Gadhadã III 14

Love And Faith / The KãyasthKãyasthCommunity of people or a person born of brãhman and kshatriya parents, traditionally engaged in political affairs.Tap to open in glossary →’s Unworthy Desire

In the SamvatSamvatThe calendar established by Indian emperor Vikramaditya of Ujjain following his victory 56 BCE. It is a lunar calendar based on ancient Hindu tradition. The Vikram Samvat calendar is 56.7 years ahead of the solar Gregorian calendar. The calendar most commonly used is the Kãrtiki Samvat, which begins on the first day of Kãrtik. However, the Vachanãmrut is written using the Ashãdhi Samvat, which begins on the first day of Ãshãdh.Tap to open in glossary → year 1884, on AshãdhAshãdhFirst month of the Ãshãdhi Samvat year, normally falling between June and July.Tap to open in glossary → vadvadDark half of a Hindu lunar month in which the moon is in its waning phase. The days falling between the day after Punam up to and including Amãs. Also called krishna paksh.Tap to open in glossary → 11 [19th July 1827], Swãmi ShreeShree1) Name of Lakshmi. 2) Used before the names of Bhagvãn and devs to signify their high status.Tap to open in glossary → Sahajãnandji Mahãrãj was sitting on the veranda outside the east-facing rooms of Dãdã KhãcharDãdã KhãcharA devotee in whose residential darbar in Gadhada Swaminarayan Bhagwan stayed for extended periods; the great majority of the Vachanamrut's Gadhada-section discourses (Gadhada I, II, and III) were given there, as the text itself repeatedly records ("in Dada Khachar's darbar in Gadhada").Tap to open in glossary →’s darbãrdarbãrCourt of residence belonging to a king or ruler, traditionally with a central courtyard surrounded by rooms with balconies.Tap to open in glossary → in Gadhadã. He was dressed entirely in white clothes. Tassels of flowers were hanging from the pãghpãghTurban. Long, thin piece of cloth tied around the head.Tap to open in glossary → upon His head, and garlands of flowers were hanging around His neck. A sabhãsabhãAssembly. A group of satsangis listening to kathã or singing kirtans.Tap to open in glossary → of paramhansparamhans1) Supreme swan. A male sãdhu of the highest order,Tap to open in glossary →, as well as haribhaktas from various places, had gathered before Him. Some munis were singing kirtans.

Then, Shreeji Mahãrãj said, “Please stop the singing and begin a question-answer discussion.”

Then, Muktãnand SwãmiMuktãnand SwãmiOne of the five principal paramhansas -- along with Gopalanand Swami, Nityanand Swami, Brahmanand Swami, and Shukanand Swami -- who recorded Swaminarayan Bhagwan's discourses word for word, compiling them into the Vachanamrut. Originally a shishya of Ramanand Swami; Nilkanth Brahmachari first met him at Lojpur.Tap to open in glossary → asked with folded hands “Mahãrãj, there is nothing more essential than BhagvãnBhagvãnGod. Supreme being. Lord of all. Bhagvãn is unparalleled, omnipotent and the all-doer, omniscient, omnipresent, the ocean of all forms of bliss, does not have any attributes of Mãyã, is divine, and is always taking birth on earth for His bhaktas. Resides within the ãtmã. Also called Parbrahm, Paramãtmã, Purushottam, Krishna Nãrãyan, and Swãminãrãyan.Tap to open in glossary →; yet why does an individual not develop deep love for Him? That is the question.”

Shreeji Mahãrãj replied, “He has no wisdom. If he did have wisdom, he would think, ‘I have accepted the vow of brahm-chãryabrahm-chãryaFirst of the four stages of life, when a person fulfils his ãshram duty as a student and celibate. At the end of brahm- chãrya ashram, a person either gets married and enters grahastha ãshram, or becomes a tyãgi and enters sannyãs ãshram.Tap to open in glossary →, yet the desire to enjoy the pleasures of women still has not disappeared from my heart. That is very improper as I have invariably enjoyed the pleasures of women when I have taken birth in the 8.4 million life forms – and those pleasures have always been much greater than those experienced in a human birth’. When this jeevjeev1) That which is living. Infinite in number. Individual, embodied ãtmã still bound by Mãyã and consequently undergoing the cycle of births and deaths. The jeev is not separate the three bodies (sthul, sukshma, and kãran) and the three mental states (jãgrat, svapna, and sushupti), whereas the ãtmã is distinct from everything. 2) First of the five eternal entities (jeev, ishvar, Mãyã, and Akshar, and Parbrahm). 3) Sometimes used to mean the same as ãtmã.Tap to open in glossary → was born as a goat, it must have single-handedly indulged in the pleasures of a thousand female goats. When it took birth as a horse, or a bull, or a buffalo, or a king monkey, or indeed any other animal, it must have encountered countless young, beautiful females of its own species. This was not due to prãrabdhaprãrabdhaFate. Destiny.Tap to open in glossary →, nor was it due to BhagvãnBhagvãnGod. Supreme being. Lord of all. Bhagvãn is unparalleled, omnipotent and the all-doer, omniscient, omnipresent, the ocean of all forms of bliss, does not have any attributes of Mãyã, is divine, and is always taking birth on earth for His bhaktas. Resides within the ãtmã. Also called Parbrahm, Paramãtmã, Purushottam, Krishna Nãrãyan, and Swãminãrãyan.Tap to open in glossary →’s grace – it was only natural. Moreover, if a person does not worship BhagvãnBhagvãnGod. Supreme being. Lord of all. Bhagvãn is unparalleled, omnipotent and the all-doer, omniscient, omnipresent, the ocean of all forms of bliss, does not have any attributes of Mãyã, is divine, and is always taking birth on earth for His bhaktas. Resides within the ãtmã. Also called Parbrahm, Paramãtmã, Purushottam, Krishna Nãrãyan, and Swãminãrãyan.Tap to open in glossary →, he will obtain countless females in whichever life-form he is born in. This would not be due to the sevã or pujã of some devdevA demi-god who is given powers and responsibilities in the universe, and who lives in a higher lok. Devs are bhaktas of Bhagvãn and follow His ãgnã.Tap to open in glossary →, or to the chanting of some mantramantra1) A repeated word or phrase. 2) A sacred verbal phrase repeated in prayer, or meditation, such as ‘Swãminãrãyan’. Wicked people use mantras to cast evil curses.Tap to open in glossary →; as the opportunity of enjoying women and other pleasures is natural.

