Self Realization

Here is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Self Realization" by Dada Bhagwan, based on the provided pages:

Title: Self Realization Author: Dada Bhagwan (Shri Ambalal M. Patel) Publisher: Dada Bhagwan Aradhana Trust Key Concept: The "Akram Marg" (Scratchless Path) of Self-Realization

Introduction to Dada Bhagwan: The book introduces Dada Bhagwan, who is described as a fully manifested spiritual entity. This manifestation occurred miraculously within the physical body of Shri Ambalal Mulji M. Patel in 1958. Dada Bhagwan possesses complete knowledge of the universe, including answers to profound spiritual questions like "Who am I?", "Who is God?", "Who governs the world?", "What is karma?", and "What is liberation?". Shri Ambalal M. Patel, despite being a successful contractor, was detached from worldly possessions and lived by the principle of integrating dharma into business, not business into dharma. He never took money from others for his spiritual work; instead, he sponsored devotees on pilgrimages.

The "Akram Marg" (Scratchless Path): Dada Bhagwan's unique spiritual science is called the "Akram Marg," which translates to the "Scratchless Path" or the "non-sequential path." This is contrasted with the "Kramik Marg" (sequential path), which involves a step-by-step ascent towards spiritual realization, akin to climbing stairs. The Akram Marg is likened to an elevator, a direct and shorter route to self-realization. Dada Bhagwan states that he, as the Gnani Purush (Knower), facilitates this realization for others, enabling them to attain self-knowledge in as little as two hours.

Understanding "Dada Bhagwan": Dada Bhagwan clarifies that the visible person is not "Dada Bhagwan" itself. He explains that he, the Gnani Purush, is A.M. Patel, and "Dada Bhagwan" is the fully manifested divine consciousness within him. "Dada Bhagwan" is the Lord of the fourteen worlds and resides within everyone, though in an unmanifested state. He himself bows to this inner "Dada Bhagwan."

The Goal of Human Life: Moksha (Liberation): The book emphasizes that the ultimate goal of human life is to attain "Moksha," liberation from the cycle of birth and death. It states that life is wasted without a goal. While worldly happiness is temporary and eventually leads to suffering, the true pursuit is for eternal happiness, which resides within the Soul (Atma).

Two Stages of Moksha:

1. First Stage Moksha: This is the absence of suffering even while living in the world. It means remaining unaffected by worldly troubles and maintaining equanimity amidst all difficulties.
2. Second Stage Moksha (Antim Moksha): This is the ultimate liberation achieved after the physical body is shed. The book asserts that the first stage of Moksha should be attained here and now, in this life.

Eternal Happiness Resides Within: The text clarifies that happiness is not found in external material possessions like houses or cars, which only entangle one further in the web of worldly attachments. True, eternal happiness (Shashwat Sukh) is inherent in the Soul (Atma). Attaining the Soul leads to eternal happiness.

The Distinction Between "I" (Me) and "Mine": A core teaching is the crucial separation of "I" (the Soul, the Self) from "mine" (possessions, body, mind, intellect, ego, relationships). "I" is the truth, while "mine" is Maya (illusion). By differentiating "mine" from "I," one's inner strength increases. The Gnani Purush facilitates this separation, much like separating cream from milk. The book uses examples of possessions and relationships to illustrate how we identify with "mine" and how this identification needs to be relinquished.

Knowing the Self ("I"): The book debunks the efficacy of external practices like japa (chanting), tapas (austerities), and vratas (vows) for Moksha. While these may offer worldly peace or merit, they do not lead to liberation. Moksha is attained solely through Self-Knowledge (Gnan) and following the commands of a Gnani Purush. External tapas leads to merit, while internal tapas (Antartap) is required for Moksha. Mantra chanting provides worldly peace and happiness, but not liberation.

