________________
FOREWORD
The universe undergoes constant changes on the basis of one evidence interacting with some other evidence (nimit). It is the spontaneous result of the circumstantial interactions of the original eternal elements. All living beings (jivas-embodied souls) desire the nullification of these extra, unintended results (vishesha parinam), and a return to the steadiness of the Self (Atma).
The liberation occurs only through an instrument (nimit). And the one and only nimit that gives such liberation is the 'Gnani Purush', in whom the Soul (Atma; Self) has manifested, and who has the absolute experience of the Self. The fact that the liberation does occur is the definite experience of countless people who have met the Gnani Purush (The Enlightened One, and is able to enlighten others).
The knowledge that is commonly called knowledge, in the vision of the Gnani Purush, is in fact, intellectual knowledge. The exact knowledge: the knowledge of the Self (Atma; Soul), is millions of miles away from the worldly knowledge about the Self. It is in the form of the science of the Soul (Atmavignan). The one who knows the science of the Soul becomes free from wandering life after life (jivanmukta - freedom while living). Many, who have met the Gnani Purush, have attained a state of the jivanmukta. The desire is that everyone attains that state.
The Soul is wordless; speechless, and yet the knowledgeladen words that have arisen, having touched the manifest, absolute Self (Parmatma) – touch the heart, break down infinite veils of illusion, and enlighten the self from the initial stage, all the way to the absolute knowledge (Kevalgnan). That incomparable speech has been compiled in the Aptavani, and this is a humble attempt to present it to the seeker of the knowledge of liberation.
