Annual Subscription Rs. 60 February 2010 DISTINGUISHED VISITORS TO AKSHARDHAM, NEW DELHI (L to R): ’s Minister for Urban Development, S. Jaipal Reddy; Chairman of UNESCO’s Executive Board, Shri Olabiyi Yai; and India’s Minister for External Affairs, Shri Shashi Tharoor. Their opinions noted in the Visitors’ Book, together with those of other notable visitors, are given below. I have been overwhelmed by the mag- What an astonishing privilege it has tion to . nificent aesthetic achievement that the been for me to make my first visit to Ak- Since Vedic times, is temple represents. The modern technolog- shardham! It is a place of great beauty, deeply rooted in the hearts and minds of ical devices and ancient skills have been informative architecture and thoughtful the people of India. I pay my fullest re- combined in a rare measure. In one word, design. Also, the exhibitions and shows spect to Hinduism. it is a marvel created in a modern age. are magnificent creations of our culture, Vice Senior General Maung Aye S. Jaipal Reddy and humanity. Akshardham is Vice-Chairman of the State Peace and India’s Minister for Urban Development truly a of which every In- Development Council, dian can be proud of. I shall be back Union of Myanmar I was highly impressed by this noble again and again! place of Indian spirituality, more simply, Shashi Tharoor My family was very moved and in- this noble place of universal spirituality. India’s Minister of State for spired by our visit. We all felt the spiri- What has been done and is being done External Affairs tual emphasis on harmony and grace. here gives evidence that hope of a recon- We will never forget it – especially the ciliation of Man with himself, with nature, lesson of iron and wood. with his ancestors and is not lost. I am very pleased to observe the Timothy Roemer, I wish that this work and the spirit magnificent Akshardham – a Hindu United States of America US Ambassador to India that lives here are known better and may Temple complex – the centre of which become more widespread. is a monument to Bhagwan - Olabiyi Yai narayan. It is interesting to learn the in- Chairman, Executive Board, UNESCO, cidents from his life, portraying messages Ambassador of Benin to UNESCO of peace, harmony, humility and devo- February 2010, Vol. 33 No. 2 CONTENTS FIRST WORD

4 Guru Parampara A recent study revealed that the number of Bhagatji Maharaj and the words our eyes and ears receive is 2.3 words Akshar-Purushottam per second, or about 100,000 words a day! It is Proclaiming Shriji Maharaj’s philosophy... astonishing, but it is true. With all the increasing 7 Guru time we spend on our mobile phone, computer Guru-Shishya Relationship in BAPS Extracts from a PhD thesis... and net, and other activities, we are exposed to 34 gigabytes of information each day. Our 9 Guru The Guru Leads One to God... info age is overwhelming and flooding us. The Devotees inspired by alarming repercussion of this is the massive ... negative impact on our lives. Our attention spans 19 Philosophy – Swaminarayan Vedant have decreased. The tendency to think creatively The Chãndogya Upanishad: and feel deeply have taken a toll. The overdose Simple Conversations on has made us stressful, irritable and less connected Highly Spiritual Matters, Part 1 Acquiring brahmavidya... with our innerselves. Whatever we accomplish is sometimes superficial and personally unsatisfying. 23 BAPS News Aksharbrahman Gunatitanand Relationships turn sour rapidly because of our Swami Diksha Bicentenary growing impatience and intolerance. The over Celebration, Dabhan, exposure also saturates our mind and disables us

Two Religious Leaders Visit BAPS in appreciating the good things in life. Shri Swaminarayan Mandirs in It is true that we cannot stop the frenetic Australia pace of information and activities, but we can Website: www.swaminarayan.org control and manage them for ourselves. We need E-mail: [email protected] to clearly define and limit our priorities. Decide every day what to do and how much to do. Never forget to avoid some things and focus on matters that concern and help us perform and be better. To further alleviate the effects of info-fatigue, spend some quality time with your family, friends, Founder: HDH Pramukh Swami Maharaj, doing satsang sadhana and engaging in your Editor: Sadhu Swayamprakashdas, Contributors: Sadhu Vivekjivandas, Sadhu Amrutvijaydas, favourite hobbies. A daily session of ghar sabha Designer: Sadhu Shrijiswarupdas Published & Printed by: Swaminarayan Aksharpith, Shahibaug, has the cumulative effect of resolving mental Ahmedabad–380 004. India. stress, calming the mind and infusing enthusiasm SUBSCRIPTION RATES Outside India (By Air Mail) India and energy for a better life. Also, engaging daily Rupees Pounds US Dollars Rupees 1 Year 400 6 10 60 in the basic satsang of arti, thal, mansi puja 2 Years 800 12 20 110 and listening to satsang discourses are great stress 3 Years 1200 18 30 160 Website: www.swaminarayan.org, E-mail: [email protected] busters and providers of inner peace and joy.

February 2010 Swaminarayan Bliss 3 GURU PARAMPARA: SADHU AMRUTVIJAYDAS BHAGATJI MAHARAJ and the Akshar-Purushottam Upasana

Bhagatji Maharaj (1829-1897) was the second spiritual successor of Bhagwan Swaminarayan. As instructed by , he remained a householder, but his determination to reveal the supreme glory of Bhagwan Swaminarayan as Purushottam and the glory of Gunatitanand Swami as Akshar was not affected despite many tribulations. He lived a simple and saintly life, which touched even those who antagonized him. This combination of pious living and pure wisdom convinced many of the real truth of the Akshar-Purushottam philosophy revealed by Bhagwan Swaminarayan. Let us pay tributes to Bhagatji Maharaj’s work of spreading the Akshar-Purushottam principle on the occasion of his 181st birth anniversary on 28 February 2010.

he concepts of and in the (shloka 116), “Nijãtmanam Parabrahman are repeatedly discussed brahmarupam dehatraya vilakshanam; Vibhavya T in the Prasthantrayi – , tena kartavyã Krishnasya sarvadã.” Brahma and . In the very Meaning, “Believe oneself as brahmarup, separate first of the Brahma Sutras, Vyasji states: from the three bodies – sthul, sukshma and karan – “Athãto Brahmajignãsa,” by which he establishes and in that brahmarup state always offer devotion that the knowledge of both Brahman (Akshar) to Parabrahman.” and Parabrahman (Purushottam) is a prerequisite Thus, Akshar and Purushottam are at the for attaining . Further, in the Taittiriya heart of the philosophy revealed by Bhagwan Upanishad (2.1), it is stated, “Barahmavidãpnoti Swaminarayan. Param,” which means that only one who knows Throughout his life, Bhagwan Swaminarayan Akshar, i.e., becomes brahmarup, can attain taught this philosophy to his sadhus and Parabrahman. devotees, revealing himself as the manifest form Based on these, and many other revelations of Purushottam and Gunatitanand Swami as the of the , Bhagwan Swaminarayan stated incarnation of Akshar. He emphasized that all

4 Swaminarayan Bliss February 2010 those who aspire to attain moksha must cultivate VAGHA KHACHAR ACCEPTS THE TRUTH qualities like those of Akshar and in that pure, After the Kartik Punam festival in Vartal in 1865 brahmarup state offer bhakti to Purushottam. CE (VS 1921), Gunatitanand Swami was returning Bhagwan Swaminarayan revealed that he would with his entourage to . On the way, he remain ever-present on earth through the form stopped at Sarangpur, where Vagha Khachar lived. of Akshar and continue to guide aspirants on He was a devout , but was troubled by the path of moksha. Thus, in this succession dreams of violent fighting. He revealed this to of brahmaswarup, God-realized sadhus he Swami, who suggested that he come with the group established, Gunatitanand Swami was the first. to Junagadh. Vagha Khachar agreed, but said that Hence, after Bhagwan Swaminarayan’s return he would need an attendant to provide for his daily to his divine abode, Akshardham, Gunatitanand needs. So, Swami appointed Pragji Bhakta, who Swami continued to teach this philosophy was also with the group. Thus, Pragji Bhakta would revealed by Bhagwan Swaminarayan. Through serve Vagha Khachar and at the same time talk to Gunatitanand Swami’s spiritual talks and grace, him about Gunatitanand Swami’s glory as Akshar. countless aspirants attained the brahmarup state. The talks irritated Vagha Khachar, so he complained Despite the numerous times Bhagwan to Swami and had Pragji Bhakta removed from his Swaminarayan and Gunatitanand Swami had service. However, without an attendant, Vagha explained the truth of the Akshar-Purushottam Khachar struggled. So, he requested Swami for a philosophy, some found it difficult to accept replacement. Swami said, “There is nobody except and propagate. But, Gunatitanand Swami Pragji Bhakta. Let him serve you, and if you don’t persisted in his talks to elaborate upon this like his talks, just ignore them.” Pragji Bhakta Akshar-Purushottam principle from Bhagwan again began to serve Vagha Khachar and also Swaminarayan’s discourses in the . resumed his talks and explained that only when Helping him in this task was Bhagatji Maharaj. he understood the true form of Gunatitanand Bhagatji Maharaj was a householder, but through Swami as Akshar would his disturbing dreams his association with (from end. This stunned Vagha Khachar and soon the 1839 to 1852) and Gunatitanand Swami (from group reached Junagadh. There, Vagha Khachar 1852 to 1867) had fully grasped Bhagwan noticed that other devotees were really enjoying Swaminarayan’s teachings. The circumstances at the divine atmosphere and beaming with joy, while that time were that those in positions of power he was not. Once, while serving on the mandir generally opposed the widespread and open farm, he told this to Dama Sheth, who said, “If discussion of this philosophy. Those who did you have in Pragji’s words that Gunatitanand venture to advocate it risked Swami is Akshar then you will experience peace.” from the Satsang. Vagha Khachar said that he would only accept However, even this possibility did not deter this if Gunatitanand Swami himself told him. So Bhagatji Maharaj, who always talked about the Dama Sheth told Pragji Bhakta, who meditated on supreme glory of Bhagwan Swaminarayan and, Gunatitanand Swami and requested him to come in particular, the glory of Gunatitanand Swami to the farm. When Swami arrived there from the as the incarnation of Akshar. Understanding this mandir, Vagha Khachar asked him, “This Pragji glory would enable an aspirant to associate with says that you are Akshar. Resolve this issue for the manifest form of Akshar in the true sense and me.” So, Gunatitanand confirmed, “It is as Pragji progress on the path of moksha. The following says.” On accepting Swami’s word, Vagha Khachar examples are representative of his devoted experienced total inner peace and joy. efforts. Thus, despite Vagha Khachar’s resistance,

