CHARNARVIND DHYAN. Inspiration Kanji Bhagat Jnan Baug, Vadtal. CHARNARVIND DHYAN

Transcription

1 CHARNARVIND DHYAN An explanatory treatise on holy Lotus-feet marks of Shri Hari based on sacred text CHINHA CHINTAMANI by Nishkulanand Swami CHARNARVIND DHYAN FIRST EDITION August, 2014 COPIES 2,000 PRICE ` 50/- TRANSLATION Prof. Madhusudan Vyas PRINTER Kavya Printers Amdavad Inspiration Kanji Bhagat Jnan Baug, Vadtal. PUBLISHED BY Shri Swaminarayan Bhagwan Kala Kendra Trust Jnan Baug, Vadtal, Ta. Nadiad, Dist. Kheda Gujarat, India

2 PREFACE Ahstang Yoga is a wholesome tool with limitless modes, To contemplate Feet of Shri Hari, is the advice for all. By coveting the Feet of Shri Hari, Sensible seeker can get boundless happiness. After leaving the body, doubtlessly attains Brahman-hood. - Premanand Swami After completing the practice of Ashtang Yoga (eight-fold yoga) penance and sacred deeds, there remains live connection with the lotus feet of Lord Swaminarayan. By this connection with the lotus-feet the Master-servant bondage is consolidated, and that is the essence of all sacred scriptures. The person who realizes the deep meanings of the marks on the lotus-feet of Lord Swaminarayan, is considered as a sensible person. He gets all types of happiness. When he leaves his material body, his soul ascends to the level of Brahman-hood and there is no doubt that he rises up to enter in the service divine of Lord Swaminarayan. In this booklet we have included the significant description of the sacred marks on the lotus-feet of Lord Swaminarayan. This description is based on "CHIHNA CHINTAMANI" an inspiring volume written by Nishkulanand Swami. We hope that the reading, remembering, reiteration and contemplation of the contents of this booklet will inspire spontaneous, unconditional love for the idol of Lord Swaminarayan. Jnan Baug - Vadtal

3 CHARNARVIND DHYAN CONTEMPLATING HIS DIVINE FOOT-SOLES I bow my head to touch the dust of Lord Sahajanand's feet where reside all pilgrim-spots, an auspicious abode which fulfil all desires and destroys all inauspicious matters. The same holy dust is always adoringly put on their heads by Brahma etc. gods and Munis, and is being prayed extensively by Sheshnarayan with thousand faces, in the company of Shuka, Sharada and Narad. It spreads imperishable radiance which can match innumerable crore of suns and moons. That is the super dust of feet which is collectively adored and worshipped by crore of 5 6 redeemed souls with supreme gaiety in that eternal Akshardham. How is Lord Swaminarayan Who is worshipped by us with profound devotion? And what is His grandiose? If these matters become clear before practising His devotion, that devotion will be very strengthening for our souls. In the evening prayer Premanand Swami says we should humbly pray God, O Lord Swaminarayan! Let me attain Your absolute devotion coupled with the divine knowledge of Your grandiose. The idol of Lord Swaminarayan is coupled with welfare-causing qualities, but the same welfare lies in His lotus-feet also. There are sixteen holy marks on His lotus footsoles. The devotee who contemplates them attains supreme peace. As the feet of Shri Hari are welfarecausing the Nand saints have composed various Mangalacharans (auspicious beginning prayers) at the beginning of their scriptures; and many of these Mangalacharanas begin with the appreciation of Charanraj (the holy dust of feet). Here are a few of them as given under : I bow to the moon-nailed feet of Lord Sahajanand Good and peerless heart-scient, Sahajanand Swami, Holding the dust of His feet on my head, While holding Shri Ghanashyam in my heart

4 Muktanand Swami too, writes in Arati : I fold my hands to bow to Your lotus-feet All pains are destroyed as I put my head at Your feet. Jay Sadguru Swami In this way the lotus-feet of Shri Hari and the dust of His feet are frequently referred to by the Nand saints. In the above Mangalacharan lines explaining the importance of the lotus-feet and the dust of the feet of Shri Hari, Premanand Swami says that the soul of the person who comes in relation with the dust of the feet of Shri Hari becomes the residence of all pilgrim spots. The lotus-feet of Shri Hari are the source of all pervasive welfare and are the destroyer of inauspicious matters fulfils the noble desires of all the followers. Deities like Brahma etc. put the dust of His feet on their heads every day. The praise of Lord Sahajanand Swami is being sung in the abodes of deities also. With extreme pleasure countless crores of liberated souls worship the feet of Lord Shri Swaminarayan in the imperishable abode - Akshardham which is radiant with the light similar to the light of crores of suns and moons. Supreme Lord Shri Swaminarayan, the Supreme Purusha, the resident of the imperishable abode is the inspirer and controller of Kaal and Maya. I have been able to attain 7 8 such competent Lord of Premanand Swami, so now my mind will not go anywhere else except His lotusfeet. If devotion is offered to Lord Swaminarayan with such intense and firm faith, that devotion will bring great happiness to us. The contemplation of Lord Swaminarayan's lotus-feet is the best means which confirms the servant-master feeling and confirms the maturity of our goal. Therefore every follower in the Holy Fellowship sings Swami Premananda's lyric on contemplation of lotus-feet. There are eight numbers of lyrics, describing every limb of Lord Swaminarayan, but it starts with the prayer of lotus-feet. This lyric is being sung everyday in every temple and every Satsangi's residence. But we find some awkwardness in the speed of singing and the feelings while singing it. While singing the feeling is to finish it speedily and mechanically. But in reality we should remember each mark while singing and understand the importance of each mark. The contemplation of these marks controls the rushing force of internal enemies. For this reason we will try to understand the implied meaning of all the marks. So we should cultivate the feeling and the method of singing appropriate to the lyric. Premanand Swami says :

