Gunatit Gnan nu Navnit
- Never look at the faults of others. (Koi nu Jovu nahi)
This means never ponder over the vices of other satsangis. How can one check that one is not doing this? Yogiji Maharaj used to say that in dire circumstances when one fails to recognise Maharaj as the ‘controller’ of all activities – i.e. fails to see the ‘leela’ and instead is blinded by the virtues of oneself and one’s own disciples – that is when one is indirectly reflecting on other’s faults.
Should any event or person cause distress, dislike or disturbance, one should always introspect – but should not, under any circumstances, consider the faults of those involved. Others should always be perceived as one would perceive God.
- Concentrate on one’s own sadhna (Apnun kari lévu)
At all times be aware and alert that you and all your associates are living a life elevated beyond prakruti purush. Always regard oneself as a humble sadhu. When one finds it difficult to recognise or appreciate the ‘leela’ and consequently may become distressed, one should instantly become submerged in the murti of the Lord and begin to pray until the spiritual equilibrium has been regained. One should constantly check that one’s mind, intellect and inner-mind are engaged in a heavenly purified state ‘chidakashrup’. One should not concede until this has been achieved. This is the true meaning of concentration.
- Resolve problems with prayers and japyagna but do not resort to alternative methods. (Munjvan avé to mala ghamkhavi pan bija-trija upai na léva).
Even after practising the above mentioned principle, if one engages in comparing one’s own sadhna with another’s on the pretence of introspection, then one will experience distress and disturbances. At this point, one should cease to introspect and to work out the whys and wherefores of such problems. One should stop all thoughts, begin to do japyagna and engage oneself in mahatmya-yukta seva.
Only when the state of spiritual equilibrium is regained, turn to the Lord and continue in his service, He will guide and inspire you.
- Maintain nirdosh-buddhi towards everyone. (Sahuma nirdoshbudhhi rakhvi)
If one accepts and appreciates the mahatmya of the Gunatit Swaroop as per vachnamritam G.I.62 and G.II.13 then one would always recognise and realise the swaroop as the almighty controller of all forces in one’s life. One would believe this with conviction – this is known as upholding nirdoshbuddhi towards everyone. If a person’s behaviour or an event appears to be improper then one should consider the Gunatit Swaroop as the almighty, all-inspiring force and should turn to the swaroop for guidance. “Oh Lord, please guide me, show me how I should serve you in this instance. Should I do something or merely observe your ‘leela’ ?”
The Lord, by his grace will enlighten you. Act according to His inspiration, otherwise observe and enjoy his actions (leela).
- Continuously Praise the Glory of the Lord (Sakshat no mahima nirantar gaya karvo)
All those who have been selected by and/or all those who have acquired the virtues of the sakshat swaroop are His mahatmya (glory). Thus one should remain absorbed in singing the praises of the Lord and his devotees or listening to such praises being sung by others. This will ensure that the volatile, erratic mind will become steady, pure and incapable of entertaining negative thoughts. Otherwise the dangers of being affected by the mind’s negative influences remain as we live in the midst of maya.
- Unity, harmony and goodwill should be maintained without compromising one’s religion and conviction. (Antarthi Swa-dharma chukya vina samp, suridbhav né ékta darékma rakhvi).
Whenever such a contradiction arises, then participate physically only at a superficial level whilst engaging your mind and soul in deep prayer. Thus, the Lord will either allow events to continue if they are in your best interests, or will reveal the shortcomings of your character (ang) and ego (swa). This is the only way one can recognise one’s invisible ego. The ego is highlighted easily by keeping friendship with a person having the opposite characteristics and traits to oneself. Once these are highlighted one can pray for the purification of the ego, if one so wishes.
Any thoughts relating to man, swad, snéh, lobh or kam should instantly be filtered and should be destroyed in the furnace of ‘bhahm’ – ie for those wishing to attain the spiritual status of a ‘vijli jéva Sant’ (Gunatit Swaroop) it is imperative that they analyse their thoughts, keep a tight rein on them and and repent if they have relented to negative or pessimistic thoughts.
If you disapprove of someone’s action because you perceive them to be acting inappropriately, it is an indication of your own pride and vanity. Thus force yourself to see and accept their virtues and resort to your own way of praying for your purification.