May 2008 Annual Subscription Rs. 60 228TH BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION OF BHAGWAN SWAMINARAYAN 14 April 2008, Sarangpur 1 2 3 1.Youths enact a drama on Bhakta Sagram’s transformation. Mandir in background. 2.Swamishri on stage. 3.Devotees in the celebration assembly. Photos: Sadhu Yogicharandas May 2008, Vol. 31 No. 5 CONTENTS FIRST WORD 1. Swaminarayan History Bhagwan Swaminarayan emphasized the Debate in Vadodara..............................4 importance of doing satsang for spiritual Muktanand Swami defeats the Vedantacharya... 2. On Life progress and happiness. At the same time he “I Am Sorry!”.......................................7 underscored the need to refrain from kusang, or Apologize before it is too late... bad company, in any form. In one of his dis- 3. Guru Parampara courses he warns all devotees to avoid the four Yogiji Maharaj’s Austere Life.............11 Fasting – a way of life... main types of kusang. The first are the 4. Personal Development Kudapanthis who dislodge you from spiritual Right Hand-Left Hand........................14 vows (namely chastity) and make you morally Teamwork... 5. Bhajan History impure and corrupt. The second type of persons Orã Ãvo Mãrã Lerakhadã Laheri........15 are the Shaktipanthis who force you to eat meat On the banks of river Ghela... and drink alcohol and deflect you from dharma. 6. Vicharan The third category are the Shaktipanthis who Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s Vicharan....16 7. Inspiring Incidents propagate that God’s abode, his divine form and Living with Swamishri.......................18 the murtis of God’s avatars are false and thus Motivation and guidance... make you stray from the bhakti and upasanaof 8. BAPS Festivals God. And finally the Nastiks who believe that 228th Birthday Celebration of Bhagwan Swaminarayan, Sarangpur....19 only karmas are real and deny the existence of 9. Life Transforming Story God, thereby displacing you from the path pre- Rishubha Vala’s Transformation............20 scribed by the sacred shastras. 10.BAPS News Parents’ Meet, South Africa...............23 Today, kusang comes in appealing or seem- Visit to Elderly Homes, London.........23 ingly harmless forms like social trends and BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir and bonds, business relationships, entertainment, Guesthouse Inauguration, India........24 rationality, criticisms and glamour. As Hindus Meals for the Needy, New Delhi.........24 National Sponsored Walk, UK............25 and satsangis we have to be conscious that we Dr. APJ Kalam Visits BAPS have our own glorious culture, faith and value Swaminarayan Mandir, Toronto........26 systems. We need to understand and affiliate Founder:HDH Pramukh Swami Maharaj ourselves to our own philosophy, set of moral Editor:Sadhu Swayamprakashdas Contributors: Sadhu Vivekjivandas, Sadhu Amrutvijaydas practices, rituals, place of worship, deity, Designer:Sadhu Shrijiswarupdas sacred texts, mother tongue, festivals, and Published & Printed by:Swaminarayan Aksharpith, Shahibaug, Ahmedabad–380 004. India. social customs. Say no to wrong things. There SUBSCRIPTION RATES is no need to feel alienated or left out when Outside India (By Air Mail) India Rupees Pounds US Dollars Rupees you do not participate with your peers in 1 Year 400 6 10 60 things that do not agree with our spiritual 2 Years 800 12 20 110 3 Years 1200 18 30 160 faith and moral character. ◆ Website: www.swaminarayan.org E-mail: [email protected] SWAMINARAYANHISTORYTRANSLATION: SADHUVIVEKJIVANDAS Debate in Vadodara On Shri Hari’s word Muktanand Swami left for Vadodara to participate in a scriptural debate against the Vedantacharya. The debate was arranged by Maharaja Sayajirao of Vadodara... I t was 19 July 1818 (Ashadh vad 2, Sam- would like to go and have the darshan of Muk- vat 1875). Shriji Maharaj celebrated the tanand Swami. Go and inform the members of festival of rath yatra in Gadhada. Later, the royal court, Ramchandra Vaidya, Shob- he also celebrated Ganesh Chaturthi and Jal haram Shastri, Narupant Nana, Bapu Saheb, Jhilani in Gadhpur. Maharaj had decided to stay Chimanrao Shastri and others, to accompany there till he got news of Muktanand Swami’s me. Also, make preparations for tomorrow’s victory in a debate at Vadodara. debate in the royal mandir.” Muktanand Swami had reached Vadodara The Maharaja came with his leading officials with his group of sadhus and devotees. They all to have Muktanand Swami’s darshan in the sub- stayed at the hari mandir on the grounds of urb of Vadi. On seeing Swami he felt a tide of Nath Bhakta’s home. Word was sent to Mahara- joy and peace pervade his entire being. The ja Sayajirao