Kingdom of God
24 April 1984. London, UK.
At 11.00 this evening Swamishri stepped into the hallway for his daily walk. The devoted youths chorused the 'Chesta' (songs describing Bhagwan Swaminarayan's daily routine) in happy ringing tones for the next 25 minutes. After his walk, Swamishri lovingly asked Nainesh, a devoted youth, 'How are you?' He replied, 'I'm fine and very happy in your kingdom.' Swamishri, picking up what he had said, 'A sadhu does not have a kingdom. God is the sovereign ruler of all the universes. Remember, we are all happy in His kingdom. The more obedient we are to His commands, the more blessed we will become. The more we abide by the moral codes prescribed by Bhagwan Swaminarayan, the happier we will be.' Swamishri's poignant message was received with great enthusiasm. Even to this day many visitors to the mandir in Neasden return home impressed by the discipline and moral education of the youths.
24 April 1984. London, UK.
At 11.00 this evening Swamishri stepped into the hallway for his daily walk. The devoted youths chorused the 'Chesta' (songs describing Bhagwan Swaminarayan's daily routine) in happy ringing tones for the next 25 minutes. After his walk, Swamishri lovingly asked Nainesh, a devoted youth, 'How are you?' He replied, 'I'm fine and very happy in your kingdom.' Swamishri, picking up what he had said, 'A sadhu does not have a kingdom. God is the sovereign ruler of all the universes. Remember, we are all happy in His kingdom. The more obedient we are to His commands, the more blessed we will become. The more we abide by the moral codes prescribed by Bhagwan Swaminarayan, the happier we will be.' Swamishri's poignant message was received with great enthusiasm. Even to this day many visitors to the mandir in Neasden return home impressed by the discipline and moral education of the youths.
Always With Us
17 January, 1985, Surat.
It was 1.45 in the afternoon. Everyone had finished lunch. Swamishri, after talking to the devotees, was about to retire for an afternoon nap. On seeing Atul, (a boy in his teens) cleaning the kitchen floor, Swamishri went up to him and said, 'You are all on your own. Come, let me help you.' Atul said that there was no need for any help. Swamishri insisted but Atul refused politely. Before leaving the kitchen Swamishri dropped a last word to Atul, 'If you are alone I'm with you. I will always come to help.' Swami's life has always been one of service. His humble acts of services are indeed glowing messages for us all.
17 January, 1985, Surat.
It was 1.45 in the afternoon. Everyone had finished lunch. Swamishri, after talking to the devotees, was about to retire for an afternoon nap. On seeing Atul, (a boy in his teens) cleaning the kitchen floor, Swamishri went up to him and said, 'You are all on your own. Come, let me help you.' Atul said that there was no need for any help. Swamishri insisted but Atul refused politely. Before leaving the kitchen Swamishri dropped a last word to Atul, 'If you are alone I'm with you. I will always come to help.' Swami's life has always been one of service. His humble acts of services are indeed glowing messages for us all.
Breaking Habits
April 1984, London Mandir.
It was about 8.15 a.m. The drone of conversations, the shouts for tea or milk and the clatter of glasses and plates in the kitchen had become the normal orchestra every morning. Swamishri had just finished breakfast. He called a young man and gave him some prasad. Swamishri was well acquainted with the man and in emphatic tones told him to give up smoking and drinking. 'You come from a good, cultured family but your habits are a blotch on the family prestige. A gold plate is very attractive to look at but imagine one having an iron nail studded through its centre. Would it be as valuable and attractive as before? Will your habits add a feather to your family's good name or will it be of disgrace?' A contour of repentance appeared on the man's face. Swami's words rang deep in the corridors of his heart. He bowed and promised Swamishri that he would give up smoking and drinking.
April 1984, London Mandir.
It was about 8.15 a.m. The drone of conversations, the shouts for tea or milk and the clatter of glasses and plates in the kitchen had become the normal orchestra every morning. Swamishri had just finished breakfast. He called a young man and gave him some prasad. Swamishri was well acquainted with the man and in emphatic tones told him to give up smoking and drinking. 'You come from a good, cultured family but your habits are a blotch on the family prestige. A gold plate is very attractive to look at but imagine one having an iron nail studded through its centre. Would it be as valuable and attractive as before? Will your habits add a feather to your family's good name or will it be of disgrace?' A contour of repentance appeared on the man's face. Swami's words rang deep in the corridors of his heart. He bowed and promised Swamishri that he would give up smoking and drinking.
