Peace is Cool
Swamishri was visiting a village. The afternoon heat was unbearable. In a room where Swamishri was to be seated the devotees of the village had set up an air cooler but as the rush of devotees grew. The heat became more and more stifling. After meeting all the devotees, as Swamishri was leaving the room, a youth said, Swami, in actual fact it is cooler outside than it is inside. Swami replied with meaningful words, It is cool, only before God and His sadhu. Everywhere else the heat is like the terrible heat of the Vaishakh (summer) month. It is indeed true that in front of God or His holy sadhu we come to experience an unparalleled and lasting peace of mind.
Swamishri was visiting a village. The afternoon heat was unbearable. In a room where Swamishri was to be seated the devotees of the village had set up an air cooler but as the rush of devotees grew. The heat became more and more stifling. After meeting all the devotees, as Swamishri was leaving the room, a youth said, Swami, in actual fact it is cooler outside than it is inside. Swami replied with meaningful words, It is cool, only before God and His sadhu. Everywhere else the heat is like the terrible heat of the Vaishakh (summer) month. It is indeed true that in front of God or His holy sadhu we come to experience an unparalleled and lasting peace of mind.
A Photo in the Heart
In Surat, Swamishri stayed for five days at Kantibhai's home. On the fifth day Swamishri was to leave after the daily morning discourses. Kantibhai's son Divyant had for the past few days been taking many photos of Swamishri, and today being the last day he was more active and vigilant. Swamishri had noticed him scurrying around clicking his camera from various angles and sides. The young boy's only wish was to keep the divine memories of Swamishri with him forever. Seeing him busy with his camera, Swamishri smiled and called the young boy to his side. In a soft voice Swamishri spoke, 'That's nice Divyant, you've learnt to take photos, but just as you take these photos, be sure to take one in your heart so that you may never lose it…' However great a person be financially, physically, intellectually, in the hands of fate he is a mere puppet on a string. When death arrives at our doorstep it will rob us of all our accumulated wealth, beloved ones, and even this physical body of ours. And as Swamishri had so casually warned, even photographs of Swamishri will not come with us. They too will be snatched away from us. The safest vault to keep the greatest of all wealth (i.e. Swamishri) is in the inner recesses of our hearts; in our souls.
In Surat, Swamishri stayed for five days at Kantibhai's home. On the fifth day Swamishri was to leave after the daily morning discourses. Kantibhai's son Divyant had for the past few days been taking many photos of Swamishri, and today being the last day he was more active and vigilant. Swamishri had noticed him scurrying around clicking his camera from various angles and sides. The young boy's only wish was to keep the divine memories of Swamishri with him forever. Seeing him busy with his camera, Swamishri smiled and called the young boy to his side. In a soft voice Swamishri spoke, 'That's nice Divyant, you've learnt to take photos, but just as you take these photos, be sure to take one in your heart so that you may never lose it…' However great a person be financially, physically, intellectually, in the hands of fate he is a mere puppet on a string. When death arrives at our doorstep it will rob us of all our accumulated wealth, beloved ones, and even this physical body of ours. And as Swamishri had so casually warned, even photographs of Swamishri will not come with us. They too will be snatched away from us. The safest vault to keep the greatest of all wealth (i.e. Swamishri) is in the inner recesses of our hearts; in our souls.
Tolerated the Pain
While in Gondal a painful boil appeared behind the calf of Swamishri's right leg. Daily, a new dressing was applied. One day in the hall outside his room, Swamishri was meeting the devotees individually, dealing with their personal problems. For many thousands of devotees he is a universal pacifier, adviser and reassurer. One devotee sat at Swamishri's feet and began talking of his problems. After a while, in his love for Swamishri, he began massaging Swamishri's legs. He was totally unaware of the boil on the right leg, and that even the slightest pull on the skin around the boil would cause agonizing pain.
Twice, in a very casual manner, Swamishri tried to pull his leg away. The devotee however, could not understand the meaning of this action. Swamishri himself did not even let the devotee know of the pain he was causing. Compassionately and calmly he carried on listening keenly interested his problems. When Swamishri's attendant sadhu saw the devotee massaging Swamishri's leg, he was aghast and realized Swamishri's position immediately. He cried to the devotee 'Swami has a boil on his leg! Let go! You must be hurting him!' It was only then that the devotee realized and apologized. Swamishri didn't utter a single word of reproach to him. He bore the pain to accept the service of a loving devotee.
