DOCSLIB.ORG

Saints and Mahatmas of India.Pdf

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text

Load more

1 Saints and Mahatmas Of India R.K.Gupta 2 Index 1. Devrishi Narad 2. Brahmarishi Vasishtha 3. Mahrishi Ashtavakra 4. Mahrishi Valmiki 5. Mahatma Jadbharat 6. Mahatma Buddha 7. Sant Tirruvalluvar 8. Mahavir Swami 9. Acharya Shankar 10. Yamunacharya 11. Acharya Nimbark 12. Aandal Rangnayaki 13. Mahayogi Gorakhnath 14. Yogiraj Bhrutrhari 15. Acharya Ramanuja 16. Baba Farid 17. Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya 18. Acharya Madhva 19. Rasik Sant Jaydev 20. Mahatma Ramanand Swami 21. Sant Namdev 22. Sant Gyaneshwar 23. Yogini Lalleshwari 24. Sant Pipa 25. Sant Raidas 26. Sant Kabir 27. Param Vaishnav Narsi Mehta 28. Bhakt Meerabai 29. Goswami Tulsidasji 30. Sant Surdas 31. Chaitnya Mahaprabhu 32. Sant Vemna 33. Mahaprabhu Vallabhacharya 34 Guru Nanak 35 Bulleh Shah 36 Sant Dadu Dayal 37 Sant Tukaram 38 Tailang Swami 39 Samarth Ramdas 40. Sant Rajjab 41. Sant Dariya Sahab 42. Mahatma Charandas 43. Sahajo Bai 3 44. Mahatma Nabhadas 45. Mahatma Eknath 46. Swami Dayanand Saraswati 47. Ramakrishna Paramhans 48. Swami Vivekananda 49. Mahayogi Arvind 50. Mahrishi Raman 51. Shirdi Sai Baba 52. Sant Vamakshepa 53. Sant Naga Nirankari 54. Yogiraj Shyamacharan Lahiri 55. Yogiraj Gambhirnath 56. Tailang Swami 57. Sant Tyagraja 58. Swamiji Maharaj-Shivdayal Singh 59. Sahajanand Swami 60. Sheikh Ahmad al-Faruqi 61. Shamsuddin Habib Allah-Mirza Zanzana 62. Swami Ram Tirtha 63. Maulana Fazl Ahmed Khan 64. Mahatma Ramchandraji 65. Jiddu Krishnamurti 66. Baba Nityanand 67. Param Sant Thakur Ram Singhji 4 PREFACE HARI ANNANT HARI KATHA ANNANTA -The Lord is Infinite and so are His attributes and the stories related to Him. Saints and Mahatmas are an expression of His glory and attributes and, therefore, they are also indescribable. Yet an attempt has been made in this book to present a glimpse into the lives of some of His Saints and Mahatmas, especially those, who have been the fountainhead of various sects in India, e.g. Mahatma Buddha, Mahavir Swami, Acharya Nimbark, Guru Gorakhnath, Sant Kabir, Chaitnya Mahaprabhu, Mahaprabhu Vallabhacharya, Guru Nanak, Sant Dadu Dayal, Swami Dayanand Saraswati, Ramakrishna Paramhans, Shirdi Sai Baba, Yogiraj Shyamacharan Lahiri, Sahajanand Swami and Swamiji Maharaj-Shivdayal Singhji. If one asks as to what the saints and Mahatmas do for the society, the answer is that they are like the trees, the spiritual trees. As the trees standing at their own places purify the atmosphere and help bringing rains, the saints and Mahatmas purify the minds of people through their prayers and channelise the grace of the God, at times even raising storm in the Ocean of Mercy of the Almighty. Their presence is a symbol of auspiciousness for all. It is well said: ‘EK GHARI, ADHI GHARI, ADHI SE BHI ADH; TULSI SANGAT SADHU KI, KOTI KATE APRADH.’-meaning thereby that the company of Sadhus (satsang), even for a moment, brings auspiciousness in one’s life. In my humble opinion reading about saints and Mahatmas also is like spending time in their company and I am sure this also would bring auspiciousness in the life of readers. The material in this book for compiling the life stories of saints and Mahatmas of India has been taken mainly from ‘Bhakt-Mal’ by Mahatma Nabhadas; ‘Bharat Ke Sant Mahatma’ by Ramlal; ‘Bhakt-Charitank’ published by Geeta Press, Gorakhpur; ‘Bharat Ke Yogi’ by Dr. Bhagwan Sharan Bhardwaj-Pradeep and various websites. Besides, some anecdotes relating to them have also been included, as heard from great saints. I must hasten to add that many authors have written about various saints and Mahatmas but that does not make the subject stale. Every time one reads about them, a new dimension of their life and devotion comes to fore, a new understanding is developed. In any case, it is like offering flowers at the feet of the Lord. I have also, therefore, dared to offer this garland of flowers at the feet of the Lord picking up some of the most fragrant flowers from the Lord’s own garden. In order to contain the size of the book I have resticted myself to mention only important incidences relating to most of the saints and Mahatmas and in this effort I might have left some other important aspects of their lives untouched. I seek forgiveness of the wise readers for the same. It is the grace of my Guru Bhagwan Param Sant Thakur Ram Singhji that this book was conceived and completed. I am extremely thankful to my entire family and 5 friends, who have helped me from time to time in gathering the material and in timely completion of the work. New Delhi R.K Gupta August 2011 6 Devrishi Narad 7 Devrishi Narad Devrishi Narad is the fountainhead of all the saints and mahatmas. He himself has said about his state of devotion that “when I start