Death Before During And After Oriya

This document is an Oriya translation of a Jain text titled "Death Before During and After" by Dada Bhagwan. The book delves into the profound questions surrounding death, the soul, and the cycle of birth and rebirth from a spiritual perspective.

Here's a comprehensive summary of the key themes and discussions within the text:

Core Teachings of Dada Bhagwan:

• The Nature of the Soul: The fundamental teaching is that the soul (Atma) is eternal, unchanging, and separate from the body and the cycle of birth and death. Birth and death are not attributed to the soul, but rather to the ego and the physical form.
• The Akram Path: Dada Bhagwan introduced an "Akram" path, meaning a "shortcut" or "lift" path, as opposed to the traditional "kram" or step-by-step path to spiritual liberation. This path allows for rapid self-realization.
• The "Dada Bhagwan" Within: Dada Bhagwan explained that "Dada Bhagwan" is not his physical body (which he identified as A.M. Patel) but the pure, manifest Soul residing within. He stated that this divine presence is within everyone, though perhaps unmanifested.
• The Importance of Knowledge: The book emphasizes that true understanding of life, death, and the universe comes from "Gyan" (knowledge), imparted by a living Gnani Purush (Self-realized being). Intellectual guesswork is insufficient.

Key Topics Discussed Regarding Death:

• Fear of Death: The text addresses the universal fear of death and suggests that understanding its true nature dispels this fear.
• The Mystery of Death: It acknowledges that the nature of death, what happens before, during, and after, remains a mystery for most. Those who experience death cannot report it, and those who are born do not recall their pre-birth state.
• The Soul's Journey: The book explores the journey of the soul after death, including concepts like different "gatis" (states of existence) such as heaven, hell, and rebirth as animals. It clarifies that the soul itself does not die or change.
• Karma and Reincarnation: The teachings explain how karma (actions) and its consequences influence the soul's journey through successive lives. The concept of "runanubandh" (past karmic connections) is highlighted.
• The Illusion of Attachment: The text debunks the idea that worldly possessions, relationships, or even the physical body are truly "ours." It emphasizes that only that which is truly part of the soul is ours.
• The Meaning of Life: Life is described as a "jail" with different levels of confinement, from heavenly realms to hellish existence. The human birth is presented as a rare opportunity for spiritual progress.
• Rituals and Traditions: The book critically examines traditional rituals and beliefs associated with death, such as Shraddha, 13th-day ceremonies, and feeding crows. It suggests that their true meaning is often lost or misunderstood, and their efficacy in helping the departed soul is questioned.
• The Nature of Suffering: Suffering is linked to attachment and the ego. The book aims to provide clarity and solace regarding the inevitable suffering and loss experienced in life.
• The Reality of the Self: It differentiates between the ego-self (ahamkar) and the true Self (Atma). The ego is what experiences birth and death, while the Atma is birthless and deathless.
• The Role of the Gnani Purush: The Gnani Purush is depicted as someone who is detached from the body and its states, remaining a constant Knower-Seer, experiencing the birthless and immortal nature of the soul. They can reveal the truth about the soul's state before, during, and after physical existence.
• The Cause of Death: Death is explained as the completion of a karmic account for a particular embodiment. The "batteries" of mind, speech, and body, which carry the effects of karma, eventually discharge.
• Reincarnation Explained: The book clarifies that it is the "jeev" (living entity, influenced by karma and ego) that undergoes reincarnation, not the pure soul. The soul's true nature is spiritual purity.
• The Law of Cause and Effect: The continuous cycle of "cause and effect" (karyakaran) is central to understanding rebirth. The goal is to stop creating new causes (karma).
• The Nature of the Subtle and Causal Bodies: The text mentions the subtle body (sukshma sharir, akin to an electrical body) and the causal body (karan sharir) that accompany the soul after death.
• The Significance of Human Birth: Human birth is highlighted as a precious and rare opportunity to attain liberation (moksha). Even gods desire a human birth to achieve this.
• The Power of Forgiveness and Penance (Pratikraman): The book emphasizes the practice of "pratikraman" (repentance and seeking forgiveness) as a way to neutralize past negative karma and its effects, thereby facilitating spiritual progress.
• The Illusion of Grief: The book suggests that grief for the departed is often self-centered and that it is more beneficial to pray for the departed soul's peace and liberation.
• The True Meaning of "Evolution": It offers a spiritual interpretation of the theory of evolution, suggesting it applies up to the human stage, after which karma and spiritual realization determine the soul's path.
• The Concept of "Vidhaata": "Vidhaata" is explained not as a deity but as scientific, circumstantial evidence, representing the natural laws that govern existence.
• The Cycle of Existence: The text asserts that the soul, despite its purity, goes through cycles of existence due to the ego and its karmic ties, but this cycle can be broken through self-realization.

Practical Guidance:

The book concludes with prayers and practices for devotees, including:

• Prayers for the dying person and for the peace of the departed.
• The "Nine Kalams" (nine principles to follow daily) for self-purification and spiritual progress.
• Emphasis on the importance of seeking knowledge from a living Gnani Purush.

In essence, "Death Before During and After" offers a radical yet profound spiritual perspective on death, aiming to liberate individuals from the fear and confusion surrounding this universal phenomenon by revealing the true nature of the soul and the path to eternal peace.