DOCSLIB.ORG

BHAKTI NIDHI (Devotional Treasure) by Sadguru Nishkulanand Swami

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
BHAKTI NIDHI (Devotional Treasure) by Sadguru Nishkulanand Swami BHAKTI NIDHI (Devotional Treasure) by Sadguru Nishkulanand Swami INTRODUCTION Sadguru Nishkulanand Swami was one amongst the five hundred great saints of Shree Swaminarayan Bhagwan. He was a released soul of Akshardhaam. Swami’s life and works are evidence of this. He was a prestigious person in his society and was known in the town and region as a noble professional. His conjugal life was happy and cheerful and he was father of two handsome sons. But when Lord Sahajanand Swami asked him, all of a sudden, about his desire for a person like him, he forsook his householder responsibility, fame, wealth and worldly relations to become a saint of Lord Swaminarayan. This is not within the capacity of a layman. Only a released soul of Akshardhaam could do this. With the grace of Shree Hari, the goddess of knowledge and learning – Saraswati – dwelt in his heart. Though he was illiterate, he wrote a large number of scriptures, and was profound in knowledge, devotion and philosophy. If an aspirant read his scriptures with his heart and soul, he would undoubtedly attain tranquil bliss in his worldly life. The scripture Bhakti Nidhi describes the form and attributes of devotion. It is a great scripture dedicated solely to devotion. Bhakti Nidhi means the treasure of devotion. It is a work of higher order in literature that exclusively deals in devotion. It is the nectar of Dharma (ethical duties), Gyan (knowledge of ultimate reality) and Vairagya (asceticism). There are 44 Kadavas (Stanzas), 11 Pada (Songs) 2 Sorathas and 2 Dohas. It is a treasure of devotion. We should know that Swadharma (Personal Ethical Duties), Gyan (Ultimate Knowledge), and Vairagya (Asceticism) are the real charms of devotion. Dharma, Gyan and Vairagya are a must for devotion. Just as ornaments and attires make a beautiful woman more adorable, in a similar way devotion becomes charming with Dharma, Gyan and Vairagya. One should do Bhakti with Dharma. One can understand this scripture through faith. SORATHA 1 (“I bow to Lord Purushottam. Though the Vedas and the scriptures have addressed him as infinite and unique beyond imagination and reasoning, may He, Lord Shree Hari, be easily available to me in his charming human form.”) Sadguru Nishkulanand Swami bows to Lord Shree Hari. He prays, “O Lord! My Creator! My Sustainer! O Giver of Pure Intelligence! O Emancipating God! You are my mother, father, friend, relative and everything. Your powers are infinite! Your life is beyond assessment. Your wisdom is profound. Your ways are unique and unfathomable. O God! Just as the ocean cannot be filled in a pot, similarly your virtues cannot be counted and narrated in full by a soul. Shrutis (Vedas and Scriptures) have sung your praises as Neti – ‘there is no end to it’. “O Bhagwan! O Almighty! You can do whatever you desire. Nothing is impossible for you. O God! You are the perfect image form of all the virtues and you are the treasure of the virtues. You are absolute holiness. You are the eternal truth. Your majesty is supreme. You are most charming in your human form. O Lord Shree Hari! Please be available to me. O Lord Shreeji Maharaj! You have now become easily available.” “O God! O Merciful one! You have not made us into a tree, stone, rock, bird or an animal, but have favoured us by giving us birth as a human being. Then favouring us again in profundity, you have incarnated yourself for us in your human form, and have come to us for our emancipation. Your favours and obligations are unimaginable. You have blessed us with eyes to do your darshan and with ears to listen to your praises, you have blessed us with feet to walk and intellect to think and ponder upon! O God! We pray for the best virtues of servitude risen from and inspired by your lotus like feet and our refuge at its blessed shelter. Please have mercy! Bless us with your devotion and devotional love. 1. The Mind Set: Sadguru Nishkulanand Swami prays, “O God! Please reside and dwell in my heart by removing ills from it.” Swami then says to the Satsangis, “The inner weaknesses malign our heart. To escape sins, check