Listen, all of good understanding: thus spoke the Lord with feeling. Hearing this, Muktanandji then told his own account, saying:
"We too worship Shri KrishnaKrishna1) An avatãr of Bhagvãn. He incarnated in the svarup of a cowherd. This is considered to be a greater avatãr than the others, as Shree Krishna possessed all of the powers of Bhagvãn, whereas other avatãrs possessed less power. Shree Krishna conveyed the message of love and humanity to the world. Also, He recited the epic poem, the Bhagvad Geetã, to Arjun in which He stated: ‘Whenever dharma declines and adharma increases, I shall incarnate myself as a human to save the holy, to destroy the sin of the sinner, and to establish dharma. I come into being from yug to yug’. 2) In the Vachanãmrut, Shreeji Mahãrãj also uses the name “Shree Krishna” to describe Bhagvãn Purushottam Nãrãyan.Tap to open in glossary →, the Lord God, with devotion. By our guruguruA teacher. He will guide you on the path of kalyãn.Tap to open in glossary →'s grace, we behold him in his very form.
That guruguruA teacher. He will guide you on the path of kalyãn.Tap to open in glossary →, Ramanandji, is the incarnation of Uddhav, truly fit to be the refuge of seekers of liberation.
By his grace, people behold the abode of Goloka and other divine realms; they behold Shyam, the flute-bearing Shri KrishnaKrishna1) An avatãr of Bhagvãn. He incarnated in the svarup of a cowherd. This is considered to be a greater avatãr than the others, as Shree Krishna possessed all of the powers of Bhagvãn, whereas other avatãrs possessed less power. Shree Krishna conveyed the message of love and humanity to the world. Also, He recited the epic poem, the Bhagvad Geetã, to Arjun in which He stated: ‘Whenever dharma declines and adharma increases, I shall incarnate myself as a human to save the holy, to destroy the sin of the sinner, and to establish dharma. I come into being from yug to yug’. 2) In the Vachanãmrut, Shreeji Mahãrãj also uses the name “Shree Krishna” to describe Bhagvãn Purushottam Nãrãyan.Tap to open in glossary →, in samadhi.
I have told you of others' experience; but you yourself behold him directly. He is surely under your command - there is no doubt in this matter.
And do not think of Ramanandji and Shri KrishnaKrishna1) An avatãr of Bhagvãn. He incarnated in the svarup of a cowherd. This is considered to be a greater avatãr than the others, as Shree Krishna possessed all of the powers of Bhagvãn, whereas other avatãrs possessed less power. Shree Krishna conveyed the message of love and humanity to the world. Also, He recited the epic poem, the Bhagvad Geetã, to Arjun in which He stated: ‘Whenever dharma declines and adharma increases, I shall incarnate myself as a human to save the holy, to destroy the sin of the sinner, and to establish dharma. I come into being from yug to yug’. 2) In the Vachanãmrut, Shreeji Mahãrãj also uses the name “Shree Krishna” to describe Bhagvãn Purushottam Nãrãyan.Tap to open in glossary → as separate; know their vision to be one and the same. For the welfare of souls, KrishnaKrishna1) An avatãr of Bhagvãn. He incarnated in the svarup of a cowherd. This is considered to be a greater avatãr than the others, as Shree Krishna possessed all of the powers of Bhagvãn, whereas other avatãrs possessed less power. Shree Krishna conveyed the message of love and humanity to the world. Also, He recited the epic poem, the Bhagvad Geetã, to Arjun in which He stated: ‘Whenever dharma declines and adharma increases, I shall incarnate myself as a human to save the holy, to destroy the sin of the sinner, and to establish dharma. I come into being from yug to yug’. 2) In the Vachanãmrut, Shreeji Mahãrãj also uses the name “Shree Krishna” to describe Bhagvãn Purushottam Nãrãyan.Tap to open in glossary → himself remains present today in him.