February 2010 Swaminarayan Bliss 5 Pragji Bhakta persisted and eventually led him to And the only way to become free of all faults and the true understanding. brahmarup is through the profound association of Aksharbrahman Gunatitanand Swami.” Thus, in PRAVITRANAND SWAMI IS FINALLY this way, Pragji Bhakta convinced Pravitranand CONVINCED Swami of the truth and practical necessity of the Pravitranand Swami was a nand paramhansa Akshar-Purushottam philosophy. initiated by Bhagwan Swaminarayan. He did not accept that Gunatitanand Swami was the SWAMI YAGNAPURUSHDASJI LEARNS THE incarnation of Akshar. So, when, one night, TRUE PHILOSOPHY Pragji Bhakta spoke to Raghuvircharan Swami In Surat, in 1883 (VS 1939), a grand celebration about Gunatitanand Swami’s glory, Pravitranand was held on the occasion of the -pratishtha Swami, who was resting nearby heard them and of Shri Ghanshyam Maharaj. told them to stop. Pragji Bhakta replied, “This Bhagatji Maharaj was present and gave Gunatitanand Swami is Akshar and only by serving discourses throughout the day. On this occasion, him through thoughts, deeds and words will Swami Yagnapurushdasji had come with his guru, Shriji Maharaj be pleased.” Pravitranand Swami Vignananand Swami, from Vartal. Bhagatji Maharaj angrily rebuked Pragji Bhakta, “Who are you to was, at the time, stitching something and, at the teach me Swami’s form.” Then he threatened, same time, discoursing to the assembly on the “If I do not excommunicate you, my name is glory of Akshar. This was the first darshan Swami not Pavitranand!” But Pragji Bhakta calmly said, Yagnapurushdasji had of Bhagatji Maharaj and he “Now, even Shriji Maharaj cannot excommunicate was instantly drawn to his divine personality. me.” At this point Gunatitanand Swami arrived Through the discourses of Bhagatji and instructed Pragji Bhakta to bow down and Maharaj, Swami Yagnapurushdasji learnt that, apologize to Pravitranand Swami. Pragji Bhakta Gunatitanand Swami is Akshar – the divine, did as instructed. Shortly afterwards, Pravitranand heavenly abode of Bhagwan Swaminarayan. Swami used his authority to have Pragji Bhakta This understanding was further endorsed excommunicated from the Satsang, but Pragji by Vignananand Swami and so Swami Bhakta continued to talk about Swami as the Yagnapurushdasji also fully understood this manifest form of Akshar and observe the niyams eternal truth. of Satsang. Thus, soon after Gunatitanand Swami Thus, throughout his life, Bhagatji Maharaj had returned to Akshardham, Pragji Bhakta was boldly proclaimed the glory of Gunatitanand again accepted into the Satsang. Swami as Akshar to all and inspired countless Once, Pravitranand Swami and other sadhus aspirants on the path of moksha. had gone to Anand. One day, some of the In doing this, he abided by Bhagwan younger sadhus sang the ‘Swaminarayan’ dhun. Swaminarayan’s wish revealed in Vachanamrut This upset Pravitranand Swami, who told them I-71, “A devotee of God should realize to sing the ‘Narnarayan’ dhun as was the usual that the form of God along with his Akshardham practice. However, the sadhus disobeyed him. is present on this earth, and he should also explain This hurt Pravitranand Swami’s ego and he this fact to others.” In fulfilling this wish, Bhagatji returned to Vartal. There, Pravitranand Swami Maharaj was always firm in stating the facts, but called for Pragji Bhakta to discourse to him. Pragji always polite in manner. Observing his saintly life, Bhakta came and said, “There is only one way to people would sooner or later realize the truth, overcome ego, jealousy and other base instincts accept it and themselves benefit spiritually by – to become atmarup and offer bhakti to God. living accordingly.

6 Swaminarayan Bliss February 2010 GURU: DR. BRIAN HUTCHINSON Guru-Shishya Relationship in BAPS

For his doctorate from the University of South Africa, South African priest, Dr Brian Hutchinson, wrote a thesis titled “Guru-Devotee Relationship in the Experience of Members of the Akshar-Purushottam Swaminarayan ”. He came to India to research this topic and interviewed many BAPS devotees and sadhus for his study of the guru-shishya relationship. In his study Dr. Hutchinson captured the essence of the personalities of and Pramukh Swami Maharaj, which is their motherly affection.

n the course of the interviews, Dr Brian is especially the case that experience is the very Hutchinson carefully observed the spirit centre of their concern. It arises firstly, out of the Iand vitality that bind the young and the bhakti tradition to which the movement belongs, old alike to guru Pramukh Swami Maharaj. and secondly, from the fact that relationship with The following are extracts from his PhD thesis: the guru is the focal point of their attention, and [In] the Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan relationship is predominantly experienced rather movement,… whilst philosophy or than intellectually apprehended. (liberating knowledge) is important, it is The fact that the guru is such an accepted considered secondary to bhakti, (love for God), as integral part of the practice of Hindu the way to liberation. The movement belongs to means that the role often goes without mention. that branch of Hinduism which Otto refers to as Miller [1976:533],1 with regards to guru- the ‘religion of grace.’ devotee relationship, suggests, “By understanding The writer’s contact with members of the the importance of the role of the guru in Hindu movement impressed upon him that their tradition, we come closer to understanding the predominant concern is with experience rather faith by which really live.” than doctrine. Whilst this may be said to be true 1. Miller D., 1976/77. “The guru as centre of sacredness.” In for most religious persons, with this movement it Sciences religieuses/Studies in Religion. Vol. 6/5, p. 527-533.

February 2010 Swaminarayan Bliss 7 For the members of the BAPS movement, the knew he was loved by him... showered with love.” central issue in religion is their relationship to the One sadhu whose family had not been members guru. In order to grasp the meaning of what is of the movement, and who said he had not been said and done in the movement, this fact has to in any way interested in religion, spoke of his own be kept in mind…. the respect, commitment and becoming a devotee and sadhu, “It was Swamiji’s love of devotees for the guru, creates a context [Pramukh Swami] pure love, his magnetic which is highly supportive of the . personality which attracted me to this movement.” Another sadhu said, “I was a devotee from THE SELFLESS LOVE OF THE GURU birth. For being a sadhu I got the inspiration from Selfless love was the most frequently and the love of Swamiji [Pramukh Swami]. The love he enthusiastically reported characteristic of the used to offer us, share with us, that was the main guru, especially in respect of the respondents thing that attracted me to become a sadhu.” first becoming devotees and sadhus. One of the women devotees who the writer interviewed THE PERSONAL INTEREST OF THE GURU spoke feelingly of Yogiji Maharaj, “His [Yogiji’s] IN THE DEVOTEE innocence, his child-like love on his face. His Each devotee that he is known magnetic personality. Deep penetrating eyes, as if and perfectly understood by the guru. This is hypnotising, not to influence people consciously experienced not only in the inner life as a psychic [not to manipulate them]... but conveyed his phenomenon, but also in the external details of love... his innocence... that Love is something we the devotee’s life. An example of this common really enjoyed in our life.” experience of the detailed involvement of the guru This love is sometimes experienced directly in the life of the devotee occurred with Bhaktavatsal, in the inner experience of the devotee on the kothari of Sarangpur temple, who explained to the emotional, psychic, or mystical level. At other writer how he came to be in that position. He had times it comes ‘horizontally’ through the human originally come to India to attend university and as caring attitude and actions of the guru directed a result of his contact with Yogiji Maharaj and the towards the devotee. For example, by the guru’s sadhus he had been inspired to live a pious life. showing interest in how the devotee is feeling, in “When Yogiji Maharaj passed away in 1971 I his sensitive response to the needs of the devotee, came to ask Pramukh Swami what I must do. He and even in his attending to the devotee’s basic said what have you thought of? I said, ‘To go to the physical comfort. An example of this practical U.S.A.’ He said, ‘That’s alright.’ He blessed me... caring love was given by Mahant Swami, who saying, ‘You will have a good job… a good life... explained to the writer how Yogiji Maharaj had However I was offered a job in Africa... I wrote a cared for him before he had been initiated. Yogiji letter to Pramukh Swami. He said, ‘Accept the job Maharaj had personally made Mahant Swami’s offered.’ I used to write to Pramukh Swami when bed, told him when to go to sleep and woken him I had any trouble… Pramukh Swami inspired in the morning. me. There were offers for me for marriage…. I Viveksagar Swami, when he first saw Yogiji wrote to Pramukh Swami [saying in effect that Maharaj said, “[I] was impressed. I saw great love I did not feel it was right for me to be married]. in Yogiji Maharaj. I came for two or three days’ When he came [to Africa] in 1974 he was very celebration... I stayed for two months!” much pleased…. He called me and asked, ‘What Kothari Swami spoke of the factors which had do you want to do, get married or proceed to drawn him to Yogiji Maharaj, “His selfless love U.K. or whatever?’ I said, ‘Well it’s up to you… experienced by each and every person. Even a child (contd. on p. 18)

8 Swaminarayan Bliss February 2010 GURU: TRANSLATION FROM SWAMINARAYAN PRAKASH, AUGUST 2009: KAUSHIK JOSHI

February 2010 Swaminarayan Bliss 9 Saint describes a shishya as raw clay and the guru as a sculptor who shapes a breathtaking work of art. One may advance spiritually with devotion, but only a God-realized guru can make saints out of sinners. When one thinks of Pramukh Swami Maharaj as a guru, this quality stands out. Words will fail to assess the magnanimity of his work and his equanimity during visits to adivasi huts and palatial homes. Perhaps you can make a list of the mandirs, schools, hospitals and cultural monuments like Akshardham he has raised and the relief centres he has opened for society. But it is simply not possible to fathom the feelings of the countless people who have changed for the better. The following true personal accounts were translated from ‘Swaminarayan Prakash,’ August 2009, giving a glimpse of the kind of metamorphosis that Pramukh Swami Maharaj has inspired. The first part of ‘A Guru Leads One to God...’ was published in the December 2009 issue of Swaminarayan Bliss.

