Minute Devotion
Swamishri was singing the chesta at night. Fixed to the wall before him was a painting (murti) of Shriji Maharaj in a standing position. While he was singing the chesta Swamishri unwaveringly looked at the murti. After singing the first three verses of the chesta, Swamishri gestured to his attendant sadhus to move his sofa to one side. In fact, the sofa had been positioned on one side, but a reflection of a small part of his outstretched feet appeared on the glass of the murti of Shriji Maharaj. Swamishri felt it to be inappropriate and disrespectful to Shriji Maharaj.
The sofa was moved and Swamishri felt at ease. Swamishri’s respect and minute devotion to Shriji Maharaj is exemplary.
5 August 2018, Bodeli
Swamishri was singing the chesta at night. Fixed to the wall before him was a painting (murti) of Shriji Maharaj in a standing position. While he was singing the chesta Swamishri unwaveringly looked at the murti. After singing the first three verses of the chesta, Swamishri gestured to his attendant sadhus to move his sofa to one side. In fact, the sofa had been positioned on one side, but a reflection of a small part of his outstretched feet appeared on the glass of the murti of Shriji Maharaj. Swamishri felt it to be inappropriate and disrespectful to Shriji Maharaj.
The sofa was moved and Swamishri felt at ease. Swamishri’s respect and minute devotion to Shriji Maharaj is exemplary.
5 August 2018, Bodeli
Sanctifying a Poor Devotee’s Home
In the evening, Swamishri travelled to the village of Kothiya, about 12 km from the BAPS Mandir in Bodeli, Gujarat. Here, he visited and sanctified the hut of a poor farmer and devotee, Shri Ramjibhai Rathwa. The hut wall was made of bamboo strips, the roof of aluminium sheets and the floor of dried rice plant stalks. Ramjibhai informed, “We spread such stalks for a guest.” A small cot with a cushion of dried stalks was prepared for Swamishri’s seat. After placing Shri Harikrishna Maharaj on it Swamishri sat down. Then, Swamishri applied chandlo on the foreheads of Ramjibhai’s nine family members. The members then honoured Swamishri with flower garlands. Thereafter, Harikrishna Maharaj was placed in the ghar mandir and Swamishri performed arti. Prasad of peanuts and sugar crystals were offered to Thakorji, and Swamishri ate a little. Thereafter, Swamishri asked the family members to introduce themselves and he blessed them individually. Then, Swamishri operated the manual grain crusher (ghanti) with his hands and sanctified it. Swamishri bent low because of the low ceiling and sanctified every part of the hut by showering flower petals.
After coming out of the hut, Swamishri inspired and liberated two aspirants from their addictions. Then, Swamishri also sanctified the shed where the milch buffaloes were kept and showered flower petals on an ox tied nearby to a tree. Thereafter, Swamishri sat on an ordinary cot arranged on Ramjibhai’s open field and addressed the small gathering of devotees and blessed them by showering flowers on them.
By now it was time to leave, but Swamishri wished to sanctify Ramjibhai’s farm. So, he walked with the support of his two attendant swamis and showered flower petals there. Soon, thereafter, when Swamishri approached his car to leave, someone informed him that Ramjibhai was building a sturdy house opposite his hut. Subsequently, Swamishri went and showered flower petals in it. Finally, Swamishri departed to return to Bodeli mandir.
The all-knowing Swamishri thus fulfilled the wish of Gulabsinh, the nephew of Ramjibhai, who had desired that Swamishri come to their homes.
At 85 years, Swamishri fulfilled the wish of the poor devotees of Kothiya and took great pains to bless them and sanctify their ordinary huts and farms.
8 August 2018, Kothiya
In the evening, Swamishri travelled to the village of Kothiya, about 12 km from the BAPS Mandir in Bodeli, Gujarat. Here, he visited and sanctified the hut of a poor farmer and devotee, Shri Ramjibhai Rathwa. The hut wall was made of bamboo strips, the roof of aluminium sheets and the floor of dried rice plant stalks. Ramjibhai informed, “We spread such stalks for a guest.” A small cot with a cushion of dried stalks was prepared for Swamishri’s seat. After placing Shri Harikrishna Maharaj on it Swamishri sat down. Then, Swamishri applied chandlo on the foreheads of Ramjibhai’s nine family members. The members then honoured Swamishri with flower garlands. Thereafter, Harikrishna Maharaj was placed in the ghar mandir and Swamishri performed arti. Prasad of peanuts and sugar crystals were offered to Thakorji, and Swamishri ate a little. Thereafter, Swamishri asked the family members to introduce themselves and he blessed them individually. Then, Swamishri operated the manual grain crusher (ghanti) with his hands and sanctified it. Swamishri bent low because of the low ceiling and sanctified every part of the hut by showering flower petals.