daily for your mistakes and follies. Be alert against sinful acts. A trader checking his accounts daily and regularly saves himself from fraud or loss. Similarly, a man witnessing, observing and checking his mistakes daily becomes a virtuous man one-day. One should repent with one’s heart the mistakes he has committed during the day. He should confess in front of God for all the wrongs of the day, and should beg for pardon heartily. To check the follies in a daily routine, one should think, reason and ponder on the day’s activities at night before sleep. One should think whether he has spoken any bad of others. Has he spoken any bad in the welfare of others? Has he misguided anybody? Has he pained anybody? To what extent has he paid attention in imbibing virtues? How much has he thought wrongly? How much has he acted religiously or ethically? Pondering thus on these vital areas every night before sleep, one should examine and check thoroughly ones mind and thought processes, and during the course of checking, if any wrong or malignant thing is found, then one should cleanse ones mind and soul by repenting heartily for that wrong action. We can save ourselves from sins if we look back at the faults in our mind and remove them at first sight like a stain removed from the face on seeing it in a mirror. The process is slow but it yields the desired fruits of self- improvement. It saves us against sins, makes our everyday life purer and increases our devotional fervour. Sadguru Nishkulanand Swami submissively prays, “O God! Please allow me with love to serve humbly at your lotus feet.” Once a merchant was in a hurry. He intended to attend an urgent assignment. The day was about to end and the place was too far to reach. In those days, there were no modern vehicles to travel faster in. The vehicles were of primary use, such as horses and bullock carts. He hired a bullock cart, set right the rent and rode it to travel. He asked the bullock cart driver to speed up. The driver-farmer was trying his best to go fast but the bullocks, despite rousing calls and punishing sticks, were not moving any faster. The merchant then said, “Why are your bullocks so lazy? Are you giving them food to eat or not? Why don’t they walk faster, I am in a hurry.” Then the farmer, said “The bullocks, though excellent in pulling the cart, have become tired of their days work. Therefore they can’t pull it any faster.” After much time, they reached the destination late. The merchant finished his work and started for his return journey with the same bullocks and the same bullock cart. But as he rode the cart and the farmer loosened the rope ends in his hands, the bullocks ran fast like a bullet from a gun! The merchant was greatly astonished, “How so? Why do they go so fast? While on the way here, they were very slow! Now, why are they so fast with haste? Old man! You told me earlier that the bullocks were too tired to walk and pull. Now at such a late hour and after such a long journey, why are they running fast and eagerly?” Then the old cart-driver said, “Seth! The bullocks are now returning home. And therefore they run hurriedly. They are in hurry of reaching home.” The explanation given by the farmer was quite thought provoking. The Seth thought over it. Animals too are hurrying to reach their home - their final destination. But we human beings are so unfortunate that, we never prepare ourselves and show no hurry to go back home to the service of our God – our destination Lord Shree Hari. We are not as wise as these animals. We never go on the path of religion. Like an insect of dirt, we relish in this sinful world and in the illusions of the eternal entity (Maya). This alerted the mind of the trader, enlightened his inner-self and spiritual wisdom prevailed upon him. He realised that his real home was Akshardhaam. He was not hurrying for his real home. He was not as wise as the bullocks were. This episode changed the course of his life and the trader became a devotee of God by practising the religious tenets and observance of the rules and decorum. Now his heart and mind was attached to God! What are the required changes for attaining Dhaam? 