singing in the praise of my Most Pious and Kind Lord, He immediately enters my heart as an invitee.” Devrishi Narad always keeps on wandering; it is his job to always keep on moving and playing his vina (a large musical instrument of the type of lute) singing in the praise of his Lord. He is one of the twelve main acharyas (Masters) of the bhagvatdharma (follower of Lord Vishnu) and the supreme devotional singer. He is also the composer of Bhaktisutra (the Compendium of various aspects of Devotion). He is considered to be the master of all the nine forms of devotion. He is an eternal councilor of the Divine Council. His nature is to create situations of conflict so as to protect the interest of righteous and destroy the evil. Scriptures are laid with numerous such instances. His main objective, however, is to encourage devotion to God. Both the gods and devils trust his capabilities to give them protection. Brahma, the lord of creation, first created Marichi, Atri, Sanak, Sanandan, Santkumar and Narad and thus Narad is the manas -putra (a son born of mind) of Brahma. It relates to ancient time. Narad’s eternal relationship with God was a result of his deeds in a previous birth. In his previous birth he was a Gandharva (mythol. a heavenly minstrel or musician) by the name ‘Upbarhan’. He was well built, handsome and deeply interested in music. Once many of the great Gandharvas, and Kinnars etc. assembled before Brahma to sing in the praise of God. Narad was one of them. He, however, had taken some women with him. While singing, his attention got diverted towards them and, therefore, he could not discharge his duties whole-heartedly. Brahma, therefore, cursed him to be borne as a shudra (a member of the fourth and the lowest division of early Indo-Aryan society) but this curse turned into a boon for him. He took birth through a shudra mother, who was engaged in the service of noble and religious Brahmans (the priest class). By the grace of Brahma, he was blessed with all the good qualities and his mother was very affectionate to him. The life of austerity and self-restrain of his mother had a deep impact on Narad. In the company of his mother he also started to spend his time in the service of sages and saints. Once some saints observed Chaturmasya-vrit (a resolution to follow strict religious discipline during the four months of rainy season). On his mother’s advice Narad started serving them. Narad was only about five years then. Those saints were very kind to him. He used to listen to various stories related to God from them, as a result of which his mind had become pure. At the end of the Chaturmasya-vrit they asked Narad to meditate upon the God and told him the method of Japa (remembrance of God). After the saints left, Narad started to devote his time accordingly. In the mean time his mother died of a serpent’s-bite. Her death gave Narad the complete freedom from all obligations and he now started to devote the entire time in Tapa (penance). 8 He sat under a Pipal tree (holy fig-tree) and started meditation, as instructed by those saints. As the time was passing, his desperation to seek the God was increasing. Suddenly he had a glimpse of the Divine-light in his heart, which disappeared immediately. He could not have the glimpse of that Divine-light again in spite of making repeated efforts. He then got an inspiration that this Divine-light could be seen by only those, who had acquired complete purity of mind. After this incidence, he completely devoted himself in the contemplation of the Divine and after his death, on the start of a new Kalpa (mythol. a day of Brahma) he was born as a manas -putra of Brahma, as mentioned above. As a Divine councilor he keeps on wandering, playing his vina (a musical instrument) and singing in the praise of God. He resides in the Himalayas and because of the curse of Daksha Prajapati he is not affected by the age, i.e. he is beyond the stages of childhood, youth and old age. He is connected with the happenings in all the four yugas (mythol. a day of Brahma, i.e. a Kalpa comprises of one-thousand Chaturyugas -Satyug , Treta , Dwapar and Kaliyug ). Narad had given spiritual instructions ( updesh ) to Prahlad’s mother when Prahlad was in her womb, as a result of which he was born with an inclination towards the Divine. Similarly, he had provided guidance to Dhruva, a little child, who was out in the search of the Divine. It also relates to Narad that ten-thousand sons (named as Haryashrva) of Prajapati Daksha were engaged in Tapa with the objective of the expansion of the creatures by the order of their father, when Narad found them to be pure-hearted persons, who were deserving to realize the Truth and, therefore, he instructed them and diverted their attention towards God.
Recommended publications
  • Kirtan Leelaarth Amrutdhaara