The Role of the Gnani Purush: The Gnani Purush is essential for attaining Self-Knowledge. They are those who have no more to know, having realized their true Self. A Guru may guide you in worldly matters and lead to worldly happiness, but only a Gnani Purush can provide the spiritual knowledge that leads to liberation and peace amidst afflictions. A Gnani Purush is characterized by the absence of ego and attachment, complete self-realization, and the ability to explain the workings of the universe. They are described as a living flame that illuminates the path.

The "Akram Marg" vs. "Kramik Marg":

• Kramik Marg: Like climbing stairs, it's a gradual process of shedding attachments and progressing towards Moksha, which takes a long time.
• Akram Marg: Like an elevator, it's a direct, faster route to Moksha. One can fulfill worldly responsibilities and still attain Moksha. This path is rare and manifests once in millions of years. It leads to direct Self-realization without the struggle of the Kramik Marg.

The "Gnan Vidhi" (Knowledge Ceremony): The Gnan Vidhi is a unique spiritual process where the Gnani Purush bestows Self-Knowledge. This involves a precise separation of the Soul ("I") from the non-Soul ("mine"). The process takes about two hours and includes specific verbal pronouncements to facilitate this spiritual separation. After this, five commands (Aagna) are given to help maintain this self-realization and prevent new karma.

The Effects of Gnan Vidhi:

• Karma Burning: The knowledge received acts as the fire of Self-Knowledge, burning away past karmas.
• Attainment of the Self: The Soul is realized as distinct from the body, mind, and ego.
• Divine Vision: A "divine eye" is bestowed, enabling the vision of the Self in all beings.
• Eternal Awareness: Continuous awareness of the Self is established.
• Cessation of New Karma: Living in accordance with the Self and the Gnani's commands prevents the formation of new karmic bonds.
• Spiritual Progress: The Gnan Vidhi initiates the journey from the "second day of the moon" (initial awakening) towards the "full moon" (complete liberation).

The Importance of Adhering to Commands (Aagna): The five Aagna (commands) are crucial for protecting the Self-Knowledge received. They act as a protective fence, preventing the dilution or destruction of this knowledge, especially in the current era of adversities. Adherence to these Aagna is the true spiritual practice (Sadhana) and leads to rapid spiritual progress.

"Adjust Everywhere": This is a fundamental principle for living peacefully in the world. It means to remain in harmony with everyone and everything, regardless of their nature or behavior. By adapting and not imposing one's own views, one avoids conflict and attracts peace.

Avoiding Conflict (Sanghat): Conflict is seen as the root of all worldly suffering. Avoiding conflict, even when provoked, is a key to liberation. If conflict arises, it should be resolved with equanimity. The book uses the example of a wall to illustrate that those who provoke conflict are like unmoving entities, and one should learn to navigate around them without engaging.

"What has happened is Just": This principle highlights that whatever happens in the universe is according to the natural law of karma and causality. There is no injustice in nature, only a balance of actions and reactions. Understanding this leads to freedom from the world. Blaming others or seeking justice in human courts is futile; accepting what happens as a consequence of one's own past actions is the path to peace.

Understanding Your Own Faults: The key to spiritual progress is to see one's own faults and not those of others. When one stops looking for faults in others, their spiritual journey truly begins. The practice of "Pratikraman" (repentance and atonement) is essential for cleansing oneself of faults.

Pratikraman (Repentance and Atonement): This is a specific process of asking for forgiveness for one's wrongdoings (mental, verbal, and physical) and resolving not to repeat them. It involves remembering the pure Soul within oneself and the person against whom the transgression occurred. This process helps wash away karma and change the perception of oneself and others.

The Trimandir: The Trimandir is a unique concept of a temple that houses deities from different religions, emphasizing a non-sectarian approach to spirituality and the unity of all religions. It is built to foster understanding and overcome religious divisions.

In essence, "Self Realization" by Dada Bhagwan offers a practical, direct, and scientific path to spiritual liberation. It emphasizes the attainment of Self-Knowledge through the grace of a Gnani Purush, the importance of distinguishing the true Self from worldly possessions, and living in accordance with divine principles and commands to achieve eternal peace and happiness.