Aptavani-9
481
Questioner: Yes.
Dadashri: When the hurt inflicted upon any living being
stops, then those layers will begin to shed.
Questioner: What layers?
Dadashri: The layers of ‘I-ness’ and all other coverings
over the Self. Not only does one have the ‘I-ness’ but it is an
‘I-ness’ with an attacking nature. ‘I-ness’ with protection
(rakshan) is different from the ‘I-ness’ with an attack.
Questioner: This is very important information that has
just surfaced, Dada. You said that there are two types of
potapanu ‘I-ness’; one is with protection and the other is
associated with a tendency to attack.
Dadashri: Yes. When the ‘I-ness’ associated with
attacks goes away, then the ‘I-ness’ with protection will come.
That is the proper ‘I-ness’, until then all the ‘I-ness’ is regarded
as himsak bhaav; violence laden with violent intent. Only after
the ‘I-ness’ associated with attacking nature leaves, will the
dissolution of ‘I-ness’ associated with protection begin.
Questioner: Would you please explain further what this
attacking ‘I-ness’ is?
Dadashri: What good is any ‘I-ness’ that hurts others?
It is a different matter if that ‘I-ness’ is for the protection of
ones’ own prakruti; that is called ‘I-ness’ but the ‘I-ness’ that
hurts others, cannot even be considered ‘I-ness’.
What is the ‘I-ness’ in people like? Protection of their
prakruti is definitely there, but they also attack others. They
also strike (verbally and non-verbally) others. So do people not
need to get rid of this enormous ‘I-ness’? Protecting one’s
prakruti is ‘I-ness’. Are our mahatmas doing that? Alas, that
is precisely why it, the non-Self, does not become sahaj
(natural). Here, the moment one is faced with the slightest insult,
he protects the prakruti. This indeed will prevent the process of