Purifying The Company A Person Keeps / The Difficulties Of Becoming An Ekãntik BhaktaEkãntik Bhakta1) Highest level of bhakta. A person who offers ekãntik bhakti, perfectly possesses all four of the qualities of ekãntik dharma (dharma, gnãn, vairãgya, and bhakti). 2) A person who has no desires other than Bhagvãn, and who worships Bhagvãn while realising himself to be brahm-rup. [Gadhadã I – 11].Tap to open in glossary →
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 1877, on the night of MãgsharMãgsharSixth month of the Ãshãdhi Samvat year, normally falling between November and December.Tap to open in glossary → sudsudBright half of a Hindu lunar month in which the moon is in its waxing phase. The days between Amãs up to and including Punam. Also called shukla paksh.Tap to open in glossary → 1 [6th December, 1820], Shreeji Mahãrãj was sitting in Surã KhãcharSurã KhãcharA devotee in whose residential darbar in Loya Swaminarayan Bhagwan stayed; every discourse in the Vachanamrut's Loya section was given there, and Sura Khachar himself is recorded asking Swaminarayan Bhagwan a question in Loya 7.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 Loyã. He was wearing a white kheskhesPiece of cloth that can be worn as a shawl to cover the upper body, or worn as a dhoti to cover the lower body.Tap to open in glossary → and a white daglidagliWaistcoat with inner lining, usually worn in cold weather.Tap to open in glossary → made of chhintchhintIndian cotton cloth on which a pattern has been produced by dyeing and hand drawing with a bamboo. Chhint would usually have been made smooth or glossy with a shell or beaten with wooden mallets to produce a shiny surface.Tap to open in glossary →. He had also tied a white fetofetoLong piece of cloth that can be twisted and tied around the head, or placed over the shoulder and tied around the waist.Tap to open in glossary → around His head and had tied a bokãnibokãniCloth tied around the head, with one end crossing from under the chin to cover the ears and cheeks. Worn during cold weather.Tap to open in glossary → with another fetofetoLong piece of cloth that can be twisted and tied around the head, or placed over the shoulder and tied around the waist.Tap to open in glossary →. The chhogluchhogluA bunch of cloth either emerging from the end of a pãgh or left hanging from one side. Sometimes inserted into a pãgh when made of a string of flowers.Tap to open in glossary → of the white fetofetoLong piece of cloth that can be twisted and tied around the head, or placed over the shoulder and tied around the waist.Tap to open in glossary → was hanging from His head. In addition to this, He had covered Himself with a chãdarchãdarA thin blanket. Was used by Shreeji Mahãrãj during the cooler months.Tap to open in glossary →. 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.
Then, Shreeji Mahãrãj asked the paramhansparamhans1) Supreme swan. A male sãdhu of the highest order,Tap to open in glossary →, “After joining 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 do you consider to be the most difficult achievement?”
The paramhansparamhans1) Supreme swan. A male sãdhu of the highest order,Tap to open in glossary → could not answer the question, so Shreeji Mahãrãj replied, “For a person to become ekãntikekãntikThe highest spiritual state, in which a person offers perfect bhakti to Bhagvãn along with dharma, gnãn and vairãgya.Tap to open in glossary → is extremely difficult. What is this state of being ekãntikekãntikThe highest spiritual state, in which a person offers perfect bhakti to Bhagvãn along with dharma, gnãn and vairãgya.Tap to open in glossary →? Well, it is to do bhaktibhaktiDevotion to Bhagvãn. One of the four attributes of ekãntik dharma. There are nine types of bhakti: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 → along with 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 →. That is the state of being ekãntikekãntikThe highest spiritual state, in which a person offers perfect bhakti to Bhagvãn along with dharma, gnãn and vairãgya.Tap to open in glossary →.”
Again, Shreeji Mahãrãj asked, “Which one activity related to dharmadharma1) Universal law or principle that 'sustains' or 'upholds' the entire world. Righteousness, morality, religion,Tap to open in glossary → is such that if it is practiced, all aspects of dharmadharma1) Universal law or principle that 'sustains' or 'upholds' the entire world. Righteousness, morality, religion,Tap to open in glossary → remain? Moreover, out of bhajanbhajanWorship.Tap to open in glossary →, smaransmaranRemembrance. To remember.Tap to open in glossary →, singing or listening to kirtans, listening to talks, and other spiritual activities, which one activity, if it is kept even when all others are abandoned in difficult times, helps maintain all of the others?”
