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A few moments
spent with His Divine Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj has left
an unfading, priceless impression in the hearts of thousands.
An ineffable sensation was experienced, bathing them in the
waters of sheer joy and bliss.
What is it in Pramukh Swami Maharaj that evokes such a blissful
feeling?
Some experienced, senior and leading sadhus of the BAPS who
have lived more than 25 years with Pramukh Swami Maharaj answer
the above question and many others in their own words.
This special interview was conducted on the auspicious occasion
of Swamishri's 70th Birthday in November 1990 at Sarangpur.
The interviews, originally in Gujarati, have been translated
into English.
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The
Whole World Knows
Pujya Sant Swami
Q. Let us suppose Shastriji Maharaj was physically present
here today. Can you describe how he would express his pleasure on
seeing the astounding work done by Pramukh Swami?
A. If Shastriji Maharaj and Nirgun Swami were here now they
would be wholeheartedly showering their blessings on Pramukh Swami.
Such is the monumental work that has been accomplished by him. Swami
Shastriji Maharaj was always very pleased with Pramukh Swami. Even
now it is not that Shastriji Maharaj is no longer present! By his
divine powers he is seeing everything. He is watching us also. By
seeing all this he is so pleased that he is probably saying, "Oh
how wonderfully Pramukh Swami has glorified my mission!" And
if Nirgun Swami were alive today he would be happy, probably ecstatic.
Though we cannot see Shastriji Maharaj here today, he is always spiritually
with us. Even Gunatitanand Swami and Shriji Maharaj are witnessing
this whole Satsang. They are all very pleased. This we cannot see,
because their presence is divine. Shastriji Maharaj had graced him
(Pramukh Swami Maharaj) and given him the responsibility of the organization.
Forty years ago when Shastriji Maharaj was giving the responsibility,
offering the shawl (symbolic of the 'handing over' of the Presidentship
of the organization), Maganbhai, Chaganbhai and others said, "Pramukh
Swami is too young. How will he be able to bear this great responsibility?
Will he be able to take care of the organization? The organization
will surely deteriorate and crumble. Therefore do not give it to him."
But Shastriji Maharaj replied, "I know of his capabilities and
his loftiness which you are not aware of!" So saying he gave
the responsibility of the organization to him.
Today, so many years have passed and by Shastriji Maharaj's grace
and the presence of Shriji Maharaj in him, Pramukh Swami Maharaj has
worked harmoniously with all the devotees and youths. No one feels
at all hurt. Everybody is satisfied with Swami's work and everyone
feels they have been taken care of. In the time of Yogiji Maharaj,
Swami contributed tremendously for the progress of the organization.
Shastriji Maharaj had told Pramukh Swami to do as Yogiji Maharaj wished.
And he told Yogiji Maharaj to bless Pramukh Swami with the saintly
virtues he had.
At the time of the shawl-giving ceremony Shastriji Maharaj told Pramukh
Swami, "Yogiji Maharaj is the spiritual leader, he will initiate
new sadhus into the order. But when Yogiji Maharaj is not present
(after he leaves his mortal body) you will have to take the responsibility
of initiating sadhus, the work of the organisation, and the position
of guru." So saying Shastriji Maharaj gave Pramukh Swami's hand
to Yogiji Maharaj - thus giving him the responsibility of looking
after Pramukh Swami.
It has been 20 years since Yogiji Maharaj left his physical body.
The whole world knows and can see the work Pramukh Swami has done!
Shastriji Maharaj used to say if such momentum is kept up for ten
years after me, the growth of this Satsang will be doubled. But Pramukh
Swami, instead of doubling it, has brought about ten times more progress
and done ten times more work. Still Maharaj and Swami wish that the
Akshar Purushottam Sanstha will become worldwide through the efforts
of Pramukh Swami. In every country Akshar Purushottam mandirs will
be inspired by him and inaugurated at his hands. This it seems is
the wish of Swami and Maharaj. Such energy and strength Maharaj and
Swami have given him and will continue to do so.
Selfless Love
is Not Found Easily
Pujya
Balmukund Swami
Q. You have spent 35 years with Pramukh Swami. Will you narrate
an incident which has most touched your heart?