BLESSEDBLESSED BY THREE GGURUSURUS ShriShri ShantilalShantilal ShahShah FFormerormer Textitle Mill Manager, Ahmedabad

fter passing my B.Tech. from Mumbai Then I began to go there regularly. Yogiji Maharaj AUniversity, I settled in Ahmedabad as was also there in those days. His saintliness, I had got a job as Assistant Training Master in childlike innocence and that blissful smile on his Jupiter Textile Mill, one of the city’s leading face were disarming. Previously, I had thought mills. I used to live in the mill’s residential that Swaminarayan sadhus were unbecoming quarters. Maganbhai Patel, an assistant engineer, and irksome in their conduct. But Yogiji Maharaj was my colleague. Once, he came to my place was different; he was polite and caring. Thus, I and saw a photo of Bhagwan Swaminarayan. On accepted as my guru. knowing that I was a satsangi, he requested me to Gradually, my fascination for Shastriji Maharaj accompany him to see Shastriji Maharaj at Ambli grew. However, two years later, in 1951, he left Vali Pol in the Shahpur area of Ahmedabad. I for Akshardham and Yogiji Maharaj succeeded refused politely since I belonged to the him as guru. His love and care was such that I did seat and Shastriji Maharaj had separated from the not feel the loss of Shastriji Maharaj, and I began Vartal seat. After a few days, I myself proposed to to like him as much as I had Shastriji Maharaj. go with him. So one morning, we reached Ambli In 1953, I invited Yogiji Maharaj to my home Vali Pol where I had my first darshan of Shastriji town of Prantij and held a sabha there, depite the Maharaj. He was 83 then but his divinity and the disapproval of some orthodox families. glow in his eyes touched me. I grew closer to Yogiji Maharaj. He helped me to

10 Swaminarayan Bliss February 2010 make progress both spiritually as well as materially. This was yet another event which made me sure For 20 years I felt the warmth of his love. of his divinity. When Yogiji Maharaj left for Akshardham in I have been fortunate to accompany him on 1971 I felt distraught. Yogiji Maharaj had revealed several of his satsang tours in India and overseas. Pramukh Swami as his successor, but I did not Wherever I went, he lovingly cared for me. He yet personally know him. However, our manager, has also cared for my family, from the marriages Lallubhai Patel, often talked to me about Pramukh of my son and daughter, health of the family to Swami, so I knew of his greatness. other social issues. His care and concern for us Lallubhai often visited the mandir in Shahibaug have made us feel that we belong to his family. to see Pramukh Swami and shared his experiences Two occasions remain etched in mind. and feelings about Pramukh Swami with me. In 2007, I went to Gondal with my son, Thus, I began to like and respect Pramukh Swami. Yogesh, to seek blessings for a matter relating to Besides, at the time of Yogiji Maharaj’s cremation his profession. Two other , Girdharbhai ceremony, Sant Swami (a senior sadhu) had Pokal and Mansukhbhai Pokal, were also with declared, “Yogiji Maharaj has not left us. He is us. Girdharbhai introduced Mansukhbhai to with us, dwelling in Pramukh Swami.” Swamishri, saying, “Swami! Mansukh is my Thus, with the same adoration as Yogiji brother.” Hearing this, Swami at once caught Maharaj, I accepted Pramukh Swami as my guru. Yogesh’s hand and said, “If he is your brother, this Events in my life later strengthened my (Yogesh) is my brother.” devotion to him as my guru. We were thrilled to hear this. In 1971, my wife fell seriously ill. Her health Another incident took place in 2007 when I was worsening. Relatives urged me to take her to joined Swami on his visit to America. There, in Los Mumbai for treatment. Angeles, Swami fell ill. After three days, when he Pramukh Swami was in Ahmedabad at the came out of his room, hundreds of devotees surged time. I sought his sage advice. He asked me to for his darshan. I was also there in the crowd. continue with the treatment in Ahmedabad. Swami saw me and asked, “How is your However, despite treatment, her condition health?” worsened. Doctors said there was little hope. I did not realize that Swamishri was asking One morning, at five o’clock, she opened her me, but all eyes were fixed on me. Then, I realized eyes. She felt that Pramukh Swami, whose photo that Swami knew about my back pain and the was placed before her bed, was blessing her. support belt I used to wear. To our utter surprise and against all medical Then, Swamishri asked in detail, “Has your expectations, she began to get better. back pain got better? How did it start? Did you After a few days I received a letter from get it here or back in Ahmedabad?” Pramukh Swami. He wrote, “Death hovered over Since he became guru in 1971, Pramukh Swami your wife, but it receded thanks to the grace of has helped me to climb the spiritual ladder, and Shriji Maharaj.” has all along showered his love and warmth on This event astounded us. Even the doctors me. Having Shastriji Maharaj, Yogiji Maharaj and were left wonderstruck. Pramukh Swami as my gurus, one after the other, The event in 1974 when Pramukh Swami I feel that they are essentially the same entity. At along with other sadhus were denied passage to 86, I now have nothing to gain or achieve. My only Nairobi in Africa also touched me when I saw him wish is to get closer to Pramukh Swami, please joyous as ever in Dadar mandir after his return to him still further and eventually remain forever in India. There was not a trace of gloom on his face. the blissful company of my gurus.

February 2010 Swaminarayan Bliss 11 EVERYEVERY ININCHCH A SSADHUADHU Prof.Prof. RameshbhaiRameshbhai A. DDaveave RRetiredetired Professor, Vallabh VidyanagarVidyanagar

he occasion was the opening of the destruction. I still recollect the condolence T Akshar Purushottam Chhatralaya (APC) assembly held in the Akshardham premises soon in Vidyanagar. I was there as an invitee. Two of after, in which Swamishri showed exemplary my former students from V.P. College who had composure. He prayed for the dead and that the become sadhus saw me and took me for darshan terrorists be guided by wisdom to act for the good of Yogiji Maharaj. He sized me up with his loving, of all. piercing eyes and blessed me by patting me on the Another occasion I am reminded of is the back in his unique way. I felt thrilled. I still feel assembly held in a sports stadium in Ahmedabad that divine touch in my spine. to honour Pramukh Swami on his completion of Once, I invited Yogiji Maharaj to my home, 50 years as President of BAPS. It was monsoon and but he sent Pramukh Swami on his behalf. That the sky was overcast with dark clouds, lightning is how I came to know Pramukh Swami and by and thunder. Swami was engrossed in turning God’s grace my relationship with Swamishri his rosary. The sabha progressed unhindered endures to date. and ended with Swamishri’s blessings. As the Shastriji Maharaj aptly named him devotees dispersed what they saw on leaving left Narayanswarupdas as he has spread the glory them astonished. It had rained heavily outside the of Swaminarayan worldwide. Indeed, Swami is stadium during the assembly hour, leaving pools a mobile tirth (place of pilgrimage). In times of of water. The question on mine and everyone’s calamity, his volunteers and sadhus invariably mind was ‘Who held an umbrella over the large rush with timely assistance. stadium?’ To me and all others, this was simply It is the brahmanized guru who guides the a miracle. I am tempted to quote the American multitude of devotees and makes BAPS unique. author Fenz Warfel on miracles. He says, “For those The BAPS tree grown by Shastriji Maharaj has who believe in God, no explanation is necessary, been tended down the years by Yogiji Maharaj, and for those who do not believe in God, no and presently, by Pramukh Swami Maharaj who explanation is possible.” has taken it to new heights the world over. The After my eye surgery, I went to Bochasan two Akshardham complexes, in Gandhinagar for darshan of Swamishri’s puja. I could not see and New Delhi, are landmark achievements of clearly yet, and even though he had not addressed the BAPS. Both are the inspiration of Pramukh the assembly, I had that uncanny feeling of having Swami, and his fulfilment of the vision of his guru heard his discourse. Yogiji Maharaj. To quote Keats, “Heard melodies are sweet, His humility and simplicity even on the day of but those unheard are sweeter.” the opening of Akshardham in New Delhi was quite On returning to Vidyanagar, the news came that touching as he attributed all his accomplishments Swamishri was going to visit Vidyanagar on his way to Shriji Maharaj and Yogiji Maharaj . to Atladra. I felt elated. It was like a precious gift to Akshardham in Gandhinagar has its own saga me. But I take care not to see Swamishri personally of beauty and dedication. Unfortunately, it was for my domestic issues. I just pray to him to help targeted by terrorists, leaving a trail of death and me to be close to him for as long as I live.

12 Swaminarayan Bliss February 2010 Once, Swamishri was in Vidyanagar for the my birthday. So, as I desired to have Swamishri’s Annual Day celebration of the APC. The venue was darshan the next morning I woke up a little earlier the Town Hall. After the event, I was waiting for than usual. As I went out, I saw Swamishri passing darshan with other devotees. Swamishri spotted by, smiling at me. I felt blessed. me and gave me a rose. I leapt with joy. Then a I cannot find words to describe the virtues and devotee dropped me at the APC. Soon Swamishri greatness of my guru. He is beyond all worldly arrived there. He came out of the car and took frills. As a sadhu he is more than impeccable. His off his footwear. I bowed before him and picked words are followed by thousands of devotees. To up his footwear. Then Swamishri rested his hand top it all, highly educated youths in the prime of on my shoulder and began to climb the steps for their life show readiness to become sadhus, leaving darshan of Thakorji. I have no words to express behind well-to-do families and bright professional the feeling of ecstasy I had. careers for the sake of their and society. More was in store for me when I went to Memories of my guru keep multiplying but Pratapnagar in 1976 for a shibir. The next day wwasas words fail me in singing his glory.