Shreeji Mahãrãj answered His own question: “Of the activities related to dharmadharma1) Universal law or principle that 'sustains' or 'upholds' the entire world. Righteousness, morality, religion,Tap to open in glossary →, if a person maintains the vow of nishkãm, all other activities will develop. Of the spiritual activities, if a person keeps nishchaynishchayUnfaltering faith in Bhagvãn, no matter what is seen or heard.Tap to open in glossary → in 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 all of the others will develop.”
Again, Shreeji Mahãrãj asked, “Which type of thinking, if maintained constantly, is beneficial; and if altered, is destructive? Also, which type of thinking is beneficial if repeatedly altered, and destructive if not altered?”
Again, Shreeji Mahãrãj answered His own question: “Thoughts regarding a person’s nishchaynishchayUnfaltering faith in Bhagvãn, no matter what is seen or heard.Tap to open in glossary → in 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 → should never be altered. It is beneficial if they are repeatedly reinforced by listening to 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 →. Conversely, repeatedly altering them would be destructive. However, if a person has firmly decided in his own mind, ‘I want to do this’, then that type of thinking should be repeatedly altered on the advice of 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 →. If the 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 → suggests, ‘You should not sit here and should not do this’, then a person should not sit there and should not do that. If his own decision is altered, it would be beneficial; if it is not altered and he does as he pleases, then that would be destructive.”
Again, Shreeji Mahãrãj asked, “By sitting with and listening to which type of satsangisatsangiA person who practises satsang.Tap to open in glossary → or paramhansparamhans1) Supreme swan. A male sãdhu of the highest order,Tap to open in glossary → would make him subject to developing faults, despite the fact that he follows dharmadharma1) Universal law or principle that 'sustains' or 'upholds' the entire world. Righteousness, morality, religion,Tap to open in glossary →?”
Shreeji Mahãrãj replied, “If a person has nishchaynishchayUnfaltering faith in Bhagvãn, no matter what is seen or heard.Tap to open in glossary → in 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 follows dharmadharma1) Universal law or principle that 'sustains' or 'upholds' the entire world. Righteousness, morality, religion,Tap to open in glossary →, but also believes himself to be the body and has pride as well as desires for worldly activities, then if 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 → criticise these, he will definitely perceive avgun in 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 →. Then, he will talk about the perceived avgun 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 → to others, and cause them to become like a vimukh. A bhaktabhaktaDevotee of Bhagvãn. A follower of Bhagvãn.Tap to open in glossary → should not associate with such a person in any way; doing so is harmful.”
Then, Shreeji Mahãrãj asked, “Which type of 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 →, even though he follows dharmadharma1) Universal law or principle that 'sustains' or 'upholds' the entire world. Righteousness, morality, religion,Tap to open in glossary → and has nishchaynishchayUnfaltering faith in Bhagvãn, no matter what is seen or heard.Tap to open in glossary → in 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 →, should a person not accompany to bathe, sleep near, or hear talks from?”
Shreeji Mahãrãj answered His own question: “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 → who discouragingly says, ‘Can the vow of nishkãm and other qualities really be attained in one life? They are attained only by the grace 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 →; otherwise kalyãnkalyãn1) Liberation. Freedom from the cycle of births and deaths. 2) To take birth as a higher life-form, or to take birth in a higher lok.Tap to open in glossary → is attained after countless lives. So, can kalyãnkalyãn1) Liberation. Freedom from the cycle of births and deaths. 2) To take birth as a higher life-form, or to take birth in a higher lok.Tap to open in glossary → truly be attained in this very life?’ A person should shun the company of anyone who speaks such discouraging words. Conversely, someone else claims, ‘We are fulfilled in this very life. The force of 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 →, madmadArrogance.Tap to open in glossary →, matsarmatsarJealousy of objects. Jealousy that arises in a person when someone else has a better object or item than himself. [Kãriyãni – 6].Tap to open in glossary →, mãnmãnPride. When a person wants someone else to acknowledge them as superior.Tap to open in glossary →, and other vicious natures is small. By the grace 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 →, we will destroy them all’. A person should, by all means, seek the company of 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 → who speaks in this way and is eagerly engaged in methods to destroy the vicious natures.”
Again, Shreeji Mahãrãj asked, “Which type of 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 →, even if he speaks encouragingly, should be shunned?”
Shreeji Mahãrãj answered His own question: “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 → emphasises his own efforts only and believes himself to be fulfilled by his own efforts, but does not acknowledge the strength 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 does not feel, ‘By acting in this way, I want to please 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 such 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 → should be shunned.”