After coming out of the hut, Swamishri inspired and liberated two aspirants from their addictions. Then, Swamishri also sanctified the shed where the milch buffaloes were kept and showered flower petals on an ox tied nearby to a tree. Thereafter, Swamishri sat on an ordinary cot arranged on Ramjibhai’s open field and addressed the small gathering of devotees and blessed them by showering flowers on them.
By now it was time to leave, but Swamishri wished to sanctify Ramjibhai’s farm. So, he walked with the support of his two attendant swamis and showered flower petals there. Soon, thereafter, when Swamishri approached his car to leave, someone informed him that Ramjibhai was building a sturdy house opposite his hut. Subsequently, Swamishri went and showered flower petals in it. Finally, Swamishri departed to return to Bodeli mandir.
The all-knowing Swamishri thus fulfilled the wish of Gulabsinh, the nephew of Ramjibhai, who had desired that Swamishri come to their homes.
At 85 years, Swamishri fulfilled the wish of the poor devotees of Kothiya and took great pains to bless them and sanctify their ordinary huts and farms.
8 August 2018, Kothiya
A Well-Wisher’s Request
Haresh Moradiya, a devotee of Surat, recalled an experience of Mahant Swami Maharaj before him, “In 1998, you were on a satsang visit to Hong Kong. My friend, Bhupen Surani, is a business magnate. I invited him several times to come for your darshan and satsang. But somehow he could not spare the time. Finally, he turned up on the last day of your stay. After listening to your discourse he was profoundly touched and wished that you sanctify his home. I asked the organizers to schedule your visit, but it was not possible because you had to catch a flight at 7.00 a.m. the next day. However, when you came to know of my friend’s wish, you said you would come. And, you came to Bhupenbhai’s house at 4.00 a.m. You sat and talked about satsang, asked him about his life, blessed him and even pleased him by drinking a little milk he offered. Then, you left straight for the airport. Bhupenbhai was highly pleased and happy.”
Swamishri ignored the odd hour and personal discomfort to please a well-wisher.
13 August 2018, Atladara
Haresh Moradiya, a devotee of Surat, recalled an experience of Mahant Swami Maharaj before him, “In 1998, you were on a satsang visit to Hong Kong. My friend, Bhupen Surani, is a business magnate. I invited him several times to come for your darshan and satsang. But somehow he could not spare the time. Finally, he turned up on the last day of your stay. After listening to your discourse he was profoundly touched and wished that you sanctify his home. I asked the organizers to schedule your visit, but it was not possible because you had to catch a flight at 7.00 a.m. the next day. However, when you came to know of my friend’s wish, you said you would come. And, you came to Bhupenbhai’s house at 4.00 a.m. You sat and talked about satsang, asked him about his life, blessed him and even pleased him by drinking a little milk he offered. Then, you left straight for the airport. Bhupenbhai was highly pleased and happy.”
Swamishri ignored the odd hour and personal discomfort to please a well-wisher.
13 August 2018, Atladara
Amazing Humility
In the evening assembly, swamis came to honour Swamishri with a shawl having passport-sized photos of 1,340 Vidyamandir students attached to it. The shawl was first shown to Swamishri and then it was draped around him. While it was about to be taken away Swamishri started touching each of the photos and placed his fingers on his own head as a mark of respect. He took three minutes to reverently touch all the photos.
The entire congregation was overwhelmed by Swamishri’s humility and respect for the students.
14 August 2018, Atladara
In the evening assembly, swamis came to honour Swamishri with a shawl having passport-sized photos of 1,340 Vidyamandir students attached to it. The shawl was first shown to Swamishri and then it was draped around him. While it was about to be taken away Swamishri started touching each of the photos and placed his fingers on his own head as a mark of respect. He took three minutes to reverently touch all the photos.
The entire congregation was overwhelmed by Swamishri’s humility and respect for the students.