    Kirtan Leelaarth Amrutdhaara

    KIRTAN LEELAARTH AMRUTDHAARA INSPIRERS Param Pujya Dharma Dhurandhar 1008 Acharya Shree Koshalendraprasadji Maharaj Ahmedabad Diocese Aksharnivasi Param Pujya Mahant Sadguru Purani Swami Hariswaroopdasji Shree Swaminarayan Mandir Bhuj (Kutch) Param Pujya Mahant Sadguru Purani Swami Dharmanandandasji Shree Swaminarayan Mandir Bhuj (Kutch) PUBLISHER Shree Kutch Satsang Swaminarayan Temple (Kenton-Harrow) (Affiliated to Shree Swaminarayan Mandir Bhuj – Kutch) PUBLISHED 4th May 2008 (Chaitra Vad 14, Samvat 2064) Produced by: Shree Kutch Satsang Swaminarayan Temple - Kenton Harrow All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any form or by any means without written permission from the publisher. © Copyright 2008 Artwork designed by: SKSS Temple I.T. Centre © Copyright 2008 Shree Kutch Satsang Swaminarayan Temple - Kenton, Harrow Shree Kutch Satsang Swaminarayan Temple Westfield Lane, Kenton, Harrow Middlesex, HA3 9EA, UK Tel: 020 8909 9899 Fax: 020 8909 9897 www.sksst.org [email protected] Registered Charity Number: 271034 i ii Forword Jay Shree Swaminarayan, The Swaminarayan Sampraday (faith) is supported by its four pillars; Mandir (Temple), Shastra (Holy Books), Acharya (Guru) and Santos (Holy Saints & Devotees). The growth, strength and inter- supportiveness of these four pillars are key to spreading of the Swaminarayan Faith. Lord Shree Swaminarayan has acknowledged these pillars and laid down the key responsibilities for each of the pillars. He instructed his Nand-Santos to write Shastras which helped the devotees to perform devotion (Bhakti), acquire true knowledge (Gnan), practice righteous living (Dharma) and develop non- attachment to every thing material except Supreme God, Lord Shree Swaminarayan (Vairagya). There are nine types of bhakti, of which, Lord Shree Swaminarayan has singled out Kirtan Bhakti as one of the most important and fundamental in our devotion to God.
  • An Understanding of Maya: the Philosophies of Sankara, Ramanuja and Madhva

