IVY Swadhyay - August 2016

The August IVY swadhaya was a quick recap of the kinds of Bhakti that Brahmnisht Vikrambhai had given a discourse on to young mumukshus earlier. Out of the 9 kinds of Bhakti - Shravan Bhakti, Kirtan Bhakti, Mantra Jap, Paad Sevan Bhakti and Smaran Bhakti were beautifully explained during the previous IVY swadhyay.

This swadhyay highlighted the essence of the types of devotion as follows:

1)  Utmost reverence for an enlightened Guru

2)  Attentively listen to the sermons of such an Enlightened Master; deeply contemplate on his words of wisdom and absorb them in our daily lives.

3) Surrendering the egoistic mind, body and soul at his lotus feet is what is expected of a true seeker; and this devotion will elevate our faith in the Holy Trinity – Satdev, Satguru and Satshastra.

4) ‘Practice, not till you have got it right; practice, till you cannot get it wrong’. With contemplation comes practical application. We need to practice, so that knowledge turns into wisdom and comes to our rescue during difficult moments.

5)  Appreciating and applauding the qualities of the Almighty in the form of bhajans or chanting their virtues on the beads of a rosary.

Vikrambhai also shared some sections from a discourse given by Pujya Bhaishree, during the UK Dharmayatra.

“Only when we have truly surrendered ourselves with utmost faith and reverence, can we focus on the virtues of an enlightened Master, with the sole aim of imbibing his qualities.  His shelter frees us from the endless cycle of births and deaths.  The disciple feels empowered, inspired and secure in the selfless love showered by the Master, connecting him to the divinity residing within his Guru.

Regardless of his external circumstances – wealth or poverty; ugliness, good looks or social standing, the disciple is now able to remain in a state of equanimity and glad acceptance. This contentment is evident when his goes about his daily chores or while doing his agnas.

Narrating an incident from the life of Raidasji (Guru of Meerabai), Vikrambhai said that Raidas, a saint full of devotion, was extremely poor and had no amenities in his hut.

A kind saint heard about Raidas’s abject poverty and offered him the ‘Parasmani’ (precious stone), but so steeped in devotion was Raidas, that he said, that the unconditional love he received from the Lord was far bigger then any worldly riches. It is such unflinching devotion and surrender that leads a disciple out of muddy waters.

The swadhyay ended perfectly with ‘Aarti’ and ‘Mangal Divo’, another reminder to young mumukshus to rejoice in the glory and virtues of the Almighty.

Sthapna of Shree Uvasaggaharam Parshwanath Pratimaji at Brahmnisht Vinubhai's house

27th August 2016

“Ye mandir tera harta andhiyara,” sang Br Vikrambhai in his powerful voice. This song, a riveting composition of his, was perfect for the Jin Sthapna at Br Vinubhai and Br. Minalben’s home that seemed to have emerged from a spiritual oasis.

The word ‘Pratistha’ in Gujarati, means consecration of the idol of our Tirthankar Bhagwan. When this very vital ceremony, akin to invoking God to bless the home, is to be done at the home of not one, but two Brahmanishts who have already amalgamated themselves with  the lord that resides within, it becomes an event twice coveted for mumukshus of Shree Raj Saubhag Ashram.

Mother Nature, too, had decided to play the perfect host. The rains had stopped, the sea was settled, and the sun, in between playing peekaboo with the clouds, had flooded this white house with bright light. The temple made of white marble with a gold plated pinnacle, gleamed as the rays of the sun embraced it.

Dressed in white and her trademark beaming smile, Br. Minalben glowed. Her eyes radiated inner joy and peace, as she and her family personally welcomed each one of us into her spiritual abode with a loving warmth that only truly evolved souls can muster.

Rupaben and Br. Minalben welcomed P.P. Bhaishree by singing the song, “Sawara Mera Sawara”. Their enthusiasm was contagious and set the mood for P.P. Bhaishree’s discourse. In his swadhyay, P.P. Bhaishree took a hymn on the fourth Tirthankar Abhinandan Swami, which was written by the great Devchandraji Maharaj.

This hymn tracks the journey of a spiritual seeker who has tremendous faith in the Lord but is nonetheless drawn to the worldly life around him. The love in his heart for the Lord arouses a certain curiosity in him about the nature of the Lord. It is then, as he contemplates further, that he decides to free himself from all the shackles binding him, by shifting his focus from the world outside to the world within him.

As he looks within, he realises that all the worldly objects that he has identified himself with, are just the objects Lord Abhinandan Swami has detached himself from. How will he ever bridge this distance between him and his Lord, wonders the disciple.