This jeevjeev1) That which is living. Infinite in number. Individual, embodied ãtmã still bound by Mãyã and consequently undergoing the cycle of births and deaths. The jeev is not separate the three bodies (sthul, sukshma, and kãran) and the three mental states (jãgrat, svapna, and sushupti), whereas the ãtmã is distinct from everything. 2) First of the five eternal entities (jeev, ishvar, Mãyã, and Akshar, and Parbrahm). 3) Sometimes used to mean the same as ãtmã.Tap to open in glossary → has become a devdevA demi-god who is given powers and responsibilities in the universe, and who lives in a higher lok. Devs are bhaktas of Bhagvãn and follow His ãgnã.Tap to open in glossary → several times, where it has enjoyed the pleasures of DevDevA demi-god who is given powers and responsibilities in the universe, and who lives in a higher lok. Devs are bhaktas of Bhagvãn and follow His ãgnã.Tap to open in glossary →-LokLokPlace. Region. World.Tap to open in glossary →; many times it has become an emperor of the world and enjoyed countless pleasures on this earth. Despites this, the jeevjeev1) That which is living. Infinite in number. Individual, embodied ãtmã still bound by Mãyã and consequently undergoing the cycle of births and deaths. The jeev is not separate the three bodies (sthul, sukshma, and kãran) and the three mental states (jãgrat, svapna, and sushupti), whereas the ãtmã is distinct from everything. 2) First of the five eternal entities (jeev, ishvar, Mãyã, and Akshar, and Parbrahm). 3) Sometimes used to mean the same as ãtmã.Tap to open in glossary →’s craving to enjoy women and other objects has still not diminished. Instead, a person feels that the pleasures of women and other objects are extremely rare and, realising their immense pleasure, develops affection for them. That affection is such that it can in no way be eradicated, however much a person tries. It is because of this sin that the jeevjeev1) That which is living. Infinite in number. Individual, embodied ãtmã still bound by Mãyã and consequently undergoing the cycle of births and deaths. The jeev is not separate the three bodies (sthul, sukshma, and kãran) and the three mental states (jãgrat, svapna, and sushupti), whereas the ãtmã is distinct from everything. 2) First of the five eternal entities (jeev, ishvar, Mãyã, and Akshar, and Parbrahm). 3) Sometimes used to mean the same as ãtmã.Tap to open in glossary → is unable to develop deep love for BhagvãnBhagvãnGod. Supreme being. Lord of all. Bhagvãn is unparalleled, omnipotent and the all-doer, omniscient, omnipresent, the ocean of all forms of bliss, does not have any attributes of Mãyã, is divine, and is always taking birth on earth for His bhaktas. Resides within the ãtmã. Also called Parbrahm, Paramãtmã, Purushottam, Krishna Nãrãyan, and Swãminãrãyan.Tap to open in glossary →.

“I have personally seen with my own eyes how the jeevjeev1) That which is living. Infinite in number. Individual, embodied ãtmã still bound by Mãyã and consequently undergoing the cycle of births and deaths. The jeev is not separate the three bodies (sthul, sukshma, and kãran) and the three mental states (jãgrat, svapna, and sushupti), whereas the ãtmã is distinct from everything. 2) First of the five eternal entities (jeev, ishvar, Mãyã, and Akshar, and Parbrahm). 3) Sometimes used to mean the same as ãtmã.Tap to open in glossary → has such impure, worldly desires. When I was young, I used to go to a mandirmandirTemple. Sacred Hindu place of worship.Tap to open in glossary → of ShivShivThe dev of destruction. Part of the trimurti. He lives in Kailas with his wife Pãrvati.Tap to open in glossary → in Ayodhyã and sleep there. One day, a KãyasthKãyasthCommunity of people or a person born of brãhman and kshatriya parents, traditionally engaged in political affairs.Tap to open in glossary → came to offer pujã to ShivShivThe dev of destruction. Part of the trimurti. He lives in Kailas with his wife Pãrvati.Tap to open in glossary → and ask for the following vardãnvardãnBlessing. Gift.Tap to open in glossary →: ‘O Mahãrãj! O Shivji! Never grant me a human birth again. In this human birth, I have taken so many aphrodisiacs, yet I have been unable to fully enjoy the pleasures of women to my satisfaction. Therefore, O Shivji! Please grant me the body of a donkey for many lives to come so that I can fully enjoy the pleasures of females without shame or restrictions’. He asked for this vardãnvardãnBlessing. Gift.Tap to open in glossary → from Shivji daily. So, because of this sin of harbouring worldly desires, the jeevjeev1) That which is living. Infinite in number. Individual, embodied ãtmã still bound by Mãyã and consequently undergoing the cycle of births and deaths. The jeev is not separate the three bodies (sthul, sukshma, and kãran) and the three mental states (jãgrat, svapna, and sushupti), whereas the ãtmã is distinct from everything. 2) First of the five eternal entities (jeev, ishvar, Mãyã, and Akshar, and Parbrahm). 3) Sometimes used to mean the same as ãtmã.Tap to open in glossary → does not develop love for BhagvãnBhagvãnGod. Supreme being. Lord of all. Bhagvãn is unparalleled, omnipotent and the all-doer, omniscient, omnipresent, the ocean of all forms of bliss, does not have any attributes of Mãyã, is divine, and is always taking birth on earth for His bhaktas. Resides within the ãtmã. Also called Parbrahm, Paramãtmã, Purushottam, Krishna Nãrãyan, and Swãminãrãyan.Tap to open in glossary → in any way.”