5 Come closer, Oh Shyam, my love, my heart, Allow me a closer look of Your majestic mien; I shall carefully imprint, That vision in my soul. 1 Your lovely limbs have marks divine, In my mind I lovingly cherish; Those auspicious marks, from Your crown to toe. 2 Your feet are like the lotus pink, that dances in the Sun; I shall hold those feet, Always in my memory. 3 And I shall in prayer recall, All those sixteen marks; Between the big toe and the second, In Your right foot, my Lord. 4 Runs that long auspicious line, Right to Your lustrous heel; Dear to Your devotees, Enumerating all these marks. 5 Keeps mind pure and free from the thrall, Of base lust and dreams; The Octagon and the long auspicious Line, The Swastik, the Blue fruit, the Barley-grain. 6 The Thunder-bolt and the elephant goad, The divine flag and the lustrous lotus, These nine are the marks divine, On the right right foot of the Lord. 7 The left foot of Shree Bhagwan, Has these seven holy marks: The Triangle, the Pitcher and the holy cow-foot, The Bow, the Fish, the Half-Moon, And the Sky with auspicious stars. 8 The lucky devotee who sees, These holy marks will win the love; Of our Lord Who also bears, A special mark on the right toe-nail. 9 And the black beauty spot, On His big toe s upper side, Says Premanand the poet that; He would stake his life to win, The love of this Lord Divine. 10 The devotee-cum-poet who has composed this lyric addresses the Lord as Vhala (dear to me) at the end of every line. It suggests that this lyric should be sung comprehended and realized in the heart with perfect adoration for Lord Swaminarayan. Any connection with God through this lyric is not possible without emotional bondage. The Swami has used such words in the lyric which would necessitate proper emotional state of mind which is essential for proper contemplation. With extreme care I will thread words (like flowers) into my soul. Of course to make a garland, the word extreme care includes carefulness and 9 10

6 alertness. Let me thread them into my soul means it suggests concentration and awareness of mind. So this lyric should be read out or sung with extreme care, concentration and awareness of mind. Further, my mental inclination runs to the contemplation of the holy marks. The singing of this holy lyric should not be a compulsory exercise given as homework to a school-going child; but it should be believed that my mind has been motivated and my liking and curiosity are hungry of contemplation. If with this type of sentiment the lyric is sung, the contemplation of lotus feet would become easy and natural. This is all about the status of mind while singing the lyric. But what is the significance of each mark on Shri Hari's feet (sole) and how does each inspire this has been explicitly explained by Nishkulanand Swami in his holy lyric CHINHA CHINTAMANI. If this lyric is sung after its proper understanding and realization, its real meaning can be visualized. After Shriji Maharaj left for His own abode Nityanand Swami thought to himself, I read out holy scriptures before Shriji Maharaj, pleased Him with the interpretation of Shastras but I have not been able to put my material body in His service! So he got a temple built at Laxmiwadi in Gadhada where the body of Shri Hari was cremated and there he extended the services with his material body; and there he adorably placed the lotus-feet of Shri Hari engraved by Nishkulanand Swami. Swami saw the marks with his eyes, engraved them on black stone and also composed a small volume on it which is entitled as CHINHA CHINTAMANI, in which a brief but accurate definition of the marks along with their description has been given. Let us try to understand the same

7 1 SWASTIK On the right foot of Lord Swaminarayan there is Swastik mark which is the symbol of auspiciousness, welfare and richness. Everyone who took shelter in the feet of Lord Swaminarayan got their life full of auspicious events full of welfare. Therefore, Muktanand Swami says : Great deities like Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh worship the feet of the Master (Guruji). Brahman-like liberated souls serve the Master. Even the fallen souls like pigs, dogs and donkeys take shelter in the Lord's feet they become one with Brahman by worshipping Lord Swaminarayan. The deities like Brahma, Vishnu, Mahesh and Brahman-like liberated souls worship the auspicious feet of Lord Swaminarayan. If the souls trapped by lust and anger living the life of pig, dog and donkey; take shelter in the feet of Lord Swaminarayan they can become one with Brahman. The Swastik is the symbol suggesting the welfare causing auspicious quality of Lord Swaminarayan. It covers all four sides and suggests all pervasive and perennial welfare. Nishkulanand Swami writes in 'Chinha Chintamani' Saints appreciate Swastik (sacred cross), a clear mark appearing on the right foot-sole, which is a source of total welfare

8 2 ASHTAKON By watching the Octagon (on the sole), crores of pains are destroyed; the Kaal (death) cannot kick, and pleasure overflows the heart. There are eight angles of Octagon, in the same way on this earth there are four directions east, west, north and south and there are four corners North-east, South-east, South-west and North-west. In this way the evil effect of Kaal spreads in all the eight directions. If one contemplates the octagon mark on the feet of Shri Hari he is saved from the evil forceses of Kaal which are always painful. The best place to save oneself from the terror of Kaal is in the feet of Lord Swaminarayan. By cultivating such sense and understanding one can connect his soul with the idol of Shri Hari. One can save himself from the clutches of Kaal and gets his heart full of happiness. So Muktanand Swami writes in Vivek Chintamani : There is terror of Kaal for all unto 14 universes, If one stays in the service of Hari; the Kaal will not engulf him, so says Muktanand. This statement emerges directly from the personal experience of Muktanand Swami. It was midnight time and Muktanand Swami was contemplating by singing while sitting at one place, and suddenly the Kaal with his horrible figure came and stood there at a distance. So Muktanand Swami asked Who are you? And what do you want to do here? He replied, I am the Kaal and I have been hungry for many days. I am here to eat a man

