October-November 2009 Annual Subscription Rs. 60 SWAMISHRI’S VICHARAN Top: Swamishri performs the murti-pratishtha arti of murtis for the new BAPS Mandir in the Nikol suburb of Ahmedabad (Bochasan, 23-7-2009). Bottom: Swamishri blesses the devotees seated in the mandir compound in Atladra mandir. Title Cover: Sculpture in the Sahajanand Darshan exhibition, Swaminarayan Akshardham, New Delhi. Happy Diwali

In this coming New Year may all resolve to be regular in satsang and ghar sabha, give good values to our children and may we focus on God and turn away from worldly pleasures. May we introduce others to what we have attained and please God. May the New Year bring happiness to all; may the ignorance within be dispelled, may the flames of truth, compassion, ahimsa, mercy, love and wisdom be lit and may there be peace throughout the world. I offer such prayers at the Akshar Deri and to Bhagwan Swaminarayan. With blessings for the New Year.

Jai Swaminarayan from Shastri Narayanswarupdas (Pramukh Swami Maharaj)

October-November 2009 Swaminarayan Bliss 3 October-November 2009, Vol. 32 Nos. 10-11 CONTENTS FIRST WORD

4 Swaminarayan History From the moment we are born we get connected A Day of Victory to our parents, relatives and the world. From infancy The deceitful Gebi is defeated... to old age we live in an intricate and delicate web 7 Honesty of relationships. Our life’s joys, achievements, Joy for the Honest Misery for the Dishonest failures and miseries are defined by our efforts and The rewards of honesty... relationships with ourselves and others. 9 Honesty What are our relationship equations at home, Personal Experiences work, in the neighbourhood, with friends and True stories of integrity... God like? Conversations build good relationships. 16 Festivals Money, beauty or status also create relationships. Diwali Parva A period of eight enlightening festivals... But the elements that strengthen and allow our 21 Philosophy – Swaminarayan Vedant relationships to endure lie in the cultivation of The Mãndukya Upanishad: Precepts mutual respect, love, peace and integrity. Ralph on the Ultimate State of the Ãtmã Waldo Emerson, the 19th century American poet Realizing the true nature of ãtmã... and essayist, said, “The true test of a civilization is 24 Philosophy – Swaminarayan Vedant not the census, not the size of cities, nor the crops – The Aitareya Upanishad: Acquaintance of the Essence of Creation but the kind of men the country turns out.” Parabrahman is the source of everything... Whatever we earn, create and establish with 26 On Life integrity endures and rewards us with inner To Exist is to Change satisfaction and joy. Character enables us to live Experiences at Akshardham, New Delhi... life fearlessly, purposefully and peacefully. Our 29 Vicharan Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s Vicharan relationships become genuine and less superficial. 32 Inspiring Incidents Integrity ultimately prods us towards developing Living with Swamishri strong connections with God and guru. Prayer BAPS News 34 and worship become our chief means to augment UK National Shibirs 2009 our bonds with God and guru. Europe Karyakar Shibir 2009 Website: www.swaminarayan.org Bhagwan Swaminarayan guides, “One who E-mail: [email protected] follows the path of righteousness forsakes stealing, adultery, slander and all other forms of Founder: HDH Pramukh Swami Maharaj, Editor: Sadhu Swayamprakashdas, sin. As a result, everyone in the world trusts him, Contributors: Sadhu Vivekjivandas, Sadhu Amrutvijaydas, Designer: Sadhu Shrijiswarupdas be it a member of his family or anyone else. Only Published & Printed by: Swaminarayan Aksharpith, Shahibaug, such a person likes the company of a true sadhu.” Ahmedabad–380 004. India. SUBSCRIPTION RATES (Vachanamrut Sarangpur 10). He adds further Outside India (By Air Mail) India Rupees Pounds US Dollars Rupees that such a person of character and love for the 1 Year 400 6 10 60 2 Years 800 12 20 110 God-realized Sadhu attains liberation – an eternal 3 Years 1200 18 30 160 relationship with God. Website: www.swaminarayan.org, E-mail: [email protected]

4 Swaminarayan Bliss October-November 2009 SWAMINARAYAN HISTORY: TRANSLATION: SADHU VIVEKJIVANDAS

A Day of Victory

At the behest of the king of Bhavnagar, Kanfata Gebi arrived in Gadhada to challenge Shri Hari. After a heated exchange with Brahmanand Swami and Dada Khachar, Gebi prepares to attack Shriji maharaj. Shri Hari instructs his Kathi devotees to respond…

ll three, Brahmanand Swami, Dada sure that Gebi would run away when the Kathis Khachar and Ladha Thakkar, described and parshads attacked him. Awhat had happened to Shri Hari. Shri Hari donned saffron clothes, took a sword Brahmanand Swami added, “He is foolish. It in hand, tied a shield behind his back and got seems someone has instigated him to come here. ready to face Gebi and his men. Nityanand Swami I heard that Jiva Khachar had recently met him.” asked, “Maharaj, why have you armed yourself?” Shri Hari merely smiled and said, “Because “To fight against Gebi. If he wishes to be Kansa he is a fool we have to be wary. He has come then he should know that Krishna is there to face to oppose.” Then Maharaj added, “Call Dada him,” Maharaj replied. Khachar’s partner, Ahir Khachar.” When the latter “But, you have been cursed by Ashwatthama arrived, Maharaj explained everything to him. He that if you pick a weapon you’ll never win. Then told him to come with his armed men. Maharaj what of that?” Nityanand Swami reminded. also told the Kathi devotees to get ready. Some Maharaj answered, “I sometimes accept a curse sadhus also took up bats used for washing clothes and at other times reject it.” and staffs. Satchidanand Swami got hold of a At that time Gebi played the drum as a clarion plough. Shri Hari smiled when he saw them all. call to his men. “Did you hear that,” Maharaj said. Then he checked the sadhus, “Sadhus should be “The fool has got ready to fight. His men will start compassionate and wedded to nonviolence. It is advancing to attack us.” Shri Hari got up to face unbefitting for sadhus to arm themselves in such them. But Brahmanand Swami and Nityanand ways. The sadhus explained, “Maharaj, when we Swami made Maharaj sit down on his seat. In the are attacked, we can tolerate and remain passive. meantime, Dada Khachar and Ahir Khachar came But when our God is threatened, we simply cannot to Maharaj. They said, “Maharaj, no one can win remain standing. So, today, we ask you not to say us in sword fighting. We will finish off his men. a word in this regard.” Shri Hari was happy with But Gebi is an expert in the black arts. So, it will the love his sadhus had for him. He knew the be difficult to capture him. So Maharaj, we pray sadhus would not enter into the fray. He was also to you to help us catch him.”

October-November 2009 Swaminarayan Bliss 5 Maharaj replied to Brahmanand Swami, “That is Gebi was trembling with fear. He folded his why I have got ready to face him. When he will see hands in forgiveness and asked, “Forgive me! Let me, his mantras will become impotent and useless.” me go alive. I will never come here again!” “That you can accomplish by merely wishing “No, that’s not enough. You must declare so. There is no need for you to come out and face that you will give up your bad ways and mend him,” Brahmanand Swami explained. Nityanand yourself. And understand this that the power of Swami, too, supported Brahmanand Swami’s your mantra vidya has been destroyed by the wish statement. Shri Hari smiled and told the Kathi of Swaminarayan. Now, you are powerless!” devotees, “Get ready and go. When Gebi sees you, “I’ll give it all up, Bapu! Let me go away free. his power of mantras will dissolve. Today, you I’ll never enter the outskirts of Gadhada,” Gebi must all show him your might. Even the one who replied anxiously. instigated him should realize that I am not a fake Dada Khachar took Somla Khachar’s sword and Brahmin, but…” warned Gebi, “Believe yourself to be lucky today, “The supreme God,” interrupted Nityanand because we are letting you go alive. Now don’t Swami. Shri Hari blessed all and said, “Expose his tread on the wrong path again.” Then Ahir Khachar deceit.” released Gebi’s beard. Dada Khachar added, With the proclamation of “Jai Swaminarayan,” “Listen, God is supreme. No one can supersede Ahir Khachar opened the giant fort door. Dada him. Those who have challenged and confronted Khachar, Somla Khachar, Ahir Khachar, Naja Jogiya him have met with tragic consequences. Whoever and others galloped off to face Gebi. The latter has sent you here, tell him what I have said.” Gebi was riding on a camel and his army of 400 men folded his hands in submission, touched the feet flanked on either side, fully armed. Ahir Khachar of Dada Khachar and took off. advanced speedily towards Gebi, and crashed into Ahir Khachar and Somla Khachar were amused the camel’s belly. The impact toppled Gebi to the by the way he scampered off. The Darbars were ground. Instantly, Dada Khachar rushed towards truly brave, and their bhakti towards Maharaj him, pulled out his sword and pinned him to the shone through their courage. Their faces glowed ground with his right foot on his chest. “You said with an aura of divine grace and blessings. They you can penetrate the earth and go to patal, but all returned to Maharaj and narrated everything before you can do it by yourself I will thrust you that had happened. Then Brahmanand Swami there with this sword.” told Maharaj, “Now, take off these combat clothes, Gebi was petrified. His men, too, surrendered sword and shield.” Shri Hari revealed, “It was when before the brave Kathi devotees and parshads. I donned these clothes and armed myself that these They had all been disarmed when the Kathis brave Kathis were inspired. Their courage shined wielded their belts and swords. Shri Hari had told today!” Then Maharaj told Dada Khachar, “Prepare the Kathis to scare the wits out of them, but not kansar (a sweet food) in celebration of your bravery to kill anyone. When Gebi’s men saw their master and victory. As long as such evil people reside on fall, they all ran away. Ahir Khachar dismounted earth, unrighteousness shall flourish. I do not go to from his horse, caught Gebi by his beard, pulled seek any one of them, but they come to me and I him up and slapped him twice. Then Ahir Khachar relieve the earth of its burden of evil.” roared, “If you can, bring that shrine from the (contd. next issue) other bank of River Ghela to this side with your From Gujarati text Bhagwan Swaminarayan mantra. Use your mantra vidya or we shall show by H.T. Dave you our Kshatriya vidya. With one more slap from me I can send you to the doors of death!”

6 Swaminarayan Bliss October-November 2009 HONESTY: TRANSLATION FROM SWAMINARAYAN PRAKASH, NOV.-DEC. 2008: KAUSHIK JOSHI

Joy for the Honest

Pramukh Swami Maharaj 18 October 2004, Nairobi

: It is the feeling of some people that we will go to Akshardham. they do not prosper economically If we have fewer riches, our worldly attachments Qeven though they are honest to the will be fewer and we will reach the abode of God. core and strictly observe the codes of conduct, If one doesn’t take it that way, one would tend while those who are grossly dishonest are found to lose faith thinking that the dishonest travel by to be financially well-off, living a life of luxury. air and I have to go on foot. One should think How should we view life in this context? positive. Why worry if one has to go on foot, since Swamishri: People often get perplexed by it will be good exercise and good for the body. such ironies in the world. Those who are honest Previously, people used to go on foot. Womenfolk do not make money while those who are dishonest had to walk to the well every morning to fetch do. The ways of the world are such that even the water and draw water from the well with a rope. faithful lose faith, thinking, ‘We worship God and Also, they used to grind the grains. They would practice satsang, yet do not make enough money.’ cook food at home and take it to their husband Yet, we should work honestly and happily at the farm. accept whatever we get. We should have strong Such exercises kept people fit and healthy; so faith that God is the doer and everything happens they had fewer diseases. as willed by him. Now, all that is a thing of the past and there We should also realize that God will do us are no such exercises in our daily life. One travels, good if we live honestly. Do not think that those seated in a car and works seated in a chair at the who are dishonest prosper financially, because office. And from the chair one goes back home ultimately they will suffer from their sins, while by car.

