Tension-free
Despite the fact that Swamishri was recovering after the previous day's bout of fever, he had engaged himself in a meeting today. During lunch, a sadhu requested, 'In illness you should rest. How can you get rest when you are engaged in one meeting after another?'
Swamishri replied, 'Do you consider only sleeping as a form of rest? Look I am sitting here and am very much at ease. See how restful it is.'
A sadhu added, 'But one has to strain one's mind in a meeting.'
Another sadhu elaborated, 'Conducting meetings during illness is strainful for both body and mind. You have to think to make decisions. It is all stressful.'
Swamishri replied, 'One feels the stress if one takes it upon oneself. Look, I just take it and put it away like this. (Swamishri took a towel from one side and placed it on the other side of his sofa.) I entrust it all to Maharaj. So where is the burden or stress! No matter what number of meetings and discussions I have, I hand it all over to Maharaj. People live in tension because they burden themselves with their own worries and that of others'. And do I have any tension! People come with their pains and problems to me, but I do not take it upon my head. I simply entrust it like this. The moment I lie down, I go to sleep instantly... Maharaj is the all-doer.'
In spite of all his daily efforts in discharging the Sanstha's activities, Swamishri's working strategy of entrusting everything to Shriji Maharaj and believing Him to be the all-doer is the secret of his success and unfading experience of bliss.
8-8-2002, Amdavad
Despite the fact that Swamishri was recovering after the previous day's bout of fever, he had engaged himself in a meeting today. During lunch, a sadhu requested, 'In illness you should rest. How can you get rest when you are engaged in one meeting after another?'
Swamishri replied, 'Do you consider only sleeping as a form of rest? Look I am sitting here and am very much at ease. See how restful it is.'
A sadhu added, 'But one has to strain one's mind in a meeting.'
Another sadhu elaborated, 'Conducting meetings during illness is strainful for both body and mind. You have to think to make decisions. It is all stressful.'
Swamishri replied, 'One feels the stress if one takes it upon oneself. Look, I just take it and put it away like this. (Swamishri took a towel from one side and placed it on the other side of his sofa.) I entrust it all to Maharaj. So where is the burden or stress! No matter what number of meetings and discussions I have, I hand it all over to Maharaj. People live in tension because they burden themselves with their own worries and that of others'. And do I have any tension! People come with their pains and problems to me, but I do not take it upon my head. I simply entrust it like this. The moment I lie down, I go to sleep instantly... Maharaj is the all-doer.'
In spite of all his daily efforts in discharging the Sanstha's activities, Swamishri's working strategy of entrusting everything to Shriji Maharaj and believing Him to be the all-doer is the secret of his success and unfading experience of bliss.
8-8-2002, Amdavad
Duty to Parents
Mahendrabhai, a devotee, was looking after his parents and an idle younger brother. Despite his generosity, his father never appreciated or acknowledged his services. Instead, whenever he encouraged his brother to work, his father always took the side of his youngest son and reproached him. Such repeated incidents annoyed Mahendrabhai. To free himself from this hassle, he decided to end all ties with his brother and father. He simply could not bear his father's biased attitude any longer. So he met Swamishri in Amdavad to seek his guidance.
Swamishri advised, 'No matter how your father behaves, it is your duty to serve him till he dies. Your father has raised you and cared for you, and now, despite his unfair behaviour, you should still support him and care for him.'
Mahendrabhai promised to follow Swamishri's advice and got his blessings. Swamishri makes great effort to preserve the parent-child relation, no matter how sour they turn. Duty and allegiance to one's parents, despite conflict or injustice, is of prime importance in a social system.
15-8-2002, Amdavad
Mahendrabhai, a devotee, was looking after his parents and an idle younger brother. Despite his generosity, his father never appreciated or acknowledged his services. Instead, whenever he encouraged his brother to work, his father always took the side of his youngest son and reproached him. Such repeated incidents annoyed Mahendrabhai. To free himself from this hassle, he decided to end all ties with his brother and father. He simply could not bear his father's biased attitude any longer. So he met Swamishri in Amdavad to seek his guidance.
