Gunatit Guru’s Omnipresence
A swami from Bodeli asked, “Do you want to come to Bodeli mandir?”
Swamishri remained quiet. Then another swami stated, “You are in Bodeli mandir, aren’t you?”
Swamishri looked at both the swamis and replied, “I’m everywhere!”
Just as Parabrahman is omnipresent so too Aksharbrahman (the guru) is all-pervasive.
4 April 2019, Sarangpur
A swami from Bodeli asked, “Do you want to come to Bodeli mandir?”
Swamishri remained quiet. Then another swami stated, “You are in Bodeli mandir, aren’t you?”
Swamishri looked at both the swamis and replied, “I’m everywhere!”
Just as Parabrahman is omnipresent so too Aksharbrahman (the guru) is all-pervasive.
4 April 2019, Sarangpur
Never Give Up Holding My Hand
An attendant Swami asked Swamishri, “Swami, whenever you hold someone’s hand for support the person invariably prays, ‘Hold my hand till Akshardham, and never give it up.’ And you respond, ‘You don’t leave it!’ What does this mean?”
Swamishri replied, “Giving up [my hand] means not following the commands [agna].”
“Does it include following the minor rules and commands?” the attendant queried.
Swamishri clarified, “Observing celibacy is the principal agna. The other agnas support the observance [of celibacy].”
13 April 2019, Sarangpur
An attendant Swami asked Swamishri, “Swami, whenever you hold someone’s hand for support the person invariably prays, ‘Hold my hand till Akshardham, and never give it up.’ And you respond, ‘You don’t leave it!’ What does this mean?”
Swamishri replied, “Giving up [my hand] means not following the commands [agna].”
“Does it include following the minor rules and commands?” the attendant queried.
Swamishri clarified, “Observing celibacy is the principal agna. The other agnas support the observance [of celibacy].”
13 April 2019, Sarangpur
Always at Peace
While Swamishri was reclining on a bed for his afternoon siesta, a swami, alluding to the hectic morning routine, said, “Sleep peacefully!”
Swamishri responded spiritedly, “I experience peace even amidst commotion and unrest. I have entrusted everything to Maharaj and Swami. They are the doers of everything, thus I am at peace.”
An attendant Swami pointing to Swamishri added, “From here peace is exported everywhere!”
Swamishri responded, “Of course, Maharaj and Swami are supreme, so peace spreads from them.”
25 April 2019, Dubai
While Swamishri was reclining on a bed for his afternoon siesta, a swami, alluding to the hectic morning routine, said, “Sleep peacefully!”
Swamishri responded spiritedly, “I experience peace even amidst commotion and unrest. I have entrusted everything to Maharaj and Swami. They are the doers of everything, thus I am at peace.”
An attendant Swami pointing to Swamishri added, “From here peace is exported everywhere!”
Swamishri responded, “Of course, Maharaj and Swami are supreme, so peace spreads from them.”
25 April 2019, Dubai
An Apology
At about 10.30 a.m., Swamishri performed the foundation-stone laying (shilanyas) ceremony for a new BAPS shikharbaddha mandir in Kanad village, near Surat. About 25,000 devotees had assembled for this event in a large marquee. The summer heat at noon was oppressive and the devotees had been sitting since 9.00 a.m. The ceremony concluded at noon with Swamishri’s blessings. Thereafter, an announcement was made for Swamishri’s departure. But Swamishri asked for a microphone and said, “All of you have come here but it is very hot. Sweat is abundantly rolling down your body, so forgive me for [the inconvenience].”
The entire congregation was touched by Swamishri’s apology, care and love for them.
7 May 2019, Surat
At about 10.30 a.m., Swamishri performed the foundation-stone laying (shilanyas) ceremony for a new BAPS shikharbaddha mandir in Kanad village, near Surat. About 25,000 devotees had assembled for this event in a large marquee. The summer heat at noon was oppressive and the devotees had been sitting since 9.00 a.m. The ceremony concluded at noon with Swamishri’s blessings. Thereafter, an announcement was made for Swamishri’s departure. But Swamishri asked for a microphone and said, “All of you have come here but it is very hot. Sweat is abundantly rolling down your body, so forgive me for [the inconvenience].”