October-November 2009 Swaminarayan Bliss 7 Whether people go by car happy. Being a devotee, it or fly by plane, they have doesn’t matter whether we their own set of problems grow rich or not. That is the to face. Those who practice will of God. We should feel dishonesty may seem to be satisfied with what God has enjoying, but that dishonesty in store for us even after is the cause of unhappiness. putting in all our efforts. That If one doesn’t take refuge in will do us good. Whether you God, one is bound to face a live in America, London or host of problems. One who Africa, you have to think that makes money dishonestly Those who practice dishonesty whatever God wills for us is faces disrepute and is not good for us. If we live life may seem to be enjoying, liked by others. with this understanding, we On the other hand, an but that dishonesty is won’t feel that the dishonest honest devotee of God is the cause of unhappiness.... make a million and are happy. loved by everyone. He may One who makes money They are not happy. They are make little money but he unhappy really. People who has a bright future. He dishonestly faces disrepute live honestly and worship will experience the bliss of and is not liked by others. God, are happier than the Akshardham and will be rest on the earth. liberated from the cycle of births and deaths, while Plants that do not give fruits grow quickly, the dishonest will have to face imprisonment. while fruit-bearing plants take time to grow. The One who is driven by money invites trouble, even bitter creepers grow even if they are not watered. though he may feel happy for a period of time. But the useful plants take time to grow. You have Riches do not necessarily bring happiness. If to tend to them regularly. Likewise, if you want to you have the right philosophical understanding, qualify to reach Akshardham, you have to observe you will feel happy even if you live in a hut. the prescribed rites and rules, practice honesty Devotees of God always feel blissful since they and morality while following the right upasana. draw their strength from God. The dishonest, on Dishonesty leads to misery and unhappiness, only the other hand, will not be able to sleep peacefully honesty bears the fruit of happiness. These are the even in a luxurious bungalow. They have to take words of God and the sages and are supported by sleeping pills. Whereas, the honest feel happy and the scriptures. peaceful. It is our great fortune that we have Shriji Those who seek happiness should think of Maharaj as our God. those less fortunate than themselves, but should If we live with such understanding and not think of those who are richer. If one thinks knowledge, we will find peace and happiness at of those who are richer, one will not feel happy, all times. since one is not going to get the wealth they have. Think of the less fortunate: that they don’t have food to eat and go hungry while we get enough to eat; think of those with a fractured hand or leg – that they have a fractured limb, while we are healthy. Take life that way. That is the way to feel

8 Swaminarayan Bliss October-November 2009 HONESTY: TRANSLATION FROM SWAMINARAYAN PRAKASH, NOV.-DEC. 2008: KAUSHIK JOSHI Personal Experiences

FOR HAPPINESS,SS TURN TO SWAMI, SWAMI NOT MONEY Desingbhai Bhikhabhai Rathwa

y village is in the interior part of the day I gave back the amount to the bank manager. MJetpur sub-district in the tribal belt of He enquired about me. I told him that I was Vadodara district. a labourer and a volunteer of the BAPS and a I was 14 when I first had darshan of Pramukh disciple of Pramukh Swami, who has taught me Swami. Then I became a satsangi in 1981. The not to pocket anything which belonged to others. sadhus informed me of the moral rules to observe. The manager was very pleased. He ordered for I used to work as a labourer for the Mid-Day sweets and gave them to me. I offered it to the Meal Scheme. I also used to work as a labourer image of Maharaj I was carrying with me. Then he on three acres of land to make a living. Yet I could distributed it among the employees in the bank. save some money as I was free from all addictions, I told him, “Sir, it’s the satsang that keeps us thanks to satsang and bhakti. happy, not the rupees.” And rightly so. I have been I went to the SBI branch of Jetpur Pavi to serving in satsang since 1986. I used to visit Adivasi withdraw some money on 3 December 2007. I areas for satsang walking 8 to 10 kilometres. Then, came home with the money the cashier gave me. I in 1992-3 I bought a bicycle. I became a nirikshak had to pay a gentleman the next day. So I went to and cycled the distance of 12-13 km for satsang. see him. When I counted the money, I learnt that On the way I sometimes saw tigers and bears, but the cashier had given me Rs.10,000 extra. by chanting the Swaminarayan mantra I would I thought of going to the bank the next day but reach home safely. Today I have a motorbike and I had to go to Baria for some urgent work. go for satsang covering 16-17 km. The bank authorities detected the error. So they I really feel happy. Swami once told me, “You made inquiries. They also phoned me. I told them will be happy even as a labourer if you work that I did receive Rs.10,000 in excess. The next honestly.”

LESSON FOR A LIFETIME Ashokbhai J. Raval, Chief Mechanical Engineer, Gujarat State Transport, Gandhinagar

am a technocrat, but five years ago I was He blessed, “There won’t be any trouble if you I appointed as chief controller of purchases in remain honest.” With his inspiration I was able to the Gujarat State Transport, with an annual pur- resist all alluring offers. chase budget of Rs. 300-350 crore. This provided Once, we purchased a product from a company great scope for corruption. Companies would as a matter of routine. So, the merchant came to press me to buy their products. But it was a no- gift me a large sum of money. I refused to accept win situation. Even if one were honest, people it but he left it on my table, saying that if I didn’t would make unfounded allegations. So, I wrote a want it, I could donate it. letter to Pramukh Swami for his blessings. The next day I went to Akshardham to seek

October-November 2009 Swaminarayan Bliss 9 guidance as to what I should do. I was told to ask purchasing procedure very transparent and cor- the merchant himself to come and donate it. ruption proof, so that the government would not Then I went to see the merchant and gave him be at a loss at any point. back the amount. He was astonished. As a result I have made progress and am lead- That was for me a lesson of a lifetime. ing a happy life. I have been constantly inspired by Pramukh Swami to remain honest. So I made the whole

LEAD AUDITOR Sanatkumar B. Chattopadhyhaya, Operation Head, D.N.V. International Organization, Gandhinagar

was born and brought up in the interior Once, I went to Rajkot to audit a grant-in- I village of Sultanpur of West Bengal. After aid institute. On enquiry I learnt that there were studying upto 10th Standard I joined the Indian many irregularities. They thought that I would be Air Force. Along with the Air Force duty I studied easily tempted. But I did not relent. So three men engineering and then gained an MBA from the came to me one afternoon to threaten me. They National Institute of Personnel Management. said, “If you won’t certify what’s on record, it will After taking voluntary retirement from the be difficult for you to leave Rajkot. Air Force, I joined an international organization I told them, “You have chosen to threaten the which issues an International Standard Organiza- wrong person. I have served in the Air Force for tion (ISO) certificate to leading companies after 15 years. I am strong enough to face any situa- auditing them for their quality of environmental tion. You cannot silence me like this.” care, health and safety, social accountability and Then they did not turn up. I have faced many information security. I work as lead auditor and situations like this but by thinking of Bhagwan operation head. The certificate is recognized by Swaminarayan and Pramukh Swami Maharaj I all countries throughout the world. gain great strength and enthusiasm to face any Due to the value of this certification, we often eventuality. face tempting offers while on duty. Some people believe that you cannot make Once we went to a certain company for an au- progress honestly. I don’t think so. I hail from dit. The report was going against the company. a small village. I joined the Air force because I The head of the company came to know about couldn’t afford further studies. Yet, today I work this and came to see me in the evening, offering as an executive in an international organization whatever money I asked for. and am happy. I refused, yet he insisted. I told him to correct Some people think that you cannot work the accounts. I also told him that if they prepared with integrity in a Government or public sec- the report according to our list, society at large tor organization. Others will not let you be. would benefit and that I was satisfied with what To some extent they are right. Many offers are I would get for the audit and that I was worried made to corrupt you but you have to be reso- about the environment around the company. lute enough to refuse them. This requires inner Eventually he agreed. When we returned for strength which I get from Pramukh Swami Ma- an audit after six months, everything was in tune haraj and BAPS. with the audit requirements. The satisfaction that I visited many places in search of an individ- I got from it was great. ual and institution that could lend support to my

10 Swaminarayan Bliss October-November 2009 moral fibre, and finally I found all these values in ask myself, “Why can’t I refuse a bribe at least?” Pramukh Swami. One must have a role model to help one consis- BAPS has given me the strength to resist any tently cling to a life of honesty and morality. I have temptation. When I think of the life of Pramukh Pramukh Swami Maharaj as my role model. Where Swami and his sadhus, I feel inspired. I am also in the world could I find a greater role model? inspired by the sadhus since they have renounced If I were not associated with Pramukh Swami their wealthy families and sacrificed their careers to and BAPS, I cannot imagine what my life would serve God, guru and society. This thought makes me have been like?

ONLY THAT WHICH IS DUE TO ME IS MINE Dr V.P. Raval

hen I finished my graduation in medi- Hearing this, Pramukh Swami became restless. Wcine and surgery from the M.P. Shah He said, “That’s not necessary. With the grace of Medical College in Jamnagar, I had great ambi- God, you will feel peaceful. Keep serving the peo- tions. But my duties in various government dis- ple.” pensaries in the initial nine years changed all that. After several years I had to raise fees a little In the initial two years I came across some doctors but the dispensary is run even today on a charity who were not interested in money and were keen basis with the inspiration of Pramukh Swami. to serve the patients only. I also came across doc- But there are testing times also. In the begin- tors who wanted to make money at the cost of ning there were alluring offers from pharmaceuti- the patients. As a medico I decided from the very cal companies to prescribe their drugs. One ex- beginning which course to take. ecutive came with an offer of a new car. My heart bled when I treated very poor patients I told him it was of no use to me, since I would in Paliad as a medico. I also came from an ordinary not like to prescribe needless medicines to poor pa- family, so I knew what money meant to the poor tients for money. And he walked away. He might and the state of the patients. Aware of the plight of have thought that I would not succeed financially. poor patients, I started my practice in Amreli just The other day officers from another company to serve them. I took only a token charge of Rs. came. They offered to build a new hospital for me 2. My dispensary was named Sevabharati Hospital with accommodation. I told them that I did not and the number of patients soon grew. even charge my rightful fees! So, how could I take Some patients were so poor, they couldn’t what is not rightful for me? afford even the low fees. Rather, we had to ar- Over the years though, I have seen that soon- range for their meals. So, I and my wife decid- er or later your integrity and honesty are recog- ed to provide them meals also at our cost. My nized. The companies and the doctors now of- friends advised me to raise fees periodically but fer me their services for the poor patients rather I did not because I was inspired to serve by Pra- than gifts. mukh Swami Maharaj. Around that time, when With honesty and integrity you make progress Pramukh Swami visited Amreli, I told him that and get happiness. It is all thanks to Pramukh I examine around 250 patients daily and it was Swami that I could resist all temptations. tiring and the number of patients kept growing. I attend satsang sabhas in my area at least I added further that a gentleman had advised me twice in a month and also visit surrounding vil- to raise the fees to help limit the number of pa- lages for satsang. That is what I value more rather tients. than riches.