2. Bhagwan: Once, Lord Swaminarayan was gracing a huge assembly at Gadhada. He preached to his devotees, “O Saints! O my devotees! The world is mad after material gain and blindly chases the elemental pleasures. Its insane attitude is like the futile efforts of holding smoke in one’s fists. Mankind is frustrated due to excessive physical and mental labour spent towards fruitless tasks. Indeed, some of them gain greater rewards with lesser efforts. They do not have to run here and there for money. They are not worried about the future, because they have submitted their life to God. They are in oneness with their Lord. God is the only one who gives everlasting pleasure, He is their life.” Shree Hari continued, “O Great saints! Nothing can win God. Nobody can win God.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Invaluable Books of Brahmvidya
    INVALUABLE BOOKS OF BRAHMVIDYA VACHANAMRUT AND SWAMI NI VAATO 1 Table of Contents PART 1 - BRAHMVIDYA ......................................................................................................... 6 1.1 The capacity of the human-brain to learn several kinds of knowledge ............................................... 6 1.2 The importance of Brahmvidya (Knowledge of atma) .......................................................................... 7 1.3 The Imporance and the necessity of Brahmvidya .................................................................................. 8 PART 2 - VACHANAMRUT…………..…………………………………...………..…………14 2.1 The aspects of Vachanamrut and the subjects explained therein ....................................................... 15 2.1.1 The aspects of Vachanamrut ......................................................................................................... 15 2.1.2 The topics covered in the Vachanamrut are spiritual, not mundane or worldly………………………………………………………………..………………16 2.2 Essence, secrets, and principle of all the scriptures in Vachanamrut ......................................... 18 2.3 Opinions About The Vachanamrut ................................................................................................. 21 2.3.1 The opinions of the Gunatit Gurus .............................................................................................. 21 2.3.2 The opinions of prominent learned personalities ....................................................................... 22 2.4 The
    [Show full text]
  • Kirtan Leelaarth Amrutdhaara
    KIRTAN LEELAARTH AMRUTDHAARA INSPIRERS Param Pujya Dharma Dhurandhar 1008 Acharya Shree Koshalendraprasadji Maharaj Ahmedabad Diocese Aksharnivasi Param Pujya Mahant Sadguru Purani Swami Hariswaroopdasji Shree Swaminarayan Mandir Bhuj (Kutch) Param Pujya Mahant Sadguru Purani Swami Dharmanandandasji Shree Swaminarayan Mandir Bhuj (Kutch) PUBLISHER Shree Kutch Satsang Swaminarayan Temple (Kenton-Harrow) (Affiliated to Shree Swaminarayan Mandir Bhuj – Kutch) PUBLISHED 4th May 2008 (Chaitra Vad 14, Samvat 2064) Produced by: Shree Kutch Satsang Swaminarayan Temple - Kenton Harrow All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any form or by any means without written permission from the publisher. © Copyright 2008 Artwork designed by: SKSS Temple I.T. Centre © Copyright 2008 Shree Kutch Satsang Swaminarayan Temple - Kenton, Harrow Shree Kutch Satsang Swaminarayan Temple Westfield Lane, Kenton, Harrow Middlesex, HA3 9EA, UK Tel: 020 8909 9899 Fax: 020 8909 9897 www.sksst.org [email protected] Registered Charity Number: 271034 i ii Forword Jay Shree Swaminarayan, The Swaminarayan Sampraday (faith) is supported by its four pillars; Mandir (Temple), Shastra (Holy Books), Acharya (Guru) and Santos (Holy Saints & Devotees). The growth, strength and inter- supportiveness of these four pillars are key to spreading of the Swaminarayan Faith. Lord Shree Swaminarayan has acknowledged these pillars and laid down the key responsibilities for each of the pillars. He instructed his Nand-Santos to write Shastras which helped the devotees to perform devotion (Bhakti), acquire true knowledge (Gnan), practice righteous living (Dharma) and develop non- attachment to every thing material except Supreme God, Lord Shree Swaminarayan (Vairagya). There are nine types of bhakti, of which, Lord Shree Swaminarayan has singled out Kirtan Bhakti as one of the most important and fundamental in our devotion to God.
