For One's Liberation One should Not Hold a Grudge Against a Bhakta of God
“Moreover, even if one’s wife, son or other family members are unworthy, and even if they are immoral and vile, in no way would one perceive flaws in them. Conversely, even if the Bhakta of God possesses every noble virtue, if he were to utter even a few harsh words, then one would hold a grudge against him for as long as one lives. If a person has such an attitude, then in no way can he be said to have as much affection for the Bhakta of God as he does for his relatives. Consequently, he would not attain liberation.”
[Gadhadã II-59]
“Moreover, even if one’s wife, son or other family members are unworthy, and even if they are immoral and vile, in no way would one perceive flaws in them. Conversely, even if the Bhakta of God possesses every noble virtue, if he were to utter even a few harsh words, then one would hold a grudge against him for as long as one lives. If a person has such an attitude, then in no way can he be said to have as much affection for the Bhakta of God as he does for his relatives. Consequently, he would not attain liberation.”
[Gadhadã II-59]
On this day in 2012, Bapa announced to the Sadguru Santo that Mahant Swāmi Maharaj was the next Guru of our Sanstha.
1985 20 July
Pramukh Swami Maharaj honoured in Suvarna Tula Mahotsav, QPR Stadium, London.
1991 20 July
Pramukh Swami Maharaj honoured in Platinum Tula Mahotsav, Edison, New Jersey.
Pramukh Swami Maharaj honoured in Suvarna Tula Mahotsav, QPR Stadium, London.
1991 20 July
Pramukh Swami Maharaj honoured in Platinum Tula Mahotsav, Edison, New Jersey.
The Redeeming Hand
Prior to his morning puja, Swamishri was shown a small exhibition panel prepared by kishores and kishoris. Chirag briefly explained the panel and showed a card saying, 'Swami, this is the hand of a kishore surrounded by a windstorm. Here, from the top is the outstretched hand of the Satpurush. It means that the kishore is in the midst of a storm of problems and worldly attractions and the Guru stretches his hand to redeem him.' Swami stretched his hand and shook it with Chirag's, saying, 'In this way you hold on to the Satpurush's hand.' Vandan, a child, was standing nearby. Swamishri also shook his hands with him and said, 'You too also hold on. At least you will not get strayed!' As Swamishri went ahead towards the mandir hall he saw a few youths. There too, Swamishri shook his hands with them. The Satpurush always lends his hand to support and redeem us.
Prior to his morning puja, Swamishri was shown a small exhibition panel prepared by kishores and kishoris. Chirag briefly explained the panel and showed a card saying, 'Swami, this is the hand of a kishore surrounded by a windstorm. Here, from the top is the outstretched hand of the Satpurush. It means that the kishore is in the midst of a storm of problems and worldly attractions and the Guru stretches his hand to redeem him.' Swami stretched his hand and shook it with Chirag's, saying, 'In this way you hold on to the Satpurush's hand.' Vandan, a child, was standing nearby. Swamishri also shook his hands with him and said, 'You too also hold on. At least you will not get strayed!' As Swamishri went ahead towards the mandir hall he saw a few youths. There too, Swamishri shook his hands with them. The Satpurush always lends his hand to support and redeem us.
Devotion to Thakorji
Today, after his morning puja Swamishri came for Thakorji's darshan at the mandir. He asked for the mattress to be laid. The attendant sadhus were surprised as to why Swamishri wished to perform prostrations. It was not Ekadashi and nor was he taking leave - two occasions when Swamishri offers prostrations before God. When Swamishri was asked, he remained silent. After performing the prostrations Swamishri said, 'Because the Hindola Festival has started today.' Despite Swamishri's old age, he always grasps the opportunity of offering devotion to Thakorji in any form.
Today, after his morning puja Swamishri came for Thakorji's darshan at the mandir. He asked for the mattress to be laid. The attendant sadhus were surprised as to why Swamishri wished to perform prostrations. It was not Ekadashi and nor was he taking leave - two occasions when Swamishri offers prostrations before God. When Swamishri was asked, he remained silent. After performing the prostrations Swamishri said, 'Because the Hindola Festival has started today.' Despite Swamishri's old age, he always grasps the opportunity of offering devotion to Thakorji in any form.
