Dissolving Doubts and Fears
A youth met Swamishri and said, “My sister is 23-years-old, and several meetings regarding her marriage failed. A few months back an astrologer looked at her horoscope and said she is being troubled by Mars and has Kalsarp Yog.”
“His entire family are staunch satsangis, but the astrologer’s statement has raised fears,” someone added.
Swamishri advised, “One who is staunch does not have fear. When one has the refuge of Bhagwan Swaminarayan and gurus like Shastriji Maharaj and Yogiji Maharaj there is no need to fear one’s stars. To overcome Mars and Kalsarp dosh chant Janmangal Namavali five times each day. And both you and your sister say an extra rosary to dissolve her obstacles. And also pray that she gets a good person for marriage, be able to offer devotion to God and be blessed with liberation. Tell your sister and family members to forget about the astrologer. Otherwise, they will be reminded of what he said and be troubled by it. You may confront a few obstacles, but there is no need to fear. Say the Janmangal Namavali and God will look after you.”
The youth felt relieved and hopeful.
12 September 2003, Sarangpur
A youth met Swamishri and said, “My sister is 23-years-old, and several meetings regarding her marriage failed. A few months back an astrologer looked at her horoscope and said she is being troubled by Mars and has Kalsarp Yog.”
“His entire family are staunch satsangis, but the astrologer’s statement has raised fears,” someone added.
Swamishri advised, “One who is staunch does not have fear. When one has the refuge of Bhagwan Swaminarayan and gurus like Shastriji Maharaj and Yogiji Maharaj there is no need to fear one’s stars. To overcome Mars and Kalsarp dosh chant Janmangal Namavali five times each day. And both you and your sister say an extra rosary to dissolve her obstacles. And also pray that she gets a good person for marriage, be able to offer devotion to God and be blessed with liberation. Tell your sister and family members to forget about the astrologer. Otherwise, they will be reminded of what he said and be troubled by it. You may confront a few obstacles, but there is no need to fear. Say the Janmangal Namavali and God will look after you.”
The youth felt relieved and hopeful.
12 September 2003, Sarangpur
Humility
After his morning routine of darshan, puja and breakfast, Swamishri had a series of meetings to attend. Since the meetings could last till noon, Swamishri asked whether it would do if he did not attend the morning assembly. A sadhu organising the assembly programme said it would be alright if he could not come.
Swamishri could have sent word that he would not come, but instead, he took permission from the organiser. Swamishri’s humility and discipline in his working method is inspiring and worthy of emulation.
17 September 2003, Sarangpur
After his morning routine of darshan, puja and breakfast, Swamishri had a series of meetings to attend. Since the meetings could last till noon, Swamishri asked whether it would do if he did not attend the morning assembly. A sadhu organising the assembly programme said it would be alright if he could not come.
Swamishri could have sent word that he would not come, but instead, he took permission from the organiser. Swamishri’s humility and discipline in his working method is inspiring and worthy of emulation.
17 September 2003, Sarangpur
Life's Priority
A devotee came with his son to meet Swamishri. The youth had acquired a gold medal in his final B.Sc. exams. He wanted to study further and do M.Sc., but he was depressed.
“What is the cause of your depression?” Swamishri asked.
“I want to become like Dhirubhai Ambani and elevate our country,” the youth answered.
Swamishri perceived that the youth was ambitious, but lacked confidence and the determination to accomplish his goal.
Swamishri gently explained, “Finish your studies and then get a job or start a business. And then slowly you can become an Ambani. It takes 100 years to become an Ambani. Till then a lot needs to be done and achieved. Run a small business to look after your family. One must also worship and say prayers to God. It is alright to have high thoughts, but because of that you have lost your balance. You keep thinking about what you cannot get. Instead, worship and chant the name of Bhagwan Swaminarayan. Everything will happen. But for now, complete your M.Sc. studies. And then you can progress gradually. Stop dreaming big now, and study for the present. God will bless you with strength. Pray to Bhagwan Swaminarayan that you can study well, work properly to support and serve your family, society and country and offer devotion to God to liberate your atma.
“Offering devotion and having refuge in God serves to liberate one’s atma. And then whatever God gives, you can serve society. You have my blessings!”