As his journey forges ahead, the seeker realises that his true nature is merely that of an observer. The change, if any, is taking place only in his external circumstances. His true form continues to be pure and untouched. Even as he realises this, his gaze falls upon his Lord who is resting in profound equanimity. The disciple, who can now appreciate his master’s spiritual greatness, wonders how he would ever get there.

Being a true seeker, he soon finds direction through the study and deep contemplation of the agamas, meditation, and utmost and undeterred faith in the path shown by his Sadguru. As this disciple progresses in his journey, his ability to comprehend the finer nuances of spirituality gets further refined and he increasingly finds himself filled with awe at the magnificence of his Lord. At the same time, he also feels small in comparison.

The wisdom that he has been seeking happiness from objects and relationships, which by nature are both temporary or destructible and illusory, sinks deeper within him. He now realizes that he has been experiencing the momentary happiness of this world in countless past births. But it has inevitably been followed by sadness. He realises that there isn’t a single body form that he hasn’t attained in some birth and there isn’t any pleasure that he hasn’t experienced and not regretted later.

So why o why, wonders the disciple, am I still getting deluded by this worldliness? Why am I wasting this precious human birth on chasing my desires? Why don’t I focus on finding the fragrance that lies within me? Let me now dwell in immortality and not get swayed by this mortal wreath. “My Lord, please be with me as I take up this daunting task,” he beseeches.

Under the refuge of his Lord, recites Devchandra Swami, this seeker now decides to chisel his mind and conquer his mental torments and tribulations by withdrawing from everything that hinders his spiritual evolution. He now starts replacing all his negativity with the positive qualities of his Lord. He trains his mind to be one with the Lord.

Now, his thoughts are filled only with the glory of his Lord, his innumerable qualities and benevolence. He surrenders himself at his Lord’s lotus feet as he seeks salvation in His words and grace.

Growing in oneness with the Lord, this seeker now experiences inner joy and happiness. This awareness is a stage that keeps one detached and untouched, in spite of numerous changes happening around him. Steeped in this awareness, one knows, feels and becomes what he truly is.

O Abhinandan Swami, says the seeker, “Under your shelter, my soul has now attained infinite bliss. I am bathing in the truth, love and purity that you have showered. You have fully awakened my latent Godliness. My saviour, O Abhinandan Swami! You are mine and I shall remain yours forever.”

This in-depth swadhyay, that covered our journey as a seeker left each one of us spellbound. We bowed our heads in reverence and awe that we had a Sadguru like P.P Bhaishree to guide and handhold us; we thanked our Guru and Lord P.P. Bhaishree for laying the entire path to salvation open for us.

Energised and upbeat after the swadhyay, we participated in the consecration of the 'Uvasaggaharam Parshwanath Pratimaji'. Br Vikrambhai set the mood by singing one beautiful hymn after another. He was joined in this by Nimit Shah and Hiren Boradia. Some more bhajans from Kirtibhai Boradia, Dulariben Boradia and Rupaben Shah followed. Br Vikrambhai had penned down not one but three bhajans for this once-in-a-life event. P.P. Bhaishree’s invigorating presence accompanied by Br Vikrambhai’s singing and Br Minalben’s joyful dancing filled us with enthusiasm. We all felt a bit like shaking a leg, and, as if some higher power was reading our minds, we found ourselves playing garba, encircling the pratimaji. Immersed in bhakti, we danced with happy abandon.

““પ્રશમમૂર્તિના દર્શન કરીને વારી વારી હું જાઉં,
વીતરાગ ભાવને ભાળી ભાળીને સ્વયં વીતરાગ થાઉં,
થાઉં સમતુલ્ય પરિણામી રે,
પાર્શ્વપ્રભુ આવ્યા દ્વારે લહિયે હિલોળા.””

Br Vikrambhai sang “Parshwaprabhu aavya dware lahiye hiloda,” another of his self-composed renditions as P.P. Bhaishree consecrated the idol in the temple. We participated by singing along enthusiastically. An atmosphere of sublime joy pervaded the sanctified space. Post consecration mantras essential for the sthapna were chanted by Jigar Mehtalia, the Uvasaggaharam mantra was recited nine times by P.P. Bhaishree, Br Vinubhai and Jigar. His love, devotion and dedication towards the ritual, changed the feel of the room. The environment felt peaceful and still.