There is no other guruguruA teacher. He will guide you on the path of kalyãn.Tap to open in glossary → but Uddhav - this is stated in the Bhagavatam itself. When Uddhav wished to leave this world, KrishnaKrishna1) An avatãr of Bhagvãn. He incarnated in the svarup of a cowherd. This is considered to be a greater avatãr than the others, as Shree Krishna possessed all of the powers of Bhagvãn, whereas other avatãrs possessed less power. Shree Krishna conveyed the message of love and humanity to the world. Also, He recited the epic poem, the Bhagvad Geetã, to Arjun in which He stated: ‘Whenever dharma declines and adharma increases, I shall incarnate myself as a human to save the holy, to destroy the sin of the sinner, and to establish dharma. I come into being from yug to yug’. 2) In the Vachanãmrut, Shreeji Mahãrãj also uses the name “Shree Krishna” to describe Bhagvãn Purushottam Nãrãyan.Tap to open in glossary → Maharaj reflected:
'To whom shall I give my knowledge? Whom shall I establish as the teacher of this knowledge?' Looking about, he saw only Uddhavji, and gave him this knowledge with full discernment,
saying, 'I consider Uddhav to be my very own soul, no less than myself in even the smallest measure.' Saying this, having given Uddhav this knowledge, he then vanished from sight.
That very Uddhav is this Ramanand; we are his ascetic followers, performing devotion to Shri KrishnaKrishna1) An avatãr of Bhagvãn. He incarnated in the svarup of a cowherd. This is considered to be a greater avatãr than the others, as Shree Krishna possessed all of the powers of Bhagvãn, whereas other avatãrs possessed less power. Shree Krishna conveyed the message of love and humanity to the world. Also, He recited the epic poem, the Bhagvad Geetã, to Arjun in which He stated: ‘Whenever dharma declines and adharma increases, I shall incarnate myself as a human to save the holy, to destroy the sin of the sinner, and to establish dharma. I come into being from yug to yug’. 2) In the Vachanãmrut, Shreeji Mahãrãj also uses the name “Shree Krishna” to describe Bhagvãn Purushottam Nãrãyan.Tap to open in glossary →" - such were the words I heard.
Hearing this account, which matched what his own father had told him, he recognized this Ramanand as indeed that very Uddhav. "When shall I meet him and attain such joy?
If I meet him, I shall ask him questions in service, and thereby KrishnaKrishna1) An avatãr of Bhagvãn. He incarnated in the svarup of a cowherd. This is considered to be a greater avatãr than the others, as Shree Krishna possessed all of the powers of Bhagvãn, whereas other avatãrs possessed less power. Shree Krishna conveyed the message of love and humanity to the world. Also, He recited the epic poem, the Bhagvad Geetã, to Arjun in which He stated: ‘Whenever dharma declines and adharma increases, I shall incarnate myself as a human to save the holy, to destroy the sin of the sinner, and to establish dharma. I come into being from yug to yug’. 2) In the Vachanãmrut, Shreeji Mahãrãj also uses the name “Shree Krishna” to describe Bhagvãn Purushottam Nãrãyan.Tap to open in glossary → shall become manifest to me directly." HariHariAn avatãr of Bhagvãn. He incarnated in His four-armed svarup to save an elephant from being killed by a crocodile. He cut off the crocodile’s head with His chakra.Tap to open in glossary → said to Muktanand, "Consider me as your own.
Whatever words of affection you have, speak them to me, being pleased with me, and take whatever measures will bring me to meet Swami soon."
Saying this, he told his own story, and hearing it, the sadhu spoke: "I understand you were born in a brahmin family, and have performed exceedingly severe austerities."
Then everyone said, "Blessed, blessed - you shall surely attain Swami's darshandarshanSeeing. To see with admiration and devotion. To see Bhagvãn, a sat-purush, and murtis, with inner or outer vision, with the intention of receiving their grace and blessings. By doing darshan properly a bhakta develops affection for Bhagvãn, and Bhagvãn develops affection for that bhakta. [Sãrangpur – 2].Tap to open in glossary →. Right now Swami is in the city of Bhuj, his beautiful, charming form there.
When he comes to this region, everyone shall have his darshandarshanSeeing. To see with admiration and devotion. To see Bhagvãn, a sat-purush, and murtis, with inner or outer vision, with the intention of receiving their grace and blessings. By doing darshan properly a bhakta develops affection for Bhagvãn, and Bhagvãn develops affection for that bhakta. [Sãrangpur – 2].Tap to open in glossary → at that time. Do not think of going now; accept our word and wait a while."
Hearing these words of the sadhus, he remained there, settling his mind, and served the sadhus greatly, with love, every day.