True progress
While Swamishri was on his way to perform his morning puja, several fat APC students joked, “We progress immensely at APC.” Swamishri asked in response, “Yes, do progress. But in what?” With these words Swamishri proceeded to the mandir hall to do his puja. On returning after his puja, Swamishri explained the meaning of progress to the same students, “Firstly, it is very important to obey niyams. Then, after completing your studies, whether you live here or go abroad, you must not allow any type of addiction in your life. Don’t do anything that is wrong. Do bhajan regularly. Remember Maharaj routinely. Practice the principles of satsang and inspire them in others too. And whatever you’re gained here through satsang teach it to others. After coming into satsang true progress lies in advancing ahead.” Swamishri revealed the essence of true progress to the youths.
While Swamishri was on his way to perform his morning puja, several fat APC students joked, “We progress immensely at APC.” Swamishri asked in response, “Yes, do progress. But in what?” With these words Swamishri proceeded to the mandir hall to do his puja. On returning after his puja, Swamishri explained the meaning of progress to the same students, “Firstly, it is very important to obey niyams. Then, after completing your studies, whether you live here or go abroad, you must not allow any type of addiction in your life. Don’t do anything that is wrong. Do bhajan regularly. Remember Maharaj routinely. Practice the principles of satsang and inspire them in others too. And whatever you’re gained here through satsang teach it to others. After coming into satsang true progress lies in advancing ahead.” Swamishri revealed the essence of true progress to the youths.
Faith in God
In a telephone conversation with Swamishri a devotee asked for guidance, “My relative’s daughter likes a boy and wishes to marry him. The boy too has agreed. But the astrologer has forecasted that their marriage will break up after three months. What should we do?”Swamishri blessed the devotee, “Since you have firm faith in Shriji Maharaj chant the Janmangal paath five times every day. Any obstacle will be resolved. Everything will work out well. Chant Swaminarayan namaha, Sahajanandaya namaha. Have faith and trust and proceed ahead with their engagement and marriage.”
Swamishri liberates devotees from obstacles by virtue of their firm faith in and prayers to God.
In a telephone conversation with Swamishri a devotee asked for guidance, “My relative’s daughter likes a boy and wishes to marry him. The boy too has agreed. But the astrologer has forecasted that their marriage will break up after three months. What should we do?”Swamishri blessed the devotee, “Since you have firm faith in Shriji Maharaj chant the Janmangal paath five times every day. Any obstacle will be resolved. Everything will work out well. Chant Swaminarayan namaha, Sahajanandaya namaha. Have faith and trust and proceed ahead with their engagement and marriage.”
Swamishri liberates devotees from obstacles by virtue of their firm faith in and prayers to God.
Faith in god and guru
Prior to his afternoon rest Swamishri takes his routine rounds in his room. Yogicharan Swami, who takes care of Swamishri’s health needs, explained the meaning of ‘sure-footed’.
He said, “Whatever some people do in life they do it properly. They never retreat or flinch from an act because they make decisions after due thought and with foresight. For example, when Shastriji Maharaj appointed you as president of BAPS he said he has never regretted any decision he had made so far. Similarly, it is the same with you. Looking at your work and effort you have travelled vigorously for the benefit of all. You have visited so many villages but never ever have you stumbled in your stride. The same applies to the decisions you make.”
“It is all due to Yogi Bapa’s wish,” Swamishri said instantly.
The attendant added, “Only once in L.A., your toe nail turned black when a door banged into it because of a boy’s error.”
“Such things happen in a physical body,” Swamishri replied casually.
“In comparison to other 90-year-olds your health is fine,” Yogicharan Swami praised.
“Yes, it is due to God’s grace.”
“Keep yourself well for more years to come,” Narayancharan Swami prayed.
“That is not in my hands. Everything is in God’s hands,” Swamishri replied.
Swamishri’s conversation reflects his absolute devotion, faith, and focus on Bhagwan Swaminarayan and his gurus.
Prior to his afternoon rest Swamishri takes his routine rounds in his room. Yogicharan Swami, who takes care of Swamishri’s health needs, explained the meaning of ‘sure-footed’.
