Prasang A Day

One Experiences the Bliss and Happiness of one's atma and God after Shravan, Manan and Nididhyas “… Similarly, the bliss and the happiness of God which one experiences, as well as the bliss and the happiness of the ãtmã which one experiences through samãdhi or after leaving the body cannot be experienced by merely talking about them. However, if one does shravan, manan and nididhyãs on these two topics, then one attains realisation. Then, after attaining realisation, one enjoys the same experience and bliss as one does from these two in samãdhi. Therefore, after listening to talks concerning these two, one should do manan and nididhyãs on those talks.” [Gadhadã III-27]

A Word for the Seniors “For those who are senior amongst you, the observance of the vow of non-lust is an absolute must. If one has a deficiency in some other aspect, it may well do, but firmness in this is absolutely essential…” [Gadhadã II-39]

The Sant Expresses Anger for the Good of Others Again, Shuk Muni asked Shriji Mahãrãj, “Mahãrãj, it seems anger arises when one’s desire for a certain object or one’s sense of my-ness for something is violated by someone. When a desire, i.e., a craving, is not satisfied, then that desire results in anger. So, it can be said that such a person has developed a swabhãv wherein anger can arise. Is it possible, though, that anger will not arise even in such situations?” Shriji Mahãrãj replied, “The great Sant – who, by God’s command or by his own wish after understanding God’s greatness according to the scriptures, has made a pious resolution to keep innumerable people within the disciplines of dharma and to lead them onto the path of God and is active in that respect – may express anger on a person who infringes the disciplines of dharma and follows adharma. Why? Because that person has infringed on the Sant’s resolve. Therefore, if the sãdhu does not express anger and does not reprimand that person in order to teach him to remain within the disciplines of dharma, then that person will continue to infringe those disciplines and will not progress. Therefore, anger expressed for this reason is beneficial; there is nothing unsuitable about it. Why? Because thousands of people have taken the refuge of the great Sant who has resolved to take this path. So how can they possibly not be somewhat reprimanded? “Anger will not arise, however, if one shuns the very cause of that anger. Obviously, anger will not arise, if one is travelling alone in the jungle; but how can the great Sant do that? After all, he has understood from the scriptures the great fruits involved in guiding countless people towards God by discourses – in order that they attain liberation. Similarly, he has also understood the importance of observing God’s injunctions. Therefore, even though he may express anger, he still does not forsake his pious resolution. “One who has developed attachment with the great Sant, has understood that his personal interest of attaining liberation can be realised through the Sant and believes, ‘Only through this Sant will I benefit’ – then even though he may have a swabhãv in the form of anger, he will never get angry on that great Sant. In fact, he will surely forsake his swabhãv. So, anger can also be eradicated in this way.”  [Gadhadã III-34]

A Person Addicted to Bhakti “… Similarly, if a person was addicted to the bhakti of God and other such activities, then even if he remains under the influence of any type of bad company, he would not be able to live without engaging in those devotional activities. Moreover, his mind would not be pleased in engaging in any other activities…” [Gadhadã III-33]

One Extra Prostration “So that you remember this fact daily, from today, all sãdhus and all devotees should observe the following vow: After performing puja of God, one should offer prostrations according to one’s daily practice. After this, to compensate for having knowingly or unknowingly harmed a devotee of God by thought, word or deed during the day, one should perform one extra prostration daily. This is My command; so please do abide by it.” [Gadhadã II-40]

The Means for the Jiva to gain Strength “… In fact, if one’s jiva has become very powerful, one would not even have impure dreams. On the other hand, if one’s jiva is lacking in strength, then one should follow the principle of Sãnkhya and behave only as the ãtmã – the drashtã – but one should not associate with one’s indriyas and antahkaran. By behaving as the ãtmã in this way, one’s jiva gains great strength. “There is, however, an even greater method than this to gain strength. If a person has love for God and His Sant, possesses intense shraddhã in serving them, and also engages in the nine types of bhakti, then his jiva will instantly gain strength. Thus, for making the jiva stronger, there is no method comparable to that of serving God and His Bhakta.” [Gadhadã II-63]

Shriji Maharaj's Intense Love for God and His Devotees “In addition, the profound affection that I have for God and His devotees is so strong that even kãl, karma and mãyã are incapable of eradicating that affection. In fact, even if My own mind attempted to eradicate it, it would definitely not be eradicated from My heart. Such is the intense love I have for God and His devotees.” [Gadhadã III-13]

One's Choice of Worship Governs the Outcome “… Similarly, when the jiva worships God in the form of Brahmã and other gods, it attains fruits in the form of dharma, arth and kãm. But, when it worships the avatãrs of God – Rãm, Krishna and others – it becomes brahmarup and attains liberation…” [Gadhadã II-31]

An Ekantik Bhakta Engages himself in God “The mind of an ekãntik bhakta of God contemplates only upon the form of God; his mouth sings only the praises of God; his hands engage only in the service of God and His devotees; and his ears listen only to the praises of God…” [Gadhadã II-55]

A Devotee Free of Expectations “If a devotee of God were placed on a shuli due to some karma of his, and if at that time I were standing next to him, the devotee would still not think, ‘It would be good if God would free me from the pain of this shuli.’ In this manner, he is not concerned about his own physical comforts. Instead, he bears the hardships that befall him. As a result, God becomes extremely pleased with such a devotee who is free of all expectations.” [Gadhadã III-28]