- Vratdhari brothers (male sadhaks who have taken vows to dedicate their lives to the Lord) are also karma-yogi sadhaks: sadhaks whose lives are devoted to the Lord but at the same time they are engaged in an occupation or profession. What distinguishes the karma-yogi sadhak from the lay person is that he lives totallyin accordance with the wishes of his guru, all activities (karma) should be performed primarily with the intention of pleasing the Lord. He should accept whatever karmayog is decided for him by his guru, endeavour whole-heartedly to perform the karmayog as a means of pleasing the Lord and as part of his sadhana.
- The thoughts, feelings and actions of a vratdhari brother should be in accordance with the wishes of the Lord – i.e. he should only engage himself in those feelings and actions which will enhance his worship and devotion for the Lord and will please the Lord (i.e. bhakti-roop). His relationship with his own guru should be close and trusting, free of any kind of uncertainty or distrust. He should remain sincere, honest and ‘open’ with his guru. His loyalty and obedience towards his guru should never falter. He should be his own guru and be able to distinguish between what is morally right and wrong.
- Apart from the time spent in performing his karmayog, the Vratdhari brother should utilise the remaining time in singing hyms – bhajans, praying, performing puja, japyagna (chanting dhoon), reading and reciting the holy scriptures and singing the praises of the Lord (mahatmya goshti). He should never satisfy his selfish desires (which stem from the inner mind) to engage in attaining worldly desires (panch vishay).
- Never participate in any activity which will encourage worldly wishes or satisfy physical needs (i.e which will fuel the ego). Always endeavour to act according to your guru‘s principles. Utilise all your physical and mental abilities in the service of the Lord, to please him and with the intention of purifying your whole self. This should be your goal.
- Vratdhari brothers have taken the vows to renounce all worldly desires including the desire for women and wealth. Thus they should take particular care that they do not become attracted nor tempted by these vices. Only the minimum material objects or finance required for his subsistence should be retained by the vratdhari brother, the rest should be handed over to his guru or the appointed store- keeper. They should not attempt to independently save or accumulate any wealth without the knowledge or consent of the guru. Never independently hold in trust any wealth, funds or jewellery belonging to others. Only the appointed store-keeper or treasurer will carry out such transactions. All such transactions should be fully documented in writing, and witnessed signatures obtained at all times. The insistance of obtaining witnessed signatures should not be considered a mistrust; its purpose is to maintain clarity and honesty and acts as a safeguard for all parties concerned.
- Vratdhari brothers should only communicate with ladies in circumstances where it is absolutely necessary. The conversation should be short and to the point and conducted humbly with head bowed. If possible, the vratdhari brother should ensure that he is accompanied at such a time by a fellow sadhak. Never speak to ladies alone nor meet in private.
- It is imperative that the vratdhari brothers take every precaution necessary to ensure that the sacred vows they have taken are not violated in any way. Their principal vow (Brahmcharya vrat) to renounce all worldly desires, material, physical and emotional must not be broken at any cost. They should endeavour to resist the temptations of maan, swaad, sn‚ha, lobh, kam. If they have been tempted, then they should try even harder to live according to their guru‘s agna. They should earnestly pray for strength and forgiveness – the Lord will definitely come to their aid.
- Any administrative or management dealings of the organisation which include monetary transactions should always be carried out via the appointed treasurer.
- Vratdhari brothers who have not yet attained the spiritual status of a Bhagwat Swaroop Sant should never, under any circumstances, get involved in the personal and social affairs of any married devotees. Any devotees requiring help or guidance should be advised to approach the Bhagwat Swaroop Sant with their problems.
- Vratdhari brothers should endeavour to study, ponder and reflect upon the holy scriptures such as Vachnamrutam and Swami-ni-vato. They should also educate devotees with these scriptures.
- Vratdhari brothers should not attend weddings, funerals or indeed any other traditional ceremonies or social gatherings. If it is deemed necessary, the elders (swaroopos) may visit devotees at their own discretion to bestow their blessings. devotees’ homes should not be visited unless there is a genuine reason which is associated with worship and devotion. When visiting devotees, the Vratdhari brothers should ensure that there will not be any females present. Vratdhari brothers should never preach to ladies. When a sabha is attended by both male and female devotees, the female devotees may listen to the sermons from afar, a curtain should be used to segregate the male and female devotees. When Vratdhari brothers are invited to the homes of married devotees, they should ensure that the food served to them is served by other male devotees.
- Do not maintain any kind of relationship with close relatives. The vratdhari brother should believe and thus consider his relatives in this life as though they were from his previous life. The precise nature of his relationship with his relatives will be decided for him by his guru and he should adhere accordingly. He should never attempt to gain any wealth or favours for his relatives, nor should he keep anything that they may give to him. With the consent of his guru, the sadhak may convey his good wishes and blessings for relatives’ weddings or send messages of condolences at bereavement, but he should not get deeply involved with his relations lives. He should never do anything which would lead him to continually think of any of his relatives.
- A vratdhari brother should refrain from making independent decisions about any personal requirements or items of necessity. Whatever required should be acquired via his own guru; but he should never approach his friends or relatives privately in order to satisfy his needs and wants.
- Always speak the truth – be honest yet polite.
- Everything about a vratdhari brother – his physical appearance, his attire, whatever he eats, drinks etc including his mannerisms should reflect an air of dignity and divinity. He should act at all times in a respectable yet appropriate manner. His life should be simple, pure and divine. His thoughts, deeds and speach should be in unison. He should never falter on observing the virtues of politeness and humility. Honesty and integrity should be maintained at all times. His principal vow (Brahmcharya vrat) to renounce all worldly desires; material, physical and emotional should always be foremost in his mind.
Spreading Guruhari Pappaji Maharaj's Teachings