Prasang A Day

@bapsprasangs

BAPS Prasangs

BAPS Prasangs (English)

Welcome to BAPS Prasangs, your daily dose of inspiration and positivity! This Telegram channel is dedicated to sharing the timeless wisdom and teachings of the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha, a spiritual organization that focuses on the values of spirituality, service, and community

Who is BAPS Prasangs? BAPS Prasangs is a platform that brings together individuals from all walks of life who are seeking spiritual guidance and inspiration. Through our daily posts, we aim to uplift and motivate our followers to live a life filled with purpose and meaning. Whether you are looking for daily reflections, motivational quotes, or spiritual insights, BAPS Prasangs has something for everyone.

What is BAPS Prasangs? BAPS Prasangs is a channel that curates and shares stories, teachings, and discourses from the spiritual leaders of the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha. From the timeless wisdom of Pramukh Swami Maharaj to the inspiring messages of Mahant Swami Maharaj, our channel offers a wealth of spiritual knowledge and guidance. Whether you are a long-time follower of the BAPS tradition or someone new to spiritual teachings, BAPS Prasangs is a place where you can find solace, inspiration, and community.

Join us on BAPS Prasangs and start your day on a positive note! Let the timeless wisdom of the BAPS tradition guide you on your spiritual journey. Subscribe to our channel today and be a part of a community that values love, service, and inner peace. Together, we can make each day a Prasang – a story worth sharing and cherishing. Let BAPS Prasangs be your daily companion on the path to enlightenment and fulfillment.

Prasang A Day

18 Feb, 06:15

Clear Distinction Between the Body and the Atma

Thereafter Muktãnand Swãmi asked, 'Why is it that even after understanding the distinction between the body and the ãtmã, one forgets that distinction and continues to identify oneself with the body?'
Shriji Mahãrãj explained, 'Once a person has clearly understood the distinction between the body and the ãtmã, it cannot be forgotten. Even if he believes, 'I am the body,' he can no longer accept himself as the body. Also, once he has firmly established the conviction of God, even if he tries to discard it, it cannot be discarded. Furthermore, the notion that his realisation of himself as ãtmã has been lost and the belief that he is the body has begun to prevail is simply a misconception of his mind; the belief never actually returns…'

[Sãrangpur-12]

Prasang A Day

17 Feb, 05:01

Thinking of the Atma and God's Greatness

'… Hence, if a person in whom rajogun and tamogun are prevalent attempts to concentrate and meditate on God, he will not be able to do so. In such situations, he should utilise the strength of ãtmã-realisation and God's greatness. He should realise, 'I am the ãtmã. Since I am gunãtit, there can be no mãyik influence within me.' Furthermore, he should realise God's greatness in the following way: 'Ajãmel was a terrible sinner and yet, because of his son, he uttered the name of Nãrãyan. As a result, he was freed from all his sins and attained the highest state of enlightenment. I have attained that God in His manifest form, and I chant His holy name day and night. Therefore, I am fulfilled.' Thinking in such a manner, one should always remain joyful.'

[Sãrangpur-9]

843

Prasang A Day

15 Feb, 05:01

Never Abandoning Association With the Sant

'If a person is unable to attain such an understanding, then he should maintain profound association with such a Sant. If that Sant were to daily beat him five times with a pair of shoes, he should still tolerate such insults, but just as an opium addict cannot abandon his addiction, in no way should he abandon his association with the Sant…'

[Sãrangpur-10]

1,233

Prasang A Day

14 Feb, 05:41

To Attain Liberation

'Therefore, one who aspires to attain liberation should not follow the path of unrighteousness; instead, one should follow the path of righteousness and keep the company of a true sãdhu. As a result, one would certainly, without a doubt, attain liberation.'

[Sãrangpur-10]

1,301

Prasang A Day

13 Feb, 05:21

Characteristics of Jealousy

Thereupon Chaitanyãnand Swãmi asked, 'Mahãrãj, what are the characteristics of jealousy?'
Shriji Mahãrãj replied, 'Jealousy develops from the egotism that a person harbours within his heart. In fact, anger, matsar and asuyã also arise out of egotism. But the characteristic of jealousy is that one cannot bear to see even someone greater than oneself being honoured. A person who has such a nature should be known to have jealousy within his heart. Moreover, one who has extreme jealousy cannot bear anyone's greatness.'

[Sãrangpur-8]

1,403

Prasang A Day

12 Feb, 05:38

Not Deviating From One's Dharma

'… So, even in the most difficult circumstances, or even if I were to issue a command, you should not deviate from your dharma…'

[Sãrangpur-9]

1,359

Prasang A Day

11 Feb, 05:39

Where Should One Seek Liberation?

'So, one should seek liberation wherever one sees such a Naimishãranya Kshetra in the form of association with the Sant, and one should remain there with an absolutely resolute mind.'

[Sãrangpur-7]

1,541

Prasang A Day

10 Feb, 05:24

The Key to Developing Redemptive Virtues

Thereupon Shriji Mahãrãj said, 'If a person has shraddhã, if he encounters the company of a true Sant, and if he develops shraddhã in the words of that Sant, then all of the redemptive virtues of swadharma, vairãgya, gnãn, bhakti, wisdom, etc., would develop in his heart, and the vicious natures of lust, anger, etc., would be burnt away. Conversely, if he encounters evil company, and if he develops shraddhã in their words, then all of the virtues of vairãgya, wisdom, etc., would be destroyed…'

[Sãrangpur-18]

1,682

Prasang A Day

09 Feb, 05:03

Only Understanding Cures Frustrations

'… When such a fool becomes depressed, he either sleeps, cries, takes out his frustrations on someone else, or he may even fast. He will use any of these four methods to try to overcome his depression. If he becomes severely depressed, he may even resort to committing suicide. These are the ways in which a fool attempts to overcome depression. However, such methods neither reduce the pain, nor do they eradicate one's swabhãvs. On the other hand, if one were to attempt to eradicate them with understanding, then both the distress and the swabhãv would be eradicated. Thus, only those who have understanding become happy.'

[Sãrangpur-18]

1,780

Prasang A Day

08 Feb, 05:08

Faith Through the Scriptures

The munis replied, 'No action of God is outside the scriptures. So, Mahãrãj, what is the reason behind a person developing faith and then losing it?'
Shriji Mahãrãj explained, 'Whosoever develops faith in God does so only through the scriptures. Why? Because the scriptures describe the characteristics of God as well as the characteristics of the Sant. So, only faith developed through the scriptures remains staunch. On the other hand, faith developed by one's own mind, without the help of the scriptures, eventually dissolves.'