October-November 2009 Swaminarayan Bliss 11 HONESTY IS ITS OWN REWARD Bhagubhai Manibhai (Adivasi Dholi Patel), Train Coach Attendant, Jespore (Valsad)

am from Jespore, 14 km from Valsad in I also remained present with the jacket. I handed I South Gujarat. I became a satsangi about it over to him. He was very pleased. 10 years ago after the consecration ceremony of The passenger asked about my background. I the BAPS mandir in Navsari. I have been working told him that I was a disciple of Pramukh Swami as an attendant in the A/C coach of the Rajdhani who taught us that it is a sin to take property be- train for the past 13 years. longing to others. Once I found a gold chain in the Once, when the train reached Mumbai from coach, which I also returned to the passenger. Delhi, the passengers got off the train. While I I have been given awards for honesty by my was inspecting the coach, I found a jacket with seniors, but to me the values of satsang are worth gold ornaments worth at least one lakh rupees in more than all the awards. the pocket. At once I informed my senior officer. I have an acre of land to cultivate and the rail- The passenger who lost the jacket phoned the way job to make a living. There is no other source railway office. Our officer called him the next day. of income but I am content.

GATEWAY TO PLEASE GURU Shailesh Sagpariya, Accounts Officer, District Primary Education Committee, Rajkot

was working as an accounts officer for the Gu- such a large unnecessary expenditure. So I asked Ijarat Primary Education Committee in Rajkot. the representatives to go away. But they contin- One day some representatives of a computer ued to talk to me in a threatening tone. Still I re- company imparting training came to see me. They fused and then they left. wanted me to arrange Modules I and II in com- After a few weeks I visited a school for inquiry puter training for primary school teachers of the where I learnt that the company had managed to Rajkot district, since the government had issued get the order issued in their favour and the train- an order for such training. ing programme was also scheduled for the neigh- I told them that about 50 employees had al- bouring districts also. One night I calculated the ready received the training and that the training total burden on the government for all the schools was of no use for the primary teachers. Yet they in the state. It came to Rs. 1,450 million. insisted upon me to issue the order and offered The next day I had to go to Gandhinagar. So me a large sum to do so. I met an officer who is known for his integrity. I I explained that the primary teachers don’t explained the whole training project to him and have to use computers in the course of their duties. asked him whether the government wanted pri- There is not even any electricity in some schools. mary teachers to be trained in Modules I and II. There are 7,500 primary teachers in 1,243 schools He said it was not intended to include the prima- in the Rajkot district and the training would cost ry teachers and so he issued an order the next day Rs. 4,700 per teacher. It would cost the govern- which was circulated in all the districts of Gujarat. ment Rs. 35 million. When I reached Rajkot, I saw that the fresh or- I did not want to burden the government with der issued had displeased some officers and they

12 Swaminarayan Bliss October-November 2009 avoided my company. They even tried to harass life of honesty and not yield to corruption. me, but God was on my side and everything went Once my brother’s business was facing a financial in my favour. After some time, they began to like crunch and I was in desperate need of Rs. 500,000 me for what I did. to help him. The next day a man came to offer me I feel that honesty has its own profound influ- Rs. 700,000 as bribe for a project but I refused it as ence and it earns you respect from all. the words of Pramukh Swami rang in my ears. When Swami learnt about the whole episode in I feel that the corrupt feel unhappy and deso- Gondal, he blessed me and told me to stick to my late while I am quite at peace.

FREE FROM CORRUPTION WITH GOD’S GRACE Bharat L. Upadhyaya, GCERT, Gandhinagar

joined the Government of Gujarat in 1974 af- dures. Some merchants would come to offer me Iter completing my post-graduate education. bribes, but I would refuse. In one case, the order Since then I have been selected for higher posts in was issued legally. Yet, the merchant came to offer the government after passing various GPSC exams. me a large sum as a token. In all this, I have experienced the grace of God It is believed that you have to be corrupt to to help me keep corruption at bay. prosper but my experience is altogether different. For some time I worked as an audit officer in I have not even incurred the displeasure of my the education department. I was often offered senior officers. I have always been protected by bribes to certify audit reports without auditing Shriji Maharaj, Pramukh Swami and my immedi- the books, but I was able to resist them all. ate officers. While working as a secretary in GCERT, I had Being honest has served me well. My officers to deal with many businessmen to make purchas- have rated my performance better. As a result I es. But I would work only according to the proce- have not been transferred in the past 20 years.

HONESTY BRINGS HONOUR TO GURU Vaibhav A. Tank, Student, USA

hree years ago, I was a 7th grade student But she was very pleased and told me that nobody Tat Peterson Middle School in California. would have come to know of this if I had kept Once we had a sports test for which the rule quiet. was that the answer sheet would be examined I told her, “God knows everything. And I don’t by another student of the class according to the want even one mark more than what I deserve.” model answer sheet given by the teacher. Thus, She wanted to know who taught me these les- I scored 100 per cent. I knew one of my answers sons of morality and honesty. I told her about the was wrong. So I asked my classmate to reduce BAPS, Pramukh Swami Maharaj and the sadhus. one mark. But he and the other friends laughed at She expressed her desire of meeting them but I me. And he did not make the correction. explained to her that they observed the vow of celi- I did not like it. So I approached the teacher, bacy. So, she wrote a letter to the saints and BAPS. Ms Martin, with the same request. She could not I was very young at that time but today I real- believe her ears. She wondered why a student ize how we can gain honour for our guru by just would come forward to have a mark deducted. being honest in life.

October-November 2009 Swaminarayan Bliss 13 I OFFER AT THE FEET OF GOD THAT WHICH IS NOT MINE Anonymous, Surat

n envelope addressed to Munivandan it. I had been waiting for someone to claim it, but ASwami was found on the step of the cen- nobody has turned up yet. It does not belong to tral shrine of the BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir in me. So I decided to offer it at the feet of God. Surat on 16 January 2008. When he opened the I am a member of the BAPS Kishore Mandal and envelope, he found 15 grams of gold and a short you know me too. I won’t like to give my name, letter in which the writer introduced himself as though. a member of the Kishore Mandal, without giving I pray that God may help the person whom it his name: belongs to in any other way. Jai Swaminarayan Jai Swaminarayan Pujya Munivandan Swami Member of BAPS Kishore Mandal In this envelope I enclose 15 grams of gold which I found. It belongs to somebody who lost

BAPS YOUTH WHO COULD NOT BE LURED BY A 3 MILLION DOLLAR FORTUNE Nilesh Patel, New Jersey, USA

his is an account of a BAPS youth in the USA ing, “You have really done the Satsang proud and Twhose exemplary display of honesty filled further honoured it. You will feel at peace in the Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s heart with pride. It was heart of your hearts.” an alluring opportunity to make a fortune of three The following is the translated version of the million dollars just when he was trying to find his letter of Nilesh Patel: feet in the USA. He had yet not settled in the USA 23 May 2004 and was only working in a convenience store. Pragat Brahmaswarup Pramukh Swami Maharaj, Nilesh Patel could easily have appropriated an Jai Swaminarayan. unsigned lottery ticket worth three million dollars When I was working in a convenience store of a that belonged to a 76-year-old American lady to Jain gentleman from Baroda settled in the USA, an himself. Still, he returned the three million dollar- old lady aged 76 used to come regularly to buy news- winning lottery ticket to the rightful owner. That papers and lottery tickets. The other day she came was in 2004. He wrote a letter to Pramukh Swami and gave me the lottery tickets to check and then and Swamiji wrote back to him, blessing him for went to another store close to ours. When I checked his exemplary honesty. the tickets, I found that she had won three million Pramukh Swami Maharaj wrote, “You have dollars for one ticket. The ticket was unsigned and done your family and Satsang proud by giving there was no one else in the store. I thought for a back the lottery ticket to the old lady. This gesture while not to speak to her about it, but then your smil- will certainly please Maharaj, Swami, Shastriji ing face flashed before my eyes. Maharaj and Yogiji Maharaj. You will have inner When she came back, I told her that she had peace and be happy in life. I have prayed to Ma- won three million dollars. She told me not to make haraj so that you may settle comfortably in the fun of her and was not ready to believe it. USA.” I showed the ticket to another customer in the Swami blessed him in person in Edison say- store and he told her that she had really won it.

14 Swaminarayan Bliss October-November 2009 Then she believed it. my mind again even for a second and I may live life Swami, I pray to you to bless me and my family peacefully, obeying your instructions. so that the thought of dishonesty may never enter Jai Swaminarayan from Nilesh

BLESSINGS TRAIL BEHIND HONESTY Vipul Arvindbhai Parmar, Gurukul Student (Gondal), B.J. Medical College, Ahmedabad

efore joining the BAPS Gurukul in Gondal sat in the 12th Standard Board exams, the gurukul BI was a member of the BAPS Bal Mandal students did not copy, even though the supervisors in Gondal mandir. It was a source of great inspira- encouraged it. The students included Dharmesh tion, encouraging me to excel in studies and make Ghadia, Vishal Pandya, Shravan Bagtharia and others. a bright future for myself. When the sadhus took us to Swamishri and reported Pramukh Swami Maharaj and the sadhus of- the whole episode Swamishri was very pleased. ten cautioned us not to copy in exams. So I had Swami was especially pleased to learn that resolved never to copy. even the supervisors knew the students of Akshar In the SSC Board exams, an atmosphere con- Purushottam Gurukul would not copy. Then Swa- ducive to copying prevailed in our exam centre. mi blessed us saying, “You have created a good The supervisors not only turned a blind eye to it, image of the BAPS Gurukul and have added one they facilitated it. more feather to the crown of the BAPS. This will On the last day of the exams there was wide- help you in life and in your job or profession. You spread copying. But I decided that copying was have shown exemplary courage and resolve. If just not for me. I had finished the exam and was you remain honest, God will bless you with suc- quietly waiting for the final bell to ring. The su- cess wherever you are.” pervisor came to me and asked me to give my an- And we have really felt Swami’s blessings. swer sheet to the student behind. That year 11 students of the Gurukul achieved I told him courteously that I won’t like to be part of high percentages and qualified for admission to the mass copying. Just then the principal of the school various medical colleges. Also, Vimal Padhiyar passed by and he could not say anything to me further and Nirmal Lakum and I appeared in the merit to help the student behind for fear of being caught. list for the first ten in the state in the Standard 12 When we were students of Gondal Gurukul and Board exams.

