Swa ma thi bhar Avva
Those Sadhaks whose predominant nature is one of attachment and affection, whose actions are generally dictated by their hearts and emotions will inevitably be drawn in a biased manner towards the devotees who seem to show affections and attachment for them. Nothing that devotee requests can be too much trouble – anything can be accomplished for one who shows such affection for such a Sadhak. These Sadhaks will perceive him to be totally innocent and always act in a manner pleasing to that devotee. He is in fact worshipping his own ‘swabhav’ – his own nature!
Those that do not show affection, do not comply with the Sadhak’s style, criticise, reprimand or argue with the Sadhakwill not be tolerated by the Sadhak. The Sadhak will bear feelings of antagonism and will consider such a devotee to be his enemy. He will console himself by convincing his mind that the devotee is acting without mahatmya and will continue in his own ways – ignoring any criticisms about himself. He becomes agitated and distraught.
According to Maharaj, who has stated in the Vachnamrut Loya 3 – The true devotee is one who is inclined to do anything requested of him by the Pratyaksh Swaroop and His devotees irrespective of whether he likes them or not. No matter what he personally feels about them, nothing they request is too much trouble.
Those Sadhaks whose predominant nature is intellectual, whose actions are governed by their spiritual knowledge (samjan/gnan) and intellectual mind (buddhi) will maintain friendship with those devotees who are sincere and loyal to God according to the Sadhak’s own standards and definition. The Sadhak will approve of such devotees, will become fond of them and will sing their praises.
On the other hand, they will be inclined to neglect those devotees whose actions and behaviour seem inappropriate to them. They will take offence of such devotees, and although they may not say anything, they will bear it in mind. These Sadhaks will be unable to serve those devotees with as much mahatmya as they would if they were serving the Lord. They will not be able to serve those devotees as though they were serving an ‘image’ of Yogiji-Maharaj. When those devotees, whose natures differ from the intellectual Sadhak actually criticise, argue or reveal his shortcomings, the Sadhakwill undoubtedly make excuses for himself using his own intellect, sincerity and loyalty to convince himself of his own innocence and allow himself to carry on regardless. He will console himself with the fact that the other devotees do not understand and hence disregard them.
He too is worshipping his own ‘swabhav’. Thus even if he has attained the status of a ‘swami-swaroop’, he still is unable to see the ‘leela’ of the Pratyaksh Gunatit Swaroop, i.e. he is unable to witness and accept the purification of the soul. However, if he were to pray, become neutral and turn to the Pratyaksh Swaroop for guidance then his own crude nature, ego, pride etc. will be revealed. The Lord always enlightens those who sincerely seek his guidance and pray. The Lord would ensure he reaches the heights of becoming a ‘vijli jéva sant’. Thus we should continue with our sadhana with zeal until we are able to witness the ‘leela’.
Those sadhaks with a predominantly trusting nature will progress in their sadhanas with great speed as long as they seek the guidance of the Pratyaksh Gunatit Swaroop and their guru. However, when his guru begins to touch upon his weak points and reveals his real nature, the sadhak will neglect the guru and will seek the friendship of those negative influences (kusangis) that appear to support him. Using the intellectual mind and his emotions, he will become entangled in endless comparisons which will only result in confusion and frustration. If he continually seeks the guidance of his guru, without ever forsaking the Pratyaksh Swaroop or the guru under any circumstances, if he vows to himself:
“No matter what happens, I am the slave of my Lord, willing to be sold if he so wishes”
If the sadhak lives with such intentions then the Lord will purify him. He will be able to witness and accept the ‘leela’and will be freed from any form of worldly disturbances. All his confusions and frustrations will evaporate! Whenever he experiences such feelings and emotions, if he believes the Lord to be omniscient and acts according to His wishes, he will achieve salvation.