9 Muktamuni thinking of unexpected troubles said, You go away from here immediately. If Shri Hari comes to know of your arrival, you will be punished. So Kaal went away from there. But an idea entered the mind of Muktamuni that Kaal has gone back today but if alms and donations are given after him, he may feel satisfied. Being an ascetic himself what would he do? He took a vow, Dinner should be arranged for saints. One cloth be given to Brahmin, a cow worth rupees 5/- should be given and a food-plate should be offered to Shriji Maharaj. Then he went back to his meditation. Next morning as he was free from his daily rituals, there came Mukund Brahmachari whom he offered a seat. Then he told him about the appearance of Kaal and his vow for pacifying him. Then he did the Puja of Brahmachari, offered him a bed-sheet and then asked him to offer food-plate to Shriji Maharaj and said, you also have the food. Brahmachari replied, as you wish. And he went from there. On his way Shriji Maharaj met him. Shriji Maharaj asked Where are you coming from today after being worshipped? So Brahmachari talked about appearance of the Kaal back. Shri Hari told him that everyone has been protected so let the food be fine. So Dada Khachar and his family arranged for best food. All the saints were called and offered food. Thus, Muktamuni attempted the remedy to send the Kaal back. Such richness and competence had come to Muktanand Swami due to the power of the shelter in Shri Hari's feet. Mukta says Kaal does not engulf him, who serves Shri Hari's feet. The clutches of the cobra called Kaal spread unto 14 worlds and destroys all, but he cannot defeat the devotees of Lord Swaminarayan. In this way the two elements protection from Kaal and pleasure of heart are included when one remembers the mark of Ashtakon i.e. Octagon. While remembering Octagon it should be firmly convienced that Lord Swaminarayan protects me at every place and every moment. I contemplate on the Octagon in the feet of Lord Swaminarayan who brings ever lasting pleasure in my heart

10 3 KETU Ketu stands for the saint, as flag's movement is controlled by wind; great saints also act, as per order of the Master (God). The contemplation of the (Ketu) Flag mark on the feet of Shri Hari inspires and benefits the devotee. As the flag keeps on fluttering and powered by wind, the real saints and devotees should remain under the commands of Lord Swaminarayan. One who follows God's words His words are followed by all. During Shriji Maharaj's stay in Gadhada, on a rainy and cyclonic day in monsoon time, the roofing tile slipped a little, and water began to leak in the room in which Shriji Maharaj was relaxing. Shriji Maharaj called out but there was no one. Dada Khachar suddenly came there Shriji Maharaj said Dada, put this tile in the proper gap but the tile was at a height where Dada could not reach. Understanding the situation He said, Dada, keep your leg on my shoulder and repair the roof. Dada also thought Water-leakage will spoil the God's chamber and how can I reject the order of Shriji Maharaj? So Dada Khachar put his leg on Shriji's shoulder and began to repair the leakage spot. Eventually Jiva Khachar who happened to pass from there saw this scene and spoke Hello Dada! What are you doing? One should not put his leg on God's shoulder, you will have to go to the worst hell. To this Dada Khachar replied, O Jiva Bapu! If I have to visit the worst hell seven times I am ready for it, if only I get a chance to obey my Lord Swaminarayan's order

11 By the sincerest obedience of Dada Khachar, Shriji Maharaj was overwhelmed and He told Jiva Khachar, O Khachar! you hesitated to put your leg on my shoulder but you have placed your foot on my tongue. What of that! Listening to these words all understood the real meaning of the obedience of the commands of Shriji Maharaj. So that person is benefitted who acts as per Shri Hari s commands. So this was about Ketu or flag which symbolizes firm obedience of orders. Ketu represents omni-potence of the Lord and obeison of His sacred commands. Now let us turn to the fourth one 'Java'. 4 JAVA The persons who contemplate on Java-mark, any pain or misery does not touch them; Their brain gets happiness, and heart gets limitless pleasure

12 The grain of Java (Barley) is the symbol of purity and sacredness, for that reason it is used as sacrificial material. The contemplation of Java in the foot of Shri Hari inspires in us the principle and ideal of Yajna theory. It means the fire of Brahman element is burning in our soul and the subjects of senses should be sacrificed in that fire. All the actions of senses should be used in the service of God and in the devotion of God. This can help us to confirm our devotion. The movements of mind and intellect are to be centralized in the soul first and then if one meditates upon the the idolresiding in the soul, the force of Maya cannot harm the soul. He becomes absolute devotee whose soul remains untouched by any sin. The soul of such devotee is enlightened and at the center of that light he get the Darshan of the blissful form of Lord Swaminarayan and therefore the mind of such devotee attains supreme joy and experiences limitless bliss in the heart. To understand and confirm this principle curious devotees should read again and again Vachnamritam Gadhada Madhya Chapter 8 which will open so many spiritual looks and the path of contemplation and meditation will become simple. In this Vachanamritam, Shriji Maharaj says, There are ten senses and the mind is the eleventh all should be drawn from the subjects in which they wander and should be sacrificed into the fire of Brahman and this is called Yoga-Yajna; and while practicing this Yoga-Yajna the devotee gets the Darshan of God. In such soul identified with Brahman there manifests Lord Parabrahma Purushottam; and this is the fruit of Yoga-Yajna. So contemplation of Java-mark expresses the concept of the material for Yagna i.e. sacrifice in Yoga- Yajna. As Java is offered in Yajna we should also offer the java in the form of ten senses and the mind as eleventh in the Yogayajna described by Lord Swaminarayan. So Java is important to bring to us the Darshan of Lord Swaminarayan. Now Nishkulanand Swami tells about fifth mark Ankush