The Right Direction
23 August 1984. San Francisco, California.
This evening Swamishri was taking his routine walk. Swami's puja was arranged at Ishwarbhai's place next morning. Swami asked him which direction was east. Ishwarbhai replied by pointing to his left.
A few minutes later Ramesh (Ishwarbhai's son) entered the house. 'Do you know in which direction east is?' asked Swamishri. Ramesh, a jovial young man in his early thirties replied, 'Yes'. He too like his father pointed to the left. 'Are you aware of God's direction?' (i.e. do you offer prayer and worship to Him?) asked Swamishri Again Ramesh replied with a 'yes'. Swamishri commended him and told him never to forget that 'direction.' During the three months of Swamishri's travels he had come across many hundreds who were morally and spiritually bankrupt. Trapped by the 'good life' many had forgotten God's 'direction'. To make sure that those on the threshold were not lost and the lost retrieved, Swamishri doggedly persevered by spending hours in personal contact.
23 August 1984. San Francisco, California.
This evening Swamishri was taking his routine walk. Swami's puja was arranged at Ishwarbhai's place next morning. Swami asked him which direction was east. Ishwarbhai replied by pointing to his left.
A few minutes later Ramesh (Ishwarbhai's son) entered the house. 'Do you know in which direction east is?' asked Swamishri. Ramesh, a jovial young man in his early thirties replied, 'Yes'. He too like his father pointed to the left. 'Are you aware of God's direction?' (i.e. do you offer prayer and worship to Him?) asked Swamishri Again Ramesh replied with a 'yes'. Swamishri commended him and told him never to forget that 'direction.' During the three months of Swamishri's travels he had come across many hundreds who were morally and spiritually bankrupt. Trapped by the 'good life' many had forgotten God's 'direction'. To make sure that those on the threshold were not lost and the lost retrieved, Swamishri doggedly persevered by spending hours in personal contact.
Philosophical Questions
16 January 1992. Mumbai.
Some questions were asked to Swamishri.
Q. Shriji Maharaj says in Vachanamrut Gadhada II-35 and Vachanamrut Gadhada III-36 that even by thinking of oneself as the atma for 100 years, one is not able to visualize one's atma. On the other hand, Gunatitanand Swami says in his discourses that if one constantly, 24-hours-a-day, believes oneself to be atma, akshar, then one will be able to visualize one's atma. What should we understand from this apparent paradox?
A. If one attempts to visualize one's atma by one's own endeavors, then it is not possible. But, by believing the Satpurush as one's atma, then one attains sakshatkar. By believing the Satpurush as one's atma and one's own real form and by developing love and attachment towards him, then one visualizes the atma. And if anyone asks, declare boldly that we have also had the darshan of God. The darshan of Yogiji Maharaj is equivalent to the darshan of Maharaj.
Q. The Satpurush is our atma and within the Satpurush dwells Paramatma (God). So when we have darshan of the Satpurush, do we believe that we are having the darshan of the atma or of Paramatma?
A. In Vachanamrut Gadhada II-8, Shriji Maharaj says that one should focus one's indriyas and antahkaran on the Satpurush and believe that we are having the darshan of Parabrahma seated within our true form - brahma. In each and every atom of the Satpurush's physical body, God is manifest. So his darshan is equivalent to the darshan of God. Now all we have to do is please him.
16 January 1992. Mumbai.
Some questions were asked to Swamishri.
Q. Shriji Maharaj says in Vachanamrut Gadhada II-35 and Vachanamrut Gadhada III-36 that even by thinking of oneself as the atma for 100 years, one is not able to visualize one's atma. On the other hand, Gunatitanand Swami says in his discourses that if one constantly, 24-hours-a-day, believes oneself to be atma, akshar, then one will be able to visualize one's atma. What should we understand from this apparent paradox?
A. If one attempts to visualize one's atma by one's own endeavors, then it is not possible. But, by believing the Satpurush as one's atma, then one attains sakshatkar. By believing the Satpurush as one's atma and one's own real form and by developing love and attachment towards him, then one visualizes the atma. And if anyone asks, declare boldly that we have also had the darshan of God. The darshan of Yogiji Maharaj is equivalent to the darshan of Maharaj.