Seeing his extraordinary devotion to service, all the sadhus grew affectionate toward him. His own devotion was exceedingly abundant; even in difficulty he never abandoned dharmadharma1) Universal law or principle that 'sustains' or 'upholds' the entire world. Righteousness, morality, religion,Tap to open in glossary →.
He endured the suffering of cold, heat, and rain in his body, and hunger and thirst; beholding this, everyone was filled with wonder in their minds.
As this continued, the month of ChaitraChaitraTenth month of the Ãshãdhi Samvat year, normally falling between March and April.Tap to open in glossary → passed, and no message came from Swami. Then he grew exceedingly despondent, sighing at not having his darshandarshanSeeing. To see with admiration and devotion. To see Bhagvãn, a sat-purush, and murtis, with inner or outer vision, with the intention of receiving their grace and blessings. By doing darshan properly a bhakta develops affection for Bhagvãn, and Bhagvãn develops affection for that bhakta. [Sãrangpur – 2].Tap to open in glossary →.
Bowing his head, he said to all the sadhus, "When shall I meet Swami Ramanand? The appointed time has passed and the merciful one has not come; how unfortunate is my fate at this time."
Saying this, his eyes filled with tears, his heart sorrowful without the darshandarshanSeeing. To see with admiration and devotion. To see Bhagvãn, a sat-purush, and murtis, with inner or outer vision, with the intention of receiving their grace and blessings. By doing darshan properly a bhakta develops affection for Bhagvãn, and Bhagvãn develops affection for that bhakta. [Sãrangpur – 2].Tap to open in glossary →. As days and nights passed thus, he spoke of renunciation and detachment.
All the sadhus reflected: "How shall he remain in this world? We have never seen such detachment; witnessing his condition, we feel ashamed of our own.
When he goes to bathe, he does not return to the temple for a long while; along the way, thorns, pebbles, and obstacles - he does not see them, his gaze fixed unblinking elsewhere.
He gives no thought at all to his own body's care." Yet the merciful one, out of compassion, would say, "I behold the soul, the Lord, Maya, and Brahman within my own mind, as clearly as anything.
Nothing is hidden from me; I know it as clearly as water in my own palm. Wherever your mind wanders, that too is not unknown to me."
When HariHariAn avatãr of Bhagvãn. He incarnated in His four-armed svarup to save an elephant from being killed by a crocodile. He cut off the crocodile’s head with His chakra.Tap to open in glossary → spoke such words, all the sadhus knew them to be true. His nature remained naturally such that he held an utter aversion to women.
Even the mere scent of a woman nearby would cause him distress in his stomach. He gave up all attachment to wealth and women in body, and his renunciation was extreme in every limb.
Again and again he would say, "Why does Swami's darshandarshanSeeing. To see with admiration and devotion. To see Bhagvãn, a sat-purush, and murtis, with inner or outer vision, with the intention of receiving their grace and blessings. By doing darshan properly a bhakta develops affection for Bhagvãn, and Bhagvãn develops affection for that bhakta. [Sãrangpur – 2].Tap to open in glossary → still not happen? When I meet Swami Ramanand, then my mind shall know true joy."
He said to Muktanand, "Lord, hold meditation upon Swami; place your consciousness within mine, that I may behold the form of Shriji Swami."
Then, when the sadhu held meditation, he saw within it, together with him, the Lord God himself, and then beheld Ramanand Swami. He was overjoyed, with nothing lacking.
He beheld his lotus-red feet, with fine upward lines upon them; upon the nail of his right big toe was a line, shining with special beauty.
His chest shone like the trunk of an elephant in its grace, and his navel was exceedingly deep. The Maharaj's form was full and robust, and he beheld him wearing a white dhotidhotiAn unstitched, long piece of cloth traditionally worn by males as a lower garment. It is usually wound around the waist with one end tucked in after passing it between the legs. Also known as 'dhotiyu'.Tap to open in glossary →.
His fair-complexioned form was excellent, adorned with a large, comforting belly. Three broad folds fell there, and his chest shone like a young tamal tree.
There, a lovely line of hair shone, and about his neck rested a garland of lotuses. His arms shone like an elephant's trunk, and his palms, resting there, shone like red lotuses.
As the petals of a lotus shine, so shone the fingers of his hand; thick at the base and slender above - so I beheld all ten fingers.