13 5 ANKUSH As anlius controls a reckless and errand elephant, the anlius-mark on Shri Hari's foot; controls and directs the devotee's mind, to the shelter of the Master. The contemplation of the anlius (Ankush i.e. goad) mark on the foot-soles of Shri Hari inspires us to keep our mind under control. Though the Ankush is small it can control a huge elephant. If we hold Shri Hari's words in our heart the movements of mind are stabilized in the feet of Shri Hari and the mind comes under control. In Holy Fellowship many devotees had made oblation of their senses and mental modifications in the sacrifice of Yoga-Yajna and had got the realization of the form of Lord Swaminarayan; and these incidents have been recorded in the history of our Holy Fellowship. There is a village called Chhapri in Saurashtra and in this village there lived Janbai - a devout, firm lady devotee of Shriji Maharaj. As she was Yogabhrashta (who had left yoga-practice half way in previous birth) soul her mind could not be united with any worldly matter. Once Janbai along with her mother Kamalbai went to Gadhada and there she had the darshan of Shriji Maharaj under a Neem tree and there she had a miraculous experience i.e. peace spread in her mind and soul. As Janbai went home she took a firm decision that she would not prefer to marry. She made up her mind that she wanted to follow Sankhya 25 26

14 discipline and for her entire life she will remain in devotion of Shriji Maharaj. She started to live in a separate room and started to do Bhajan following strict Sankhya disciplines. Janbai kept on uniting her senses and the force of mind with Shriji Maharaj. Her devotion became so strong that using a string she tied her hair to a plank in the roof of her room, squatted on floor and put a pair of grinding stones in her lap, then began the meditation of Shriji Maharaj! Gradually, the form of Shriji Maharaj began to settle in the soul of Janbai. After some days as her mother asked, Will you come for Darshan in Samaiya? Janbai replied, You may go I don't want to come. If Shriji Maharaj wants to offer Darshan, he will give it to me right here. In this way her devotion became mature. After some days her mother Kamalbai returned from the Samaiya. During this period saints came to Chhapri village and Kathi Ravat gave them accommodation. Katha-varta preaching continued till late night, then father and son went to bed. A swami was chanting Mantra on rosary in the verandah who saw an old woman entering Janbai's room. He thought if a male has entered the room in the guise of a woman it would be shameful because Janbai was a Sankhyayogini. The next day he told the Kathi, You stay here till midnight and keep a watch on the unknown strange old woman entering Janbai's room at midnight. The next day the brother of Janbai sat to keep a watch and the old woman came and entered Janbai's room, her brother brought a lantern and knocked the door and Janbai opened the door. Her brother asked, Did anyone come here? Janbai said, No one is here, you can search the room. The brother could find no one so he said, O sister! tell me the truth, otherwise I will end my life with this dagger! At last Janbai said, The wife of the baniya Laxmichand in this village has become chudel (horrible female ghost) after her death. She comes to me to listen to religious matters. Her brother said, How can I believe it? So the chudel in her original form manifested and said, I did not follow rajaswala (menses period) discipline and I had fallen in bad company; so I have got the body of a ghost but now I have come in contact with Janbai and understood the ways of Satsang. So she will take me to the abode. All who were listening were overwhelmed to hear this! Then the group of saints came to Gadhada and the Swami narrated entire incident to Shriji Maharaj. Shriji Maharaj had visited Chhapri village in divine 27 28

15 form. He had gone to Bhatavdar to get Dada Khachar married and had visited in Chhapri village. He was accompanied by Parshada Kamalbai arranged for a fire to warm Himself. Shriji Maharaj asked Kamalbai, Will Janbai come here or shall I go to her room? So Janbai's mother Kamalabai informed Janbai that Shriji Maharaj had come. Full of enthusiasm Janbai came running and putting her head before the feet of Shri Hari and with tears of joy she began to pray, O Maharaj! now call me to your abode and bless me with the bliss of your form. Shriji Maharaj said, I will call you after one month. Then Janbai said, I am not alone but we are three. Maharaj asked, Who are the other two? The reply came, The daughter of my mother's sister and the wife of the Baniya called Laxmichand. There is an agreement among us that three of us will go to Akshardham together. So along with me they should also get welfare (salvation). Shriji Maharaj said, Do you keep this group of ghosts with you? Janbai said, Yes, Maharaj. Ok I will do the welfare of all the three! Saying so He disappeared and after one month all the three were taken to imperishable abode by Shriji Maharaj. At the center of this incident there is the yoga-yajna of Janbai. She controlled her mind and senses and got united with Shriji Maharaj and she had the realization of Shriji Maharaj : In this way the mark of Ankush in the foot of Shri Hari inspires us to control mind and senses and get from there the Darshan of Lord Swaminarayan. Mohan Chhel has enchanted me into love. Has stolen my mind by the force of love, I have forgotten my body. 1 Garments like Jama Jarida, precious pearls studded laces. 2 Interesting face, alluring eyes, showering the rain of love. 3 Says Premanand I will keep reserved, my heart for beloved Ghanshyam. 4 In this world real essence lies only in the Form of Lord Swaminarayan when this truth is realized the devotee gets connected with love to the real form of God. In the naughty devotional love the ego of the devotee is dropped off and the feeling of oneness with God emerges. In the climax of devotion the sense of doing is uprooted and feeling comes that God has caught me in love this is the climax of devotional love. When our mind, senses and heart gets intensely attached in the Form of Lord Swaminarayan our existence gets steadfast in the form of Lord Swaminarayan, desire goes away from body then the relative of body has no place! 29 30

