Removed Any Hint of Strain
As Swamishri approached the door of his room, two young boys, Bhagvat and Tilak, greeted him by hailing the jay naad. Then as Swamishri sat on his bed, the two boys began their friendly wrestling match. Swamishri looked on in amazement as the boys entertained the audience. When the match was over Swamishri called them both and gave some prasad. He then told them to bow down to each other and then to embrace each other. Though it was a prearranged, friendly programme, Swamishri reinforced their friendship and removed any hint of anger or strain between them.
29-1-1993, Atladra
As Swamishri approached the door of his room, two young boys, Bhagvat and Tilak, greeted him by hailing the jay naad. Then as Swamishri sat on his bed, the two boys began their friendly wrestling match. Swamishri looked on in amazement as the boys entertained the audience. When the match was over Swamishri called them both and gave some prasad. He then told them to bow down to each other and then to embrace each other. Though it was a prearranged, friendly programme, Swamishri reinforced their friendship and removed any hint of anger or strain between them.
29-1-1993, Atladra
Real Growth
As Swamishri lay down to sleep, he was informed about Raju Dave's birthday. Then a sadhu told Swamishri, 'For the last 15 years, Raju has not grown in height at all!'
Swamishri commented, 'It doesn't matter whether he grows in height or not. By growing in Satsang, everything is included. Nothing beats it. There is no better way to happiness. By progressing in Satsang, Maharaj is pleased. Progress in Satsang is real growth.'
20-3-1993, Mumbai
As Swamishri lay down to sleep, he was informed about Raju Dave's birthday. Then a sadhu told Swamishri, 'For the last 15 years, Raju has not grown in height at all!'
Swamishri commented, 'It doesn't matter whether he grows in height or not. By growing in Satsang, everything is included. Nothing beats it. There is no better way to happiness. By progressing in Satsang, Maharaj is pleased. Progress in Satsang is real growth.'
20-3-1993, Mumbai
On Marriage
In our increasingly independent, interactive and alluring society, social issues are burgeoning at an alarming rate. One particular issue that fragments the family is when a youth chooses to marry someone against the wishes of his or her parents.
A youth in London had decided to marry a girl who was not of the Gujarati community. His father and mother, both devotees, were pained and unhappy about his decision. Despite explaining to him not to marry, he remained adamant.
When Swamishri arrived in London in 1998, the father requested Swamishri to explain to his son. At first Swamishri was reluctant to do so because the boy did not know him. Finally, at the father's insistence, Swamishri called his son and advised, 'As a satsangi you should understand as to how can you make your parents unhappy when they gave birth to you and raised you! If the girl really loves you, then has she accepted satsang? You have been friends with her for six years but has your influence changed her? Has she given up eating meat and drinking beer? Instead, you have started eating and drinking. She did not give up meat, and you are ready to forsake your parents! So, just think about it.' Then Swamishri explained to his father, 'I've talked to your son. Now he will do as it pleases him. You should imbibe the philosophy of the temporariness of this world (sankhya). Tell me, how many more years have you to live? So, engage yourself in bhajan (worship) and you will have peace and happiness.'
Swamishri advocates that youths should always marry according to our tradition and with the consent of parents.
1998, London
In our increasingly independent, interactive and alluring society, social issues are burgeoning at an alarming rate. One particular issue that fragments the family is when a youth chooses to marry someone against the wishes of his or her parents.
A youth in London had decided to marry a girl who was not of the Gujarati community. His father and mother, both devotees, were pained and unhappy about his decision. Despite explaining to him not to marry, he remained adamant.
When Swamishri arrived in London in 1998, the father requested Swamishri to explain to his son. At first Swamishri was reluctant to do so because the boy did not know him. Finally, at the father's insistence, Swamishri called his son and advised, 'As a satsangi you should understand as to how can you make your parents unhappy when they gave birth to you and raised you! If the girl really loves you, then has she accepted satsang? You have been friends with her for six years but has your influence changed her? Has she given up eating meat and drinking beer? Instead, you have started eating and drinking. She did not give up meat, and you are ready to forsake your parents! So, just think about it.' Then Swamishri explained to his father, 'I've talked to your son. Now he will do as it pleases him. You should imbibe the philosophy of the temporariness of this world (sankhya). Tell me, how many more years have you to live? So, engage yourself in bhajan (worship) and you will have peace and happiness.'