His rows of nails shone abundantly, like a set of gems arranged in a row. His neck was like a conch shell, and his face shone like the full moon.
There I saw his coral-red lips, his teeth like pomegranate seeds, delightful. What more can I say of his face's beauty? His nose shone like a parrot's beak.
His large, lotus-petal eyes were filled with the essence of compassion. His eyebrows and forehead shone beautifully, marked there with the tilak of urdhva-pundraurdhva-pundraA yellow ‘U’ mark applied to the forehead made with tilak sandalwood paste, and a chãndlo of kum-kum if made in the centre. The tilak signifies Nãrãyan (Bhagvãn), and the chãndlo signifies Lakshmi. The tilak and chãndlo are applied during pujã in the morning. It must be applied everyday is it is the ãgnã of Swãminãrãyan Bhagvãn for all of His bhaktas. The tilak and chãndlo shows that a person has completely surrendered his life to Bhagvãn and has become His bhakta. Females only apply the chãndlo of kum-kum.Tap to open in glossary →.
His small, delicate ears shone, and I saw his topknot standing upon his head. He wore a white shawl over his head, pouring forth the very essence of compassion.
He looked upon me with grace, fulfilling the hopes of his own devotees. Dimples formed on both his cheeks when he smiled, and he walked with a beautiful gait.
His wooden sandals clicked as he walked, and in his hand was a blue-colored staff. Such was the charming form I beheld, an ocean of beauty, delightful and lovely."
Then the sadhus said, "This is indeed true - this is Swami Shriji himself, directly. The signs you have given match exactly what is real.
Exactly as Ramanandji's form truly is, so you have described his very nature. There is not the slightest difference between the form you beheld and his true form.
Exactly as his true form is, so you too have beheld it, Lord." Then HariHariAn avatãr of Bhagvãn. He incarnated in His four-armed svarup to save an elephant from being killed by a crocodile. He cut off the crocodile’s head with His chakra.Tap to open in glossary → spoke thus: "Listen, all sadhus gathered here:
I behold Swami Ramanandji's own body unceasingly in meditation. But only when I meet him directly shall the longing in my heart be dispelled."
Saying this, he grew despondent, and again his eyes filled with tears. Thus did the imperishable one conduct himself, and the sadhus, watching, remained in wonder,
saying, "This must be someone truly powerful; he has come for our sake. There is nothing left for him to accomplish for himself; he gives us instruction instead.
When we hold meditation, our minds barely keep awareness of body; and our minds run here and there, grasping at false objects.
But he knows the very workings of the mind; nothing at all is unknown to him. Go and consider it well among yourselves - has anyone ever seen such an embodied being?
Even searching all of Brahma's creation, none could be found; this must be the complete Brahman himself." Understanding this, the sadhus remained content, going about and having his darshandarshanSeeing. To see with admiration and devotion. To see Bhagvãn, a sat-purush, and murtis, with inner or outer vision, with the intention of receiving their grace and blessings. By doing darshan properly a bhakta develops affection for Bhagvãn, and Bhagvãn develops affection for that bhakta. [Sãrangpur – 2].Tap to open in glossary →.
As this continued, nine months passed, and then he became exceedingly despondent, saying, "Alas, what has become of me? Why has this heart not broken?
As fish out of water writhe when separated from it, so does the chest break in separation from one's beloved. The love of fish for water - in separation from their beloved, they give up their very lives.
The child of the cuckoo, after six months, gives up its body in despair, having lost hope. But nine months have now passed for me" - saying this, he grew despondent.
He said to Muktanand, "Maharaj, give me your permission - let me go for his darshandarshanSeeing. To see with admiration and devotion. To see Bhagvãn, a sat-purush, and murtis, with inner or outer vision, with the intention of receiving their grace and blessings. By doing darshan properly a bhakta develops affection for Bhagvãn, and Bhagvãn develops affection for that bhakta. [Sãrangpur – 2].Tap to open in glossary →. Consider that the appointed time you promised has now passed."
Thus in the Bhaktachintamani, composed by Nishkulanand MuniMuniSãdhu.Tap to open in glossary →, disciple of Shri Sahajanand Swami, the establisher of the exclusive path of devotion, ends the fortieth chapter, named "Question and Answer."