Holy Water
2-4-84, London: This morning Mr. Maclean, a Jamaican, came for Swami's darshan. Mr. Maclean has been in the faith for the last ten years. He was convinced when his young son, possessed by a spirit, was exorcised on drinking the holy water from 'Akshar Deri.'
'Do you come to the mandir regularly?' enquired Swamishri.
'I live very far,' he replied.
'But you do say the rosary?'
Mr. Maclean immediately took out his rosary. Swamishri sanctified his rosary by chanting the Swaminarayan mahamantra and blessed him.
2-4-84, London: This morning Mr. Maclean, a Jamaican, came for Swami's darshan. Mr. Maclean has been in the faith for the last ten years. He was convinced when his young son, possessed by a spirit, was exorcised on drinking the holy water from 'Akshar Deri.'
'Do you come to the mandir regularly?' enquired Swamishri.
'I live very far,' he replied.
'But you do say the rosary?'
Mr. Maclean immediately took out his rosary. Swamishri sanctified his rosary by chanting the Swaminarayan mahamantra and blessed him.
Jay Swaminarayan Everyone,
We are very lucky that the Satsang Diksha granth written by our beloved Guru Mahant Swami Maharaj has been translated in English.
https://www.baps.org/Publications/Books/Satsang-Diksha-1402.aspx
We are very lucky that the Satsang Diksha granth written by our beloved Guru Mahant Swami Maharaj has been translated in English.
https://www.baps.org/Publications/Books/Satsang-Diksha-1402.aspx
BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha
Satsang Diksha
BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Sanstha
Radiating Peace
3-4-84, London: At 5.40 p.m. a freelance photographer, Peter Snowden, came to take a few snaps of Swamishri.
'Would you like to ask His Holiness any questions?' a sadhu enquired.
'I am really honored to have this opportunity but I don't know what to ask! I'm a Baptist and it is a new experience for me to come to a Hindu mandir…'
Peter was captivated by Swami's presence. He couldn't hide his feelings any longer: 'Swami's eyes … They're really fascinating. His Holiness' eyes are wonderful. I've never seen such pure eyes before. I feel that the Swami sees more of me through my eyes,'
He took a few photos. Swamishri blessed him. He stepped out of the room into the hallway packed with devotees.
Peter stood for a while, shaking his head, 'It was mind-blowing. My mind was just shut up. He seems very peaceful and calm. I can't describe him. Whether my boss pays me or not, is not important but today I have gained a wonderful experience. I shall talk about this to my friends in church tomorrow.'
3-4-84, London: At 5.40 p.m. a freelance photographer, Peter Snowden, came to take a few snaps of Swamishri.
'Would you like to ask His Holiness any questions?' a sadhu enquired.
'I am really honored to have this opportunity but I don't know what to ask! I'm a Baptist and it is a new experience for me to come to a Hindu mandir…'
Peter was captivated by Swami's presence. He couldn't hide his feelings any longer: 'Swami's eyes … They're really fascinating. His Holiness' eyes are wonderful. I've never seen such pure eyes before. I feel that the Swami sees more of me through my eyes,'
He took a few photos. Swamishri blessed him. He stepped out of the room into the hallway packed with devotees.
Peter stood for a while, shaking his head, 'It was mind-blowing. My mind was just shut up. He seems very peaceful and calm. I can't describe him. Whether my boss pays me or not, is not important but today I have gained a wonderful experience. I shall talk about this to my friends in church tomorrow.'
Interview
3rd April, 1984, London: 6.45 p.m.
Charles Nevin from the Sunday Telegraph came to interview Swamishri.
Mr. Nevin: What message do you have for our people?
Pramukh Swami Maharaj: We wish people to observe spiritual and moral norms, for inner happiness, rather than crave and indulge in mundane pleasures. We pray and work for a happy, peaceful society free from addictions and vices.
Mr. Nevin: Since the 60's the West has been a host to Gurus from the East. These Gurus, a handful, have exploited their disciples and left behind an impression that Guru's are imposters. What are your views in this respect?
Pramukh Swami Maharaj: A Guru who leads his people towards gratifying their senses and deceives them into paying large amounts of money is an imposter. A bona-fide Guru promotes harmony and disciplines his disciples to moral living without an atom of personal gain.
Mr. Nevin: We are dissatisfied with our faith. What have you to offer to us?
Pramukh Swami Maharaj: The prophets of all Faiths have propagated universal principles. If we live accordingly, then there won't be room for discontentment.
Mr. Nevin: Then you have not come to convert?
Pramukh Swami Maharaj: Our objective is to consolidate the faith of people; be he a Christian, a Hindu or of any other Faith. We believe in reviving moral and spiritual ideals and not in proselytization.
Mr. Nevin: Are you confident that people will revert to God for peace and happiness?