Swamishri advocates that youths should always marry according to our tradition and with the consent of parents.
1998, London
A True Honeymoon
A devotee and his son approached Swamishri, 'He got married recently. Please bless him,' said the father.
Placing his hands on the son's shoulder, Swamishri asked, 'In a few days time, where do you plan to go?'
'On a honeymoon to the Maldives,' the son replied. 'It's near Sri Lanka.'
'What's the need for it?' Swamishri asked, 'You'll spend 25,000 rupees just to pollute your soul!'
The father intervened by telling Swamishri, 'It's going to cost 100,000 rupees!'
'Well, I thought it was 25,000 rupees,' revealed Swamishri; and then lovingly explained to the son, 'When you go there and if the two of you quarrel, you'll return back with problems. Instead, it would be better to go for the darshan of our mandirs. You will gain the fruits of a pilgrimage. In this age, this type of extravagance has increased. This is not our tradition.'
The son changed his mind at Swamishri's request and agreed to go on a pilgrimage instead. Swamishri inspired the youth to follow the tradition of Indian culture to go for darshan of God in mandirs.
14-2-1999, Atladra
A devotee and his son approached Swamishri, 'He got married recently. Please bless him,' said the father.
Placing his hands on the son's shoulder, Swamishri asked, 'In a few days time, where do you plan to go?'
'On a honeymoon to the Maldives,' the son replied. 'It's near Sri Lanka.'
'What's the need for it?' Swamishri asked, 'You'll spend 25,000 rupees just to pollute your soul!'
The father intervened by telling Swamishri, 'It's going to cost 100,000 rupees!'
'Well, I thought it was 25,000 rupees,' revealed Swamishri; and then lovingly explained to the son, 'When you go there and if the two of you quarrel, you'll return back with problems. Instead, it would be better to go for the darshan of our mandirs. You will gain the fruits of a pilgrimage. In this age, this type of extravagance has increased. This is not our tradition.'
The son changed his mind at Swamishri's request and agreed to go on a pilgrimage instead. Swamishri inspired the youth to follow the tradition of Indian culture to go for darshan of God in mandirs.
14-2-1999, Atladra
Inner and External Development
A father brought his young son, Sunil, to receive the yagnopavit (sacred thread) from Swamishri.
The sadhus sang Vedic verses as Swamishri ceremoniously placed the sacred thread around Sunil. Swamishri applied a chandlo to his forehead and said, 'Do puja daily. How many rosaries do you turn each day?'
'One.'
'Now do two. For Akshar and Purushottam. Do you know who Akshar is?'
'Yes, Gunatitanand Swami.'
'And Purushottam?' asked Swamishri.
'Sahajanand Swami.'
'Good. So do two, and say Swaminarayan, Swaminarayan.'
As Sunil got up to leave, Swamishri added, 'Study well. Do puja and offer devotion to God. Don't tell lies. And serve your mother and father.'
In Indian culture, the yagnopavit ceremony is a rite of passage following which a child begins his education.
Swamishri clearly prescribed the path for moral, spiritual and mundane development for all children.
4-3-1999, Sarangpur
A father brought his young son, Sunil, to receive the yagnopavit (sacred thread) from Swamishri.
The sadhus sang Vedic verses as Swamishri ceremoniously placed the sacred thread around Sunil. Swamishri applied a chandlo to his forehead and said, 'Do puja daily. How many rosaries do you turn each day?'
'One.'
'Now do two. For Akshar and Purushottam. Do you know who Akshar is?'
'Yes, Gunatitanand Swami.'
'And Purushottam?' asked Swamishri.
'Sahajanand Swami.'
'Good. So do two, and say Swaminarayan, Swaminarayan.'
As Sunil got up to leave, Swamishri added, 'Study well. Do puja and offer devotion to God. Don't tell lies. And serve your mother and father.'
In Indian culture, the yagnopavit ceremony is a rite of passage following which a child begins his education.
Swamishri clearly prescribed the path for moral, spiritual and mundane development for all children.
