Hu Kon Chhu

Here's a comprehensive summary in English of the Jain text "Hu Kon Chhu" (Who Am I?) by Dada Bhagwan, based on the provided text:

Title: Hu Kon Chhu? (Who Am I?) Author: Dada Bhagwan (Param Pujya Dadashri) Publisher: Dada Bhagwan Foundation

Core Message:

The central theme of "Hu Kon Chhu?" is the pursuit of self-realization, understanding one's true nature as the Soul (Ātmā) rather than the ego-bound self (chandulal, or any worldly designation). The book posits that the ultimate goal of human life is liberation (moksha) and that this can be achieved by understanding "Who am I?".

Key Concepts and Teachings:

1. The Problem of Not Knowing "Who Am I?":

   • The text asserts that the root cause of suffering and the cycle of birth and death (ananta avatār) is the ignorance of one's true self. This lack of self-knowledge leads to entanglement in worldly affairs and attachments.
   • If worldly life is satisfactory, there is no need to delve into spirituality. However, if it causes distress, understanding one's true nature becomes paramount.

2. Distinguishing "I" and "My":

   • A central technique explained is the practice of separating the "I" (the true Self) from "My" (possessions, body, relationships, mind, ego, etc.).
   • The book uses the analogy of a shopkeeper and their shop. The shop has a name, but the shopkeeper is distinct from the shop. Similarly, one's worldly name is like the shop's name, and the true "I" is the self distinct from the name and all other possessions and identifications.
   • By consistently identifying what is "My" (e.g., "my body," "my mind," "my ego") and separating it from the "I," one can move towards recognizing the true Self.

3. The Nature of the Self (Ātmā):

   • The true Self is described as eternal, unchanging, and untouched by worldly experiences, suffering, or actions. It is the pure consciousness, the witness.
   • The current identification as "Chandulal" (or any name) is an ego-based belief and an attribution, not the true reality. As long as one feels affected by criticism or praise directed at their name, they are still identified with the ego-self.

4. The Role of Wrong Beliefs (Wrong Beliefs):

   • The text highlights how numerous wrong beliefs (e.g., "I am Chandulal," "I am a husband," "I am a lawyer," "I am fair-skinned," "I am 45 years old") create the ego and lead to suffering.
   • These beliefs are deeply ingrained and persist even in sleep. They are the root of the "I-ness" and "My-ness" that bind us.

5. The "Akram" (Accidental) Path:

   • Dada Bhagwan presents an "Akram" path, which is like an elevator to liberation, contrasting with the gradual, step-by-step "Kramik" path described in scriptures.
   • This path is effortless and bypasses the need for arduous spiritual practices. It is about receiving "Gnan" (Self-Knowledge) from a living Gnani Purush, which automatically dissolves past karma and halts the creation of new karma.

6. The Gnani Purush (The Knower):

   • A Gnani Purush is someone who has realized their true Self and has nothing left to know or do in the world. They are the key to understanding "Who am I?".
   • They possess the "separator" of Gnani's science to help others distinguish between the Self and the non-Self.
   • Recognizing a Gnani Purush is described through their fragrance, their environment, their speech, their vision, and their complete lack of ego. They are "abudha" (without intellect in the worldly sense, meaning beyond the ego's intellect).

7. The True Nature of the World and the Creator:

   • The world is not created by a God in the traditional sense. It operates through "vyavasthit shakti" (scientific circumstantial evidence or a self-organizing natural law).
   • Attributing creation to God is a limited, worldly understanding and contradicts the concept of moksha, as a creator would imply an eternal superior.
   • God is not a creator but is present within every living being as their true Self, though often hidden (avyakt).

8. Moksha (Liberation):

   • Moksha is not a place but the state of being free from suffering and the cycle of birth and death. It is the realization of one's pure Self.
   • The "first moksha" is achieved while living, where worldly suffering does not affect one's state of equanimity. The ultimate moksha is the liberation of the soul after the physical body ceases to exist.
   • Moksha is described as simpler than making khichdi, but it requires the grace of a living Gnani Purush.

9. The Role of "Dada Bhagwan":

   • "Dada Bhagwan" refers to the fully realized Self within the Gnani Purush, who is the Lord of the 14 worlds. The Gnani Purush (Amrutbhai Patel) acts as a medium for Dada Bhagwan to impart this knowledge.
   • The Gnani Purush (Amrutbhai) himself states he is not Dada Bhagwan but is "Dada Bhagwan's" instrument, having a spiritual degree of 356 degrees, while Dada Bhagwan is at 360 degrees. He bows to Dada Bhagwan.

10. Simandhar Swami:

    • Simandhar Swami is presented as the current living Tirthankar in Mahavideh Kshetra. He is the present-day manifestation of the Tirthankar qualities and is highly revered. The spiritual practice of reciting the Navkar mantra becomes pure and effective when Simandhar Swami is kept in mind.

11. The Five Agnas (Commands/Principles):

    • After receiving Gnan, adherence to the Five Agnas is crucial for maintaining the realized state and preventing new karma. These Agnas are presented as protection against the negative influences of the world and are the means to continue living in a state of equanimity and awareness.
    • Following these Agnas is described as the only "sadhana" (spiritual practice) required after Gnan.

12. The Importance of the Gnani's Commands:

    • The Gnani's commands are not their own but the commands of Dada Bhagwan. Following them is the direct path to liberation.
    • Even if one forgets to follow the Agnas, a sincere intention and pratikraman (repentance) is enough to maintain progress.

Practices Recommended:

• Seeking the Gnani Purush: The most crucial step is to find and connect with a living Gnani Purush.
• Daily Prayers/Mantras: The text includes daily prayers and the "Trimantra" (a set of five powerful mantras) to be recited regularly for spiritual progress and protection.
• Pratikraman: Repentance for mistakes and seeking forgiveness is essential for purifying karma.
• Acceptance: Accepting the principles and guidance of the Gnani Purush.
• Constant Awareness: Maintaining awareness of being the pure Self, distinct from the body and ego.

Overall Tone and Approach:

The book is presented in a conversational style, with Dada Bhagwan engaging in dialogues with seekers. The language is simple, direct, and uses practical analogies to explain profound spiritual truths. The underlying message is one of radical self-inquiry and the possibility of achieving liberation in this very lifetime, regardless of one's worldly circumstances.