Prasang A Day

Fruits of Bhakti “… One who cultivates this inclination of profound, loving bhakti loses all attachment to the panchvishays and is able to maintain ãtmã-realisation without even having to try.” [Gadhadã III-22]

A True Friend “Why do I say this? Because as you have all become My disciples, I should tell you that which is beneficial to you. After all, a true friend is he who tells us that which is of benefit to us, even if it may appear to hurt. Please realise this as the characteristic of a true friend.” [Gadhadã III-21 ]

Having Realised God’s Greatness, How Can One Keep Ego…? Thereafter, Shriji Mahãrãj asked Brahmãnand Swãmi, Shuk Muni and Surã Khãchar a question: “What flaw do you possess which would have you suffer a setback?” The three of them answered, “Mahãrãj, we have the flaw of egotism. As a result, if a sãdhu of equal status insults us, we become somewhat disturbed.” Hearing this, Shriji Mahãrãj commented, “Then I ask that if one has realised God with the knowledge of His greatness as mentioned in ‘Dyupataya eva te na yayur-antam anantatayã…’ then how can one keep egotism, jealousy or anger towards a sãdhu of such a God? If one still does, then there is a flaw in one’s understanding. For example, if one understands the authority of the Governor sahib – that he is the king of the whole world and that he is extremely powerful – then even if one of his pauper-like servants were to come, even a great king would obey his orders and act according to however he is told. Why? Because the king has understood, ‘He is the servant of the powerful Governor sahib.’ After all, egotism does not persist before one who is more powerful than oneself. Similarly, if one has understood God to be the master of all divine powers and wealth, then how can one retain egotism before a sãdhu?” [Gadhadã III-28]

A Devotee with No Deficiencies “… Therefore, when one possesses all three virtues of ãtmã-realisation, vairãgya and bhakti towards God, one can be said to have no deficiencies whatsoever. Such a person is called a devotee with gnãn, an ekãntik bhakta and a staunch devotee of God.” [Gadhadã II-65]

How can a Devotee Cultivate Discretion and Vairagya? Thereupon Shivãnand Swãmi asked, “How can a devotee of God who does not possess discretion of what is good and bad as described by Shriji Mahãrãj, and who also lacks vairãgya, cultivate such discretion and also cultivate vairãgya towards all objects other than God?” Shriji Maharaj replied, 'If one develops firm affection for God from the initial stages, then due to that affection, discretion and vairagya will automatically develop. Now, consider the following. When one is attracted to an object, it is called affection or desire. Then, if someone were to obstruct the gaining of any object for which one has affection, one would become angry on that person. This applies not only to humans; even animals express such anger. For example, a buffalo that is attached to a female buffalo out of lust will kill another buffalo that approaches the female; this behaviour is widely observed in all types of animals. In the same way, one with deep affection for God immediately becomes angry on any object that acts as an obstruction in that affection, and he immediately shuns that object. Therefore, one who has deep affection for God automatically develops vairagya as well as discretion.'     [Gadhadã III-14]

Definitely not having to take another birth “If a person is able to contemplate upon God in his antahkaran in this manner, and if he were to die while still harbouring such a desire for God, he would definitely not have to take another birth. If he engages in such contemplation of God, he has certainly attained the highest state of enlightenment while alive…” [Gadhadã II-48]

Best Spiritual Endeavour “… Thus, to stay together with God and His devotees physically, and thus be able to serve them in whichever way possible, is indeed the very best spiritual endeavour.” [Gadhadã II-63]

Aspiring for the Good of one's own Atma “Therefore, one who aspires for the good of one’s own ãtmã should observe the swadharma prescribed in the sacred scriptures, and do only that which pleases God and His Sant.” [Gadhadã II-45]

Observing Dharma in Satsang “Furthermore, it is for the liberation of the jivas that I have manifested along with these sãdhus. Therefore, if you abide by My words, I will take all of you to the abode from which I have come. So you should also realise, ‘We have already attained liberation.’ Furthermore, if you keep firm faith in Me and do as I say, then even if you were to suffer extreme hardships, or even if you were to face the calamities of seven consecutive famines, I will protect you from them. Even if you were made to suffer miseries from which there seems to be no way out, I will still protect you – but only if you meticulously observe the dharma of My Satsang, and only if you continue practising satsang. However, if you do not, you will suffer terrible miseries, and I will have nothing to do with you.” [Jetalpur-5]

Not Observing too Much or too Little “For this reason, then, all renunciants should abide by the dharma of renunciants, all householders should abide by the dharma of householders, and all women should abide by the dharma of women. Even in this, one will not become happy if one behaves less than what is prescribed; nor will one become happy by behaving beyond what is prescribed. After all, the dharma prescribed in the scriptures has been written exactly as God has narrated; thus, there can be no discrepancy in it. Moreover, they are prescribed in such a way that they are easy to observe. Therefore, if one observes too much or too little, one will certainly become unhappy.” [Gadhadã II-51]