While in Gondal a painful boil appeared behind the calf of Swamishri's right leg. Daily, a new dressing was applied. One day in the hall outside his room, Swamishri was meeting the devotees individually, dealing with their personal problems. For many thousands of devotees he is a universal pacifier, adviser and reassurer. One devotee sat at Swamishri's feet and began talking of his problems. After a while, in his love for Swamishri, he began massaging Swamishri's legs. He was totally unaware of the boil on the right leg, and that even the slightest pull on the skin around the boil would cause agonizing pain.
Twice, in a very casual manner, Swamishri tried to pull his leg away. The devotee however, could not understand the meaning of this action. Swamishri himself did not even let the devotee know of the pain he was causing. Compassionately and calmly he carried on listening keenly interested his problems. When Swamishri's attendant sadhu saw the devotee massaging Swamishri's leg, he was aghast and realized Swamishri's position immediately. He cried to the devotee 'Swami has a boil on his leg! Let go! You must be hurting him!' It was only then that the devotee realized and apologized. Swamishri didn't utter a single word of reproach to him. He bore the pain to accept the service of a loving devotee.
Sanctified Sandalwood Paste
Every year in the month of Vaishakh, when the temperature is at its peak, the murtis of the Lord made of metal have traditionally been adorned with cool sandalwood paste as garments. The paste applied is then artistically decorated. The paste is removed a little before sunset, when the temperature cools. Once during his short stay in summer at the Ahmedabad mandir Swamishri had darshan of the murti beautifully decorated with sandalwood paste. He was greatly pleased, and after touching the robes of sandalwood paste, he touched his hand on his head in respect. Immediately somebody called out, Great! The sandalwood paste is now sanctified! Swamishri immediately turned around and said, 'Don't say that. It is we who have become sanctified on touching the sandalwood paste which the Lord has gracefully accepted.'
Every year in the month of Vaishakh, when the temperature is at its peak, the murtis of the Lord made of metal have traditionally been adorned with cool sandalwood paste as garments. The paste applied is then artistically decorated. The paste is removed a little before sunset, when the temperature cools. Once during his short stay in summer at the Ahmedabad mandir Swamishri had darshan of the murti beautifully decorated with sandalwood paste. He was greatly pleased, and after touching the robes of sandalwood paste, he touched his hand on his head in respect. Immediately somebody called out, Great! The sandalwood paste is now sanctified! Swamishri immediately turned around and said, 'Don't say that. It is we who have become sanctified on touching the sandalwood paste which the Lord has gracefully accepted.'
An Eye for Detail
1983.
Swamishri was in Bochasan. Due to the increase in the number of devotees attending, there was a regular shortage of mattresses to give them for use during their stay. So Swamishri took immediate action. He aranged for wool to be bought from Limdi and cloth from Amdavad and told us to have the mattresses made.
On 5-Feb-1983 Swamishri suffered a heart attack in Sundalpura. From there, Swamishri was taken to Vadodara for rest.
During his rest period in Vadodara, sadhus from Bochasan went for Swamishri's darshan on 2-3 occasions. Each time they returned they informed me that Swamishri was asking about the mattresses.
So I prepared a detailed account of the whole project - how many mattresses have been made, how much wool and cloth have been used, what is outstanding and other particulars. Armed with this information, I felt I was ready to satisfy all of Swamishri's possible questions.
In Vadodara, I presented the information to Swamishri as he scanned a copy of the paperwork I'd prepared. At the end, he asked, 'How many old mattresses do you have?'
I was speechless, because I hadn't taken account of the existing stock.
With this one question, Swamishri revealed his eye for detail and thoroughness.
Ghanshyamvallabh Swami
1983.
Swamishri was in Bochasan. Due to the increase in the number of devotees attending, there was a regular shortage of mattresses to give them for use during their stay. So Swamishri took immediate action. He aranged for wool to be bought from Limdi and cloth from Amdavad and told us to have the mattresses made.
On 5-Feb-1983 Swamishri suffered a heart attack in Sundalpura. From there, Swamishri was taken to Vadodara for rest.