that Muktanand Swami had arrived Maharaja felt that the Vedantacharya would be on Maharaj’s instruction to debate with the defeated by the sheer saintliness of Muktanand Vedantacharya. The Maharaja called Bhau Swami. The king narrated the Vedantacharya’s Puranik, a member of his court, and said, “I propaganda and grapevine. Then Muktanand 4Swaminarayan Bliss◆May 2008 Swami calmly explained, “I was present when The Vedantacharya, however, came to the the Vedantacharya came to Vartal. Shri Hari assembly and straightaway climbed onto his asked him to recite and explain the twelve prin- seat. His face showed signs of ostentation and ciple shloks of the Vedas. The acharya failed to vanity. The two judges, Chimanrao Shastri and answer. When he was asked a second question, Bhau Puranik, took their seats. again he was flummoxed. Still Maharaj hon- Muktanand Swami suggested that they begin oured him as a Brahmin and gave him Rs. 200. by singing the peace mantras and a prayer. The But when he reached Nadiad he talked flippant- debate started at 9.00 am. Muktanand Swami ly about Maharaj. So Maharaj sent Nityanand looked at the Vedantacharya. The latter recog- Swami to Nadiad to debate with him. But he nized Swami to have been present during his did not go to Nityanand Swami. So, don’t debate with Shriji Maharaj in Vartal. He quiv- believe and be taken in by anything he says.” ered with fear, thinking that Swami would talk Maharaja Sayajirao was young and intelli- about his defeat in Vartal. Muktanand Swami gent. He understood the frivolity of the Vedan- had decided to reveal the facts regarding his tacharya. He ordered Bhau Puranik, “Declare in defeat at Vartal. He asked the Vedantacharya, the city that tomorrow there will be an assem- “You had come to Vartal to debate with Bhag- bly in the royal mandir. The scriptural debate wan Swaminarayan. The Lord had told you to will be strictly between Muktanand Swami and recite the twelve great shloks of the Vedas. Do the Vedantacharya. All the pundits sponsored by you remember that occasion? Furthermore, you the state should be present if they wish to con- were asked to explain how the Vedas came into tinue getting their monthly payments. After the existence and describe the form of Akshar. Did debate concludes any pundit can ask questions you answer those questions? Let us begin with the coordinator’s permission. And if any today’s debate with those questions.” pundit loses then he will not get any salary.” The Vedantacharya was still ignorant about The next day the arrangements for the the twelve shloks. On facing the same questions debate were made in the king’s royal mandir again he felt drained of strength and nervous. near Mandvi. Two seats were arranged, facing Vitthalrao Diwan and the other pundits saw the each other, for the two contestants. Another two blank and beaten face of the Vedantacharya. cushions were placed for the two judges, Chi- The pundits realized that he was a charlatan. A manrao Shastri and Bhau Puranik. Muktanand wave of protests surged through the assembly Swami came with devotees to the venue singing of pundits. But before anybody could react a bhajan, “Vãhalã rumjhum kartã Kãn…” The Muktanand Swami urged, “Acharya, speak the Vedantacharya also arrived with pomp backed truth. We are in a royal mandir and in the by the evil Vitthalrao Diwan. Accompanying divine presence of the deity. Tell the assembly him were some bawas, who were barred from what had happened in Vartal.” The two judges entering the assembly at the Maharaja’s word. also told the Vedantacharya to speak the truth. The assembly hall soon became packed with Finally, the crestfallen Vedantacharya con- many pundits, citizens and royal officials. fessed, “Bhagwan Swaminarayan is great. To Muktanand Swami prostrated before the make me feel easy despite my defeat and with deity in the royal mandir. Then he prayed to due respect to my Brahmin birth and my status Shri Hari before taking his seat. The assembly as an acharya, he gifted me Rs. 200. I, out of was impressed by the glow of austerity and my misplaced abhorrence for him and wrong brahmacharya on Muktanand Swami’s face. His guidance from others, propagated lies about saintliness and devotion touched the audience. him.” May 2008 ◆Swaminarayan Bliss5 On hearing this Vitthalrao Diwan turned red and their essence can only be understood with rage and hissed, “You liar and deceiver! through a guru.” Then Muktanand Swami and You played a trick upon me!” his sadhus and devotees left, singing kirtans on Instantly Bhau Puranik checked him, “Diwan their way to the Vadi mandir. News soon spread Saheb, this is a spiritual assembly. It is not right that the Vedantacharya