A. I have had many such incidents, but there's one I remember
very vividly. After Yogiji Maharaj's demise Pramukh Swami came to
Gondal. A parayan (series of discourses) had been arranged. A special
seat was made for Swami in the assembly hall. I was standing beside
the seat. Swamishri came and stood near the seat. Then with great
humility he asked me: "Shall I sit here?" It was a very
small question, but the humility in his words was indeed great. I
said, "Please do sit, it is for you. This seat (of guruship)
is yours and we are yours too!"
Another incident comes to mind. In 1984 I became seriously ill. I
was operated on in a Rajkot hospital. Thereafter it seemed as if I
would not live. At the very same time Swami landed in Mumbai after
his Satsang tour abroad. There, he received news about me. Immediately
he called me by plane to Mumbai for special treatment. From the airport
I was being transported directly to a hospital. Our Dadar mandir came
on that route. There on the side walk of a main road Swamishri was
sitting on a chair, waiting for me. Many devotees were with him at
the time. As the ambulance arrived he instantly got up and came to
the van. I tried to get up and come down for his darshan but Swamiji
told me he was coming there himself.
Climbing in, Bapa applied a chandlo on my forehead. He moved his hand
over my head, blessing and praying for me. He brought Thakorji, (the
murti of Harikrishna Maharaj) for darshan and said, "Now that
you have the darshan of Thakorji you will be alright. Maharaj will
save you." I was taken to hospital and everything went well.
Swamiji always kept contact with me through phone or letter when I
was in hospital and also after I returned to the mandir. When he came
back to Mumbai, he would come to see me and Sant Swami. He took great
care of me. I was touched by his loving care. It was selfless and
such selfless love one does not find easily!
Q. God is present through Pramukh Swami Maharaj. How were you
convinced on this fact?
A. When I first came into this Satsang I met Shastriji Maharaj.
I became attached to him. Once Shastriji Maharaj said, "Yogi
and I are one. I am Yogi and Yogi is I." I personally heard these
words form Shastriji Maharaj. So after Shastriji Maharaj passed away,
it was not difficult for me to get attached to Yogi Bapa. And in the
same way Yogi Bapa told me, "Do as Pramukh Swami tells you."
So through Yogiji Maharaj I learned the glory of Pramukh Swami. And
after Yogiji Maharaj passed away I've had experiences that the very
same God present in Yogiji Maharaj is present today in Pramukh Swami.
Even in the time of Yogiji Maharaj, Swami (Pramukh Swami) always remained
very quiet and unassuming. One would never see him in the limelight
and thus nobody knew how great he was. Today as we look at Swami Bapa's
every action one feels that everything he does is for the redemption
of others. When he takes his regular walks; it is to redeem. He tolerated
a heart attack and other small and big illnesses - even that was for
the redemption of others. In one of Gunatitanand Swami's discourses
it is said, "When such great persons act in an outwardly (human)
manner they enhance infinite souls to the lofty spiritual heights
of Shukji and Jadbharat." People think, "Look, Swami has
become ill," but he has not become ill. In fact his illness is
but a divine play where he makes so many 'well' - redeeming so many
people. Those who even remember his illness will be redeemed. Hence
one should not see him as an ordinary mortal but as someone divine.
Q. You are very eager to obey every order of Pramukh Swami
and also inspire others to do the same. Can you tell us why?
A. I have experienced one thing, that when we live according
to his wishes all our responsibilities become his. We become free
of worry. By doing his will we are blessed by his blissful glance.
The blissful glance I saw in Yogiji Maharaj is the same as in Pramukh
Swami. Now I only desire to spend my entire life obeying his wishes
and by following him.
Only
His Face Is Different
Pujya Mahant Swami
Q. What is it in Pramukh Swami Maharaj that makes you obey
his wishes enthusiastically and inspire others to do the same?