FEELING OFOF FULFILMENT JayeshbhaiJayeshbhai DDholakiaholakia VVice-President,ice-President, FinanceFinance,, Reliance IndustriesIndustries,, AhmedabaAhmedabadd

was born in 1952 into a Nagar Brahmin The decisive moment came in 1993 when I family which for generations had been Dipakbhai insisted that I come to listen to staunch devotees of Shivaji and Mataji. Mahant Swami’s discourse in the Ambawadi We observed strict disciplines, and rites and suburb of Ahmedabad. Listening to him in the rituals, such as, sutak, pure vegetarian diet, no sabha at a satsangi’s home, I at once vowed onions or garlic and no eating out. Upto the age of to give up drinking tea, reading newspapers, 40 I never saw a single film. Then, in the following watching films or TV, and eating meals provided two years, I saw 60! by the company. I began to like satsang and My father worked for the Tata Advance Mill discourses. in Shahibaug, Ahmedabad, from 1930 to 1978. The katha that day set me thinking about During this time he witnessed the development Pramukh Swami and I began to go wherever he of the BAPS Mandir, directly opposite the mill, was on Sundays for his darshan, especially at his from a bungalow to a grand shikharbaddh mandir. puja hour. This has continued since then. Once, in Yet, for years he did not enter the mandir, since it Surendranagar, Swamishri saw me and told me, is a Vaishnav mandir and he was a Shaivite. He “You did not come last Sunday.” And I was quite would, though, have darshan of the dhaja (flag) moved, knowing that Pramukh Swami, for whose and shikhar (dome) everyday before entering the darshan I used to go, himself took notice of my mill. visits. I knew about BAPS due to my friend, Dipakbhai, Another incident I cannot forget took place when, as chartered accountants, we both joined in Ahmedabad in 1993 when I stood in a queue Reliance Industries in 1976. We used to come for touching Swamishri’s feet. Swamishri was to the mandir every 15 days. In the beginning, I seated on a cot with one leg dangling and the did not go for Thakorji’s darshan and just waited other crossed. Before joining the Satsang, I downstairs, taking care of his shoes. was against touching the feet of sadhus. So I

February 2010 Swaminarayan Bliss 13 thought of leaving the queue, but remained refined life due to satsang with Swamishri. Through there reluctantly thinking that it would look bad his discourses, dialogues with him, and reading of if I left the line. Everyone touched Swamishri’s the accounts of his life, my life changed in many lower foot and advanced. However, when my ways: turn came, I saw that Swamishri had crossed 1. I have been inspired for nobler thoughts both of his legs and covered them. Later, I asked and actions. Dipakbhai why Swami had his legs covered even 2. My life became more meaningful. though everyone was in line to touch them. 3. I have been spared personal, social and Dipakbhai and others there told me that those economic misery in my life. before him and others after him had, in fact, 4. I became more organized in life. seen one foot uncovered and touched it before 5. I developed a greater sense of time and proceeding in the queue. discipline during office hours. This divine incident touched me very much 6. My association with Swamishri has and I felt drawn towards Swamishri. I began to facilitated working with my colleagues and crave for his darshan. government employees and as a result their In 1999, I was waiting for his darshan, seated respect for Swamishri has strengthened my with the devotees along the route Swamishri was resolve for spiritual progress. to pass by. As Swamishri passed by, our four eyes 7. I have been graced with such love from met and filled me with such a divine experience Swamishri that everything else has been that I still recall that moment vividly. eclipsed and now I begin to feel fulfilled. I feel that no one understands me and my Having known Swamishri as he is, I feel that feelings better than Pramukh Swami. I still have much ground to cover on the spiritual My earlier beliefs and meaningless way of life plane. Nevertheless, I do not feel at a loss at all in gradually gave way to a more meaningful and life.

CHARTINGCHARTING A NEW LIFE KanubhaiKanubhai C.C. PatelPatel Businessman, SecunderabadSecunderabad

y family were followers of the Jain alcohol. Then I started eating eggs and meat also. Mreligion (in Agas), but we honoured Smoking and tobacco soon followed. This way of all other as well. Thus, I had darshan life lasted for 25 years during which I spent lakhs of Shastriji Maharaj when he visited the home of rupees on drinking. of our neighbour, R.U. Patel, way back in 1948. Concerned, my family consulted several I was only 7 years old then. We migrated then to tantrics to cast a spell on me so that I would give Burma in 1951 and lived there till 1964, but had up the addictions; but I did not care and it didn’t to come back to India as the military junta came work. to power in Burma. My father started his business The turning point came in 1990 when in Secunderabad and we have lived there since. Pramukh Swami came to sanctify the house of our My father suffered a heart attack while in friend, Jashubhai. My relatives told Swamishri Burma. So, he retired from business. Our business what was I like. So Swamishri lovingly explained partner was a relative. In his company I used to to me that I should not squander money and time visit various clubs and soon became addicted to on harmful habits as they would hurt my family

14 Swaminarayan Bliss February 2010 and ruin my life as well. Yet still I did not take this assembly, I felt like shedding all of my habits and advice seriously. addictions. I felt that this was the last day of 25 Later, Swami was to come to Secunderabad for years of addictive life. That was in 2000. the opening of a new mandir. My friend invited Today, my wife and I volunteer our services me for the occasion. So I went there. at the BAPS mandir in Secunderabad by making As Pramukh Swami begang to discourse to the gjgarlands for Thakorji.

UPLIFTED BY THREE GURUS Mukundbhai Harmanbhai Patel Aircraft Structural Engineer & Consultant, Boeing Aircraft Company, USA

was born a satsangi because my father was they commented that people have difficulty I a staunch disciple of BAPS founder guru, finishing the course in four years, so how could it Shastriji Maharaj. He took me to India for his be completed in three. But, with Yogiji Maharaj’s darshan in 1945 and 1947 when I was 8-10 years blessings I did it in 3½ years. I even got a job in old. The murti of Shastriji Maharaj I saw then is the Boeing Company. still as fresh as ever in my mind. While I was in America, Yogiji Maharaj wrote Shastriji Maharaj was travelling by bullock me a number of letters, asking me to study properly cart from Anand to my native village, Gana, while and live by the niyams of satsang. He also wanted my father and I were walking behind the cart. I me to talk to others about the glory of Maharaj recollect faintly that for some reason I was crying, and the philosophy of Akshar-Purushottam. and Shastriji Maharaj asked my father to have me In one such letter (dated 25 September 1958) seated with him in the cart. I feel thrilled when I he wrote, “Concentrate on your studies. Read at think of those moments with him in the cart when least for eight hours daily. Remain a vegetarian. he lovingly cared for me. Eat simple food. Perform puja and apply tilak- Before I could even know the meaning of the chandlo. Try to start a satsang mandal there. We word ‘guru’, I had a guru in my life. My father want to spread the glory of Swaminarayan in all would repeatedly explain to me, “This Shastriji continents. So be prepared to make efforts.” Maharaj is our guru.” “Also, read one Vachanamrut before going to In 1951, when Shastriji Maharaj left for bed at night. Practice satsang. Such an opportunity Akshardham, Yogiji Maharaj succeeded him. I had will not come again. So, Mukundbhai, hold sabha his darshan in 1955 in Mombasa. He was seated every Sunday or fortnight. Start a satsang centre. on a cot and discoursing. Then he recited one of That would be a brilliant achievement.” his favourite kirtans, “Hãji bhalã sãdhu…” in his “I am sending flowers sanctified in the Akshar inimitable style. I still feel thrilled when recalling Deri which you can use. So keep them with you.” that divine memory of his voice and style. In yet another inspiring letter dated 27 The next time I had his darshan was in 1958 November 1958 from Vidyanagar, he wrote, “May in India. I was going to the US for further studies Swami-Shriji maintain the continued progress of and my father wanted me to have the blessings of dear Mukundbhai. Jai Swaminarayan with great Yogiji Maharaj before leaving. So I went to India. I affection from Sadhu Jnanjivandas, Mota Swami met him in Gondal with my father. He blessed me and Pramukh Swami from Vidyanagar. in the and asked me to complete the “It’s nice to know that five of you now live course in three years. When I told my professors together. You will get along well since you are