Muktãnand SwãmiMuktãnand SwãmiOne of the five principal paramhansas -- along with Gopalanand Swami, Nityanand Swami, Brahmanand Swami, and Shukanand Swami -- who recorded Swaminarayan Bhagwan's discourses word for word, compiling them into the Vachanamrut. Originally a shishya of Ramanand Swami; Nilkanth Brahmachari first met him at Lojpur.Tap to open in glossary → then asked further, “Mahãrãj, a person who does not have wisdom does not develop love for BhagvãnBhagvãnGod. Supreme being. Lord of all. Bhagvãn is unparalleled, omnipotent and the all-doer, omniscient, omnipresent, the ocean of all forms of bliss, does not have any attributes of Mãyã, is divine, and is always taking birth on earth for His bhaktas. Resides within the ãtmã. Also called Parbrahm, Paramãtmã, Purushottam, Krishna Nãrãyan, and Swãminãrãyan.Tap to open in glossary →. But, what about someone who believes that BhagvãnBhagvãnGod. Supreme being. Lord of all. Bhagvãn is unparalleled, omnipotent and the all-doer, omniscient, omnipresent, the ocean of all forms of bliss, does not have any attributes of Mãyã, is divine, and is always taking birth on earth for His bhaktas. Resides within the ãtmã. Also called Parbrahm, Paramãtmã, Purushottam, Krishna Nãrãyan, and Swãminãrãyan.Tap to open in glossary → is the ocean of all bliss, and that all objects other than BhagvãnBhagvãnGod. Supreme being. Lord of all. Bhagvãn is unparalleled, omnipotent and the all-doer, omniscient, omnipresent, the ocean of all forms of bliss, does not have any attributes of Mãyã, is divine, and is always taking birth on earth for His bhaktas. Resides within the ãtmã. Also called Parbrahm, Paramãtmã, Purushottam, Krishna Nãrãyan, and Swãminãrãyan.Tap to open in glossary → are certainly full of only misery? Despite knowing this, why does he not develop love for BhagvãnBhagvãnGod. Supreme being. Lord of all. Bhagvãn is unparalleled, omnipotent and the all-doer, omniscient, omnipresent, the ocean of all forms of bliss, does not have any attributes of Mãyã, is divine, and is always taking birth on earth for His bhaktas. Resides within the ãtmã. Also called Parbrahm, Paramãtmã, Purushottam, Krishna Nãrãyan, and Swãminãrãyan.Tap to open in glossary →?”

Shreeji Mahãrãj explained, “In either a past life or in this present life, that person has been influenced by extremely unpleasant deshdeshA region or place.Tap to open in glossary →, kãlkãlCause of death. A dev that remains in the ãgnã of Bhagvãn, but carries out his duties of his own free will. If Bhagvãn wishes, He may interfere with Kãl’s duties.Tap to open in glossary →, kriyãkriyãDeed. Action.Tap to open in glossary →, and sangsangCompany. Association. (pronounced sung)Tap to open in glossary →. Due to this, he has performed very intense, sinful karmas that have left impressions on his mind. Therefore, despite being able to discriminate between good and bad, he is unable to avoid the bad and develop deep love for BhagvãnBhagvãnGod. Supreme being. Lord of all. Bhagvãn is unparalleled, omnipotent and the all-doer, omniscient, omnipresent, the ocean of all forms of bliss, does not have any attributes of Mãyã, is divine, and is always taking birth on earth for His bhaktas. Resides within the ãtmã. Also called Parbrahm, Paramãtmã, Purushottam, Krishna Nãrãyan, and Swãminãrãyan.Tap to open in glossary →. Moreover, just as the influence of unpleasant deshdeshA region or place.Tap to open in glossary →, kãlkãlCause of death. A dev that remains in the ãgnã of Bhagvãn, but carries out his duties of his own free will. If Bhagvãn wishes, He may interfere with Kãl’s duties.Tap to open in glossary →, kriyãkriyãDeed. Action.Tap to open in glossary →, and sangsangCompany. Association. (pronounced sung)Tap to open in glossary → causes the impressions of sinful karmas to influence the mind, similarly, the influence of extremely pleasant deshdeshA region or place.Tap to open in glossary →, kãlkãlCause of death. A dev that remains in the ãgnã of Bhagvãn, but carries out his duties of his own free will. If Bhagvãn wishes, He may interfere with Kãl’s duties.Tap to open in glossary →, kriyãkriyãDeed. Action.Tap to open in glossary →, and sangsangCompany. Association. (pronounced sung)Tap to open in glossary → causes a person to perform very intense, pure karmas. The influence of these pure karmas will destroy the very intense, sinful karmas. Only then does a person develop deep love for BhagvãnBhagvãnGod. Supreme being. Lord of all. Bhagvãn is unparalleled, omnipotent and the all-doer, omniscient, omnipresent, the ocean of all forms of bliss, does not have any attributes of Mãyã, is divine, and is always taking birth on earth for His bhaktas. Resides within the ãtmã. Also called Parbrahm, Paramãtmã, Purushottam, Krishna Nãrãyan, and Swãminãrãyan.Tap to open in glossary →. That is the answer to the question.”

Then, AyodhyãprasãdjiAyodhyãprasãdjiAdopted by Swaminarayan Bhagwan from His elder brother Rampratapji; became the first Acharya of the Nar-Narayan Dev Gadi at Amdavad (Ahmedabad), one of the Sampraday's two hereditary acharya lineages.Tap to open in glossary → asked, “Suppose there is a person who is very intelligent, and whose knowledge of the shãstras is also exceptional. On the other hand, there is a person who is not so intelligent and who has a limited understanding of the shãstras. Nevertheless, the person who is very intelligent falls from satsangsatsang1) True company. The practice of associating with Bhagvãn’s sant, other satsangis, the ãtmã, and the sacred shãstras, and also observing vartmãns and niyams. 2) Also refers to the sampradãy, which is the presence of good company.Tap to open in glossary →, whereas a person who is not intelligent remains firm in satsangsatsang1) True company. The practice of associating with Bhagvãn’s sant, other satsangis, the ãtmã, and the sacred shãstras, and also observing vartmãns and niyams. 2) Also refers to the sampradãy, which is the presence of good company.Tap to open in glossary →. What is the reason for this?”

