Worries

This Jain text, "Worries" by Dada Bhagwan, published by the Dada Bhagwan Foundation, offers a profound spiritual perspective on the nature and eradication of worries. The central theme, as articulated by Dada Bhagwan (also known as Ambalal M. Patel), is that worries are a direct consequence of the ego, specifically the ego of doership.

Here's a comprehensive summary of the key points:

1. Worries as Obstacles and Destructive:

• Hindrance to Work: Worries are presented as detrimental to any endeavor, spoiling work and "killing a business." When worries are absent, work progresses smoothly.
• Ego of Doership: The fundamental cause of worries is the belief that "I am running this," or "I am the doer." This inflated ego, the belief that one is in control and responsible for outcomes, is the root of all anxiety.

2. The Nature of Worry:

• Egoism: Worry is equated with egoism. God's message, as conveyed by Dada Bhagwan, is to not be egoistic. Those who believe they are doing everything will suffer from worries.
• Lack of Faith: Worrying is seen as a sign of lacking faith in a higher power or the divine order of the universe. If one had true faith, they would leave everything to God and sleep soundly.
• Self-Invited Misery: Worrying about what others have or what might happen in the future is described as inviting misery upon oneself. It's a self-inflicted suffering.
• Above Normal Egoism: Worry is distinguished from normal thinking. It's when thoughts exceed a certain limit, causing distress and churning, that they become worries. This "above normal egoism" is the core issue.

3. The Impact of Worry:

• Spiritual Regression: Worrying is stated to lead to rebirth in lower life forms, such as animals.
• Health Degradation: Worries harm both mental and physical health, and can make one furious, leading to the hurting of others.
• Hindrance to Bliss: One cannot experience inner bliss or God amidst worries. Worry prevents true peace from being attained.
• Loss of Opportunity: Worrying wastes precious opportunities for spiritual growth and living a virtuous life.

4. The Solution: Knowledge and Self-Realization:

• Meeting a Gnani Purush: The ultimate solution to worries lies in meeting a "Gnani Purush" (an Enlightened One) who can impart the knowledge of the Self (Atmagnan).
• "Akram Vignan" (Step-less Science): Dada Bhagwan's teachings are based on Akram Vignan, a direct and shortcut path to Self-realization, which can abolish ego and thus end worries.
• Understanding "Vyavasthit" (Scientific Circumstantial Evidence): A key teaching is the understanding of Vyavasthit, the scientific law of cause and effect governing all events. When one understands that circumstances are the "doer" and that events unfold according to precise scientific laws, worries cease.
• Living in the Present: The text emphasizes living in the present moment, enjoying what is currently available, and not dwelling on the past or worrying about the future. The past is gone, and the future is in the hands of Vyavasthit.
• Compartmentalization: It's advised to compartmentalize one's life and not carry worries from one department or situation to another.
• Faith in Nature and God: Trusting in nature's provisions and God's management of the universe is crucial for shedding worries.
• Self-Realization: The ultimate "solution to stop worrying" is to know one's real Self ("Who am I?"). This leads to the understanding that only that which is done for the real Self carries forward, not worldly achievements.

5. Key Distinctions:

• Carefulness vs. Worry: Carefulness is healthy awareness, while worry involves anxiety that consumes from within.
• Tension vs. Worry: Tension is multi-faceted pulling, while worry involves total involvement in a single issue, deeming it to be everything.

6. The Role of Dada Bhagwan and the Foundation: The text also introduces Dada Bhagwan as the Gnani Purush who experienced spontaneous Self-realization in 1958. His teachings, known as Akram Vignan, aim to liberate individuals from worries and ego. The Dada Bhagwan Foundation is dedicated to spreading this knowledge through books, satsangs, and the "Gnan Vidhi" (a scientific process for Self-realization). The translator's note highlights the challenges and importance of translating these profound spiritual concepts into English for a wider audience.

In essence, "Worries" by Dada Bhagwan serves as a guide to understanding that worries are a product of egoistic identification with doership and a lack of faith. By embracing the knowledge of the Self and the scientific principles of "Vyavasthit," one can transcend worries and live a life of peace, harmony, and liberation.