February 2010 Swaminarayan Bliss 15 all like-minded. I am pleased to know that you them and bring them to the satsang. Keep contact perform puja daily. Now we have to increase with each other. Mukundbhai, received your letter. Satsang in America. That will be done by you. Now, cook your meals yourself and remain a strict “Vanrajbhai Mehta, you take care of that. vegetarian.” Prepare 51 youths. There are many Hindus In a letter dated 30 November 1959 from there. Speak to them. Be determined. Read the Mwanza, Swami reiterated these points. He Vachanamrut at your convenience at night. wrote, “Mukundbhai, my only request now to This will enlighten you. Thanks to Bhagwan you is to explain in English to our youths who Swaminarayan, satsang has spread far and wide. Bhagwan Swaminarayan was and his contribution It will be furthered by yuvaks like you. to society. That would be a great service. “So, Mukundbhai, remain determined. I think “We can send you copies of the Shikshapatri of you always. I remember your face. You were in English. It contains all the wisdom. You may young when we stayed together at Gana. You used gift it and recommend them to read it.” to sit with me. Meet Dr Hen. Explain Vachanamrut Swami was very keen to see that even satsangis Gadhada 1-37 to him. He will be pleased.” living abroad followed the Shikshapatri. So he As directed by Yogiji Maharaj, both of us continued to write to me. In his letter dated 23 had started satsang on a small scale. Expressing August 1964 from Sarangpur he wrote: his pleasure about this, Swami wrote to us, “Jai “Mukundbhai,…. Observe all niyams and Swaminarayan with great love from Sadhu celibacy. Vitthalbhai is with you there. So, hold Jnanjivandasji. Mukundbhai, I remember you sabha on Sundays for at least two hours. always. Read regularly. Read at least eight hours a “Today is Punam. It is Balev (Raksha Bandhan) day. In four years you will earn a higher degree. also. About 700 satsangis have gathered here. It is “Keep three things in mind: 11.30 a.m. and the katha is in progress. Pramukh 1. Upasana of Akshar and Purushottam. Swami and Sant Swami are also here and I am 2. Observe all minor and major religious writing to you…. Donate 10% of your income injunctions. to the mandir. Then see how much strength you 3. Develop affection for God’s holy Sadhu. get. Everything else depends upon these three. “Read at least one Vachanamrut at night and “Your father made great efforts to send you ten Swamini Vatu if you have more time. In puja, there for studies. So you have to appreciate his turn the mala fifteen times. Then, five times efforts and not fail even once. That would be just before Thakorji. Make it a point to do this. You the right appreciation. May Maharaj bless you can do this as you have that spirit.” fully” (21 December 1958, Radhu). Thus, Yogiji Maharaj continued to nurture me In reply to one of my letters, Swami wrote till his departure to Akshardham in 1971. Then from Gondal on 7 June 1959, “We read your Pramukh Swami became guru and he became the letter in Gondal. The letter left us all thrilled. anchor of my life. That you observe all niyams in America proves I did not have much contact with Pramukh that Maharaj is manifest on the earth. So, Vanraj Swami while Yogiji Maharaj was alive. However, Mehta, contact fellow Indians there and explain in 1964 my father died and I came to India for to them in English who Bhagwan Swaminarayan dispersal of his ashes. Yogiji Maharaj asked was, for, we wish to spread his message to one Pramukh Swami to accompany me to Gadhada for and all. this. Pramukh Swami then took me to Gadhada, “Vitthalbhai, Kantibhai, Ravjibhai and Sarangpur and Gondal for darshan. In Sarangpur Nathabhai are also there for studies. Try to meet he himself served me rotlo, khichdi and chilies.

16 Swaminarayan Bliss February 2010 His humility touched me deeply. Palace. When he came back to America, I found In the seventies I worked as a structural that he had begun to apply the tilak-chandlo on his engineer in various projects of the Boeing forehead. It really moved me. I recollected Yogiji Company, including, Boeing 747, Boeing 767, Maharaj’s letters and thought of getting back to rockets and the space shuttle. satsang. I got closer to Pramukh Swami during the I was not very active in satsang during this CFI in 1991 in America. I served for one year for decade but Pramukh Swami unfailingly contacted the preparations of the CFI. me during his visits to America in 1974, 1977, I have been very fortunate to have the grace 1980, 1984 and 1988. of Shastriji Maharaj, Yogiji Maharaj and Pramukh In 1985, my 14-year-old son went to London Swami Maharaj who together as one have guided for the Cultural Festival of India (CFI) at Alexandra me all along.

‘KANTHI’‘KANTHI’ CALLINGCALLING NarendrabhaiNarendrabhai S. PatelPatel RRetiredetired Businessman,Businessman, LondonLondon (now in Ahmedabad)Ahmedabad)

migrated to Kenya (East Africa) when I was asked me, “What bothers you?” I was alone with I 18 years old. I used to wear a kanthi then him. So, I told him, “We have been satsangis for as I was a Swaminarayan satsangi. But I was not four generations but no sadhu has ever put a kanthi much involved with satsang. around my neck. I wore it myself. That troubles I settled in Nairobi in 1950 when I started my me. Would you put one around my neck?” I hoped business there. Life was routine, but the year 1970 he would, but he refused. I shuddered. I felt that had golden moments in store for me. I must have made some grave mistake. He looked We had to go to Jinja, Uganda, in 1970 for into my eyes, saying, “I won’t do it today but your my cousin’s wedding. We travelled the 400 miles desire will be fulfilled by Pramukh Swami.” from Nairobi by road and after a one-night stay I did not know Pramukh Swami then, but prepared to leave for the return journey. For thinking of him I left. Years rolled by and I almost about 300 miles the roads were very rough and forgot about the promise of Yogiji Maharaj. not suitable for driving. Then it started raining Then, in 1981, I had to go to India as my heavily. We were afraid of going back by the same mother had taken ill. One day, Jashbhai, our route. While I was thinking over this, a relative neighbour, told me that Pramukh Swami was to named Manjibhai informed us that a very great visit his place and invited me for darshan. I was sadhu by the name of Yogiji Maharaj was there in not interested in going at that time, but I went as a Nairobi, and that we must go for his darshan and mere visitor. Pramukh Swami came and Jashubai blessings. Though I belonged to the old Gadhada brought two garlands. He garlanded Swamishri Swaminarayan mandir, I thought it worthwhile to with one of them and gave the other to me to have the blessings of such a great sadhu. garland Swamishri. I hesitated, but as he thrust it So, we went where he was staying. There were into my hand, I reluctantly greeted Swami with the about 20 people waiting to meet him. I was last garland. Then, as I was leaving, Pramukh Swami in the queue. When I approached him, he placed caught hold of my hand and asked a sadhu with his hand on my head and lowered my head into him to give him a kanthi. Before I could even think his lap. I felt overwhelmed at this and became of the next move, he placed the kanthi around speechless. Tears rolled down my eyes. Swami my neck and blessed me saying, “The promise of

February 2010 Swaminarayan Bliss 17 our guru has been fulfilled today.” I felt gratified BAPS Mandir at Shahibaug, which is 6 km from and was speechless. I was convinced that Yogiji my place. After mangala arti, I make garlands for Maharaj in the form of Pramukh Swami Maharaj Thakorji. Then I attend the morning katha. After had placed the kanthi, otherwise how else could katha I offer my services in the inquiry booth at he have known what Yogiji Maharaj had promised the mandir. This has been my routine for the past me. And after so long how had he recognized me? seven years or so. I am 78 and living alone, but I felt reassured that I was in the lap of a worthy Swami is there to care for me. guru, having been cleansed of all my sinful acts. In 2007, I was afflicted with elephantitis. I Feeling confident and joyous, I returned to thought of surgery, but learnt that such surgeries Africa. After a few years, I migrated to London. were generally of little benefit. So I dropped the Then, incidentally, my daughter married Dr Madhav idea. Jodhani, a devout satsangi in Ahmedabad. He When Swami was in Ahmedabad, Viveksagar gave me past issues of Swaminarayan Prakash and Swami took me to Swamishri and told him about the biography of Yogiji Maharaj to read. Reading my disease. Swamishri blessed me, “I will pray to all this changed me completely. Since then, even Maharaj. You too chant Swaminarayan. You’ll get though I sold newspapers and magazines in my cured.” shop, I gave up reading them. And I was cured of it in a week. I can now I felt Pramukh Swami was summoning me. So walk comfortably and still walk to the mandir I left London and came to settle in Ahmedabad. I every morning. began to visit the BAPS mandir regularly and soon I have had many experiences to strengthen my my anger was controlled and I became calm. conviction that Maharaj is manifest in the form of Today, I wake up at 1.30 a.m. and after bath Pramukh Swami Maharaj. Can there be a greater and puja, leave home at 3.45 a.m. to walk to the fortune than this?

(contd. from p. 8) The instructions of the guru are understood whatever you command.’ He said, ‘Well I wish to be to the best advantage of the devotee, even that you become a sadhu.’ I said yes, I will become if the devotee cannot understand the purpose at a sadhu, and that was the change of my life.” that time. Accounts were given to the writer by Another sadhu spoke of meeting Pramukh devotees of how they carried out instructions for Swami whilst at school in the U.K., “My turn came which they could not understand the reasons at to garland Swamiji. He held my hand, asked my the time, and how these, in retrospect, had been name.... After Pramukh Swami had left England, I perfectly suited to their situation. wrote a letter to Swamishri... a paragraph only. So The effect of this personal interest is to many people... so great crowds… [I was] shocked... strongly reinforce the bond which exists between got a reply in his own writing in Gujarati. I was so the individual devotee and the guru. It follows moved that he had time to write to a young child. that the guru’s primary relationship bond is with Then I got interested in the movement.” individual devotees rather than with the body of A sadhu who described himself as being used devotees. The ability of the guru to individualise to the comforts of life explained how, coming to to this extent is one of the most striking and India, he at first had thought it impossible that difficult aspects to comprehend. It is often he could settle and stay. He described Pramukh remarked upon by devotees but perhaps occasions Swami’s attention given to him, “He gave me so less amazement in them because of their belief in much love, used to bless me, he used to remember Akshar’s omniscience. me everywhere.”