16 My mind has been stolen and I have forgotten the body. My Lord is the essence of all essence. His eyes are full of love and affection and they shower only love. If you go to a diamond-shop and ask for a hardware material like nail you will not get it there. In the same way only love, compassion and grace always flow from His eyes. The happiness of the idol of God is never destroyed because it is faultless happiness. For this reason we should have some reservation in our body senses and heart for Lord Swaminarayan. Now explaining the importance of Jamun fruit mark in contemplation of lotus feet of Lord Swaminarayan, Nishkulanand Swami says... 6 JAMBU If you have once tasted the Jamun fruit, it contains the essence of all the tastes. So great that it destroys the desire for all other tastes; and ultimately the world seems quite tasteless

17 The contemplation of Jamun mark on Shri Hari's foot inspires us to find all the tastes in the idol of Shri Hari. As the taste of Jamun is sweet and superior to all other tastes if one can have such realization through experience his desire for all other worldly tastes will be diminished. If one can get confirmed understanding of the fact that total and ultimate happiness lies in devotional contemplation of the idol of Lord Swaminarayan, the world becomes uninteresting to him. Brahmanand Swami had experienced all the pleasures of the world very closely. He had received name, fame, honour, royal patronage and yet he felt a vacuum within himself, which could be filled only after he established communion with the form of Shriji Maharaj. After the Darshan, memory, and experience he sang :- Like illusory desert water, pleasures of the world. Counting them all as false, I have forshaken all desires. I have chosen my Lord, at the cost of my head. his mind on this form, then desires for happiness will retire. Bhagwan Swaminarayan is the source of divine bliss so when our mind and heart intensely dragged towards Him, the mind will retire from objects of worldly pleasure. Therefore, it is necessary to be associated with the form of God. When desire wanders among worldly objects add some knowledge to your reasoning telling that this soul has traveled through 84 lakh species (births) and yet does not feel satisfied even after enjoying worldly object's therefore such type of pleasure is imperfect and perishable. But the bliss derived from the Moorti of Lord Swaminarayan is perfect and eternal. So the contemplation of Jamun fruit teaches us that rapture lies only in the form of God, therefore one should not try to find pleasure from worldly objects. Now Swami tries to explain the details about the mark of Vajra (weapon). The world looks insipid when profound love rises in the form of God. The Form of God is in the place of Jamun fruit and when one can concentrate 33 34

18 7 VAJRA Those who watch Vajra-mark become fearless, The fear of Kaal (death) and Karma, removed from the heart. The soul becomes fearless after getting Darshan, contemplation of Vajra-mark. Vajra is a steel-weapon which protects the warrior from the attack of the enemy. In the same way by the contemplation of Vajra-mark on the foot of Shri Hari makes us free from the bondage of death (Kaal) and actions. By taking shelter in the holy feet of Lord Swaminarayan many souls have attained fearlessness. The mark of Vajra in the foot of Lord Swaminarayan can let down the force of Kaal (death) and action (Karma). Anyone who keeps connection with this mark will become fearless in all respects. Brahmanand Swami was building temple there in that city, and they ran a lime-chimney-furnace as lime was required in construction work. There was a jealous Sadhu in that city who practiced black magic and did not allow furnace-fire to be on. Gopalanand Swami asked Brahmanand Swami Where is the furnace? They went there in a small cart. Gopalanand Swami was there, he asked for some milk and then made three circles of milk-stream around the furnace uttering light, light, light. As he uttered three times the fire was lit and flames began to come up as if ghee was offered in the sacrificial fire! Flames leaped up on all four sides. As the fire was blazing the disciples of the Sadhu who noticed the scene took to 35 36

19 their heels and told their guru, O Guru the furnace is burning bright. Guru asked who lit the fire? They replied, A Sadhu called Gopalanand has come and he has lighted it. The Sadhu said, Now we cannot do anything. Any expert in Mantra-Tantra could not compete Gopalanand Swami because he always remained connected with the element of Vajra mark in the lotus foot of Lord Swaminarayan. So when at any point in the life one faces the fear of Kaal (death) and Karma (action) one should remember the Vajra mark and contemplate on the idol of Lord Swaminarayan and that will protect us. Now Swami explains the eighth mark of (Padma) Lotus... 8 PADMA As water cannot stick to lotus, a saint can never be polluted in this world. Due to the power of contemplation on the lotus, evil effects of worldly matters cannot pervade him

20 Lotus stays in water but water cannot wet if so it inspires us to live detached life and engage ourselves in the devotion of Lord Swaminarayan. The saints of Shri Hari who remained connected with the lotus mark in the foot of Shri Hari did a lot of activities under the instruction of Shri Hari and by moving in society they inspired many souls to seek shelter at theholy feet of Lord Swaminarayan but they did not create any worldly bondage therefore Muktanand Swami has sung : The manifested Sahajanand, through His magic has stolen my mind, and dropped the loop of Brahmanhood in my neck. Shriji Maharaj had dropped the noose of Brahman element in the neck of the saints therefore the pleasant five objects of the world could not allure them. The saints had shown extreme love for the idol of Shri Hari. It is not possible that the mind will not be carried away by worldly objects. But the saints had so strong attraction in the idol of Lord Swaminarayan and there was such magic in His speech that the mind of His seekers will not wander any where. Once about 250 saints after a short tour, as per the instructions of Shri Hari, reached Jamnagar and halted at Lakhota tank in the North of the town. As saints took a begging round people gave them flour, grain, loaves and cooked food. The saints put everything together and made balls from that material and distributed those balls among them. Sometimes they got only a little to eat; but they continued the Kirtan and religious discussions. Once as their religious discussions were in progress Jam Saheb - the king, happened to pass from there riding a horse carriage with a purpose to go for Darshan at Hanumanji temple. When he saw such radiant Sadhus he asked his secretary, Whose Sadhus are these? The secretary replied, These are the saints of Swaminarayan. Jam Saheb asked, Where do these many saints get their meals from? The secretary said, They beg in the town and eat their meals. The king said, How would begging suffice for these many saints, tell them to come and eat at the place where we have arranged. The secretary told the same to Swamis, to which Swarupanand Swami replied, We do not have our Guru's permission for that. The secretary said, Maharaja Saheb wants it so you have to eat the meal. Swarupanand Swami said, Hell with your town we will go to other place. The secretary reported this to the King. The King replied, We do not want to displease the saints. Go and tell them that we do not know your ways of 39 40