    An Understanding of Maya: the Philosophies of Sankara, Ramanuja and Madhva

    An understanding of Maya: The philosophies of Sankara, Ramanuja and Madhva Department of Religion studies Theology University of Pretoria By: John Whitehead 12083802 Supervisor: Dr M Sukdaven 2019 Declaration Declaration of Plagiarism 1. I understand what plagiarism means and I am aware of the university’s policy in this regard. 2. I declare that this Dissertation is my own work. 3. I did not make use of another student’s previous work and I submit this as my own words. 4. I did not allow anyone to copy this work with the intention of presenting it as their own work. I, John Derrick Whitehead hereby declare that the following Dissertation is my own work and that I duly recognized and listed all sources for this study. Date: 3 December 2019 Student number: u12083802 __________________________ 2 Foreword I started my MTh and was unsure of a topic to cover. I knew that Hinduism was the religion I was interested in. Dr. Sukdaven suggested that I embark on the study of the concept of Maya. Although this concept provided a challenge for me and my faith, I wish to thank Dr. Sukdaven for giving me the opportunity to cover such a deep philosophical concept in Hinduism. This concept Maya is deeper than one expects and has broaden and enlightened my mind. Even though this was a difficult theme to cover it did however, give me a clearer understanding of how the world is seen in Hinduism. 3 List of Abbreviations AD Anno Domini BC Before Christ BCE Before Common Era BS Brahmasutra Upanishad BSB Brahmasutra Upanishad with commentary of Sankara BU Brhadaranyaka Upanishad with commentary of Sankara CE Common Era EW Emperical World GB Gitabhasya of Shankara GK Gaudapada Karikas Rg Rig Veda SBH Sribhasya of Ramanuja Svet.
  • Bal Satsang Pariksha - Two

    Bal Satsang Pariksha - Two

    1 SSP / JUL 98 / 01 / 150 BOCHASANWASI SHRI AKSHARPURUSHOTTAM SWAMINARAYAN SANSTHA SATSANG SHIKSHAN PARIKSHA BAL SATSANG PARIKSHA - TWO. Date : 19th JULY 1998 Time : 9 a.m. to 11.00 a.m. Qu. Marks No. Obtained Candidate Seat No : 1. Total Marks :100 2. 3. No. of Centre :........................ 4. Name of Centre :..................... 5. Age of Candidate :................ 6. Signature of Class Supervisor................................................................ 7. NOTE : 1. Figures given on the right hand side indicate the marks 8. for that question. 9. 2. Follow the instructions while answering. 10. 3. Answers should be clear without cancellations. Good Writing Five marks will be given for clear and neat hand writing. Total Examiner’s Signature : ........................................... 01 2 Q.1 Fill in the blanks by choosing the correct answer from the words given in the brackets. 10 1. Yogiji Maharaj became a sadhu at the age of .......................... (17, 18, 19) 2. I have sacrificed myself for ......................................... (Maharaj, Gunatitanand Swami, Pramukh Swami) 3. Shantilal was initiated as parshad at ............................... (Atladra, Amdavad, Gondal) 4. Shriji Maharaj returned back the property to Dada Khachar after .......................... months. (12, 10, 6) 5. At .......................... two small boys used to come regulary for Swamishri's darshan. (Darban, Chicago, London) 6. Shriji Maharaj decided give ......................... kg of wheat to every houses in Jetalpur to grind. (30, 20, 25) 7. There is a temple of ................................. sadhu at Chansad. (Dayanandi, Ramanandi, Ramanujanandi) 8. ................................... named Mulji. (Atmanand Swami, Ramanand Swami, Muktanand Swami) 9. Mulji left home in the year ..................... .(1841, 1856, 1865) 10. The other name of Nirgunanand was ............................ (Nirvikalpanand, Gunatitanand, Nirgunswarupanand) Q.2. Answer the following in one sentence.
  • Pramukh Swami's Work

