Who Am I

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Who Am I" by Dada Bhagwan, based on the provided pages:

Title: Who Am I Author: Dada Bhagwan Publisher: Dada Bhagwan Aradhana Trust

Core Message:

The book "Who Am I" is a guide to self-realization and liberation, presented through the teachings of Param Pujya Dadashri (Ambalal M. Patel). It focuses on the "Akram Vignan" path, a direct and effortless method to achieve the knowledge of the Self (Atmagnan). The central theme is to understand one's true identity beyond the temporary ego and the physical body.

Key Concepts and Teachings:

1. The Nature of the Self vs. The Non-Self:

   • The book extensively explores the question "Who am I?" and distinguishes between the true Self (the Soul, Shuddhatma) and the non-self (body, mind, intellect, ego, name, relationships, profession, etc.).
   • "I" vs. "Mine": A fundamental teaching is the separation of "I" (the true Self) from "Mine" (everything that belongs to the temporary, relative self). Everything that is "mine" is ultimately an illusion or temporary. The true "I" is permanent and separate from all possessions and associations.
   • The Ego (Ahamkar): The ego is identified as the incorrect belief "I am this body/name/role." It's the misplaced "I" that causes all suffering. The goal is to dissolve the ego by realizing the true Self.

2. The Akram Vignan Path:

   • Akram (Effortless/Stepless): This path is presented as a direct shortcut to self-realization, unlike the traditional "Kramic" (step-by-step) path that requires arduous efforts, penance, and renunciations.
   • Gnan Vidhi: Dada Bhagwan's unique process, the Gnan Vidhi, is described as a 2-hour scientific experiment that imparts the knowledge of the Self directly.
   • "Lift-like" Progress: Akram Vignan is likened to taking an elevator, as opposed to climbing stairs, emphasizing its speed and ease.

3. The Role of the Gnani Purush:

   • The Enlightened One: A "Gnani Purush" is an individual who has attained complete Self-realization and is free from ego. Dada Bhagwan is presented as such a Gnani Purush.
   • The Instrument of God: Dada Bhagwan explains that he is not God, but a living instrument through whom the divine presence, "Dada Bhagwan," manifests. This divine presence is in everyone, but fully manifested in the Gnani.
   • The Separator: The Gnani Purush uses the "Separator" of "Bhed Gnan" (science of discrimination) to help followers separate the true Self from the non-self.
   • Successor Lineage: The teachings are continued by successors, such as Dr. Niruben Amin and Pujya Deepakbhai Desai, who have received the necessary spiritual powers (siddhis) from Dada Bhagwan.

4. Understanding Karma and Suffering:

   • False Beliefs: Suffering arises from false beliefs, such as "I am Chandulal" (or any other name/role). These beliefs create the ego, which in turn generates karma.
   • The "Doer": The book clarifies that no one is truly the "doer" in the absolute sense. Actions occur due to the interplay of conditioning circumstances (Vyavasthit Shakti). The ego falsely claims the doership, leading to karma and bondage.
   • Karma as a Seed: Karma is seen as seeds sown by actions based on false beliefs. These seeds ripen and manifest as consequences.

5. Liberation (Moksha):

   • The Ultimate Goal: The ultimate goal of life is liberation, which is the state of permanent bliss and freedom from the cycle of birth and death.
   • Two Levels of Moksha:
     • First Level (Jeevanmukti): Experiencing neutrality and equanimity amidst worldly troubles while living. This is attainable here and now.
     • Second Level: Complete liberation, achieved after the physical body is gone.
   • Effortless Liberation: Moksha through Akram Vignan is presented as effortless, a birthright that is realized through the Gnani's grace.

6. Key Practices and Principles:

   • Trimantra: A powerful mantra for removing obstacles and attaining spiritual progress.
   • The Five Agnas: Five cardinal principles that act as a protective fence around the Gnan, guiding the follower and preventing regression. Following these Agnas is the essence of the spiritual practice after receiving Gnan.
   • Pratikraman: A process of confession, repentance, and vow to not repeat mistakes, essential for clearing karma.
   • Dada Bhagwan's Presence: The importance of remembering Dada Bhagwan (the divine presence within) as a witness, especially when praying to other spiritual figures like Simandhar Swami.

7. The Significance of Simandhar Swami:

   • Shri Simandhar Swami is the current Tirthankara, living in Mahavideh Kshetra. He is presented as the living Arihant and the focus of devotion in this current era.
   • Connecting with Simandhar Swami, with Dada Bhagwan as the witness, is encouraged for accelerated spiritual progress and liberation.

8. The Role of the Gnani Purush:

   • The Gnani Purush is a rare being who has attained the absolute state and can directly impart the knowledge of the Self and the science of separation.
   • Meeting a Gnani Purush is essential for achieving Self-realization through the Akram path.

Overall Tone and Presentation:

The book is conversational and directly addresses the reader, often in a question-and-answer format between the seeker and Dada Bhagwan. It uses simple analogies and everyday examples to explain profound spiritual concepts. The emphasis is on practical realization and liberation in this lifetime, rather than just theoretical knowledge. The German translation maintains the essence and directness of Dada Bhagwan's teachings.

In essence, "Who Am I" offers a revolutionary approach to spiritual liberation, making the profound realization of the Self accessible to everyone, regardless of their worldly circumstances, through the grace and scientific process of Akram Vignan.