A. Yogiji Maharaj captured us by his profuse selfless love.
I did not have any spiritual understanding at that time, but I can
say his association always gave us spiritual joy. My attachment with
Yogiji Maharaj was out of love and not one of spiritual understanding
(gnan). Pramukh Swami was present at the time of Yogiji Maharaj but
the degree of attachment with him was not the same as I had with Yogiji
Maharaj. And when Yogiji Maharaj passed away I felt everything was
over. I was plunged in grief and confusion. I could find no tranquility
in anyone else. But gradually Pramukh Swami shouldered Bapa's place
and without realizing I became attached to him. After all, spiritually
they are both the same, only the face is different. I found the same
selfless love of Yogiji Maharaj in the life of Pramukh Swami.
Pramukh Swami is very adjustable by nature, honest and without any
pretense. I have met many distinguished people but there is always
some deception in their lives. There was not even an ounce of deception
in Yogiji Maharaj and you won't find it in Pramukh Swami either. He
is very pure and cooperative. Whatever he does, he does it in all
sincerity and naturalness - no deception or display. Besides this
he has many other virtues. My love for Pramukh Swami became the same
as the love I have for Yogiji Maharaj.
Though Pramukh Swami, unlike Yogiji Maharaj, does not play a guru-disciple
role with me yet the love he has for me is the same as Yogiji Maharaj!
With Yogiji Maharaj we played, laughed and enjoyed. But today by the
grace of Pramukh Swami I feel nothing else remains to be done except
one thing - to do whatever Pramukh Swami wishes!
No Pride In
Him
Pujya
Doctor Swami
Q. Can you describe Swamishri's
personality?
A. Swamiji is the greatest disciple of Bhagwan Swaminarayan
and Guru Shastriji Maharaj and Guru Yogiji Maharaj. He selflessly
serves all, without any distinctions of caste or status, and lives
according to the injunctions of Bhagwan Swaminarayan.
Q. You have known Swamiji for the last 25 years. Can you share
an incident that has impressed you the most.
A. During Swamiji's return from his 1977 world tour, a large
assembly was held in Atladra mandir. Many dignitaries were also present.
While Swamiji was talking, a ragged, poor devotee, you would probably
say he was half mad, came to Swamiji and stood with folded hands.
To the assembly this was a disturbance because everyone's attention
was diverted to him. But Swamiji, without a flicker of irritation
or boredom, talked with him calmly and lovingly. This impressed me
a lot because under such circumstances any speaker would have got
irritated and made him sit down. But Swamiji did nothing of the sort.
In his eyes everyone is equal.
Q. How do you believe that God is present in Pramukh Swami?
A. Swamiji is a very humble sadhu. Inspite of so many people
who believe in him and honor him he always remains humble. Muktanand
Swami in his bhajan says: "Hu tale Hari dhukada..." i.e.
One who has no pride is blessed with God's proximity. Swamiji's life
and the words of Muktanand Swami convince me that God is present in
Swamiji.
Q. Why do you love Swamiji?
A. Swamiji's life inspires me. His actions are selfless and
he is always engaged in serving others. This is a very rare virtue
found in few. The majority of people work with some selfish motive.
Swamiji's life inspires me to serve selflessly and imbibe those values
in my life.
This
is No Work of a Man!
Pujya Kothari Swami
Q. Can you describe an outstanding
aspect in Swamiji's life?
A. His uniqueness is visible in the way he works and serves.
His unflagging service to all convinces us that a mere human can't
do this. Only a God-communion sadhu can do it. In Satsang we have
seen that disciples who were attached to Yogiji Maharaj became attached
to Swamishri by virtue of his services. The way and the magnitude
of his works are an outstanding aspect of his life.
Q. You have known Swamiji for many years. Can you tell us something
more about him?
A. In 1974 I was with Swamishri during his tour abroad. Being
with him that close, I realized how pure and divine he is. And whatever
he did, I realized he was doing it for the consolidation of Satsang
in our lives. I also experienced that Swamiji is antaryami - he knows
everything that goes on in our mind and heart.
Q. From what incident were you convinced that God is present
in Pramukh Swami Maharaj?
A. Through spiritual knowledge or understanding (gnan) I believe
that God is present in Swamiji. Yogiji Maharaj declared that Pramukh
Swami means everything to me and through him 700 youths will be initiated
into the sadhu-fold. I have faith in Yogiji Maharaj's words and after
several years of witnessing Swamiji's work I am convinced that he
is not an ordinary sadhu but a God-communion sadhu - one who will
redeem us from our baser instincts and from the cycle of births and
deaths.