Pramukh Swami Maharaj: I am very optimistic because this is God's mission and God will accomplish it.
Mr. Nevin: Will all the religions unite?
Pramukh Swami Maharaj: Institutional differences will remain, but God is one and so we all have a common united goal to attain.
Mr. Nevin: In your endeavors to spread God's message, don't you ever tire? Do you ever contemplate on retiring to a quiet place?
Pramukh Swami Maharaj: This is God's work and with His strength there's no question of tiring or even retiring.
3rd April, 1984, London: 6.45 p.m.
Charles Nevin from the Sunday Telegraph came to interview Swamishri.
Mr. Nevin: What message do you have for our people?
Pramukh Swami Maharaj: We wish people to observe spiritual and moral norms, for inner happiness, rather than crave and indulge in mundane pleasures. We pray and work for a happy, peaceful society free from addictions and vices.
Mr. Nevin: Since the 60's the West has been a host to Gurus from the East. These Gurus, a handful, have exploited their disciples and left behind an impression that Guru's are imposters. What are your views in this respect?
Pramukh Swami Maharaj: A Guru who leads his people towards gratifying their senses and deceives them into paying large amounts of money is an imposter. A bona-fide Guru promotes harmony and disciplines his disciples to moral living without an atom of personal gain.
Mr. Nevin: We are dissatisfied with our faith. What have you to offer to us?
Pramukh Swami Maharaj: The prophets of all Faiths have propagated universal principles. If we live accordingly, then there won't be room for discontentment.
Mr. Nevin: Then you have not come to convert?
Pramukh Swami Maharaj: Our objective is to consolidate the faith of people; be he a Christian, a Hindu or of any other Faith. We believe in reviving moral and spiritual ideals and not in proselytization.
Mr. Nevin: Are you confident that people will revert to God for peace and happiness?
Pramukh Swami Maharaj: I am very optimistic because this is God's mission and God will accomplish it.
Mr. Nevin: Will all the religions unite?
Pramukh Swami Maharaj: Institutional differences will remain, but God is one and so we all have a common united goal to attain.
Mr. Nevin: In your endeavors to spread God's message, don't you ever tire? Do you ever contemplate on retiring to a quiet place?
Pramukh Swami Maharaj: This is God's work and with His strength there's no question of tiring or even retiring.
Forgiving and Serving
Yogiji Maharaj rushed to greet what seemed an old acquaintance. He brought him into the main hall with great warmth. The Swami immediately called a couple of his disciples, 'Please get a room ready, some hot water and see to it that our guest is comfortable.' His disciples had never seen him before. They wondered whether he was an old school friend or someone very important. As the guest was shown to the room, Swami beamed with joy, but didn't utter a word about who the sadhu (from another faith) was. At four in the afternoon Swami reminded his disciples about some refreshments for the guest. And at Swami's behest the sadhu was also shown around the mandir. He was impressed and overwhelmed by the hospitality of Yogiji Maharaj.
On taking leave he humbled him self at the feet of Yogiji Maharaj. His inner emotions that had been welling up had reached a critical point. Tears clouded his eyes and his heart rained repentance and reverence for the venerable Swami. 'Swami who was this guest and why the sudden breakdown? ' asked his disciples. Swami's lips remained pursed. After a while they opened only to curl up into a blessed smile. After a lot of coaxing Swamiji finally relented: 'A few years back I was persecuted and beaten by the very same sadhu.' And then Swami smiled and refrained from saying anything more. But this was enough to describe the lofty nature of Yogiji Maharaj. 'And still you served him!' mused one of his disciples. Like the mighty trees that lend their cool shadows to persons irrespective of their nature, so too Swamiji gave refuge to the sadhu and with his love and forbearance transformed the sadhu.
Yogiji Maharaj rushed to greet what seemed an old acquaintance. He brought him into the main hall with great warmth. The Swami immediately called a couple of his disciples, 'Please get a room ready, some hot water and see to it that our guest is comfortable.' His disciples had never seen him before. They wondered whether he was an old school friend or someone very important. As the guest was shown to the room, Swami beamed with joy, but didn't utter a word about who the sadhu (from another faith) was. At four in the afternoon Swami reminded his disciples about some refreshments for the guest. And at Swami's behest the sadhu was also shown around the mandir. He was impressed and overwhelmed by the hospitality of Yogiji Maharaj.
On taking leave he humbled him self at the feet of Yogiji Maharaj. His inner emotions that had been welling up had reached a critical point. Tears clouded his eyes and his heart rained repentance and reverence for the venerable Swami. 'Swami who was this guest and why the sudden breakdown? ' asked his disciples. Swami's lips remained pursed. After a while they opened only to curl up into a blessed smile. After a lot of coaxing Swamiji finally relented: 'A few years back I was persecuted and beaten by the very same sadhu.' And then Swami smiled and refrained from saying anything more. But this was enough to describe the lofty nature of Yogiji Maharaj. 'And still you served him!' mused one of his disciples. Like the mighty trees that lend their cool shadows to persons irrespective of their nature, so too Swamiji gave refuge to the sadhu and with his love and forbearance transformed the sadhu.
