Manav Dharma

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Manav Dharma" by Dada Bhagwan, based on the provided pages:

Core Concept: Empathy as the Foundation of Human Dharma

The central tenet of "Manav Dharma" (Human Dharma) as expounded by Dada Bhagwan is empathy, specifically the ability to consider how one would feel if in another's situation. The very first sign of being a human being, according to Dada Bhagwan, is this ability to think: "If I were in this situation, what would happen to me?" He uses the example of someone insulting you. Before retaliating with an insult, if you consider how much pain it causes you, and then imagine the pain it would cause the other person, you would refrain. This consideration is the starting point of human dharma.

Dada Bhagwan and Akram Marg (The Pathless Path)

The book introduces Dada Bhagwan, born Ambalal Muljibhai Patel, a contract businessman who experienced complete spiritual awakening in 1958 at the age of 41. This awakening, described as a "natural and effortless manifestation," granted him profound self-knowledge and understanding of the universe within an hour. He established the "Akram Marg" (the path without steps or the shortcut path), which allows individuals to attain self-realization in just a few hours through his unique spiritual science. He emphasizes that "Dada Bhagwan" is not his physical body but the divine consciousness present within everyone, which was fully manifest in him.

Understanding the True Self: "I" vs. "My"

A key teaching is the distinction between "I" (the true self, the soul, the absolute) and "My" (possessions, body, mind, intellect, family, wealth, ego, etc., which are temporary and relative). Everything in the world falls under "My," while "I" is singular, absolute, and permanent. The purpose of human life is to realize this true "I."

The Creator of the World: Scientific Circumstances, Not a Personal God

Dada Bhagwan asserts that God is not the creator of this world. The world operates through "scientific circumstantial evidences" and is eternal and self-manifest. If God were the creator and controller, there would be no concepts of liberation or karma, as such a controller would be responsible and therefore exempt us. God resides within every living being, not in man-made creations.

The Nature of Action and Causality: Nimitta Karta (Instrumental Cause)

The text highlights that in this world, there are no independent doers ("swatantra karta"). All actions are performed by "nimitta karta" (instrumental causes), meaning that many factors and circumstances must come together for any event to occur. Even simple tasks require numerous components and conditions, proving that no single entity is solely responsible.

Early Signs of Spiritual Inclination

The book details several instances from Dada Bhagwan's childhood and youth that indicated his spiritual inclination:

• Refusal of religious rituals: He questioned the necessity of wearing a sacred thread to be considered a spiritual seeker.
• Identification of God in mathematics: Upon learning about the Least Common Multiple (LCM), he immediately recognized the mathematical concept as representing God, who is present within all, indivisible, and the smallest.
• Disinterest in worldly authority: He intentionally failed his matriculation exam to avoid a life of employment and having a boss.
• Detachment during significant life events: He celebrated the birth of his children with parties, but framed them as "guests arrived and departed," demonstrating a subtle detachment.

The Path of Spirituality and Dada Bhagwan's Legacy

Dada Bhagwan's spiritual journey began after reading the works of Shrimad Rajchandra. He attained self-realization in 1958 and subsequently guided thousands towards liberation. His life was simple, devoid of external show, and he never claimed to be anyone's guru. He established the "Akram Marg" and, before his physical passing in 1988, empowered Dr. Niruben Amin to continue his work of imparting self-knowledge freely.

The "Editorial" Perspective

The editorial section, by Dr. Niruben Amin, emphasizes the superficiality of mere biological human existence. It questions the purpose of life and what is to be achieved. True humanity is achieved by living with "manavta" (humanity), defined by not causing suffering to others. The text links human actions to future rebirths: following human dharma leads to human birth, deviating from it can lead to animal births, embracing "super-human" dharma (altruism) leads to celestial births, and realizing the Self through a Self-realized being leads to liberation.

Key Discussions on Manav Dharma:

The book further elaborates on Manav Dharma through question-and-answer sessions with Dada Bhagwan:

• Goal of Human Life: To achieve at least 50% marks in humanity, with a higher aim being 90%.
• True Human Dharma: It's not about rituals or doctrines but about ensuring no living being suffers due to your actions. This is achieved by considering, "If I were in this situation, how would I feel?"
• Practical Application: This principle applies to all interactions, including dealing with employees, returning lost items, and acknowledging the pain caused by one's actions.
• Living by "Rightful Share": The core of human dharma is to only take what is rightfully yours and not to covet or take what belongs to others.
• Differentiate from Religious Practices: While adhering to religious rules is different from human dharma, the latter is considered paramount. Not causing harm is the fundamental principle.
• "Super-Human" and Divine Qualities: Beyond human dharma is "super-human" behavior, where one helps others even after being wronged. Divine qualities involve giving even what is rightfully yours to others.
• Consequences of Actions: Actions determine future rebirths: righteous actions lead to higher realms, while harmful actions lead to lower realms.
• Nature of Responsibility: Every individual is responsible for their actions, even the smallest ones.
• Understanding True Causality: When something is broken or lost, one should consider the underlying causes rather than blaming the immediate visible object or person (e.g., not getting angry at a servant for breaking a glass, as the servant is just an instrument).
• The Importance of True Knowledge: True knowledge, unlike mere intellectual understanding, is something that remains with you and guides your actions.
• The Difference between "Human Dharma" and "Spiritual Self-Realization": Human dharma is a foundational step. Achieving liberation (moksha) is a higher spiritual goal that requires further spiritual knowledge.
• The Concept of "Selfishness": True selfishness leads to happiness and well-being, while worldly selfishness leads to conflict and suffering.
• The Flaw in Modern "Charity": Dada Bhagwan criticizes indiscriminate charity that creates dependency and discourages self-reliance, advocating instead for empowering people to become self-sufficient.

The Call to Action:

The book concludes with a strong call to disseminate this understanding of human dharma by printing and distributing the book to schools and colleges. It emphasizes that true human dharma is about conscious action guided by empathy and understanding, not just intellectual knowledge or blind adherence to tradition. The "Trimantra" and the prayers provided are presented as tools for daily spiritual practice.