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98
Aptavani-4
And when it does, they are called swayam-buddha (spontaneous Self-realization). Even those who are swayam-buddha, would had to have met a Gnani in their past life. Nothing can happen without a nimit. One must have upadaan (spiritual readiness) as well as a nimit.
“Upadaan nu naam lai ae je tajey nimit;
‘One who abandons the nimit, emphasizing one's own readiness exclusively;
Paame nahi siddhattva ne, rahe bhrantima sthita.'
Does not attain liberation and remains established in illusion.'
~ Shrimad Rajchandra Therefore, you need a nimit first. Even if one's upadaan is not awakened, Gnan will awaken it. But without a nimit, nothing can be done.
Questioner: What if you have a hundred percent conviction that the experience of the Self does not ever happen through a nimit (another person)?
Dadashri: Then you will never experience the Self. You may have tremendous upadaan, but if you cannot find a nimit, then you will never experience the Self. The nimit is vital!
Questioner: So, we have to accept that that experience of the Self can only happen through a nimit?
Dadashri: Here is how it is. Everyone must keep his upadaan awakened, and many do. But what can they do without a nimit? There is no other way.
Questioner: Does one meet a nimit through his merit karma (punya) or through his purusharth (effort)?
Dadashri: Through his merit karma (punya). Otherwise, even if he does purusharth of running from one upashraya (place where monks stay for a short time) to another for infinite