[Sãrangpur-13]

1,789

Prasang A Day

07 Feb, 05:00

Intensely Focused Vrutti on God

'Thus, whether after one life, or after countless lives, or even in the last moments before one dies, should a devotee's vruttis become intensely focused on God, no deficiency would remain in that devotee.'

[Sãrangpur-11]

1,180

Prasang A Day

06 Feb, 05:03

The Power of Understanding

Thereafter, Shriji Mahãrãj continued with another example and said, 'Large flames of a fire are extinguished when water is poured over it, whereas even a slight flash of lightning can never be extinguished, even though it is in the midst of dense rain clouds. Similarly, regardless of how much vairãgya one may have, or how much love for God one may have, if one does not have understanding, then like the flames of the fire, all of one's virtues will be lost due to water in the form of bad company. In comparison, one who has vairãgya and love compounded with understanding is like the fire of lightning. It may be slight, but it is never destroyed.'

[Sãrangpur-18]

1,282

Prasang A Day

05 Feb, 05:21

Swabhavs Can Be Destroyed

Then Shriji Mahãrãj continued, 'If a person has some swabhãvs, and he thoughtfully attempts to eradicate them by associating with the Sant, then they can be destroyed. However, a person's vicious swabhãvs will not be eradicated if he foolishly applies any other methods…'

[Sãrangpur-18]

1,308

Prasang A Day

04 Feb, 05:02

Overcoming Laziness and Infatuation

'Remember, if a person remains careless, then even if he is a devotee of God, the two enemies of laziness and infatuation would not fail to hinder him. For example, when one drinks alcohol or bhang, then just as a non-believer becomes intoxicated, a devotee of God would also become intoxicated and delirious. In the same manner, just as alcohol and bhang in the form of laziness and infatuation hinder a non-believer, they hinder a devotee of God as well. The only difference, however, between a non-believer and a devotee of God is that a non-believer cannot eradicate these two enemies, whereas a devotee can overcome them if he remains vigilant in his efforts. That is the advantage a devotee of God has. Nevertheless, he is not better if he remains careless, even if he is a devotee of God.'

[Sãrangpur-14]

1,565

Prasang A Day

03 Feb, 05:00

Becoming Worthy of the Grace of God

'Hence, whether it takes one life or innumerable lives, only when one develops the previously described characteristics [vairãgya, brahmacharya, shraddhã, non-violence and ãtmã-realisation] and becomes extremely free of worldly desires, does one become worthy of attaining the grace of God, and only then will one attain ultimate liberation. Without it, one will definitely not attain it.'

[Sãrangpur-11]

1,467

Prasang A Day

02 Feb, 11:46

The Path of Righteousness

'In this world there are two types of people: those who follow the path of righteousness and those who follow the path of unrighteousness. Of these, one who follows the path of righteousness forsakes stealing, adultery, slander and all other forms of sin. Fearing God, such a person remains within the disciplines of dharma. As a result, everyone in the world trusts him, be it a member of his family or anyone else, and whatever he says is accepted by all as the truth. Only such a person who observes dharma likes the company of a true sãdhu.'

[Sãrangpur-10]

1,624

Prasang A Day

01 Feb, 05:00

The True Naimisharanya Kshetra

…Muktãnand Swãmi inquired, 'Mahãrãj, what exactly is the manomay chakra, and what should one understand its jagged edges to be?'
Thereupon Shriji Mahãrãj explained, 'One should understand the mind to be the manomay chakra, and the ten indriyas to be its jagged edges. Wherever those jagged edges of the mind, in the form of the indriyas, wear away and become blunt, that place should be known as Naimishãranya Kshetra. Pious deeds such as chanting the name of God, austerities, observances, meditation, puja, etc., commenced there flourish rapidly, day by day. Furthermore, that Naimishãranya Kshetra should be known to be wherever God's Ekãntik Sant resides.'

[Sãrangpur-7]

1,728

Prasang A Day

31 Jan, 05:08

The Ultimate Belief

'… Indeed, God and the abode of God are not even an atom's distance away from a sãdhu who believes, 'God is forever present in my chaitanya,' and 'Just like the jiva resides in the body, God resides within my jiva. My jiva is the sharir, and God is the shariri of my jiva.' Such a sãdhu also believes that his jivãtmã is distinct from the three bodies - sthul, sukshma and kãran - and that that God forever resides within his ãtmã. Such a Sant is like a mukta of Shwetdwip. When one has the darshan of such a Sant, one should realise, 'I have had the darshan of God Himself.' A Sant who has such an understanding has nothing more to attain.'

[Sãrangpur-10]

1,753

Prasang A Day

28 Jan, 07:54

God's Glorious Powers

'Of course, if it is His wish, a mukta may manifest in a body even from Akshardhãm. Moreover, by His will, that which is jad can become chaitanya, and that which is chaitanya can become jad. God is, after all, extremely powerful, and whatever He wishes, occurs…'

[Sãrangpur-14]

928

Prasang A Day

27 Jan, 05:00

What Can Be Attained By Personal Endeavour?

Thereupon Muktãnand Swãmi asked a question: 'Personal endeavour is mentioned in the scriptures, but how much is actually achieved by personal endeavour, and how much is achieved by God's grace?'
Shriji Mahãrãj explained, 'One who, by the words of the Sadguru and the scriptures, has attained firm vairãgya, has firm shraddhã, strictly observes the eight aspects of brahmacharya, has affinity towards non-violence and absolutely firmly realises oneself to be the ãtmã is relieved of the burden of births and deaths which hangs over one's head. Then, just like a grain of rice that has had its outer chaff removed does not grow, a mukta who has the virtues just mentioned is freed from eternal ignorance in the form of mãyã. He is thereby freed from the cycle of births and deaths and attains the state of ãtmã-realisation. This much can be achieved by personal endeavour.'

