• 22 July 2001 (VS 2057, Shravan Sud 2) Sunday, Bochasan
  This morning 108 students of Akshar Purushottam Chhatralay, Vidyanagar, had come to receive the blessings of Swamishri. They had performed penance of dharna-parna or consuming liquid alone for 15 days. Swamishri blessed the youths and showered his pleasure on them. He said, "By the blessings of Yogiji Maharaj the youths of the Chhatralay along with their academic studies are also learning the lessons of disciplining the mind and senses. Through penance one is able to control one's nature of inordinate eating, seeing and speaking. The sadhus take care of you regarding your studies and abstinence from bad company...
  At present, your studies should be the priority. Strive to attain first rank in your class. Abide by the rules and regulations of the Chhatralay and you will progress. Do not roam outside. Fix the single goal of studying well with hard work. Do not copy or employ wrong means ..."
• 25 July 2001 ( VS 2057, Shravan Sud 5) Wednesday, Mahelav, Valasan, Vidyanagar
  Swamishri arrived in Vidyanagar in the evening and visited the home of Prabhudasbhai Lalaji Patel - a 93 year old devotee from the time of Shastriji Maharaj. Though he was unconscious, Swamishri, placing his hand on his head, said, "Jai Swaminarayan Prabhudasbhai . Now remember Maharaj, Shastriji Maharaj and Yogiji Maharaj. You have been blessed by them with happiness. You have done a lot of seva and pleased Shastriji Maharaj.' Swamishri then garlanded him, placed a teaspoonful of holy water in his mouth and prayed for his moksha. Swamishri then performed the arti and said, "Maharaj, Shastriji Maharaj, Yogiji Maharaj, Nirgun Swami and all the muktas will come and take you (to Akshardham)." (Four days later on 29 July Prabhudasbhai Patel passed away.)
  
• 27 July 2001 (V.S. 2057, Shravan Sud 8) Friday, Vidyanagar, Valsan, Vidyanagar.
  At 10.15 a.m., Swamishri visited the BAPS 'Swaminarayan Vidyapith' - an English medium residential school for girls. Swamishri sanctified the prayer hall of the hostel and performed pujan and arti of the murtis installed there. He also inaugurated the dining hall and visited the computer center, kitchen and school grounds. The girls were sitting afar according to the Swaminarayan disciplines.

God is Highest

• 17 August 2001 (VS. 2057, Ashadh Vad 11) Tuesday, Bochasan
  
  A young boy, Vikesh, pointing at the murti of Shriji Maharaj, said to Swamishri, "That is your reflection."
  
  Swamishri corrected him, "God is not our reflection but (pointing towards himself) we are His reflection. Because of Him we are great and glorious. Our powers have been given by Him. Everything is His. Remember, God is the highest and we should never forget Him."
  
  Swamishri lucidly emphasized the supremity of Shriji Maharaj.

Study Well and Offer Devotion.

• 23 July 2001 (VS. 2057, Ashadh Sud 3) Monday, Bochsan
  
  Hiren, a young boy, was singing the bhajan,

  "Tari Murti re chhe jo nenu no shangar.
  Mohan tari Murti joine bhuli chhu tanbhan..."
  
  before Thakorji in the mandir. Swamishri was engaged in Thakorji's darshan. On hearing the latter verse he came to Hiren and placing his hand on his head said, "tanbhan (means to forget one's body) means to forget TV and study well and offer bhakti.

  A few days earlier, Swamishri had advised Hiren regarding a complain about him watching too much TV and not studying at all. Swamishri once again blessed him for his singing and reminded him of his priorities: to forget TV, study well and offer bhakti.

Remembering the Sadhus of Shastriji Maharaj

• 23 July 2001 (VS. 2057, Shravan Sud 3) Monday, Bochasan
  
  In the evening, Swamishri departed from Bochasan mandir to go to Mahelav. On the way Swamishri looked towards the mandir farm, folded his hands and said, "Jai Maharaj! Akshar Swami, Ghanshyam Swami, Bhaktivallabh ... Jai Swaminarayan."

  Swamishri respectfully remembered the deceased sadhus (cremated in the farm) initiated by Shastriji Maharaj.

  As a leader, Swamishri never fails to appreciate and remember those who have served and sacrificed their lives for God and society.