Swamishri advised, 'No matter how your father behaves, it is your duty to serve him till he dies. Your father has raised you and cared for you, and now, despite his unfair behaviour, you should still support him and care for him.'
Mahendrabhai promised to follow Swamishri's advice and got his blessings. Swamishri makes great effort to preserve the parent-child relation, no matter how sour they turn. Duty and allegiance to one's parents, despite conflict or injustice, is of prime importance in a social system.
15-8-2002, Amdavad
Knowledge of Atma and Paramatma
Swamishri was asked to write a message for a space mission called SIRTF MISSION (Space Infrared Telescope Facility), that will travel around the Sun to study it and other stars. All those associated with the making and planning of the mission were asked to write their own signature or poetry or make a sketch.
Shri Jitu Mehta, a devotee, who contributed as a flight software development manager, believed that he was able to accomplish the work through Swamishri's blessings. So he asked Swamishri to write a message. In response, Swamishri wrote in Gujarati, 'Atma Paramatmanu yatharth gnan thay tyare aa lokni bhautik icchaao vasanaao tali jaay ne Bhagwan na Akshardhamna sukhne pami sukhiyo thay.'
Swamishri's message was, 'When man absolutely realises the knowledge of atma and Paramatma, then his material desires of this world are dissolved and he becomes happy by attaining the bliss of God's Akshardham (abode).'
The essence of all of Swamishri's discourses or messages, no matter what the occasion or function be, pivots around realising the knowledge of atma and Paramatma for eternal happiness.
26-8-2002, Amdavad
Swamishri was asked to write a message for a space mission called SIRTF MISSION (Space Infrared Telescope Facility), that will travel around the Sun to study it and other stars. All those associated with the making and planning of the mission were asked to write their own signature or poetry or make a sketch.
Shri Jitu Mehta, a devotee, who contributed as a flight software development manager, believed that he was able to accomplish the work through Swamishri's blessings. So he asked Swamishri to write a message. In response, Swamishri wrote in Gujarati, 'Atma Paramatmanu yatharth gnan thay tyare aa lokni bhautik icchaao vasanaao tali jaay ne Bhagwan na Akshardhamna sukhne pami sukhiyo thay.'
Swamishri's message was, 'When man absolutely realises the knowledge of atma and Paramatma, then his material desires of this world are dissolved and he becomes happy by attaining the bliss of God's Akshardham (abode).'
The essence of all of Swamishri's discourses or messages, no matter what the occasion or function be, pivots around realising the knowledge of atma and Paramatma for eternal happiness.
26-8-2002, Amdavad
No to Eating Out
Swamishri came to know of a volunteer's habit and love for eating out. On seeing him, Swamishri asked, 'Do you ever think of eating poison?'
Chandrakant, the volunteer, humorously said, 'By eating out I feel healthy, whereas by eating at home I get sick.'
Swamishri responded seriously, 'You are mad. Yesterday (in the drama) the boy was brave and resolute in not eating out, whereas you allow for such lapses!'
A sadhu added, 'He believes that there's nothing wrong in eating out. Does it stop one from being a satsangi?'
Swamishri replied, 'Yes, it stops one from being a satsangi!'
Then Swamishri, pulling a volunteer's scarf standing near him, asked, 'You go about wearing this scarf but what are you doing?'
The volunteer said, 'I don't eat out!'
Swamishri said, 'I'm referring in general. A volunteer should not have lapses. One must be staunch in one's moral conduct.'
Then Swamishri told a senior volunteer, 'Enquire of him now and then and write a report to me.'
Swamishri emphasises not to eat out because it is not healthy for the body, mind and soul.
26-8-2002, Amdavad
Swamishri came to know of a volunteer's habit and love for eating out. On seeing him, Swamishri asked, 'Do you ever think of eating poison?'
Chandrakant, the volunteer, humorously said, 'By eating out I feel healthy, whereas by eating at home I get sick.'
Swamishri responded seriously, 'You are mad. Yesterday (in the drama) the boy was brave and resolute in not eating out, whereas you allow for such lapses!'
A sadhu added, 'He believes that there's nothing wrong in eating out. Does it stop one from being a satsangi?'