[Sãrangpur-11]

1,289

Prasang A Day

26 Jan, 06:44

God Is Within Us

'… That same Purushottam Bhagwãn resides in the jiva as antaryãmi. He is independent, yet interwoven with the three states of the jiva. That same God assumes an avatãr on this earth to liberate the jivas…'
[Sãrangpur-6]

1,327

Prasang A Day

22 Jan, 10:38

Qualities of a Virtuous Person

'One who is virtuous does not like the company of immature children from his childhood; he does not have an appetite for tasty food; and he continuously restrains his body…'

[Kãriyãni-3]

2,024

Prasang A Day

21 Jan, 05:10

Means To Please God

Muktãnand Swãmi then asked, 'Mahãrãj, by which virtue is God pleased upon a devotee?'
Shriji Mahãrãj replied, 'God is pleased with a devotee who becomes free of lust, anger, avarice, deceit, egotism, jealousy and matsar, and then offers bhakti to God...'

[Kãriyãni-6]

1,892

Prasang A Day

13 Jan, 21:08

Swabhavs Can Be Eradicated With Effort

Thereafter Mahãnubhãvãnand Swãmi asked, 'Can rãjasik, tãmasik and sãttvik swabhãvs be eradicated by doing satsang?'
Shriji Mahãrãj replied, 'All swabhãvs can be eradicated if one tries to eradicate them.'

[Sãrangpur-18]

2,756

Prasang A Day

11 Jan, 21:02

Not Perceiving Flaws in the Great Purush

'However, if an older person is spoilt while doing satsang, it is because whichever faults he perceives in the great Purush all return to dwell in his own heart. Conversely, if one imbibes the virtues of the great Purush and thinks: 'Any swabhãv the great Purush exhibits is only for the sake of the jivas' liberation. He is, in fact, flawless; but my perceiving flaws in him is, in fact, due to my own personal foolishness' - and thinking thus, if he imbibes the virtues of the Satpurush and asks for forgiveness for his mistakes, then the deficiencies of that person will diminish.'
[Sãrangpur-18]

2,361

Prasang A Day

11 Jan, 05:07

An Undiminishing Obsession

Shriji Mahãrãj explained, 'Upon hearing the words of the scriptures and the satpurush, developing an obsession that does not diminish once developed is the only cause for vairãgya; there is no other cause. Whoever is obsessed in such a manner will develop vairãgya, regardless of whether he is tãmasik, rãjasik or sãttvik…'

[Kãriyãni-7]

2,122

Prasang A Day

09 Jan, 05:00

The Definition of Ultimate Liberation

'… That God remains as He is during the time of creation, sustenance and dissolution of the cosmos; i.e., He does not undergo any changes like worldly objects do. He always maintains a divine form. Having such a firm conviction of the manifest form of Purushottam is called ultimate liberation.'

[Kãriyãni-7]

2,055

Prasang A Day

08 Jan, 05:01

Continuous Examination Cures All Swabhavs

'… Thus, any swabhãv which one may have can be eradicated if one continuously examines oneself while doing satsang.'

[Sãrangpur-18]

2,144

Prasang A Day

07 Jan, 05:02

Characteristics of a Person Who Has Realised God

'One who has attained God-realisation through such a conviction experiences the following: Wherever he casts his eyes - among all the mobile and immobile forms - he sees the form of God as if it is before his eyes, the same form that constantly remains in Akshardhãm even after the dissolution of the body, the brahmãnd and Prakruti-Purush. Other than that form, he does not perceive even an atom. These are the characteristics of one who has attained God-realisation.'

[Kãriyãni-7]

2,089

Prasang A Day

06 Jan, 05:23

Perfect Faith

Thereafter Nãjã Jogiyã asked, 'Suppose there is one devotee of God with resolute faith and another with only a little faith. Although outwardly they both appear to be good, how can the two be recognised?'
Shriji Mahãrãj explained, 'One who has precise gnãn of the nature of the ãtmã, firm vairãgya, as well as perfect bhakti and swadharma should be known to have perfect faith. Even if one of these four factors is lacking, then despite having faith, it is still without the knowledge of God's greatness. If all four factors are totally present, then that should be known as faith in God coupled with the knowledge of His greatness.'

[Gadhadã I-75]

1,941

Prasang A Day

05 Jan, 05:05

Four Types of People God Does Not Get Along With

'However, a person who keeps animosity towards a devotee of God does not attain liberation. As his hatred towards the devotee increases, his mind becomes more and more polluted. In fact, when he dies, he falls into the same pit of narak as that entered by a person who has committed the five grave sins10. Thus, all those who have affection for a devotee of God, regardless of whether they are family members or not, attain liberation.'

[Gadhadã I-75]

1,997

Prasang A Day

04 Jan, 05:01

At Creation, What Determines the Jivas' Bodies?

“… Just as when seeds which are planted in the earth sprout upwards after coming into contact with rainwater, similarly, during the period of creation, the jivas, which had resided within mãyã together with their kãran bodies, attain various types of bodies according to their individual karmas by the will of God, the giver of the fruits of karmas.”
[Vartãl-6]

1,503

Prasang A Day

03 Jan, 05:03

A True Devotee

Continuing, Shriji Mahãrãj said, 'A true satsangi is a person who has absolutely no flaws in the observance of the five religious vows4 and who remains totally undisturbed until the end of his life regardless of whatever stern commands I may impose - even if I compel him to forsake his preferences and enforce My own. In fact, I effortlessly and naturally develop affection for such a devotee…'

[Gadhadã I-76]

1,506

Prasang A Day

02 Jan, 14:49

Measure of One's Detachment

Shriji Mahãrãj then began, 'The extent of one's vairãgya and one's understanding can be measured only when one encounters vishays, or in times of some hardship, but not otherwise…'

[Gadhadã I-74]

1,634

Prasang A Day

01 Jan, 06:39

One with Unwavering Faith in God

Thereupon Motã Shivãnand Swãmi asked, 'How can a person who has unwavering faith in God be recognised?'
Shriji Mahãrãj replied, 'A person with unwavering faith in God regards all actions performed by God as redemptive - whether they be good or bad. Whether God wins or loses, or at times even runs away; whether He shows pleasure or grief; in fact, however many countless kinds of actions a faithful devotee witnesses, he says, 'All actions of God are for the sake of liberation.' If, whenever the devotee speaks, he speaks in this manner only, then he should be known to have absolute faith in God.'