    [Show full text]
  • Krishna Lila-48
    Kåñëa Lélä notes – Chapter 48 (Kåñëa Pleases His Devotees) Kåñëa visits Kubja Description is found p For days together, Kåñëa heard from Uddhava all the details Srimad Bhagavatam of his visit to Våndävana, (Krishna Book) p especially the condition of His father and mother and of the gopés and the cowherd boys. p Lord Kåñëa was fully satisfied that Uddhava was able to solace them by his instructions and by the message delivered to them. p Lord Kåñëa then decided to go to the house of Kubjä, the hunchback woman who had pleased Him by offering Him sandalwood pulp when He was entering the city of Mathurä. p To fulfill His promise, Kåñëa, along with Uddhava, went to the house of Kubjä, who was very eager to get Kåñëa for the satisfaction of her lusty desires. p When Kåñëa reached her house, He saw that it was completely decorated in a way to excite the lusty desires of a man. This suggests that there were many nude pictures, on top of which were canopies and flags embroidered with pearl necklaces, along with comfortable beds and cushioned chairs. p The rooms were provided with flower garlands and were nicely scented with incense and sprinkled with scented water. p And the rooms were illuminated by nice lamps. p When Kubjä saw that Lord Kåñëa had come to her house to fulfill His promised visit, she immediately got up from her chair to receive Him cordially. p Accompanied by her many girlfriends, she began to talk with Him with great respect and honor.
    [Show full text]
  • Pramukh Swami's Work
    Pramukh Swami's Work “In the good of others lies our own...” This maxim by Pramukh Swami Maharaj is not only an inspiring call for all humanity, but also reflects the spirit of his services to man and society. Acclaimed as a unique and rare holy soul of India, Pramukh Swami Maharaj was born on 7 December 1921 in the village of Chansad, Gujarat. He is the fifth successor in the illustrious spiritual tradition of Bhagwan Swaminarayan (1781-1830) who established the Swaminarayan Sampradaya. Pramukh Swami Maharaj was born in the village of Chansad, 12 km from Vadodara in Gujarat on 7 December, 1921. Known as Shantilal in his childhood, he was wedded to devotion from a young age. His parents, Motibhai and Diwaliben Patel, were adherents of the Swaminarayan Sampradaya. Shastriji Maharaj had discerned the potential of young Shantilal from the very day he initiated him as a disciple. While studying in 6th grade, Shantilal received the call from guru Shastriji Maharaj to renounce his home. With the blessings of his parents, he left home at the age of 18 and was initiated by Shastriji Maharaj in January 1940 and was renamed as Sadhu Narayanswarupdas. For 11 years, Narayanswarupdas served under guru Shastriji Maharaj. During the initial years, he toured with him and studied Sanskrit and the shastras. He excelled in studies but had to discontinue them to serve in the mandir-building activities. In 1943, he played an important role in the construction work of the mandir in Atladra. From 1946-1950, he was given the responsibility of Kothari of the BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir in Sarangpur.
    [Show full text]
  • Krishnalila in Terracotta Temples of Bengal
    Krishnalila in Terracotta Temples of Bengal Amit Guha Independent Researcher Introduction The brick temples of Bengal are remarkable for the intricately sculpted terracotta panels covering their facades. After an initial period of structural and decorative experimentation in the 17th and 18th centuries, there was some standardization in architecture and embellishment of these temples. However, distinct regional styles remained. From the late 18th century a certain style of richly-decorated temple became common, particularly in the districts of Hugli and Howrah. These temples, usually two- storeyed or atchala and with a triple-arched entrance porch, had carved panels arranged in a fairly well-defined format (Figure 1). Ramayana battle scenes occupied the large panels on the central arch frame with other Ramayana or Krishna stories on the side arches. Running all along the base, including the base of the columns, were two distinctive friezes (Figure 2). Large panels with social, courtly, and hunting scenes ran along the bottom, and above, smaller panels with Krishnalila (stories from Krishna's life). Isolated rectangular panels on the rest of the facade had figures of dancers, musicians, sages, deities, warriors, and couples, within foliate frames. This paper is an iconographic essay on Krishnalila stories in the base panels of the late-medieval terracotta temples of Bengal. The temples of this region are prone to severe damage from the weather, and from rain, flooding, pollution, and renovation. The terracotta panels on most temples are broken, damaged, or completely lost. Exceptions still remain, such as the Raghunatha temple at Parul near Arambagh in Figure 1: Decorated Temple-Facade (Joydeb Kenduli) Hugli, which is unusual in having a well-preserved and nearly-complete series of Krishnalila panels.
