Aptavani Shreni 08

Author(s): Dada Bhagwan
Publisher: Dada Bhagwan Aradhana Trust

Page 26

But both Vedanta and Jainism, can independently bring about Self-realization.
The Atma is neither dwaita (dualistic), nor is it adwaita (non-dualistic). The Atma is dualistic – non-dualistic (dwaitaadwaita). Dualism and non-dualism are both ego centric states (vikalp); whereas the Atma's state is devoid of ego (nirvikalp). Dualism and non-dualism are both two-sided phenomenon (dwandva); whereas the Atma is beyond the dualities (dwandvatita). As long as one suffers the effects of the worldly life (sansar), it is not possible to believe: 'I am non-dualistic (adwaita)'. Non-dualism is not support-free (niradhar), nor is it absolute (nirpeksha). It is relative to dualism (dwaita).
From the relative viewpoint the atma (the self) is dualistic, and by the real viewpoint, the Atma (Self) is non-dualistic. So therefore, the Gnanis have called the Atma, dualistic – nondualistic. The Self is non-dualistic (adwaita) and the non-Self is dualistic (dwaita). So that the applied awareness (upayog) can be maintained on the Self, it has been termed non-dualistic (adwaita). Dualism – non-dualism (dwaitadwaita) only exists as long as both the body and Absolute Knowledge (Keval Gnan) are there. But in final liberation (moksha); no such adjective remains. Adwaita itself is an adjective.
Is this world an illusion (mithya)? If you have a toothache, and you spend the entire night, turning your prayer beads and repeating, 'This is just an illusion', does the pain become an illusion? If the world is indeed an illusion, then why do people not throw away their money and prized possessions out onto the streets? The world is not an illusion, and neither is Brahma (Soul) an illusion. The world is a relative truth, and Brahma is the real truth. Deceit (maya) is that which does not allow you to fully understand the original element (Atma).
Self-knowledge (Brahmagnan) is the portal of entry into Self-realization (Atmagnan). The practice of religion can procure
25