[Gadhadã I-78]

1,824

Prasang A Day

31 Dec, 06:22

Characteristics of One Who Has Surrendered His Mind

Thereupon Muktãnand Swãmi asked, 'What are the characteristics of a person who has surrendered his mind, and what are the characteristics of a person who has not surrendered his mind?'
Shriji Mahãrãj replied, 'If a person who has surrendered his mind to God is unable to be present while the talks of God are on-going, or for the darshan of God, he experiences intense remorse in his heart. Whenever he listens to the talks of God and does the darshan of God, his love for God continually increases, but never does his mind recede from those talks and darshan. Moreover, when God gives a command to someone to stay far away, a person who has surrendered his mind would think to himself, 'If that command were given to me, I would gladly go to Burãnpur or Kãshi, or anywhere else for that matter.' A person who remains happy living according to the wishes of God in this way is near to Me, even if he is a thousand miles away.'

[Gadhadã I-73]

1,485

Prasang A Day

30 Dec, 05:00

Loyalty to Satsang

Shriji Mahãrãj explained, 'A person who is absolutely loyal to Satsang cannot tolerate in the least someone speaking ill of Satsang. For example, even though one may have had a disagreement with a member of one's family, one would be unable to tolerate anyone speaking ill of them. Therefore, just as one is loyal to one's relatives, if a person is similarly loyal to Satsang, then his foundation in Satsang is unfaltering.'

[Gadhadã I-78]

1,462

Prasang A Day

29 Dec, 15:29

The Wise Realize Shriji Maharaj's Glory

'Those who are wise realise all My characteristics by staying close to Me. They realise, 'Mahãrãj has no affection for any object in this world that can arouse infatuation - wealth, women, ornaments, food and drink, etc. In fact, Mahãrãj remains dejected from all these things. When, out of compassion, He allows some person to sit near Him or talks to him of gnãn, it is purely out of compassion for the liberation of the jiva.' On the other hand, those who are fools - whether they stay near or far - cannot understand My nature as such.'

[Gadhadã I-73]

1,524

Prasang A Day

28 Dec, 05:05

God's Grace

Thereafter Daharãnand Swãmi asked, 'God transcends Akshar; He is beyond mind and speech; and He is imperceptible to all. Why, then, can everyone see Him as manifest?'
Shriji Mahãrãj replied, 'God - who transcends Akshar, who is beyond mind and speech, and who is imperceptible - Himself, out of compassion, resolves, 'May all the enlightened and unenlightened people on Mrutyulok behold Me.' Having resolved in this manner, God - whose will always prevails - becomes perceivable to all people on Mrutyulok out of compassion.'

[Gadhadã I-78]

1,615

Prasang A Day

27 Dec, 15:29

Key to Becoming Flawless

'… Whoever believes the great Purush to be absolutely free of flaws becomes totally flawless himself…'

[Gadhadã I-73]

1,651

Prasang A Day

26 Dec, 07:14

Means to Please God

Tyãgãnand Swãmi then asked, 'How is God pleased?'
Shriji Mahãrãj answered, 'A person who wants to please God should not wish for bodily comforts. He should not even crave for the darshan of God. In fact, to do exactly as God commands is the only means to please God.'

[Gadhadã I-78]

1,463

Prasang A Day

25 Dec, 05:18

Conquering Lust

'… So, conquering lust is the most difficult of all spiritual endeavours. Nevertheless, a person who has the firm strength of the upãsanã of God, has become absolutely free from desires for vishays, and is firmly resolute in remaining free of worldly desires becomes free of lust by the grace of God.'

[Gadhadã I-73]

1,505

Prasang A Day

23 Dec, 05:05

Two Types of Faith

Thereafter, Kãkãbhãi of the village Rojkã, asked, 'What are the characteristics of a person who merely has faith in God, without realising His greatness? Also, what are the characteristics of a person who has faith in God coupled with the knowledge of His greatness?'
Shriji Mahãrãj replied, 'A person with only faith still harbours doubts: 'Although I have attained God, will I attain liberation or not?' On the other hand, a person with faith coupled with the knowledge of God's greatness believes, 'From the very day I had the darshan of God, my liberation has been guaranteed. In fact, liberation is also assured to anyone who devoutly does my darshan or accepts my advice. How, then, can there be any doubt regarding my own liberation? I am indeed absolutely fulfilled. Furthermore, whichever spiritual endeavours I do perform, I perform solely to please God.' One with such understanding should be known to have faith in God coupled with the knowledge of His greatness.'

[Gadhadã I-72]

1,805

Prasang A Day

20 Dec, 13:40

How to Overcome Adverse Situations

Then Trigunãtitãnand Swãmi asked, 'What means should one adopt when faced with adverse places, times, actions and company?'
Shriji Mahãrãj explained, 'The only way to overcome adverse places, times, etc., is to escape from them by any means possible.'

[Gadhadã I-78]

1,955

Prasang A Day

19 Dec, 05:04

God's Infinite Grace

'…Furthermore, the greatness of God is such that within the pore of His each and every hair, countless millions of brahmãnds appear as mere sub-atomic particles. Only when that vast God becomes like a human for the sake of the liberation of the jivas do they have an opportunity to serve Him. If He were to remain exactly the same size as He is, then even the ruling demigods of this brahmãnd, i.e., Brahmã and others, would be incapable of doing His darshan or serving Him. What, then, can be said of mere humans?…'
[Gadhadã I-72]

2,097

Prasang A Day

18 Dec, 05:40

Why Vicious Desires Persist?

Nãnã Nirvikãrãnand Swãmi then asked, 'Despite having faith in God, why are not one's vicious desires eradicated?'
Shriji Mahãrãj replied, 'One's vicious desires are not eradicated because one has not fully realised the greatness of God.'

[Gadhadã I-78]

1,832

Prasang A Day

17 Dec, 08:39

God Assumes a Human Form for Liberation of Jivas

'Nevertheless, when Purushottam Bhagwãn, who transcends both the perishable and the imperishable, assumes a human form and travels in the brahmãnd for the liberation of the jivas, His actions are just like those of all humans. Just as humans possess mãyik swabhãvs such as lust, anger, avarice, infatuation, matsar, jealousy, defeat, victory, fear, grief, arrogance, desires, cravings, etc., God also exhibits the same swabhãvs Himself, but they are all for the liberation of the jivas. So, a true devotee extols the divine actions of God and attains the highest state of enlightenment, whereas a non-believer perceives faults in them.'