    [Show full text]
  • Baps Swaminarayan Sanstha Bal Satsang Examinations
    BAPS SWAMINARAYAN SANSTHA BAL SATSANG EXAMINATIONS SATSANG VIHAR - 1 : PRACTICE PAPER - 3 Time: 2 hrs. ANSWER PAPER - 3 Total Marks : 100 Q.1 Write the lett er of the correct answer in the appropriate box. [50] 1. Gunati tand Swami wished for Satsang to spread to ________in the world? (1) every leaf of every tree (2) every conti nent (3) every house 1. 2. Which shatras were given by Bhagwan Swaminarayan ? (1) Vachanamrut (2) Shikshapatri (3) Both of them 2. 3. What did rishis experience in the jungles, caves or on mountains? (1) devoti on (2) moksha (3) inner peace 3. 4. ‘Akshar vat’ means Shriji Maharaj is ever present on Earth through whom? (1) gunati t guru parampara (2) dharma parampara 4. (3) vansh parampara 5. Who said, “God is the giver of names to all things”? (1) Muktanand Swami (2) Brahmanand Swami (3) Shriji Maharaj 5. 6. What is disservice? (1) improper service (2) service as per our wish 6. (3) to perceive faults in others 7. ‘Gunati tam Gurum prapya…’- When should we sing this shloka? (1) for puja (2) before meals (3) for dhyey mantra and purnahuti 7. 8. How many sadhus did Bhagwan Swaminarayan initi ate as Paramhansas? (1) 500 (2) 1000 (3) 3000 8. 9. Who is the leader of BAPS Sanstha? (1) Shastriji Maharaj (2) Yogiji Maharaj (3) Pramukh Swami Maharaj 9. 10. Which are the main shastras of BAPS Sanstha? (1) Vachanamrut, Swami ni Vato (2) Vachanamrut, Shikshapatri 10. (3) Vachanamrut, Swami ni Vato, Shikshapatri 11. Where was the arti writt en? A.
    [Show full text]
  • Substantial and Substantive Corporeality in the Body Discourses of Bhakti Poets
    Perichoresis Volume 18.2 (2020): 73–94 DOI: 10.2478/perc-2020-0012 SUBSTANTIAL AND SUBSTANTIVE CORPOREALITY IN THE BODY DISCOURSES OF BHAKTI POETS YADAV SUMATI* PG Govt. College for Girls, Chandigarh, India ABSTRACT. This paper studies the representation of human corporeal reality in the discours- es of selected Bhakti poets of the late medieval period in India. Considering the historical background of the Bhakti movement and contemporary cultural milieu in which these mystic poets lived, their unique appropriation of the ancient concept of body is reviewed as revolu- tionary. The focus of the study is the Kabir Bijak, Surdas’s Vinay-Patrika, and Tulsidas’s Vinay- Patrika, wherein they look at and beyond the organic corporeality and encounter human body not as a socially, religiously, economically stamped noble body or lowly body; male body or female body, but a human body. This paper explores how, like existential phenomenologists, these poet/singers decode the material reality of human beings and link it to the highest goal of achieving Moksha (liberation from the cycle of birth-death) by making body a vulnerable but essential instrument towards spiritual awakening. The paper also reflects upon how these poets have suggested a middle path of absolute devotion to God while performing all earthly duties, seek spiritual enlightenment and avoid the extremities of asceticism and hedonism. KEYWORDS: corporeality, body, liberation, salvation, bhakti In this Kali Yug the body is full of woe, care, wickedness and diverse pains. Where there is steadfastness, peace and all purity, rise, Kabir, and meet it there. (Kabir) Those powerful rulers who had conquered the whole world, even made Yamraj (the God of death) their captive and tied him up—even they became the food of Kaal (Time), what do you count then? Contemplate and think about the whole matter seriously yourself—what is the truth, what is the reality.