22 September 2003, Sarangpur
A devotee came with his son to meet Swamishri. The youth had acquired a gold medal in his final B.Sc. exams. He wanted to study further and do M.Sc., but he was depressed.
“What is the cause of your depression?” Swamishri asked.
“I want to become like Dhirubhai Ambani and elevate our country,” the youth answered.
Swamishri perceived that the youth was ambitious, but lacked confidence and the determination to accomplish his goal.
Swamishri gently explained, “Finish your studies and then get a job or start a business. And then slowly you can become an Ambani. It takes 100 years to become an Ambani. Till then a lot needs to be done and achieved. Run a small business to look after your family. One must also worship and say prayers to God. It is alright to have high thoughts, but because of that you have lost your balance. You keep thinking about what you cannot get. Instead, worship and chant the name of Bhagwan Swaminarayan. Everything will happen. But for now, complete your M.Sc. studies. And then you can progress gradually. Stop dreaming big now, and study for the present. God will bless you with strength. Pray to Bhagwan Swaminarayan that you can study well, work properly to support and serve your family, society and country and offer devotion to God to liberate your atma.
“Offering devotion and having refuge in God serves to liberate one’s atma. And then whatever God gives, you can serve society. You have my blessings!”
22 September 2003, Sarangpur
The Right to Eat for All
After the morning assembly, Swamishri passed by an almond tree while returning to his residence.
There were many almond fruits lying on the ground. A sadhu commented, “Parrots eat a lot of almond fruits.”
“Let them eat. Is it that you only require to eat? Don’t they need to eat too!” Swamishri replied.
“I don’t mind them eating, but they eat only half and throw the rest away,” the sadhu added.
“When they eat, they may throw it away. God has so created that every being has a right to eat.”
Swamishri’s appreciation for God’s creatures and their right to their innate habit of eating throws a new light on our ways of living in harmony with nature.
25 September 2003, Sarangpur
After the morning assembly, Swamishri passed by an almond tree while returning to his residence.
There were many almond fruits lying on the ground. A sadhu commented, “Parrots eat a lot of almond fruits.”
“Let them eat. Is it that you only require to eat? Don’t they need to eat too!” Swamishri replied.
“I don’t mind them eating, but they eat only half and throw the rest away,” the sadhu added.
“When they eat, they may throw it away. God has so created that every being has a right to eat.”
Swamishri’s appreciation for God’s creatures and their right to their innate habit of eating throws a new light on our ways of living in harmony with nature.
25 September 2003, Sarangpur
Spirituality - the Key to Progress
Vyomesh Joshi, a devotee and Executive Vice President of a giant American computer firm, came with his colleague, Frank, for Swamishri’s darshan.
Frank asked Swamishri, “What should we do to solve our company’s problems and how can we progress further?”
Swamishri replied, “If everyone has moral and spiritual values then they can work with each other. You have all the required facilities but if there is spirituality then you will have mutual friendship. If however this is lacking then the person will work only for money or for the sake of his job. Whereas out of spirituality, he will do it honestly and with integrity. He will feel that he cannot do any wrong and that he has to do his duty responsibly. So with this principle the company will run better. It will be of benefit to others and to oneself. That is why India teaches the need for spiritual values. One should have feelings that this is my company and I wish to strive for its progress.”
Then Vyomesh Joshi asked Frank if he had any other questions. Frank nodded with a no. Swamishri responded, “The answer to his one question provides the solution to all questions. On the single point of spirituality all other issues can be resolved. When a person works honestly, believes all the employees as his own people and works with unity and friendship, then he will have true progress. This is what is lacking in our country and the world.”
26 September 2003, Bhavnagar
Vyomesh Joshi, a devotee and Executive Vice President of a giant American computer firm, came with his colleague, Frank, for Swamishri’s darshan.
Frank asked Swamishri, “What should we do to solve our company’s problems and how can we progress further?”
Swamishri replied, “If everyone has moral and spiritual values then they can work with each other. You have all the required facilities but if there is spirituality then you will have mutual friendship. If however this is lacking then the person will work only for money or for the sake of his job. Whereas out of spirituality, he will do it honestly and with integrity. He will feel that he cannot do any wrong and that he has to do his duty responsibly. So with this principle the company will run better. It will be of benefit to others and to oneself. That is why India teaches the need for spiritual values. One should have feelings that this is my company and I wish to strive for its progress.”