Shreeji Mahãrãj answered, “There are two types of people in this world: religious and demonic. Of these, those who are demonic will fall from satsangsatsang1) True company. The practice of associating with Bhagvãn’s sant, other satsangis, the ãtmã, and the sacred shãstras, and also observing vartmãns and niyams. 2) Also refers to the sampradãy, which is the presence of good company.Tap to open in glossary →, despite being exceptionally intelligent; whereas those who are religious will never fall from satsangsatsang1) True company. The practice of associating with Bhagvãn’s sant, other satsangis, the ãtmã, and the sacred shãstras, and also observing vartmãns and niyams. 2) Also refers to the sampradãy, which is the presence of good company.Tap to open in glossary →, even though they may not be intelligent. For example, if a person sows a seed of chilli or the seed of a neem tree or the seed of a shingadiyoshingadiyoType of aquatic plant whose leaves are potently vachhnãg poisonous.Tap to open in glossary → vachhnãg plant and he waters them daily with sweet water, the chillies will still turn out to be spicy; the neem tree will still be bitter; and the shingadiyoshingadiyoType of aquatic plant whose leaves are potently vachhnãg poisonous.Tap to open in glossary → vachhnãg plant will still be poisonous. This is because that is the nature of the seeds themselves. On the other hand, if a person sows sugarcane, the juice of the sugarcane will still be sweet despite treating it with compost from leaves of a neem tree and watering it with bitter water. In the same way, religious people will always stay on the path of BhagvãnBhagvãnGod. Supreme being. Lord of all. Bhagvãn is unparalleled, omnipotent and the all-doer, omniscient, omnipresent, the ocean of all forms of bliss, does not have any attributes of Mãyã, is divine, and is always taking birth on earth for His bhaktas. Resides within the ãtmã. Also called Parbrahm, Paramãtmã, Purushottam, Krishna Nãrãyan, and Swãminãrãyan.Tap to open in glossary →, and demonic people will always turn away from the path of BhagvãnBhagvãnGod. Supreme being. Lord of all. Bhagvãn is unparalleled, omnipotent and the all-doer, omniscient, omnipresent, the ocean of all forms of bliss, does not have any attributes of Mãyã, is divine, and is always taking birth on earth for His bhaktas. Resides within the ãtmã. Also called Parbrahm, Paramãtmã, Purushottam, Krishna Nãrãyan, and Swãminãrãyan.Tap to open in glossary →.”

Then, Shuk MuniMuniSãdhu.Tap to open in glossary → asked, “How can a person distinguish between a religious person and a demonic person?”

Shreeji Mahãrãj replied, “In a religious person, vicious natures such as kãmkãm1) Lust. Passion. Desire. [Gadhadã I – 73] 2) One of the four purushãrths, allowing for the fulfilment of a person's personal and social desires.Tap to open in glossary →, krodhkrodhAnger. [Loyã – 1]Tap to open in glossary →, and lobhlobhGreed. Craving for wealth.Tap to open in glossary →, are due to the influence of unpleasant circumstances. However, they are destroyed within a short time under the influence of pleasant circumstances. On the other hand, in a demonic person, vicious natures such as kãmkãm1) Lust. Passion. Desire. [Gadhadã I – 73] 2) One of the four purushãrths, allowing for the fulfilment of a person's personal and social desires.Tap to open in glossary →, krodhkrodhAnger. [Loyã – 1]Tap to open in glossary →, and lobhlobhGreed. Craving for wealth.Tap to open in glossary →, are never destroyed. If someone were to speak some harsh words to a demonic person even once, he would not forget them for as long as he lives. Then, if that demonic person were to become a satsangisatsangiA person who practises satsang.Tap to open in glossary →, he would initially appear to be better than all the other bhaktas. But, he would be like silt that has gathered in the region of Bhãl – where there was previously sea – has made the soil fertile. As long as the silt remains, sweet water can be obtained by digging below; but, if a person were to dig much deeper, then extremely saline water would emerge. In the same way, even if a demonic person has become a bhaktabhaktaDevotee of Bhagvãn. A follower of Bhagvãn.Tap to open in glossary → of BhagvãnBhagvãnGod. Supreme being. Lord of all. Bhagvãn is unparalleled, omnipotent and the all-doer, omniscient, omnipresent, the ocean of all forms of bliss, does not have any attributes of Mãyã, is divine, and is always taking birth on earth for His bhaktas. Resides within the ãtmã. Also called Parbrahm, Paramãtmã, Purushottam, Krishna Nãrãyan, and Swãminãrãyan.Tap to open in glossary →, the moment his wishes are not fulfilled and he is even slightly disturbed, then compared to the sevã of the sãdhus he had previously performed, he would insult them thousands of times more. Even then, his mind would not be happy.”

Muktãnand SwãmiMuktãnand SwãmiOne of the five principal paramhansas -- along with Gopalanand Swami, Nityanand Swami, Brahmanand Swami, and Shukanand Swami -- who recorded Swaminarayan Bhagwan's discourses word for word, compiling them into the Vachanamrut. Originally a shishya of Ramanand Swami; Nilkanth Brahmachari first met him at Lojpur.Tap to open in glossary → then asked, “Mahãrãj, you said that a demonic person who becomes a bhaktabhaktaDevotee of Bhagvãn. A follower of Bhagvãn.Tap to open in glossary → will remain in satsangsatsang1) True company. The practice of associating with Bhagvãn’s sant, other satsangis, the ãtmã, and the sacred shãstras, and also observing vartmãns and niyams. 2) Also refers to the sampradãy, which is the presence of good company.Tap to open in glossary → as long as his wishes are fulfilled; and if they are not fulfilled, he falls from satsangsatsang1) True company. The practice of associating with Bhagvãn’s sant, other satsangis, the ãtmã, and the sacred shãstras, and also observing vartmãns and niyams. 2) Also refers to the sampradãy, which is the presence of good company.Tap to open in glossary →. But, what if he happens to die before falling from satsangsatsang1) True company. The practice of associating with Bhagvãn’s sant, other satsangis, the ãtmã, and the sacred shãstras, and also observing vartmãns and niyams. 2) Also refers to the sampradãy, which is the presence of good company.Tap to open in glossary →? Will he remain demonic, or will he become religious?”

