Fault Is Of Sufferer

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "The Fault Is Of the Sufferer" by Dada Bhagwan, based on the provided content:

Central Theme and Core Principle:

The book's central and most profound message is encapsulated in the phrase: "The fault is of the sufferer." This is presented not as a judgmental statement, but as a fundamental law of nature and a scientific principle governing karma and suffering. The core idea is that whoever is experiencing suffering is, by definition, the one with the karmic error. This principle serves as a direct path to understanding, resolving conflicts, and ultimately achieving liberation (moksha).

Key Concepts and Explanations:

• The Law of Nature vs. Human Law: The text distinguishes between man-made laws, which are often fallible and focus on outward appearances, and the immutable law of nature (or God's law), which is perfectly just and operates on the principle that the sufferer is at fault.
• Karma and Recompense: Suffering is directly linked to past karmic accounts. When these karmic accounts mature, they manifest as suffering in the present. Those who are suffering are experiencing the consequences of their own past actions.
• The Nimit (Instrument): The book emphasizes that while an external person or event may seem to be the cause of suffering, they are merely nimits (instruments). The true underlying cause is the sufferer's own past karma. Blaming the nimit creates new karmic accounts and perpetuates suffering.
• Self-Realization and Gnan: The teachings are attributed to Gnani Purush "Dadashri" (Ambalal M. Patel), who attained Self-Realization spontaneously in 1958. He taught the path of Akram Vignan (the step-less path), which leads to Atma Gnan (Self-Knowledge). This knowledge is not found in books but resides in the heart of a Gnani and can be transmitted through direct interaction.
• Understanding Suffering as the Key to Finding Errors: The primary method to identify one's own errors is to examine the circumstances where suffering has occurred. These instances of suffering are direct indicators of past mistakes.
• The Nature of the "Doer": The text challenges the notion of being the sole "doer" (karta). It explains that we are merely instruments in the grand scheme of things, and our belief in being the doer of actions leads to suffering. The true Self (Atma) is distinct from the relative self and its actions.
• Ego and Internal Enemies: The ego, pride, anger, deceit, and greed are identified as internal enemies that create illusions and lead to the perception of fault in others. When these internal weaknesses are overcome, the perception of faults in others dissolves.
• The Importance of Not Seeing Fault in Others: A crucial directive is to refrain from seeing faults in others. Doing so creates new karmic liabilities and binds one further to the cycle of birth and death.
• The Practical Application: The book offers practical advice:
  • When experiencing any form of suffering, one should immediately recognize that the fault lies with them.
  • Instead of blaming others, one should pray for the Self-Realized Soul within the other person and seek forgiveness.
  • Fulfill material duties and responsibilities like an actor on a stage, without attachment or aversion.
  • If someone causes you suffering, consider it a liquidation of a past karmic debt, not a fault of the other person.
• Liberation through Acceptance: True liberation comes from accepting whatever befalls you, good or bad, as a result of your own past karma. By accepting suffering, one pays off old karmic accounts and avoids creating new ones.
• The "Computer of Nature": Nature's justice system is described as a perfect, unbiased computer that accurately dispenses karmic results. Unlike human judgments, it is free from attachment and prejudice.

The Teaching of Dadashri and His Successors:

The book introduces Gnani Purush "Dadashri" and his unique method of Akram Vignan. It also highlights his successors, Dr. Niruben Amin (Niruma) and the current Gnani, Pujya Deepakbhai Desai, who continue to transmit this knowledge globally.

Overall Message:

"The Fault Is Of the Sufferer" offers a radical yet profoundly liberating perspective on suffering. By shifting the focus from blaming external factors to understanding the internal cause of suffering, the book provides a clear path to spiritual progress, the resolution of life's problems, and ultimately, the attainment of freedom from the cycle of karma and rebirth. It is presented as a scientific and practical approach to spiritual understanding, emphasizing that the key to liberation lies in recognizing and accepting one's own role in their experiences.