21 discipline but we request you to show us such solution that our food can go into the sacred mouth of saints like you. Listening to such humble words of the Maharaja the Swami said, When our Sadhus take a begging round in the town you may put your food in the bag, the saints will eat the same. The next day when saints went round the town he put flour, gur, ghee etc. in their bag and the saints brought the same to their halt-place. Swami said, O Saints make Kuler (sweet powder) and offer it to the God. The King arranged for their meals for six days and the saints also blessed the King wishing his welfare. But senior Swarupanand Swami told, O Saints, now the town is alert, get up from here. We should not stay at the place where we get much respect. All the saints set out from there. As they could get nothing to eat on their way they had to eat vetch (guvar) leaves to satisfy their hunger. Water cannot stain the lotus, the saints live such life in this world; no evil effect can enter due to, the power of the foot-mark of the God. The King had made the offer from his side, though the attraction could not work on the saints because Brahman element and the words of Shriji Maharaj were confirmed in their hearts. Water means the attraction of worldly pleasures and lotus means the absolute saints, devotees of Lord Swaminarayan. There were a number of household Satsangis. They possessed royal property, land, and estate but they were not trapped by worldly matters. Though they lived luxurious household life they showed extreme devotion for Lord Swaminarayan. Such immutable devotee was Shivlalbhai from Botad, the son of Bhaga Doshi, born with golden spoon in his mouth. But by coming in contact with great Saints like Gopalanand Swami and Gunatitanand Swami his being was ascent towards Lord Supreme. Though a millionaire he was not wealth-oriented, His body was worldly, but mind was ascetic; Believe him as Janak Videhi, living like lotus in water. Shivlalbhai's body was worldly but his mind was like that of ascetic. Though he was a millionaire he was never attached to wealth and money. Once Swami asked him, Shivlal where had you gone? Shivlalbhai said, I had gone to the market and I have bought one grand meal from there. Swami asked, What meal? Shivlalbhai said, I purchased gold from one market, sold it in another market and earned rupees hundred and fifty as profit, I want to offer a grand meal to saints from that amount

22 To this the Swami said, That is alright. But do you ever think to purchase crores tones of ashes? Shivlalbhai said, No Swami. Then the Swami explained that leaving the Moorti of Shriji Maharaj everything else is as useless as ashes. What did you earn by leaving Satsang for doing business in the market? By listening to such talks full of wisdom Shivlalbhai could remain unattached to wealth, money and luxury. In this way the mark of lotus in the foot of Shri Hari suggests to remain steadfast in devotion while remaining unattached in this world. Now Swami explains triangle as the ninth mark... 9 TRIKON The mark of triangle adores the left foot, contemplating on it three kinds of miseries; born out of Sattva, Rajas, Tamas, can be destroyed, which can benefit the seeker

23 There is a triangle-mark on the left foot of Shri Hari. Its three angles suggest three types of troubles in the world. The contemplation of this mark can pacify Adhibhut (worldly troubles), Adhidaiva (troubles from deities-stars) and Adhyatmik (pains of the body) - these three types of troubles. The devotee who takes shelter in the feet of Lord Swaminarayan is always protected by him. The devotee who has full affection for Shri Hari always obeys His commands which detains and destroys all on-coming pains of the (material) body; and along with these panchbhautik (five types of material) pains are also prevented. The commands of Shriji Maharaj are so subtle and comprehensive that by obeying them all these pains and troubles are destroyed e.g. It has been ordered that on the occasion of Solar or Lunar eclipse one should chant Swaminarayan Mahamantra Dhoon and then after take bath. The atmosphere gets negative effect of the creation of five fundamental elements and pains caused by it to the mind and body of human beings. If you closely study the effect of eclipse during that period you feel somewhat discomfortable. The activity of Mantrajaap spreads spiritual vibrations in the atmosphere and saves us from negative effects of the eclipse. By taking the bath finally the mind and the body become cool and quiet. In this way Shriji Maharaj saves us from all physical and material worldly troubles and pains. Some pains come due to bad luck and Shriji Maharaj protects us from them. Previously Shriji Maharaj has protected his devotees from such type of pains which have been documented by Nishkulanand Swami. In Bhaktachintamani Chapter 137 he writes the story of Pranvallabh. In Amdavad there lived a Brahmin Satsangi called Pranvallabh. He always worshipped Lord Swaminarayan with firm determination that this world is temporary and perishable. Once Pranvallabh went to take bath in Godavari Tirth along with his relatives. But unfortunately the epidemic of plague had spread there. It was a deadly disease and had come as natural calamity. The disease caught Pranvallabh and his body was nearing his death. Pranvallabh remembered Shriji Maharaj, So Shriji Maharaj manifested Himself and appeared to offer Darshan and said, O Pranvallabh! I am here to take you away to My imperishable abode, if you have any last wish just tell Me. To this Pranvallabh replied, O Maharaj! I did not have the scope to tell my people that I am to leave for Your abode. People will believe and say that Pranvallabh died from plague as others have died. So Shriji Maharaj said, Now, go back to your body and come to Me after proper clarification