Another photo-frame of Param Krupalu Dev, P.P. Saubhagbhai, P.P. Bapuji , P.P. Guruma and P.P. Bhaishree was also placed in the temple, amid a burst of dancing and singing among the attendees. This was followed by a thanks giving from Br Minalben wherein she thanked each and everyone involved in the making of the house  and temple. She then said that this house belonged to the mumukshus and each and everyone was always welcome. Just listening to her there was so much to learn. She has expertly managed every aspect of her life and has set an example for us to follow. After this we all dispersed for lunch.

Any sthapna ceremony blessed by a Sadguru fills the house with divinity. In this case, the event had the presence of a Sadguru as well as two self-realised souls. What we had witnessed, to our good fortune and spiritual enrichment, was the sanctification of a purified house into a temple.

---

દેવચન્દ્રજી કૃત  ચોથા અભિનંદનજીન સ્તવન  

Here we shall try to understand the 4th Abhinandanjin Stavan written by the great Devchandraji Maharaj, who inducted himself in pure self-restraint. As professed by Tirthankar Bhagwan he became a Jain monk and zealously followed the supreme religion of the soul.

Being a spiritual soul, our only ultimate goal of this life and there after is to meet emancipation. [Permanently liberating our soul from pain, misery and sorrow born out of reincarnation]. To make this final goal possible we shall have to realize several immediate goals which keep on altering in accordance to our progress.

Each of these immediate goals helps us to ascend on the ladder of spirituality or take us further on the pathway to Moksh. In our journey, these are like milestones, cheering and motivating us, to work harder as the last goal has become more nearer more achievable.

Each temple or place of pilgrimage is very important as it helps us to be near Vitrag Bhagwan, who is quintessence of infinite equanimity, peace, bliss and knowledge. First and foremost weneed to idolize and admiringly worship them. In praise and prayers it is essential that we stay in their close proximity and hence precisely in this 4th Abhinandanjin stavan Devchandraji Maharaj deeply and candidly ponders on the question of how we shall come near.

“કયું જાણું કયું બની આવશે અભિનંદન રસ રીતી હો મિત્ત

પુદગલ અનુભવ ત્યાગથી, કરવી જસુ પરતીત હો મિત્ત ”

O! My friend, though I have complete faith in Vitrag Abhinandan Bhagwan, but still, at this moment I feel uncertain of what shall make me absolutely curious? How will I develop deep interest in knowing him? If at all I get attracted by his pious charms then who will make me aware of his true inherent nature. How will I closely come near to Him?

On contemplation, it seems that first I need to retract and disengage myself from various worldly objects and matters. Indulging in them I get so involved and lost that it becomes impossible to focus and concentrate on Him. Significance drives interest and interest builds concentration and concentration parts experience that impels our intelligence to unearth what is still not known. O! My well-wisher this seems the way, the path that I need to adopt.

“પરમાતમ પરમેશ્વરુ, વસ્તુગતે તે અલિપ્ત હો મિત્ત

દ્રવ્યે દ્રવ્ય મિલે નહીં, ભાવે તે અન્ય અવ્યાપ્ત હો મિત્ત”

Looking at myself, I am the sum total of all that I can call is mine. Starting from my physical body and my psychic powers, family, ancestors, friends, clothes, house, wealth, my reputation and profession, these are the means by which I know myself and how someone else can relate and identify me.

Consecrated in your pure consciousness my lord O! Supremely divine Abhinandan Bhagwan, you have detached and disassociated yourself from all of these. Therefore how do I perceive and relate to you?

As I understand, the awareness, the true self is so different from the various experiences that it endures. Being intangible it has no shape colour odor or taste. O! My savior,  Abhinandan Bhagwan, you in your transcending nature cannot be seen. Even if I could see you, you are so entirely and singularly focused to your own being and thus would not even acknowledge my presence. Persistently inhabiting, within the boundaries of your nature you are so uniquely separate thus how do I be coherent to your sovereign existence. Two discretely different substances do not unite and always stay in their lone identity so how will I be intrinsic with you?

“શુદ્ધ સ્વરૂપ સનાતનો નિર્મલ જે નીસંગ હો મિત્ત

આત્મ વિભૂતે પરિણમ્યો, ન કરે તે પરસંગ હો મિત્ત”

O! Peerless and perfect Abhinandan Bhagwan, through penance and austerities you have cleansed and purified your soul. Not even the minutest part of your soul remains externally masked by any karmic particles. Settled in profound equanimity, you are transparently clear. No attraction or aversion just sublime awareness of the self. While my soul is still tainted and contaminated. O! The most noble and divinely pure Bhagwan you have reclaimed and instituted yourself in such excellence so how do I, an unworthy poor soul reach out to you? How shall I befriend and patronize you?