    Pramukh Swami's Work

    Pramukh Swami's Work “In the good of others lies our own...” This maxim by Pramukh Swami Maharaj is not only an inspiring call for all humanity, but also reflects the spirit of his services to man and society. Acclaimed as a unique and rare holy soul of India, Pramukh Swami Maharaj was born on 7 December 1921 in the village of Chansad, Gujarat. He is the fifth successor in the illustrious spiritual tradition of Bhagwan Swaminarayan (1781-1830) who established the Swaminarayan Sampradaya. Pramukh Swami Maharaj was born in the village of Chansad, 12 km from Vadodara in Gujarat on 7 December, 1921. Known as Shantilal in his childhood, he was wedded to devotion from a young age. His parents, Motibhai and Diwaliben Patel, were adherents of the Swaminarayan Sampradaya. Shastriji Maharaj had discerned the potential of young Shantilal from the very day he initiated him as a disciple. While studying in 6th grade, Shantilal received the call from guru Shastriji Maharaj to renounce his home. With the blessings of his parents, he left home at the age of 18 and was initiated by Shastriji Maharaj in January 1940 and was renamed as Sadhu Narayanswarupdas. For 11 years, Narayanswarupdas served under guru Shastriji Maharaj. During the initial years, he toured with him and studied Sanskrit and the shastras. He excelled in studies but had to discontinue them to serve in the mandir-building activities. In 1943, he played an important role in the construction work of the mandir in Atladra. From 1946-1950, he was given the responsibility of Kothari of the BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir in Sarangpur.
  • Table of Contents Aashirvād Week 1 Week 2 Week 3 Week 4 Week 5

    Table of Contents Aashirvād Week 1 Week 2 Week 3 Week 4 Week 5

    || Swami Shreeji || Table of Contents 1 Aashirvād 2 Week 1 3 Week 2 8 Week 3 13 Week 4 17 Week 5 22 Week 6 27 U S A Y OUTH S ABHA GUNATITANAND SWAMI MAHARAJ SEMESTER P ART I || Swami Shreeji || My dear dikrāo, Jai Swaminarayan! As you know, Yogi Bapa started this weekly sabha, and he also stressed that all children should attend every weekly sabha. Yogi Bapa and Guruvarya Param Pujya Sahebdada shower their blessings upon all of you ‘akshar muktos.’ Do you know what you are getting from attending sabha? Let me tell you… 1. You can find your identity—who you are & why Maharaj has sent you here on Earth. 2. You have the company of good people, and you can learn discipline. 3. You learn to do pooja, you practice every day, and you do it with concentration. 4. You get good grades because you learn the art of concentration. 5. You learn to love, respect, and follow your leaders, which enhances your personal development. 6. You learn humility, how to speak respectfully, and how to perform your duties, which adds to your maturity. 7. You learn the quality of leadership by learning to follow your leader. 8. You make like-minded, good friends. 9. You learn how to maintain a friendship, and you learn that friendliness is Godliness. 10. You never feel lonely, bored or depressed because you are always within a group, and by working together with many more like-minded friends you develop creativity. 11. You can be a good devotee, a good person (human being), and a good citizen.
  • Mahant Swami Maharaj's

    Mahant Swami Maharaj's

    May–June 2018 Annual Subscription ` 80/- 1 1 2 2 3 MAHANT SWAMI MAHARAJ’S VICHARAN IN AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND February–March 2018 1. Devotees rejoice as Param Pujya Mahant Swami Maharaj sprays them with sanctified saffron-scented water during the Pushpadolotsav Celebration, Sydney (2 March). 2. Swamishri performs the arti during the evening assembly at the North Shore Event Centre, Auckland (17 February). 3. Swamishri performs the evening arti during the public assembly at the Sleeman Sports Complex, Brisbane (24 February). Cover page: Mahant Swami Maharaj during the karyakar shibir, Gold Coast, Australia (20 March 2018). 2 CONTENTS 4 Pleased by Resolute Faith May–June 2018, Vol. 41, No. 3 7 Mahant Swami Maharaj’s Vicharan: Asia-Pacific 25 Yogiji Maharaj: An Icon of Motherly Love 29 Impressions of Yogiji Maharaj 31 Burnout: Causes, Consequences and Akshar-Purushottam Maharaj Coping 37 Mahant Swami Maharaj’s Vicharan: SWAMINARAYAN AKSHARPITH India In April 1978, Pramukh Swami Maharaj inspired and inaugurated the first issue of Swaminarayan Bliss in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. The 42 Living with Swamishri bi-monthly magazine serves to enlighten BAPS youths, seniors and well-wishers about the glory of Bhagwan Swaminarayan, the Akshar- 45 Vicharan in Gulf Countries: Pujya Purushottam philosophy and the Gunatit guru parampara. It also seeks to inspire the universal values and traditions of Hinduism to Doctor Swami and Sant Mandal pursue a happy and peaceful life by serving God and humankind. Founder: HDH Pramukh Swami Maharaj 47 Murti-Pratishtha Mahotsav, Tokyo, Editor: Sadhu Swayamprakashdas Japan Contributors: Sadhu Vivekjivandas, Sadhu Amrutvijaydas Designer: Sadhu Shrijiswarupdas 49 BAPS News Published & Printed by: Swaminarayan Aksharpith, Shahibaug, Ahmedabad - 380004.
  • The Vaishnavite Reformers of India; Critical Sketches of Their Lives and Writings