The entire congregation was touched by Swamishri’s apology, care and love for them.
7 May 2019, Surat
Always Pleases All
In whichever town or city Swamishri stays his daily schedule of doing puja, personally meeting the devotees and attending the evening assembly programmes are always hectic and demanding. The same was the case during his 10-day stay in Nadiad.
While Swamishri was about to take his afternoon rest on the last day of his stay, Sarvamangal Swami (kothari) said, “Swami, forgive us for any difficulties and physical strain you had to go through during your stay here.”
Swamishri replied buoyantly, “I have decided to please everyone. So, there is no question of getting displeased with you. I always have in mind to please you, please, please, please the devotees and santos.”
The Gunatit guru dedicates his life for the good and joy of others.
24 May 2019, Nadiad
In whichever town or city Swamishri stays his daily schedule of doing puja, personally meeting the devotees and attending the evening assembly programmes are always hectic and demanding. The same was the case during his 10-day stay in Nadiad.
While Swamishri was about to take his afternoon rest on the last day of his stay, Sarvamangal Swami (kothari) said, “Swami, forgive us for any difficulties and physical strain you had to go through during your stay here.”
Swamishri replied buoyantly, “I have decided to please everyone. So, there is no question of getting displeased with you. I always have in mind to please you, please, please, please the devotees and santos.”
The Gunatit guru dedicates his life for the good and joy of others.
24 May 2019, Nadiad
Revelation and Inclination
During late evening, Swamishri was welcomed on his arrival in Ahmedabad. In the abhishek mandap, Brahmaprakash Swami humorously asked Swamishri, “Do you know me? I am Brahmaprakash!”
Swamishri smiled and nodded his head.
Brahmaprakash Swami asked, “What is your name? Is it Mahant Swami, Keshavjivandas or Pramukh Swami?”
Swamishri broke into a smile and replied, “Pramukh Swami.”
On proceeding ahead, a few children who had welcomed Swamishri asked, “Swami, we children just welcomed you. Now, what should we do so that you would feel like welcoming us?”
Swamishri replied, “[Follow] dharma-niyams.”
17 June 2019, Ahmedabad
During late evening, Swamishri was welcomed on his arrival in Ahmedabad. In the abhishek mandap, Brahmaprakash Swami humorously asked Swamishri, “Do you know me? I am Brahmaprakash!”
Swamishri smiled and nodded his head.
Brahmaprakash Swami asked, “What is your name? Is it Mahant Swami, Keshavjivandas or Pramukh Swami?”
Swamishri broke into a smile and replied, “Pramukh Swami.”
On proceeding ahead, a few children who had welcomed Swamishri asked, “Swami, we children just welcomed you. Now, what should we do so that you would feel like welcoming us?”
Swamishri replied, “[Follow] dharma-niyams.”
17 June 2019, Ahmedabad
No Retaliation, but Tolerance
Viveksagar Swami narrated an incident in the presence of Mahant Swami Maharaj that had occurred at the old dining facility in Atladara mandir, “Mahant Swamiji was a householder youth [Vinubhai] at that time. Several boys had sat down for breakfast in this dining hall. Each youth was served a snack on a piece of paper and tea in a plastic glass. Vinubhai was serving tea in one row. By the time he reached half way the tea ran out. So, he went to refill the pot. On returning, instead of continuing from where he had left he started serving the youths seated on the opposite side. This made the youths who were left out livid and exclaiming, ‘Why had he started serving in the opposite row!’
“So, a boy from Maretha village [near Makarpara] got up in a fit of anger and snatched the pot from Vinubhai and poured the steaming hot tea on Vinubhai’s feet. But Vinubhai remained calm and quiet. Without saying a word he quietly went away to wash his feet. Subsequently, the other youths scolded and beat the unruly boy.”
