Right Understanding To Helping Others Benevolence Marathi
Added to library: September 2, 2025

Summary
Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Right Understanding To Helping Others Benevolence" by Dada Bhagwan, based on the provided Marathi content:
The book, titled "सेवा-परोपकार" (Seva-Paropkar) in Marathi, is a compilation of teachings from Dada Bhagwan, compiled and translated from Gujarati. It focuses on the Jain principles of service and benevolence towards others, emphasizing how these actions lead to self-realization and spiritual upliftment.
Core Teachings and Concepts:
- The Essence of Benevolence (Paropkar): The central theme is that dedicating one's mind, speech, and actions for the benefit of others is the true essence of human life and the path to spiritual progress. When you give your fruit (results of your actions) to others, nature will take care of everything for you.
- The Purpose of Human Birth: The book highlights that a human birth, especially in India, is primarily for achieving self-realization ("absolutism" or liberation) and for engaging in acts of benevolence.
- The Science of Giving: Dada Bhagwan explains that by using one's mind, speech, and body for the welfare of others, one inherently attracts abundance. This is a "secret science" where giving leads to receiving, not in a transactional sense, but as a natural law of the universe.
- Overcoming the "Give and Take" Mentality: The teachings address the common human tendency to feel that giving leads to personal loss. Dada Bhagwan refutes this, stating that acting selflessly and for others' well-being ensures that one's own needs are met, often in unexpected ways.
- The Nature of Trees as a Metaphor: Trees are presented as perfect examples of benevolence. They bear fruits, provide shade, and offer their wood and leaves for the benefit of others, consuming none of it themselves. This selfless giving leads to their "upward progress" (urdhvagati). Similarly, humans who live a benevolent life experience spiritual growth.
- The Importance of "Obliging Nature": The text repeatedly emphasizes the virtue of "obliging nature" (paropkari swabhav). This means having a natural inclination to help and serve others, not just through material means but also through kind words, helpful advice, and a compassionate attitude.
- True Service vs. Selfish Motives: Dada Bhagwan distinguishes between true service and actions performed with ulterior motives like seeking fame, recognition, or personal gain. True service is performed with pure intent, where the desire to alleviate suffering is paramount.
- Purity of Intention: The book stresses that the intention behind an action is crucial. If the primary motive is service and well-being of others, even if it involves material "production," the "by-product" (lakshmi or wealth) will naturally flow. However, if the primary motive is acquiring wealth, then true spiritual benefits and even material abundance may be elusive.
- The Role of the "Self" and Ego: The teachings explain that while engaging in service, it's important to be mindful of one's ego. True service happens when the awareness of being a "servant" or "helper" fades, and one acts without the burden of ego. The goal is to reach a state where one forgets the "I" in the act of service.
- The Path of Self-Service: The ultimate form of service is considered "self-service," which means understanding one's true self (the Self/Soul) and living in alignment with it. This path leads to freedom from suffering and eventual liberation (moksha). However, until this self-realization is achieved, engaging in service to others is a vital stepping stone.
- The Importance of Parents and Gurus: The text strongly advocates for serving parents and spiritual teachers (Gurus) as a fundamental duty. It states that serving parents ensures financial well-being and prevents suffering, while serving a Self-realized Guru leads to liberation.
- Purity of Intention in Service: The teachings advise against seeking publicity or credit for one's service. True service is often "silent service" (mook seva), performed without seeking recognition.
- The Law of Cause and Effect: Dada Bhagwan reiterates the universal law of karma – giving happiness leads to receiving happiness, and causing suffering leads to receiving suffering.
- The Value of "By-Products": Spiritual progress is described as the "production," and material well-being (like wealth and comfort) is seen as the "by-product." By focusing on spiritual progress and selfless service, material needs are met effortlessly.
- The Significance of Daily Affirmations: The book concludes with nine "kalams" (points) or prayers, which are meant to be recited daily. These are powerful affirmations for cultivating a benevolent nature, avoiding harm to others, and seeking divine strength for selfless action.
- Reactions and the Path to Peace: The text acknowledges that changing one's ways will bring about past karmic reactions, but encourages perseverance, stating that eventually, these reactions will cease, and one will find lasting peace.
In essence, "Right Understanding To Helping Others Benevolence" guides the reader towards a life of selfless service, emphasizing that true happiness, spiritual growth, and ultimately, liberation, are achieved by prioritizing the well-being of others. It provides a practical framework for understanding and practicing benevolence as a path to a meaningful and fulfilling life.