“પણ જાણું અગમબળે, મીલવું તુમ પ્રભુ સાથ હો મિત્ત

પ્રભુ તો સ્વસંપત્તિમયી, શુદ્ધ સ્વરૂપનો નાથ હો મિત્ત”

Jain faith and ideology speak of life's infinite potential and the way to its realization. Every single living being has inherent ability to survive, stay safe, be contented, free itself from shackles of karmic bondage and experience its eternal, peaceful and blissful nature. Happily optimistic I am now eager to follow the 14 ancient texts that contain your direct teachings. A number of other parallel scriptural traditions also continue to keep the essence of your preaching. Wide variety of subjects are so well analysed in these Agamsutras. Owing to lifelong experiences of deep meditation and rigorous conduct, the torch-bearer of your reign Shree Sadguru simplifies those profound and complex concepts. Hearing and understanding the scriptures from Sadguru, I shall in my broad contemplation, acquire knowledge and find the road map to reach you. For being near and dear to Abhinandan Bhagwan we first need to be close to Bhaishree, surely in Him we shall find Abinandan Bhagwan.

Beholding you in my eyes I can evidently discover that you are so immersed in your divine self. You are the king of your inner kingdom. Sitting on the throne of self-consciousness, you hold and govern your real self. Unlike you, I am caught in the web trap of the illusory world. Enslaved by my own desires, I chase, seek, explore all that is not mine and keep on dwelling in distress and agony. Graciously magnanimous, O! Abhinandan Bhagwan, now I can precisely and positively apprehend and deduce the difference, between your greatness and my ghastliness. I am experiencing your abundant grace, as manifesting in my thoughts you are revealing yourself to me. Fully enlightened you are the omniscient, omnipotent and omnipresent.

“પરપરિણામિકતા અછે, જે તુજ પુદગલ જોગ હો મિત,

જડ ચલ જગની એઠનો, ન ઘટે તુજને ભોગ હો મિત. ”

It's the happiness that we seek from every aspect of all our pursuits. In complete faith we have tried deriving happiness from various objects and relationships. Unfortunately the happiness if gained at all is just a flash of light, soon followed by various shades of disappointing darkness. Despite of being capable of learning from our past experience we still continue committing the same mistakes.

The bird chatak, thrives only on pure rain water drops and the chakor to its brim would drink the nectar-like moonlight. The hans is able to separate milk and water, drawing our attention to discriminate between good and bad and the eternal and transitory. These birds too can understand and live righteously. Misguided and wrong in my deeds, shall I prove to be even worse than these birds? Will I pursue the same pleasures that have proved to be full of pain. I feel so ashamed and horrible for I am eating the same food that I have earlier chewed and spewed? In the infinite cycle of birth and death I have in repeatedly committed the same mistakes and have endured enormous pain.  

Nothing outside ourselves has the power to keep us eternally happy and at the same time nothing of that is capable to keep us clinging to it. Mindfulness, concentration and insight are the inner strength that drives us to compassion, understanding and happiness.

Chasing my desires why do I waste this precious human life-like a deer running after the mirage in a desert. Why can't I find the musk that is lying within me? Knowing that the great fragrance of divinity is within, I shall now dive deep inside me, to inhale the perfume of self-knowledge. Dwelling in my immortality I shall not get disillusioned by the mortal world. O! bounteous and tender-hearted Bhagwan Abhinandan Swami you now seem to be in my conscience, counseling and controlling me.

“શુદ્ધ નીમીત્તી પ્રભુ ગ્રહો, કરી અશુદ્ધ પર હેય હો મિત્ત

આત્માલંબી ગુણલયી, સહુ સાધકનો ધ્યેય હો મિત્ત.”

Sustaining in goodness and being continuously progressive, is what we need to assure for ourselves. Cause and effect if properly studied can help us to sustain in goodness. Many factors influence us and at times we get overshadowed too. Our existence is besieged by duality of life. Good and bad, brighter and the darker side both co-exist within and outside us. It's our power of discrimination that will make us anchor to all that is only and only good and pure.

Our performance widely depends on these external factors. In this stanza, most skillful and conversant Shri Devchandraji Maharaj is suggesting a perfect style that would undoubtedly craft our character. Jealousy, hatred, lust, anger, ego, pride, all worries and anxieties, fears, mental torments and tribulations entirely need to be conquered.

Withdrawing from everything that hinders our spiritual evolution, let us bind and bolt ourselves to Lord Abhinandan Bhagwan. Under him, we are completely safe and secure. On the path of truth we may face unique problems, but the universal solutions offered from his infinite vision and knowledge would help us in many ways.