24 All the relatives and companions carried the body of Pranvallabh to cremation ground and when it was placed on pyre his body began to move; the people standing around said, Pranvallabh is dead, how can he come back into his body? Suddenly Pranvallabh got up and on being asked he explained how he was given the chance to come back. Pranvallabh said, Brothers! I was in the abode with Shriji Maharaj, but I have come here to tell you something. The reference to the words of Pranvallabh has been made by Nishkulanand Swami in his Bhaktachintamani like this... The force of Kaal (death) is very heavy, it will kill all men and women; so chant the name Swaminarayan, if you want to survive. Believe my words and, continue kirtan by clapping your hands; Then he demonstrated Dhoon, and himself also joined in clapping. After some preaching he left his body, leaving everyone in great surprise; It brings pleasure when one knows about, the popularity of the story of this miracle. Take it for granted that there is nothing, like permanent pain or pleasure in Satsang; The entire group shares pleasant mood, as Lord Sahajanand always extends His support. Pranvallabh said, At present there is a natural calamity, the force of Kaal in the form of the epidemic is very heavy, and many men and women are likely to die in it. There is only one remedy to save oneself just chant Swaminarayan Swaminarayan. If you believe me start chanting the Dhoon Swaminarayan, Swaminarayan clapping your hands. He showed the method of Dhoon and clapped too, with others. And while sitting on the pyre he demonstrated Swaminarayan Dhoon and the sound of Dhoon started spreading in the crematorium! After sometime he asked to stop Dhoon and told everyone that now he was leaving for the abode. He squatted legs in Padmasan, made his mind stable in the idol of Shriji Maharaj and before the eyes of all he proceeded to the imperishable abode of Lord Swaminarayan! The people around were filled with surprise and pleasure to witness this miracle! In Holy Fellowship a Satsangi has not to experience everlasting pain or pleasure. If pain comes Lord Swaminarayan is always there to help and support and for this reason the followers always feel happy. The strength and power in the lotus feet of Lord Swaminarayan can be understood when one studies and understands the deep meaning of every mark and day by day contemplate on it, only contemplation can give us auspicious inspiration. That will lead us to the 47 48

25 firmness in the Form of God. If one get this much by contemplation on lotus feet, think of the gain if you contemplate on the Moorti. In this present atmosphere of stress and strain man is confused in the chain of action and reaction in his mind, sometimes he thinks of on-coming future troubles and becomes the victim of blood-pressure, diabetes, sleeplessness etc.. But who remains in touch with the lotus-feet of Lord Swaminarayan and understands the importance of the divine marks gets free from such troubles. The triangle mark on the left foot of Shri Hari is the pacifier of psycho, physical and natural troubles. Devotional practice should be done with firm belief that I will get protection from all these pains and troubles. Blessed are those who are drenched, in the devotion of Shyam Sundar. Kirtan runs from breath to breath, don't let the thread to break; As bird Chakora to the moon, he keeps the image of the master in the eyes. Firm devotion is accepted, all troubles are gone; Adoring all day the feet of Shyam, achieved spontaneous Samadhi. Now fourteen Worlds look like a straw, Brahmanand praises such loving seekers, who deserve the Supreme abode. God Himself has created this world, and has spread Himself in every body, so attraction to such thing is very natural, but the world is the effect and God is the cause. During our travel from self to universe the souls come across many other souls, shapes and forms and sensuous objects. If the soul has not got a touch of real knowledge it is carried away by such worldly objects. Brahmanand Swami here says, blessed are the devotees who have been enamoured in the charming form of Shyam Sundar alias Lord Swaminarayan. They are freed from all worldly pains and troubles who have confirmed their faith in the manifested Lord Swaminarayan. All troubles are gone, when firm devotion is accepted. As I adore Shyam's feet day and night, I enter into spontenious Samadhi. When there starts genuine adoration for the lotus-feet, meditation becomes effortless. This is the influence of the lotus feet of Lord Swaminarayan. Now let us turn to the mark of Meen (Fish) on the foot sole of Lord Swaminarayan and try to understand its meaning

26 10 MEEN The absolutely conscious saints, remain detached from all worldly matters; like a fish that lives a wandering life, fluttering in water. The mark of fish in the foot of Lord Swaminarayan gives the strength and inspiration to remain detached in the world. As a fish keeps on moving and fluttering in water, and does not live at a fixed place, in the same way the absolute devotees of God do not limit themselves to space or time. They are not bound by worldly matters. Devotees should live such detached life and practise devotion to Shriji Maharaj. In this analogy fish means our soul and water means worldly matters. Here the fish is given two adjectives : active and clever. The devotee does not get bounded ane where and skillfully remains detached. We should remain alert at the gate of awareness(our consciousness) such are the words of Shriji Maharaj. We should remain conscious and alert in the matter of the world and in the path of God. Consciousness brings discrimination which generates cleverness. So clever means the one in whom wisdom has been confirmed. Cleverness and wisdom give the power of judgement. The clever devotee has the power to analyze all the circumstances in his daily life either it may be pain, joy, temptation or any other worldly affairs. He is not bound by any of them. When he fully understands that the entire universe is the creation and possession of Lord Swaminarayan, he gets freed from the sense of possessiveness

27 The fish keeps on fluttering, moving and gliding in water but does not possess any part in water. The seekers should follow this example in their spiritual life. The devotee who adores the feet of Lord Swaminarayan and believes that entire earth belongs to the All Mighty. He considers the pleasures of 14 worlds like a straw of grass and therefore they become worthy of the imperishable abode which is above the 14 worlds. We should understand that we all individuals are the fishes in the water of the ocean-like super soul, omnipresent Lord Swaminarayan. Omnipresent means within and without, internal and external, in consciousness or dream, in speech and listening; where we wander we wander in His creation only! You become detached when you move from the effect to cause. If you have affection for a saintly person it is not binding but affection for common person can be binding because saintly person is having communion with God and the other one is dealing with the world. In this way if we link up our actions and everything with Lord Swaminarayan and keep ourselves detached we shall be able to live like the fish. So the analogy of fish teaches us to live a detached life like the fish in water. Now let us turn to the eleventh mark of Half-moon. 11 ARDHA CHANDRA Moon makes things cool, being its basic quality, Does not cause burning, in the heart that remembers it