[Gadhadã I-72]

1,663

Prasang A Day

16 Dec, 09:25

Limitation of Atma-Realization

Thereafter Brahmãnand Swãmi asked, 'To what extent does ãtmã-realisation actually help at the time of death?'
Shriji Mahãrãj replied, 'When faced with the task of crossing a river, one who knows how to swim can cross it, whereas one who is unable to swim will be left standing. However, when faced with the task of crossing an ocean, both require the aid of a ship. Similarly, a river - in the form of the dualities of cold and heat, hunger and thirst, honour and insult, happiness and misery - may be crossed by a person with ãtmã-realisation; death, however, is like an ocean. In that case, both a person with ãtmã-realisation and a person without it require the help of a ship in the form of faith in God. Therefore, only the firm refuge of God is helpful at the time of death, whereas ãtmã-realisation alone is of no use whatsoever at the time of death. For this reason, one should firmly cultivate faith in God.'

[Gadhadã I-61]

1,760

Prasang A Day

15 Dec, 05:02

Better of the Two

Thereafter Shãntãnand Swãmi asked, 'There is one devotee who constantly maintains his vrutti on the form of God. There is another devotee who engages in worship and remembrance, and also listens to and engages in discourses and devotional songs related to God. Which devotee of God is the better of the two?'
Shriji Mahãrãj explained, 'He who experiences nirvikalp samãdhi and is not conscious of his body is the better of the two, even if he does not engage in discourses and devotional songs related to God. However, there may be someone who is conscious of his body and gets up from worship of his own accord to eat, drink and perform all bodily activities, yet does not listen to or engage in the discourses and devotional songs related to God. In comparison to him, a person who listens to or engages in discourses and devotional songs is better.'

[Gadhadã I-78]

1,708

Prasang A Day

14 Dec, 05:03

To Remain Undisturbed Amidst Desires

Thereupon Muktãnand Swãmi asked, 'How can one remain composed even under the influence of lust, anger, avarice and fear?'
Shriji Mahãrãj replied, ''I am not the body; I am the ãtmã, which is distinct from the body and is the knower of all.' When such ãtmã-realisation becomes extremely firm, one never loses one's composure. On the other hand, a person without ãtmã-realisation may try many other means, but he cannot remain composed.'

[Gadhadã I-61]

1,702

Prasang A Day

13 Dec, 05:06

Understanding in the Face of Misery

'Therefore, we should become more pleased as God puts us through more severe hardships, bearing in mind, 'The more misery God inflicts upon me, the more bound He will become to me; thereby, He will not be away from me for even a moment.' With such understanding, one should become increasingly pleased as God imposes more and more hardships; but one should never become disheartened in the face of misery or for the sake of bodily comforts.'

[Gadhadã I-61]

1,889

Prasang A Day

09 Dec, 06:20

Perfect Faith

Paramchaitanyãnand Swãmi then asked, 'Mahãrãj, what type of thoughts does a person with perfect faith in God have?'
Shriji Mahãrãj replied, 'A person with perfect faith feels within, 'I have attained all there is to attain; and wherever the manifest form of God resides, that itself is the highest abode. All these sãdhus are like Nãrad and the Sanakãdik; all satsangis are like Uddhav, Akrur, Vidur, Sudãmã, and the gopas of Vrundãvan; and all female devotees are like the gopis, Draupadi, Kuntãji, Sitã, Rukmini, Lakshmi and Pãrvati. Now I have nothing more to achieve - I have attained Golok, Vaikunth and Brahmapur.' A person with perfect faith has such thoughts and experiences extreme elation in his heart. One who experiences such feelings within should be known to have perfect faith.'

[Gadhadã I-63]

869

Prasang A Day

08 Dec, 05:37

Greatest Endeavour

Thereupon Shriji Mahãrãj said, 'Of all spiritual endeavours, to eradicate worldly desires is the greatest endeavour. The means of doing this is as follows: Bearing in mind one's craving for the vishays, i.e., sights, sounds, smells, tastes and touch, one should introspect, 'Is my desire for God equal to my desires for the world? Is it greater? Or is it less?' One should examine oneself in this manner…'

[Gadhadã I-60]

1,048

Prasang A Day

07 Dec, 07:46

Attributes of One with Firm Faith

'…Shriji Mahãrãj continued, 'I shall now briefly explain the characteristics of a person with profoundly firm faith, so please listen attentively. Firstly, even if he has intense renunciation, a person with perfect faith will do any task on the path of pravrutti asked of him, without ever backing away. Moreover, he does not do it reluctantly; he does it willingly. The second characteristic is that regardless of any swabhãv he may possess - even if it cannot be eradicated by a million means - if he senses God's insistence in forsaking that swabhãv, he forsakes it immediately. The third characteristic is that despite his own drawbacks, he is unable to live without the discourses and devotional songs related to God, and without the Sant of God even for a moment. He finds faults only within himself and thoroughly imbibes the virtues of the Sant. He also understands the great glory of the discourses and devotional songs of God, as well as of the Sant of God. A person with such understanding should be known to have perfect faith…'

[Gadhadã I-63]

1,179

Prasang A Day

06 Dec, 05:26

Influences of Spiritual and Evil Persons

Thereafter Muktãnand Swãmi asked another question: 'Places, times and actions become either favourable or unfavourable. Is this due to the company one keeps, or to some other factor?'
Shriji Mahãrãj explained, 'All places are a part of the earth, and so they are the same everywhere. Time is also the same everywhere. However, wherever an extremely powerful spiritual person presides, adverse places, adverse times and adverse actions all become favourable by his influence. Conversely, by associating with an extremely vile sinner, even favourable places, favourable times and favourable actions become adverse. Therefore, the person is the governing factor in determining whether places, times and actions are favourable or unfavourable.'
[Gadhadã I-59]

1,228

Prasang A Day

05 Dec, 05:01

God and His Abode - Akshardham

Thereupon Shriji Mahãrãj explained, 'When God incarnates for the purpose of granting liberation to the jivas, He is always accompanied by His Akshardhãm, His attendants - who are formed of chaitanya - and all of His divine powers; but they are not perceived by others… Therefore, a devotee of God should realise that the form of God along with His Akshardhãm is present on this earth, and he should also explain this fact to others.'

