Takraav Taliye

Here is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Takraav Taliye" (Avoid Collisions) by Dada Bhagwan, based on the provided pages:

Core Message: Avoid Collisions at All Costs

The central theme of "Takraav Taliye" is the profound importance of avoiding collisions, both literally and metaphorically, in all aspects of life. Dada Bhagwan emphasizes that any form of collision, whether physical or interpersonal, inevitably leads to mutual loss and suffering.

Key Concepts and Teachings:

• Mutual Loss in Collisions: The book begins by drawing an analogy to road traffic. Just as collisions on the road can be fatal, collisions in behavior and relationships always result in harm to both parties involved. If you aim to cause harm, you will invariably suffer yourself.
• The Nature of Collisions: A collision is defined as an interaction where one experiences suffering, and this suffering is immediate and direct. The intention behind the action is crucial; one should not intend to harm.
• Traffic Laws as a Metaphor for Life: Dada Bhagwan uses traffic rules as a practical example. The rule "If you collide, you will die" highlights the inherent risk in collisions. Similarly, in everyday life, avoiding collisions in behavior is paramount.
• "Akkram Marg" (Non-linear Path) and Dada Bhagwan's Spiritual Mission: The text introduces Dada Bhagwan as a Gnani Purush who realized the Self and the nature of the universe in just two hours. He attained the "Akram Marg" – a direct, elevator-like path to liberation, unlike the step-by-step "kram" path. His mission was to impart this "Swarup Gyan" (Self-knowledge) to others, enabling them to attain self-realization.
• The Principle of "Hu Koin Chu?" (Who Am I?): Dada Bhagwan clarifies that the visible form ("A.M. Patel") is not "Dada Bhagwan." "Dada Bhagwan" is the inner, fully manifested divine presence, the Lord of the fourteen worlds, residing within all beings, including himself. He bowed to the "Dada Bhagwan" within him.
• "Trade should have religion, not religion trade": This guiding principle shaped Dada Bhagwan's entire life. He lived without taking money from anyone; instead, he used excess earnings from his business to fund devotees' journeys.
• "What Happened Is Justice": A significant teaching presented in the editorial is that in this world, there is no injustice. Everything that happens is a consequence of one's own karma ("husa so hi nyay" – what happened is justice). The apparent injustices, like natural disasters or legal battles, are merely the unfolding of karmic accounts. Understanding this principle brings peace and stability.
• Avoiding Collisions is Not Tolerating (Sahan Karna): Dada Bhagwan distinguishes between avoiding collisions and mere tolerance or suppression. Tolerating or suppressing anger is like pressing a spring; eventually, it will rebound forcefully. Instead, one should find a "solution" (solyuion) by understanding the underlying causes.
• Finding Solutions, Not Tolerating: The true path is to find solutions by recognizing the divine essence (Shuddhatma) in oneself and others, and understanding that adverse situations arise from one's own karmic accounts. The other person is merely an instrument.
• Self-Blame and Acceptance: When collisions occur, the fault lies with oneself, not the other person. Accepting one's own mistakes immediately leads to a solution. Blaming others will only prolong the problem.
• Intellect and Collisions: The intellect (buddhi) is identified as a primary cause of collisions. The intellect can mislead, even showing a wise person in a distorted light. To attain moksha, one must not listen to the intellect's misleading advice.
• Collisions as Ignorance: Any collision is a sign of ignorance. God does not see "right" or "wrong" in interactions, only whether collisions occurred.
• The Analogy of the Wall: People are compared to walls. Colliding with a wall results in self-injury, and it's foolish to argue with it. Similarly, one should not get entangled in arguments or disagreements with others, who are like inanimate walls.
• The Importance of "Common Sense": For smooth worldly interactions, "common sense" (vyavahar-samaj) is crucial. This common sense is "everywhere applicable" and arises from not colliding with others.
• Gharshan (Friction) and Sangharshan (Conflict):
  • Gharshan occurs when one avoids colliding, but the other person creates friction. This friction can lead to a buildup of spiritual energy and the development of "common sense."
  • Sangharshan occurs when there is an exchange of blows or direct conflict.
  • The text suggests that friction, when handled correctly, can be a catalyst for progress and spiritual growth. However, direct conflict ("sangharshan") is detrimental, harming the mind and intellect.
• Reactions and Attachments: Love that is based on attachment is often reactive. Disagreements can arise from excessive love or attachment, leading to collisions. It's crucial to manage attachments.
• Subtle and Gross Collisions: Collisions are categorized from gross (physical) to subtle (mental, verbal) and even subtler levels. These include:
  • Gross Collisions: Physical clashes (e.g., with a pillar, a wall).
  • Subtle Collisions: Verbal arguments, minor disagreements.
  • Subtler Collisions: Seeing faults in others, even when one has decided there are no faults.
  • Subtlest Collisions: Identifying oneself with another's faults (maya-tanmayakar).
• The Power of Pratikraman (Self-correction): The only tool to resolve these collisions, especially the subtle ones, is "pratikraman" (self-correction, repentance). Taking corrective actions immediately after an error is crucial.
• Guaranteed Path to Moksha: Dada Bhagwan guarantees that anyone who consistently avoids collisions will attain moksha within three lifetimes.
• The Role of Pudgal (Matter): Collisions are primarily a phenomenon of "pudgal" (matter). Previous unresolved frictions cause future frictions. Pure pudgal doesn't cause issues, but "vibhava pudgal" (matter influenced by emotions and karma) does.
• The Benefit of Avoiding Collisions: Avoiding collisions preserves one's spiritual energy and prevents damage to the mind and intellect, which can take many lifetimes to heal.
• The Finality of Pratikraman: Pratikraman is the highest tool in this world for cleansing oneself of the effects of collisions and clearing karmic accounts.

Publisher and Editions:

The book is published by Dada Bhagwan Foundation. The text mentions multiple editions, indicating its popularity and widespread distribution. It is available in Gujarati, English, and Hindi.

In essence, "Takraav Taliye" is a profound spiritual guide that advocates for a life free from conflict and discord. By understanding the principles of karma, self-knowledge, and immediate self-correction, individuals can navigate life's interactions harmoniously, leading to inner peace and ultimately, spiritual liberation.