Identity Quote by Dada Bhagwan
““Knowledge of the non-Self (paudgalik-gnan) is called agnan (ignorance). Knowledge of the Self is called atma-gnan (realization of the soul). To attain pure knowledge of the Self (The Soul), both, paudgalik-gnan (knowledge of the non self) and atma-gnan (knowledge of the self), are necessary.””
About This Quote
Source Spiritual Teaching: Teachings of Dada Bhagwan, 1990s
Understanding both the self and the non-self is essential for true spiritual realization.
In simple terms: Know both self and non-self to achieve enlightenment.
Key Takeaway
Balance self‑knowledge with awareness of the world.
Themes
spirituality
self‑knowledge
dualism
Mood
contemplative
inspirational
Type
philosophical
spiritual
When to use this quote
- meditation practice
- self‑inquiry
- teaching sessions
Key Concepts
non‑self
self
realization
Questions to Reflect On
- What does “non‑self” mean to you?
- How can you integrate both knowledges?
A Different Perspective
Focusing on non‑self may cause neglect of personal responsibility.
![“Gnan (Knowledge) that is realized and experienced is called ‘Gnan’ [(Real) ‘Knowledge’ (Knowledge with experience of the Self, The Pure Soul)]. Gnan (Knowledge) that is not realized is called agnan, (knowledge with ignorance of the Self). Measure of knowledge is that it is realized.” quote by Dada Bhagwan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/7d3/dada-bhagwan-31_gnan_gnan-knowledge-that-is-realized-and-expe_306834.jpg)
![“Agnan (‘ignorance of the self’ based knowledge) takes one down and in that, the energies of the pudgal (non-Self complex, that which charges and discharges) keeps on coming. Whereas the Knowledge [self realized knowledge] that takes one higher, because it has to go against the pudgal [non-self…” quote by Dada Bhagwan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/0f0/dada-bhagwan-31_energy_agnan-ignorance-of-the-self-based-knowle_1945099.jpg)
![“The worldly [spiritual] science is methodic (kramic) in nature; one progresses “step by step”; one has to ascent one step at a time. Whereas this here, is Akram Vignan, a path of step-less spiritual science; it is a science that has arisen after 10 Lac (a million) years. In this path, one travels…” quote by Dada Bhagwan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/78b/dada-bhagwan-31_akram-vignan_the-worldly-spiritual-science-is-methodi_1477.jpg)
![“In the worldly life, due to maadakta (intoxication of the ego of ‘I am Chandubhai’), one has completely lost awareness of everything about one’s self. Everything in the worldly life is nothing but intoxication. The food is intoxicating, the senses are intoxicating. [Therefore] Go to the one, who…” quote by Dada Bhagwan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/2b3/dada-bhagwan-31_absolute_in-the-worldly-life-due-to-maadakta-into_3662.jpg)
![“Through the grace of a thief, one can become a thief and through the grace of a Gnani [the enlightened one], one can become a Gnani [the enlightened one].” quote by Dada Bhagwan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/102/dada-bhagwan-31_enlightened_through-the-grace-of-a-thief-one-can-bec_4725.jpg)
![“Where there are kashays (anger-pride-deceit-greed), there is worldly life. As long as anger-pride-deceit-greed exist; one is a sansaari [living a worldly life] regardless of whether one is an ascetic or a family man. And where anger-pride-deceit-greed are absent, one is regarded as being asansaari…” quote by Dada Bhagwan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/7ec/dada-bhagwan-31_anger_where-there-are-kashays-anger-pride-dece_5756.jpg)
![“Skills (learning) or lack of skills is all egoistic knowledge (ego based knowledge). Ego-free Knowledge is called (true) Knowledge [Gnan].” quote by Dada Bhagwan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/b36/dada-bhagwan-31_egoism_skills-learning-or-lack-of-skills-is-all_9081.jpg)