Swamishri replied, 'Yes, it stops one from being a satsangi!'
Then Swamishri, pulling a volunteer's scarf standing near him, asked, 'You go about wearing this scarf but what are you doing?'
The volunteer said, 'I don't eat out!'
Swamishri said, 'I'm referring in general. A volunteer should not have lapses. One must be staunch in one's moral conduct.'
Then Swamishri told a senior volunteer, 'Enquire of him now and then and write a report to me.'
Swamishri emphasises not to eat out because it is not healthy for the body, mind and soul.
26-8-2002, Amdavad
Tilak-Chandlo
A youth called Ghanshyam was hesitating in doing the tilak- chandlo. Swamishri asked him, 'When you get married, will you allow your mother-in-law to do the chandlo on your forehead, or will you say that you don't want to do it?'
Ghanshyam responded with a smile.
Swamishri explained, 'Just to please your mother-in-law you will allow her to apply the chandlo on you, likewise, you should do tilak and chandlo to please God and His Sadhu. There's nothing wrong in that!'
6-11-2002, Gondal
A youth called Ghanshyam was hesitating in doing the tilak- chandlo. Swamishri asked him, 'When you get married, will you allow your mother-in-law to do the chandlo on your forehead, or will you say that you don't want to do it?'
Ghanshyam responded with a smile.
Swamishri explained, 'Just to please your mother-in-law you will allow her to apply the chandlo on you, likewise, you should do tilak and chandlo to please God and His Sadhu. There's nothing wrong in that!'
6-11-2002, Gondal
Changing Ourselves
Mr. Gurucharansingh, the Election Commissioner of Gujarat, came for Swamishri's darshan at the Swaminarayan Mandir. Having read the Shikshapatri, Gurucharansingh desired to know that if two more shloks were to be added to the Shikshapatri then what two things would Swamishri incorporate. Swamishri replied, 'Bhagwan Swaminarayan has written the Shikshapatri properly and it includes everything. There is no need for any addition. Reading it and obeying it with the fullest understanding, includes everything.'
'But according to our modern age, if you wish to add anything then...' Gurucharansingh asked.
'It is man who has to change. No change needs to be made in the Shikshapatri. There won't be any problems if one obeys its instructions; has faith in God and lives an addiction-free and moral life,' Swamishri advised.
Then someone added that the election commissioner has a lot of tension because of his responsibilities. Swamishri blessed Gurucharansingh and said, 'Pray to God before you go to sleep at night and remember Him when you wake up in the morning. By praying to God you'll have no tension and experience peace.'
Swamishri gave a rosary to Gurucharansingh and told him to say five rosaries every morning.
11-12-2002, Amdavad
Mr. Gurucharansingh, the Election Commissioner of Gujarat, came for Swamishri's darshan at the Swaminarayan Mandir. Having read the Shikshapatri, Gurucharansingh desired to know that if two more shloks were to be added to the Shikshapatri then what two things would Swamishri incorporate. Swamishri replied, 'Bhagwan Swaminarayan has written the Shikshapatri properly and it includes everything. There is no need for any addition. Reading it and obeying it with the fullest understanding, includes everything.'
'But according to our modern age, if you wish to add anything then...' Gurucharansingh asked.
'It is man who has to change. No change needs to be made in the Shikshapatri. There won't be any problems if one obeys its instructions; has faith in God and lives an addiction-free and moral life,' Swamishri advised.
Then someone added that the election commissioner has a lot of tension because of his responsibilities. Swamishri blessed Gurucharansingh and said, 'Pray to God before you go to sleep at night and remember Him when you wake up in the morning. By praying to God you'll have no tension and experience peace.'
Swamishri gave a rosary to Gurucharansingh and told him to say five rosaries every morning.
11-12-2002, Amdavad
Spiritual Awakening
After performing the shangar arti Swamishri did darshan of Shastriji Maharaj and Yogiji Maharaj at their respective shrines. Then, on not seeing Rahul among the sadhaks from America, Swamishri asked as to where he was.
'He is writing letters,' a sadhak replied.
