Faith in god and guru

• 3 November 2009, Bochasan
  Prior to his afternoon rest Swamishri takes his routine rounds in his room. Yogicharan Swami, who takes care of Swamishri’s health needs, explained the meaning of ‘sure-footed’. He said, “Whatever some people do in life they do it properly. They never retreat or flinch from an act because they make decisions after due thought and with foresight. For example, when Shastriji Maharaj appointed you as president of BAPS he said he has never regretted any decision he had made so far. Similarly, it is the same with you. Looking at your work and effort you have travelled vigorously for the benefit of all. You have visited so many villages but never ever have you stumbled in your stride. The same applies to the decisions you make.”
   “It is all due to Yogi Bapa’s wish,” Swamishri said instantly.
   The attendant added, “Only once in L.A., your toe nail turned black when a door banged into it because of a boy’s error.”
  “Such things happen in a physical body,” Swamishri replied casually.
  “In comparison to other 90-year-olds your health is fine,” Yogicharan Swami praised.
  “Yes, it is due to God’s grace.”
  “Keep yourself well for more years to come,” Narayancharan Swami prayed.
  “That is not in my hands. Everything is in God’s hands,” Swamishri replied.Swamishri’s conversation reflects his absolute devotion, faith, and focus on Bhagwan Swaminarayan and his gurus.

         Practical approach

• 4 November 2009, Bochasan
  Dr Harendrabhai of Dakor asked Swamishri, “A female devotee of a village has given me a substantial sum of money to look after. Since it is all she has she believes that the money would come to use in her dire times. And after she dies she wants it to be donated to the Sanstha. But I explained to her to donate it now to Thakorji in the presence of Swamishri, and whenever she needed money her sons would send it to her. She agreed and I have brought the money to donate it on her behalf.” Dr Harendrabhai placed the sum before Thakorji.
  Swamishri stopped him and advised, “There is no need to give it now. Even though her sons live abroad she may not, in times of emergency, be able to get the money immediately. And furthermore is there any guarantee that she will get help from them? What will happen to her when she needs it and doesn’t have any? Take the money back, and according to her wish, donate it after she passes way.”
  Swamishri’s practical and caring approach is exemplary.

          Emphasis on listening to katha

• 7 November 2009, Bochasan
  At all BAPS students hostels in India the attendance for morning and evening arti and katha (discourse) is compulsory for all students. A few sadhus looking after the administration of the Vidyanagar hostel (APC) gave a report to Swamishri. “Those who fail to attend the assemblies have to pay a small fine. But there are still a few who do not attend because they are lazy.”
  Swamishri advised, “You must be more diligent. Those who remain asleep should be woken up by some other boys, or if need be you should go yourself. Some students do not attend because they are lazy and they do not like katha.”
  Someone explained, “Students are generally habituated to reading late at night, so it is difficult to wake up early.”
  Swamishri emphasized again, “You should not be just satisfied when they pay their fines. If they do not cultivate the habit of listening to katha they will lapse in life. You must explain to them that the purpose of the fine is not to collect money, but to make them sincere in attending the assembly. Are they not punctual at school and college! In that case they do not think it would be alright to pay a fine. You must habituate them into attending katha. Along with education it is important that they imbibe values in life.”
  A sadhu who supervises the hostel praised the students, “Many observe fasts to please you.”
  Swamishri reasserted, “That’s fine, but it is more important to attend the katha punctually. They should be nourished with the sentiment of regularly attending the discourses and arti. Then slowly they will become habituated and read and do katha wherever they go.”
  Another sadhu who oversees the students informed, “We also see to it that the students memorise the arti and ashtaks.”
  “That’s okay, but basically it is important to make them attend the katha regularly. Only then will they be able to remain steadfast and strong in other aspects of life.”
  Swamishri’s inclination for students to become habituated to listening to katha for consolidating personal spiritual faith and understanding is apparent from his dialogue.