Then Swamishri added, “As a result, two to three large boils developed on my feet.”
Though Swamishri had not intentionally left out the boys sitting in the first row, the incident highlights his tolerance and calm composure.
28 June 2019, Atladara
Viveksagar Swami narrated an incident in the presence of Mahant Swami Maharaj that had occurred at the old dining facility in Atladara mandir, “Mahant Swamiji was a householder youth [Vinubhai] at that time. Several boys had sat down for breakfast in this dining hall. Each youth was served a snack on a piece of paper and tea in a plastic glass. Vinubhai was serving tea in one row. By the time he reached half way the tea ran out. So, he went to refill the pot. On returning, instead of continuing from where he had left he started serving the youths seated on the opposite side. This made the youths who were left out livid and exclaiming, ‘Why had he started serving in the opposite row!’
“So, a boy from Maretha village [near Makarpara] got up in a fit of anger and snatched the pot from Vinubhai and poured the steaming hot tea on Vinubhai’s feet. But Vinubhai remained calm and quiet. Without saying a word he quietly went away to wash his feet. Subsequently, the other youths scolded and beat the unruly boy.”
Then Swamishri added, “As a result, two to three large boils developed on my feet.”
Though Swamishri had not intentionally left out the boys sitting in the first row, the incident highlights his tolerance and calm composure.
28 June 2019, Atladara
Bhagwan’s Wish
Swamishri was at the BAPS Mandir in Bharuch. The heavy downpour of rain in the evening had drenched all the devotees while they were coming for the evening satsang assembly. The open air evening assembly for the next day was announced as a Holi of Flowers celebration. The weather forecast for the following day was heavy rains again.
Bhaktavatsal Swami asked Swamishri, “Now, what arrangements are to be made for tomorrow’s Holi of Flowers celebration? Whatever you wish will be done.”
Swamishri replied ambiguously, “Holi of flowers or Holi of water!”
All were perplexed by Swamishri’s puzzling answer. So, Bhaktavatsal Swami asked explicitly, “But out of the two which is your wish? One or the other or both?”
Swamishri replied, “Bhagwan will decide.”
The organizers became doubly perplexed.
Thus, Bhaktavatsal Swami queried further, “Isn’t Bhagwan greatly inclined towards the Gunatit Sant! Just as the king’s rule prevails in his kingdom, the queen equally exercises the same amount of power in the kingdom!”
Swamishri replied clearly, “By Bhagwan’s wish, who is the all-doer, it will not rain!”
Swamishri’s confident answer revealed that the next day’s celebration would take place without any hindrance and it also reflected his absolute servitude to Bhagwan Swaminarayan as the all-doer. The next day, Swamishri’s words came true.
6 July 2019, Bharuch
Swamishri was at the BAPS Mandir in Bharuch. The heavy downpour of rain in the evening had drenched all the devotees while they were coming for the evening satsang assembly. The open air evening assembly for the next day was announced as a Holi of Flowers celebration. The weather forecast for the following day was heavy rains again.
Bhaktavatsal Swami asked Swamishri, “Now, what arrangements are to be made for tomorrow’s Holi of Flowers celebration? Whatever you wish will be done.”
Swamishri replied ambiguously, “Holi of flowers or Holi of water!”
All were perplexed by Swamishri’s puzzling answer. So, Bhaktavatsal Swami asked explicitly, “But out of the two which is your wish? One or the other or both?”
Swamishri replied, “Bhagwan will decide.”
The organizers became doubly perplexed.
Thus, Bhaktavatsal Swami queried further, “Isn’t Bhagwan greatly inclined towards the Gunatit Sant! Just as the king’s rule prevails in his kingdom, the queen equally exercises the same amount of power in the kingdom!”
Swamishri replied clearly, “By Bhagwan’s wish, who is the all-doer, it will not rain!”