ONLY MY MONEY MATTERS TO ME Rasikbhai Lallubhai Mohila Adivasi, Dharmpur, Valsad

en years ago my life was all liquor and Swami Maharaj and at once freed myself from all Tmeat. I used to spend at least Rs. 5,000 addictions. every month on liquor, more than my income I have been working for a decoration company allowed. as a labourer for the past 18 years. Once, while The turning point came in 1999 when I went dismantling the decorations at midnight after a to Mahesana for labour. There I visited the BAPS marriage, I found a bag with cash and golden or- mandir and met some sadhus who initiated me naments. I thought somebody would be tempted into the Swaminarayan fold and placed a kanthi to take it, so I hid it under the pillow of my bed. around my neck. I also had darshan of Pramukh (contd. on p. 31)

October-November 2009 Swaminarayan Bliss 15 FESTIVALS: SADHU MUKUNDCHARANDAS, FROM HINDU FESTIVALS

Diwali Parva Grand Annakut, London Mandir Parva means a group of festivals. Diwali Parva incorporates eight festivals: Ramaa Ekadashi, Vagh Baras (Govatsa Dwadashi), Dhan Teras, Kali Chaudash, Diwali, Nutan Varsh (Annakut), Bhai Bij and Labh Pancham. n Ashadh sud Ekadashi, Bhagwan and given dalvada (fried lentil balls) to eat: was bound by Bali Raja’s donation. “Kshirodãrnavasambhute surãsuranamaskrute OPleased with such exuberant devotion, sarvavedamaye mãtagruthãnãrgyai namostute” Bhagwan made him immortal by granting a three– “O mother cow! You appeared during Samudra day utsav. These are celebrated on Aso vad 13, 14 Manthan. You are the deified mother, venerated and Amas. In practice, this utsav begins all over by devas and demons. Accept the oblations of my the land on vad Ekadashi (11th) and Vagh Baras puja. I offer you my pranams.” (12th). This period is also known as Deepalika, Vagh refers to repaying one’s financial debts. Sukhratri and Yakshratri (Bhavishya Puran 140). Therefore people clear their account books today and do not enter into new transactions, using new RAMAA EKADASHI (ASO VAD 11) ledgers, until after Labh Pancham. Diwali festivities begin on Aso vad 11, known The Bhagvadgomandal, the Gujarati as Ramaa Ekadashi and Bhagvati Ekadashi. encyclopaedia, also describes this day as Pada Ramanand Swami’s guru, Atmanand Swami said, Baras. There is a short story which throws light “A mahotsav is that which attains victory over on the word vagh. On this day a demon named vasana.” Hence, Ekadashi is a vrat in which the Vagh was vanquished. His body was dragged into ten indriyas and eleventh mind are auspicious the city. Merchants considered this inauspicious. sentiments of self–control. Hence they stopped the exchange of money on this day. They only begin after the new muhurt. VAGH BARAS (ASO VAD 12) This is also known as Govatsa Dwadashi and DHAN TERAS (ASO VAD 13) Guru Dwadashi. On this day a milch cow and calf Dhan has two meanings; a herd of cows and are offered pujan by chanting the following shloka wealth. In the past cows formed people’s wealth.

16 Swaminarayan Bliss October-November 2009 Over time both were offered pujan on this day. remove inauspiciousness and fear of evil spirits Sanatan Dharma’s shastras have advocated and beings. Throughout India, Mahalakshmi is procuring wealth only through the codes of offered pujan. dharma. According to the Law of Karma, wealth acquired by any other means will create discord Origin in one’s life, as well as in society. Lakshmi, the The evil king Narakasur, also known as goddess of wealth, and Lakshmi, in the form of Bhaumasur, of Prag–Jyotishpur, confiscated all currency, are offered pujan. the beautiful and valuable objects in the world. The latent sentiment is that this purifies Rampaging through the three lokas, he also looted one’s wealth and that one may use it with vivek the earrings of Aditi, mother of the devas. (discrimination). It is said that wealth used for When the devas prayed for succour, Shri Krishna self is termed dhan, that for others lakshmi, that and Satyabhama vanquished Narakasur, releasing for unethical purposes alakshmi (sinful) and that the 16,000 women captives. In jubilation, the devas for Paramatma mahalakshmi. celebrated the occasion by kindling divas. When The sentiment underlying Lakshmi pujan is Narakasur lay dying, he prayed to Shri Krishna, that the Lakshmi – wealth we have acquired – is “Let those who bathe before sunrise on my death ultimately the result of Paramatma’s grace. For anniversary not go to hell.” Shri Krishna granted this we thank him on this day. the boon (Padma Puran, Uttarkhand 76/67). On this day, Dhanvantari, the physician of the Even today in South India, after an oil bath, a devas, and amrut manifested. The devas obtained bitter fruit named kaarit is trodden on, symbolizing amrut. However without adhyatma dhan, even they the destruction of Narakasur. experienced discord. Therefore they approached a Another katha cites that once on this day, a realized sadhu such as Shukdevji, to hear kathamrut king named Hem died. His relatives mourned (spiritual discourses) and hence obtain adhyatma immensely. This moved Yamaraja, who took pity. dhan (spiritual wealth). We are fortunate to have He declared, “Whoever lights deeps (divas) will such a true sadhu today in the form of Pramukh not die during these five days of Deepotsav.” Swami Maharaj. By his he graces us adhyatma In essence this means that one who is enlightened dhan. within – becomes brahmarup – will not fear death. We should introspect regarding the amount For this we need to eradicate our fifty-one bhuts, of this amrut that we have imbibed in the past namely, the three gunas, ten indriyas, ten prans, four twelve months. It is from such a sadhu that we antahkarans, five bhuts, five vishays and fourteen obtain dhan in the form of Ekantik Dharma and devatas of the indriyas by obeying the Satpurush. virtues, such as, dharma, gnan, vairagya, bhakti, In becoming brahmarup and offering devotion to integrity, self–control, truth, straightforwardness Parabrahman, we truly celebrate Kali Chaudash. and righteousness. The seekers of truth should do pujan of such spiritual dhan for life. Rituals Children are wealth too. They thrive on dhan Hanumanji is offered pujan using oil and in the form of samskars. Parents should strive to sindur (orange powder). sincerely impart this dhan to them. It is traditional to eat vadaa and items made from udad (lentils) on this day. KALI CHAUDASH (ASO VAD 14) This is also known as Narak Chaturdashi DIWALI (ASO VAD 15) because Shri Krishna vanquished Narkasur. Also known as Deepawali and Deepotsav, this Devotees pray and offer pujan to Hanumanji to is the final day of the Hindu year.

October-November 2009 Swaminarayan Bliss 17 Origin Sentiments Mankind is forever steeped in the misery of People forgive and forget misdeeds of the ãdhi (mental agony), vyãdhi (physical sufferings) past year and resolve to spend the coming and upãdhi (pain from external elements). year in peace, harmony, purity and to earn On the day when man is liberated from these, lakshmi by observing dharma. it becomes the day of Diwali, of bliss for him. On this the darkest (moonless) day of the There are five stories celebrating this day: month, people light divas symbolically, 1. Shri Krishna vanquished Narkasur, releasing praying to Paramatma for inner people from misery. enlightenment. 2. Pruthu Raja extracted goodness from the Diwali is a festival to resolve personal earth. discord and familial conflict, to increase 3. During the Samudra Manthan, Lakshmiji love, unity and harmony in the family and emerged from the ocean. society. 4. The Pandavas returned from their forest Finally, since we are graced by the infinite exile. love of God and his holy Sadhu, we should 5. Shri Ramchandra returned to Ayodhya after feel fulfilled and contented, known as his victory over Ravan in Lanka. purnakampanu. Therefore we should In essence people light divas on this day to endeavour to consolidate our dharma, depict their joy on being released from suffering gnan, vairagya and bhakti, to further inflicted by evil elements. Thus, this day came to receive their benediction. be known as Deepotsavi. This is the ultimate sentiment of Diwali, poetically described by Brahmanand Swami – a Rituals poet-paramhansa of Bhagwan Swaminarayan: The Bhavishyottar Puran (140–14–29) cites “Rãj mãre din din Diwãli re, details of how to celebrate Diwali from early Vãlã maltã tamane Vanmãli re, jiho Giradhãri.” morning. “For me every day is Diwali having met you, O To augur success, those involved in trade Paramatma.” and business do pujan of their new ledgers, known as Chopda Pujan (also known as NUTAN VARSH (KARTIK SUD 1): ANNAKUT Sharda Pujan). In the BAPS Swaminarayan Origin Sanstha’s shikharbaddh mandirs, it is a On Kartik sud 1, New Year’s Day, Vaman tradition for sadhus to perform the Vedic Bhagwan asked Bali Raja for three strides of land. Sharda pujan ritual of the devotees’ Bali Raja pleased Vamanji by offering everything. account books. In remembrance of his devotion, Vamanji granted People light divas in their homes every a boon that this auspicious day will be famed evening. as Balipratipada (Skand Puran 24/10). People During Diwali it is a tradition in Hindu therefore offer Bali pujan on this day. homes for the womenfolk to decorate a The monsoon which commences in the month rangoli at the entrance or near the doorway, of Ashadh will have grown new crops by the end after washing the floor. A rangoli is an of Aso. Therefore the new harvest brought home is intricate and artistic design, using coloured first used to cook exquisite foods for Paramatma. powders. It represents an auspicious In Gokul, it was a tradition to offer these as welcome for Lakshmiji, who visits people thanksgiving to Indra – the deity of rain. during Diwali to grant wealth. Observing these preparations, the child Krishna

18 Swaminarayan Bliss October-November 2009 questioned his father, Nandbaba, of the purpose. year. One who remains miserable will experience Nandbaba replied, “It has been a tradition to misery the whole year.” thank Shri Indra, who graces rain, which grows By first offering sumptuous foods to Paramatma crops. That is why we live happily.” on this day, devotees thank him. Therein they pray Hearing this, Shri Krishna pointed out that that through the whole year, they are blessed with the cause of man’s happiness and misery are his his grace. karmas, and Paramatma gives the fruits of his New Year’s Day signifies beginning the year karmas accordingly. He added, “Since we are afresh. By obeying the commands of Paramatma forest dwellers, pujan of this Mount Govardhan, and the Gunatit Sadhu, devotees receive a new, the cows and Brahmins, is greater than Indra’s edifying direction to live life contentedly and puja.” He then commanded everyone, “From now blissfully during the New Year. onwards, fodder shall be offered to cows and food to Govardhan” (Bhagvatam 10/25). Everyone Rituals accepted his injunction. Through Govardhan, Early in the morning children visit people’s Paramatma then availed of all the food offered. homes with salt cubes (sabras) as a ritual When Indra discovered that instead of him, of auspiciousness. The previous night, pujan was offered to Govardhan in Gokul, he was some people actually request neigbouring enraged and deluged Gokul with rain, to destroy children to visit them the next morning it. However to demonstrate Paramatma’s power, with sabras. Shri Krishna raised Mt. Govardhan merely with People go to mandirs for Paramatma’s his little finger. This sheltered the residents and darshan. cows of Gokul underneath. People greet each other by saying ‘Saal The underlying sentiment of this episode is Mubarak’. that mundane factors such as house, wealth, In all mandirs, Annakut is offered to mountain, trees or earth, in themselves do not the deities on this day. A vast array of have the power to protect us. Only Bhagwan vegetarian foods is traditionally arranged Purushottam has the power to deliver us. Relative in tiers or steps, in front of Bhagwan. The to his powers, that of the lesser deities pale into sweets are placed nearest to Bhagwan. insignificance. Therefore it is better to accept As the tiers descend, other foods such as sharanagati (refuge) of Purushottam and offer dal (curry), vegetables, pulses and fried him pujan. savoury foods are arranged. A mound of Over the ages, these sentiments have been cooked rice, symbolic of Mt. Govardhan, is consolidated by offering Govardhan Puja. This placed in the centre. is also known as Annakut. Anna means food and The Swaminarayan Sampraday celebrates kut, mountain (Vishnu Puran 5.11.5.25). festivals and observes modes of worship stipulated by Vitthalnathji, son of Vallabhacharya, Importance founder of Pushti Marg Vaishnavism. This auspicious day represents joy and In BAPS shikharbaddh mandirs, sadhus happiness during the whole year. In the begin to arrange the Annakut in the morning Mahabharat, Bhagwan Veda Vyas reveals to and finish before noon. Sadhus then sing thal Yudhishthir: kirtans composed by Bhagwan Swaminarayan’s “O Yudhishthir, on this day of padvo (first poet paramhansas. These kirtans list and glorify day of lunar month), the person who remains the food items in an aesthetic, rhythmic and joyous will experience happiness throughout the pleasant manner, praying to Bhagwan to accept