During his rest period in Vadodara, sadhus from Bochasan went for Swamishri's darshan on 2-3 occasions. Each time they returned they informed me that Swamishri was asking about the mattresses.
So I prepared a detailed account of the whole project - how many mattresses have been made, how much wool and cloth have been used, what is outstanding and other particulars. Armed with this information, I felt I was ready to satisfy all of Swamishri's possible questions.
In Vadodara, I presented the information to Swamishri as he scanned a copy of the paperwork I'd prepared. At the end, he asked, 'How many old mattresses do you have?'
I was speechless, because I hadn't taken account of the existing stock.
With this one question, Swamishri revealed his eye for detail and thoroughness.
Ghanshyamvallabh Swami
Respect for his Guru
Valasan.
In the morning Swamishri performed the murti-pratishtha of the new mandir here. Then in the evening a film of Yogiji Maharaj was to be shown in the assembly. Swamishri was also present. The sadhus were seated surrounding his sofa. I was lucky to get a place right at his feet. The lights were switched off. And the show began. Yogiji Maharaj appeared on the screen with folded hands. Immediately, Swamishri folded his hands and greeted Yogiji Maharaj, saying, 'Jai Swaminarayan.' Hearing Swamishri, we all copied him. So Swamishri joked, 'You're all too late!'
Swamishri's respect for his guru was apparent.
- Anandjivan Swami
Valasan.
In the morning Swamishri performed the murti-pratishtha of the new mandir here. Then in the evening a film of Yogiji Maharaj was to be shown in the assembly. Swamishri was also present. The sadhus were seated surrounding his sofa. I was lucky to get a place right at his feet. The lights were switched off. And the show began. Yogiji Maharaj appeared on the screen with folded hands. Immediately, Swamishri folded his hands and greeted Yogiji Maharaj, saying, 'Jai Swaminarayan.' Hearing Swamishri, we all copied him. So Swamishri joked, 'You're all too late!'
Swamishri's respect for his guru was apparent.
- Anandjivan Swami
Swamiji bathed in the frigid waters of River Ganga near Lakshman Zula, Rishikesh. Standing thigh-deep in water he offered selfless prayers to Maharaj. After a quick splash of holy water on the sadhus and devotees, Swamiji climbed out and put on a pair of dry clothes.
A small photo session took place on the banks. While climbing up the stairs Swami got hold of Devcharan Swami's hand. 'We've bathed here before!' Swami said. Devcharan Swami nodded because he was with him as his personal attendant. He remembered that 15 years back Swamiji had bathed on a large stone. But the stone was no longer there.
'Where is the large stone you bathed on?' Devcharan Swami asked.
'It has been liberated!' replied Swamiji coolly. The holy always accord the highest spiritual pedestal to all creatures and things that come in their holy communion. Even the soul of a rock through his brief encounter was blessed with the exalted state of 'moksha'.
A small photo session took place on the banks. While climbing up the stairs Swami got hold of Devcharan Swami's hand. 'We've bathed here before!' Swami said. Devcharan Swami nodded because he was with him as his personal attendant. He remembered that 15 years back Swamiji had bathed on a large stone. But the stone was no longer there.
'Where is the large stone you bathed on?' Devcharan Swami asked.
'It has been liberated!' replied Swamiji coolly. The holy always accord the highest spiritual pedestal to all creatures and things that come in their holy communion. Even the soul of a rock through his brief encounter was blessed with the exalted state of 'moksha'.
Tirthraj
2-Sept-1987, Shivanand Ashram, Rishikesh
During the Centenary Celebrations of H.H. Swami Shivanand, H.H. Chidanand Swami spoke in high esteem of H.H. Pramukh Swami Maharaj.
'A verse in Marathi says,' he began, 'The coming of a holy sadhu to one's home is verily the greatest of all festivals and the most holiest of all moments. Today is a day that supercedes the joy that abounds during Dashera, Diwali or New Year's Day because Pramukh Swami has graced our ashram. It is a great day for us. The holy rivers of Ganga, Jamuna, Saraswati,… and all the pilgrimage places, nay, the king of all pilgrimage places ('tirthraj') is here before us. A sadhu is a living God. When a pure sadhu comes believe that you are having the 'darshan' of Narayan (God). I am not being emotional. What I say is absolutely true.'