18 Swaminarayan Bliss February 2010 PHILOSOPHY – SWAMINARAYAN VEDANT: GUJARATI TEXT: SADHU BHADRESHDAS; TRANSLATION: SADHU PARAMVIVEKDAS

The Chãndogya Upanishad SIMPLE CONVERSATIONS ON HIGHLY SPIRITUAL MATTERS Part 1

t is the unique style of the Upanishads to be understood – one cannot do the upãsanã- narrate philosophy in a profound manner bhakti of Purushottam appropriately without Ithrough simple and clear stories. The becoming aksharrup. Also, for this very reason, precepts on brahmavidyã have been narrated when brahmavidyã is discussed in the Mundaka here through the story of Ushasti and Mahãvat, Upanishad, the dialogue commences with the the conversation between Shvetketu and Udãlak, words Ò¥Í ÂÚUæÓ – ‘Atha parã’ (Mundaka Upanishad: the dialogue of Nãrad and Sanatsujãt, and the 1/1/5), followed by, ÒÒÌÎ÷ ¥ÿæÚU×÷ ¥çÏ»ØÌððÓ – ‘Tad story of Indra and Virochan. Aksharam adhigamyate’ (Mundaka Upanishad: This Upanishad is encompassed in the 1/1/5), – thus the form of Aksharbrahman is Sãmaveda. It consists of eight chapters of the introduced. The Mãndukya Upanishad also Tavalkãr Brahmin in the Sãmaveda. begins by introducing Aksharbrahman with the words, Òú §ˆØðÌÎ÷ ¥ÿæÚU×÷Ó – ‘Aum ityetad Aksharam’ BEGINNING WITH THE GLORY OF AKSHAR (Mãndukya Upanishad: 1/1). The very same thing Òú §ˆØðÌÎ÷ ¥ÿæÚU×÷ ©UÎ÷»èÍ×÷ ©UÂæâèÌÓ – ‘Aum ityetad happens in the Chãndogya Upanishad, too. Aksharam udgeetham upãseeta’ – ‘One should It then explains the benefits the knower of contemplate on Akshar whose name is Aum and Aksharbrahman attains. who has been sung of in all the ’ (Chãndogya Upanishad: 1/1/1). When reciting the Chãndogya ENTRY INTO AKSHARDHAM FOR ONE Upanishad, the very first mantra sings the glory WHO KNOWS AKSHAR of Aksharbrahman. The reason for this can also ÒØÎðÌÎ÷ ¥ÿæÚU×÷ °ÌÎ×ëÌ×÷ ¥ÖØ¢ ̈ÂýçßàØ Îðßæ ¥×ëÌæ ¥ÖØæ

February 2010 Swaminarayan Bliss 19 ¥ÖßÙ÷Ð â Ø °ÌÎðߢ çßmæÙ÷ ¥ÿæÚ¢U Âý‡æõçÌ ÌÎðß ¥ÿæÚU×÷ ¥×ëÌ×÷ In this way, the initial chapters of the Chãndogya ¥ÖØ¢ ÂýçßàæçÌÐ ÌÎ×ëÌô ÖßçÌÐÓ – ‘Yadetad Aksharam Upanishad have given wonderful precepts on the etadamrutam abhayam tatpravishya devã divine forms of Akshar and Purushottam. amrutã abhayã abhavan, sa ya etadevam vidvãn This unique glory is then explained through a Aksharam pranauti tadeva Aksharam amrutam dialogue between a father and son. abhayam pravishati.’ – ‘This Aksharbrahman is immortal, without birth or death, and fearless; THE STORY OF SHVETKETU AND ÃRUNI: one who knows it enters it.’ That is to say, SADVIDYà enters Akshardham, becomes free of birth and There was a rishi named Ãruni. He had a son death, becomes fearless and attains immortality named Shvetketu. When Shvetketu came of age, (Chãndogya Upanishad: 1/4/4,5). his father told him to study, saying, ÒEðÌ·ð¤Ìô ßâ Õýræï¿Øü×÷Ó – ‘ Shvetaketo vasa brahmacharyam’ – ‘Son! THE UPÃSANà OF PURUSHOTTAM WITH There is no one in our family who has not studied. A FORM Therefore, go and stay in some gurukul, observe The next section explains the form of celibacy and study’ (Chãndogya Upanishad: Purushottam Parabrahman. ÒØ °áôù‹ÌÚUæçΈØð 6/1/1). Shvetketu did accordingly. He stayed in çãUÚU‡×ØÑ ÂéL¤áô ÎëàØÌð çãUÚU‡Øà×-ŸæéíãUÚU‡Ø·ð¤àæ ¥æ-Âý‡æßæˆâßü a gurukul for twelve years. On completing his °ß âé߇æüÑH ÌSØ ØÍæ ·¤ŒØæ⢠Âé‡ÇUÚUè·¤×ðß×çÿæ‡æèÐÓ – ‘Ya studies he returned home. His father saw him esho’ntarãditye hiranmayaha purusho drushyate after many years. Instead of seeing the lustre of hiranyashmashrurhiranyakesha ã-pranavãtsarva knowledge on his son’s face, he noticed a sense eva suvarnaha. Tasya yatha kapyãsam of arrogance. His father was upset. He called his pundareekamevamakshinee’ – ‘This divine being, son and said, “Son, what did you study that made who is lustrous with divine rays, pervades the you so arrogant? Hasn’t your guru taught you whole galaxy. His entire divine body – his beard, precepts on brahmavidyã?” his hair, his nails, etc. all shine brightly like Shvetketu replied, “What are those precepts glittering gold. Moreover, his two eyes are as soft like?” as a lotus and extremely beautiful’ (Chãndogya His father replied, ÒØðÙæùŸæéÌ¢ ŸæéÌ¢ Ö߈Ø×Ì¢ Upanishad: 1/6/6,7). ×Ì×çß™ææÌ¢ çß™ææÌç×çÌÐÓ – ‘Yenã’shrutam shrutam These words of the Upanishad tell us that bhavatyamatam matamavignãtam vignãtamiti’ Paramãtmã always has a form. Even in that, – ‘Son, brahmavidyã is such that on attaining it not just any form, but by saying ‘purushaha’ one hears even the unheard, i.e., nothing remains it tells us that he has a beautiful human form. to be heard, nothing remains to be contemplated For this reason, whether it is the divine form on, nothing remains to be known’ (Chãndogya of Parabrahman present in Akshardham, or Upanishad: 6/1/3). Moreover, ÒØÍæ âôØñ·ð¤Ù whether it is the divine form that pervades the ×ëçˆÂ‡ÇðUÙ âßZ ×ë‡×Ø¢ çß™ææÌ¢ SØæÎ÷ÐÓ – ‘Yathã somyaikena infinite universes, this mantra urges us to never mrutpindena sarvam mrunmayam vignãtam syãd’ understand him as formless. – ‘Just like once you have thoroughly known a The benefit of understanding Paramãtmã to lump of earth, you have then known the form of be with a form is also not ordinary. It states here, everything that is made of earth, the same applies Òâ °á âßðüØÑ ÂæŒ×Ø ©UçÎÌÑ ©UÎðçÌ ãU ßñ âßðüØÑ ÂæŒ×Øô t o t h i s k n o w l e d g e ’ (C h ã n d o g y a U p a n i s h a d : 6 / 1 /4). Ø °ß¢ ßðÎHÓ – ‘Sa esha sarvebhyaha pãpmabhya Hearing this, Shvetketu became interested. He uditaha udeti ha vai sarvebhyaha pãpmabhyo ya requested his father to give him that knowledge. evam veda’ – ‘One who understands this is freed His father was more than happy and gladly began of all sins’ (Chãndogya Upanishad: 1/6/7). to give precepts on brahmavidyã.

20 Swaminarayan Bliss February 2010 ‘SAT’ IS THE CAUSE OF THE ENTIRE THE STORY OF NÃRAD AND SANATSUJÃT: CREATION ‘BHOOMÃVIDYÃ’ ÒâÎðß âôØðÎ×»ý ¥æâèÎ÷Ó – ‘Sadeva somyedagamagra Ò¥ÏèçãU Ö»ßÑÓ – ‘Adheehi bhagavaha’ – ‘O lord, give ãseed’ – ‘Son, before creation there was sat – an me knowledge’ (Chãndogya Upanishad: 7/1/1). eternally unchanging element which is above This is the innermost desire of Nãrad’s heart. mãyã’ (Chãndogya Upanishad: 6/2/1). It is from Nãrad Muni became the disciple of Sanatsujãt, this sat that the entire creation has arisen. who said, ÒØÎ÷ ßðˆØ ÌðÙ ×ôÂâèÎ ÌÌSÌ ßÿØæ×èçÌÐÓ – ‘Yad Sat can mean one of four things: an ãtmã vetya tena mopaseeda tatasta vakshyãmeeti’ – roaming in the cycle of births and deaths, ‘First of all, tell me what you know, I will then Paramãtmã, Aksharbrahman or a muktãtmã give you knowledge beyond that’ (Chãndogya (liberated ãtmã). In this context, though, it does Upanishad: 7/1/1). Nãrad then began to tell him not imply an ãtmã which roams in the cycle of what he knew, Ò«¤‚ßð΢ Ö»ßôùŠØðç× ØÁéßðüΚ âæ×ßðÎ×æÍßü‡æ¢ birth and death, because it is also entangled ¿ÌéÍüç×çÌãUæâÂéÚUæ‡æ¢ †¿×¢ ßðÎæÙæ¢ ßð΢ ç˜ؚ ÚUæçàæ¢ Îñߢ çÙçÏ¢ with mãyã and is therefore counted as part of ßæ·¤ôßæ€Ø×ð·¤æØÙ¢ Îðßçßlæ¢ Õýræïçßlæ¢ ÖêÌçßlæ¢ ÿæ˜æçßlæ¢ creation. Furthermore, every muktãtmã was also Ùÿæ˜æçßlæš âÂüÎðßÁÙçßlæ×ðÌj»ßôùŠØðç×ÐÓ – ‘Rugvedam previously bound by mãyã and has wandered in bhagavo’dhyemi yajurvedam sãmavedam- the world through various births; therefore, it can ãtharvanam chaturthemitihãsapurãnam also not be counted as the cause of creation. Only panchamam vedãnãm vedam pitryam rãshim the two entities Brahman and Parabrahman are daivam nidhim vãkovãkyamekãyanam devavidyãm eternally liberated, they have always been aloof brahmavidyãm bhootavidyãm kshatravidyãm from mãyã and are capable of creating the world. nakshatravidyãm sarpadevajanavidyãmetadbhag Therefore, here the word sat refers to these two avo’dhyemi’ – ‘O Lord! I know all the four Vedas. I divine entities. know history and the Purãnas. I know grammar, His father continues, Òâ‹×êÜæÑ âôØð×æÑ âßæüÑ ÂýÁæÑ shrãddh shãstra, mathematics, the science of âÎæØÌÙæÑ âˆÂýçÌcÆUæÑÓ – ‘Sanmoolãhã somyemãhã utpãt, nidhi , the science of reasoning, sarvãhã prajãhã sadãyatanãhã satpratishthãhã’ – ethics, the knowledge of the devas, all the limbs ‘Whatever creation can be seen, has all been created of the Vedas, the science of archery, astrology, from that sat – Brahman and Parabrahman. Also, sarpavidyã, gandharvavidyã and other subjects they are the cause of the sustenance and dissolution like ayurveda (medicine), etc.’ (Chãndogya of creation’ (Chãndogya Upanishad: 6/8/4). Upanishad: 7/1/2). Despite this, Òâôùã ¢U Ö»ßô àæô¿æç×Ó Thus, O Shvetketu, that Brahman and – ‘So’ham bhagavo shochãmi’ – ‘I am immersed Parabrahman are the cause of all. They are the in an ocean of grief’ (Chãndogya Upanishad: ãtmã of all; they pervade all, control all and 7/1/3). ÒŸæéÌ¢ sïðß ×ð Ö»ßÎ÷ÎëàæðØSÌÚUçÌ àæô·¤ï×æˆ×çßçÎçÌÓ – support all. Therefore, ÒÌžß×çâÓ – ‘Tattvamasi’ – ‘Shrutam hyeva me bhagavaddrushebhyastarati ‘They are even the ãtmã of your ãtmã. Hence, you tam mã shokamãtmaviditi’ – ‘I have are also pervaded, controlled and supported by heard from great people like yourself that one them’ (Chãndogya Upanishad: 6/8/7). Shvetketu who knows Paramãtmã overcomes the ocean of was pleased with this knowledge of brahmavidyã. misery’ (Chãndogya Upanishad: 7/1/3). Òàæô·¤USØ ÂæÚ¢ Here, just as the word sat has been used for ÌæÚUØÌéÓ – ‘Shokasya pãram tãrayatu’ – ‘Therefore, O Brahman and Parabrahman, brahmavidyã has lord, please help me cross the ocean of misery. also become known as sadvidyã. Give the knowledge of Paramãtmã’ (Chãndogya Thus, through this dialogue between a father Upanishad: 7/1/13). and son, this Upanishad has explained the secret Hearing this, Sanatsujãt says, ÒÙæ×ñßñÌÎ÷Ó – behind the cause of the whole of creation. ‘Nãmaivaitad’ – “O Nãrad, the subjects you

