Gadhadã I 43 · Vachanamrut · Swaminarayan Scriptures

The Four Types Of Mukti

In the Samvat year 1876, on the evening of Mahã sud 7 [22nd January, 1820], Shreeji Mahãrãj was sitting on a decorated bedstead on the veranda outside the east-facing rooms of Dãdã Khãchar’s darbãr in Gadhadã. He had tied a white pãgh around His head. He had covered Himself with a white chãdar and was wearing a white khes as well. Tassels of yellow flowers were dangling from His pãgh, and garlands of yellow flowers adorned His neck. Also, bunches of yellow flowers had been placed above both of His ears. A sabhã of munis, as well as haribhaktas from various places, had gathered before Him.

Looking at all the bhaktas with a compassionate gaze, Shreeji Mahãrãj said, “I wish to ask a question, so please listen.” He then began, “The Shreemad Bhãgvat Purãn states, ‘Those who are bhaktas of Bhagvãn do not desire any of the four types of mukti’. Other great bhaktas of Bhagvãn also say, ‘Bhaktas of Bhagvãn do not wish for the four types of mukti’. What are the four types of mukti? The first type is to reside in the dhãm of Bhagvãn; the second type is to stay near Bhagvãn; the third type is to assume a svarup similar to Bhagvãn; and the forth type is to attain powers similar to Bhagvãn. These are the four types of mukti. A bhakta of Bhagvãn does not wish for any of these. Instead he only wishes to serve Bhagvãn. Now, my question is, ‘Why does that bhakta not wish for the four types of mukti?’ Please answer according to your ability.”

All the paramhans attempted to answer the question, but were unable to do so adequately.

Then, Shreeji Mahãrãj said, “Here, I shall answer the question. A person who maintains a desire for the four types of mukti after becoming a bhakta of Bhagvãn is known as a ‘sakãm bhakta’. In contrast, a person who has no desires regarding the four types of mukti, and who only desires to serve Bhagvãn, is known as a ‘nishkãm bhakta’. In fact, the Shreemad Bhãgvat states: mat-sevaya prateetam cha sãlokyãdi chatushtayam nechhanti sevaya puranahã krutonyat-kãlaviplutam If those who are only fulfilled by serving me do not desire the four types of mukti, such as a place in my dhãm, which are attained by serving me – then why would they desire anything that is ultimately perishable? sãlokya sãrshti sãmeepya sãrupyaika-tvamapyut deeyamãnam na gruhnanti vinã mat-sevanam janãhã Even if granted a place in my dhãm, powers similar to mine, my closeness, a svarup similar to mine, or oneness with me, nishkãm bhaktas would not accept them without my sevã.

“This means that a nishkãm bhakta of Bhagvãn does not wish for the four types of mukti, if the sevã of Bhagvãn is not included. He only wishes to serve Bhagvãn. In turn, Bhagvãn keeps this nishkãm bhakta in His own sevã. Bhagvãn also insists on granting such a bhakta with His divine powers and bliss, even though the bhakta does not wish for them. Kapil-Dev Bhagvãn has also said: atho vibhutim mama mãyã-vinastã-maishvaryam-ashtãngama-nupravruttam shriyam bhagavateem va spruhayanti bhadram parasya me teshnuvate tu loke Even though my nishkãm bhaktas have no wish for the material wealth of the loks up to and including the lok of Brahmã, for the eight extraordinary powers, or for the auspicious wealth of Bhagvãn, they still enjoy all these in my dhãm.

“In the Geetã, such a nishkãm bhakta has been referred to as a bhakta with gnãn. A sakãm bhakta, on the other hand, has been referred to as materialistic. Therefore, a bhakta should not wish for anything except the sevã of Bhagvãn. After all, wishing for anything other than the sevã of Bhagvãn is considered to be a flaw. It should be overcome by extreme association with the nishkãm ekãntik bhakta of Bhagvãn.” || End of Vachanãmrut Gadhadã I || 43 || 43 ||