About Gnani Purush

About Gnani Purush (Enlightened One)

A Gnani Purush (Enlightened One) is not only Self-Realized, but also has the spiritual power to enlighten others. Only a Gnani Purush, One who is liberated from all worldly attachments, has the power to liberate others. Self Realization or liberation cannot be acquired by reading scriptures, even if the scriptures themselves were the words of a Gnani. Self Realization can only be acquired through direct contact with a living Gnani. Such a Gnani Purush or Spiritual Master existed not too long ago amongst us. His name was Ambalal Muljibhai Patel (also lovingly known as "Dadashri" or "Dada Bhagwan").

Many people asked Param Pujya Dadashri why He allows Himself to be addressed as “Bhagwan” (God). Param Pujya Dadashri would clarify that He is not God Himself. He too bows down to the Lord, who is fully manifested within Him, referred to as Dada Bhagwan. He would explain to everyone He met, “This Lord, Dada Bhagwan also resides within all living beings. The difference is that within Me, He is completely expressed and in you, he has yet to manifest.”

Difference between a Gnani Purush and a Guru!

Param Pujya Dadashri used to say that there is a big difference between a Gnani Purush and a Guru! A Guru is the one who has not yet realized His Soul, but is engaged in merit karmas and is on His way to liberation. He is helpful to people seeking a better worldly life. However, for liberation, one would need a Gnani Purush, a Self-Realized being!

Here are some of the qualities of a Gnani Purush. You are bound to observe them in Spiritual Masters Param Pujya Dadashri, Pujya Niruma and Pujya Deepakbhai.

• Their speech, actions and humility are full of compassion and they will win you over.
• Their serene smile makes one forget one's miseries.
• The Gnani Purush does not have even the slightest ego.
• The Gnani Purush does not have a drop of intellect (buddhi - the light of knowledge which comes through the medium of the ego).
• A Gnani Purush knows the qualities of the Self and the non-Self and so he can separate the two.