Again, Shreeji Mahãrãj asked, “Which type of 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 → should a person keep the company of, and which type should a person not keep the company of?”
Shreeji Mahãrãj then replied, “If we are staying with 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 → who follows the vartmãnvartmãnA vow.Tap to open in glossary → strictly and has firm nishchaynishchayUnfaltering faith in Bhagvãn, no matter what is seen or heard.Tap to open in glossary → in 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 instead of lecturing us, he pampers us and lets us have our way, then even if he is considered great in public opinion, like 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 →, his company should not be kept. On the other hand, 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 → repeatedly lectures a person, and maintains constant awareness on any svabhãvsvabhãv1) Nature. 2) Flaw. Negative characteristic. A person’s vicious natures, such as kãm, krodh, lobh, and moh. Also used to refer to a person’s natures in the form of habits formed after repeated actions, in this birth or in the past lives. A svabhãv must be eradicated in order to attain kalyãn, which is achieved by listening to the advice of Bhagvãn and His sant.Tap to open in glossary → he sees within him; and if he does not stop criticising that svabhãvsvabhãv1) Nature. 2) Flaw. Negative characteristic. A person’s vicious natures, such as kãm, krodh, lobh, and moh. Also used to refer to a person’s natures in the form of habits formed after repeated actions, in this birth or in the past lives. A svabhãv must be eradicated in order to attain kalyãn, which is achieved by listening to the advice of Bhagvãn and His sant.Tap to open in glossary → until it is overcome, and does not compliment him, then even if he is not considered great in public view, a person should still keep his company.”
Then, Shreeji Mahãrãj asked another question: “Suppose 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 → possesses all the glorious qualities like bhaktibhaktiDevotion to Bhagvãn. One of the four attributes of ekãntik dharma. There are nine types of bhakti:Tap to open in glossary → and 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 →. However, due to which one vicious flaw, should a person avoid his company?”
Again, Shreeji Mahãrãj replied, “If he is very lazy, sleeps too much, and when told by others to bathe, perform dhyãndhyãnMeditation. The seventh step of ashtãng-yog, which involves sustaining a concentrated state where the mind is clear and calm.Tap to open in glossary →, or to follow other niyams, says, ‘I’ll do it later, what’s the hurry? I’ll do them slowly’, then even though he may appear to be good, a person should avoid his company.”
Shreeji Mahãrãj asked another question: “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 → may speak well; but, due to which fault in his speech should his talks not be heard?”
Shreeji Mahãrãj then replied, “Out of arrogance, if he talks about the bhaktibhaktiDevotion to Bhagvãn. One of the four attributes of ekãntik dharma. There are nine types of bhakti: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 dharmadharma1) Universal law or principle that 'sustains' or 'upholds' the entire world. Righteousness, morality, religion,Tap to open in glossary → within himself to be superior; and shows the gungun1) Good quality or trait. (pronounced goon) 2) Principle quality of Prakruti or Mãyã. There are three in total: sattva-gun (goodness and awareness), rajo- gun (passion and desires), and tamo-gun (darkness, ignorance, and laziness). All beings are affected by the influence of one or a combination of these three gun of Mãyã until they become gunãtit. The gun bring out different types of moods in a person: a person in sattva-gun is calm, and peaceful; a person in rajo-gunTap to open in glossary → of bhaktibhaktiDevotion to Bhagvãn. One of the four attributes of ekãntik dharma. There are nine types of bhakti: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 dharmadharma1) Universal law or principle that 'sustains' or 'upholds' the entire world. Righteousness, morality, religion,Tap to open in glossary → in other sãdhus to be inferior, then a person should not listen to his talks.”
Once again, Shreeji Mahãrãj asked, “Which type of speech should be viewed as amrutamrutNectar. A magical liquid churned from the ocean by the devs and the demons, and it was known to grant immortality to those who drink it. However, this means the ãtmã is unable to break free from the cycle of births and deaths.Tap to open in glossary → even though it is harsh?”
Shreeji Mahãrãj replied, “The words of 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 → who in his speech criticises his own parents, sister, brother, and varnavarnaA caste of the ancient Indian social system: brãhman, kshatriya, vaishya, and sudra.Tap to open in glossary →, and ãshram with harsh words, should be known to be good. This is because a person who hears those words realises the qualities of that 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 →, and thinks: ‘In no way does this 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 → have attachment to his bodily relations’. Therefore, those words should be enjoyed like amrutamrutNectar. A magical liquid churned from the ocean by the devs and the demons, and it was known to grant immortality to those who drink it. However, this means the ãtmã is unable to break free from the cycle of births and deaths.Tap to open in glossary →.”