4-3-1999, Sarangpur
Sunday Sabha
Despite physical weakness due to an illness, Swamishri expressed a wish to go to the Sunday assembly this evening. When Swamishri entered in the assembly hall, he was welcomed by thunderous clapping from the devotees. After Thakorji's darshan, Swamishri sat on a sofa and listened to the spiritual discourse for half an hour. When the discourse concluded at 7.30 p.m., Swamishri returned to his residence and said with deep satisfaction, 'I have obeyed Yogiji Maharaj's instruction (of attending the Sunday assembly). I had the opportunity of having the darshan of the devotees and in pleasing them.'
Even in such a debilitated state, Swamishri personally ensured that he obeyed the wish of Yogiji Maharaj by attending the Sunday discourse.
12-3-2000, Gandhinagar
Despite physical weakness due to an illness, Swamishri expressed a wish to go to the Sunday assembly this evening. When Swamishri entered in the assembly hall, he was welcomed by thunderous clapping from the devotees. After Thakorji's darshan, Swamishri sat on a sofa and listened to the spiritual discourse for half an hour. When the discourse concluded at 7.30 p.m., Swamishri returned to his residence and said with deep satisfaction, 'I have obeyed Yogiji Maharaj's instruction (of attending the Sunday assembly). I had the opportunity of having the darshan of the devotees and in pleasing them.'
Even in such a debilitated state, Swamishri personally ensured that he obeyed the wish of Yogiji Maharaj by attending the Sunday discourse.
12-3-2000, Gandhinagar
Sharp Memory
Mr. A.K. Saxena, the general manager of Amdavad Telecom came for Swamishri's darshan. Introducing him, a sadhu said, 'Bapa, he's coming for your darshan for the first time.'
Swamishri immediately said, 'We've met before... where...?'
'That was S.K. Gupta,' suggested the sadhu.
'No, not Mr. Gupta. It was Mr. Saxena,' Swamishri replied. Resolving the issue, Mr. Saxena said, 'Yes, three years ago I had come for Swamishri's darshan.'
Swamishri blessed him. As Mr. Saxena left, he commented, 'Three years ago, I had met Swamishri for a few moments only. Since then, Swamishri has met thousands of people, yet he still remembers me by name!'
Such is Swamishri's memory power, that even at the age of 78, his recall is as sharp as ever.
6-3-1999, Sarangpur
Mr. A.K. Saxena, the general manager of Amdavad Telecom came for Swamishri's darshan. Introducing him, a sadhu said, 'Bapa, he's coming for your darshan for the first time.'
Swamishri immediately said, 'We've met before... where...?'
'That was S.K. Gupta,' suggested the sadhu.
'No, not Mr. Gupta. It was Mr. Saxena,' Swamishri replied. Resolving the issue, Mr. Saxena said, 'Yes, three years ago I had come for Swamishri's darshan.'
Swamishri blessed him. As Mr. Saxena left, he commented, 'Three years ago, I had met Swamishri for a few moments only. Since then, Swamishri has met thousands of people, yet he still remembers me by name!'
Such is Swamishri's memory power, that even at the age of 78, his recall is as sharp as ever.
6-3-1999, Sarangpur
Glory of God
Swamishri arrived at Gandhinagar from Atladra. After darshan, he sat down for dinner. Hitesh Dharia, a guide at the Akshardham monument, narrated the experiences of visitors to Akshardham. At the end, Hitesh asked Swamishri, 'What is the fruit of visiting Akshardham?'
Swamishri replied, 'Whoever visits will see and appreciate. They will experience peace and happiness...'
'Can I say what the real benefit of visiting Akshardham is?' Hitesh interrupted. Then he answered, 'The biggest benefit for a visitor to Akshardham is that he gets to know about Pramukh Swami Maharaj.'
Hearing this Swamishri countered, 'Everything is due to the grace of Bhagwan Swaminarayan. The murti seated here in Akshardham is divine and because of the murti everyone benefits by their visit here.'
'But, you reveal the true identity and glory of that murti,' Hitesh said.
'Yes, but the real force is God. Without God, we are worth nothing,' concluded Swamishri.
Swamishri's devotion for God and personal humility touched everyone.
20-2-1999, Gandhinagar
Swamishri arrived at Gandhinagar from Atladra. After darshan, he sat down for dinner. Hitesh Dharia, a guide at the Akshardham monument, narrated the experiences of visitors to Akshardham. At the end, Hitesh asked Swamishri, 'What is the fruit of visiting Akshardham?'