had been defeated. Thus of you to utter such words. Though you are a hundreds of people stood by the wayside for Diwan, we are the judges, therefore you’ll have Swami’s darshan. to speak with respect and in accordance with The devotees of Vadodara wrote a letter to the rules.” Shriji Maharaj, describing the debate and defeat The two judges declared, “Today, no scriptur- of the Vedantacharya. Nath Bhakta and Jusaji al debate has taken place in the assembly, but set off to deliver the letter to Maharaj. They Muktanand Swami’s saintliness and his bhakti reached Gadhada in two days. After the two for Bhagwan Swaminarayan have left a deep prostrated before Shri Hari, Nath Bhakta and abiding impression on the whole assembly. announced with joy, “Muktanand Swami won We therefore announce Muktanand Swami as the debate in the royal court in Vadodara. The the winner.” The devotees were enthused at the Vedantacharya confessed about his wrongdoings declaration, whereas the Diwan got up angrily, and apologized in public.” rubbed his hands vigorously and stomped out of Shri Hari stood up and happily exclaimed, the assembly. “What did you say! Swami won the debate!” He Then the pundits in the assembly asked then embraced both Nath Bhakta and Jusaji Muktanand Swami to explain the differences with joy. “Have you brought a letter?” Maharaj between ekantik dharma and ordinary dharma, enquired. Shukmuni Swami read the letter and bhakti and bhakti coupled with God’s glory. aloud. Maharaj was very happy. He asked Nath Muktanand Swami answered the questions to Bhakta as to when they had left Vadodara. everyone’s satisfaction. The pundits and the lay “Two days ago. We travelled hurriedly, with- audience were pleased with Swami’s simple out resting on the way.” answers and modesty. The audience garlanded Maharaj saw that they were fatigued. He Muktanand Swami. The Maharaja honoured called Motiba (Jivuba) and informed her of Swami with a garland and said, “The Vedan- Muktanand Swami’s victory in Vadodara. Then tacharya’s behaviour and propaganda was full Maharaj pointed to Nath Bhakta and Jusaji and of guile.” said, “They have come here briskly, without Muktanand Swami revealed, “Maharaj had resting on the way. Give them gur and ghee to told me in Gadhada that no scriptural debate replenish their strength and prepare hot water would take place; instead the Vedantacharya for them to bathe and relax.” Then Maharaj would be exposed. Maharaj said that I had to added, “Motiba, tell all that my guru Muk- go so that people could realize the truth.” tanand Swami has won a debate in the royal Bhau Puranik, the king’s official, added, court of Vadodara and declared that Swami- “Your explanation of the differences between narayan is God.” dharma and ekantik dharma and the meaning of ◆ bhakti coupled with God’s glory is not easily (To be contd.) found in the shastras.” Muktanand Swami replied, “Shriji Maharaj has explained such important principles in a simple manner. The shastras are like an ocean 6Swaminarayan Bliss◆May 2008 ONLIFESADHUGNANPURUSHDAS “I Am SORRY!” “Irealize that by saying I’m deeply “Sorry seems to be the hardest word,” a sorry, it might not be enough and famous star once opined. sufficient to address the pain and Indeed, for Marion Jones it was hard enough hurt I’ve caused you.” admitting her mistake. However, one can guess Marion Jones, the golden girl of the Sydney that she probably had little choice, knowing Olympics, wept openly as she uttered these that she would face a severe penalty if she did words on 6 October 2007. It was a sad day for not plead guilty. sport. A commentator writes that sorry may seem The only woman in history to win five to be the hardest word for many of us, but medals in athletics at a single Olympics finally atonement is the new selling factor for celebri- admitted in the New York District Court to hav- ties. In other words, the word ‘sorry’ is uttered ing taken performance-enhancing drugs. A not so much out of fear of possible punishment sprinter and long-jumper, who won three gold but simply to bury the past. and two bronze medals in the 2000 Olympics, The French football maestro Zinedine Zidane she had repeatedly denied taking steroids. But recently apologized for his infamous head butt finally, she apologized to the world for her on Italian defender Marco Materazzi in the actions. She admitted she had taken drugs from 2006 World Cup Final in Germany. “It was inex- September 2000 to July 2001. cusable. I apologize,” he said. “I want you to know that I’ve been dishon- More recently, the Argentine football legend, est… I have let my country down; I have let Diego Maradona, put to rest the longest-run- myself down. I betrayed