Then Vyomesh Joshi asked Frank if he had any other questions. Frank nodded with a no. Swamishri responded, “The answer to his one question provides the solution to all questions. On the single point of spirituality all other issues can be resolved. When a person works honestly, believes all the employees as his own people and works with unity and friendship, then he will have true progress. This is what is lacking in our country and the world.”
26 September 2003, Bhavnagar
Question Answers
A senior male volunteer conveyed a few questions from members of the Balika Mandal. Swamishri answered their questions to the volunteer.
Q: We cannot give up ego. Besides this, we perform seva with the inner faults of anger, jealousy, desire and greed. Then does our seva reach Shriji Maharaj and you?
Swamishri: Definitely it reaches Maharaj. Despite the inner faults, seva done with faith (nishtha) reaches God.
Q: What should we do to eradicate our base instincts (doshas).
Swamishri: Do seva with faith and perseverance. Gradually the base instincts will be destroyed.
Q: What thought should we always have to eradicate base instincts?
Swamishri: That I am doing seva to please God and His Sadhu. By doing seva one’s base instincts are dissolved. We don’t even realise this but they get less and less. The rope that pulls a bucket of water from a well, through time, cuts the stone it rubs. It even creates a furrow in a piece of iron. So one should endeavour with the resolve to please God and His Sadhu. When the goal in seva is to please Him then God and His Sadhu will look after everything else. We should leave it to them. They have dissolved the base instincts of so many; and this is their glory and greatness.
Q: May our faith remain steadfast and without faults, and let not our minds waver.
Swamishri: Keep doing seva and do not allow it to fade. Then Maharaj, Swami and Yogiji Maharaj will take care of you.
19 October 2003, Gondal
A senior male volunteer conveyed a few questions from members of the Balika Mandal. Swamishri answered their questions to the volunteer.
Q: We cannot give up ego. Besides this, we perform seva with the inner faults of anger, jealousy, desire and greed. Then does our seva reach Shriji Maharaj and you?
Swamishri: Definitely it reaches Maharaj. Despite the inner faults, seva done with faith (nishtha) reaches God.
Q: What should we do to eradicate our base instincts (doshas).
Swamishri: Do seva with faith and perseverance. Gradually the base instincts will be destroyed.
Q: What thought should we always have to eradicate base instincts?
Swamishri: That I am doing seva to please God and His Sadhu. By doing seva one’s base instincts are dissolved. We don’t even realise this but they get less and less. The rope that pulls a bucket of water from a well, through time, cuts the stone it rubs. It even creates a furrow in a piece of iron. So one should endeavour with the resolve to please God and His Sadhu. When the goal in seva is to please Him then God and His Sadhu will look after everything else. We should leave it to them. They have dissolved the base instincts of so many; and this is their glory and greatness.
Q: May our faith remain steadfast and without faults, and let not our minds waver.
Swamishri: Keep doing seva and do not allow it to fade. Then Maharaj, Swami and Yogiji Maharaj will take care of you.
19 October 2003, Gondal
Free for A Child
A young boy called Yogi asked Swamishri, “Bapa, you are always busy all day. When are you free?”
“Do you see me free during the day?” Swamishri asked lovingly.
“No. But I would like you to say yes or no,” Yogi insisted.
“Whenever you come I’m free,” Swamishri replied.
“When you are free what do you think about?” Yogi enquired.
“I chant God’s name, do bhajan, write letters and bless the devotees.”
Then Yogi offered a donation to Thakorji. Swamishri blessed him and instructed, “Study well. Do not fall into the habit of addictions. Serve your parents. And do satsang.”
Swamishri gave prasad and blessed Yogi.
11 November 2003, Bochasan
A young boy called Yogi asked Swamishri, “Bapa, you are always busy all day. When are you free?”
“Do you see me free during the day?” Swamishri asked lovingly.
“No. But I would like you to say yes or no,” Yogi insisted.
“Whenever you come I’m free,” Swamishri replied.
“When you are free what do you think about?” Yogi enquired.
“I chant God’s name, do bhajan, write letters and bless the devotees.”
Then Yogi offered a donation to Thakorji. Swamishri blessed him and instructed, “Study well. Do not fall into the habit of addictions. Serve your parents. And do satsang.”