October-November 2009 Swaminarayan Bliss 19 them. The singing lasts for about an hour. This who do not have a sister, may have a meal at a is followed by a grand arti. cousin’s house or that of a friend’s sister. The Annakut is left for darshan for the devotees till evening, and then the food LABH PANCHAM (KARTIK SUD 5) is removed. The prasad of sweets and dry Pancham and panchmi mean five. The final foodstuffs is then distributed. festival during the Diwali period is Labh Pancham, on Kartik sud 5. It is also known as Lakheni BHAI BIJ (KARTIK SUD 2) Panchmi and Saubhagya Panchmi. Bhai and bhratru mean ‘brother’ and bij means two. The second day of the New Year, Kartik sud Rituals 2 is known as Bhai bij, Yamdvitiya or Bhratru Those who have not performed Sharda Pujan dvitiya. on Diwali, perform pujan of their new ledgers (chopda) today and ritually open their shops and Origin businesses. In the days following Diwali, including Once Yamunaji, the manifest form of River today, people visit friends and relatives, to renew Yamuna, invited her brother Yamaraja and his solidarity. Sweets and other items are offered to attendants to have a meal at her home. However, guests, symbolizing ‘sweetening’ of relations. work prevented him from accepting her invitation. Finally on Kartik sud 2, he visited her. She Import welcomed him warmly by performing his pujan Labh means benefit. People today usually wish with sandalwood paste, exotic perfumes and rich for material labh such as a good job, good in–laws, garments. She then served him sumptuous food riches and so forth. Yet the shastras and sadhus in a golden plate. inform us that the greatest labh is human birth After the meal, Yamaraja reciprocated his itself. With this one should endeavour to realize sibling love by gifting her expensive garments. Paramatma. Aksharbrahman Gunatitanand Swami He then requested her to ask him for a boon. She has revealed the glory of associating with sadhus asked, “Every year on this day you should have (sant samagam) in his Swamini Vato: a meal in my home. You should also release all “If one possesses as many chintamanis – wish- those who are in Yamapuri (Hell). And to those fulfilling gems, as there are stones, and as many who have food at their sister’s home on this day, kalpavrukshes – wishing trees, as there are trees you should grant happiness.” on Mt. Girnar, even then one would be better off Granting her boon, Yamaraja replied, “Those burning them in order to do sant samagam.” who bathe in the Yamuna, appease the pitrus The Diwali period, then, is a quest for inner (ancestors), have food at their sister’s home and enlightenment. It is an occasion to eradicate one’s perform her pujan, will not arrive at my gates.” inner darkness, by renouncing any addictions, bad habits and swabhavs (base instincts) by Sentiments obeying the dharmashastras, the Shikshapatri By serving food to her brother, a sister and the Gunatit Guru – the sadhu who has strengthens her sibling bond. Therein she also realized Bhagwan. One then becomes brahma- blesses him with health and longevity. As for her, rup and is subsequently graced with the ultimate the shastras ordain that she shall not become enlightenment of realizing Parabrahma. a widow. Those who do not eat at their sister’s home on this day lose all the punya accumulated during the past year and experience misery. Those

20 Swaminarayan Bliss October-November 2009 PHILOSOPHY – SWAMINARAYAN VEDANT: GUJARATI TEXT: SADHU BHADRESHDAS; TRANSLATION: SADHU PARAMVIVEKDAS

The Mãndukya Upanishad Precepts on the Ultimate State of the Ãtmã

INTRODUCTIONON eveverything’erything’ (Mãndukya The MãndukyaMãndukyaa UpUpanishad:anishad: 1/1/1). The same Upanishad is containedontainedd ststatementatement is tthen repeated within the Athartharvavaa uususinging the wword Brahman Veda. This Upanishadshad iiss ininsteadnstead ooff Akshar. ÒâßZ recited in the Mãndukyadukya sïðÌÎ÷ssïððÌÎ÷ ÕýræÓÕýræÓ – ‘Sarvam Shãkhã of the Atharvatharva hyetadhhyetad BBrahma’ – Veda, hence it is knknownown ‘E‘EverythingEveryythin is pervaded as the ‘Mãndukyadukyaa bby Aksharbrahman’Aks Upanishad’. Smaller,maller, ((M(Mãndukyaãnduky Upanishad: in size, than thee ototherher 11/1/2).2). principle Upanishads,hads, this ThusThus the all- Upanishad containstains oonlynly pepervasivenessrvasiveness of twelve mantras. These twelve AAksharbrahmanksharbrahman has been mantras are dividedvided into ffourour sstated.tated. ThThee mamainin reason for khandas (sections).s). sstatingtating this is to reiterate brbrahmadrashti – realizing Brahman in everything. ‘Sarvam’ THE PRECEPTS means everything. If everything is pervaded by In order to perform the true upãsanã and bhakti Brahman, then this includes all ãtmãs. Therefore of Parabrahman, one must attain knowledge of they are brahmarup or aksharrup. This is a lofty one’s ãtmã, one must become brahmarup. This principle on the path of spiritual endeavours. Upanishad gives simple precepts on the knowledge The same principle is then revealed again in of ãtmã and on awakening the sense of being clear words: Ò¥Ø×æˆ×æ ÕýræïÓ – ‘Ayamãtmã Brahma’ brahmarup by associating with Aksharbrahman. – ‘This jivãtmã is the form of Aksharbrahman’ (Mãndukya Upanishad: 1/2). IDENTIFYING THE ÃTMà Thus it has been established that one must TO BE BRAHMARUP identify the ãtmã as being brahmarup. A wonderful One must know the glory of Brahman in order method to rouse this sense of being brahmarup. to become brahmarup. Hence, this Upanishad To realize one’s ãtmã as being brahmarup, one commences with a description of the greatness must first know it to be separate from the three of Brahman. Òú §ˆØðÌÎÿæÚUç×΢ âßü×÷Ó – ‘Aum bodies (causal, subtle and physical) and the three ityetadaksharamidam sarvam’ – ‘Akshar, whose states (waking, dream and deep sleep). These glory has been sung by the word aum, pervades bodies and states are ties which have clung to

October-NovemberOctober-November 2009 SwaminarayanSwaminarayan BlissBliss 21 the ãtmã. In this Upanishad, the main message outer objects (vishva). For this very reason, is to be aware of one’s ãtmã as brahmarup, it is also known by names like ‘vishva’ and separate from the three states. To develop the ‘vishvãbhimãni’. understanding that ‘I am separate from the three In this way, the waking state, which is connected states’ one must first know the three states, only with the physical body, has been described as the then is it possible to realize one’s jivãtmã to be first state. brahmarup, above those three states. Therefore this Upanishad first describes the three states THE SECOND STATE: THE DREAM STATE of the jivãtmã, and after that, it describes the ÒSߌÙSÍæÙôù‹ÌÑÂý™æÑ Âýçßç߀ÌÖé·÷¤ ÌñÁâô çmÌèØÑ ÂæÎÑÓ fourth state of the jivãtmã, above the foresaid – ‘Svapnasthãno’ntahpragnaha praviviktabhuk three, that of brãhmisthiti (the brãhmic state). taijaso dviteeyaha pãdaha’ (Mãndukya Thus, here, with the words ÒâôùØ×æˆ×æ ¿ÌécÂæÌ÷Ó – Upanishad: 2/2). The state in which the sleeping ‘So’yamãtmã chatushpãt’ (Mãndukya Upanishad: jivãtmã does not know (pragnaha) the outer 2/1), the jivãtmã has been described as being of objects during the waking state, but knows the four states (chãtushpãt). inner objects (antaha) – is the dream state. In Let us take a look at these four states. this state, one is not conscious of the physical body. When we see a dream, neither the five THE FIRST STATE: THE WAKING STATE organs of action nor the five sense organs are The waking state is described first, ÒÁæ»çÚUÌSÍæÙô active, but the inner organs, like the mind and ÕçãUcÂý™æÑ â#梻 °·¤ôÙçߢàæçÌ×é¹Ñ SÍêÜÖé»÷ ßñEæÙÚUÑ intellect, are active. In this state, the jivãtmã ÂýÍ×Ñ ÂæÎÑÓ – ‘Jãgaritasthãno bahishpragnaha experiences a variety of objects in the dream saptãnga ekonavinshatimukhaha sthoolabhug world (praviviktabhuk). Paramãtmã is the vaishvãnaraha prathamaha pãdaha’ (Mãndukya creator of this entire dream world. The jiva has Upanishad: 2/1). This implies that when the no control there. Paramãtmã creates this dream jivãtmã knows (pragnaha) the outer objects world in order to make the jiva experience the (bahihi) such as sound, touch, taste, smell and fruits of its accumulated prior karmas. In this form, it is said to be in the waking state. In this real dream state, the jivãtmã experiences the waking state, the jivãtmã experiences a variety fruits of a great many accumulated karmas in a of pleasures prominently using nineteen organs very short time. (ekonavinshatimukhaha sthoolabhug), namely: Although the eyes are closed and there is the five sense organs – eyes, ears, nose, tongue darkness, yet, in this dream state the jivãtmã and skin; the five organs of action – the hands, experiences a variety of objects as if they were feet, mouth, anus, and genitals; the five prãnas alight and so it is called ‘taijasaha’. (vital breaths); and the four inner organs In this way, the dream state, which is connected – the mind, intellect, chitt and ahamkar. For with the subtle body, has been described as the example, when we are awake, to see with our second state. Now the third state. eyes, to hear with our ears, to walk with our feet, to do something with our hands, in fact, THE THIRD STATE: THE STATE OF DEEP whatever we do consciously are all actions of SLEEP the waking state. In this state we are completely Òؘæ âé#ô Ù ·¤†¿Ù ·¤æ×¢ ·¤æ×ØÌð Ù ·¤†¿Ù Sߌ٢ ÂàØçÌ conscious of our physical bodies. Moreoever, in ÌÌ÷ âéáé#×÷Ó – ‘Yatra supto na kanchana kãmam the waking state, the jivãtmã has been called kãmayate na kanchana svapnanm pashyati tat ‘vaishvãnaraha’ by this Upanishad because in sushuptam’ (Mãndukya Upanishad: 2/3). This this state the jivãtmã is able to experience all is the state in which not just the sense organs,

