Worries

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

Core Message:

The central theme of "Worries" is that worry is the greatest folly in the world and the root cause of immense suffering, both in this life and future ones. Dada Bhagwan, through this text, offers a profound understanding of the nature of worries and a practical path to becoming worry-free, grounded in the science of Akram Vignan.

Key Concepts and Teachings:

1. The Nature of Worries:

   • Ego-Driven: Worries stem from the ego's mistaken belief that "I am the doer" (Ahamkarta). This false identification leads to the burden of responsibility for events that are beyond one's control.
   • A Fire: Worries are likened to a consuming fire that burns without cease, robbing peace, inviting disease, depression, and leading to negative karma.
   • Selfishness: Worry is described as pure egoism. Those who worry are essentially taking matters into their own hands, believing they can control outcomes.
   • Detrimental to Work: Worries actively hinder and ruin work, reducing efficiency and leading to failure.

2. The Source of Worries:

   • Ignorance of the True Doer: The fundamental cause is the lack of knowledge about who truly controls events in the universe. This ignorance leads to the false belief that oneself is the doer.
   • Attachment to the Non-Self: Attachment to worldly possessions, relationships, and outcomes creates worries when these are threatened or don't go according to one's plans.
   • Conditional Circumstances (Vyavasthit): Worries arise from a misunderstanding of Vyavasthit – the intricate web of conditional circumstances that govern all events.
   • False Assumptions: Believing that a situation can only be resolved if "I" am involved, or worrying about things beyond one's control, creates unnecessary suffering.
   • Comparison and Envy: Witnessing the possessions or circumstances of others (like neighbors) and feeling inadequate leads to worry and discontent.

3. The Consequences of Worries:

   • Loss of Peace and Happiness: Worries destroy inner peace, sleep, and the joy of living.
   • Negative Karma: Worrying binds negative karma, which leads to suffering in this life and unfavorable rebirths in lower life forms (like animals).
   • Physical and Mental Deterioration: Worries lead to stress, mental anguish, and can even contribute to physical ailments.
   • Ruining Work and Business: As mentioned, worries are a significant impediment to success in all endeavors.
   • Double Punishment: In situations of loss, the worry and subsequent suffering are seen as a double punishment.

4. The Solution and Path to Worry-Free Living:

   • Self-Realization (Atma Gnan): The ultimate and only complete solution to worries is Self-Realization, attained through the grace of a Gnani Purush (a Self-realized being).
   • Encountering a Gnani Purush: The text emphasizes that true knowledge and the shedding of ego (which causes worries) can only come from encountering and receiving the grace of a living Gnani Purush like Dada Bhagwan.
   • Akram Vignan: This is the "stepless path" or shortcut to Self-Realization, a scientific process that can transfer this knowledge and its benefits in a short period.
   • Surrendering to God/The True Doer: Trusting in God and leaving all matters in His hands, recognizing that He is the ultimate doer, is crucial.
   • Living in the Present Moment: Focusing on and enjoying whatever is happening now, rather than dwelling on the past or anxiously anticipating the future, is a key practice.
   • Understanding Vyavasthit: Comprehending that all events are governed by a precise network of conditional circumstances helps to relinquish the illusion of personal control.
   • Separating the Ego from the Self: Through spiritual knowledge and practice, one learns to distinguish the true Self (Pure Soul) from the ego, leading to the dissolution of worries.
   • Pratikraman Vidhi: The process of divine apology, confessing faults, seeking forgiveness, and making a firm resolution not to repeat them, is presented as a method to clear past karmic blockages and reduce worries.
   • Following the Five Agnas: Adhering to the five principles or commands given by the Gnani Purush is essential for experiencing the benefits of Akram Vignan and becoming worry-free.

5. Distinguishing from Other States:

   • Tension vs. Worry: While tension involves scattered concerns, worry is a complete absorption in one issue, believing it to be the only thing that matters.
   • Sorrow vs. Worry: Worry is tied to the ego and the belief of being the doer, whereas the "burdened feeling" (bedrückendes Gefühl) after Self-Realization is the discharge of past karma without the ego.
   • Carefulness vs. Worry: Carefulness (Sorgsamkeit) is about awareness and taking appropriate action, while worry is laced with fear and self-inflicted suffering.

The Role of Dada Bhagwan and the Lineage:

The book introduces Ambalal Muljibhai Patel, who achieved spontaneous Self-Realization in 1958 and came to be known as Dada Bhagwan. He became an instrument for the Lord within, who revealed the path of Akram Vignan. The lineage of Gnani Purushs continues through Dr. Niruben Amin and currently through Pujya Deepakbhai Desai, who carry on Dada Bhagwan's mission of spreading this knowledge and facilitating Self-Realization for the benefit of humanity.

In essence, "Worries" teaches that by understanding the true nature of reality, relinquishing the illusion of being the doer, and seeking the grace of a Gnani Purush, one can permanently overcome worries and live a life of lasting peace and bliss.