Swamishri’s confident answer revealed that the next day’s celebration would take place without any hindrance and it also reflected his absolute servitude to Bhagwan Swaminarayan as the all-doer. The next day, Swamishri’s words came true.
6 July 2019, Bharuch
Fully and Wholeheartedly
During Swamishri’s visit devotees at all satsang centres often deposit new kanthis, murtis, ghar mandirs, malas and other puja articles at a desk for sanctification. Formerly, Swamishri used to personally shower flower petals on all the articles to sanctify them. This obviously consumed a lot of time. So, to save time, it was decided that Swamishri would sanctify the flowers and a senior swami would shower the petals while Swamishri walked past, casting his eyes on all the articles.
Today, there were fourteen desks full of various puja articles and ghar mandirs. According to the routine plan Swamishri sanctified the flowers by touching them. Then, to everyone’s surprise, he started touching all the articles. When he came across a ghar mandir or murtis he would touch them reverently. Then a volunteer requested Swamishri, “Swami, shower your blessings by looking at them.”
Swamishri stopped and lovingly replied, “It will only take one minute more, but the devotees [to whom the articles belong] will be satisfied and pleased.”
Swamishri continued making the extra effort to please the devotees. Whatever Swamishri does he does it fully and wholeheartedly.
During Swamishri’s visit devotees at all satsang centres often deposit new kanthis, murtis, ghar mandirs, malas and other puja articles at a desk for sanctification. Formerly, Swamishri used to personally shower flower petals on all the articles to sanctify them. This obviously consumed a lot of time. So, to save time, it was decided that Swamishri would sanctify the flowers and a senior swami would shower the petals while Swamishri walked past, casting his eyes on all the articles.
Today, there were fourteen desks full of various puja articles and ghar mandirs. According to the routine plan Swamishri sanctified the flowers by touching them. Then, to everyone’s surprise, he started touching all the articles. When he came across a ghar mandir or murtis he would touch them reverently. Then a volunteer requested Swamishri, “Swami, shower your blessings by looking at them.”
Swamishri stopped and lovingly replied, “It will only take one minute more, but the devotees [to whom the articles belong] will be satisfied and pleased.”
Swamishri continued making the extra effort to please the devotees. Whatever Swamishri does he does it fully and wholeheartedly.
Joy and Reverence
Swamishri was reading the Shikshapatri during his morning puja at the assembly hall in Atladara. At that time, eight children of three to four years of age started reciting the Sahajanand Namavali (108 names of Bhagwan Swaminarayan in Sanskrit) on the main stage. All of them were rattling off the names confidently and simultaneously. Among them, the youngest boy (Neel Padhiyar of Tithor village) was reciting the loudest. Swamishri looked at them with joy and after the recitation was over he gestured to all to come to him. The youngest boy, Neel, came first. Swamishri was extremely pleased with him and, to everyone’s surprise, bowed and touched his feet with reverence. Then, Swamishri also embraced him and expressed his joy and blessings.
Everyone in the audience was wonderstruck by the joy and mahima Swamishri showered on Neel. He was a kindergarten student and still learning how to read and write. The parents of all the children had made great efforts in preparing them to memorize the Sahajanand Namavali.
Swamishri was reading the Shikshapatri during his morning puja at the assembly hall in Atladara. At that time, eight children of three to four years of age started reciting the Sahajanand Namavali (108 names of Bhagwan Swaminarayan in Sanskrit) on the main stage. All of them were rattling off the names confidently and simultaneously. Among them, the youngest boy (Neel Padhiyar of Tithor village) was reciting the loudest. Swamishri looked at them with joy and after the recitation was over he gestured to all to come to him. The youngest boy, Neel, came first. Swamishri was extremely pleased with him and, to everyone’s surprise, bowed and touched his feet with reverence. Then, Swamishri also embraced him and expressed his joy and blessings.
Everyone in the audience was wonderstruck by the joy and mahima Swamishri showered on Neel. He was a kindergarten student and still learning how to read and write. The parents of all the children had made great efforts in preparing them to memorize the Sahajanand Namavali.