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 by God. Well-known devotees and sadhus such as Narsi Mehta, Tulsidas, Gunatitanand Swami, Shastriji Maharaj and Yogiji Maharaj all believed and accepted this fact. When someone behaves in a way which is compatible with us then it is easy to accept that behaviour as inspired by God. On the other hand, when their behaviour is contrary to what we like or expect, then it becomes much more difficult for us to accept that it has been inspired by God.
We should ask the Lord:
“Why did the devotee behave in such a manner?”
However, we will not be able to understand his behaviour because we will still be engrossed in feelings of anger, frustration, etc. which are the result of his actions. Hence, do not try to understand or interpret the devotees actions – simply remain submerged in the Lord. Do not resort to anything but prayer.
For how long should you continue to pray in this way? Until the feelings of anger and frustrations have subsided and you have regained your self-control and feel happy again.
Maharaj’s horse was wild, in order to tame his horse He had to use various tricks. Our mind, soul and inner-most characteristics are all ‘wild’ and impure, whatever it takes to tame them and purify them is devotion and worship.
We will have to pray for the purification of each of our inner-most characteristics known as vruti / déhabhav. We may ask how long one must pray for their purification. There is no standard time for this, it will vary according to the individual concerned and also according to the intensity of that vruti (inner desire).
Certain characteristics (déhabhav) will be mild and easily purified whilst others, which are our fundamental characteristics (vruti) may be so deeply embedded that it takes time to uproot and purify them. The strength and intensity of our vrutis will depend on our circumstances, our karma and our previous lives. No one has any control over them, thus it is not possible to eliminate or purify them very quickly. We should bear this in mind, it will take time but we will slowly achieve purification. This is our sadhana.
We have embarked upon our sadhana. We should constantly monitor ourselves to see what causes us to lose the happiness of Akshardham. The fundamental principle is that we should accept the Lord as the almighty controller of everyone and everything. We have attained an affiliation with the Lord and whatever we witness has been ordained for our benefit. Everyone is simply an instrument of the Lord. This will be apparent to us if we have attained a certain spiritual status. We will be able to witness the instruments at work and they will not even affect us. If their behaviour does affect us in any way, then the Lord has inspired them to reveal our vices. Many sadhaks have experienced this concept whilst doing their sadhana.
In this way, endeavour to visualise God within everyone. Accept that the Lord is the one who inspires each and every person and continue to chant the Swaminarayan mantra. No matter what problems or dilemmas you are faced with, pray to the Lord and He will be there to guide and protect you.
Some people ask: “Why doesn’t God guide me? Why doesn’t He protect me?”
Then I would say, why do you associate with your vices knowing that under their negative influence you will never be happy? Thus, it is very simple and straight forward, we need to establish a desire to discard our vices and negative characteristics. If our desire is genuine, then the Lord will definitely help us attain purification.
Whilst we continue to ponder on others’ faults and criticise them, we will not be able to experience the bliss and happiness of Akshardham. Most of the time we may feel happy and care-free but as soon as we are faced with problems or difficulties, we will not be able to cope and will begin to feel distressed and depressed. It is not true to say that we enjoy the peace, bliss and happiness all the time, yet by the same token, it would not be true to say that we do not enjoy it at all.
When we are influenced by our negative traits (dévta) we will diverge from the righteous path, thus experience unhappiness. Thus, every moment, we should endeavour to remain sub-merged in the happiness of Akshardham. The Lord is divine and so are all His devotees. All devotees are inspired by the Lord, thus their action, speech and behaviour is also divine – brahm-niyantrit. If we can maintain this belief and continually accept it then we will experience the happiness of Akshardham.
To constantly apply this principle is the highest form worship. Worship which will result in peace, bliss and happiness.