Shreeji Mahãrãj replied, “As long as the demonic person is good when he encounters death, and he offers bhaktibhaktiDevotion to Bhagvãn. One of the four attributes of ekãntik dharma. There are nine types of bhakti:Tap to open in glossary → to BhagvãnBhagvãnGod. Supreme being. Lord of all. Bhagvãn is unparalleled, omnipotent and the all-doer, omniscient, omnipresent, the ocean of all forms of bliss, does not have any attributes of Mãyã, is divine, and is always taking birth on earth for His bhaktas. Resides within the ãtmã. Also called Parbrahm, Paramãtmã, Purushottam, Krishna Nãrãyan, and Swãminãrãyan.Tap to open in glossary →, he will become religious and will attain AkshardhãmAkshardhãm1) The highest dhãm of Bhagvãn. The divine dhãm of Purushottam Bhagvãn Swãminãrãyan, where He is forever seated before the countless muktas who have attained qualities similar to those of Akshar. 2) The formless svarup form of Akshar.Tap to open in glossary →.”

Then, Nrusinhãnand Swãmi asked, “Of the nine types of bhaktibhaktiDevotion to Bhagvãn. One of the four attributes of ekãntik dharma. There are nine types of bhakti:Tap to open in glossary →, which is the best?”

Shreeji Mahãrãj replied, “Of the nine types of bhaktibhaktiDevotion to Bhagvãn. One of the four attributes of ekãntik dharma. There are nine types of bhakti:Tap to open in glossary →, whichever type helps a person in developing firm attachment to BhagvãnBhagvãnGod. Supreme being. Lord of all. Bhagvãn is unparalleled, omnipotent and the all-doer, omniscient, omnipresent, the ocean of all forms of bliss, does not have any attributes of Mãyã, is divine, and is always taking birth on earth for His bhaktas. Resides within the ãtmã. Also called Parbrahm, Paramãtmã, Purushottam, Krishna Nãrãyan, and Swãminãrãyan.Tap to open in glossary → is the best type of bhaktibhaktiDevotion to Bhagvãn. One of the four attributes of ekãntik dharma. There are nine types of bhakti:Tap to open in glossary → for that particular person.”

Then, Gopãlãnand SwãmiGopãlãnand SwãmiOne of the five principal paramhansas who recorded Swaminarayan Bhagwan's discourses word for word, compiling them into the Vachanamrut.Tap to open in glossary → asked, “During childhood or during youth, what type of company should a person seek?”

Shreeji Mahãrãj answered, “Both should lovingly keep the company of a person who is senior in age, is firm in dharmadharma1) Universal law or principle that 'sustains' or 'upholds' the entire world. Righteousness, morality, religion,Tap to open in glossary →, gnãngnãn1) Knowledge. Spiritual knowledge leading to kalyãn. In particular, the knowledge of the ãtmã, and Bhagvãn’s svarup and His greatness. One of the four attributes of ekãntik dharma. 2) Also used to mean ãtmã-nishthã or ãtmã-gnãn.Tap to open in glossary →, and vairãgyavairãgyaDetachment. A hatred or strong dislike for the world and its mãyik pleasures (the panch-vishays). Remaining detached from the body and the brahmãnd, and from all things that are the products of Prakruti. One of the four attributes of ekãntik dharma.Tap to open in glossary →; and has deep love for BhagvãnBhagvãnGod. Supreme being. Lord of all. Bhagvãn is unparalleled, omnipotent and the all-doer, omniscient, omnipresent, the ocean of all forms of bliss, does not have any attributes of Mãyã, is divine, and is always taking birth on earth for His bhaktas. Resides within the ãtmã. Also called Parbrahm, Paramãtmã, Purushottam, Krishna Nãrãyan, and Swãminãrãyan.Tap to open in glossary →.”

Then Nãjã Jogiyã asked, “Which is the best of the three: a person whose mind is attached to BhagvãnBhagvãnGod. Supreme being. Lord of all. Bhagvãn is unparalleled, omnipotent and the all-doer, omniscient, omnipresent, the ocean of all forms of bliss, does not have any attributes of Mãyã, is divine, and is always taking birth on earth for His bhaktas. Resides within the ãtmã. Also called Parbrahm, Paramãtmã, Purushottam, Krishna Nãrãyan, and Swãminãrãyan.Tap to open in glossary → out of anger, a person whose mind is attached to BhagvãnBhagvãnGod. Supreme being. Lord of all. Bhagvãn is unparalleled, omnipotent and the all-doer, omniscient, omnipresent, the ocean of all forms of bliss, does not have any attributes of Mãyã, is divine, and is always taking birth on earth for His bhaktas. Resides within the ãtmã. Also called Parbrahm, Paramãtmã, Purushottam, Krishna Nãrãyan, and Swãminãrãyan.Tap to open in glossary → out of fear, or a person whose mind is attached to BhagvãnBhagvãnGod. Supreme being. Lord of all. Bhagvãn is unparalleled, omnipotent and the all-doer, omniscient, omnipresent, the ocean of all forms of bliss, does not have any attributes of Mãyã, is divine, and is always taking birth on earth for His bhaktas. Resides within the ãtmã. Also called Parbrahm, Paramãtmã, Purushottam, Krishna Nãrãyan, and Swãminãrãyan.Tap to open in glossary → out of love?”