Serenely steady with much ease he is resting in his own enclosure of deep self-awareness. Peace and happiness are what we experience by just looking at him. Scanned by His pure gaze we too start shedding the impurities that have made us corrupt and immoral.

For an aspirant his final goal is to be like Him. To achieve this we need to hold on to those main key characteristics of our soul, those important traits that help us to recognize the true me, the nebulous invisible soul.

“જીમ જીનવર આલંબને, વધે સધે એકતાન હો મિત્ત,

તિમ તિમ અત્માંલંબની ગ્રહે સ્વરૂપ નિદાન હો મિત્ત. ”

In my contemplation I profoundly think about you. Absorbed in deep meditation, O! Abinandan Bhagwan you are fully awakened and liberated. So pure and divinely perfect you are embodiment of countless virtues. Soaked in peace and equanimity I find you to be heavenly delightful.

The ray of your attention is focused towards your innate being, and now, your sacred individuality has been focal point of my concentration. Keeping eye in eye, as I match your steady gaze you are enlightening me. Drenched in showers of your grace I feel so blessed and so fortunate. Your awareness is transpiring and is awakening me too. Noble and pious your holy liveliness is the core point of my meditation. Your brilliance is brightening me. You are the sole reason of my evolution.

My body, my speech, my mind and all my senses, my intellect, my innate being, in absoluteness I offer and surrender to you. The more I become yours the more you reveal yourself to me. In oneness my ego is shrinking and soon it will perish. In veneration I hold you high in me. I immensely adore you O! Colossal of Divine Bliss Abinandan Bhagwan, you are the fragrance of my life and essence of my soul.  

“સ્વસ્વરૂપ એકત્વતા સાધે પુર્ણાનંદ હો મિત્ત,

રમે ભોગવે આત્મા રત્નત્રયી ગુણવ્રંદ હો મિત્ત ”

Growing in oneness I earnestly keep you alive in me. Even while I carry out my worldly duties, I persistently try to hold on to my self-awareness. In the continuous flow of consciousness, I am experiencing a deep inner sense of peace and tranquility and an innate sense of joy and happiness that has no outer cause.

Knowledge and insight that you have imparted has gifted me those divine eyes by which I can recognize and see the truth. Illusion or delusion can no more cheat or captivate me.

Paying attention to my consciousness I have known that the seeker is the one that is searched for. In the arena of awareness the world emerges and gets exterminated. The awareness is the screen that remains stable and constant while the world projected on it keeps on differing and deviating.

Resting in present the mindfulness integrates my past experience and judiciously leads me to the direction I want to lead myself in future.

Knowing feeling and being is the trinity ofknowledge faith and conduct. Submerged in pure awareness you know you feel and you become what you truly are.  

Complete in my consciousness I am the power that knows, does and seeks. Right perception Right Knowledge and Right conduct are the tree jewels that combine the path to Moksh. In my belief of myself I perceive and rest in me. Disease decay or death I have triumphed all and have attained immortal joy and bliss.

“અભિનંદન અવલંબને, પરમાનંદ વિલાસ હો મિત્ત,

દેવચંદ્ર પ્રભુ સેવના, કરી અનુભવ અભ્યાસ હો મિત્ત. ”

O! Abinandan Bhagwan, taking your refuge, I am on a spiritual pilgrimage. In my purposeful expedition I am trying to know how vast, how deep, and how solemn you are. In your company, my life has become a celebration. Till now death had been a dark door to another life but now it shall be gateway to immortality. I am bathing in truth, love and purity that you have showered. In this holy realm there is no fear, no doubt, no indecision only oceanic ecstasy and cosmic consciousness. The experience is simply divine, self manifested and equally compounded of joy and consciousness.

O the lord of lords, you are the altruistic motivator for all those who want to be liberated. You have proved yourself by walking on the path that you profess. By worshiping you I become humbly aware of my faults and weaknesses. My gratitude and love for you has no bounds as you have fully awakened my latent Godliness. With each moment of realization you have enabled me to drink the elixir of immortality. My Saviour O! Abhinandan Bhagwan, I am yours and you shall remain mine forever.

- Explained by Param Pujya Bhaishree and captured by Br. Vikrambhai from the Nasik Dharmayatra

IVY Swadhyay - July 2016

This IVY swadhyay started with the importance of Father’s Day which we all celebrated in the month of June. We have been taught that we need to bow down, with all our heart, before our biological father and our sadgurus - Param Pujya Bhaishree, Param Pujya Bapuji, Param Pujya Krupaludev and Lord Mahavir Swami - our spiritual fathers.

