Fault Is Of The Sufferer

This summary focuses on the core teachings presented in the provided pages of "The Fault Is Of The Sufferer" by Dada Bhagwan.

Core Principle: "The Fault Is Of The Sufferer"

The central tenet of this book is the universal law, "The fault is of the sufferer." This statement, presented as a profound spiritual science and a direct solution to life's problems, asserts that whenever an individual experiences suffering, the root cause lies within themselves, not with external people or circumstances.

Key Concepts and Explanations:

• Identifying Mistakes: To understand one's mistakes, one should investigate all instances of suffering in their life. These experiences are direct indicators of personal faults that bind us to the cycle of karma.
• Liberation Through Self-Responsibility: By accepting that the fault lies with the sufferer, individuals can eliminate their own mistakes and thus achieve freedom from suffering and bondage. The world or other people cannot bind us; our own mistakes do.
• Nature's Justice vs. Worldly Justice: The world often operates on what is called "illusionary justice," where fault is attributed to the apparent perpetrator. However, God's law, or Nature's law, is perfectly just and unfailingly identifies the sufferer as the one at fault. This fault is not necessarily a mistake in the current life but a karmic account from past lives.
• The "Nimit" (Instrument): External people, events, or circumstances that seem to cause suffering are merely "nimits" or instruments. They are not the actual cause. The real cause is always within the sufferer due to their past karmic accounts. For example, a pickpocket is an instrument, but the person whose pocket is picked is suffering because of their own past mistake.
• No External Fault: The text strongly emphasizes that no external person or event has the inherent power to cause harm or suffering. If suffering occurs, it is a consequence of one's own past actions and accounts.
• The Nature of Suffering: Suffering arises from personal mistakes. Happiness, conversely, is the reward for good deeds. The key to ending suffering is to stop creating new mistakes and to diligently work towards resolving existing karmic accounts.
• The Role of Intellect vs. Gnan: The intellect can lead to emotional reactions, fear, and worry when faced with difficult situations or bad news. True liberation and peace come from "Gnan" (knowledge), which allows one to remain calm, composed, and detached, understanding events from a spiritual perspective.
• Practical Application: The teaching is to be applied to all aspects of life, from personal relationships to accidents and natural disasters. Instead of blaming others, one should recognize their own role in the suffering.
• Example of the Father and Son: A father suffering due to his son's bad behavior is at fault because he is the one experiencing distress. The son, who is not suffering, is not considered at fault in that moment, even though he may face consequences later. The father's suffering is seen as a repayment for spoiling the son in a past life.
• Example of Accidents and Disasters: In an accident where a pedestrian is killed by a bus, the pedestrian is considered at fault for their suffering, indicating a karmic account being settled. The bus driver, while potentially facing legal consequences, is also creating new karma for themselves when they are caught.
• The Path to Liberation (Moksha): Understanding and applying the principle "The fault is of the sufferer" is presented as a direct path to liberation. It leads to a state of peace, freedom from blame, and the cessation of new karmic bonds.
• The Importance of a Gnani Purush: While the sentence "The fault is of the sufferer" is powerful, its deepest understanding and application are best achieved through the guidance of a "Gnani Purush" (an enlightened being), such as Dadashri himself. They possess the "Gnan" to see these truths clearly.
• Rejection of Blame: The teaching advocates for ceasing to see faults in others, as this practice binds one further. Instead, one should focus on their own mistakes and the process of settling karmic accounts.
• Gratitude for Sufferings: The book suggests that one should be grateful for those who cause suffering because they are helping to settle past karmic accounts, leading to liberation.

In essence, "The Fault Is Of The Sufferer" is a call to take complete self-responsibility for one's experiences, understanding that all suffering is a consequence of past actions and that by embracing this principle, one can break free from the cycle of karma and attain ultimate freedom.