[Gadhadã I-71]

1,389

Prasang A Day

04 Dec, 05:38

Power of Faith

Thereupon Shriji Mahãrãj said, 'If a devotee of God has faith in God coupled with the knowledge of His greatness and also thoroughly realises the greatness of the sãdhus and satsangis, then even if that devotee's karmas as well as kãl happen to be unfavourable, both kãl and karma combined are incapable of harming him due to the extreme force of his bhakti. On the other hand, a person lacking faith in God and His Sant does not benefit in any way, even if God wishes to do good for that person.'

[Gadhadã I-72]

1,561

Prasang A Day

03 Dec, 05:04

Understanding Scriptures

'Besides, the words of the scriptures cannot be understood in their true context by anyone except an ekãntik bhakta…'

[Gadhadã I-66]

1,513

Prasang A Day

02 Dec, 05:01

Missing Element for Developing Affection for God

Then Motã Yogãnand Swãmi asked, 'Despite having perfect faith in God, why does a person still not develop affection for God and discourses related to God?'
Shriji Mahãrãj explained, 'It is because he has not yet realised the greatness of God as it is. If a person does thoroughly realise the greatness of God, then he does not develop affection for anything besides God, even if he tries. In addition, he develops unflinching affection only for God, His Sant, and the discourses and devotional songs related to God.'

[Gadhadã I-78]

1,668

Prasang A Day

01 Dec, 05:12

Attributes of One who has Conquered His Mind

Thereupon Muktãnand Swãmi asked a question: 'The verse 'Jitam jagat kena, mano hi yena |' explains that a person who has conquered his mind can be said to have conquered the whole world. But how can one know whether the mind has been conquered?'
Shriji Mahãrãj replied, 'When the indriyas withdraw from the panchvishays, i.e., sights, sounds, smells, tastes and touch, and no desire to indulge in those vishays remains, then all of the indriyas are said to be conquered. Moreover, when the indriyas do not come into contact with the vishays, the mind also does not come into contact with the indriyas, and its vrutti remains within the heart. In this way, one who has shunned the panchvishays with absolute resolution should be known as having conquered one's mind…'

[Sãrangpur -1]

1,799

Prasang A Day

30 Nov, 05:06

Means to Acquiring Virtues of Satpurush

'… A person imbibes the virtues of such a Purush, who has no affection for anything except God, by believing, 'This Purush is extremely great. Despite thousands of people standing before him with folded hands, he does not have the slightest desire for the pleasures of the world. As for me, I am extremely insignificant, and I am solely attached to worldly pleasures. I do not understand anything at all about God. Shame on me.' In this way, he feels remorse and imbibes the virtues of the great Purush. He also feels remorse after realising his own flaws. While repenting in this way, vairãgya arises in his heart, and thereafter, he acquires virtues similar to those of that Satpurush…'

[Gadhadã I-67]

1,711

Prasang A Day

21 Nov, 06:09

Means to Developing Pure Faith

Thereafter, Jivãbhãi of the village Jaskã asked Nityãnand Swãmi, 'How does unfaltering faith in God develop?'
Shriji Mahãrãj said, 'Allow Me to answer that question.' Continuing, He said, 'One should cultivate faith in God for the sole purpose of the liberation of one's jiva, but not out of a desire for some material object. For example, 'If I practise satsang, my ill body will recover,' or 'As I am childless, may I get a son,' or 'As my sons are dying, may they stay alive,' or 'Since I am poor, may I become rich,' or 'If I do satsang, I will regain my lost assets.' One should not practise satsang harbouring desires for such material gains. If one does practise satsang while nourishing such desires, then one may become a very staunch satsangi if those desires are fulfilled; but if one's desires are not fulfilled, one's faith will diminish. Therefore, one should practise satsang solely for the liberation of one's jiva; one should not harbour any desire whatsoever for any material objects…
'…Therefore, other than the desire for the liberation of one's own jiva, one should practise satsang having no desires whatsoever. Only then will unfaltering faith develop.'

[Gadhadã I-70]

700

Prasang A Day

20 Nov, 09:26

To Attain Greatness in Satsang

Thereupon Shriji Mahãrãj said, “In this Satsang fellowship, a person who is wise increasingly finds flaws within himself and perceives virtues in God and His devotees. Moreover, when God and His Sant utter harsh words of advice for his own benefit, he accepts them as beneficial and is not hurt by them. Such a person steadily attains greatness in Satsang.
“Conversely, as a person who lacks wisdom practises satsang and listens to discourses in Satsang, he continually perceives virtues within himself. Moreover, when God and His Sant highlight his flaws and advise him, he misinterprets such advice due to his arrogance. On the contrary, he perceives flaws in God and His Sant. Such a person steadily declines and loses his reputation in Satsang. Therefore, if a person renounces the vanity of his own virtues, becomes brave, and keeps faith in God and His Sant, then his ignorance is eradicated and he attains greatness in Satsang.”

[Gadhadã I-6.2,3]

982

Prasang A Day

19 Nov, 05:00

Two Unforgivable Sins

Thereupon Somlã Khãchar asked, 'God forgives all of the mistakes of His devotees, but which one mistake does God not forgive?'
Shriji Mahãrãj replied, 'God forgives all other mistakes, but He does not forgive the mistake of spiting a devotee of God. Therefore, one should never harm a devotee of God in any way whatsoever. Furthermore, of all mistakes made against God, to denounce the form of God is a very grave mistake. One should never make this mistake. One who does do so commits a sin more serious than the five grave sins…'

[Gadhadã I-71]

1,162

Prasang A Day

18 Nov, 06:05

A Devotee with Worldy Desires

'Thus, even if a devotee of God harbours worldly desires, if nothing else, he will become a demigod. Then, having become a demigod, he will become a human again. As a human, after offering bhakti to God and becoming free of worldly desires, he will ultimately attain the abode of God. But he will not have to suffer from the miseries of narak or the cycle of births and deaths in the manner of non-believers. Bearing this in mind, a devotee of God should not become discouraged on seeing the force of worldly desires. Rather, he should joyfully continue to worship God, persevere in his attempts to eradicate his desires, and maintain absolute faith in the words of God and the Sant of God.'