14 August 2018, Atladara
While Swamishri was having breakfast he started serving snacks to several sadhus seated before him. Today, he called Bhaktavatsal Swami and gave him blueberries. Bhaktavatsal Swami said, “Today, you ate some more blueberries than usual.”
Atmaswarup Swami added, “Swamishri can eat all of them if he so wishes.”
Bhaktavatsal Swami asked Swamishri, “Then why don’t you eat them all? They are good for your health.”
Swamishri smiled, “One should share what one likes with others.”
Everyone admired Swamishri’s generous sentiments.
25 August 2018, Atladara
Atmaswarup Swami added, “Swamishri can eat all of them if he so wishes.”
Bhaktavatsal Swami asked Swamishri, “Then why don’t you eat them all? They are good for your health.”
Swamishri smiled, “One should share what one likes with others.”
Everyone admired Swamishri’s generous sentiments.
25 August 2018, Atladara
Two Important Questions
The head of a TV channel in Gujarat asked Swamishri, “I have achieved a lot as a journalist, but how can I become a better human being?”
Swamishri replied, “[By having] genuine faith in Bhagwan.”
Then, the journalist asked another question, “Today, we find the media overdoes things and creates lots of disturbances. Even I am sometimes disturbed. How can I become stable?”
Swamishri replied, “The answer will come from your experiences.”
The reporter later expressed, “Swamiji’s answer was appropriate. I understand that Swamishri was saying I should learn to become more mature through my experiences.”
Generally, we find it difficult to connect with and learn from our own experiences. Swamishri alluded to an interesting means to make our inner selves strong and mature.
5 September 2018, Ahmedabad
The head of a TV channel in Gujarat asked Swamishri, “I have achieved a lot as a journalist, but how can I become a better human being?”
Swamishri replied, “[By having] genuine faith in Bhagwan.”
Then, the journalist asked another question, “Today, we find the media overdoes things and creates lots of disturbances. Even I am sometimes disturbed. How can I become stable?”
Swamishri replied, “The answer will come from your experiences.”
The reporter later expressed, “Swamiji’s answer was appropriate. I understand that Swamishri was saying I should learn to become more mature through my experiences.”
Generally, we find it difficult to connect with and learn from our own experiences. Swamishri alluded to an interesting means to make our inner selves strong and mature.
5 September 2018, Ahmedabad
Benevolent Prayer
Swamishri sat on his bed and then reclined for his afternoon rest. Bhadresh Swami spoke venerably to Swamishri, “Now, the doorway to moksha lies down to sleep.”
Swamishri smiled and revealed, “If [he] were to sleep then things would go awry. [He] never sleeps. [He] only appears to do so.”
Other swamis enquired out of curiousity, “If you do not sleep then where do you go [mentally]? Do you go elsewhere to do [spiritual] work? What do you do?”
Swamishri candidly replied, “No, [I’m] here; amongst the devotees. [My mind] is always with the devotees. While having meals, outwardly [my] eyes are on the meal but mentally [I think], ‘May all attain liberation [kalyan], and may there be goodness and wellness for all.’ That is the prayer that goes on every second.”
Atmatrupt Swami asked, “You do all this naturally?”
Swamishri said, “Yes.”
Atmatrupt Swami enquired, “Have you come on earth for this?”
Swamishri revealed, “Yes. Bhagwan has sent [me and instructed], ‘Go and do [spiritual] work.’”
7 September 2018, Ahmedabad
Swamishri sat on his bed and then reclined for his afternoon rest. Bhadresh Swami spoke venerably to Swamishri, “Now, the doorway to moksha lies down to sleep.”
Swamishri smiled and revealed, “If [he] were to sleep then things would go awry. [He] never sleeps. [He] only appears to do so.”
Other swamis enquired out of curiousity, “If you do not sleep then where do you go [mentally]? Do you go elsewhere to do [spiritual] work? What do you do?”
Swamishri candidly replied, “No, [I’m] here; amongst the devotees. [My mind] is always with the devotees. While having meals, outwardly [my] eyes are on the meal but mentally [I think], ‘May all attain liberation [kalyan], and may there be goodness and wellness for all.’ That is the prayer that goes on every second.”
Atmatrupt Swami asked, “You do all this naturally?”
Swamishri said, “Yes.”
