Spirituality In Speech

This document is a summary of the book "Spirituality in Speech" by Dada Bhagwan, published by Mahavideh Foundation. The book is based on the discourses of Dada Bhagwan, also known as Param Pujya Dadashri or Dadaji, who was a Gujarati spiritual leader and the proponent of Akram Vignan, a path to Self-realization.

The core message of the book revolves around the profound impact of speech in human interactions and the spiritual implications of how we use our words. Dada Bhagwan emphasizes that speech is a "taped record" from past lives and that our current speech is often a mechanical playback of these recordings. The goal of spiritual progress, according to Dada Bhagwan, is to become aware of this, detach from the spoken words, and ultimately achieve liberation from the cycle of suffering caused by speech.

Here's a breakdown of the key themes and teachings presented in the book:

1. The Nature of Speech:

• Speech as a Record: Dada Bhagwan repeatedly states that speech is a pre-recorded tape, meaning that what we say is not entirely under our conscious control in the present moment. This is due to past karmic impressions.
• Speech and Karma: Our words create karmic accounts, and harmful speech incurs significant liabilities. Even harsh thoughts, if acted upon, create obstructive karmas that manifest in future lives.
• Non-Self and Beyond Control: All speech, whether our own or others', is ultimately seen as part of the non-Self and beyond our absolute control. This understanding is key to detachment.

2. Forms of Hurtful Speech and Their Consequences:

• Harmful Words: Words that hurt others are considered wrongful or inappropriate. They leave lasting scars and create negative karmic consequences. The book distinguishes between casual pleasantries and words that inflict deep wounds.
• Criticism (Tikka and Ninda): Even the slightest criticism (tikka) or negative talk (ninda) about others creates hindrances to spiritual progress, including Self-realization. Ninda is speaking negatively, even about non-existent faults, while avarnavad is distorting the truth negatively.
• Scorn and Insults: Scorn and insults are particularly damaging, creating powerful negative vibrations and incurring severe liabilities. These acts are seen as attacking the divine within the other person.
• Harsh Tone (Doosvara) vs. Pleasant Tone (Soosvara): A harsh tone is discouraged, while a pleasant tone makes even simple things enjoyable. The quality of speech is as important as the words themselves.
• Lying: Lying is considered wrong, especially when done for personal gain or out of fear. While occasional lies might be unavoidable due to past karma, the intent behind the lie and the subsequent repentance (pratikraman) are crucial.

3. Controlling and Purifying Speech:

• Pratikraman: This is the central practice for cleansing the impact of hurtful speech. Pratikraman involves acknowledging the mistake (aalochana), apologizing with remorse (pratikraman), and resolving not to repeat it (pratyakhyan). It's a "divine apology" that can erase karmic liabilities.
• Positive Speech: The ideal is to speak in a way that is beneficial, brief, pleasant, and truthful (heet-mitta-priya-satya).
• Non-Interference: Interfering in the lives of others through speech, especially with harsh words or unsolicited advice, is seen as a form of ego and creates conflict.
• Awareness and Detachment: Cultivating awareness of the nature of speech as a record, and remaining detached from its content, prevents emotional reactions and suffering.
• Asking for Permission: Before speaking, especially in difficult situations, it is suggested to ask permission from the Lord within the other person and within oneself.
• Empathy and Understanding: Approaching others with humility, understanding their perspective, and communicating with love and respect can transform conversations and resolve conflicts.
• The "Akram Vignan" Approach: The teachings of Akram Vignan offer a direct path to Self-realization and a way to handle worldly interactions with equanimity, transforming speech and conduct.

4. Key Principles and Practices:

• "Fault is of the Sufferer": This principle implies that whatever happens to us is a result of our own past actions and that we should not blame others but rather look inward.
• "Whatever Happened is Justice": Everything that occurs is seen as a just unfolding of past karmas, and accepting it with equanimity is the path to peace.
• "Adjust Everywhere": This is a core principle of Akram Vignan, encouraging adaptability and acceptance in all situations, including challenging interactions.
• The Nine Kalams (Nav Kalamo): These are powerful affirmations designed to cultivate specific inner strengths, including the ability to not hurt others with speech, thoughts, or actions, and to not damage religious foundations.

In essence, "Spirituality in Speech" guides readers to understand the immense power of words, to take responsibility for their speech, and to adopt a spiritual perspective that transforms communication from a source of conflict into a path for spiritual growth and liberation. The teachings advocate for mindful, compassionate, and detached speech, emphasizing that through practices like pratikraman and the awareness of speech as a recorded playback, one can achieve inner peace and freedom.