February 2010 Swaminarayan Bliss 21 think you know are just names” (Chãndogya precepts are also known as bhoomãvidyã. Upanishad: 7/1/14). Saying this he then The objective of these precepts is that by teaches, ÒÙæ× ÕýræïÓ – ‘Nãma Brahma’ (Chãndogya conceiving one’s ãtmã to be like Brahman and Upanishad: 7/1/5), Òßæ¿¢ ÕýræïÓ – ‘Vãcham Brahma’ knowing Parabrahman one can overcome the (Chãndogya Upanishad: 7/2/2), Ò×Ùô ÕýræïÓ – ocean of misery. ‘Mano Brahma’ (Chãndogya Upanishad: 7/3/2), Ò⢷¤Ë¢ ÕýræïÓ – ‘Sankalpam Brahma’ (Chãndogya THE CLOSE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE Upanishad: 7/4/3), Òç¿žæ¢ ÕýræïÓ – ‘Chittam Brahma’ HEART AND BRAHMAN: DAHARVIDYà (Chãndogya Upanishad: 7/5/3). That is, one The eighth chapter of the Chãndogya should see Brahman in everything. He then says Upanishad starts with the advice to know the two that one must also see this feeling of Brahman divine entities Brahman and Parabrahman. Ò¥Í in one’s ãtmã. Even in the Bhagavad Gita, only ØçÎÎ×çS׋ÕýræïÂéÚðU ÎãUÚ¢U Âé‡ÇUÚUè·¢¤ ßðà× ÎãUÚUôùçS׋ًÌÚUæ·¤æàæ- one who is brahmarup has been gifted with the SÌçS׋Ø΋ÌSÌ΋ßðcÅUÃØ¢ Ìmæß çßçÁ™ææçâÌÃØç×çÌÐÓ – ‘Atha bhakti of Paramãtmã. Therefore, although Nãrad yadidamasminbrahmapure daharam pundareekam did not question further, this tells us to do the veshma daharo’sminnantrãkãshastasminyadant upãsana of Paramãtmã. Then, stating, Ò°Uá Ìé ßæ astadanveshtavyam tadvãva vijignãsitavyamiti’ ¥çÌßÎçÌ ØÑ âˆØðÙæçÌßÎçÌïÓ – ‘Esha tu vã ativadati yaha (Chãndogya Upanishad: 7/23/1). Here, dahar satyenãtivadati’ (Chãndogya Upanishad: 7/16/1), means small. In the body – which is like a city, he tells us that one who speaks of Paramãtmã, there is a dahar – a house in the form of a small the form of , in this way is the greatest lotus-like heart. In that small house-like heart, orator. He then continues, “O Nãrad, know that there is something which is even more dahar Paramãtmã, contemplate on him, have faith and – an even smaller space. That space is called conviction in him. Only if you attempt to attain all daharãkãsh or chidãkãsh. This is one of the forms this will you derive the true benefits. You should of Aksharbrahman. In that daharãkãsh resides only endeavour in something that gives you Paramãtmã. This mantra tells us to find both that happiness. Therefore you must know where true Aksharbrahman and Parabrahman. happiness is.” This is exactly what Nãrad wanted. Having said this, the glory of the form Therefore he immediately requested, Òâé¹¢ Ö»ßô of Aksharbrahman is first explained. ÒØæßæ‹ßæ çßçÁ™ææâ §çÌÓ – ‘Sukham bhagavo vijignãsa iti’ – ‘O ¥Ø×æ·¤æàæSÌæßæÙðáôù‹ÌNüUÎØ ¥æ·¤æàæ ©UÖð ¥çS×Ù÷ læßæÂëçÍßè lord, I want to know true happiness’ (Chãndogya ¥‹ÌÚðUß â×æçãUÌð ©UÖæßç‚Ùp ßæØép âêØæü¿‹¼ý×âæßéÖõ çßlé‹Ùÿæ˜ææç‡æ Upanishad: 7/22/1). Ø‘¿æSØðãUæçSÌ Ø‘¿ ÙæçSÌ âßZ ÌÎçS׋â×æçãUÌç×çÌÐÓ Sanatsujãt replied, ÒØô ßñ Öê×æ ÌÌ÷ âé¹¢ ÙæËÂð – ‘Yãnvãnvã ayamãkãshastãvãnesho’ntarh âé¹×çSÌ Öê×ñß âé¹×÷ÐÓ – ‘Yo vai bhoomã tat sukham rudaya ãkãsha ubhe asmin dyãvãpruthivee nãlpe sukhamasti bhoomaiva sukham’ – ‘O Narad, antareva samãhite ubhãvagnishcha vãyushcha Paramãtmã is the very form of bliss. There is sooryãchandramasãvubhau vidyunnakshatrãni no happiness in mundane objects’ (Chãndogya yachchãsyehãsti yachcha nãsti sarvam Upanishad: 7/23/1). Therefore if you want to tadasminsamãhitamiti’ (Chãndogya Upanishad: overcome misery then, ÒÖê×æ ˆßðß çßçÁ™ææçâÌÃØÑÓ – 8/1/3). Meaning, just like this external space ‘Bhoomã tveva vijignãsitavyaha’ – ‘You should pervades, similarly this space – chidãkãsh realize Bhoomã – the greatest, i.e., Paramãtmã’ Aksharbrahman – that resides inside everyone’s (Chãndogya Upanishad: 7/23/1). Thus, he pleased hearts pervades everywhere. The only difference Nãrad by showing him the true way to happiness. is that the external space is mundane and limited, Here, the word bhoomã has been used to whereas this chidãkãsh is unearthly, infinite mean ‘the greatest’ – Paramãtmã, therefore these (contd. on p. 26)

22 Swaminarayan Bliss February 2010 BAPS NEWS Aksharbrahman Gunatitanand Swami DIKSHA BICENTENARY CELEBRATION 31 December 2009, Dabhan, Gujarat

Skit depicting the Dabhan of 1810 CE t the conclusion of the special 18-day ago for the darshan of Bhagwan Swaminarayan. yajna held in Dabhan on Posh sud Today, also, we have such darshan. If we sit while APunam, VS 1866 (20 January 1810), beholding and remembering the murti of God, Bhagwan Swaminarayan initiated Mulji Bhakta of Gunatitanand Swami and Shastriji Maharaj, then Bhadra, his ideal devotee, into the sadhu-fold and we will experience them in all directions and will named him Gunatitanand Swami. gain their happiness. Thus, to commemorate the 200th anniversary “It is our great fortune that by attending such of this diksha, the small town of Dabhan, near celebrations, our lives are transformed for the Nadiad, was host to the grand Aksharbrahman better. This brings us peace. So, always cherish Gunatitanand Swami Diksha Bicentenary the memories of occasions like this. Recall these Celebration on 31 December 2009 (Posh sud memories in your [daily] puja. Punam, VS 2066). “If our bhakti is sincere, God will grant us infinite times more happiness than even the most YAJNA FOR WORLD PEACE powerful and richest of kings.” In the morning, over 2,635 couples, seated After Swamishri had left the yajna arena, around 279 yajna kunds, participated in the the yajna rituals continued, during which the auspicious Yajna for World Peace. Around 175 following homas (offerings) were made: Brahmin pandits guided the participants through 10,000 Purush Sukta mantras the yajna rituals while chanting the auspicious 10,000 Parabrahman mantras Vedic mantras. 10,000 Aksharbrahman mantras Swamishri performed the initial rituals of the 10,000 ‘Gunatitoashram Brahma…’ mantras yajna, and then blessed the participants of the In addition, the Janamangal Namavali and yajna, “Many thousands came to the yajna 200 years other mantras were recited.

