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SPECIAL FEATURE AUGUST 23, 2024 | The Indian Eye 16

Timeless Teachings of

PRAMUKH SWAMI MAHARAJ

ramukh Swami Maharaj passed most disturbed. His words removed Dharma and joy. Do not be trapped by greed
away eight years ago on August impurities, brought joy, inspired • Dharma is that which spreads love and superstition. Walking through
P13, 2016. He was a peaceful, greatness, lifted the gloom, gave di- for one another. life in consonance with instructions
humble, and spiritual personality—a rection, removed ego and imbued the • There would be no differences if given by God will ensure that we
rare soul who lived selflessly for others bliss of God. P Let us learn some of each studied their Dharma. By are not met with unhappiness.
while maintaining a constant connec- his teachings: becoming deeply spiritual you will • Stop looking at the faults of others
tion with God. Pramukh Swami Ma- never want to make another un- and grasp only their virtues.
haraj lived by his maxim, ‘In the joy of Life happy. We are all atmas – souls. • Bad company benefits no one. If
others lies our own,’ and dedicated his • True life is about living for the good • Dharma teaches that the body, for you keep bad company then you
life to selfless service for the spiritual of others and for God. which we perform all hurtful things, will lose your money and name.
and social uplift of society. Pramukh • Doing Gharsabha (short family as- is not always going to live forever. Therefore, give up bad company
Swami Maharaj inspired countless as- sembly, done weekly or daily) will Then why do wrong? Share one and addictions and keep good com-
pirants, and for the betterment of hu- bring love, harmony, pass on our another’s fortune and misfortune, pany.
mankind, he has visited thousands of culture and sanskars to the next and help one another rise. All this
villages, towns, and cities. He uplifted generation and keep the family to- is taught by dharma. Satsang
and inspired spirituality in the lives of gether. • Eating dry millet bread earned • Satsang is the soap that cleanses
numerous people, including myself. • In times of difficulty, take the ref- honestly brings peace instead of the mind.
Many aspirants experienced the bliss uge of God and be in the company earning abundantly through dis- • Just as we need food daily, we
of God in his presence. of the Guru. honest means. should do Satsang daily. Grain
• The means to solve misery and • When one sees God in everyone nourishes the body, Satsang nour-
Many aspirants reached the pain in life is to do God’s bhajan then the sentiments of ‘Vasudhaiva ishes the soul. Without Satsang the
soul becomes weak.
Kutumbakam’ are born. Then no
and offer Him prayers.
highest spiritual state; today, • By giving up bad company (ku- one is seen to be different. • Knowledge cannot be had from
many others continue to tread sang) and doing daily satsang (ni- Character books alone. Association with the
holy Sadhu is a must.
this path. His love, affection, sim- tya satsang) transforms one’s inner • Without character and morality • One should become a humble ser-
self.
plicity, humility, and guidance • Reading good books enables one as the first step, no one can attain vant, as did Hanumanji, and then
God.
offer devotion. Only when the ‘I
come to my mind as I write this. to keep the mind clean. • Character is the foundation, if it is ness’ has been eradicated can we
• Kusang is that which distances you kept firm and intact the monument experience the bliss of God.
Pramukh Swami Maharaj spoke from God and moral behavior. of life built upon it will be unshake- • Knowingly or unknowingly, if one
little, but whenever he did so, his sim- • The darshan of a true Sadhu dis- able. If character is lost, the mon- drinks nectar one becomes immor-
ple words conveyed the wisdom of solves one’s sins of countless births. ument will soon tumble. Keep all tal. Similarly, devotion is always
eternal truth and had the divinity that • Earn what one requires; however, thoughts and actions pure. fruitful.
you just felt like following whatever greed invites misery and pain. • Immorality may give you great • Centre God in all your activities.
he said, I guess a reflection of the su- • Happiness and peace lie in seeing gains, but a dry piece of bread Serve society but keep God before
preme divinity within him. God in all. earned with morality will guaran- you. Never forget God.
I felt as if God spoke through • By going to the mandir, one’s mun- tee peace of mind. Do not become
him. His thoughtful and meaning- dane burdens are lightened, and lazy and negligent. Fruits obtained Lenin Joshi
ful words brought peace to even the the mind gets rest. without effort do not give peace BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha

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