He continued, 'What does a sadhu do? He is always absorbed in God and tirelessly leading others in the direction of God. All his actions are calculated to inspire others to commune with God. His mind never strays towards the fleeting objects of the world. Such a great, respectable sadhu has come to my Guru's ashram. He has a large retinue of sadhus who are also following him on this exalted path. Glory be to the disciples and glory be to the Guru. Today, you are all experiencing this occasion by dint of your 'punya' (merits).
2-Sept-1987, Shivanand Ashram, Rishikesh
During the Centenary Celebrations of H.H. Swami Shivanand, H.H. Chidanand Swami spoke in high esteem of H.H. Pramukh Swami Maharaj.
'A verse in Marathi says,' he began, 'The coming of a holy sadhu to one's home is verily the greatest of all festivals and the most holiest of all moments. Today is a day that supercedes the joy that abounds during Dashera, Diwali or New Year's Day because Pramukh Swami has graced our ashram. It is a great day for us. The holy rivers of Ganga, Jamuna, Saraswati,… and all the pilgrimage places, nay, the king of all pilgrimage places ('tirthraj') is here before us. A sadhu is a living God. When a pure sadhu comes believe that you are having the 'darshan' of Narayan (God). I am not being emotional. What I say is absolutely true.'
He continued, 'What does a sadhu do? He is always absorbed in God and tirelessly leading others in the direction of God. All his actions are calculated to inspire others to commune with God. His mind never strays towards the fleeting objects of the world. Such a great, respectable sadhu has come to my Guru's ashram. He has a large retinue of sadhus who are also following him on this exalted path. Glory be to the disciples and glory be to the Guru. Today, you are all experiencing this occasion by dint of your 'punya' (merits).
Selfless Devotion
12-Sept-1987, Devprayag
The confluence of two rivers - the Bhagirathi from Gangotri and the boisterous Alaknanda from Badrinath - takes place at Devprayag. From here the river is called Ganga. A halt was made and Swamiji took the opportunity of having 'darshan' of the confluence. A poor, young boy seeing the murti of Harikrishna Maharaj took out two cobs of corn from his tattered clothes and offered them to the Lord. Pujya Ishwarcharan Swami took the boy to Swamiji. Swami asked him how much he wanted for it. Vikramsinh, the boy, replied, 'I've offered it to the Lord.' He didn't want any money for it. Swami was pleased with his devotion. He blessed the boy and then gave him two flowers telling him to offer one in the waters of Bhagirathi and the other in the river Alaknanda. The boy agreed. Swamiji told Indravadan to give five rupees to the boy. Vikramsinh went off and joined his sister. Both of them went down the steep path leading to the two rivers. After a while Swamiji sat in the car. Pujya Viveksagar Swami, with reference to Vikramsinh's devotion said, 'His devotion was like Bauddin's.' Swami agreed and said, 'Yes it was like Bauddin's'. Just as poor Bauddin had selflessly offered firewood to Gunatitanand Swami and was freed from poverty through Swami's grace, so too, the devotion of Vikramsinh will undoubtedly free him. Indeed fortunate was Vikramsinh to have had the rare darshan and opportunity to serve Swamiji in the land of the Himalayas.
12-Sept-1987, Devprayag
The confluence of two rivers - the Bhagirathi from Gangotri and the boisterous Alaknanda from Badrinath - takes place at Devprayag. From here the river is called Ganga. A halt was made and Swamiji took the opportunity of having 'darshan' of the confluence. A poor, young boy seeing the murti of Harikrishna Maharaj took out two cobs of corn from his tattered clothes and offered them to the Lord. Pujya Ishwarcharan Swami took the boy to Swamiji. Swami asked him how much he wanted for it. Vikramsinh, the boy, replied, 'I've offered it to the Lord.' He didn't want any money for it. Swami was pleased with his devotion. He blessed the boy and then gave him two flowers telling him to offer one in the waters of Bhagirathi and the other in the river Alaknanda. The boy agreed. Swamiji told Indravadan to give five rupees to the boy. Vikramsinh went off and joined his sister. Both of them went down the steep path leading to the two rivers. After a while Swamiji sat in the car. Pujya Viveksagar Swami, with reference to Vikramsinh's devotion said, 'His devotion was like Bauddin's.' Swami agreed and said, 'Yes it was like Bauddin's'. Just as poor Bauddin had selflessly offered firewood to Gunatitanand Swami and was freed from poverty through Swami's grace, so too, the devotion of Vikramsinh will undoubtedly free him. Indeed fortunate was Vikramsinh to have had the rare darshan and opportunity to serve Swamiji in the land of the Himalayas.