Eager for Seva
During every vacation you would find groups of youths rushing to accompany Yogiji Maharaj through his village tours. Normally, vacations are spent in places where one feels most relaxed, most comfortable and gets the greatest excitement. For many youngsters, Yogiji Maharaj was the greatest relaxation, greatest comfort and greatest excitement. During one summer vacation the youths went to Gondal. Besides grooming them with spiritual wisdom Yogiji Maharaj used to engage the youths in various services from picking stones in the mandir farms to washing utensils in the kitchen.
One afternoon, Swami told the youths to wash all the plates and pots. This meant that the afternoon hour of joy and fun with Swami had gone. The boys trooped to the kitchen in half measure. Halfway through, some ladies told them that they would finish off the rest. The boys gladly gave them the opportunity of finishing the rest. The next afternoon Yogiji Maharaj walked with the group of youths towards the kitchen. The boys thought that Swami was coming to keep them company while they washed the dishes. But to their surprise Swami expressed his wish to join them.
The youths insisted that there was no need for him to join in. But the Swami remained adamant for a while, 'I can't let such a wonderful opportunity slip away. I am going to wash the pots as well.' The boys made a fervent plea. But Swami, wanting to reveal the importance of service emphasized: 'I would not give this opportunity away for even a 100,000 rupees.' In the light of their insincerity the afternoon before, the youths understood the purport of Swami's words. From then on the youths never gave up their services to others.
During every vacation you would find groups of youths rushing to accompany Yogiji Maharaj through his village tours. Normally, vacations are spent in places where one feels most relaxed, most comfortable and gets the greatest excitement. For many youngsters, Yogiji Maharaj was the greatest relaxation, greatest comfort and greatest excitement. During one summer vacation the youths went to Gondal. Besides grooming them with spiritual wisdom Yogiji Maharaj used to engage the youths in various services from picking stones in the mandir farms to washing utensils in the kitchen.
One afternoon, Swami told the youths to wash all the plates and pots. This meant that the afternoon hour of joy and fun with Swami had gone. The boys trooped to the kitchen in half measure. Halfway through, some ladies told them that they would finish off the rest. The boys gladly gave them the opportunity of finishing the rest. The next afternoon Yogiji Maharaj walked with the group of youths towards the kitchen. The boys thought that Swami was coming to keep them company while they washed the dishes. But to their surprise Swami expressed his wish to join them.
The youths insisted that there was no need for him to join in. But the Swami remained adamant for a while, 'I can't let such a wonderful opportunity slip away. I am going to wash the pots as well.' The boys made a fervent plea. But Swami, wanting to reveal the importance of service emphasized: 'I would not give this opportunity away for even a 100,000 rupees.' In the light of their insincerity the afternoon before, the youths understood the purport of Swami's words. From then on the youths never gave up their services to others.
Allegiance to God
Once, the mahant of Junagadh mandir, Gunatitanand swami, asked two devotees to collect a couple of milch cows from a neighbouring village. Khima Taliya had gifted them to the mandir dairy. The devotees collected the cows and were just leaving the village, when a lady stopped them. The lady had cared for the cows ever since their birth. She insisted that the devotees return with her to the house. Puzzled, they accompanied her, cows following. Outside the house the lady turned to the cows and addressed them, 'Oh beloved ones! Do not ever hurt anyone. Remain as obedient as ever and allow them to milk whenever needed, even outside of milking hours. You have always remained faithful to this house. Do not mar our name.' The amazed devotees then took their leave. When Swami heard this incident he said, 'Just as the lady cared for the good name of her house, we should also have respect and fidelity towards Bhagwan Swaminarayan. Some days later, in the afternoon, milk was urgently needed in the mandir. The sadhus were at a loss, for milking time was still some hours away. Swami instructed, 'Go and milk those two new cows for they have fidelity for their master.' To the surprise of all, the cows gave milk in plenty. The cows upheld the good name of their previous master. They were loyal. Does not God, and our loving Guru deserve our undivided and unyielding loyalty?