February 2010 Swaminarayan Bliss 23 Swamishri performs arti at the end of the celebration assembly DIKSHA BICENTENARY CELEBRATION of Akshardham, his divine abode. In the evening from 4.30 to 8.00 p.m. the Thereafter, the youths of BAPS Mumbai main celebration assembly took place and was presented a drama on the Dabhan yajna. Following attended by over 40,000 devotees. The assembly this was another skit, entitled ‘Paramhansa Goshthi’ was also broadcast live throughout the world on in which the historic and authentic words of the the AASTHA Channel. paramhansas describing Gunatitanand Swami as The stage background featured a giant oil Akshar were presented. painting depicting Bhagwan Swaminarayan Then a slide show depicted the many mandirs of initiating Gunatitanand Swami during the famous the Old School which have of Gunatitanand Dabhan yajna. Directly behind and above the stage Swami describing him as ‘Aksharbrahman’ or ‘Mul the rising full moon added to the splendour. Aksharmurti’. The central theme of the celebration assembly After this, Pujya Mahant Swami spoke on the was based on Bhagwan Swaminarayan’s prophesy contributions of Brahmaswarup Bhagatji Maharaj at the time of the Dabhan yajna recorded by in spreading the glory of Gunatitanand Swami as Raghuvirji Maharaj in ‘Shri Harilila- the incarnation of Akshar. Kalpataru’: “Gunãtitãnandrupam vishvakhyãtam Next, Shastriji Maharaj’s efforts were depicted bhavishyati” – “Gunatitanand Swami will become through a short drama. Then Pujya Dr Swami famous throughout the world.” described the efforts of Shastriji Maharaj in In the first speech, Bhadresh Swami described building mandirs and consecrating the murtis of the glory of Aksharbrahman revealed in the Akshar-Purushottam. shastras of Sanatana . This was followed by a speech by Pujya Then, BAPS balaks sang mantras from Ishwarcharan Swami, who narrated the work the Vedas and Upanishads describing the glory of of Yogiji Maharaj in promoting the Akshar- Aksharbrahman. Purushottam philosophy. Next, Pujya Tyagvallabh Swami spoke on Thereafter, Pujya Viveksagar Swami spoke on how Bhagwan Swaminarayan had repeatedly the tireless and ongoing work and achievements of revealed Gunatitanand Swami as the incarnation Pramukh Swami Maharaj in teaching the Akshar-

24 Swaminarayan Bliss February 2010 Over 40,000 devotees attended the Diksha Bicentenary Celebration Purushottam philosophy throughout the world. Purushottam. The Vedas, Upanishads, Gita, Finally, Pramukh Swami Maharaj blessed the Ramayan, Bhagavat and other shastras have all celebration assembly. He began by requesting revealed this knowledge. It is this wisdom which everyone to take a pledge based on Bhagwan has been given by Bhagwan Swaminarayan and Swaminarayan’s words in Vachanamrut Gadhada Gunatitanand Swami. I-71, “ ‘When God incarnates for the purpose of “To become brahmarup and offer bhakti to granting liberation to the jivas, he is always Parabrahman is the core teaching of all the shastras. accompanied by his Akshardham, his attendants – Shastriji Maharaj had such conviction in Akshar- who are formed of chaitanya – and all of his Purushottam that he endured much difficulty divine powers. Therefore, a devotee of God to build mandirs. Today, everyone understands should realize that the form of God along with that. Yogiji Maharaj also had this understanding his Akshardham is present on this earth, and he and he explained it to others. One who realizes should also explain this fact to others.’ Today, I this knowledge will be happy. If one lives with pledge that I will obey this wish of Shriji Maharaj this understanding, one may go anywhere in the to spread the Akshar-Purushottam upasana. Daily, world to work, but one will not become attached. I will contemplate on this fact, apply it in my life When can such an understanding be developed? and will certainly talk about Akshar-Purushottam When one seeks the company of the Satpurush. to all who come into my contact. In this way I will “That is why, Bhagwan Swaminarayan try to please Bhagwan Swaminarayan.” brought such a Gunatit Sadhu with him [to earth] Then Swamishri continued, “As we all have – Gunatitanand Swami. After him were Bhagatji taken this pledge, if we contemplate on it Maharaj, Shastriji Maharaj and Yogiji Maharaj. accordingly, then we will receive God’s blessings So, by keeping faith in their words, faith in and also experience peace.” the shastras, faith in the words of God and live Further, Swamishri added, “We do not know accordingly, one will became brahmarup and our true form. We know about this body – our attain the divine dham of God.” name, native village, etc. But, our true form The celebration assembly concluded with is realized through the knowledge of Akshar- samuh arti and mantra-pushpanjali.

February 2010 Swaminarayan Bliss 25 TWO RELIGIOUS LEADERS VISIT BAPS SHRI SWAMINARAYAN MANDIRS IN AUSTRALIA 10 December 2009 n 10 December 2009, Satguru Bodhinatha living guru, without any doubts or fears because OVeylanswami, the spiritual head of Kauai’s the guru knows much more than us. Hindu Monastery (based in Hawaii), visited BAPS * * * Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Sydney, Australia. On 19 December His Holiness Sri Chinna He was accompanied by two other sannyasins, Jeeyar Swami of the Sriman Paramacharya Palaniswami, the editor-in-chief tradition in Andhra Pradesh, visited BAPS Shri of Hinduism Today and Senthilnathaswami, the Swaminarayan Mandir in . He mentioned in assistant editor. his speech, “It is good to see all of you participating They were warmly welcomed just before the in regular spiritual activities under the guidance of evening arti. This was then followed by Satguru Pramukh Swami Maharaj. I have met Swamiji on Bodhinatha’s inspiring speech in which he outlined several occasions. He speaks very little, but very the need of sincerely obeying the wishes of a sweetly. He is great a Acharya.”

(contd. from p. 22) as the pervading daharãkãsh, then why do we not and pervades even the mundane space. The experience it? The Chãndogya Upanishad gives a intermediate worlds, our world and all the other clear answer to this: ÒÌlÍæç çãUÚU‡ØçÙçÏ¢ çÙçãUÌ×ÿæð˜æ™ææ worlds reside in it. Even fire, air, the sun, the ©UÂØéüÂçÚU ↿ÚU‹Ìô Ù çß‹ÎðØéÚðUß×ðßð×æÑ âßæüÑ ÂýÁæ ¥ãUÚUãU»ü‘ÀU‹ˆØ moon, the constellations, etc. are all supported by °Ì¢ ÕýræïÜô·¢¤ Ù çߋ΋ˆØÙëÌðÙ çãU ÂýˆØêÉUæÑÐÓ – ‘Tadyathãpi it. Also, whatever existed before was supported hiranyanidhim nihitamakshetragnã uparyupari by chidãkãsh Aksharbrahman, and whatever will sancharanto na vindeyurevamevamãhã sarvãhã exist in the future will all be supported by it. Thus, prajã aharahargachchhantya etam Brahmalokam in this Upanishad the pervasive Aksharbrahman na vindantyanrutena hi pratyoodhãhã’ (Chãndogya has been linked to the hearts of all. Upanishad: 8/3/2). The example of an ignorant Further, since the word dahar has been farmer is given. Just like a farmer on whose land used to describe Aksharbrahman that resides in there is buried gold, and who wanders on that everyone’s heart, these precepts have also become land everyday and ploughs it, but because he known as daharvidyã. does not know about the gold, he continues to Parabrahman Purushottam Bhagwãn plough the field in poverty. Thus, he is deprived Swaminarayan has also stated this in the of the benefits of that gold. Similarly, we are all in Vachanãmrut: “In this way, Chidãkãsh is present the same situation as the farmer. Aksharbrahman on all four sides of the brahmãnd as well as resides in our hearts, but our ãtmã is Ò¥ÙëÌðÙ çãU within the brahmãnd. When one’s vision reaches ÂýˆØêÉUæÑÓ – ‘Anrutena hi pratyoodhãhã’ (Chãndogya the perspective of that all-supporting Chidãkãsh, Upanishad: 8/3/2). Here, anrut means ‘covered it is known as daharvidyã. Just as akshividyã by the obstruction of eternal mãyã’. Therefore, and many other types of brahmavidyã have been we do not experience that divine treasure. described, this is also one type of brahmavidyã” Now, if we want to experience it, then there is (Vachanãmrut Gadhadã I-46). no other means than to know about that buried One natural question that may arise here is that gold. Therefore, the Upanishad now shows us the if Aksharbrahman is always resident in our hearts divine qualities of Aksharbrahman.

26 Swaminarayan Bliss February 2010 1

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AKSHARBRAHMAN GUNATITANAND SWAMI DIKSHA BICENTENARY CELEBRATION YAJNA 31 December 2009, Dabhan, Gujarat An auspicious Yajna for World Peace was held in the morning in the presence of Pramukh Swami Maharaj to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the Dabhan Yajna performed by Bhagwan Swaminarayan in 1810. 1. Seated around 279 specially designed yajna kunds, 2,635 devotees participated and over 50,000 Vedic mantras were recited. 2. Swamishri performs arti during the yajna ceremony. 1

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3 AKSHARBRAHMAN GUNATITANAND SWAMI DIKSHA BICENTENARY CELEBRATION ASSEMBLY 31 December 2009, Dabhan, Gujarat Grand evening assembly to celebrate the 200th anniversary of Bhag- wan Swaminarayan initiating Aksharbrahman Gunatitanand Swami in Dabhan (1810). 1. BAPS balaks sing Vedic shlokas describing the glory of Akshar. 2. Over 40,000 sadhus and devotees attended the celebration. 3. Children and youths present cultural programmes to re-enact the historic occasion. 4 4. Swamishri blesses the celebration assembly.