    The Vaishnavite Reformers of India; Critical Sketches of Their Lives and Writings

    23 Ic: Lttp- IE THE YAISHNAYITE REFORMERS OF INDIA CRITICAL SKETCHES OF THEIR LIVES AND WRITINGS BY T. RAJAGOPALA CHARTAR, M.A., B.L. PRICE RF:. ONK. PUBLISHED BY G. A NATESAN & CO., ESPLANADE, ronp CONCERN fic Building . .* HIS LIPE AND TIMES BY C. N. KUISHNASWAMI AIYAK, M.A,, L.T. HIS PHILOSOPHY BY PANDIT SITANATII TATTVABHUSHAN. Price As. 12. " To Subscriber* of the Indian Her law," As. S. Sri Madfiwa^RTadliwaism A HISTORICAL AND CRITICAL SKETCH IIY 0- N. KUISHNASWAMV AIYA1I, M.A Price AS. 12. " To Subscribers of the Imiitiit /iW'jV?/'," As. S. SRI RAMANUJAGHARYA 'HIS LIFE AND TIMES S. KRISHNASWAMI AIYANGAll, M.A HIS PHILOSOPHY BY T. RAJAGOPALACHARIAR, M.A., B.L. Price As. 12. To Subscribers of the *' Indian Review" As. 8. G- A- NATESAN & CO., ESPLANADE, MADRAS. CONTENTS. FACE. noN ... ... ... i 'lamuni ... ... .... 1 Pundavikuksha ... ... ... 12 ya ... ... ... 2i> Raroarmjacharya ... Sri Vedanta iK'sika ... !>7 Manavala Mulia ]\funi Chaitanya INTRODUCTION, These are a series of Seven Essays on the Lives and Writings of the principal religious reformers of the Vaishnavite or Yisishtadwaita School of India. The treatment is critical and historical has also ; but special prominence been given to the literary side of this School's of activity. A clear account of the growth Vaishnavaism is intended to be conveyed by these Lives of Eminent Keformers, and refe- rence has throughout been made to the deve- lopment of doctrines. A special chapter is devoted to the exposition of the Visishtad- waita philosophy according to Ramanuja. The growth of Yaishnavaism in Northern India is briefly dealt with in the last Essay, that on Sri Chaitanya, wherein that great Saint's career is also fully described.
  • Nov/ Dec 2015

    Nov/ Dec 2015

    In this Issue Ed’s Note International Society For Krishna Consciousness A Letter 4 I remember Balarama Dlamini when he was a little boy running around the temple; willing, able, and ISKCON Turns 50 5 open. And then he grew up tall and beautiful, like a graceful demigod. Every time I speak to him, his Soul Stories convictions, which for him are “just truths,” make my Sweet Patience 6 heart joyfully leap. When you read his love letter (as I like to call it) on page 4, you will know what I mean. I Temple Focus am so proud of the young man he has become. Renovations 8 Founder Acharya: His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada Change is the only constant in life. On this note, Family Matters we say goodbye to three of our writers this year: Colouring for Adults 10 Krishangi Radhe, Nikunja Vilasini, and Venu Gopal. For the Kids 11 I am sad to lose them as Hare Krishna News writers. Family Competition 11 However, I am also happy as they are all pursuing their studies further. I know that whatever they set Making Memories 12 their minds to, they will accomplish beautifully. Sri Krishna Goshala 13 Since we are drawing close to the year end and many of us are tired and thinking of what to do The Vedic Chef over the holidays, we share a few ideas: A colouring Almond Toffee Fudge 14 competition (yes, colouring has been proven to help Chinese Almond Cookies 15 adults relax) for the entire family; a drive to visit the Sri Krishna Goshala, breathe fresh country air, play Event Guide 14 with the calves, and have a vegetarian lunch; and our master chef Kurma Das’s fudge and cookie recipes Myth Buster to impress your holiday guests.
  • Why I Became a Hindu