22 Swaminarayan Bliss October-November 2009 but the mind also rests. Moreover, that state 2/5), as stated before in the mantra Ò¥Ø×æˆ×æ ÕýræïÓ in which absolutely no desires or wishes can – ‘Ayamãtmã Brahma’ (Mãndukya Upanishad: occur like they do in the waking state, and in 1/2). Moreover, ÒÂý†¿ôÂàæ×¢ àææ‹Ì¢ çàæß×mñÌ¢ ¿ÌéÍZ which even dreams cannot be seen is called ׋؋Ìð â ¥æˆ×æ çß™æðØÑÓ – ‘Prapanchopashamam deep sleep. Deep sleep means the state of being shãntam shivamadvaitam chaturtham manyante completely asleep. This occurs when a person is sa ãtmã vigneyaha’ (Mãndukya Upanishad: in intense sleep. At that time, he does not attain 2/5), that is, on attaining this state all illusions any outer knowledge. Even dreams cannot be of mãyã and infatuation with the world dissolve seen within. Thus, in this state, rather than the and mãyã is overcome (prapanchopashamam). physical or subtle body, it is the causal body The jivãtmã becomes tranquil (shãntam). The that is prominent. In this state, by the wish of jivãtmã becomes divine (shivam). In this way, Paramãtmã, the jivãtmã, which is the form of the brahmagnãni (one who knows Brahman) knowledge, is absorbed in a fraction of the bliss considers the jivãtmã that has attained qualities of Pradhãn-Purush. In this state of deep sleep, like (advaitam) with Aksharbrahman to be the the jivãtmã, residing as the form of knowledge, fourth state (chaturtha manyante). Thus, the is known as ‘prãgna’. Brahmic state has been described as the fourth In this way, the third state of deep sleep has state, above the waking, dream and deep sleep been described. states. Thus the three states of the jivãtmã have been described. Purushottam Parabrahman Shri THE FRUITS OF THE BRÃHMIC STATE Swaminarayan has also given a detailed yet Finally, to conclude, the Mãndukya simple explanation of these very three states in Upanishad ends by informing us of the benefits Vachanamrut Sarangpur 6. that one who has acquired the brãhmic The main reason for describing these three state attains: Òâ¢çßàæˆØæˆ×Ùæùùˆ×æÙ¢ Ø °ß¢ ßðÎÓ states is to explain the unity with Brahman who is – ‘Sanvishatyãtmnã’tmãnam ya evam veda’ above these three states, and to attain the brãhmic (Mãndukya Upanishad: 4/1), i.e., one who state. Therefore, identification with that Brahman, recognizes one’s ãtmã as brahmarup, having i.e., the brãhmic state itself, has been described as attained qualities like Aksharbrahman as the fourth state. mentioned in this Upanishad, such a brahmarup jivãtmã is permeated by Paramãtmã; that is, it THE FOURTH STATE: forever realizes the form of Paramãtmã. THE ÃTMà AS BRAHMARUP Thus, this Mãndukya Upanishad gives us the ÒÙæ‹ÌÑÂý™æ¢ Ù ÕçãUÑÂý™æ¢ ÙôÖæØÌÑÂý™æ¢ Ù Âý™æÙƒæÙ¢ Ù Âý™æ¢ remarkable liberating precept of recognizing one’s ÙæùÂý™æ×÷Ó – ‘Nãntahpragnam na bahihpragnam ãtmã to be brahmarup, above the three states of nobhãyatahpragnam na pragnadhanam na waking, dream and deep sleep, in order to realize pragnam nã’pragnam’ (Mãndukya Upanishad: Paramãtmã. 2/5). This means that there is a fourth state which can neither be called the waking state, nor the dream state, nor even the state of deep sleep. This state is distinct and superior to these three. In this state, the jivãtmã has attained the sense of unity with Aksharbrahman, i.e., has become brahmarup – Ò°ð·¤æˆØÂýˆØØâæÚU×÷Ó – ‘Eikãtmyapratyayasãram’ (Mãndukya Upanishad:

October-November 2009 Swaminarayan Bliss 23 The Aitareya Upanishad Acquaintance of the Essence of Creation Introduction appropriate for the jivas and ishwars to experience The Aitareya Upanishad is contained in the Rig the fruits of their karmas.’ Thereafter, Òâ §×æÙ÷ Veda. Because it is encompassed in the ‘Aitareya’ Üô·¤æÙ÷ ¥âëÁÌÓ – ‘Sa imãn lokãn asrujata’ (Aitareya Ãranyaka of the Rig Veda, it is called the Aitareya Upanishad: 1/1) from mãyã, Parabrahman created Upanishad. This Upanishad is spread across three this variety of worlds and places of experience. Thus, adhyãyas (chapters). The first adhyãya has three the entire grandeur of Paramãtmã, the creator of all khandas (sections), the second and third adhyãyas the worlds, has been sung here. have one khanda each. This Upanishad has become The Creator of the World-Carers especially renowned in the philosophical world for Òâ §ÿæÌÐ §×ð Ùé Üô·¤æ Üô·¤ÂæÜæ‹Ùé âëÁæ §çÌÓ – ‘Sa its unique clarifications on philosophical matters. ikshata, ime nu lokã lokapãlãnnu srujã iti’ (Aitareya Upanishad: 1/1). Just as Paramãtmã has created THE FIRST ADHYÃYA various worlds, he has also created the world- The creator of the entire world carers who can control and nurture those worlds. Who is the cause of creation? Who is the creator? That is he gives them a suitable body by which Who is the controller? Who is the nurturer? These they are capable of controlling those worlds. and other enquires have been settled decisively This has been explained here, and furthermore, in this Upanishad. With the words Òâ §üÿæÌ Üô·¤æ‹Ùé a detailed description of the creation of the body âëÁæ §çÌÓ – ‘Sa eekshata lokãnnu srujã iti’ (Aitareya and organs of those world-carers, and of the Upanishad: 1/1). Thus, Parabrahman has been method of occupation of the deities who rule over clearly shown as the cause, creator, controller and those organs has also been given. nurturer of the entire creation. ‘Eekshata’ means he The Provider for the World-Carers wished. At the time that the world we see around Compassionate Paramãtmã has created a variety us did not exist, and everything was dissolved in a of places as well as world-carers to look after those subtle form in mahãmãyã, Parabrahman himself, places. This Upanishad informs us that he is also out of compassion, had a divine wish, ‘Lokãnnu srujã concerned about nourishing them, Òâ §üÿæÌð×ð Ùé Üô·¤æp iti’ – ‘Let me create a variety of worlds which are Üô·¤ÂæÜæpæùóæ×ð ØÑ âëÁæ §çÌÓ – ‘Sa eekshateme nu lokãscha

24 Swaminarayan Bliss October-November 2009 lokapãlãschã’nnamebhyaha srujã iti’ (Aitareya endeavours for liberation. Kindhearted Paramãtmã Upanishad: 1/3). That Paramãtmã desired to create has compassionately given us all of this. He has food so that all these worlds and world-creators given us a body, he has given us organs and he has continue to be nourished. Food was created according poured strength into those organs. He has made to that wish, and all are nourished by that food. everything convenient. Therefore, let us perform Thus, the first adhyãya prominently explains his upãsanã, please him and attain liberation. This matters such as Paramãtmã creating the worlds has been stated here forcefully. appropriate for the jivas and ishwars to experience Brahman Perception the fruits of their karmas; and also creating the In order to understand the full glory of world-carers of those worlds; and creating food Parabrahman, and in order to do his upãsanã for their life-long nourishment. appropriately, one must become aksharrup, one must be engulfed in the sense of being like THE SECOND ADHYÃYA Brahman, and for this very reason, one must Creation of the human body know Aksharbrahman. This is the essence of the The main subject of the second adhyãya whole of Vedanta. Therefore, this Upanishad has is the creation of the human body. It gives a indicated the pragnãn form of Aksharbrahman clear presentation of how the jivãtmã attains with the words ÒÂý™ææÙ¢ ÕýræïÓ – ‘Pragnãnam Brahma’ a human body by Paramãtmã’s inspiration. The (Aitareya Upanishad: 3/3). Moreover, ÒØÎðÌÎ÷ discrimination between the body and ãtmã is NÎØ¢ ×ÙpñÌÌ÷ ... âßæü‡ØðÌæçÙ Âý™ææÙSØ Ùæ×ÏðØæçÙ Ößç‹ÌÓ – automatically understood by this description. ‘Yadetad hrudayam manaschaitat … sarvãnyetãni Thereafter, there is a description of what happens pragnãnasya nãmadheyãni bhavanti’ – ‘This to the jivãtmã after its life-span in this body is heart, mind, etc. of ours – whatever we have – over. This Upanishad states that the person who are all names of pragnãna Brahman’ (Aitareya lacks brahmavidyã has to repeatedly wander in Upanishad: 3/2), that is, they are all pervaded by the miserable cycle of births and deaths, and those Aksharbrahman. Thus, we have been instructed that imbibe brahmavidyã attain Akshardham and to perceive everything as Brahman. experience the bliss of Paramãtmã. The Divine Fruits This Upanishad then concludes by informing THE THIRD ADHYÃYA us of the fruits that one who becomes brahmarup The Upãsanã of Parabrahman and performs the upãsanã of Parabrahman with The first two adhyãyas describe the grandeur of knowledge of his greatness attains. Ò¥×ëÌÑ â×ÖßÌ÷Ó – Paramãtmã well. The third adhyãya then instructs ‘Amrutaha samabhavat’ (Aitareya Upanishad: 3/4). us to perform the upãsanã of Parabrahman with Such a person attains divine Akshardhãm and is knowledge of his greatness. The Upanishad says, released from the cycles of birth and death. ÒØðÙ ÂàØçÌ ØðÙ ßæ oë‡æôçÌ ØðÙ ßæ »‹ÏæÙ÷ çÁƒæýçÌ ØðÙ ßæ ßæ¿¢ In this way, by calling Paramãtmã the cause, ÃØæ·¤ÚUôçÌ ØðÙ ßæ SßæÎé ¿æùSßæÎé çßÁæÙæçÌÓ – ‘Yena pashyati creator, controller and nurturer of creation the yena vã shrunoti yena vã gandhãn jighrati yena vã Aitareya Upanishad tells us that he is the essence vãcham vyãkaroti yena vã svãdu chã’svãdu vijãnãti’ of creation. We should perform the upãsanã of – ‘One should perform the upãsanã of Paramãtmã, that Paramãtmã. In order for that upãsanã to be by whose inspiration the ãtmã can see via the complete and free of hindrances we should adorn eyes, hear via the ears, smell fragrances via the our ãtmãs with a sense of being like Brahman, nose, speak words via the tongue, and know good and thus attain ultimate liberation. By explaining and bad tastes’ (Aitareya Upanishad: 3/1). If we such principles this Upanishad has given us a clear did not have this body or these organs, then what view of the path to liberation. could we do? We would not be able to perform any

October-November 2009 Swaminarayan Bliss 25 ON LIFE: K. PARIKH, ATLANTA, USA To Exist Is to Change

The Stark and the Subtle faster. The streets more crowded. The sun felt I am not the same person I was five years ago. hotter and the fans seemed slower. The noise, I am not the same person I was even a week ago. deafening. The street animals, more prominent. Time is forever moving and with it we are forever My senses were in immediate overload. Yet, over changing. time, this external change became wonderfully The relationship between ‘time’ and ‘change’ rhythmic. It was the constant tune of my day. The is abstract. Sometimes an hour can feel like a day. cause of such transformation? A steady change in Sometimes more is accomplished in a day than perception. I waved farewell to my cultural myopia in an entire month. Sometimes change that takes and embraced my external surroundings. This place in six months can exceed change that has was a break-through moment. Once this barrier to occurred over the past 23 years. The latter I speak entry was dismantled, I was finally able to see the from personal experience. exceptional beauty in the cultural variances. By For six months, I was humbled to partake in a opening myself up to change externally, I was able seva opportunity at Delhi Akshardham that allowed to achieve an even more exhilarating permanent for change beyond anything I have experienced change, internally. before. For six months I had the opportunity to Internal change was subtle and gradual. With focus solely on personal and spiritual growth. the external environment so vivid and pulsating, No college exams to worry about. No work I was unconscious of the quiet change that was assignments to focus on. No family obligations. taking place within me. This change did not Although I knew these factors were not exempt become apparent until I read old emails and saw from my life, they were in the backseat for now, old video clips. I could barely recognize myself enabling me to steer myself down the path less in either. My thought process had changed. My travelled. emotions were more controlled. I approached External change was starkly evident from the seva with a new zeal and ideology. I was happier. moment I stepped onto Indian soil. It had only And whenever sorrow or frustration came to visit, been three years since my last visit to India, and I had a new consciousness within to help pull me yet I could barely recognize her. The pace was out of the negative mindset. I knew these were