your trust,” said Jones ning, most-debated and much-relished episode outside the court. in footballing history. In an interview, the little May 2008 ◆Swaminarayan Bliss7 genius apologised for his “Words cannot express ‘Hand of God’ goal in the how truly sorry we are 1986 World Cup quarter- for the anxiety, frustra- final against England in Mex- tion and inconvenience ico. that you, your family, Maradona scored both and friends and col- goals in the 2-1 victory over leagues have experi- England more than 20 years enced.” ago. His first goal in the Saying sorry is effec- quarter-final match was deemed by the match tive. Just imagine how you would feel if you referee to be a legitimate header past England were offended or wronged by a person; what goalkeeper Peter Shilton, but replays confirmed would be your reaction if the person did not he had illegally punched the ball in with his want to acknowledge his or her mistake and hand. apologize for it? “If I could apologise and go back and change The chances are that you would hold a history, I would,” said Maradona. grudge against that person and probably share Many experts have commented that such sentiments in your social circles. Maradona’s statement itself deserves to be a subject of debate – maybe for another 20 years MISSED OPPORTUNITIES to come! Why would saying sorry – no matter how hard it is – still be important? Why do some BUSINESS SENSE people find it harder to say sorry than others? Over the years, many sportspersons, politi- One would venture to guess that pride and cians, and religious and social leaders have ego hold some of us back in saying it. We know gathered enough courage to apologize and bury for sure that not admitting a mistake can be their erroneous past. Sometimes, even corporate very detrimental – not only for personal rela- giants have said sorry to save their reputation tionships but also for seeking solutions. Depend- and their share of the market. For instance, in ing on the nature of the mistake, not admitting 1982, Johnson and Johnson recalled 30 million one can possibly have catastrophic conse- bottles of Tylenol pills from retail stores after quences. seven people died from cyanide-laced pills. In 2000, the Japanese company Snow Band (Time, 30 April 2007). The company dealt with did not react to reports of outbreaks of food the potentially damaging situation by issuing a poisoning caused by their milk product until public apology and introducing tamper-proof some 60 hours after the first reported incidents. packaging. Five days later, some 6,000 people had become In another incident, it was reported that sick. Consumers and the media were outraged David Neeleman, CEO of JetBlue, an American that top executives in Tokyo had not even budget airline, embarked on a week-long media acknowledged the incident, let alone take apology tour after 100,000 travellers were responsibility for it. Consequently, the company stranded when “bad weather decimated its went out of business. operating ability.” In one case, JetBlue passen- Whilst the kind of mistakes we make in our gers were left on a snowed-in runway for more everyday lives may not cause catastrophes or than nine hours. Neeleman was reported to affect too many people, the negative conse- have said sorry in national newspaper ads: quences of not admitting our mistakes can 8Swaminarayan Bliss◆May 2008 nonetheless be harmful and disastrous. Personal Finally, when he did arrive with a few relationships can be damaged. More important- trustees, it was already 12.30 pm. All the devo- ly, doors to solution-finding remain stubbornly tees were frustrated. Matters were made worse locked. Admitting a mistake and apologising for by a sudden downpour of rain which further it is the key – if not crucial – requirement in dampened everyone’s spirits. The situation got unlocking the door to find a positive way for- to a head when it was decided to abandon the ward. event due to the rain. Everyone went home feel- ing dejected because they did not get TAKING THE BLAME Swamishri’s presence for the whole assembly. It On the spiritual path, too, one can progress was natural in this situation to assign the blame rapidly if one admits one’s mistakes and learns on the trustees, since they had organized the from them. home visits which had delayed Swamishri. A In his inspiring spiritual talks, Gunatitanand cloud of dissatisfaction and blame loomed all Swami says, “God does not look at the faults of over. Swamishri came to know about the dis- jivas. If a jiva prays to God and says, ‘I am at heartened spirits of devotees and quickly fault, then God forgives him for his mistakes.’ ” stepped in to rectify the situation. The next day, Yogiji Maharaj often said, “I feel happy when he apologized before the assembly, “Look, what- someone points out my mistakes. It gives me an ever happened yesterday at Epping Forest is opportunity to improve and become better.” totally my own fault. The trustees were driving Yogiji Maharaj’s humility was such that he me to the park, but it was I who insisted on the tolerated the insults of others, even though he home visits. As a result, we were delayed and was never at fault. On the contrary, he willingly could not make it on time. I am sorry.” apologized to his persecutors, calmed them and In reality, it was nobody’s fault, least of all made them feel happy. Swamishri’s, for he was delayed due to circum- God-realized Sadhus like Shastriji Maharaj, stances beyond his control. But Swamishri took Yogiji Maharaj and Pramukh Swami Maharaj the blame upon himself and restored harmony. often take the blame upon themselves for the Everyone realized their mistakes of others. Moreover, they never feel own mistakes and they small or inferior in apologizing to others. themselves apologized to Saying sorry in this way can reverse ill feel- Swamishri for their errat- ings and open the way to finding solutions. ic behaviour and impa- In 1980, Pramukh Swami Maharaj tience. Swamishri never was in London, England. The local feels small in saying sorry, devotees had organized a satsang even though he is not at fault. outing at Epping Forest. Swamishri, In 1987, Swamishri, along with a along with all the sadhus, was large contingent of BAPS sadhus and scheduled to arrive there by 10.00 devotees, embarked upon a pilgrim- am. Everyone had been looking for- age of Uttarakhand in the Himalayas ward to this event for a long time. (Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Men, women and children from all Badrinath). The whole event was over the UK had arrived early with planned well in advance. A group of enthusiasm and waited eagerly for sadhus had also carried out a pilot tour Swamishri’s arrival. But Swamishri of the whole pilgrimage just to finalize was somehow delayed. the route and make arrangements. They May 2008 ◆Swaminarayan Bliss9 booked guesthouses, hotels and ashrams well in with a letter of apology, “I am sorry for the time for the huge entourage. Everything was set trouble and inconvenience we had caused. We for the pilgrimage to begin. would have been more than happy to arrange The Uttarakhand yatra is an important your accommodation if you had informed us Hindu pilgrimage. Many people from all over then. We pray for you and your family.” the world do it at least once in their lifetime. It Swamishri never bears grudges with others, was quite a coincidence that the Parmar family even if they wrongly assign blame to him. from London, England, had also embarked on Swamishri’s life is an inspiration for all. With this yatra at the same time as Swamishri and his ego-free personality he teaches us to live in the sadhus. However, because they had not harmony. planned in advance, they could not find suitable Sorry may be the hardest word to say. But by accommodation at any of the places. As a result saying sorry we can improve our personal and the family was furious and they wrote a stern professional reputation. Next time, you feel like letter to Swamishri on their return to London. saying sorry to someone, just go ahead. Don’t “We came on this yatra hoping to find allow your pride and ego to block your path of accommodation. But wherever we went, they constructive action. were fully booked because of your sadhus and Furthermore, reading satsang books and devotees. Our yatra was ruined…” inspiring biographies, performing rituals like Others would have brushed the letter aside. arti, mansi puja and introspection, and daily How could anyone wrongly blame Swamishri? practice of yoga helps in improving our atti- But Swamishri pacified the Parmar family tudes and behaviours. ◆ When does your subscription end? BL-JUNE/08 This is the date when your subscription ends. 0R50AiA38ym,H-a 1Sb MJ3awi0Etvua-aD7bpd5Ahni7,aaB5i A S1PDha-rt3ue8slh0t0i,15 SwaminaDraeyaar nR eBalidses riss,s uone, tah ed aatded irse pssr ilnatbeedl ooff wevheerny your subscription ends. Please check this date and renew your subscription at the nearest BAPS bookstall. To save yourself the trouble of having to subscribe every year, send a three-year subscription. SUBSCRIPTION RATES SWAMINARAYAN BLISS Outside India (By Air Mail) India Swaminarayan Aksharpith, Shahibaug Road, Rupees Pounds US Dollars Rupees Ahmedabad-380 004, India 1 Year 400 6 10 60 2 Years 800 12 20 110 Website: www.swaminarayan.org, 3 Years 1200 18 30 160 E-mail: [email protected] 10Swaminarayan Bliss◆May 2008