    Why I Became a Hindu

    Why I became a Hindu Parama Karuna Devi published by Jagannatha Vallabha Vedic Research Center Copyright © 2018 Parama Karuna Devi All rights reserved Title ID: 8916295 ISBN-13: 978-1724611147 ISBN-10: 1724611143 published by: Jagannatha Vallabha Vedic Research Center Website: www.jagannathavallabha.com Anyone wishing to submit questions, observations, objections or further information, useful in improving the contents of this book, is welcome to contact the author: E-mail: [email protected] phone: +91 (India) 94373 00906 Please note: direct contact data such as email and phone numbers may change due to events of force majeure, so please keep an eye on the updated information on the website. Table of contents Preface 7 My work 9 My experience 12 Why Hinduism is better 18 Fundamental teachings of Hinduism 21 A definition of Hinduism 29 The problem of castes 31 The importance of Bhakti 34 The need for a Guru 39 Can someone become a Hindu? 43 Historical examples 45 Hinduism in the world 52 Conversions in modern times 56 Individuals who embraced Hindu beliefs 61 Hindu revival 68 Dayananda Saraswati and Arya Samaj 73 Shraddhananda Swami 75 Sarla Bedi 75 Pandurang Shastri Athavale 75 Chattampi Swamikal 76 Narayana Guru 77 Navajyothi Sree Karunakara Guru 78 Swami Bhoomananda Tirtha 79 Ramakrishna Paramahamsa 79 Sarada Devi 80 Golap Ma 81 Rama Tirtha Swami 81 Niranjanananda Swami 81 Vireshwarananda Swami 82 Rudrananda Swami 82 Swahananda Swami 82 Narayanananda Swami 83 Vivekananda Swami and Ramakrishna Math 83 Sister Nivedita
  • Waiting List SP Pune University - OPEN Sr

    Waiting List SP Pune University - OPEN Sr

    Waiting List SP Pune University - OPEN Sr. Hall Appln No Final Name Category Univ board Name Marks No. Ticket No NAGARDEOLEKAR Savitribai Phule Pune 1 180616938 ECO311 OPEN 19 SIDDHI SATISH University KHARADE AKANKSHA Savitribai Phule Pune 2 180616943 ECO244 OPEN 19 RAMESH University PARAB SAMIKSHA Savitribai Phule Pune 3 180617735 ECO346 OPEN 18 SURYAKANT University SALAKE KIRAN Savitribai Phule Pune 4 180616760 ECO420 OPEN 16 JAGANNATH University GHOTANKAR SANIKA Savitribai Phule Pune 5 180618595 ECO139 OPEN 14 SATYAJIT University SHINDE HANMANT Savitribai Phule Pune 6 180617159 ECO446 OPEN 14 BALIRAM University WAKCHAURE ONKAR Savitribai Phule Pune 7 180517142 ECO515 OPEN 13 BAJIRAO University JAGADALE SAURABH Savitribai Phule Pune 8 180618797 ECO186 OPEN 12 BAPURAO University Savitribai Phule Pune 9 180619405 ECO188 JAGDALE SIDDHI ABHAY OPEN 12 University Savitribai Phule Pune 10 180616626 ECO191 JAGTAP SACHIN DILIP OPEN 12 University PADIR DHANANJAY Savitribai Phule Pune 11 180617787 ECO336 OPEN 12 SARUDAS University BHOSALE BHAGVATI Savitribai Phule Pune 12 180616280 ECO050 OPEN 11 ISHWAR University DESHMUKH ANIKET Savitribai Phule Pune 13 180608751 ECO091 OPEN 11 PRASHANT University KHANDAGALE Savitribai Phule Pune 14 180600323 ECO238 OPEN 11 PRATIBHA SAHEBRAO University THODSARE SHRIPAL Savitribai Phule Pune 15 180601950 ECO485 OPEN 11 SHAHAJI University BIRAJDAR ROHIT Savitribai Phule Pune 16 180612118 ECO059 OPEN 10 GOKUL University MUTHE BHAKTI Savitribai Phule Pune 17 180605318 ECO309 OPEN 10 BABASAHEB University Savitribai
  • A Religiohistorical Study Davraj Kamal Master Of