Whatever Swamiji instructs us to do is for our redemption, to make
us brahmarup. Bhagwan Swaminarayan says in his Vachanamrut that atmabuddhi
(deep spiritual attachment) with a God-communion sadhu is the means
to see God. By obeying his commands one becomes atmarup. The more
we live according to Swami's wishes the more we will be blessed by
him.
My Ideal for
Service (Seva)
Pujya
Tyagvallabh Swami
Q.
You've been in contact with Pramukh Swami Maharaj for the last 25
years. Can you share an incident from his life which has touched you
very much?
A. Several years back I was appointed at Atladra mandir. Swamishri
was to come there one evening. Before coming to the mandir he was
first to dine at a devotee's house in Vadodara.
As you know, Vadodara is a big city. Many devotees and well-wishers
of Swamishri reside there. And when Swamishri comes to Vadodara, naturally,
everybody wishes that he sanctifies their homes (padhramani) or inaugurates
their new shops or even performs the foundation laying ceremony of
their new house or building. Such was the situation at that time.
A few padhramanis had been arranged for Swamishri after he finished
his evening meal. And then he would come to Atladra mandir.
Swamishri arrived at the devotee's house at around 8.30 p.m. He had
toured many villages that day and looked extremely exhausted. Seeing
Swamishri in that condition I felt it would be wrong to burden him
with the strain of doing the extra padhramanis. I became puzzled because
I had already committed and given my word to the devotees that Swamiji
would visit their home. Though the devotees had made all the preparations
for Swamishri's welcome, I didn't have the courage to inform Swamiji
about the padhramanis.
All of a sudden, after having dinner and whilst leaving the house,
Swamishri turned back to me and lovingly asked: "Are there any
padhramanis or are we supposed to go directly to Atladra?"
The loving manner in which he asked aroused enough strength in me
to reply. I said: "Swamibapa, there are a few padhramanis on
the way..."
I was touched by Swamiji's immediate readiness and ease. He casually
replied, "Fine. Then let's go..." Though Swamishri had been
through a hectic and tiring day and his years were showing on him,
his enthusiasm was ever alive and fresh like a youth.
I knew it was unjust to take Swamishri for the padhramanis. It hurt
me very much, but that stinging pain and frustration vanished with
the mere asking by Swamishri.
Truly, the loving facial expressions and gestures and the readiness
Swamishri showed at that moment have all been deeply etched in my
heart. An incident I'll never be able to forget!
Q. What contribution has Swamishri made in molding your life?
A. Whatever I am is entirely his contribution. An incident
I particularly remember was when I was with Yogiji Maharaj in London
in 1970. Yogi Bapa was staying at Arvindbhai's house in Dollis Hill.
We had a small following then, so whenever Yogiji Maharaj would sit
to dine he invariably insisted that a few devotees and guests sit
with him.
Once, dinner was arranged at another devotee's house. During the tour,
I was given the responsibility of cooking Bapa's food and serving
the devotees and guests. In order to get ample cooking time I reached
the house early that morning. But it so happened that Yogiji Maharaj,
after completing a few padhramanis arrived at the place earlier than
expected. Pramukh Swami was also with him at the time. I was busy
in the kitchen. There were still a few things to be prepared and the
sitting arrangements, the plates, bowls, spoons, etc. were yet to
be cleaned and laid out. I was a little worried.
Pramukh Swami came into the kitchen. He immediately saw the plight
I was in. Without any hesitation or delay, he immediately made the
sitting arrangements and then started to clean the dishes and bowls
himself. I tried to stop him but he continued washing and said with
a happy smile: "Don't worry. You finish the cooking, I'll place
the dishes in no time!" Swami did the service with joy and humility
as if he were an ordinary servant!
The incident inspired me immensely. I felt that service should be
done the way he does it - without any ego! Even if it be the smallest
of all services (seva) that incident taught me to do it - in all humbleness,
readiness, joy and enthusiasm.
I always hold Pramukh Swami as my ideal for service (seva).
(Published:
November 1990)