Why do we say “Maa /Mummy” when in pain or in some difficulty? That is because she is there beside us in every circumstance whether happy or sad. That shows how much trust we have in her. Similarly, we should also have utmost faith in our Sadguru. Everything is temporary, people are going to come and go, situations will be favourable or adverse, but no matter what, our Guru is always going to be there for us, he will always love us, accept us with our good and bad qualities. He is going to take care of all our problems. He is always going to help us.  He is always there to give us strength.

Minal Aunty also continued explanation of last 8 points mentioned in letter 84 of Vachnamrutji. Her language being simple and understandable reaches out to each and every person sitting in the room. It taught us to give our best, live in the moment and feel the joy by sharing and giving. That is because, there are 4 unchanging characteristics of a soul – tendency to give love, stay submerged in happiness, and stay calm and be compassionate.

Since the significant occasion of Guru purnima was coming soon, Minal Aunty urged all of us to express our gratitude and love for our Guru in whichever capacity we can.

After that, Minal Aunty told us a short yet inspirational story. The story reminded the importance of unconditional surrender at Guru’s/ Lord’s sacred feet. Our Guru is ready to protect us all the time, in all the difficulties. If we surrender ourselves completely, whole-heartedly, there will remain nothing to doubt, nothing to fear and nothing to lose. We shall become happy, satisfied and peaceful. We must always thank Tirthankar Bhagwans for blessing our lives by giving us such a divine gift in the form of our Guru.  What more do we ask for?

In the end, we had an interactive session, a beautiful platform to share our thoughts, experiences, feelings; sing a bhajan, say a poem or anything the vibrant youth wants to make most of the opportunity. These sessions make us confident, expressive and bring us closer to Pujya Bhaishree, just like all these swadhayas do for us.

“We are not ordinary. We are extraordinary. We are born to do something different.”

- Mitanshi (13 years)

Gurupurnima Celebrations 2016

Gurupurnima

19th July 2016

“It is an incomparable journey,
Where the Guru leads you from the visible to the invisible;
From the material to the divine;
From the ephemeral to the eternal.”

Gurupurnima is day to celebrate our teachers. 'Guru' means darkness (gu) to light (ru). A guru is one who guides us from our dark ignorance to the light of knowledge, truth and reality. The enlightened teacher is a living example of his teachings. He manifests the truth and teaches through example. Those true disciples develop the vision to see the inner enlightened soul and recognise its shining virtues. Today we sing and celebrate those virtues. We bow down to the compassion of our Guru who illuminates the path of liberation.

In our living teacher, Param Pujya Bhaishree, remains a living path, a thread of truth, a lineage of enlightened souls. As we celebrate him today we celebrate all those teachers of the lineage of truth.

Below you can watch Param Pujya Bhaishee's swadhyays on Gurupurnima day in Shree Raj Saubhag Ashram. Two poems, composed by Shree Gangasati, were sung and and explained.

Gangasati poem 'Gupt Ras'. Duration 23 mins.

Gangasati poem 'Jya lagi laagya bhaagya'. Duration 13 mins.

During the course of the 3 day celebration alongside the swadhyays, a Panch Kalyanak Maha Pujan was conducted, a Parshwa Padmavati Pujan took place, Bhruhad Alochana was recited, the newly renovated Bapuji's Kutir was unveiled, vocational work kits were donated on behalf of Ashirvad Trust and a cultural programme took place.

The cultural programme

With overflowing devotion, all mumukshus gathered outside Pujya Bhaishree's kutir to welcome him and be blessed by his grace. Enthusiastic chants and devotional singing added to the divinity of the morning.

The day culminated with a grand finale - The Cultural Program.

Along with Sufi songs and dances, a play on the life of King Janak, came the crowning glory: Life of Devotee - Rajjab. Words are insufficient to describe the performance of the main actors Guru Dadu Dayal (played by Nayan Doshi) and disciple Rajjab (played by Mehul Mehta). The enitre act, dialogues and the message delivered through the play captivated the audience, holding them spellbound. It was an act par excellence.

One day in ‘Dev-Lali’!

Being able to meaningfully spend time with our dearest Param Pujya Bhaishree has an incomparable value to it. Spiritual expeditions with him always uplift our enthusiasm and re-kindle our spirits.

The dawn of 26th June 2016, Sunday, brought a bundle of excitement and eagerness for us, since we were going to Deolali with Pujya Bhaishree. A cloudy day dawned and all of us embarked on the journey, ready to revitalize our positive energies.

