
   • The goal is to reach a state of "Nishshesh" (utterly without residue), where karmic accounts are settled.

How to Use the Book:

• Read these principles daily.
• Don't try to force implementation; instead, ask for strength from Dada Bhagwan.
• The practice of speaking these principles and seeking strength will gradually lead to their internalization and effortless manifestation.
• This is a powerful tool for settling karmic accounts from past lives and preparing for future spiritual progress.

Overall Significance:

"Bhavna Sudhare Janmo Janm" offers a profound yet accessible path to spiritual transformation. By focusing on purifying one's inner disposition through these nine principles and the act of seeking strength, individuals are guided towards a life of peace, compassion, and ultimately, liberation from the cycle of birth and death. The book emphasizes the direct, scientific, and practical nature of Dada Bhagwan's teachings, making spiritual liberation attainable.