Non Violence Ahimsa (Marathi

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Non Violence Ahimsa" by Dada Bhagwan, based on the provided Marathi text:

Book Title: Non Violence Ahimsa (Marathi) Author: Dada Bhagwan Publisher: Dada Bhagwan Aradhana Trust

This book, originating from Dada Bhagwan's teachings in Gujarati and translated into Marathi, delves deeply into the concept of Ahimsa (non-violence) from a spiritual and practical perspective, as understood through the self-realization teachings of Dada Bhagwan.

Core Teachings and Philosophy:

• Ahimsa as the Ultimate Dharma: The book emphasizes that Ahimsa is not just a principle but the very essence of religion and spiritual progress. True Ahimsa encompasses avoiding causing even the slightest suffering to any living being through mind, speech, or action.
• The "Akram" (Without Steps) Path: Dada Bhagwan's teachings are characterized by the "Akram Marg," a direct and rapid path to self-realization, akin to an elevator ride rather than climbing stairs. This path enables seekers to attain self-knowledge in a short period.
• The Nature of "Dada Bhagwan": Dada Bhagwan clarifies that the physical form (A.M. Patel) is not "Dada Bhagwan." "Dada Bhagwan" is the pure, Self-aware form of the Soul, residing within all beings, fully manifest within Dada Bhagwan's physical body. This internal, divine awareness is the true "Dada Bhagwan."
• Subtle and Gross Ahimsa: The text distinguishes between gross Ahimsa (physical harm) and subtle Ahimsa, including emotional and mental violence (bhavahimsa). It highlights that understanding and practicing the subtlest forms of Ahimsa is crucial.
• The Role of Kashays (Vices): The book identifies kashays (anger, pride, deceit, greed) as the root cause of all violence, both internal (bhavahimsa) and external (dravyahimsa). The greatest violence, therefore, is the violence of vices.
• "I Am Pure Soul": The foundational realization imparted by Dada Bhagwan is "I Am Pure Soul." This understanding shifts one's identity from the ego and the physical body to the eternal, untainted Soul, thereby dissolving the basis for violence.
• The Importance of Intent (Bhav): The teachings stress that the underlying intention or feeling (bhav) behind an action is more critical than the outward action itself in determining the karmic consequence and the degree of violence.

Key Themes and Practical Guidance:

• Understanding Violence in Daily Life: The book explores various aspects of violence that are often overlooked:
  • Diet: Discusses the violence involved in consuming meat, eggs, root vegetables, and even the subtle violence in processed foods. It offers guidance on choosing a diet with the least possible violence.
  • Household Pests: Addresses common household issues like bedbugs and mosquitoes, explaining that these encounters are karmic accounts. Instead of killing them, the emphasis is on managing them without causing harm, like relocating them.
  • Farming and Trade: Examines the inherent violence in agriculture and business, suggesting mindful practices and understanding the karmic consequences. It highlights that even seemingly harmless trades can involve subtle violence.
  • Mental and Verbal Violence: Strongly condemns anger, harsh words, deceit, and betrayal as forms of violence that are more detrimental than physical harm, leading to severe karmic repercussions.
  • The Violence of Attachment and Desire: The book points out that attachment, greed, and worldly desires are also forms of self-inflicted violence (atmavihimsa).
• Reconciling Action with Ahimsa: The teachings acknowledge the practical challenges of living in a violent world. It explains that even when performing necessary actions that may involve some degree of violence (like a farmer needing to protect crops), the key is the intention and the subsequent pratikraman (repentance and atonement) for any harm caused.
• The True Meaning of Abhaydan (Fearlessness): Abhaydan is not just about saving lives but about ensuring that no living being experiences fear due to one's actions or presence.
• The Power of the Soul: The book consistently points to the nature of the Soul as pure, unaffected, and beyond all violence. Realizing and abiding in the Self (the Soul) is the ultimate path to complete Ahimsa.
• The "Why" Behind Rules: Dada Bhagwan explains the underlying spiritual reasons for various observances, such as not eating at night (for purity and to avoid subtle violence) or avoiding certain foods, framing them not as strict prohibitions but as aids to spiritual progress and avoiding karmic entanglement.
• The Difference Between Relative and Real Views: The teachings often distinguish between the relative view (how things appear in the world) and the real view (the ultimate truth). For instance, a bedbug biting is a relative interaction due to karmic accounts, while in the real view, no one can harm the Soul.

How to Practice Ahimsa According to Dada Bhagwan:

1. Self-Realization: Attain Self-knowledge through the Akram path to understand the true nature of the Soul.
2. Internal Purity: Focus on eradicating vices (kashays) like anger, pride, deceit, and greed, as these are the root of all violence.
3. Mindful Speech and Action: Strive to speak and act without causing any harm or suffering to any living being.
4. Correct Understanding: Understand the subtle nuances of violence and non-violence, as taught by Dada Bhagwan.
5. Pratikraman: Practice sincere repentance and atonement for any unintentional harm caused.
6. Develop Compassion: Cultivate a feeling of goodwill and compassion for all living beings.
7. Live in the Present: Focus on the current moment and your spiritual practice, as the past is gone, and the future is governed by destiny.

In essence, "Non Violence Ahimsa" presents a profound and practical spiritual science for achieving complete non-violence, not just in outward actions but also in thoughts and intentions, leading to liberation. The book encourages readers to adopt a life of awareness and inner transformation, guided by the principles of Self-realization and pure love for all.