Swamishri gave prasad and blessed Yogi.
11 November 2003, Bochasan
Positive NEWS
K.R. Shreenivas, bureau chief of an English daily, came for Swamishri’s darshan and blessings.
Shreenivas said, “I only want to write good things and do good things in my life.”
Swamishri was pleased by his sentiments and added, “By giving good things people will experience peace. Otherwise, misunderstandings arise in people. Write on religious and social things so that they are inspired. No matter what type of news one gets, one must think about what and how to write them. One should not print news that create unrest and agitation in people. One must see as to how peace can be maintained.”
Shreenivas, “We want to do that.”
Swamishri reiterated, “No matter what news you get, they should be written in such a fashion that they do not create misunderstandings and anger in the public, but inspire peace.”
Shreenivas said, “It is our aim to print everything positive so that everyone enjoys it.”
Swamishri commented, “Yes, that’s right. So that there will be joy in people, peace in society and the country, and peace among religions.”
Shreenivas continued, “We print articles to inspire progress in others.”
Swamishri said, “A person’s duty is to see how his country can progress. To inspire others is his work. If there is agitation or strife then there can be no progress.”
Swamishri’s message of positive reporting for peace and progress in people and the country are needed in our conflicting and trouble-filled times.
23 December 2003, Bangalore
K.R. Shreenivas, bureau chief of an English daily, came for Swamishri’s darshan and blessings.
Shreenivas said, “I only want to write good things and do good things in my life.”
Swamishri was pleased by his sentiments and added, “By giving good things people will experience peace. Otherwise, misunderstandings arise in people. Write on religious and social things so that they are inspired. No matter what type of news one gets, one must think about what and how to write them. One should not print news that create unrest and agitation in people. One must see as to how peace can be maintained.”
Shreenivas, “We want to do that.”
Swamishri reiterated, “No matter what news you get, they should be written in such a fashion that they do not create misunderstandings and anger in the public, but inspire peace.”
Shreenivas said, “It is our aim to print everything positive so that everyone enjoys it.”
Swamishri commented, “Yes, that’s right. So that there will be joy in people, peace in society and the country, and peace among religions.”
Shreenivas continued, “We print articles to inspire progress in others.”
Swamishri said, “A person’s duty is to see how his country can progress. To inspire others is his work. If there is agitation or strife then there can be no progress.”
Swamishri’s message of positive reporting for peace and progress in people and the country are needed in our conflicting and trouble-filled times.
23 December 2003, Bangalore
No to Meat-Eating
A youth of about 32 years old came to meet Swamishri. After an introductory conversation, Swamishri enquired, “Do you take any drinks?”
“Only sometimes,” the youth replied hesitatingly.
“Does sometimes mean taking it once or twice every month or two? This means that if you can go without it for a month, then you can do without having it at all. And, do you eat meat?”
“Not at home. But when I am out, yes.”
Swamishri explained, “One should never take it, because animals should not be killed. Let others live. It is our right to help others live, but not to kill. If someone were to kill our kids, how painful it would be for us. There are millions who are vegetarians. They are strong and healthy.
“In the west, people start eating meat by seeing others doing it. But one should have the humanitarian virtue of compassion. If someone is dying, God has given us the virtue to save it. By killing something to live is like living by taking another’s money and land. If you do not eat meat, then you’ll be able to live peacefully. Make an effort to give it up.
“If someone gave you poison, would you take it! Even if someone gave you a million rupees, would you take it! You will throw him out. Similarly, if you believe it to be poison then you will not eat it.”
Finally Swamishri told the youth to pray daily.
16 January 2004, Mumbai
A youth of about 32 years old came to meet Swamishri. After an introductory conversation, Swamishri enquired, “Do you take any drinks?”
“Only sometimes,” the youth replied hesitatingly.
“Does sometimes mean taking it once or twice every month or two? This means that if you can go without it for a month, then you can do without having it at all. And, do you eat meat?”
“Not at home. But when I am out, yes.”
Swamishri explained, “One should never take it, because animals should not be killed. Let others live. It is our right to help others live, but not to kill. If someone were to kill our kids, how painful it would be for us. There are millions who are vegetarians. They are strong and healthy.