Shreeji Mahãrãj said, “A person whose mind is attached to BhagvãnBhagvãnGod. Supreme being. Lord of all. Bhagvãn is unparalleled, omnipotent and the all-doer, omniscient, omnipresent, the ocean of all forms of bliss, does not have any attributes of Mãyã, is divine, and is always taking birth on earth for His bhaktas. Resides within the ãtmã. Also called Parbrahm, Paramãtmã, Purushottam, Krishna Nãrãyan, and Swãminãrãyan.Tap to open in glossary → out of love is the best.”

Then, Shivãnand Swãmi asked, “How can a bhaktabhaktaDevotee of Bhagvãn. A follower of Bhagvãn.Tap to open in glossary → of BhagvãnBhagvãnGod. Supreme being. Lord of all. Bhagvãn is unparalleled, omnipotent and the all-doer, omniscient, omnipresent, the ocean of all forms of bliss, does not have any attributes of Mãyã, is divine, and is always taking birth on earth for His bhaktas. Resides within the ãtmã. Also called Parbrahm, Paramãtmã, Purushottam, Krishna Nãrãyan, and Swãminãrãyan.Tap to open in glossary → who does not possess wisdom of what is good and bad as described by Shreeji Mahãrãj, and who also lacks vairãgyavairãgyaDetachment. A hatred or strong dislike for the world and its mãyik pleasures (the panch-vishays). Remaining detached from the body and the brahmãnd, and from all things that are the products of Prakruti. One of the four attributes of ekãntik dharma.Tap to open in glossary →, develop such wisdom, and also develop vairãgyavairãgyaDetachment. A hatred or strong dislike for the world and its mãyik pleasures (the panch-vishays). Remaining detached from the body and the brahmãnd, and from all things that are the products of Prakruti. One of the four attributes of ekãntik dharma.Tap to open in glossary → towards all objects other than BhagvãnBhagvãnGod. Supreme being. Lord of all. Bhagvãn is unparalleled, omnipotent and the all-doer, omniscient, omnipresent, the ocean of all forms of bliss, does not have any attributes of Mãyã, is divine, and is always taking birth on earth for His bhaktas. Resides within the ãtmã. Also called Parbrahm, Paramãtmã, Purushottam, Krishna Nãrãyan, and Swãminãrãyan.Tap to open in glossary →?”

Shreeji Mahãrãj replied, “If a person develops firm love for BhagvãnBhagvãnGod. Supreme being. Lord of all. Bhagvãn is unparalleled, omnipotent and the all-doer, omniscient, omnipresent, the ocean of all forms of bliss, does not have any attributes of Mãyã, is divine, and is always taking birth on earth for His bhaktas. Resides within the ãtmã. Also called Parbrahm, Paramãtmã, Purushottam, Krishna Nãrãyan, and Swãminãrãyan.Tap to open in glossary → from the initial stages, then due to that love, wisdom and vairãgyavairãgyaDetachment. A hatred or strong dislike for the world and its mãyik pleasures (the panch-vishays). Remaining detached from the body and the brahmãnd, and from all things that are the products of Prakruti. One of the four attributes of ekãntik dharma.Tap to open in glossary → will automatically develop. Now, consider the following: When a person is attached to an object, it is called affection or desire. Then, if someone were to obstruct the gaining of any object for which he has affection, he would become angry on that person. This applies not only to humans; even animals express such anger. For example, due to lust, a buffalo that is attached to a female buffalo will kill another buffalo that approaches the female; this behaviour is widely observed in all types of animals. In the same way, a person with deep love for BhagvãnBhagvãnGod. Supreme being. Lord of all. Bhagvãn is unparalleled, omnipotent and the all-doer, omniscient, omnipresent, the ocean of all forms of bliss, does not have any attributes of Mãyã, is divine, and is always taking birth on earth for His bhaktas. Resides within the ãtmã. Also called Parbrahm, Paramãtmã, Purushottam, Krishna Nãrãyan, and Swãminãrãyan.Tap to open in glossary → immediately becomes angry on any object that acts as an obstruction in that love and he immediately abandons that object. Therefore, a person who has deep love for BhagvãnBhagvãnGod. Supreme being. Lord of all. Bhagvãn is unparalleled, omnipotent and the all-doer, omniscient, omnipresent, the ocean of all forms of bliss, does not have any attributes of Mãyã, is divine, and is always taking birth on earth for His bhaktas. Resides within the ãtmã. Also called Parbrahm, Paramãtmã, Purushottam, Krishna Nãrãyan, and Swãminãrãyan.Tap to open in glossary → automatically develops vairãgyavairãgyaDetachment. A hatred or strong dislike for the world and its mãyik pleasures (the panch-vishays). Remaining detached from the body and the brahmãnd, and from all things that are the products of Prakruti. One of the four attributes of ekãntik dharma.Tap to open in glossary → as well as wisdom.”

Again,Shivãnand Swãmi asked, “Suppose there are two types of people, both of whom are intelligent. Of these, one possesses faith and accepts whatever BhagvãnBhagvãnGod. Supreme being. Lord of all. Bhagvãn is unparalleled, omnipotent and the all-doer, omniscient, omnipresent, the ocean of all forms of bliss, does not have any attributes of Mãyã, is divine, and is always taking birth on earth for His bhaktas. Resides within the ãtmã. Also called Parbrahm, Paramãtmã, Purushottam, Krishna Nãrãyan, and Swãminãrãyan.Tap to open in glossary → says; whereas the other accepts only those words of BhagvãnBhagvãnGod. Supreme being. Lord of all. Bhagvãn is unparalleled, omnipotent and the all-doer, omniscient, omnipresent, the ocean of all forms of bliss, does not have any attributes of Mãyã, is divine, and is always taking birth on earth for His bhaktas. Resides within the ãtmã. Also called Parbrahm, Paramãtmã, Purushottam, Krishna Nãrãyan, and Swãminãrãyan.Tap to open in glossary → that he feels are appropriate. Of the two, who is better?”