Atmatrupt Swami enquired, “Have you come on earth for this?”
Swamishri revealed, “Yes. Bhagwan has sent [me and instructed], ‘Go and do [spiritual] work.’”
7 September 2018, Ahmedabad
Gunatit Sant Is Eternal
Santcharit Swami asked Swamishri, “Swami, according to the English calendar, tomorrow is your birthday. Should we celebrate it with nirdosh buddhi, samp, suhradbhav or ekta?”
Everyone present felt Swamishri would single out one of his favourite virtues. But Swamishri smiled and revealed a different answer altogether, “The birthdate is of this world. I’m birthless. Other souls have taken many births. Your bones are spread everywhere on earth. Not one place is left out! ”
The Gunatit Sant, unlike us, is eternal.
12 September 2018, Ahmedabad
Santcharit Swami asked Swamishri, “Swami, according to the English calendar, tomorrow is your birthday. Should we celebrate it with nirdosh buddhi, samp, suhradbhav or ekta?”
Everyone present felt Swamishri would single out one of his favourite virtues. But Swamishri smiled and revealed a different answer altogether, “The birthdate is of this world. I’m birthless. Other souls have taken many births. Your bones are spread everywhere on earth. Not one place is left out! ”
The Gunatit Sant, unlike us, is eternal.
12 September 2018, Ahmedabad
Thakorji’s Comfort
Swamishri’s 85th birthday celebration assembly was being celebrated in a large marquee in Bhavnagar. Swamishri was told to sit on a high seat in an open decorated chariot, so that the devotees could have his darshan. The chariot proceeded on the central path of a giant marquee packed with devotees. Swamishri was holding Shri Harikrishna Maharaj a few inches above the pillow resting on his lap. Subsequently, the decorative backdrop of Shri Harikrishna Maharaj partly covered Swamishri’s face. Someone told him to lower Thakorji and rest him on the pillow so that all could have darshan of his face. But Swamishri shook his head sideways to say no. He did not want Thakorji to have a bumpy ride by resting him on the pillow. Thus, he was happy about his face being partly eclipsed while holding Thakorji aloft.
To resolve the situation, an attendant swami removed the pillow on his lap. Subsequently, Swamishri naturally lowered his hands a little and maintained the comfort of Shri Harikrishna Maharaj. All were then happy to have darshan of Swamishri’s face and his supreme devotion to Thakorji.
3 October 2018, Bhavnagar
Swamishri’s 85th birthday celebration assembly was being celebrated in a large marquee in Bhavnagar. Swamishri was told to sit on a high seat in an open decorated chariot, so that the devotees could have his darshan. The chariot proceeded on the central path of a giant marquee packed with devotees. Swamishri was holding Shri Harikrishna Maharaj a few inches above the pillow resting on his lap. Subsequently, the decorative backdrop of Shri Harikrishna Maharaj partly covered Swamishri’s face. Someone told him to lower Thakorji and rest him on the pillow so that all could have darshan of his face. But Swamishri shook his head sideways to say no. He did not want Thakorji to have a bumpy ride by resting him on the pillow. Thus, he was happy about his face being partly eclipsed while holding Thakorji aloft.
To resolve the situation, an attendant swami removed the pillow on his lap. Subsequently, Swamishri naturally lowered his hands a little and maintained the comfort of Shri Harikrishna Maharaj. All were then happy to have darshan of Swamishri’s face and his supreme devotion to Thakorji.
3 October 2018, Bhavnagar
Acknowledging Seva
Swamishri was returning in a golf cart to his residence after completing his morning puja. Someone pointed to four people standing by the mandir gate and said, “Swami, they serve as the mandir watchmen.” Swamishri was meant to only shower his blessings by looking at them, but he called the watchmen and specially blessed them by placing his hand on their heads and shoulders.
Swamishri personally acknowledged the services of the mandir watchmen and filled their hearts with joy.
18 November 2018, Bochasan
Swamishri was returning in a golf cart to his residence after completing his morning puja. Someone pointed to four people standing by the mandir gate and said, “Swami, they serve as the mandir watchmen.” Swamishri was meant to only shower his blessings by looking at them, but he called the watchmen and specially blessed them by placing his hand on their heads and shoulders.
Swamishri personally acknowledged the services of the mandir watchmen and filled their hearts with joy.
18 November 2018, Bochasan