Shreeji Mahãrãj posed another question, “When should a person maintain pride, and when should a person not maintain pride?”
Shreeji Mahãrãj answered once again: “A person should not maintain pride before a devoted follower 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 →, even though he may be a simple and humble haribhaktaharibhaktaA bhakta of Shree Hari. A bhakta of Swãminãrãyan Bhagvãn.Tap to open in glossary →. On the other hand, a person should certainly maintain pride before a person who has fallen 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 →. In fact, a person should not become suppressed by him; and in any question-answer exchange, his words should be answered with harsh words.”
Then, Shreeji Mahãrãj asked, “When should a person have a desire for 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 → 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 should he not have such a desire?”
Shreeji Mahãrãj replied, “Suppose I were to ask all the sãdhus, ‘Who will go to Burãnpur and Kãshi?’ Then, when no one speaks, someone should rise in the sabhãsabhãAssembly. A group of satsangis listening to kathã or singing kirtans.Tap to open in glossary → and say to me, ‘Mahãrãj, if you say so, I shall go’. So saying, he should follow my ãgnããgnãA command.Tap to open in glossary → and go there. In those situations, to gain my happiness, a person should not keep any desire for keeping the company of santsantA sãdhu. A tyãgi. In the Vachanãmrut, sant refers to sat- purush.Tap to open in glossary → or my 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 →.
“Moreover, when a person – who 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 → or I have criticised, lectured, insulted, or expelled, and who is crying out of shock – is approached by an ekadmalekadmalFormer sãdhu, who left satang due to some personal misconduct or his inability to conform to the life of a tyãgi, and travels alone without a companion sãdhu. This is against the niyams set by Swãminãrãyan Bhagvãn in which sãdhus should never travel alone.Tap to open in glossary → vimukh who starts to talk about the avgun of the 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 → or me, then before him, the person should reveal tremendous love towards the 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 → and 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 should say, ‘I am his servant, and even if he were to cut me to pieces, I still would never perceive avgun in him. He will grant me kalyãnkalyãn1) Liberation. Freedom from the cycle of births and deaths. 2) To take birth as a higher life-form, or to take birth in a higher lok.Tap to open in glossary →’. In that situation, he should reveal great love.”
Again, Shreeji Mahãrãj asked, “What should not be done, even if 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 pleased by it? What should be done, even if 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 displeased by it?”
Shreeji Mahãrãj answered His own questions: “If I were to give an order which seems to be full of adharmaadharmaUnrighteousness. Immorality. Sin. The opposite of dharma, which causes dharma to decline.Tap to open in glossary →, then a person should be hesitant in following it; he should take some time and not accept it immediately. For example, ShreeShree1) Name of Lakshmi. 2) Used before the names of Bhagvãn and devs to signify their high status.Tap to open in glossary → 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 → 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 → ordered Arjun, ‘Cut off Ashvatthãmã’s head’. But, Arjun did not follow that ãgnããgnãA command.Tap to open in glossary →. Likewise, even if I am pleased by it, that type of instruction should not be followed. Also, an instruction by which the prescribed niyams of the panchpanchFive.Tap to open in glossary →-vartmãnvartmãnA vow.Tap to open in glossary → are disobeyed should not be followed. If by not obeying these two types of ãgnããgnãA command.Tap to open in glossary →, 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 displeased, then a person should definitely let Him be displeased; in those cases, a person should not attempt to please Him.”
Shreeji Mahãrãj asked again, “While performing dhyãndhyãnMeditation. The seventh step of ashtãng-yog, which involves sustaining a concentrated state where the mind is clear and calm.Tap to open in glossary → upon 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 →, countless different waves of vicious thoughts arises in the mind, just as large waves arise in the ocean. When such thoughts do arise, how can they be suppressed?”
Shreeji Mahãrãj answered His own question: “When such vicious thoughts arise, a person should stop the dhyãndhyãnMeditation. The seventh step of ashtãng-yog, which involves sustaining a concentrated state where the mind is clear and calm.Tap to open in glossary →, and should clap and chant ‘Swãminarayan, Swãminarayan’ loudly, without shame. He should pray 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 →, ‘O lord! You are a friend of the humble! You are an ocean of mercy!’ Also, he should remember a great 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 → 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 →, like 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 →, and pray to him too. As a result of this, all disturbing thoughts will be eradicated, and peace will prevail. Apart from this, there is no other method to eradicate such thoughts.”