    [Show full text]
  • Srimad-Bhagavatam – Canto Ten” by His Divine Grace A.C
    “Srimad-Bhagavatam – Canto Ten” by His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada. Summary: Srimad-Bhagavatam is compared to the ripened fruit of Vedic knowledge. Also known as the Bhagavata Purana, this multi-volume work elaborates on the pastimes of Lord Krishna and His devotees, and includes detailed descriptions of, among other phenomena, the process of creation and annihilation of the universe. His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada considered the translation of the Bhagavatam his life’s work. COPYRIGHT NOTICE: This is an evaluation copy of the printed version of this book, and is NOT FOR RESALE. This evaluation copy is intended for personal non- commercial use only, under the “fair use” guidelines established by international copyright laws. You may use this electronic file to evaluate the printed version of this book, for your own private use, or for short excerpts used in academic works, research, student papers, presentations, and the like. You can distribute this evaluation copy to others over the Internet, so long as you keep this copyright information intact. You may not reproduce more than ten percent (10%) of this book in any media without the express written permission from the copyright holders. Reference any excerpts in the following way: “Excerpted from “Srimad-Bhagavatam” by A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, courtesy of the Bhaktivedanta Book Trust International, www.Krishna.com.” This book and electronic file is Copyright 1977-2003 Bhaktivedanta Book Trust International, 3764 Watseka Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90034, USA. All rights reserved. For any questions, comments, correspondence, or to evaluate dozens of other books in this collection, visit the website of the publishers, www.Krishna.com.
    [Show full text]
  • Why I Became a Hindu
    Why I became a Hindu Parama Karuna Devi published by Jagannatha Vallabha Vedic Research Center Copyright © 2018 Parama Karuna Devi All rights reserved Title ID: 8916295 ISBN-13: 978-1724611147 ISBN-10: 1724611143 published by: Jagannatha Vallabha Vedic Research Center Website: www.jagannathavallabha.com Anyone wishing to submit questions, observations, objections or further information, useful in improving the contents of this book, is welcome to contact the author: E-mail: [email protected] phone: +91 (India) 94373 00906 Please note: direct contact data such as email and phone numbers may change due to events of force majeure, so please keep an eye on the updated information on the website. Table of contents Preface 7 My work 9 My experience 12 Why Hinduism is better 18 Fundamental teachings of Hinduism 21 A definition of Hinduism 29 The problem of castes 31 The importance of Bhakti 34 The need for a Guru 39 Can someone become a Hindu? 43 Historical examples 45 Hinduism in the world 52 Conversions in modern times 56 Individuals who embraced Hindu beliefs 61 Hindu revival 68 Dayananda Saraswati and Arya Samaj 73 Shraddhananda Swami 75 Sarla Bedi 75 Pandurang Shastri Athavale 75 Chattampi Swamikal 76 Narayana Guru 77 Navajyothi Sree Karunakara Guru 78 Swami Bhoomananda Tirtha 79 Ramakrishna Paramahamsa 79 Sarada Devi 80 Golap Ma 81 Rama Tirtha Swami 81 Niranjanananda Swami 81 Vireshwarananda Swami 82 Rudrananda Swami 82 Swahananda Swami 82 Narayanananda Swami 83 Vivekananda Swami and Ramakrishna Math 83 Sister Nivedita
    [Show full text]
  • Inquiries Into the Absolute
    Inquiries into the Absolute (A collection of thought provoking & intriguing answers given by His Holiness Romapada Swami for questions raised by devotees on various spiritual topics) Shri Shri Radha Govinda, Brooklyn, NY We invite you to immerse yourself into the transcendental answers given by Srila Romapada Swami! These sublime instructions are certain to break our misconceptions into millions of pieces and to deepen our understanding of various topics in Krishna consciousness. Compilation of weekly digests 1 to 242 (Upto December 2007) His Holiness Srila Romapada Swami Maharaj! Everyone one likes to inquire. Srila Prabhupada writes, "The whole world is full of questions and answers. The birds, beasts and men are all busy in the matter of perpetual questions and answers... Although they go on making such questions and answers for their whole lives, they are not at all satisfied. Satisfaction of the soul can only be obtained by questions and answers on the subject of Krishna." -- Purport to Srimad Bhagavatam 1.2.5 "Inquiries into the Absolute" is a wonderful opportunity provided by Srila Romapada Swami to help us fruitfully engage our propensity to inquire and seek answers. Please take advantage! Guide to “Inquiries into the Absolute” om ajïäna-timirändhasya jïänäïjana-çaläkayä cakñur unmélitaà yena tasmai çré-gurave namaù I offer my respectful obeisances unto my spiritual master, who has opened my eyes, blinded by the darkness of ignorance, with the torchlight of knowledge. ‘Inquiries into the Absolute’, is a weekly email digest comprising of thought provoking and sublime answers given by His Holiness Romapada Swami Maharaj to the questions raised by devotees on myriad spiritual topics.