[Sãrangpur -4]

1,284

Prasang A Day

17 Nov, 05:07

Unparalleled Love Towards God

Thereupon Muktãnand Swãmi asked, 'Mahãrãj, how can unparalleled love towards God be developed?'
Shriji Mahãrãj replied, 'A person should have the following understanding: Firstly, conviction of God; i.e., 'He who I have attained is undoubtedly God Himself'. He should also have the attributes of an ãstik. Furthermore, he should realise the divine powers of God; i.e., 'This God is the master of Brahmamahol, Golok, Shwetdwip and all of the other abodes. He is the master of countless millions of brahmãnds and is the all-doer.' He should never believe Purush, kãl, karma, mãyã, the three gunas, the 24 elements, or Brahmã and the other demigods to be the creators of this brahmãnd; instead, he should realise only Purushottam Bhagwãn to be the creator and the antaryãmi of all. Such an understanding, along with faith in the manifest form of God, is the only way to develop unparalleled love for God.'

[Gadhadã I-59]

1,300

Prasang A Day

16 Nov, 05:00

A Staunch Devotee

'What are the characteristics of such a staunch devotee? Well, just as he has an instinctive dislike for objects that cause misery, similarly he has an instinctive dislike for the alluring vishays, i.e., sights, sounds, smells, tastes and touch. Moreover, he has firm faith in God alone. Such a person should be known as a staunch devotee.
'The only means of becoming such a staunch devotee is by behaving as a servant of the servants of God, and by realising, 'All of these devotees are great; I am inferior compared to them all.' Realising this, he behaves as a servant of a servant of the devotees of God. All of the evil natures of a person who behaves in this manner are destroyed, and day by day, noble virtues such as gnãn, vairãgya, bhakti, etc., continue to flourish within him.'

[Gadhadã I-58]

1,432

Prasang A Day

15 Nov, 05:14

Attain the abode of God

Vishnu-yãgs; annually celebrate Janmãshtami, Ekãdashi and other observances; and gather brahmachãris, sãdhus and satsangis on these occasions. After all, even if a sinner remembers these occasions at the time of his death, he will also attain the abode of God.”

[Gadhadã I-3.2]

1,554

Prasang A Day

14 Nov, 05:37

Means to Please the Holy Sadhu

Ãnandãnand Swãmi asked further, 'How can a person please such a great Purush?'
Shriji Mahãrãj explained, 'First of all, he must be honest with that great Sant. He must also forsake lust, anger, avarice, infatuation, matsar, egotism, jealousy, arrogance, and all desires and cravings. Moreover, he should behave as a servant of the Sant and maintain a constant effort to eradicate egotism from his heart. While doing so internally, he should physically continue to bow to everyone as well. As a result, the great Sant will become pleased with him.'

[Gadhadã I-58]

1,728

Prasang A Day

13 Nov, 05:04

Fruits of Divine Favour

Ãnandãnand Swãmi then asked, 'How can such unfavourable sanskãrs of the past be eradicated?'
Shriji Mahãrãj answered, 'If the extremely great Purush becomes pleased upon a person, then regardless of how unfavourable the person's sanskãrs may be, they are all destroyed. Moreover, if the great Purush is pleased, a beggar can become a king; regardless of how unfavourable a person's prãrabdha may be, it becomes favourable; and regardless of how disastrous a misfortune he is to face, it is avoided.'

[Gadhadã I-58]

1,704

Prasang A Day

12 Nov, 05:21

Power of Jiva

'… After all, the jiva is extremely powerful. The mind and indriyas are all merely the kshetra, whereas the jiva is their kshetragna; it can achieve whatever it attempts.'

[Gadhadã I-57]

1,853

Prasang A Day

10 Nov, 05:01

Two Means to Liberation

Thereupon Muktãnand Swãmi asked, 'Mahãrãj, what is the most extraordinary means of attaining liberation?'
Shriji Mahãrãj replied, 'The knowledge of God's form and the knowledge of God's greatness are the two extraordinary means to attain liberation.'

[Gadhadã I-57]

1,905

Prasang A Day

09 Nov, 07:52

Significance of Upasana

'Contemplating on God's greatness in this manner is the only method for understanding the distinction between ãtmã and non-ãtmã. In addition, the extent of that devotee's faith in God, coupled with the knowledge of God's greatness, also determines the amount of vairãgya that develops in that devotee's heart. Therefore, forsaking one's dependence on the strength of other spiritual endeavours, one should rely exclusively on the strength of God's upãsanã.'

[Gadhadã I-56]

1,820

Prasang A Day

08 Nov, 05:00

Glory of Upasana

Shriji Mahãrãj replied, 'Many people become realised yogis, many become omniscient, many become demigods, and thus attain countless types of greatness, including the highest state of enlightenment. All this is achieved through the force of the upãsanã of God. Without upãsanã, though, nothing can be accomplished. Therefore, the distinction between ãtmã and non-ãtmã cannot be realised by merely understanding the distinction as given in the scriptures; nor can it be realised by listening to discourses from a senior sãdhu and deciding in one's mind, 'I shall now distinguish between ãtmã and non-ãtmã.' Rather, it is the extent of a person's faith in his Ishtadev - God - that determines how much distinction between ãtmã and non-ãtmã he cultivates. In fact, without using the strength of his Ishtadev, no spiritual endeavours can be fulfilled.

[Gadhadã I-56]

1,868

Prasang A Day

07 Nov, 05:12

Pleasing God

'…Therefore, devotees of God should not harbour any form of vanity whatsoever. That is the only means to please God…'

[Gadhadã I-56]

1,283

Prasang A Day

06 Nov, 05:00

Overcoming Vanity

Muktãnand Swãmi then asked, 'Mahãrãj, by what method can a person overcome the vanity which arises due to gnãn, vairãgya, bhakti, and other noble virtues?'
Shriji Mahãrãj replied, 'If, while realising the greatness of God's devotees, he physically bows down to them, serves them menially, recognises thoughts of vanity when they arise in his heart and maintains the force of thought, then vanity is eradicated.'