Enroute to Deolali, we stopped at Dharmachakra Prabhav Tirth, 12 kms from Nashik. This three-floor temple with its glorious architecture and spiritual aura was a beautiful start to our day.

At the first level, in the centre of the temple was the Choumkhji – four idols of Lord Parshvanath. There were also replicas of holy pilgrimage shrines – magnificient sculptures of Siddhacahal, Aabu, Girnar and Samet Shikhar, ensuring that wherever we turn our eyes, we could see the Almighty.

A 12-foot high idol of Lord Mahavir was placed in the basement.  Looking at the serene eyes of Vitraag Bhagwan, we could sense his equanimity and detachment, and made us forget the outside world and help come closer to our own peaceful nature. By truly being present in the moment, we felt alive, energized and filled with devotion for not only Vitraag Bhagwan, but also our Guru standing right beside us, because of whom we are more aware of the Lord’s virtues.

To the stunning view of green landscapes, our journey towards Deolali continued. On entering the premises of C. U. Shah Sanatorium, we felt welcomed by its vastness, soothing ambiance and cleanliness. These are just a few of the many extraordinary characteristics of this place. This sanatorium is not only equipped to cater to needs of its guests, but also has infused spiritual elements like the swadhaya hall and arrangements for Mahasatijis and Sadhvijis to reside.

The graced presence of learned Mahasatijis – Pritisudha MS, Madhusmita MS and 3 others, who most eagerly awaited Pujya Bhaishree’s arrival added to the divinity of the experience. The happiness of their souls and the joy in their hearts could be clearly seen in their eyes and their devotion towards Pujya Bhaishree could be heard in their voices.

We have heard Pujya Bhaishree’s words countless times; we have also believed that we have understood him and his teachings extensively and we take pride in that. However, we have never been more mistaken. We haven’t achieved a bit of what we are striving to achieve. Our Sadguru knows our state better than we can ever do. This is the truth which Gangasati explains to Paanbai in the poignant bhajan – ‘છૂટા છૂટા તીર રે અમને ’, taken as the topic for first swadhyay

Teachings of a Sadguru are not meant to be tantalizing; rather they will be plain and forthright, meant to penetrate our hearts like a purposefully targeted arrow. There is one and only one thing to know, to learn – ‘The Soul’ – the true jewel. Instead of doing what had to be rightfully done, we have meaninglessly spent time on gathering ineffectual pieces of information.

“જાગો  મારા  પ્યારા  પ્રાણ , નયન  ખોલો  નામના ,
          સુતા  રેહશો  ક્યાં  સુધી, જાગો  મારા પ્યારા  પ્રાણ ”

The swadhyay was followed by bhajans, resonating in the room and in the chambers of our minds and hearts.

Having equal proficiency in 5 languages, Mahasatiji Pritisudha sang bhajans that she had composed herself and she was accompanied by the sweet voice of  Mahasatiji Madhusmita.  The divine words of her bhajans filled us all with joy, and seeing their reverence and devotion for Pujya Bhaishree, increased our bhakti-bhaav further. Every word spoken in that room reflected the importance of a guru, bitter truths of this world and the pre-requisites for learning the ultimate truth.

“સાર  આ  સંસાર  માં  ના  જોયો  રે , બધી  રીતે  તપાસતા ,
         મૃગજળ  પીવા  કામ  ના  આવે , વ્યર્થ  ઇંદ્રજાળ  માં  હું  મોહ્યો  રે"

After relishing lunch, we gathered for the second spiritual feast that included explanation of Letter Number 816 from the Vachanamrut  and another round of Kirtan-Bhakti.

This particular letter from Vachanamrutji, addressed to Ambalalbhai after the demise of Saubhagbhai, sheds light on the 4 pre-requisites to reach the desired goal: this human birth, detachment, shelter of an enlightened master.

"કેવળ અંતર્મુખ થવાનો સત્પુરુષનો માર્ગ સર્વદુખક્ષયનો ઉપાય છે, પણ તે કોઈક જીવને સમજાય છે. 

1) મહત્ પુણ્યના યોગથી 

2) વિશુદ્ધ મતિથી 

૩) તીવ્ર વૈરાગ્યથી 

૪) સત્પુરુષના સમાગમથી 

તે ઉપાય સમજવા યોગ્ય છે. તે સમજવાનો અવસર એકમાત્ર આ મનુષ્યદેહ છે. તે પણ અનિયત કાળના ભયથી ગ્રહિત છે; ત્યાં પ્રમાદ થાય છે, એ ખેદ અને આશ્ચર્ય છે."