Q. The Satpurush is our atma and within the Satpurush dwells Paramatma (God). So when we have darshan of the Satpurush, do we believe that we are having the darshan of the atma or of Paramatma?
A. In Vachanamrut Gadhada II-8, Shriji Maharaj says that one should focus one's indriyas and antahkaran on the Satpurush and believe that we are having the darshan of Parabrahma seated within our true form - brahma. In each and every atom of the Satpurush's physical body, God is manifest. So his darshan is equivalent to the darshan of God. Now all we have to do is please him.
Staying Awake!
Once in a village, Swami retired for the night not far from a shepherd's home. The shepherd was guarding his sheep. He was shouting regularly to keep wild animals away. But hiding amongst some bushes a tiger was waiting for an opportunity to snatch away a sheep. It wasn't long before the shepherd was overcome with sleep. The tiger sprang forth and snatched its prey. Swami had heard the shepherd shouting and later the bleating of the terrified sheep before the tiger went off with one of them.
Next morning while discoursing, Swami related the incident of the night and concluded: 'An aspirant needs someone to keep him alert on the spiritual path, otherwise, like the tiger, maya (worldly propensities), will snatch him away. Only when he takes total refuge in a God-intoxicated Sadhu is he saved from the onslaught of evil elements.'
Once in a village, Swami retired for the night not far from a shepherd's home. The shepherd was guarding his sheep. He was shouting regularly to keep wild animals away. But hiding amongst some bushes a tiger was waiting for an opportunity to snatch away a sheep. It wasn't long before the shepherd was overcome with sleep. The tiger sprang forth and snatched its prey. Swami had heard the shepherd shouting and later the bleating of the terrified sheep before the tiger went off with one of them.
Next morning while discoursing, Swami related the incident of the night and concluded: 'An aspirant needs someone to keep him alert on the spiritual path, otherwise, like the tiger, maya (worldly propensities), will snatch him away. Only when he takes total refuge in a God-intoxicated Sadhu is he saved from the onslaught of evil elements.'
Attentive Listener
Sarangpur.
During breakfast about 250 sadhus, youths and devotees were seated on the mandir lawn. One of the sadhus delivered a speech in Hindi. At the end, Swamishri called Narayanmuni Swami, pointed out a mistake in the speech and told him to clarify the point to everyone. So, Narayanmuni Swami explained, 'In the speech, he said that we are blessed with an attainment which even the muktas of Akshardham have not got. This is not right since it diminishes Shriji Maharaj's glory. Instead, we should understand that we enjoy the same attainment that the muktas of Akshardham enjoy.'
This observation went unnoticed by everyone, yet Swamishri's sharp listening skills picked up the error.
Sarangpur.
During breakfast about 250 sadhus, youths and devotees were seated on the mandir lawn. One of the sadhus delivered a speech in Hindi. At the end, Swamishri called Narayanmuni Swami, pointed out a mistake in the speech and told him to clarify the point to everyone. So, Narayanmuni Swami explained, 'In the speech, he said that we are blessed with an attainment which even the muktas of Akshardham have not got. This is not right since it diminishes Shriji Maharaj's glory. Instead, we should understand that we enjoy the same attainment that the muktas of Akshardham enjoy.'
This observation went unnoticed by everyone, yet Swamishri's sharp listening skills picked up the error.
Hemgopal Forest
There was a woodcutter. He would bring bundles of wood and sell them in the village for a living. Once he chanced upon a precious kind of sandalwood from the Hemgopal forest and out of ignorance he used it as fuel for cooking. The fragrance of the sandalwood reached some wealthy businessman. He wondered who could be so rich to burn such a high quality sandalwood. On inquiry people directed him to the woodcutter. The businessman went and procured the half-burnt sandalwood which he offered to the idol of Lord Vishnu. After dying, this businessman ascended to the abode of Shri Vishnu.
The moral of this parable is that the Hemgopal forest symbolizes the earth and the high quality sandalwood is symbolic of our human existence. We ignorantly squander it in the pursuit of worldly repute, pleasures of the body and the family. But, for real happiness, we must focus our endeavors on the sacred rather than the secular.