[Gadhadã I-56]

1,469

Prasang A Day

05 Nov, 13:02

Arrogance - a Paralysing Flaw

'Another major flaw is when a person who has no worldly desires at all and has intense vairãgya behaves arrogantly on account of that vairãgya. He may have the intense force of knowledge of the ãtmã or have the force of resolute bhakti towards God, but if, out of arrogance, he is unable to bow before meek devotees or is unable to address them humbly, then that is also a serious flaw in him. As a result of that flaw, his inclination does not flourish…'

[Gadhadã I-56]

1,457

Prasang A Day

05 Nov, 13:01

Flushing New York, USA

1,414

Prasang A Day

04 Nov, 05:00

Reasons for a Wavering Resolve

Thereupon Muktãnand Swãmi asked, 'Why is a person unable to maintain a steady resolve in worship, remembrance, and religious vows?'
Shriji Mahãrãj explained, 'A person's resolve does not remain steady due to the influence of adverse places, times, actions and company. There are, in fact, three levels of this resolve: the highest, the intermediate and the lowest. If places, times, actions and company are extremely adverse, then even the highest resolve is dissolved. What, then, can be said of the intermediate and lowest levels of resolve?'

[Gadhadã I-55]

1,663

Prasang A Day

03 Nov, 06:44

Attributes for Remaining Firm in Satsang

Thereafter Shuk Muni asked, 'By what characteristic can one recognise a person who would never lapse in his observance of dharma, even under the most difficult circumstances?'
Shriji Mahãrãj replied, 'A person whose nature is such that he is diligent in obeying the injunctions of God, and who would never disobey any injunction, however minor or major, will never regress from observing dharma, irrespective of the circumstances. Therefore, only his dharma remains firm who is resolute in obeying God's injunctions, and only his satsang remains firm.'

[Gadhadã I-54]

1,658

Prasang A Day

02 Nov, 04:48

Doorway to Moksha

Thereupon Muktãnand Swãmi asked, 'Mahãrãj, through the dialogue between King Janak and the nine Yogeshwars, the 11th canto of the Shrimad Bhãgwat describes the nature of bhãgwat dharma. How is that bhãgwat dharma upheld? Also, how can the gateway to liberation be opened?'
Shriji Mahãrãj replied, 'Bhãgwat dharma is upheld by maintaining profound love towards the Ekãntik Sant of God, who possesses the attributes of swadharma, gnãn, vairãgya, and bhakti coupled with knowledge of God's greatness. Maintaining profound love towards such a Sant also opens the gateway to liberation…'

[Gadhadã I-54]

1,826

Prasang A Day

01 Nov, 04:02

Progress and Downfall in Satsang

Thereupon Muktãnand Swãmi asked, 'There are those in the Satsang fellowship who progress day by day. There are also those who, despite being in Satsang, seem to regress day by day. What is the reason for this?'
Shriji Mahãrãj explained, 'A person who perceives flaws in a great sãdhu gradually regresses in Satsang. Conversely, a person who perceives virtues in that sãdhu progresses, and his bhakti towards God also flourishes. Therefore, one should not perceive flaws in a sãdhu; instead, one should only perceive his virtues.

[Gadhadã I-53]

1,810

Prasang A Day

31 Oct, 04:00

A Sharp Intellect

Thereupon Shriji Mahãrãj asked the munis, 'One who possesses a sharp intellect attains Brahma. Can the intellect of one who is proficient in managing worldly affairs be called sharp, or not? Also, can the intellect of one who is very proficient in interpreting the Shãstras and the Purãns be called sharp, or not?'
The munis attempted to answer the question but were unable to do so satisfactorily.
Then Shriji Mahãrãj explained, 'Some people may be extremely adept in worldly affairs, yet they do nothing at all to safeguard their own liberation. Others may know the precise meanings of the various Shãstras, Purãns and Itihãs scriptures, yet they too do nothing to safeguard their liberation. Therefore, they cannot be said to possess a sharp intellect; rather, they possess a blunt intellect. Conversely, a person who safeguards his liberation, even though he may possess only a limited intellect, should be considered to have a sharp intellect…'

[Gadhadã I-50]

1,890

Prasang A Day

30 Oct, 04:02

Focusing on God

Brahmãnand Swãmi then asked further, 'By what means can one keep one's vrutti on God?'
Shriji Mahãrãj explained, 'The means to achieve that is 'antardrashti'. 'Antardrashti' is to constantly look towards the form of the manifest God that one has attained…'

[Gadhadã I-49]

1,281

Prasang A Day

29 Oct, 04:05

God has Form

'…Purushottam Bhagwãn always possesses a form; He is not formless. Those who do believe Him to be formless just do not understand.'

[Gadhadã I-45]

1,412

Prasang A Day

28 Oct, 04:06

False Understanding

'Therefore, as long as a person believes the body to be his true self, his entire understanding is totally useless…'

[Gadhadã I-44]

1,517

Prasang A Day

27 Oct, 07:11

Means to Intense Love for God

Brahmãnand Swãmi then asked, 'By what means can one develop such intense love for God?'
Shriji Mahãrãj replied, 'Only by keeping profound association with the Satpurush can one develop intense love for God.'

[Gadhadã I-44]

1,663

Prasang A Day

26 Oct, 04:00

Total Affection for God

Addressing the assembly, Shriji Mahãrãj asked, 'What is the characteristic of having affection towards God?'
Thereupon Brahmãnand Swãmi attempted to describe the characteristic of affection but was unable to do so satisfactorily.
Hearing his reply, Shriji Mahãrãj commented, 'You have not even come close to describing affection. You say it is remaining detached from the body and the brahmãnd, but that is not the characteristic of affection; rather, it is the characteristic of vairãgya. In actual fact, affection is constantly remembering God's form. That is called affection.
'A devotee with such total affection for God never has any thoughts other than those related to God. The extent to which he harbours desires other than those of God is the extent to which he lacks in his affection…'

[Gadhadã I-44]

1,664

Prasang A Day

25 Oct, 04:23

Mental Detachment

'Furthermore, a householder should engage in worldly activities physically, but mentally - just like the renunciant - he should also remain free of worldly desires and contemplate on God. Also, he should engage in social activities according to the command of God…'

[Gadhadã I-38]

1,685

Prasang A Day

24 Oct, 04:13

Divinizing One's Mind

'In reality, the mind is saturated with desires for the world. But, in the manner in which sesame seeds are imbued with scent by padding them between alternating layers of flowers, the mind should be similarly saturated with flowers in the form of the constant remembrance of God's divine actions and incidents - coupled with an understanding of His greatness. The mind should constantly be entangled in a web in the form of these divine actions and incidents of God, and thoughts relating to God should be constantly conceived in the mind. As one thought subsides, another thought should be conceived. As the second subsides, a third should be conceived. In this manner, the mind should not be left idle...'

[Gadhadã I-38]

1,708