Swamishri responded, 'Writing letters, now! One should be present when it is arti time, have lunch during lunchtime, and do darshan during darshan time. Do whatever is to be done according to the prescribed schedules. One should perform one's spiritual rituals properly.'
Swamishri insists upon the performance of or attendance in rituals like arti, discourses, etc. for spiritual progress.
14-12-2002, Amdavad
After performing the shangar arti Swamishri did darshan of Shastriji Maharaj and Yogiji Maharaj at their respective shrines. Then, on not seeing Rahul among the sadhaks from America, Swamishri asked as to where he was.
'He is writing letters,' a sadhak replied.
Swamishri responded, 'Writing letters, now! One should be present when it is arti time, have lunch during lunchtime, and do darshan during darshan time. Do whatever is to be done according to the prescribed schedules. One should perform one's spiritual rituals properly.'
Swamishri insists upon the performance of or attendance in rituals like arti, discourses, etc. for spiritual progress.
14-12-2002, Amdavad
Guru Yogiji Maharaj's Inspiration
Harshadbhai Rana, a devotee from Nairobi, was highly impressed with the ongoing construction work of Akshardham in New Delhi. He expressed his admiration before Swamishri, 'Bapa! I saw the construction work going on at the Akshardham complex. You have performed a miracle and used your divine power.'
Swamishri replied, 'It is due to the power of Shriji Maharaj and Yogiji Maharaj and the efforts of sadhus and devotees. Is it possible to do it single-handedly!'
'But things are getting done due to your inspiration,' Harshadbhai added.
'The inspiration comes from up there that the mandir should be done here.' Swamishri performed the exact action in the poster of Yogiji Maharaj pointing to the land on the banks of the Yamuna. 'It is he who is inspiring that the mandir be made here (same action again). He had written again and again that the mandir be made here (repetition of action).'
Swamishri repeated the same action three times and emphasized that the work was being done through the divine wish and inspiration of Guru Yogiji Maharaj and Shastriji Maharaj. The sadhus and devotees were impressed by Swamishri's total devotion to Yogiji Maharaj.
4-2-2003, New Delhi
Harshadbhai Rana, a devotee from Nairobi, was highly impressed with the ongoing construction work of Akshardham in New Delhi. He expressed his admiration before Swamishri, 'Bapa! I saw the construction work going on at the Akshardham complex. You have performed a miracle and used your divine power.'
Swamishri replied, 'It is due to the power of Shriji Maharaj and Yogiji Maharaj and the efforts of sadhus and devotees. Is it possible to do it single-handedly!'
'But things are getting done due to your inspiration,' Harshadbhai added.
'The inspiration comes from up there that the mandir should be done here.' Swamishri performed the exact action in the poster of Yogiji Maharaj pointing to the land on the banks of the Yamuna. 'It is he who is inspiring that the mandir be made here (same action again). He had written again and again that the mandir be made here (repetition of action).'
Swamishri repeated the same action three times and emphasized that the work was being done through the divine wish and inspiration of Guru Yogiji Maharaj and Shastriji Maharaj. The sadhus and devotees were impressed by Swamishri's total devotion to Yogiji Maharaj.
4-2-2003, New Delhi
A Common Principle
A sadhu asked Swamishri, 'Once in Sarangpur, Bapubhai asked Shastriji Maharaj in what matter his joy and pleasure (rajipo) rested. To this Shastriji Maharaj replied that he was pleased in the making of Akshar Purushottam mandirs and in the propagation of the Akshar Purushottam philosophy. Then from the life of Yogiji Maharaj one can conclude that his joy lay in having harmony, friendship and unity. So at present in which principle does your joy (rajipo) lie in?'
Swamishri explained, 'Shriji Maharaj has said that His principle is the same in all things, and it follows like a thread in a needle. This principle is that of ekantik dharma, to become brahmarup and to offer devotion to God. Shastriji Maharaj did not differ from this principle of ekantik dharma of Shriji Maharaj. For this, he desired that everyone should understand the knowledge of Akshar and Purushottam, establish mandirs and spread that mode of worship (upasana). In this principle lay his joy - which was not different from that of Shriji Maharaj.
