Esencia In Spanish Language

This Jain text, "La Esencia de Toda Religión" (The Essence of All Religion), is a compilation of discourses and teachings by Dadashri (Param Pujya Dadashree), a spiritual master. The book focuses on the "Nine Jewels" or "Nine Kalams" as a practical method for spiritual progress and overcoming life's obstacles.

Here's a comprehensive summary:

Core Message:

The central theme is that true religion lies in the essence of one's intentions (bhav) rather than external rituals or practices. Dadashri emphasizes that the Nine Kalams are a direct, scientific, and practical way to purify these intentions, leading to spiritual liberation and inner peace.

The Essence of Religion:

• Beyond Rituals: The book argues that while religious scriptures and practices are important, the ultimate goal of religion is self-realization (Atmagnan), which is achieved by purifying one's inner intentions and understanding the true Self.
• The Importance of Intentions: Dadashri clarifies that behavior and actions are merely effects, while intentions (bhav) are the root cause. To change one's life and achieve spiritual progress, one must focus on transforming their intentions.
• The Akram Marg (The Stepless Path): Dadashri introduced a revolutionary path to self-realization called the "Akram Marg," which is an immediate, stepless path to liberation. This is contrasted with the traditional "Kram Marg" which involves gradual steps and arduous practices. The Akram Marg is likened to "taking the elevator" to spiritual liberation.

The Nine Jewels (Nine Kalams):

These are nine powerful prayers or affirmations that seekers are encouraged to recite daily. They are presented as a "medicine" to remove all obstacles and are considered the essence of all scriptures. Each Kalam is a request for inner strength and guidance from "Dada Bhagwan," who is described as the "Lord residing within."

The Nine Kalams, in essence, are requests for:

1. Non-violence and protecting the ego: To have the strength to not harm anyone, cause harm, or provoke harm, even in the slightest way, to the ego of any living being. It also includes the request for one's words, thoughts, and actions to be universally accepted.
2. Respect for all religions: To not harm or cause harm to the foundations of any religion, and for one's expressions to be universally accepted.
3. Respect for religious leaders: To not criticize, offend, or insult any monk, nun, priest, or religious leader.
4. Non-provocation of hatred: To not cause or provoke anyone to feel dislike or hatred towards any living being.
5. Pure speech: To not speak ill or cause others to speak ill or use harmful words towards any living being. This also includes being able to respond calmly and kindly to harsh words.
6. Control over sexual desires: To be free from sexual desires, intentions, or gestures towards any living being.
7. Balanced diet: To control excessive temptation towards food and to take complete and balanced meals.
8. Avoiding criticism and slander: To not criticize, offend, or insult any being, present or absent, living or dead.
9. Becoming an instrument for world's self-realization: To be an instrument for the self-realization of the world.

Key Principles and Explanations:

• The "Ego": The text delves into the concept of the ego, explaining that harming someone's ego means causing them internal damage, not necessarily their mind. It emphasizes protecting the ego of others and not becoming an instrument for its destruction.
• Syaadvaad: This principle, meaning to understand and accept others' viewpoints, is crucial for not harming the ego through speech and thought. It encourages a holistic understanding of different perspectives.
• Pratikraman: This is the process of inner repentance or atonement for any mistakes made. Reciting the Kalams is presented as a way to perform this inner cleansing.
• The Role of Dada Bhagwan: Dada Bhagwan is presented as the manifested Self within, who has the infinite power to grant the strength requested in the Kalams.
• Scientific Approach: Dadashri's teachings are characterized as a scientific approach to spirituality, explaining the cause-and-effect relationship between intentions and actions.
• No Blind Faith: The emphasis is on understanding and experiencing the truth, not on blind faith. The Kalams are presented as a practical tool that can be tested.
• Effort vs. Asking for Strength: The book stresses that one doesn't need to exert immense personal effort to change behavior immediately. Instead, the focus is on asking for inner strength from Dada Bhagwan, which will naturally lead to the desired changes.
• Karma and Destiny: The text explains that current life events are the result of past karma (actions and intentions). The Kalams help in dissolving past karma and planting seeds for a better future.
• Inner Purity: The ultimate goal is to purify one's inner intentions and actions, leading to a state of inner freedom and peace.

Who was Dada Bhagwan?

The book provides a brief account of Ambalal M. Patel, popularly known as Dadashri, who experienced self-realization in 1958. This realization allowed him to impart self-knowledge to others in a short period through his unique Akram process. He is referred to as a "Vitraag Purush" (an absolutely liberated and detached divine being). Dr. Niruben Amin, a disciple, continues his work.

Overall Significance:

"La Esencia de Toda Religión" offers a profound yet accessible path to spiritual transformation. It provides practical tools (the Nine Kalams) and a clear understanding of the spiritual principles that can lead to inner peace, freedom from obstacles, and ultimately, self-realization. The book emphasizes the power of pure intentions and the direct guidance available from the Self within.