Prasang A Day

Never Harm a Devotee of God to Experience Supreme Happiness “It is because of the influence of avarice, egotism, jealousy and anger that one spites a devotee of God. Only one who does not possess these four can revere a devotee of God. Therefore, one who wishes to experience supreme happiness in this very body and also experience supreme happiness after death should never harm a devotee of God – by thought, word or deed.” [Gadhadã II-40]

How Can one Maintain one's Faith and Ekantik State? “… the scriptures have specifically stated: ‘If one perfectly possesses all four of the attributes of dharma, gnãn, vairãgya and bhakti, then one can be called an ekãntik bhakta, and such a person attains final liberation.’ However, it seems unlikely that the physical conditions will remain stable under the influence of kãl and karma. Therefore, how can a devotee of God maintain his ekãntik state? That is the question.” ... Shriji Maharaj then said in reply, 'Please listen as I reveal to you the way in which My faith in God remains firm.' He then began, 'Regardless of how much pain or pleasure comes my way, in those circumstances, first I realise the immense glory of God. It is this realisation that allows me, on seeing the riches and royal opulence of the great kings of this world, to not associate even the slightest amount of significance to them in My heart. Indeed, I believe that for Me, there is nothing greater than God; and so My mind is firmly attached to His holy feet.' [Gadhadã III-13]

The Characteristics of one Deeply Attached to God “A devotee whose mind has become deeply attached to the form of Shri Krishna Bhagwãn has the following characteristics: Firstly, even though he may be extremely exhausted after prolonged walking and does not have enough strength left in his body even to sit upright, if an opportunity to talk about God arises, then he becomes attentive and most willing to narrate and hear such talks – as if he has not walked even a single mile. Also, regardless of any diseases or ailments that may be a source of pain for him and regardless of being insulted, if he hears talks about God, then he would instantly be relieved of all his miseries. Furthermore, he may appear to be totally engrossed in the wealth and property he has attained, but the moment he hears talks of God, it would seem as if he has no association with anything. Such would be his eagerness to listen to talks about God. One who has such characteristics should be known to have developed deep attachment to God.” [Gadhadã II-29]

Having nothing further to achieve “… Then, when affection for God is developed, his vrutti continuously remains on God. When that is achieved, he has nothing further to achieve; he has become fulfilled.” [Gadhadã II-36]

What are the Benefits of a Devotee, Whilst Alive and After Death? Finally, Shriji Mahãrãj asked Shuk Muni, “If a devotee of God has attained realisation of God and His Sant, then how does he benefit while he is alive, and how does he benefit after he dies?” Shuk Muni said, “Mahãrãj, that question can be answered only by You.” So Shriji Mahãrãj said, “While alive, a person who has attained God and His Sant spends his days and nights engrossed in spiritual discourses, devotional songs, etc., related to God. He also has the direct realisation of his jivãtmã, which transcends the three states, as being brahmarup. With the exception of God, he develops vairãgya for all other objects. Also, he discards adharma and abides by dharma. “When that devotee dies, God makes him just like Himself…” [Gadhadã II-66]

If one Doesn't Want to Forfeit Liberation “… In the same way, even if one’s bodily relations are devotees of God, they are still mixed with venom in the form of relationships. Therefore, a person who has affection for them will definitely forfeit his liberation. Knowing this, one who wishes for one’s own liberation should not maintain affection for one’s bodily relations. In this way, after becoming aloof from worldly life and harbouring love for the holy feet of God, one should continue to engage in the worship of God.” [Gadhadã III-12]

The Sant who is Worthy of Being Worshipped on par with God “What are the characteristics of a Sant who is worthy of being worshipped on par with God? Well, such a Sant suppresses the actions of mãyã’s gunas – the indriyas, the antahkaran, etc.; but he himself does not get suppressed by their actions. In addition to this, he only performs activities related to God; he is staunch in his observance of the five religious vows; and believing himself to be brahmarup, he worships Purushottam Bhagwãn. Such a Sant should not be thought of as a human being, nor should he be thought of as a demigod, because such behaviour is not possible for either humans or demigods. Indeed, even though that Sant appears to be human, he is still worthy of being worshipped on par with God. Therefore, whoever desires to attain liberation should serve such a Sant…” [Gadhadã III-26]

Understanding God's Glory Eradicates Egotism “… Therefore, if a person realises the greatness of God and a sãdhu in this way, egotism, jealousy and anger can no longer persist. Moreover, he would behave as a servant of servants before them; and no matter however much they insult him, he would never think of leaving their company and going away. Also, he would never feel in his mind, ‘How long should I tolerate this? I will just stay at home and engage in worship there.’ Thus, if one understands God’s greatness in such a manner, egotism is eradicated.” [Gadhadã III-28]

As You are Devotees... “Furthermore, as you are devotees of God, I do not wish to leave any form of improper swabhãvs within your hearts…” [Gadhadã II-45]

Engaging in Faithful Bhakti “… Therefore, one should not knowingly engage in bhakti that would cause one to be disgraced. Instead, a devotee of God should thoughtfully engage in faithful bhakti – like that of a faithful wife.” [Gadhadã III-16]