He said, “Whatever some people do in life they do it properly. They never retreat or flinch from an act because they make decisions after due thought and with foresight. For example, when Shastriji Maharaj appointed you as president of BAPS he said he has never regretted any decision he had made so far. Similarly, it is the same with you. Looking at your work and effort you have travelled vigorously for the benefit of all. You have visited so many villages but never ever have you stumbled in your stride. The same applies to the decisions you make.”
“It is all due to Yogi Bapa’s wish,” Swamishri said instantly.
The attendant added, “Only once in L.A., your toe nail turned black when a door banged into it because of a boy’s error.”
“Such things happen in a physical body,” Swamishri replied casually.
“In comparison to other 90-year-olds your health is fine,” Yogicharan Swami praised.
“Yes, it is due to God’s grace.”
“Keep yourself well for more years to come,” Narayancharan Swami prayed.
“That is not in my hands. Everything is in God’s hands,” Swamishri replied.
Swamishri’s conversation reflects his absolute devotion, faith, and focus on Bhagwan Swaminarayan and his gurus.
What Extremely Pleases God?
Then Swayamprakãshãnand Swãmi asked, “Mahãrãj, by which means is God extremely pleased?”
Shriji Maharaj replied, 'If a devotee who once had only 20 kilograms of grains in his house were to attain the sovereignty of a village, or the sovereignty of five villages, or the sovereignty of 50 villages or the sovereignty of 100 villages, or even the sovereignty of the entire earth; and if, after this, he remains just as loving and humble with the sant as he previously was when he was poor and submissive; and if he remains just as humble even if he were to attain the kingdom of Indralok and Brahmalok, then God would be extremely pleased upon him.'
[Gadhadã II-25]
Then Swayamprakãshãnand Swãmi asked, “Mahãrãj, by which means is God extremely pleased?”
Shriji Maharaj replied, 'If a devotee who once had only 20 kilograms of grains in his house were to attain the sovereignty of a village, or the sovereignty of five villages, or the sovereignty of 50 villages or the sovereignty of 100 villages, or even the sovereignty of the entire earth; and if, after this, he remains just as loving and humble with the sant as he previously was when he was poor and submissive; and if he remains just as humble even if he were to attain the kingdom of Indralok and Brahmalok, then God would be extremely pleased upon him.'
[Gadhadã II-25]
Key to resolving worldy desires
An aspirant requested Swamishri, “Bless me that my inner faults and nature get dissolved.” Swamishri replied briefly, “Read the Vachanamrut and Swamini Vato daily.”
An aspirant requested Swamishri, “Bless me that my inner faults and nature get dissolved.” Swamishri replied briefly, “Read the Vachanamrut and Swamini Vato daily.”
Faith and bhajan
Swamishri was reading a fax from a devotee in America: Since the last eight years he had being going through severe trials at work, business and in other areas of life. He was facing a financial crisis. Physically and mentally he was going through one torturous problem after another. Swamishri was moved and said, “He is going through a severe test!” He blessed him, “It has pained me to know that you are facing problems in your business and personal life. You and your entire family have firm faith, understanding and satsang. Devotees of the past had unshaking refuge in God, yet they had to go through obstacles and suffering. So, be patient and do bhajan. Shriji Maharaj is the all-doer, and whatever he does is for your good. Maharaj will do good for you.” Swamishri sympathized with him and consolidated his patience and spiritual faith.
Swamishri was reading a fax from a devotee in America: Since the last eight years he had being going through severe trials at work, business and in other areas of life. He was facing a financial crisis. Physically and mentally he was going through one torturous problem after another. Swamishri was moved and said, “He is going through a severe test!” He blessed him, “It has pained me to know that you are facing problems in your business and personal life. You and your entire family have firm faith, understanding and satsang. Devotees of the past had unshaking refuge in God, yet they had to go through obstacles and suffering. So, be patient and do bhajan. Shriji Maharaj is the all-doer, and whatever he does is for your good. Maharaj will do good for you.” Swamishri sympathized with him and consolidated his patience and spiritual faith.