When the compassionate words of a Guru truly reaches our core, our sense of discrimination and our ray of concentration undoubtedly becomes pretense-less and increases manifold with each waking moment.

So, each moment, we have a choice to make: either continue living an illusion of grandeur or we can be humble and persist to lead our lives with ever-increasing devotion for our Sadguru and his words of wisdom.

 “કોડિયું  નાનું  ભલે  ને  હું , સદાયે  રાહુ  છું  ઝગમગતું ,
           સૂરજ  પાસેથી  શીખ બધાને  મળે  છે ,
           પથદર્શક  બનનારે  બળવું  પડે  છે,
            સામે  આવેને  ભલે  જુગ  નું  અંધારું,

   તોયે  હૈયા  ની  હું  હિમ્મત   ના  હારું ”

IVY Swadhyay - May 2016

During IVY Swadhyay in May, Brahmnisht Minalben continued to instruct young mumukshus from Shrimad Rajchandra’s Vachnamrut.

Giving a discourse from letter number 84, Minalben said, at the age of 23, Shrimadji was still in search of a Guru and the path to enlightenment, while also living his worldly life as a husband, son and businessman.  It was at this time that he laid down 8 points that would help him strive a balance between his worldly and spiritual life.  These same tasks can prove to be beneficial to mumukshus as well, said Minalben, and we should strive to indoctrinate them in our lives.

1. Remember our body and mind are separate entities, and what powers them is a third entity, our atma.  Our powerful mind is the creator to our thoughts, and this mind functions in the presence of our Atma (Soul).

We must use this concept when we are caged in worldly thoughts, whether good or bad. We can also use our thoughts to test if we are happy or sad and what is important here is that we are trying to find out if our atma is happy and not the mind.

2. Pain is inevitable, but suffering is optional. We can control what affects us or bothers us, and no one else.  As long as we continue to be born in this sansar, pain in the form of karmas, will continue to torment us.  Many people do not understand this due to the lack of a Guru in their lives. The only way to escape this suffering is to rid ourselves of all attachments and to surrender to the holy trinity (SatDev, SatGuru, SatShastra).

3. This total surrender may seem impossible to attain but it isn’t so. That state exists and it can be experienced.  One can reach his goal of eternal happiness not by wishing away the sadness, but by inculcating detachment within, so that sorrow is incapable of upsetting us.

4. This state can be achieved by renouncing worldly attachments, and taking the shelter of an Enlightened Master.

5. Shrimadji compassionately instructs us that if renunciation is not possible immediately, one can still achieve self-realization by taking the refuge of a Sadguru.  Faith and following Guru Agna are the 2 master keys that will unlock the door and help us to move ahead on the spiritual path.

6. Every activity should be given its due importance. Just as we plan our diet to remain healthy, our day should be planned in such a way that we constantly feed and nurture the spirituality within us. A preset number of hours should be allocated each day to follow Guru Agna.

7. Recognize that our wants and desires are like a bottomless pit. What we have today, does not give us any pleasure tomorrow.  But if we wish to rescue our atma from the never-ending cycle of births and deaths, we must give up our attachments to transitory objects.

8. Life is very short and this human birth is all we have to save our soul.  But humans are surrounded by and immersed in their problems, such that they are not able to pursue their goals single-mindedly. And when one feels overwhelmed, one must remember the points below:

• Just as a lotus grows in muddy waters, we must also thrive spiritually in this transient, materialistic world. Above the dirt is sunshine and fresh air. We must learn to reside in the body but live in the soul.
• The nine-fold bhakti marg will help us reach higher and higher.  This bhakti marg (path of devotion) will help us connect to our Guru in different ways.

Narrating a thought provoking story, Minalben said:

Intending to get his daughter married, a king invited many princes and suitors to his palace and organized a competition to find the strongest man in his kingdom.  He said "I have a dangerous task for you. This river is full of crocodiles, whoever swims across the river, wins my daughter’s hand in marriage!”

No one was willing to take the risk. Suddenly, there was a loud splash. A prince had jumped in and started swimming. He swam as fast as he could and reached the other side!  The king was delighted to see him succeed and sent a boat to get him back.

The king congratulated the prince and asked him to address the people. The prince asked: "I would like to know who pushed me in?”

Sometimes circumstances force us into deep waters. We must bear with grace. For it is those challenging times that uncover the true potential within us.

We are all as strong as God from within! But that power remains unexploited.  We constantly try to live worldly lives comfortably – this is our biggest mistake.  Our goal and objective is wrong. Caged in the body we can never be truly happy.  Without our spiritual goal, our life will be derailed.

Worldly and spiritual evaluation is important.