28 There is a half-moon mark in the foot of Lord Swaminarayan. When the moon rises coolness begins to spread in all directions. When a devotee begins to contemplate on the moon in the foot of Lord Swaminarayan, quietness and coolness spread in the mind and his soul and heart become stable. The heart of man is usually covered by disturbances, confusions and peace-breaking thoughts. One who has to do with worldly affairs has to face troublesome, painful and disturbing situations. Believing money as means of happiness today s man runs after it but if the money earned by him is not fair, it becomes a cause of many troubles in life. Only Lord Swaminarayan can uproot all these because He Himself has offered the definition of the abode in which he lives. My abode you know, is called imperishable and nectar-like. It is cool and quiet, radiant beyond comparison. I live there forever, two-armed is My divine form. Lord Swaminarayan's imperishable abode is divine, eternal and radiant and it has been compared with nectar. Though it is radiant it is cool and quiet. These two are its basic qualities. If any soul contemplates on Lord Swaminarayan it becomes abode-like because Lord Swaminarayan dwells in that soul. That soul becomes enlightened and the darkness of Maya is removed from it, and there spreads peace, coolness and quietness in that soul. This pleasure is divine pleasure which can match nectar in heaven, so Nishkulanand Swami sings : The brave Swaminarayan dwells in my heart, all doubts and grief are pacified, and the mind has become stable and quiet. Nishkulanand says that after reaching the blissful state, the heart has no regrets now. In this way by holding the Form of Lord Swaminarayan the heart becomes free from all doubts and regrets; the conscious gets stabilized and becomes free from the shadows of doubts and agonies. So the contemplation of half Moon brings coolness and quietness in the heart. Now we turn to the twelfth mark called Gopada

29 12 GOPADA People contemplate on Gopada because, there are such qualities in it; which can give the scope to cross immediately, this boundless ocean of worldly life. As per the Hindu traditional and cultural concept the foot of a cow suggests upward movement towards heaven. The devotee who contemplates on Gopada gets the strength and power to cross this painful worldly ocean and reach to the proximity of God. So Nishkulanand Swami says : O Dullard! be alert, grasp the opportunity, Start the worship of the feet of indestructible Shri Hari; in order to destroy the dual of pain and misery, and end the cycle of 84 lac births. When the life comes to end and when it is time to go to the Lord's abode after crossing the worldly ocean, one needs a boat in the form of the worship of Lord Swaminarayan's idol. Only that person who takes shelter in the feet of Lord Swaminarayan, getting free from Maya killing the pains of many births attains the abode of Shri Hari. By remembering the Gopada mark in the foot of Shri Hari one's thinking is confirmed that he has not to be gripped by Maya but his ultimate goal is the Lord's abode. So teach your soul, Be aware, be alert, don't be caught in the worldly mattes. People who have left have gained nothing from the material world. So make sure that your goal is to reach the imperishable abode of Lord Swaminarayan and remain in connection with the divine feet of Shri Hari. This type 57 58

30 of instructional dialogue with subconscious mind keeps one aware of one s ultimate goal. In this way Gopada is the mark which inspires us to leave this perishable world and ascend to imperishable Akshardham of Lord Swaminarayan. Now Swami talks about thirteenth mark Bow (Dhanushya). 13 DHANUSH Shri Hari gets pleased on him, who contemplate on the bow-mark; as it destroys the polluting effect of, lust, anger, ego and greed

31 As the bow destroys the enemy. The bow and arrow in the form of the Lord's worship and devotion destroys the internal enemies like desire, anger, ego and greed and by destroying them the devotee can get bliss from the God. The Lord showers His grace on the soul who fights against senses, mind and intellect and minimizing their force strengthens devotion. So Nishkulanand Swami says : With a courageous heart without being lazy; keep-on fighting and never step back, till your death. 1 Considering the unshaken night and day internal fight; Shri Hari comes to help such brave devotee. 2 A bow is the symbol of bravery and challenge and the Gandiv(bow)-master Arjuna is its ideal. Arjun symbolizes devotion and bow is the mark of the symbolic fight with internal enemies. So the devotee fights courageously against the force of five material subjects and never steps back till the end of his life. He defeats all the enemies which become obstacles in the path of meditation. He perfects his ideals of meditation with the help of fighting weapons like Kirtan, holy association, and Katha-varta (listening to holy sermons). Considering to the zeal of such devotee Shri Hari runs to help him. The clouds of lustful desires anger and greed disperse from his heart and the mind becomes calm and quiet and in that quiet heart he gets the Darshan of Lord Swaminarayan in His blissful form. If we turn to mythology we will find that God had assumed the form of Nrusinha(half lion and half man) to kill Hiranax and save Bhakta Prahalad. Then Prahaladji earnestly prayed to Shri Hari, O Lord! You have protected my body but I do not consider it as protection. I will consider it as total protection when I am protected from internal enemies like desire, anger, greed and ego. Such protection will purify my mind and heart and make me able to get connected with Your form divine. When I get such state of consciousness, I will consider it as real protection. It is very needful for all keep in mind the earnest prayer of Prahaladji. We should try to detect the defects which become obstacles in the path of God's devotion and should release arrows of Kirtan, Smaran (chanting Mantra within), Manasi Puja (mental worship) to minimize their force and remember Lord Swaminarayan. Then He will definately shower His grace upon us In this way the mark of bow on the foot of Lord