To attain enlightenment , also known as Self-realisation, meditation alone is not sufficient, as it is often practised in the presence of the ego and can even contribute to its growth and further turmoil. However, in the path of Akram Vignan, the Self-realisation ceremony (Gnan Vidhi) plays a pivotal role in removing the ego and instilling the right understanding of 'who am I.'
“One cannot understand ‘who am I’ on his own. If the ego departs, then ‘who am I’ can be understood. But how can the ego depart?” Param Pujya Dada Bhagwan.
In Akram Vignan, spiritual science, the first step towards enlightenment is the Gnan Vidhi, which facilitates the removal of the ego (Aham) and allows the seeker to grasp the true essence of their being. The ego represents a false belief about our identity, and attempting to meditate while under its influence may exacerbate the situation. Enlightenment , on the other hand, involves dispelling this wrong belief and acquiring the knowledge of our true Self. Therefore, the key to achieving enlightenment lies in transcending the ego and embracing the right understanding of our true nature through the transformative process of Gnan Vidhi.
Moreover, to attain enlightenment , the presence of a fully enlightened being (Gnani Purush) is essential. A Gnani Purush has reached a state of dwelling in the Self and possesses the benevolent power to bestow the same enlightenment upon others who seek it.
Let us understand Enlightenment according to Akram Vignan.
Enlightenment is the ultimate state of spiritual awareness devoid of any physical aspects. It is attained through the divine grace of a Gnani Purush. One achieves this profound state by understanding the qualities and distinctions between the Pure Soul (Self) and the Non-Soul (non-self) after undergoing a process of separation between the Real Self (pure Soul) and the Relative Self (mind, body and ego).
In reality, our essence is that of a pure Soul, completely separate from the material world. However, due to our ignorance of our true Self, we fail to experience the pure Soul and infinite bliss that lies within us.
True enlightenment grants the awareness of separation from the mind, body, and ego. This inner light of the Soul guides us throughout life, leading to lasting peace and profound happiness . It also paves the way for ultimate liberation.
While many may have pursued various paths, such as meditation , worship, chanting or penances, to achieve eternal enlightenment, they may find that their experiences are temporary and transient. There might be something still missing in their pursuit of absolute enlightenment, and this is because it is done in the presence of the ego.
The path to enlightenment requires no penance, meditation , or renunciation; all that is needed is to meet a Spiritually Enlightened One. Embracing the principles imparted by such a Gnani becomes your focus and goal.
You will know that you have been enlightened when mental, physical, or external problems cease to disturb you, it indicates that your knowledge (Gnan) is true, and you have achieved Enlightenment.
Ambalal M. Patel was a civil contractor by profession. In June 1958, spontaneous Self-Realization occurred within Ambalal M. Patel. From this point on, Ambalal became a Gnani Purush, and the Lord that manifest within him became known as Dada Bhagwan. A Gnani Purush is One who has realized the Self and is able help others do the same. Param Pujya Dada Bhagwan used to go from town to town and country-to-country to give satsang (spiritual discourse) and impart the knowledge of the Self, as well as knowledge of harmonious worldly interactions to everyone who came to meet him. This spiritual science, known as Akram Vignan, is the step-less path to Self-realization.