Krodh

Here is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Krodh" (Anger) by Dada Bhagwan, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Krodh (Anger) Author: Dada Bhagwan Publisher: Dada Bhagwan Aradhana Trust Language: Originally Gujarati, translated into Marathi and Hindi.

Core Message: The book "Krodh" is a discourse by Dada Bhagwan, a spiritual master, explaining the nature of anger, its causes, its consequences, and how to overcome it from a Jain spiritual perspective. Dada Bhagwan emphasizes that anger is a weakness, not a strength, and that true strength lies in remaining calm and self-controlled.

Key Teachings and Insights:

• Anger as a Weakness, Not Strength: Dada Bhagwan consistently refutes the notion that anger is a sign of power or bravery. He states that it is a weakness (कमजोरी - kamzori) and that individuals who remain unaffected by insults or provocations are truly strong.
• The Illusion of Being Right: When we feel we are right and someone disagrees, anger arises. Dada Bhagwan points out that our perception of being right is subjective. The other person also believes they are right from their perspective. This internal self-justification creates a cycle of anger.
• True Strength is Inner Calm: Tolerance of insults and maintaining inner peace, even when provoked, is described as great bravery (बहादुरी - bahaduri). The ability to not get agitated or upset when faced with negativity is the mark of a strong individual.
• Anger Stems from Weakness and Attachment: Anger arises due to perceived injustices, insults, loss, or the need to protect one's honor or greed. These are all rooted in attachments (मान - maan, लोभ - lobh).
• Karma and Understanding: Dada Bhagwan explains that when someone harms or insults us, it is a result of our own past karma, and the person involved is merely an instrument (निमित्त - nimitt). This understanding can help eliminate anger.
• The Nature of Anger: Anger is described as a "fire" that burns oneself first and then others. It is like striking a match. It is a sign of being "out of control" or "unenlightened."
• The Role of the "Self" vs. "Dada Bhagwan": Dada Bhagwan clarifies that the physical body (A.M. Patel) is not "Dada Bhagwan." "Dada Bhagwan" is the pure soul residing within, the divine consciousness, which is present in everyone. He bows to this inner "Dada Bhagwan."
• Anger and its Manifestations:
  • Taanta (तांता): This refers to the lingering feeling or the "thread" of anger that remains even after the initial outburst. This can last for years, leading to ongoing resentment.
  • Dwarfed Vision: Anger makes one "blind" to the truth, causing them to misinterpret situations and react inappropriately. It obstructs clear understanding and knowledge.
  • Internal Burning: Anger causes internal burning, both for the individual experiencing it and for the target of the anger.
  • Waste of Spiritual Earnest: Even a single act of anger can destroy years of spiritual practice and merit (पुण्य - punya).
• Distinguishing Anger from "Raag" (Irritation): "Krodh" (anger) is associated with ego (अहंकार - ahankar). "Raag" (irritation or displeasure), when expressed by a father to a son or a guru to a disciple, is not considered "Krodh" if it lacks ego and is for the well-being of the other. Such "Raag" can even accrue merit if the intention is good.
• The Cause of Anger: Anger is often caused by an inability to see the path forward or a lack of clear understanding ("सूझ" - soojh). When one's desires are thwarted or they don't get their way, anger can arise.
• "Mechanical Adjustment": When we get angry, it is a kind of "mechanical adjustment" or discharge of inner impressions. It's not a conscious choice but a reaction.
• The Illusion of Control: We think we are controlling our anger, but it's often the other way around. The inner "machinery" dictates the reaction. True control is in not letting the machinery heat up.
• Conditional Anger: Anger directed towards one's children or disciples for their betterment can be considered "punya" if the intention is pure and selfless. However, any anger fueled by personal gain or selfishness is "paap" (sin). The subtle nature of these distinctions is highlighted.
• The Power of "Sheel" (Character/Virtue): "Sheel" is described as a powerful quality that can pacify even wild animals and enemies. This is contrasted with anger, which is seen as a weakness.
• The "Red Signal" of Anger: Anger is likened to a red signal, indicating a need for caution or a stop. It's a signal that something is wrong or needs to be addressed. However, one needs to know how long to display this signal.
• The Role of Understanding and Self-Realization: The ultimate solution to anger lies in understanding its root causes and achieving self-realization (आत्मज्ञान - atma-gyan). When one realizes their true nature as the pure soul, these defilements (kashays) cease to have power.
• Pratikraman (प्रतिक्रमण - Self-Repentance and Atonement): The book strongly advocates for "pratikraman" as a way to counteract the effects of anger. This involves acknowledging the mistake, repenting from the heart, asking for forgiveness (internally or externally), and resolving not to repeat the error.
• The True "Khuraak" (Nourishment) of Anger: The book reveals that anger, pride, deceit, and greed are sustained by our justification and defense of them. If we stop defending these tendencies, they will weaken. Supporting anger by saying it was justified or necessary is like giving it nourishment.
• The Science of Karma: Dada Bhagwan introduces the concept of "sthul karma" (gross karma, the outward action) and "sookshma karma" (subtle karma, the inner intention or resolution). If the inner intention is against anger, even if anger manifests, the bondage for the next life is reduced.
• The Importance of "Bhedgyan" (Discriminative Knowledge): Achieving discriminative knowledge, understanding the self from the non-self, is presented as the ultimate way to eradicate these tendencies. This is a hallmark of "Akram Vignan" (the orderless path).
• Nine Principles for Spiritual Conduct: The book concludes with nine core principles (नऊ कलमे - nau kalame) presented as "Dada Bhagwan's Blessings" or requests. These principles focus on non-violence, non-criticism of religions or spiritual leaders, non-offense, pure speech, control over desires, and ultimately, working for the welfare of the world.

In essence, "Krodh" by Dada Bhagwan guides the reader to recognize anger as an internal weakness that arises from attachments and a lack of self-awareness. It provides practical spiritual tools like self-reflection and pratikraman, along with deeper philosophical insights about karma and the nature of the self, to overcome anger and cultivate inner peace and strength.