Who Am I

The book "Who Am I" by Dada Bhagwan, published by Dada Bhagwan Aradhana Trust, is a spiritual discourse focused on self-realization and liberation. The core message revolves around understanding the true self beyond the ego and worldly identifications.

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

1. The Central Question: "Who Am I?" The book emphasizes the fundamental spiritual quest of understanding one's true identity. It posits that the ultimate goal of human life is to discover the answer to "Who am I?" and that this question has remained unanswered for countless past lives.

2. The Experience of Self-Realization (Atmagnyan): The book details the profound experience of the author, Dada Bhagwan (Ambalal M. Patel), who attained self-realization in 1958. This event is described as a moment where his ego completely dissolved, and he became a living instrument for the divine residing within him, whom he called "Dada Bhagwan." He asserted that this "Dada Bhagwan" resides within everyone, but in him, it was fully manifest.

3. The "Akram Vignan" Path: Dada Bhagwan introduced "Akram Vignan" (The Science of Victimlessness) as a direct and effortless path to liberation. It is contrasted with the traditional "kramik" (step-by-step) path, which is described as arduous and time-consuming. Akram Vignan is likened to using an elevator instead of climbing stairs, offering a faster and simpler route to spiritual liberation.

4. Understanding the "I" vs. "Mine": A significant portion of the book focuses on differentiating between the true Self ("I" or "Aatma") and the non-self ("mine" or "Pragati/Maya"). The author explains that all worldly possessions, relationships, and even the body are ultimately "mine" and not the true "I." Mistakenly identifying with "mine" creates ego and leads to suffering. The process involves a constant discernment between what truly belongs to the Self and what is merely a temporary association.

5. The Nature of the Ego (Aham/Ego): The ego is identified as the root cause of all suffering and bondage. The book explains that the ego arises from the mistaken belief of "I am Chandulal" (a placeholder name used in the discourse) or any other worldly identification. The path to liberation involves dismantling this ego through self-inquiry and the realization of the true Self.

6. The Role of the Gnani (The Knower): The book stresses the indispensable role of a living Gnani (a Self-realized being) in attaining self-knowledge. It states that true spiritual knowledge resides in the heart of a Gnani and cannot be gained solely from books. A Gnani acts as a catalyst, guiding the seeker to their true Self through a special process called "Gyan Vidhi."

7. "Gyan Vidhi" and its Impact: Gyan Vidhi is described as a unique and scientific process that a Gnani performs, which bestows self-knowledge upon the seeker in a short period. This process is credited with liberating thousands and continues to bless many more. It effectively separates the Self from the non-self, leading to a profound internal shift.

8. The Concept of "Dada Bhagwan": Dada Bhagwan is presented not as the physical person (Ambalal Patel) but as the divine, fully manifest Self within him. He clarifies that the person visible is A. M. Patel, a Gnani, while Dada Bhagwan is the inner divinity. He humbly bows to the Dada Bhagwan within him, acknowledging that this divine presence resides in all beings.

9. The Nature of God and Creation: The book challenges conventional notions of God as a creator. Dada Bhagwan explains that the world is a manifestation of "scientific circumstantial evidence" (vyavasthitishakti) or nature's laws, not a direct creation of God. He argues that if God were the creator of a suffering-filled world, it would contradict His divine nature. God, in His true essence, is pure bliss and resides within everyone.

10. The "Akram" Path vs. the "Kramik" Path: The Akram path is presented as a revolution in spiritual evolution, making liberation accessible in a much shorter time. The kramik path, while valid, requires immense penance, renunciation, and adherence to strict rules over many lifetimes. The Akram path bypasses these arduous steps through the grace of the Gnani.

11. The Importance of the Five Commandments (Pancha Aagna): After receiving self-knowledge through Gyan Vidhi, followers are guided to follow five key commandments. These are not restrictive rules but protective principles designed to preserve the attained self-knowledge and prevent the re-establishment of the ego. They are essential for navigating worldly life without getting entangled.

12. The Role of Simandhar Swami: The book highlights Simandhar Swami as the current Tirthankar, a perfected being residing in Mahavideh Kshetra. He is presented as a guiding light and a powerful spiritual presence whose worship and remembrance can lead to liberation. The teachings emphasize the importance of seeking the Gnani's presence and following his guidance.

13. The Nature of Liberation (Moksha): Moksha is described as the ultimate state of complete freedom from the cycle of birth and death, achieved through the realization of the Self. It is a state of unconditional happiness and freedom from all suffering. The book emphasizes that this state can be attained in this lifetime through the Akram path.

14. The Gnani's Role in Dispelling Ignorance: The Gnani acts as a light in the darkness of ignorance. Just as a flashlight dispels darkness instantly, the Gnani's grace and knowledge instantaneously remove the veil of ignorance, revealing the true Self.

15. The Significance of the "I Am Pure Soul" Conviction: The ultimate outcome of the spiritual path is the unwavering conviction of being the Pure Soul. This is not merely a verbal assertion but a deep, ingrained experience that transcends all worldly identifications.

In essence, "Who Am I" is a profound guide to spiritual liberation, offering a direct and scientifically proven path to self-discovery through the teachings of Dada Bhagwan and the "Akram Vignan" tradition. It empowers individuals to understand their true nature as the Pure Soul and live a life of freedom and bliss, even amidst worldly responsibilities.