| Satsangi-Jivan
is one of the principal scriptures of our Fellowship. It is written in
Sanskrit. Its author is Shatanand Muni. Once at Gadhapur, after composing
some verses in praise of Maharaj, when he read out to Maharaj, the Lord
became very happy and asked him to ask for a boon. Shatanand replied,
"'Maharaj, I don't wish to have anything. If You are really pleased with
my work, please grant me permission to compose a work depicting Your divine
exploits on this earth. This will bestow great bliss and I shall feel
redeemed." Lord Swaminarayan bestowed upon him His choicest favors and
commanded him to write a book on His life. Thus this great book was begun
on the 6th day of the bright half of Magshar. V. S 1885, at Gachapur.
While the work was in progress, Shatanand Muni continued to stay at Gadhapur-
Everyday he took his work to the leading saints and Shriji Maharaj and
sought their consent. Thus this work became an authentic scripture of
our Fellowship. There are five chapters depicting the divine exploits
of our Lord, Shree Sahajanand Swami, in this book. This book contains
the constitution and brief history of our Uddhav Sampraday. Besides this,
it contains code of conduct for Acharyas and their wives, demarcation
of the two regions known as Deshas Shatanand Muni has also composed valuable
works like Dharmamrit and Nishkamshuddhi, which are very much useful to
Brahmacharis, Sadhus and Parshads. He has elaborated the methods of performing
vows like Ekadashi and Chandrayana, etc.. We also find details about the
mode of worshipping God and expiation of sins. Shatanand Muni has beautifully
explained Dharma, Gnana, Vairagya and Bhakti. He has elaborated the philosophy
of Vishishta-advaita. Thus Satsangi-Jivan remains a priceless and matchless
book of our Fellowship. His Divine Holiness Shashtriji Maharaj had given
many discourses on this book. He always highlighted the tales of Kushalkunvarba
of Dharampur and Bhalchandra Sheth of Surat to emphasize the importance
and significance of the path of devotion. His own devotional fervor used
to cast a divine spell on the assembly. |
Satsangi
Jivan 