Swamishri replied, 'Whoever visits will see and appreciate. They will experience peace and happiness...'
'Can I say what the real benefit of visiting Akshardham is?' Hitesh interrupted. Then he answered, 'The biggest benefit for a visitor to Akshardham is that he gets to know about Pramukh Swami Maharaj.'
Hearing this Swamishri countered, 'Everything is due to the grace of Bhagwan Swaminarayan. The murti seated here in Akshardham is divine and because of the murti everyone benefits by their visit here.'
'But, you reveal the true identity and glory of that murti,' Hitesh said.
'Yes, but the real force is God. Without God, we are worth nothing,' concluded Swamishri.
Swamishri's devotion for God and personal humility touched everyone.
20-2-1999, Gandhinagar
Happiness and Miseries
An Indian newspaper editor asked Swamishri a few questions:
Q: Spirituality is the right path, and man should follow it. However, those who walk the path of immorality and perform impious acts achieve mundane progress and are happier, whereas those who are spiritual are unhappy and miserable. Why is this?
A: Outwardly it seems that one who has wealth is happy, but one cannot always believe this to be true. On the surface it appears that he is happy, but inside he is unhappy. He is always running, evading and anxious. The fruit of immorality (adharma) is misery and pain. Sooner or later he will have to suffer for it. One who does good will get good fruits. He feels happy within and God looks after him and makes him happier.
Duryodhan was immoral and he seemed happy outwardly, whereas the Pandavs had to roam in the forests during their exile. But, the peace the Pandavs had, Duryodhan did not have!
Q: Why do you, a great sadhu, accept illness?
A: The human body is a home to illnesses.
Q: Though this is true, you should not accept it.
A: (With reference to accepting illness Swamishri added) So that others may derive strength and inspiration, and not become afraid of diseases or illnesses, one should engage in bhajan.
10-4-1999, Surat
An Indian newspaper editor asked Swamishri a few questions:
Q: Spirituality is the right path, and man should follow it. However, those who walk the path of immorality and perform impious acts achieve mundane progress and are happier, whereas those who are spiritual are unhappy and miserable. Why is this?
A: Outwardly it seems that one who has wealth is happy, but one cannot always believe this to be true. On the surface it appears that he is happy, but inside he is unhappy. He is always running, evading and anxious. The fruit of immorality (adharma) is misery and pain. Sooner or later he will have to suffer for it. One who does good will get good fruits. He feels happy within and God looks after him and makes him happier.
Duryodhan was immoral and he seemed happy outwardly, whereas the Pandavs had to roam in the forests during their exile. But, the peace the Pandavs had, Duryodhan did not have!
Q: Why do you, a great sadhu, accept illness?
A: The human body is a home to illnesses.
Q: Though this is true, you should not accept it.
A: (With reference to accepting illness Swamishri added) So that others may derive strength and inspiration, and not become afraid of diseases or illnesses, one should engage in bhajan.
10-4-1999, Surat
Nothing Impresses Like Good Character
This morning, during Swamishri's personal counselling hours, a teenager asked a couple of questions.
Teenager: I always desire to impress people and I know it is wrong.
Swamishri: One should not have such desires. If you perform good acts and have character in life, then people will automatically be impressed by you. If you are good then people will not say otherwise.
Teenager: Sometimes I do bad things.
Swamishri: When you desire to impress anyone you will feel like doing bad things. So you must have character and live by God's laws. Then people will appreciate you and you will not think of doing bad things.
The teenager appreciated Swamishri's counsel.
11-4-1999, Surat
This morning, during Swamishri's personal counselling hours, a teenager asked a couple of questions.
Teenager: I always desire to impress people and I know it is wrong.
Swamishri: One should not have such desires. If you perform good acts and have character in life, then people will automatically be impressed by you. If you are good then people will not say otherwise.
Teenager: Sometimes I do bad things.
Swamishri: When you desire to impress anyone you will feel like doing bad things. So you must have character and live by God's laws. Then people will appreciate you and you will not think of doing bad things.
The teenager appreciated Swamishri's counsel.
11-4-1999, Surat