ShreejiMahãrãj replied, “Only the person who possesses faith is better. Rãmchandraji has said in the RãmãyanRãmãyanThe story of Rãm. A shãstra narrating the story of Shree Rãm Bhagvãn, which includes His 14-year exile from the throne of Ayodhyã to the forest; Sitã’s abduction by the evil demon Rãvan; Rãm’s ultimate victory over Rãvan and his armies; and the return of Rãm and Sitã to Ayodhyã. It contains principles for society through the characteristics exhibited by Rãm, Sitã, Lakshmanji, and Bharatji.Tap to open in glossary →, ‘I protect a person who has firm faith in me – just as a mother protects her child’. Therefore, only the person with faith is better.”

Then, Ãtmãnand Swãmi asked, “In a person’s mind, he is determined to behave according to the wishes of BhagvãnBhagvãnGod. Supreme being. Lord of all. Bhagvãn is unparalleled, omnipotent and the all-doer, omniscient, omnipresent, the ocean of all forms of bliss, does not have any attributes of Mãyã, is divine, and is always taking birth on earth for His bhaktas. Resides within the ãtmã. Also called Parbrahm, Paramãtmã, Purushottam, Krishna Nãrãyan, and Swãminãrãyan.Tap to open in glossary → for the rest of his life. However, he still feels, ‘What can a person do for BhagvãnBhagvãnGod. Supreme being. Lord of all. Bhagvãn is unparalleled, omnipotent and the all-doer, omniscient, omnipresent, the ocean of all forms of bliss, does not have any attributes of Mãyã, is divine, and is always taking birth on earth for His bhaktas. Resides within the ãtmã. Also called Parbrahm, Paramãtmã, Purushottam, Krishna Nãrãyan, and Swãminãrãyan.Tap to open in glossary → and His santsantA sãdhu. A tyãgi. In the Vachanãmrut, sant refers to sat- purush.Tap to open in glossary → to earn their trust?’”

Shreeji Mahãrãj explained, “Firstly, a person earns the trust of BhagvãnBhagvãnGod. Supreme being. Lord of all. Bhagvãn is unparalleled, omnipotent and the all-doer, omniscient, omnipresent, the ocean of all forms of bliss, does not have any attributes of Mãyã, is divine, and is always taking birth on earth for His bhaktas. Resides within the ãtmã. Also called Parbrahm, Paramãtmã, Purushottam, Krishna Nãrãyan, and Swãminãrãyan.Tap to open in glossary → and His santsantA sãdhu. A tyãgi. In the Vachanãmrut, sant refers to sat- purush.Tap to open in glossary → when he does not have hatred towards anyone and does not feel disheartened, even if he falls severely ill and is not cared for very well during that illness. Secondly, even if he is harshly insulted by BhagvãnBhagvãnGod. Supreme being. Lord of all. Bhagvãn is unparalleled, omnipotent and the all-doer, omniscient, omnipresent, the ocean of all forms of bliss, does not have any attributes of Mãyã, is divine, and is always taking birth on earth for His bhaktas. Resides within the ãtmã. Also called Parbrahm, Paramãtmã, Purushottam, Krishna Nãrãyan, and Swãminãrãyan.Tap to open in glossary → and His santsantA sãdhu. A tyãgi. In the Vachanãmrut, sant refers to sat- purush.Tap to open in glossary → without any fault of his own, he still does not have hatred towards anyone. Thirdly, if he were to even slightly disobey his observance of the niyams of this satsangsatsang1) True company. The practice of associating with Bhagvãn’s sant, other satsangis, the ãtmã, and the sacred shãstras, and also observing vartmãns and niyams. 2) Also refers to the sampradãy, which is the presence of good company.Tap to open in glossary →, he would feel extremely apologetic and would immediately perform prãyshchitprãyshchitPenance. Atonement.Tap to open in glossary →. Also, even if he were to entertain an evil thought in his mind, he would feel just as apologetic and distressed as someone who had happened to physically disobey the observance of the niyams. A person with these characteristics earns the complete trust of BhagvãnBhagvãnGod. Supreme being. Lord of all. Bhagvãn is unparalleled, omnipotent and the all-doer, omniscient, omnipresent, the ocean of all forms of bliss, does not have any attributes of Mãyã, is divine, and is always taking birth on earth for His bhaktas. Resides within the ãtmã. Also called Parbrahm, Paramãtmã, Purushottam, Krishna Nãrãyan, and Swãminãrãyan.Tap to open in glossary → and His santsantA sãdhu. A tyãgi. In the Vachanãmrut, sant refers to sat- purush.Tap to open in glossary →, and they feel, ‘This person will never fall back from satsangsatsang1) True company. The practice of associating with Bhagvãn’s sant, other satsangis, the ãtmã, and the sacred shãstras, and also observing vartmãns and niyams. 2) Also refers to the sampradãy, which is the presence of good company.Tap to open in glossary →’.”

Then,Bhagvadãnand Swãmi asked, “How can others recognise a bhaktabhaktaDevotee of Bhagvãn. A follower of Bhagvãn.Tap to open in glossary → who continuously understands the greatness of BhagvãnBhagvãnGod. Supreme being. Lord of all. Bhagvãn is unparalleled, omnipotent and the all-doer, omniscient, omnipresent, the ocean of all forms of bliss, does not have any attributes of Mãyã, is divine, and is always taking birth on earth for His bhaktas. Resides within the ãtmã. Also called Parbrahm, Paramãtmã, Purushottam, Krishna Nãrãyan, and Swãminãrãyan.Tap to open in glossary → and His bhaktas in his mind?”

