Bhagwan Goes To Other Universes

• 6 June 2008, Friday, Sarangpur
  Viratswarup Swami asked Swamishri, “The sadhaks were discussing that when Swamishri sleeps he goes to another universe. What does he do there?” Swamishri replied, “I do not go. It is Bhagwan who goes and he does the work.” Then Swamishri clarified further, “Because (all) have love and attachment they see the form of the Sadhu, but in reality he is Maharaj. It is Maharaj who goes (to other universes). Bhagwan is the all-doer. And he resides in the Sadhu and that same Bhagwan goes to London, America and everywhere. So it is Maharaj who goes and he is the all-doer.”

        
        Caring For an Ailing Devotee

• 6 June 2008, Friday, Sarangpur
  In a telephone conversation with Kothari Satsangijivan Swami of Ahmedabad, Swamishri said, “Ravjibhai* is ill. Did you go to meet him and see how he is keeping?” “Yes. Uptil now I have gone two to three times.” “That’s fine. But ask him whether he requires anyone to look after him. If he does, then make the arrangements.” Satsangijivan Swami replied, “I have asked him but he said there was no need. He is a lot better now. He said that since the day Bapa rang me up and conveyed his blessings I’m getting better. Otherwise I was unable to walk.” Swamishri added, “Still ask him daily. And how does he manage his meals?” Satsangijivan Swami said, “We daily send a lunch box from the mandir.” Swamishri advised, “That’s fine but tell the bhandari (sadhu who manages the kitchen) to prepare food that he likes and is suitable for him.” Satsangijivan Swami explained, “Ravjibhai has never complained about his food.” Swamishri clarified, “He may not do so, but it is our duty to ask him what he prefers.” Swamishri cares for a dedicated devotee and for all in such detail.

         Sound Advice

• 10 June 2008, Sarangpur
  A devotee informed Swamishri about his annual earnings and then asked, “It all belongs to you. Tell me what amount I should take to spend?”
  Swamishri replied, “You keep as much as you need. Do not live with the mental burden of having to give donations. You have a family to take care of and social responsibilities to attend to. Furthermore, unanticipated circumstances or expenses may crop up. So donate after bearing all that in mind.”
  A devotee’s dedication for Swamishri and Swamishri’s care for his mundane responsibilities is reflected through his sound advice.

         Resolving a Tricky Situation

• 11 June 2008, Sarangpur
  A devotee told Swamishri how his wife, out of sympathy, had loaned Rs 25,000 to their neighbour. After eight years the neighbour had still not returned even a single paisa. The devotee added, “Now the question is that my wife remains miserable all day. I have tried explaining to her that even if we do not get the money there is no need for her to remain unhappy and worried. But she simply cannot reconcile or accept it. I am unhappy on both counts.”
  Swamishri counseled, “You have my blessings, but you should, with the financial state of your neighbour in view, keep asking for your money. This will at least satisfy your wife (by kindling a hope of getting it).”

        Swamishri's Solace

• 12 June 2008, Sarangpur
  A youth in dishevelled clothes told Swamishri, “I cannot forget a mistake I made many years ago.” Swamishri blessed him and gave him solace, “Now that you have confessed it before God and his Sadhu you should forget it and live your life normally.” Swamishri comforted the youth and unburdened him from years of guilt and a heavy conscience.

       Diwali Means Divine Joy

• 14 June 2008, Sarangpur
  Today was ekadashi. During his round of darshan of different holy spots Swamishri arrived at the spot in the mandir pradakshina where Shastriji Maharaj used to sit. Here, sadhaks from abroad sang, “Rãj mãre din din Diwãli re…” with reference to today’s ekadashi. Swamishri enquired, “What does one have to do on Diwali?”
  A sadhu replied, “Fast.”
  Swamishri explained, “Diwali means to celebrate with joy. Everyone is joyful on Diwali. We should believe every day is Diwali because we are in a great holy place like Sarangpur – which is like Akshardham.
  Someone added, “There is also joy because of your association.”
  Swamishri replied, “We have the association of Shastriji Maharaj and Yogiji Maharaj. They created this place. Be joyful on seeing this neem tree. Swami used to sit here and perform many lilas. One should remember all those incidents and derive joy. This is Diwali.”
  Swamishri interpreted Diwali as remembering the divine lila of Satpurush.

        Appreciating Bhakti to God

• 15 June 2008, Sarangpur
  Swamishri called Dhrupal Patel, a satsangi teenager who resides in USA. He offers daily devotion and serves a small murti of Harikrishna Maharaj that he keeps in his home mandir. He had brought the murti with him from America. When Dhrupal came to Swamishri with the murti, Swamishri folded his palms and did darshan. Then he placed a rose at the feet of the murti and also placed a rose on Dhrupal’s head as a symbol of respect and appreciation for his devotion to God.