“In the west, people start eating meat by seeing others doing it. But one should have the humanitarian virtue of compassion. If someone is dying, God has given us the virtue to save it. By killing something to live is like living by taking another’s money and land. If you do not eat meat, then you’ll be able to live peacefully. Make an effort to give it up.
“If someone gave you poison, would you take it! Even if someone gave you a million rupees, would you take it! You will throw him out. Similarly, if you believe it to be poison then you will not eat it.”
Finally Swamishri told the youth to pray daily.
16 January 2004, Mumbai
Time Management
At 5.50 p.m. Swamishri completed his evening walk and yogasans in the mandir. Thereafter, he was informed about his scheduled 6.30 p.m. arrival for the welcome assembly in the mandir hall. During the interim period Swamishri decided upon finishing his correspondence. As he was about to take paper and pen, an attendant sadhu arrived and asked Swamishri whether he had time to meet Han Kop, a devotee, now or later. Swamishri said that he would meet him and write the letter during the assembly.
When Han Kop and Martin arrived, an attendant sadhu said, “Han Kop was very happy on reading the blessings you had written in his newly purchased copy of the Vachanamrut.” Swamishri had written, “By reading the Vachanamrut one will get the essence of all shastras. Read one Vachanamrut daily and one will realise the knowledge of atma and Paramatma and experience peace. With blessings.”
After spending twenty minutes with Han Kop, Swamishri got up to go to the assembly. When Swamishri came out of his room it was 6.10 p.m. On his way to Thakorji’s darshan, the resident sadhu looking after the kitchen arrangement informed Swamishri about the food items for dinner for the devotees. Along the way Swamishri acknowledged the presence of youths. On reaching Thakorji, Swamishri engaged himself in darshan. Thereafter, on seeing a youth, Swamishri told him that his father had informed him about his problem during their flight to London and blessed him that everything would turn out well.
After descending to the ground floor, Swamishri passed by the exhibition, ‘Understanding Hinduism’. A volunteer devotee said, “Bapa, I request you to visit the exhibition.” Swamishri replied calmly, “I have to reach the assembly now. I shall come later.” Swamishri arrived in the haveli foyer and by the main entrance to the assembly hall before time. It was 6.25 p.m.
Swamishri’s time management was simply amazing. Despite the time restraint, Swamishri executed his work without creating an air of business, tension, noise or disrespect towards anyone.
24 April 2004, London
At 5.50 p.m. Swamishri completed his evening walk and yogasans in the mandir. Thereafter, he was informed about his scheduled 6.30 p.m. arrival for the welcome assembly in the mandir hall. During the interim period Swamishri decided upon finishing his correspondence. As he was about to take paper and pen, an attendant sadhu arrived and asked Swamishri whether he had time to meet Han Kop, a devotee, now or later. Swamishri said that he would meet him and write the letter during the assembly.
When Han Kop and Martin arrived, an attendant sadhu said, “Han Kop was very happy on reading the blessings you had written in his newly purchased copy of the Vachanamrut.” Swamishri had written, “By reading the Vachanamrut one will get the essence of all shastras. Read one Vachanamrut daily and one will realise the knowledge of atma and Paramatma and experience peace. With blessings.”
After spending twenty minutes with Han Kop, Swamishri got up to go to the assembly. When Swamishri came out of his room it was 6.10 p.m. On his way to Thakorji’s darshan, the resident sadhu looking after the kitchen arrangement informed Swamishri about the food items for dinner for the devotees. Along the way Swamishri acknowledged the presence of youths. On reaching Thakorji, Swamishri engaged himself in darshan. Thereafter, on seeing a youth, Swamishri told him that his father had informed him about his problem during their flight to London and blessed him that everything would turn out well.
After descending to the ground floor, Swamishri passed by the exhibition, ‘Understanding Hinduism’. A volunteer devotee said, “Bapa, I request you to visit the exhibition.” Swamishri replied calmly, “I have to reach the assembly now. I shall come later.” Swamishri arrived in the haveli foyer and by the main entrance to the assembly hall before time. It was 6.25 p.m.
Swamishri’s time management was simply amazing. Despite the time restraint, Swamishri executed his work without creating an air of business, tension, noise or disrespect towards anyone.
24 April 2004, London