A Dialogue with an Old Devotee
27-10-87, Sarangpur
When the poor aged potter, Bhurabhai (a devotee) awoke one morning he never imagined that the day would be the best of his life. It happened at the Sarangpur mandir. Swamishri was about to bless the audience with his spiritual discourses. The microphone had been placed before him. Swamishri was about to speak when he saw Bhurabhai, and smiled. Bhurabhai has been satsangi since the time of Shastriji Maharaj. Swamishri, amidst the assembly, started talking with Bhurabhai. 'Bhurabhai, are you happy?' Swamishri asked.
'Oh, I'm very happy!' replied Bhurabhai. 'The small trouble I had, you have removed…And by Maharaj's grace we are already enjoying the bliss of His abode aren't we?'
'What you say is true,' replied Swamishri.
Bhurabhai continued, 'I am an ordinary farmer having no more intelligence than an ox.'
Swamishri burst out laughing at his innocence and said, 'You are more than fortunate because you have an association with God. You have realized God. It is those who have not realized the glory of God and His holy sadhu are no more intelligent than an ox.' Thus amidst hundreds of devotees the conversation continued. Swamishri gave his fullest attention to the devoted Bhurabhai.
'People in town call me mad,' said Bhurabhai. 'But I believe that only those who are 'mad' worship God. It is the so called 'wise' who don't worship God!'
Swamishri said, 'Bhagwan Swaminarayan says that a man of the world and a devotee of God never get along! Let people say what they want. A devotee must always do that which pleases His Lord. The two objectives of our human birth are to propitiate God and His holy Sadhu. We gain nothing in acquiring objects of the world. In fact, the more we get the more attached we become to them. Our true gains lie in realizing the glory of God and His Sadhu and walking on the path to redemption. Only such a person is called intelligent.'
The talk between Swamishri and the simple - hearted Bhurabhai was more than a friendly, informal conversation. The entire dialogue reflected the love between the Guru and the disciple.
27-10-87, Sarangpur
When the poor aged potter, Bhurabhai (a devotee) awoke one morning he never imagined that the day would be the best of his life. It happened at the Sarangpur mandir. Swamishri was about to bless the audience with his spiritual discourses. The microphone had been placed before him. Swamishri was about to speak when he saw Bhurabhai, and smiled. Bhurabhai has been satsangi since the time of Shastriji Maharaj. Swamishri, amidst the assembly, started talking with Bhurabhai. 'Bhurabhai, are you happy?' Swamishri asked.
'Oh, I'm very happy!' replied Bhurabhai. 'The small trouble I had, you have removed…And by Maharaj's grace we are already enjoying the bliss of His abode aren't we?'
'What you say is true,' replied Swamishri.
Bhurabhai continued, 'I am an ordinary farmer having no more intelligence than an ox.'
Swamishri burst out laughing at his innocence and said, 'You are more than fortunate because you have an association with God. You have realized God. It is those who have not realized the glory of God and His holy sadhu are no more intelligent than an ox.' Thus amidst hundreds of devotees the conversation continued. Swamishri gave his fullest attention to the devoted Bhurabhai.
'People in town call me mad,' said Bhurabhai. 'But I believe that only those who are 'mad' worship God. It is the so called 'wise' who don't worship God!'
Swamishri said, 'Bhagwan Swaminarayan says that a man of the world and a devotee of God never get along! Let people say what they want. A devotee must always do that which pleases His Lord. The two objectives of our human birth are to propitiate God and His holy Sadhu. We gain nothing in acquiring objects of the world. In fact, the more we get the more attached we become to them. Our true gains lie in realizing the glory of God and His Sadhu and walking on the path to redemption. Only such a person is called intelligent.'
The talk between Swamishri and the simple - hearted Bhurabhai was more than a friendly, informal conversation. The entire dialogue reflected the love between the Guru and the disciple.