Karta Harta mano Daily we read and recite the Sanjivani Mantra.  Consequently we all know that all events and circumstances are ordained by the Lord.  Even the youngest devotees realise this fact.  Thus when something happens, we should instantly turn to the Lord and begin to pray : “Oh Lord, why is this happening to me?  Please enlighten me”. We should chant the Swaminarayan mantra.  We will

Continue readingChapter Nine: Believe the Lord to be the Almighty Controller

Nishank Bani Vapro Once an attachment with the Lord has been conceived, one loses all interest in worldly and materialistic pleasures.  This loss of interest liberates the soul.  We have attained Atma-Buddhi  with the vijli séva sant – this bond is a one-ness with the Satpurush.  If we could really appreciate the true value of such an attainment, we would become insane.  The Lord, through his grace, sustains

Continue readingChapter Ten: Maintain Deep Faith, Free From Doubts, and Pray to God

Brahm-niyantrit brahm-samaj We should accept that all devotees’ actions are inspired by Yogiji Maharaj.  If we could believe and accept this as the absolute truth then we would experience immense joy. When should we believe this? In particular, when the devotees behave in a displeasing manner or their behaviour offends us, we should endeavour to accept that their actions have been inspired

Continue readingChapter Eleven: Divine Community Controlled by God

Anandma rahiyé éj janiya If  we serve our guru sincerely, living every moment according to their commands (agna / vachan), then we would attain the virtues of a  Gunatit Swaroop.  Furthermore, if we attain such virtues we will become immune to the forces of maya.  The forces of maya cannot influence the Gunatit Swaroopo who are in permanent communion with God, in fact, such swaroopo can render it nirgun, i.e. can cause the maya to relinquish its qualities. You

Continue readingChapter Twelve: To Remain Cheerful and Happy is to Have Realised God

Divyabhav Once we realise and accept that the Pratyaksh Swaroop has attained an equivalence and identification with the Par-brahm and is in permanent communion with God – He will begin to purify our entire being.  The intensity and speed with which we are purified will depend on our own capacity and endurance.  He will begin to eliminate our inner-most characteristics which include satvagun, tamogun, rajogun etc. During

Continue readingChapter Thirteen: Divine Vision

Drashta wala maté bhajan The devotees who surrender whole-heartedly to the Gunatit Swaroop, without any reservations whatsoever, and are accepted by the Gunatit Swaroop whereby the Swaroop feels the devotees truly belong to Him, are known as drashta wala mukto. These drashta-wala mukto believe that the Gunatit Swaroop holds a most important place in their hearts.  The devotee considers the swaroop to be his atma (soul).  Without the Swaroop, the devotee could not exist.  Thus wherever the devotee

Continue readingChapter Fourteen: Worship for Staunch Devotees

Sadhak If the actions or behaviour of a devotee irritate or annoy you then it is your own weakness or shortcoming.  Even if you cannot accept this, it is important not to use your mind and intellect to judge the behaviour of other devotees.  You have no reason or legitimate excuse to ponder upon other’s faults.  The only way to refrain from doing

Continue readingChapter Fifteen: An Aspirant

Dhiraj Dharma ané Gnan Dear Sadhak Mukto, Please listen to my testimony which I declare to you after 15 years of experience. If your intended plans are disrupted, affecting you to the extent that you feel disheartened, always believe that it is for the best.  Always maintain a positive attitude, patiently wait and watch.  One must refrain from analysing or reaching a

Continue readingChapter Sixteen: Patience, Religion and Spiritual Knowledge

Swaroopyog Whether we are studying, going to work, looking after the family, running  a business or a farm – we all have a duty to perform.  As well as performing that duty, we should try to spend some time during the day performing swaroopyogwhich entails praying, meditating and chanting the Swaminarayan mantra.  We should begin with devoting  five or ten minutes a day for prayer, gradually building

Continue readingChapter Seventeen: Ritual of Prayers

Abhav To dislike, to take offence to condemn. Akshardham Abode of God, Eternal abode of Lord Swaminarayan. Alaukik Divine, extraordinary; supernatural; rare. Brahm The Supreme  being as the emblem of truth; knowledge and eternal bliss. Bhakti Worship, devotion or service of God. Bhog Lust/desire.  Chidakash Eternal light of Brahma. Déha Physical body. Ékantik Single minded devotee- enlightened soul with intense aspiration

Continue readingGlossary