'Then Yogiji Maharaj said that to promote this principle of upasana harmony, friendship and unity were necessary. So it was not different from the principle of Shriji Maharaj. It is we who differentiate that this is true or that is true, and thus we go on elaborating but none of the principles are different. They are the same principles that Shriji Maharaj had established. To spread His principle (of ekantik dharma) it is necessary to have mandirs, and to increase Satsang it is necessary to have harmony, friendship and unity. So we have to do the same. What I say is not different from the principles already established. They are the same that were propagated by Shastriji Maharaj and Yogiji Maharaj.'
Swamishri's answer of a common principle and aim resolved the expectation of any other new principle that aspirants generally expect to hear and become enlightened with. Bhagwan Swaminarayan and the guru parampara have propagated the common principle of ekantik dharma, the goal of becoming brahmarup and offering devotion to God.
22-3-2003, Sarangpur
A sadhu asked Swamishri, 'Once in Sarangpur, Bapubhai asked Shastriji Maharaj in what matter his joy and pleasure (rajipo) rested. To this Shastriji Maharaj replied that he was pleased in the making of Akshar Purushottam mandirs and in the propagation of the Akshar Purushottam philosophy. Then from the life of Yogiji Maharaj one can conclude that his joy lay in having harmony, friendship and unity. So at present in which principle does your joy (rajipo) lie in?'
Swamishri explained, 'Shriji Maharaj has said that His principle is the same in all things, and it follows like a thread in a needle. This principle is that of ekantik dharma, to become brahmarup and to offer devotion to God. Shastriji Maharaj did not differ from this principle of ekantik dharma of Shriji Maharaj. For this, he desired that everyone should understand the knowledge of Akshar and Purushottam, establish mandirs and spread that mode of worship (upasana). In this principle lay his joy - which was not different from that of Shriji Maharaj.
'Then Yogiji Maharaj said that to promote this principle of upasana harmony, friendship and unity were necessary. So it was not different from the principle of Shriji Maharaj. It is we who differentiate that this is true or that is true, and thus we go on elaborating but none of the principles are different. They are the same principles that Shriji Maharaj had established. To spread His principle (of ekantik dharma) it is necessary to have mandirs, and to increase Satsang it is necessary to have harmony, friendship and unity. So we have to do the same. What I say is not different from the principles already established. They are the same that were propagated by Shastriji Maharaj and Yogiji Maharaj.'
Swamishri's answer of a common principle and aim resolved the expectation of any other new principle that aspirants generally expect to hear and become enlightened with. Bhagwan Swaminarayan and the guru parampara have propagated the common principle of ekantik dharma, the goal of becoming brahmarup and offering devotion to God.
22-3-2003, Sarangpur
A Reawakening
A veteran devotee came for Swamishri's darshan. Someone said, 'His frequency to the mandir has decreased because he has become a grandfather.'
Devotee: I come once a week for darshan.
Swamishri: On Sunday!
Devotee: No. Not on Sundays.
Swamishri: You must attend the Sunday assembly without fail. Bring your grandchild with you, but if he cries then don't bring him for the present. Because, when he starts crying your mind will not remain focused in the discourse. Don't always keep your mind engaged in him, otherwise you will have to take another birth. Look after his physical needs and with the aid of spiritual knowledge remain aloof.
Swamishri brought the senior devotee's lifeboat back to its true spiritual bearing.
27-3-2003, Sarangpur
A veteran devotee came for Swamishri's darshan. Someone said, 'His frequency to the mandir has decreased because he has become a grandfather.'
Devotee: I come once a week for darshan.
Swamishri: On Sunday!
Devotee: No. Not on Sundays.
Swamishri: You must attend the Sunday assembly without fail. Bring your grandchild with you, but if he cries then don't bring him for the present. Because, when he starts crying your mind will not remain focused in the discourse. Don't always keep your mind engaged in him, otherwise you will have to take another birth. Look after his physical needs and with the aid of spiritual knowledge remain aloof.
Swamishri brought the senior devotee's lifeboat back to its true spiritual bearing.
27-3-2003, Sarangpur