26 Swaminarayan Bliss October-November 2009 positive changes. But I wanted to work towards a but let out a sigh of relief as I sat under the cool permanent change. I wanted a strong, unshakeable protection of its hood. foundation to build upon my satsang growth. So, The rickshaw made its way through the narrow no matter how variable the external environment gullies of Pandav Nagar – a community that would continued to be, the internal change would remain puzzle any urban planner. Our rickshaw stopped constant and always point due north. at a five-storey home. I commented at how But how did such an internal change come beautiful their home was, but Uncle was on his about? What was the catalyst for such a change? mobile, letting Aunty know we had just arrived. Questions I asked myself one day in deep As we walked through the door, I met Aunty and contemplation. I could only conclude one answer: her son. She navigated me to the stairs and we observing the sevaks and devotees around me. walked up four flights of stairs – Aunty carrying Interacting with these devotees was my greatest her son, Uncle with groceries in both hand, and revelation. me holding a small purse. I was the only one with Which then brings us to the next obvious a minor asthma attack by the time we reached the question, how exactly did the interaction with fourth floor. devotees contribute to this internal change? For I commented again at how beautiful their this, I have no tangible reply. An unsatisfying home was. Aunty laughed and said this entire answer, I know. Although I can neither quantify building isn’t ours; we live on the fourth floor. the internal change nor its root cause, I can I looked around. The fourth floor was nice. An try shedding some light on the matter with an open porch area. Good space for her son to play. example. No, no, Aunty proclaimed. We don’t own this floor. We rent a room on this floor. She walked Revelation me over to her home and my mouth dropped. Nine-thirty on a typical New Delhi, summer The room was smaller than my freshman year morning – I was sweating profusely. Wrapped dorm room in college. There were two beds, a in my oodni, I hoped to threaten the sun into small stove and a cabinet for their clothes. They submission, of course to no avail. I found a patch shared a refrigerator and bathroom with another of shade and proceeded to wait for Aunty and family. I recalled all the times Aunty had brought Uncle. After weeks of trying to get our schedules me my favorite food and snacks at Akshardham. to align, I was finally able to accept their How she had urged me to wear her chanya chori invitation to come visit them at their home. From during a samaiya utsav. Little did I know about my temporary residence at Delhi Akshardham, it their financial situation at that time – that they is only a five-minute rickshaw ride to their home currently were living on one person’s income. And in Pandav Nagar, twenty minutes by foot. within these circumstances, and the fact that they I did not have to wait long. I saw Uncle had a young son to nurture, she had taken me in walking in the distance, making his way to as a daughter with such joy and care. meet me by my shady patch. He took one look On this particular summer day, it just so at my predicament – huddled in a corner, head happened to be Ekadashi. Aunty offered me fresh covered, in a bath of sweat – and suggested we fruit, homemade sabudana ni sev and kesar milk, take a rickshaw to his home. I protested. Aunty the latter, a luxury for any home. We just sat for and Uncle make the 20 minute journey twice a hours – talking, laughing, and sharing moments day, Aunty carrying her young son on her hip. If from our lives. I basked in their warmth, so moved they could walk, I was capable as well. But, he by their hospitality. But hospitality is the wrong called the rickshaw anyway and I couldn’t help word. You use that word for people you rarely see

October-November 2009 Swaminarayan Bliss 27 or meet only once. Uncle and Aunty had become variations. Having been raised amidst simple kin. They didn’t concern themselves with the fact luxuries such as hopping into a car and moving that I would be leaving soon. That perhaps, we about freely, there was a loss of certain personal wouldn’t be able to keep in touch due to the long freedoms due to language differences, variations distance. That perhaps, we might not see each in gender expectations, and lack of specific skill- other again for years to come. In the moment, we sets such as knowing how to drive on the streets were family and that was all that mattered. of India. Then wrap all these new experiences in the sphere of satsang, in which 24/7 you are doing Delightfully Challenging seva outside of your accustomed comfort zone. It Imbibing the positive qualities from people can be overwhelming at first, particularly because and applying them to oneself is a practical piece this is not a social-work, grassroots-level service of advice that we often hear in katha. My time opportunity. This is seva in a satsang context. here in India has made me privy to the qualities It is spiritual in nature and deeply personal. of so many ‘mala na manka’ devotees. I have seen Additionally, there is a micro and macro picture how devotees perform seva and what it means to to consider – what you say and how you behave truly be a sevak. I have felt the touch of humility not only leaves an impression of you as a person, and compassion up-close. I have heard prasangs but also shapes people’s pre-conceived notions of and katha that have awakened my mind to a satsang outside of India. new understanding of satsang and the Satpurush. So it’s like living in a pressure cooker for a Obviously, such experiences could probably while. But like any normal, functioning pressure be ascertained outside of India. But there is cooker, the whistle blows and the steam is something unique about this bhumi and its people. released. The result? Food is cooked in minutes There is a warmth and vibrancy that I haven’t felt rather than the hours it would have taken over elsewhere. Satsang in such an environment, and an open flame. Similarly, my time in India had that too focused satsang for six months, has been its moments of extreme pressure, but the process an amazing experience. of internal change that occurred in six months Nevertheless, such an experience is not without has been more gratifying than change I have felt its challenges. in the last 23 years. Above all, the intensity of Each person is raised in a specific living and working outside of my comfort zone environmental framework which becomes was delightfully challenging because of the bigger familiar and comforting. Take a person outside of purpose – to mould one’s attitude and mindset with this secure environment, and there is bound to be the desire to gain the rajipo of the Satpurush. a temporary period of disorientation. Thus, I am eternally grateful to Swamishri, The first couple of months were an whose daya – compassion – has allowed for this adjustment period. There were of course the journey of personal and spiritual change from basic environmental differences ranging from which I am continuously learning. extreme differences in weather to the lack of instant hot water or a shower head. There is the development of heuristics in learning to use a striker to ignite a stove or figuring out how to keep your white clothes sparking clean without a washing machine. There is a change in diet. Lunch is dinner and dinner becomes lunch. Then there are more acute differences such as culture

28 Swaminarayan Bliss October-November 2009 Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s VICHARAN 11 July to 31 August 2009 Bochasan, Atladra, Ahmedabad

Balaks lead Swamishri from the mandir Balaks perform a traditional welcome dance to his morning puja, Atladra in the Sunday assembly, Ahmedabad

11-29 July: Bochasan Maharaj (on canvas) and Shri Radha-Krishna Dev 29 July-18 August: Atladra (Vadodara) (canvas) and Shri Hanumanji and Shri Ganapatiji 18 – 31 August: Ahmedabad (marble) for the BAPS hari mandir in Nikol, a suburb of Ahmedabad. Thereafter Swamishri 21 July, Bochasan blessed the devotees of Nikol. Swamishri performed the murti-pratishtha rituals of Nilkanth Varni (abhishek murti) for the 2 August, Sunday, Atladra mandirs in Nairobi and Kisumu in Kenya. The day was celebrated as ‘Prapti Day’. Sadhus and youths sang bhajans related to prapti – the 22 July, Bochasan divine joy of having attained God and his God- Swamishri arrived in the assembly hall at 6.00 realized Sadhu. a.m. to eugage himself in bhajan and discourses In the evening Sunday satsang assembly during the solar eclipse. Thousands of devotees Viveksagar Swami delivered a discourse. Then had arrived from many villages and towns. children and youths performed a welcome dance Krishnapriya Swami discoursed in his inimitable before Swamishri. Thereafter, Swamishri was humorous style. Viveksagar Swami also delivered honoured with garlands by senior sadhus. A a discoursed with reference to the occasion. After drama on prapti, written by Yogendra Swami, the eclipse concluded at 7.22 a.m. Swamishri had was enacted by youths. Finally, Swamishri his bath and performed puja in his room. blessed the assembly, “If one has attained God and realized his divine happiness then one finds 23 July, Bochasan material happiness to be fleeting. Real happiness Swamishri performed the murti-pratishtha puja lies in God, in doing his bhajan. Happiness lies in and arti of the murtis of Shri Akshar Purushottam spiritual association with the God-realized Sadhu. Maharaj (made of marble), Shri Ghanshyam Mira found happiness in God’s bhajan but not in

October-November 2009 Swaminarayan Bliss 29 the pleasures of her palace and opulence. The child. Thereafter Swamishri was honoured with same happened to Narsinh Mehta. Parvatbhai and garlands. Finally at 9.40 p.m. Swamishri blessed Govardhanbhai were also such devotees in the the assembly, “We celebrate such festivals because time of Shriji Maharaj. They were joyous because of our devotion to God, to please him, to experience of their association with God. God has given us his divine bliss and to attain his divine abode. To intelligence therefore we should contemplate on listen and remember his divine incidents is also a this subject, but not remain immersed in worldly means to attain moksha. When we attain God and happiness.” his realized Sadhu we experience inner peace. Material things or pleasures do not provide inner 9 August, Sunday, Atladra peace, but cause turmoil.” The day was dedicated as ‘Children’s Day’. Swamishri concluded his blessings at 10.00 Children sang bhajans during Swamishri’s p.m. and performed arti. Thereafter he devotionally morning puja. rocked Thakorji in a decorated hindolo amidst the In the evening Sunday satsang assembly 3,000 singing of “Nand gher ãnand bhayo…”. BAPS children were present. Children performed a traditional dance, delivered discourses in 15 August, Saturday, Atladra the parayan format and enacted a short drama On India’s 62nd Independence Day celebration ‘Bhimnath na ranka’. Thereafter Swamishri was Tyagvallabh Swami unfurled the Indian flag. Then honoured with garlands by senior sadhus. In the entire congregation sang the national anthem. conclusion, Swamishri blessed the assembly, “If A one-day camp was arranged for all kishores and one receives values from a young age then one kishoris. About 3,500 teenagers had assembled in becomes good. With the prevailing atmosphere in the mandir precincts. Swamishri was garlanded society it seems that values are hard to imbibe, on the occasion and blessed all with his darshan. but Yogiji Maharaj was far-sighted. He knew that in future people would lose their values, forget 16 August, Sunday, Atladra the path of moksha and find it hard to study well. In the evening Sunday satsang assembly So we should be thankful to Yogiji Maharaj (for Viveksagar Swami concluded his discourses on the establishing the Bal Mandal). life of Muktanand Swami from the Harililamrut. “Be honest but never speak lies. Never copy Thereafter Swamishri was honoured with garlands. during exams. Bow down to one’s parents. Secure Then a drama “A Super Mall of Peace”, written a first class in exams. Do not eat outside food. by Yogendra Swami, was enacted by students of Perform five malas daily and pray to God.” Akshar Purushottam Chhatralay (APC). Finally, The next day, prior to performing daily puja, Swami blessed the assembly, “We will do many Swamishri initiated about 500 children into things in this world and listen to all worldly talks, Satsang by giving the vartman mantra. but they will not give us peace within. The more we see things of this world, the more they lead 14 August, Friday, Atladra, Janmashtmi to distress and misery. Our shastras say that all The evening celebration assembly was worldly things cause delusion. But we rejoice in interlaced with speeches and dance. Aksharvatsal acquiring and indulging in them. But it is all due Swami, Viveksagar Swami and Tyagvallabh to our ignorance. Till we attain true knowledge Swami spoke about the divine life of Bhagwan and enlightenment, that all this is destructible Shri Krishna. BAPS teenagers performed a lively and fleeting, we cannot get inner peace.” traditional dance based on the bhajan “Govinda ãlã re…”, describing Krishna’s pastime as a 23 August, Sunday, Ahmedabad

