Vaani Vyvahaar Me

The book "Vaani Vyvahaar Me" (Speech in Practice) by Dada Bhagwan, published by Mahavideh Foundation, is a collection of spiritual discourse focusing on the proper and effective use of speech in everyday life, guided by Jain principles. The book is a Hindi translation of the original Gujarati work.

Here's a comprehensive summary of the key themes and teachings presented in the text:

Core Philosophy:

• The World as a Puzzle: The world itself is a complex puzzle, and everything that happens is just.
• "Original Tape Recorder": The world operates like an original tape recorder. Whatever is spoken or done is recorded, and the consequences are faced by the doer. There is no external creator; events unfold according to inherent laws.
• "Awareness of Ownership": The teachings emphasize speaking and acting without a sense of ownership, meaning detachment from the results of one's actions. This leads to peace and clarity.
• Speech as Saraswati: The author, Dada Bhagwan, views speech originating from consciousness as a direct manifestation of Saraswati (the goddess of wisdom and speech).
• "Who is Dada Bhagwan?": The book explains that "Dada Bhagwan" is the fully manifest Self within, the pure Soul, which is present in everyone. The physical body and the personality (like A.M. Patel) are distinct from this inner divinity. Dada Bhagwan resides in all fourteen realms and is within everyone, though fully manifest in the enlightened one.
• The Akram Path: Dada Bhagwan's teachings are characterized by the "Akram path," an indirect or shortcut method of self-realization, achieved in a short span of time through a special 'Gnanvidhi' (knowledge ritual). This is contrasted with the "kram" or step-by-step path.

Key Themes on Speech (Vaani):

1. The Nature of Painful Speech:

   • Speech that causes pain or hurt to others is considered negative. The tongue itself is not at fault, but rather our own internal state ("organizer") and misaligned intentions.
   • Words have a profound impact, like physical blows that can leave deep wounds. Even seemingly small words can cause lasting pain and have significant karmic consequences.
   • The impact of speech is described as a "stone thrown." Harsh words create negative vibrations that affect both the speaker and the listener.
   • There's a distinction between "apashabda" (inappropriate words) and "sushabda" (appropriate words). Speaking inappropriately, even without malice, is detrimental.
   • The book emphasizes that speaking negatively creates internal "bhavahinsa" (violence of emotions) for the speaker.

2. Speech as a Tape Recorder and Overcoming its Effects:

   • Speech is likened to a tape recorder or transmitter, capturing everything. However, it's not just the spoken word, but also the underlying intention and mental impressions that are recorded.
   • The "Akram vignan" (science) offers solutions. When one realizes that speech is merely a recording, the impact diminishes.
   • Pratikraman (Retrospection and Making Amends): The primary tool to overcome the negative effects of speech is "pratikraman." This involves acknowledging the mistake, repenting, seeking forgiveness from the Self or the affected person, and resolving not to repeat the error. Pratikraman is considered a powerful method to erase karmic impressions.
   • Understanding "Vyavasthit": The concept of "Vyavasthit" (that which is indeed settled and managed by the universal laws) is crucial. Understanding that everything happens according to this order helps in remaining detached from speech and its outcomes.
   • Recognizing the "record": When someone speaks harshly, it's important to see it as a "record" playing, rather than an attack on one's true Self. This detachment prevents the speech from causing deep harm.
   • Changing the "code": The mental state during speech determines the karmic "code" or impression. Positive intentions create positive codes, while negative intentions create negative ones.
   • The "Sachchidanand" Mantra: Chanting "Sachchidanand" is mentioned as a way to create positive vibrations and internal churning, aiding in spiritual progress.

3. The Art of Speaking Appropriately (Mit, Hit, Priyam, Satyam):

   • Speech should be appropriate in terms of timing ("mit" - limited quantity), beneficial ("hit" - for the welfare of all), pleasant ("priyam" - agreeable), and truthful ("satyam" - actual truth).
   • Sweet speech vs. Truthful speech: There's a balance to be struck between being sweet and being truthful. Truth that is not pleasant or beneficial can be problematic. The ideal is truth that is also pleasant and beneficial.
   • Avoiding "Maska" (Flattery) and False Compliance: Flattery or falsely agreeing with someone is not considered truthful speech.
   • The Danger of "Tukna" (Interrupting/Correcting): Unsolicited advice or correction, especially when delivered with an ego or harshness, can create conflict. It's important to know how to speak.
   • The Importance of the "Viewpoint": Understanding the other person's viewpoint is essential for harmonious communication. If one's speech doesn't align with the other's perspective, it can lead to conflict.

4. Specific Situations and Advice:

   • Husband-Wife and Family Communication: The book offers detailed guidance on communication within families, emphasizing mutual respect, understanding, and avoiding harsh words. It stresses that arguments within the family are detrimental.
   • Dealing with "Bad" Words: If one speaks harsh words, it's important to immediately do pratikraman. If someone else speaks harshly, one should remain calm and use pratikraman if negative feelings arise internally.
   • "Antaray" (Obstacles): Causing obstacles through speech, such as discouraging someone's good deeds or spiritual practice, is detrimental.
   • "Avadwad" (Calumny/Slander): Speaking ill of others, especially those who are respected or absent, is considered a grave offense.
   • "Mazaak" (Joking): Joking, especially at the expense of others or their intelligence, is strongly discouraged as it can have significant karmic repercussions. Only "innocent" jokes that bring joy without causing hurt are acceptable.
   • Truth vs. Falsehood: The book explores the nuances of truth and falsehood, emphasizing that spoken words should be pleasant, beneficial, and truthful, spoken in the right measure.
   • The Role of "Purusharth" (Effort): While the "Akram" path emphasizes grace, the text also highlights the importance of conscious effort, especially in the form of pratikraman and maintaining a positive intention.
   • "Apman" (Disrespect): Disrespecting nature or anyone is also considered harmful.

Practices Recommended:

• Pratikraman: Regular practice of pratikraman for any speech that causes harm, internal or external.
• Observation of Speech: Becoming a "Gnaata-Drashta" (Knower-Seer) of one's own speech, observing it without getting entangled.
• Maintaining Inner Purity: Keeping the mind free from negative thoughts and intentions towards others.
• Seeking Guidance: Attending satsangs (spiritual gatherings) and seeking clarification from the Gnani Purush (enlightened being).
• The "Nine Clauses": The book includes nine powerful affirmations (kalams) to be made to Dada Bhagwan, seeking strength and guidance to avoid causing harm through speech, thoughts, and actions.
• The "Vachanalaya" (House of Words): The body is seen as a "vachanalaya," and the speech it produces must be pure and beneficial.

In essence, "Vaani Vyvahaar Me" is a practical guide for spiritual seekers on how to purify their speech and communication, leading to inner peace, harmony in relationships, and ultimately, self-realization, through the unique principles of Dada Bhagwan's Akram Vignan. The emphasis is on understanding the karmic consequences of speech and employing the tools of awareness, detachment, and pratikraman to navigate life's interactions with wisdom and compassion.