Once, the mahant of Junagadh mandir, Gunatitanand swami, asked two devotees to collect a couple of milch cows from a neighbouring village. Khima Taliya had gifted them to the mandir dairy. The devotees collected the cows and were just leaving the village, when a lady stopped them. The lady had cared for the cows ever since their birth. She insisted that the devotees return with her to the house. Puzzled, they accompanied her, cows following. Outside the house the lady turned to the cows and addressed them, 'Oh beloved ones! Do not ever hurt anyone. Remain as obedient as ever and allow them to milk whenever needed, even outside of milking hours. You have always remained faithful to this house. Do not mar our name.' The amazed devotees then took their leave. When Swami heard this incident he said, 'Just as the lady cared for the good name of her house, we should also have respect and fidelity towards Bhagwan Swaminarayan. Some days later, in the afternoon, milk was urgently needed in the mandir. The sadhus were at a loss, for milking time was still some hours away. Swami instructed, 'Go and milk those two new cows for they have fidelity for their master.' To the surprise of all, the cows gave milk in plenty. The cows upheld the good name of their previous master. They were loyal. Does not God, and our loving Guru deserve our undivided and unyielding loyalty?
How to Become Pure
16 June 1984, Cleveland, Ohio, USA.
It was about 10.30 p.m. The majority of kids in the neighborhood must have been glued to their T.V. sets this Saturday night. However, at Kanubhai's place, a group of teenagers were seated rapt in attention. They were not viewing their favorite T.V. program nor were they engaged in some game or contest. They were listening intently to the words of Swamishri: 'Our vision should never be colored by an ugly viciousness towards God or His choicest Sadhu, because he is the means to eternal redemption. A God-intoxicated Sadhu is pure and holy. And any apparent failing we see in him is merely a reflection of our inner failings. When one is ill one's appetite is subdued, a dislike for even delicious food develops. Similarly, because we are ill at heart we may see a Sadhu in the same manner. But he is pure. The more we are attached to a God-intoxicated Sadhu, accordingly, the more successful the operation for rooting out our illness will be.'
16 June 1984, Cleveland, Ohio, USA.
It was about 10.30 p.m. The majority of kids in the neighborhood must have been glued to their T.V. sets this Saturday night. However, at Kanubhai's place, a group of teenagers were seated rapt in attention. They were not viewing their favorite T.V. program nor were they engaged in some game or contest. They were listening intently to the words of Swamishri: 'Our vision should never be colored by an ugly viciousness towards God or His choicest Sadhu, because he is the means to eternal redemption. A God-intoxicated Sadhu is pure and holy. And any apparent failing we see in him is merely a reflection of our inner failings. When one is ill one's appetite is subdued, a dislike for even delicious food develops. Similarly, because we are ill at heart we may see a Sadhu in the same manner. But he is pure. The more we are attached to a God-intoxicated Sadhu, accordingly, the more successful the operation for rooting out our illness will be.'
Jai Swãminãrãyãn,
Today marks 4 years of Brahmaswarup Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s dhamgaman. While words fall short in expressing our eternal gratitude towards him, we can continue living by his agna and strengthening our jodan with Param Pujya Mahant Swami Maharaj. Let’s reflect on the abundant smruti he has given us today!
Today marks 4 years of Brahmaswarup Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s dhamgaman. While words fall short in expressing our eternal gratitude towards him, we can continue living by his agna and strengthening our jodan with Param Pujya Mahant Swami Maharaj. Let’s reflect on the abundant smruti he has given us today!
Kingdom of God
24 April 1984. London, UK.
At 11.00 this evening Swamishri stepped into the hallway for his daily walk. The devoted youths chorused the 'Chesta' (songs describing Bhagwan Swaminarayan's daily routine) in happy ringing tones for the next 25 minutes. After his walk, Swamishri lovingly asked Nainesh, a devoted youth, 'How are you?' He replied, 'I'm fine and very happy in your kingdom.' Swamishri, picking up what he had said, 'A sadhu does not have a kingdom. God is the sovereign ruler of all the universes. Remember, we are all happy in His kingdom. The more obedient we are to His commands, the more blessed we will become. The more we abide by the moral codes prescribed by Bhagwan Swaminarayan, the happier we will be.' Swamishri's poignant message was received with great enthusiasm. Even to this day many visitors to the mandir in Neasden return home impressed by the discipline and moral education of the youths.
24 April 1984. London, UK.
At 11.00 this evening Swamishri stepped into the hallway for his daily walk. The devoted youths chorused the 'Chesta' (songs describing Bhagwan Swaminarayan's daily routine) in happy ringing tones for the next 25 minutes. After his walk, Swamishri lovingly asked Nainesh, a devoted youth, 'How are you?' He replied, 'I'm fine and very happy in your kingdom.' Swamishri, picking up what he had said, 'A sadhu does not have a kingdom. God is the sovereign ruler of all the universes. Remember, we are all happy in His kingdom. The more obedient we are to His commands, the more blessed we will become. The more we abide by the moral codes prescribed by Bhagwan Swaminarayan, the happier we will be.' Swamishri's poignant message was received with great enthusiasm. Even to this day many visitors to the mandir in Neasden return home impressed by the discipline and moral education of the youths.