30 Swaminarayan Bliss October-November 2009 The evening Sunday satsang assembly singing bhajans. Then Swamishri performed his commenced in the mandir assembly hall. daily puja in the assembly hall, and celebrated the Fourteen thousand devotees had congregrated for Jal Jhilani festival. In all, five artis were performed the assembly. Viveksagar Swami discoursed on of Thakorji by children, teenagers, volunteers, the Harililakalpataru. Thereafter Swamishri was and devotees and senior sadhus. After each arti welcomed and honoured with garlands. Children Thakorji was placed in a remote controlled boat performed a welcome dance and thereafter sadhus and steered in the makeshift pond. The fifth and sang a bhajan, “Sahajãnand sindhu re…” Finally, final arti was performed by Swamishri. Then Swamishri blessed the assembly, “Till we do not Swamishri steered Shri Harikrishna Maharaj in a realize the glory of God we remain spiritually small boat while sadhus sang festive bhajans. In poor. After attaining God and Satsang our poverty conclusion, Swamishri blessed the assembly, “Due vanishes. We may go through thick and thin in life to your love and devotion God has made everything because this world is full of misery. But on realizing conducive for celebrating the Jal Jhilani festival. the glory and greatness of Shriji Maharaj we will Shriji Maharaj has said that ‘without my wish a remain mentally stable. So do not worry about dry leaf cannot move’. Whatever inspiration we the ups and downs in life. Remember God.” get, and whatever we are able to do is because of God’s wish. He is the all-doer. We must have a 31 August, Monday, Ahmedabad; Jal strong conviction with regards to this. As a result Jhilani Celebration of having such faith we experience happiness and Prior to his morning puja Swamishri came inner peace. Sometimes we think that if God is for darshan of Thakorji in the mandir. Devotees the all-doer then why does he give us misery. The or ochhaviyas were singing traditional bhajans answer reason is to remove our ego. God does beneath the mandir dome. To celebrate Jal Jhilani good of all. We must accept both happiness and Thakorji was placed in a boat in a small pond pain in our stride.” of water. Swamishri steered Thakorji’s boat with Finally, Swamishri was honoured with garlands a remote control console. Then Swamishri did by senior sadhus. darshan of Shri Harikrishna Maharaj, seated in a Gujarati text: Sadhu Priyadarshandas boat revolving in another pond of water. Thereafter Translation: Sadhu Vivekjivandas Swamishri responded to the ochhaviya devotees

(contd. from p. 15) So, I told him, “I have just Rs.100 at home. The man who lost it came the next day. He Only that can make me happy. Your money cannot was worried and was looking for the bag. I asked make me happy in any way. On another occaa- him whether he was looking for the bag. He said sion, I had found a gold chain. I could not find the he was. owner, so I threw it away. Only honesty can bring On enquiry he told me that there were Rs. happiness. I make a living by putting in labour 108,000 in cash, a sari worth Rs. 22,000 and and I am happy about it.” golden ornaments worth over Rs. 100,000. I then told him that it was all thanks to Pra- Then I showed him the bag, asking him to check mukh Swami Maharaj that my family is happy. I in my presence whether it contained everything. It am satisfied with what I get through my own ef- did. So, he was very pleased to find it in tact. forts. He asked me why I did not take anything from it.

October-November 2009 Swaminarayan Bliss 31 Living with SWAMISHRI

UNDERSTANDING A DEVOTEE’S LETTER should be a priority. When people give up addictions 23 July 2009, Bochasan they will achieve progress. So, first you will have to As part of his daily routine Swamishri was give it up and then inspire others to do so.” reading letters from devotees. After reading one Swamishri said that he could not understand what THE ROADMAP OF LIFE the devotee had written. He then placed it on one 20 August 2009, Ahmedabad side and attended to the rest. After finishing them An industrialist and his two sons came for Swamishri took the letter he had kept aside. He Swamishri’s darshan and blessings. Swamishri read it again and tried to understand what the was acquainted with the industrialist’s association issue was, but he could not make head or tail of it. with Satsang. He told him to strengthen his Then Swamishri instructed Dharmacharan Swami satsang from within. Then, on learning that one of to ring the devotee and tell him to write the letter his boys was going to America for higher studies, again with appropriate details. Swamishri asked where he would be staying. Swamishri responds to the enquiries and “In Los Angeles.” problems of devotees only after properly “Study hard. We have a strong satsang understanding them. His patience and resolve following there. Attend the weekly Saturday to understand and provide proper guidance is or Sunday assembly.” Swamishri inspired him praiseworthy and inspiring. further, “Maintain our values in life. Do not fall into the habit of addictions or immoral ways. And DE-ADDICTION – A WAY TO PROGRESS never forget to remember God daily.” 8 August 2009, Bochasan Swamishri blessed him and revealed to him During Swamishri’s daily session with devotees the roadmap of life. and visitors a member of a rural development * * * organization come to seek his blessings. The LESSONS IN ETHICS member was addicted to tobacco. Swamishri urged A youth who, due to satsang, had changed him, “Give up tobacco. By so doing, you will attain drastically from his former violent behaviour came progress. In matters of development, de-addiction to meet Swamishri. The youth was undergoing

32 Swaminarayan Bliss October-November 2009 satsang training at the Youth Training Centre in give up your addiction. What have you gained Sarangpur. Swamishri blessed him for mending from it? You have lost your livelihood and now his life and advised, “When you return home after you are unemployed. Your children’s future is your training don’t revert to your old ways. You disturbed. Don’t you realize what has happened? should never bat a wrong thought. It would better Because of your habit your body has withered. to sustain one’s self on a dry rotlo. But to trouble Look at your children, how nice they are.” others and take away whatever is theirs is not the The youth replied, “Swami, I ask for your right way. When you return home make sure you blessings.” do not get influenced by bad company. Resolve “You have had my blessings since long, but if never ever to tread that path again.” you observe moral disciplines only then will they Swamishri showered his blessings upon the materialize. Without following the niyams how will youth for having reformed his wayward ways. my blessings fructify? Do you have a kanthi?” * * * “Yes.” FORMULA FOR ACADEMIC SUCCESS “If that is so then you should refrain from A youth came to seek Swamishri’s blessings to drinking liquor. Only then will you be happy.” successfully pass his IAS (Indian Administrative Swamishri blessed the youth. The youth Service) exam. Swamishri blessed him, “To do pledged to give up his addiction. so you’ll have to study very hard. Be alert that you do not fall into bad company. Refrain from DISSOLVING DELUSION seeing movies, give up watching television and do 27 August, Ahmedabad not wallow in laziness. By attending satsang and Swamishri was introduced to a youth, “Swamiji, adhering to moral disciplines you will pass.” he has a lucrative job. But twenty days ago he had * * * a little problem in one of his kidneys. The doctor PRAYING FOR OTHERS performed a minor operation and it became normal. A youth prayed to Swamishri, “Swami, my But after the operation the youth became scared. relatives are steeped in addictions. They do not He has not slept for the past twenty days.” heed my words. Please bless them for a change Swamishri encouraged the youth, “What is the in life.” Swamishri told the youth, “On behalf of need to be scared? Right now you are standing before them do mala and pray to God. Do not lapse in me, and there is nothing wrong with you. Don’t your effort, Maharaj will help and there will be a be scared. Chant Swaminarayan, Swaminarayan. change and peace shall prevail.” Engage yourself in doing bhajan. God has protected you and is still there to look after you.” REDEEMING A YOUTH FROM AN ADDICTION The youth responded, “I think I’ll go mad soon!” 21 August, Ahmedabad “Because you think so, your thoughts are revolving A father brought his son before Swamishri. A around it. Whenever you get such thoughts, chant senior sadhu introduced the youth, “Swami, he Swaminarayan. Believe that nothing is wrong with was formerly in Dubai, but because of his drinking you, do your work and chant God’s name.” habit he had to leave. Then he went to Quatar. The youth replied, “But I simply cannot There too, because of his habit, he had to leave.” understand my thoughts.” “But drinking is prohibited there, “Swamishri Swamishri advised, “You are in delusion. argued. Believe that nothing has possessed you. Chant “Yes, but he used to acquire it illegally. That is Swaminarayan and start doing your work. why he had to leave the country. His health too Everything will turn out fine.” has deteriorated.” Gujarati text: Sadhu Priyadarshandas Swamishri asked the youth, “Do you want to Translation: Sadhu Vivekjivandas

October-November 2009 Swaminarayan Bliss 33 BBAPS A P SBAPS NEWSNEWS N E W S

UK NATIONAL SHIBIRS 2009 Theme: Vachanamrut – His Word, Our Life Warwick Conference Park 26 to 31 August 2009 rom 26 to 31 August Warwick Conference living embodiment of the Vachanamrut. Park hosted four UK National Shibirs For the shishus (children aged 4 to 8), balaks Fin the presence of Doctor Swami. From and balikas (children aged 9 to 14) the sessions 26 to 28 August over 500 kishores and kishoris were specially adapted to incorporate games and participated. Then from 29 to 31 August, over other fun activities and focused on Hindu shastras 370 members of the Sanyukta Mandal, 450 in general helping them to learn messages to yuvaks and yuvatis and 220 shishus, balaks and imbibe at home and in school. balikas attended. The delegates thoroughly enjoyed this shibir The shibirs featured discourses, speeches, and all departed with a much richer appreciation audiovisual presentations, discussions, breakout of the Vachanamrut, its teachings, and its sessions and question-answer sessions on the place in daily life. As one delegate shared: “I’ve Vachanamrut and topics elaborating upon its understood by coming to this shibir why I need history, authenticity, importance and modern- to read the Vachanamrut and have learnt how to day relevance. Other topics included Bhagwan read it, too.” Another added: “I’ve been reading Swaminarayan’s personality, the philosophy the Vachanamrut for many years, but this shibir revealed by Bhagwan Swaminarayan in the has helped me to realise the wealth and depth of Vachanamrut and incidents from the life of wisdom the Vachanamrut contains.” Pramukh Swami Maharaj narrating how he is the

EUROPE KARYAKAR SHIBIR 2009 Theme: Ap Rijo Em Raji… 18 to 21 September 2009, Guincho, Cascais, Portugal ver 100 karyakars The shibir featured from Austria, spiritual guidance from OBelgium, France, Pujya Doctor Swami, other Italy, Portugal, Spain, the motivational speeches, Republic of Ireland and the question-and-answer sessions, United Kingdom gathered at interactive workshops, group Guincho Beach, in Cascais, discussions and multimedia Portugal, in the presence presentations. of Pujya Doctor Swami for the second Europe Everyone departed to their respective countries Karyakar Shibir, between Friday 18 September thoroughly motivated and spiritually charged. and Monday 21 September.

34 Swaminarayan Bliss October-November 2009 JAL JHILANI CELEBRATION, 31 August 2009, Ahmedabad Top: Swamishri uses the remote to operate the boat carrying Shri Harikrishna Maharaj (inset) in the small pond. Bottom: Over 10,000 devotees attended the Jal Jhilani celebration assembly. Swamishri in Ahmedabad, 17 September 2009