Constantly remain aware of the six points mentioned below.
- Never look at the faults of others (Koi nu Jovu nahi)
- Concentrate on one’s own sadhana (Potanu kari lévu)
- Resolve problems with prayers and japyagna but do not resort to alternative methods. (Munjvan avé to mala ghamkhavi pan bija-trija upai na léva).
- Maintain nirdosh-buddhi towards everyone. (Darékma nirdosh-buddhi rakhvi)
- Maintain unity, harmony and goodwill (samp, suhradbhav né ékta darékma rakhvi).
- Continuously praise the glory of the Lord (Sakshat no mahima nirantar gaya karvo)
Never look at the faults of others (Koi nu Jovu nahi)
This is the most fundamental concept of Gunatit Gnan, it is essential that one abides by this rule. Once a devotee accepts the Pratyaksh Swaroop as an in-carnation of God, Bapa begins the process of his purification. The negative traits i.e. pride, taste, lust, greed etc. will be purified, desires for worldly accomplishments will be annihilated and eventually the soul and ego will be purified to such an extent that the devotee will wish for nothing but God. He he will feel detached, having no love for the world or its pleasures. We witness this happening in others, thus we should never look at the faults of others. No matter how much he has sinned, the simple fact that he is now associated with the Pratyaksh Swaroop (has attained sambandh); makes him fit to be purified and liberated from his vices. He will be granted kalyan; redemption of his soul. If Bapa, the one who will actually redeem him does not look at his faults, then why should we? We should always remember this and even if we should see others’ faults, we should not ponder on them and certainly never tell others about them.
Concentrate on one’s own sadhna (Potanu kari lévu)
What factors cause you to remember, ponder and reflect upon anything other than the Pratyaksh Swaroop? What factors cause you to take offence of others? Since you have an association with Bapa, these factors will be revealed. Thus, one should take this golden opportunity to introspect, to think, speak and act only to please Bapa. Always look towards Bapa and live according to His wishes. Whenever obstacles appear, they should be eliminated by praying to Bapa and asking for his help. They will surely be eliminated.
Resolve problems with prayers and japyagna but do not resort to alternative methods. (Munjvan avé to mala ghamkhavi pan bija-trija upai na léva).
Since we have recognised and come in contact with the Gunatit Swaroop, as soon as they become pleased with us, they will begin the process of purifying our soul and liberating us from our ego. They will utilise our own prarabhdhas for the purpose of purification. During this process, if we feel disturbed or distressed, then we should immediately turn to prayer, use the rosary and chant the Swaminarayan mantra. Do not resort to any other alternatives to alleviate distress or any kind of trouble. It is human nature to look for any means, i.e. intellectual means to resolve problems. Taking this stance is pure ignorance.
These feelings of desperation, emotional disturbances and distress have been inspired by Bapa as a means of highlighting our impurities, wickedness and depravity. Once these have been dissolved such feelings will automatically subside. Thus, we should simply be patient, pray and leave the rest to Bapa. Simply remain submerged in Bapa’s murti and ponder upon his memories. Whole-heartedly believe that whatever he is doing is for our well-being and continue to pray. Practice reading and reciting scriptures, singing hymns, meditation and whatever service (séva) you are able to do.
Maintain nirdosh-buddhi towards everyone. (Darékma nirdosh-budhhi rakhvi)
Bapa is the one who inspires each and every person. Without his express permission no-one is capable of doing or saying anything. ‘”Even a dry leaf is incapable of moving of its own accord, then how can anyone do anything by themselves? ” Really it is Bapa who inspires certain people to behave in a certain way i.e. such that they display anger, love, hatred or become bad-tempered, nasty, spiteful etc. Bapa will inspire one devotee to act in this manner to test the reactions of another devotee ! Bapa consciously instigates such circumstances, everything is done for a reason and has a purpose. Thus, we should remember that Bapa is the almighty controller of everything and everyone and we should pray, this is ‘nirdosh-buddhi’.
Maintain unity, harmony and goodwill. (samp, suhradbhav né ékta darékma rakhvi).
We should learn to tolerate each other. If certain people have faults then Bapa will eliminate them. We should not ponder on them. We should remain engrossed in Bapa and endeavour to live according to his wishes. Since we have not acquired brahm-drashti i.e. divine vision, we should be humble and learn to endure. Once we have the ‘divine vision’ everything will seem divine. We will be able to recognise and accept Maharaj as the all mighty controller of everyone and everything i.e. see the leela.
Continuously Praise the Glory of the Lord. (Sakshat no mahima nirantar gaya karvo)
We have found and recognised the Pratyaksh Swaroop as an incarnation of God, we have accepted them as the true redeemers of our souls, they will eliminate all our impurities and will free us from our ego. This is the only truth, everything else is now false and trivial. It is all worthless, so why should we waste time on it? Gunatitanand Swami once said:
“To attain an association with God and Sadhu is the best and most beneficial thing in the world. What is the worst thing ? To take manushyabhav in God and Sadhu is the worst thing in the word.”
To take manushyabhav is to consider them mere mortals and to not fully appreciate their greatness and glory.
We should continuously sing the praises of the Pratyaksh Gunatit Swaroop. However, our intrinsic characteristics such as our race, caste, mind, body, nature are such that they will not allow us to remain sub-merged in the mahatmya of the Gunatit Swaroop. Still we should persevere, that is our religion. When we feel unable to continue, we should pray to Bapa for strength, He will surely remove the obstacles of race, caste, etc. and eventually singing the praises of Swaroopos and listening to them will become natural; we will be able to do it very easily.
Wherever you go, you must adjust yourself i.e. when in Rome, do as the Romans do. However, do not be influenced by their ways to such an extent that it begins to infringe on your own morals, principles and religion. Always recognise their positive characteristics and adopt them, neglect the negative ones. Pray to God to help you distinguish between the two.