Sangharsh Tala

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Sangharsh Tala" (Avoid Conflict) by Dada Bhagwan, based on the provided pages:

Core Message:

The central theme of "Sangharsh Tala" is the absolute imperative to avoid conflict and arguments in all circumstances. Dada Bhagwan asserts that engaging in conflict is a sign of ignorance and a direct path away from spiritual liberation (moksha).

Key Teachings and Explanations:

• Conflict is a Sign of Ignorance: Any conflict or argument that arises is a clear indication of one's own lack of self-knowledge and understanding.
• The Power of a Single Principle: Adhering to the single principle of "Avoid Conflict" can lead directly to moksha. It is a potent spiritual tool that, when truly internalized, bypasses the need for extensive other practices.
• Analogy of the Wall and the Bull: Dada Bhagwan uses simple analogies to illustrate the wisdom of avoiding conflict. Just as one would not physically attack a wall or demand it to move, but rather navigate around it, similarly, one should similarly bypass or yield to obstructive people or situations rather than confront them. The analogy of a king needing to yield to a bull in a narrow alley emphasizes practical wisdom in avoiding unnecessary clashes.
• Avoiding Conflict is Not Enduring (Sahan): It's crucial to understand that "avoiding conflict" does not mean suppressing feelings or enduring silently like a compressed spring that will eventually erupt. Instead, it means actively finding solutions and skillfully extricating oneself from confrontational situations without adding fuel to the fire.
• Self-Realization and the "Who Am I?" Inquiry: The ultimate solution to conflict lies in self-realization, knowing "Who am I?" When one understands their true nature as the pure Self (Shuddhatma), the external conflicts lose their power.
• Karma and External Triggers: What appears as conflict with others is actually the unfolding of one's own past karma. The other person is merely an instrument (nimitta). Recognizing this helps in detaching from the situation and not taking it personally.
• The Role of the Intellect (Buddhi): The intellect, especially when not guided by spiritual knowledge, often fuels conflict. It tends to find faults in others and leads to arguments, ultimately hindering spiritual progress. Disengaging from the intellect's advice in matters of conflict is essential.
• The Nature of the World and "Walls": The world is filled with "walls" – people and situations that can cause friction. Recognizing these as essentially "inert" (like a wall) and not engaging with them is the key. Even living beings are to be understood in this context; when they act obstructively, treat them as if they are inert obstacles.
• The Power of "Pratikraman" (Self-Repentance): After any unintentional conflict or slip-up, the practice of pratikraman (acknowledging one's mistake and seeking forgiveness) is essential for purification and preventing future occurrences.
• The Subtle Levels of Conflict: The teaching extends from avoiding gross physical conflicts to subtler mental, verbal, and even purely internal conflicts (where one finds fault in others even if they don't express it). The ultimate goal is to transcend all forms of conflict.
• Consequences of Conflict: Engaging in conflict not only creates immediate suffering but also negatively impacts future lives, potentially leading to a lower birth. Conversely, avoiding conflict leads to a peaceful life, spiritual progress, and eventual liberation.
• "Common Sense" and Spiritual Growth: True "common sense" is defined as the ability to avoid conflict in all situations, a trait that is diminishing in modern generations. This "common sense" is developed through spiritual understanding and practice, particularly through the principle of non-conflict.
• The Role of "Gharshan" (Friction) and "Sangharsh" (Conflict): "Gharshan" refers to friction with inanimate objects or situations, while "Sangharsh" involves conflict with living beings. While friction with the inanimate is unavoidable and can even lead to progress (like a stone being polished by river water), conflict with living beings depletes spiritual energy.
• The Real Cause is Internal: Even when external circumstances seem to provoke conflict, the underlying cause is internal, stemming from one's own karmic baggage and a lack of self-awareness.
• Love and Conflict: Surprisingly, intense attachment or love ("aasakti") can also lead to conflict, as it often involves interference and expectations. Where conflict is minimal, attachment is likely less.
• The Path to Moksha: The book reiterates that consistently practicing the principle of avoiding conflict, along with other guiding principles from Dada Bhagwan like "Bhugto Tene Chuk" (He Who Suffers is at Fault) and "Je Ghadle Toh Nyay" (What Happened is Justice), is a direct path to moksha, guaranteed within a few lifetimes.

About Dada Bhagwan and the Teachings:

The introductory pages explain the spiritual awakening of "Dada Bhagwan" (Ambalal Muljibhai Patel) and his unique "Akram Marg" (pathless path) that enables people to attain self-knowledge within hours. The book is presented as a Marathi translation of Dada Bhagwan's divine speech, intended to guide spiritual seekers. The publishers, Dada Bhagwan Aradhana Trust and Mahavideh Foundation, are dedicated to spreading these teachings.