Shreeji Mahãrãj answered, “A person who continuously understands the greatness of BhagvãnBhagvãnGod. Supreme being. Lord of all. Bhagvãn is unparalleled, omnipotent and the all-doer, omniscient, omnipresent, the ocean of all forms of bliss, does not have any attributes of Mãyã, is divine, and is always taking birth on earth for His bhaktas. Resides within the ãtmã. Also called Parbrahm, Paramãtmã, Purushottam, Krishna Nãrãyan, and Swãminãrãyan.Tap to open in glossary → and His bhaktas in his mind serves them sincerely and lovingly. He physically bows and touches the feet of all the sãdhus. If a sãdhusãdhuMale person who has abandoned worldly duties and has chosen a strict life of religious activities under strict vows of poverty, brahm-chãrya, and obedience. A tyãgi.Tap to open in glossary → were to fall ill, he would massage his head and feet and also take care of his dietary needs. If he were to receive some object that he liked, he would first offer it to the sãdhus before using it for himself. A person, who behaves in this way by thought, word, and deed, should be known to have fully understood the greatness of BhagvãnBhagvãnGod. Supreme being. Lord of all. Bhagvãn is unparalleled, omnipotent and the all-doer, omniscient, omnipresent, the ocean of all forms of bliss, does not have any attributes of Mãyã, is divine, and is always taking birth on earth for His bhaktas. Resides within the ãtmã. Also called Parbrahm, Paramãtmã, Purushottam, Krishna Nãrãyan, and Swãminãrãyan.Tap to open in glossary → and His santsantA sãdhu. A tyãgi. In the Vachanãmrut, sant refers to sat- purush.Tap to open in glossary → within his heart.”

Then, Shreeji Mahãrãj asked the sãdhus a question: “A person may possess intense dharmadharma1) Universal law or principle that 'sustains' or 'upholds' the entire world. Righteousness, morality, religion,Tap to open in glossary →, gnãngnãn1) Knowledge. Spiritual knowledge leading to kalyãn. In particular, the knowledge of the ãtmã, and Bhagvãn’s svarup and His greatness. One of the four attributes of ekãntik dharma. 2) Also used to mean ãtmã-nishthã or ãtmã-gnãn.Tap to open in glossary →, vairãgyavairãgyaDetachment. A hatred or strong dislike for the world and its mãyik pleasures (the panch-vishays). Remaining detached from the body and the brahmãnd, and from all things that are the products of Prakruti. One of the four attributes of ekãntik dharma.Tap to open in glossary →, and bhaktibhaktiDevotion to Bhagvãn. One of the four attributes of ekãntik dharma. There are nine types of bhakti:Tap to open in glossary →. However sometimes, there may be some relaxation in his observance of dharmadharma1) Universal law or principle that 'sustains' or 'upholds' the entire world. Righteousness, morality, religion,Tap to open in glossary →; there may be some attachment despite having vairãgyavairãgyaDetachment. A hatred or strong dislike for the world and its mãyik pleasures (the panch-vishays). Remaining detached from the body and the brahmãnd, and from all things that are the products of Prakruti. One of the four attributes of ekãntik dharma.Tap to open in glossary →; there may be some reduction in his bhaktibhaktiDevotion to Bhagvãn. One of the four attributes of ekãntik dharma. There are nine types of bhakti:Tap to open in glossary →; and attachment to his body may still remain despite having gnãngnãn1) Knowledge. Spiritual knowledge leading to kalyãn. In particular, the knowledge of the ãtmã, and Bhagvãn’s svarup and His greatness. One of the four attributes of ekãntik dharma. 2) Also used to mean ãtmã-nishthã or ãtmã-gnãn.Tap to open in glossary →. What can be the reason for this?”

Gopãlãnand SwãmiGopãlãnand SwãmiOne of the five principal paramhansas who recorded Swaminarayan Bhagwan's discourses word for word, compiling them into the Vachanamrut.Tap to open in glossary → and Brahmãnand SwãmiBrahmãnand SwãmiOne of the five principal paramhansas who recorded Swaminarayan Bhagwan's discourses word for word, compiling them into the Vachanamrut.Tap to open in glossary → replied, “If there appears to be a flaw in a person who possesses intense dharmadharma1) Universal law or principle that 'sustains' or 'upholds' the entire world. Righteousness, morality, religion,Tap to open in glossary →, gnãngnãn1) Knowledge. Spiritual knowledge leading to kalyãn. In particular, the knowledge of the ãtmã, and Bhagvãn’s svarup and His greatness. One of the four attributes of ekãntik dharma. 2) Also used to mean ãtmã-nishthã or ãtmã-gnãn.Tap to open in glossary →, vairãgyavairãgyaDetachment. A hatred or strong dislike for the world and its mãyik pleasures (the panch-vishays). Remaining detached from the body and the brahmãnd, and from all things that are the products of Prakruti. One of the four attributes of ekãntik dharma.Tap to open in glossary →, and bhaktibhaktiDevotion to Bhagvãn. One of the four attributes of ekãntik dharma. There are nine types of bhakti:Tap to open in glossary → – a person who can be thought of as being as powerful as BhagvãnBhagvãnGod. Supreme being. Lord of all. Bhagvãn is unparalleled, omnipotent and the all-doer, omniscient, omnipresent, the ocean of all forms of bliss, does not have any attributes of Mãyã, is divine, and is always taking birth on earth for His bhaktas. Resides within the ãtmã. Also called Parbrahm, Paramãtmã, Purushottam, Krishna Nãrãyan, and Swãminãrãyan.Tap to open in glossary → Himself – it remains purely out of compassion; it is not a flaw. In fact, when such a great person behaves with bãhya- drashti, he transforms many jeevs to the ranks of Jadbharat and Shukji. Therefore, such an extremely great person behaves in a worldly way purely out of compassion for the jeevs.”

Hearing their reply, Shreeji Mahãrãj said, “That is precisely the correct answer to the question.” || End of VachanãmrutVachanãmrutAmrut in the form of words. A collection of 273 spiritual talks delivered by Swãminãrãyan Bhagvãn, that were carefully noted and collated by His senior sãdhus in His presence, and were authenticated by Him. Central philosophical shãstra of the Swãminãrãyan Sampradãy that summarises the essence of all Hindu shãstras.Tap to open in glossary → Gadhadã III || 14 || 248 ||