    A Religiohistorical Study Davraj Kamal Master Of

    SWAMINARAYAN AND ETHICS; A RELIGIOHISTORICAL STUDY by DAVRAJ KAMAL submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of MASTER OF ARTS in the subject RELIGIOUS STUDIES at the UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH AFRICA SUPERVISOR: PROFESSOR C DU P LE ROUX NOVEMBER 1994 SUMMARY As part of the Phenomenological Method used in this dissertation, the research work applied the hermeneutical concepts of bhakti, karma and moksha. Focus was on the role played by the guru, the sadhus and devotees of the Swaminarayan Movement and how they related t~ their religious, ethical and social obligations. Their responses to ethical scriptures were evaluated, especially with a view to determining the extent to which ethical injunctions permeates, enhances, uplifts and shapes the adherents spiritually,morally and socially. Swaminarayan ethics was also placed within the context of Classical Hindu Texts and in particular, the work of Ramanuja and his Vishistadvaita philosophy. Further, it has been observed that the quest for the Ultimate Reality (Purushottam) is through their relationship with Akshar, Guru Pramukh Swami, the model of ethical excellence whose charisma binds the fibre of the Movement and his role serves both the ethical and transcendental plane of the Movement. TITLE OF DISSERTATION: SWAMINARA Y AN AND ETHICS; A RELIGIOHISTORICAL STUDY KEY TERMS: SAMPRADAYA; AKSHAR; PURUSHOTTAM; DHARMA; BHAKTI; MOKSHA; KARMA; SADHU; JNAN; VAIRAGYA; VISISHTHADVAITA; ATMAN-BRAHMAN; VARNASIIRAMA; ASIIRAMA. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS There are a number of people without whom the completion of this dissertation would not have been possible. Firstly, I wish to thank Sagie and Vino Moodley fo~ typing the dissertation with efficiency and pride. I am also immensely grateful to Pranesh Sewpershad and Ray Naguran for assisting with the correction of errors.
  • SATSANG PRAVESH-2 Time : 2.00 P.M

    SATSANG PRAVESH-2 Time : 2.00 P.M

    - 1 - Bochasanwasi Shri Aksharpurushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha Satsang Sikshan Parixa SATSANG PRAVESH-2 Time : 2.00 p.m. to 4.15 p.m. Total Marks : 75 Sunday, 6th March, 2011 Note : 1. Answer of the prescribed addition only will be accepted. Any other answer from different addition will not be accepted. 2. Numbers of the right side indicate marks of question number. 3. Numbers in the blanks on the right side of the answer indicate lesson number & page number. Important Note In the question paper the marks of the each sub-question should written in the box ( mark — 1 ) given on the right side and the marks of obtained by the candidate should be written in the adjacent box. If the answer is wrong than write ‘0’ (zero) in the given box. The sign or indication of true () or false () of each sub-question should be marked only on the left-side before the question starts. (SECTION-1: KISHOR SATSANG PRAVESH, 5th Edition, December - 2009) Q.1 In the sentences below, state who is speaking to whom and when. (Total Marks: 9) Note : Who is speaking 1 mark, to whom 1 mark and when 1 mark. 1. Shriji Maharaj - to Khimbai (3/19) Vyapkanand Swami revives the dead horse of Hamir Khachar of Botad later he went to meet Shriji Maharaj in Jhinjhavadar. 2. Shriji Maharaj - to Kashidas (12/39) Kashidas dealt in the cultivation of indigo. Innumerable small insects bred and died in the water given to the indigo shrubs. Thus a lot of himsa was committed. However, other crops did not grow, so what else could he do? Shriji Maharaj blessed him, and made him remove all the indigo shrubs.