There was a woodcutter. He would bring bundles of wood and sell them in the village for a living. Once he chanced upon a precious kind of sandalwood from the Hemgopal forest and out of ignorance he used it as fuel for cooking. The fragrance of the sandalwood reached some wealthy businessman. He wondered who could be so rich to burn such a high quality sandalwood. On inquiry people directed him to the woodcutter. The businessman went and procured the half-burnt sandalwood which he offered to the idol of Lord Vishnu. After dying, this businessman ascended to the abode of Shri Vishnu.
The moral of this parable is that the Hemgopal forest symbolizes the earth and the high quality sandalwood is symbolic of our human existence. We ignorantly squander it in the pursuit of worldly repute, pleasures of the body and the family. But, for real happiness, we must focus our endeavors on the sacred rather than the secular.
Echoes of the Divine
12 Nov 1985. Diwali.
The Diwali festival falls on the last day of the Hindu calendar. On that day Hindus place their accounts book before the murti of God and do their 'pujan' so that their business may be guided by the principles of honesty and perseverance.
On Diwali day, Pramukh Swami Maharaj enlightened the devotees on the subject of keeping a spiritual account book. He said, 'Everyday we should take account of our own self. Always reflect upon the question, 'Are you progressing or regressing?' Today is the day, especially, to reflect upon your past year's deeds. If you remember having committed any mistake, any sin, resolve not to repeat it in the coming year. To achieve this, develop an unceasing awareness. Imbibe in abundance qualities like righteousness, knowledge of self, detachment from the world and devotion to God. Plan to reap a good spiritual harvest for the coming year.'
12 Nov 1985. Diwali.
The Diwali festival falls on the last day of the Hindu calendar. On that day Hindus place their accounts book before the murti of God and do their 'pujan' so that their business may be guided by the principles of honesty and perseverance.
On Diwali day, Pramukh Swami Maharaj enlightened the devotees on the subject of keeping a spiritual account book. He said, 'Everyday we should take account of our own self. Always reflect upon the question, 'Are you progressing or regressing?' Today is the day, especially, to reflect upon your past year's deeds. If you remember having committed any mistake, any sin, resolve not to repeat it in the coming year. To achieve this, develop an unceasing awareness. Imbibe in abundance qualities like righteousness, knowledge of self, detachment from the world and devotion to God. Plan to reap a good spiritual harvest for the coming year.'
Glory of Bhagwan Swaminarayan
13 Nov 1985. Hindu New Year's Day.
Swamishri blessed the devotees in the assembly, 'God incarnates Himself on this earth in human form for the salvation of his devotees. Shri Rama and Shri Krishna were two important incarnations but there weren't many people who could perceive divinity in them. They believed them to be ordinary human beings. Bhagwan Swaminarayan descended on this earth to redeem countless souls their moral and spiritual poverty. Two million people believed Him to be the ultimate God, during His lifetime. Even His murti was installed in a mandir for worship, in His presence. This was not so in the case of other incarnations of God. Their murtis were installed and worshipped centuries after they had passed away.
'Thousands of people renounced everything they possessed and dedicated their lives for His sake. Among them were many great scholars, mystics and poets. They were all capable of creating a large following of their own but instead, they chose to live a life as humble disciples of Bhagwan Swaminarayan. They willingly and lovingly obeyed all His orders and rejoiced in His command. He won the hearts of the best people of His time. He put thousands of people into a spiritual trance affording them a rare vision of all the incarnations emerging from His divine personality and then being absorbed into Him.'
13 Nov 1985. Hindu New Year's Day.
Swamishri blessed the devotees in the assembly, 'God incarnates Himself on this earth in human form for the salvation of his devotees. Shri Rama and Shri Krishna were two important incarnations but there weren't many people who could perceive divinity in them. They believed them to be ordinary human beings. Bhagwan Swaminarayan descended on this earth to redeem countless souls their moral and spiritual poverty. Two million people believed Him to be the ultimate God, during His lifetime. Even His murti was installed in a mandir for worship, in His presence. This was not so in the case of other incarnations of God. Their murtis were installed and worshipped centuries after they had passed away.
'Thousands of people renounced everything they possessed and dedicated their lives for His sake. Among them were many great scholars, mystics and poets. They were all capable of creating a large following of their own but instead, they chose to live a life as humble disciples of Bhagwan Swaminarayan. They willingly and lovingly obeyed all His orders and rejoiced in His command. He won the hearts of the best people of His time. He put thousands of people into a spiritual trance affording them a rare vision of all the incarnations emerging from His divine personality and then being absorbed into Him.'