Then, Shreeji Mahãrãj posed another question: “Which quality should be abandoned, even if it is believed to be a great quality in 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 → and is being praised by all? Which fault, even though it is a fault, is suitable to be absorbed?”
Once again, Shreeji Mahãrãj supplied the answer Himself: “A person may be like 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 → and may be following the vartmãnvartmãnA vow.Tap to open in glossary → strictly than all. However, as a result of this, if another 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 → feels inferior because he cannot behave on the same level, then that quality, even though it may be great, should be abandoned. Instead, he should behave on the same level as all the other sãdhus. Even though behaving on the same level as others is a drawback, it should be done.”
Again Shreeji Mahãrãj asked, “In these sãdhus, which is the one flaw which, when abandoned, would cause all flaws to be abandoned? Which is the one quality which, if developed, would cause all qualities to be developed?”
Shreeji Mahãrãj answered, “All flaws in a person reside in the flaw of perceiving himself with the body. If that is abandoned, all flaws are abandoned. Furthermore, if the sole quality of ãtmã-nishthããtmã-nishthãKnowledge of the jeev. The belief that a person is an ãtmã, which is imperishable and eternal.Tap to open in glossary → (realising himself as the ãtmããtmã1) The pure jeev, which is distinct from the three bodies and three mental states, and distinct from the indriyas, the antah-karans, worldly desires, or any other traces of Mãyã. It is imperishable and eternal, does not undergo births or deaths, and it leaves a physical body after that body dies and assumes another physical body. Infinite in number. 2) That which pervades, inspires, and controls.Tap to open in glossary →, and distinct from the body) is developed, then all qualities will develop.”
Shreeji Mahãrãj again asked, “Which types of panchpanchFive.Tap to open in glossary →-vishays, when indulged in, enlighten the mind, and which types of vishays, when indulged in, cause ignorance to prevail in the mind?”
Again, Shreeji Mahãrãj replied, “By indulging in vishays related 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 →, the mind is enlightened; and by indulging in worldly vishays, ignorance prevails in the mind.”
Next, Shreeji Mahãrãj asked, “Which deshdeshA region or place.Tap to open in glossary →, which 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 →, which sangsangCompany. Association. (pronounced sung)Tap to open in glossary →, and which kriyãkriyãDeed. Action.Tap to open in glossary → should a person not associate with, even if it is 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 ãgnããgnãA command.Tap to open in glossary →?”
Shreeji Mahãrãj again supplied the answer Himself: “Even if it is 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 ãgnããgnãA command.Tap to open in glossary →, 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 → should not stay in a place where he has frequent contact with his bodily relations. Also, if I seat him where women can also be seen while having 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 →, and if I were to say, ‘Do my 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 →’, then he should not sit in that place. Instead, he should make an excuse and leave. In addition, if unpleasant 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 → is prevailing and riots are taking place, then even if it is 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 ãgnããgnãA command.Tap to open in glossary → to stay, a person should leave that place; but he should not stay there and suffer beatings.”
Then, Shreeji Mahãrãj asked another question: “Which shãstras should be heard and studied, and which shãstras should not be heard or studied?”
Once again, Shreeji Mahãrãj answered Himself, “Shãstras which do not promote 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 → possessing a svarupsvarupA physical form.Tap to open in glossary → and do not describe 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 avatãrs, but instead discuss pure VedãntVedãntA conclusion of the Veds. The principle of thought explained in the Upanishads, which reveals the conclusive teachings of the Veds. The principle centres on the nature of the ãtmã, the world, reality, and personal experience. Although different ãchãryas have written extensive commentaries upon the Upanishads and proposed their personal principles that can also be called Vedãnt, the term is often used specifically to refer to the Advait philosophy.Tap to open in glossary → and propose a single, formless entity, should never be studied or heard; even if they have been written by someone very intelligent. On the other hand, simple kirtans, like those composed by Ranchhod BhaktaBhaktaDevotee of Bhagvãn. A follower of Bhagvãn.Tap to open in glossary →, should be sung and heard if they describe 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 murtimurti1) Sacred idol of Bhagvãn used to offer worship. There are eight types of murtis that can be worshipped: stone, wood, metal, earth, engraved or drawn, sand, gems, and mental. 2) The form of Bhagvãn.Tap to open in glossary →. Such shãstras should only be studied and heard.” || 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 → Loyã || 6 || 114 ||