    [Show full text]
  • A Religiohistorical Study Davraj Kamal Master Of
    SWAMINARAYAN AND ETHICS; A RELIGIOHISTORICAL STUDY by DAVRAJ KAMAL submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of MASTER OF ARTS in the subject RELIGIOUS STUDIES at the UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH AFRICA SUPERVISOR: PROFESSOR C DU P LE ROUX NOVEMBER 1994 SUMMARY As part of the Phenomenological Method used in this dissertation, the research work applied the hermeneutical concepts of bhakti, karma and moksha. Focus was on the role played by the guru, the sadhus and devotees of the Swaminarayan Movement and how they related t~ their religious, ethical and social obligations. Their responses to ethical scriptures were evaluated, especially with a view to determining the extent to which ethical injunctions permeates, enhances, uplifts and shapes the adherents spiritually,morally and socially. Swaminarayan ethics was also placed within the context of Classical Hindu Texts and in particular, the work of Ramanuja and his Vishistadvaita philosophy. Further, it has been observed that the quest for the Ultimate Reality (Purushottam) is through their relationship with Akshar, Guru Pramukh Swami, the model of ethical excellence whose charisma binds the fibre of the Movement and his role serves both the ethical and transcendental plane of the Movement. TITLE OF DISSERTATION: SWAMINARA Y AN AND ETHICS; A RELIGIOHISTORICAL STUDY KEY TERMS: SAMPRADAYA; AKSHAR; PURUSHOTTAM; DHARMA; BHAKTI; MOKSHA; KARMA; SADHU; JNAN; VAIRAGYA; VISISHTHADVAITA; ATMAN-BRAHMAN; VARNASIIRAMA; ASIIRAMA. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS There are a number of people without whom the completion of this dissertation would not have been possible. Firstly, I wish to thank Sagie and Vino Moodley fo~ typing the dissertation with efficiency and pride. I am also immensely grateful to Pranesh Sewpershad and Ray Naguran for assisting with the correction of errors.
    [Show full text]
  • R.D NSPC, TPG, PK About the Author Dr
    R.D NSPC, TPG, PK About the Author Dr. Hiro Badlani practiced ophthalmology for 40 years in Mumbai, India. After re tiring, he moved to the U.S. to join his children. Dr. Badlani has dedicated the last decade, what he calls the second inning of his life, to the "Hinduism: Path of the Ancient Wisdom" Dr. Hiro Badlani, retired ophthalmologist from Mumbai, presently settled in U.S. A., worked passionately for over ten years, and wrote this volume after meticulous research . In nearly 400 pages, divided in 65 small easy to read chapters, in lucid narrative style, this book has been acclaimed as mini-encyclopedia of Hinduism, covering all the aspects from i ts very origin till the modern period. The highlight of the book is that it is completel y non-dogmatic and non-fundamental in its approach. Graciously blessed on behalf of H.H. Pramukh Swami Maharaj of the Swaminarayan Sanstha, with an inspiring message from H.H.Swami Hari Dass from Mount Maddona, California, and crowned with the American publishers coveted Editor Choice Award, the book is presented in excellent state-of-the-art printing standard. The book emph asizes the essential unity and homogeneity of all the religions; spiritual teachings form t he core of the book. Without the spiritual teachings what other role any religions has to play?, says the author. Engaging with this book will not only educate you, but imbue you with personal p eace and happiness, becoming an experience both elegant and empowering. Dedicated especia lly to the Hindu Youth Diaspora, now living in many countries around the globe, to acqu aint them of their glorious ancient culture, the book will appeal to anyone who is interes ted in knowing the philosophy and teachings of Hinduism, the oldest living faith of the world today.
    [Show full text]