PRAGNA 1- PAPER 1 SECTION 1: VACHANAMRUT - 1st Edition, December 2011

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1 PRAGNA 1- PAPER 1 SECTION 1: VACHANAMRUT - 1st Edition, December 2011 Q.1 Answer ALL of the following, using one sentence (not just one word) for each answer. [4] 1. Which two forms does Akshar have? A) The two forms of Akshar are one is formless and pure chaitanya, known as Chidakash or Brahmamahol. In its other form, that Akshar remains in the service of Purushottam Narayan (Gadh I-21). 2. What does total affection for God mean? A) Total affection for God means that one never has any thoughts other than those of God (Gadh I-44). 3. By whom can one attain ekantik dharma? A) Ekantik dharma can only be attained through a Purush who is free of worldly desires and who has attained the state of God-realization (Gadh I-60). 4. According to Vachanamrut Gadhada I-18, what is Maharaj s nature? A) As stated in Gadhada I-18, Maharaj s nature is such that even if the slightest desire for an object arises within, I feel at ease only after shunning it. Q.2 Write concisely on any TWO of the following questions. (In 4-5 lines each.) [4] 1. According to Vachanamrut Gadhada I 21, how can one extremely please god? A) One can extremely please God by having unshakeable resolve in observing the dharma of one s varna and ashram; intensely firm atma-realization; dislike for all objects except God; and bhakti which is devoid of all desires for fruits, and which is accompanied with an understanding of God s glory (Gadh I-21). 2. How does Shriji Maharaj talk about the great satpurush in Vachanamrut Gadhada I 67? A) There is a Satpurush who has no affection at all for the pleasures of this world; he harbours desires only for the higher realms, i.e., the abode of God for the form of God. He also wishes the same for whoever associates with him. He feels, As this individual has associated with me, it would be of great benefit to the individual if his desires for this world are eradicated and his affection for God is developed. 3. According to Vachanamrut Gadhada I 60, what are the means to eradicate worldly desires?

2 A) The means to eradicate worldly desires is by bearing in mind one s craving for the vishays. One should introspect, Is my desire for God equal to my desires for the world? Is it greater? Or is it less? (Gadh I-60). 4. According to Vachanamrut Panchala 7, when can one be said to have known God perfectly? A) It can be said that one has known God perfectly when a person has, from the beginning developed a firm conviction that God possesses a form even at the end of atyantikpralay, and if were to listen to shastras describing God as being merely full of divine light and formless, or if he were to hear such talks from someone, even then he would not harbour doubts. Why? Because he has realized, God eternally possesses a form and is never formless. Furthermore, that very God assumes the forms of Ram, Krishna, etc (Panchala 7). Q.3 Write on any ONE of the following examples and clarify its principle. (In 4-5 lines.) [4] 1. God s eternal residence based on the example of a heap of gold and a pile of stones. A) Example: In a worldly view, gold is considered valuable. Moreover, if one has a heap of gold, then it has great value. However, to a God s ideal disciple, a heap of gold and a pile of stones are considered equal. Similarly, even if he were to be honored or insulted, all of these situations would be equal to him. B) Principle: God eternally resides in the heart of such a devotee who treats a pile of stones and heap of gold with equality (Gadh I-27). 2. Example of the maya of a magician. A) Example: An adept magician arms himself with weapons and ascends to the sky to fight against the warriors of the demons. Then, having cut to pieces, he falls to the ground. Thereafter, the magician s wife gathers those pieces together and burns herself on the funeral pyre. After a short while, the magician appears out of the sky, armed with weapons, exactly as he appeared before. He then asks the king for a reward and asks him to return his wife. B) Principle: One who has realized the form of God perfectly understands God to be eternal and imperishable- absolutely unchanging (Panchala 7). Q.4 Explain any TWO of the following incidents and give a suitable Vachanamrut reference from the syllabus. (In 3-4 lines each.) [4] 1. Those who are virtuous talk about their duties while those who have faults talk about their rights. A) Reference Panchala 3: One who is intelligent realizes all of his flaws and virtues, as well as the virtues and flaws of others. On the other hand, one who is not intelligent only

3 acknowledges his own virtues but fails to realize his drawbacks; he feels himself to be as eminent as the Sanakadik, and he views other eminent people to be inferior to himself. B) Explanation: One who is intelligent ponders upon one s duties in the world, and one who is wise on the spiritual path thinks about his liberation. Those souls who are filled with faults, like to use their seniority to overpower others and show their rights (example Ragunathdas). However, they do not focus on removing their faults, and as a result they are considered fools. 2. When Ramsang Bapu understood the glory of Pramukh Swami Maharaj, his nastik attitude was overcomed and an astik attitude developed. A) Reference Gadh I-68; Maharaj tells Muktanand Swami how a nastik attitude is overcome. He states that, when one listens to talks of the divine actions and incidents of God, such as the creation, sustenance and dissolution of the cosmos as described in astik shastras like the Shrimad Bhagavat, and also understands the glory of God and the Sant, such nastik attitude is overcome and an astik attitude develops. B) Explanation: Ramsang Bapu engaged in all kinds of bad actions, however, when he understood Pramukh Swami Maharaj s greatness, then his nastik attitude was overcome and an astik attitude developed. 3. Ten persons crossed the river. When one of them counted the remaining, they were nine, he started crying. A) Reference Gadh I-20; The jiva which resides within the body, observes both the attractive and the unattractive. It witnesses childhood, youth and old age, as well as a countless number of things. However, the observer fails to observe its own self. The jiva looks at objects externally; but it does not look at its own self. Therefore, it is the most ignorant of the ignorant. B) Explanation: When one of them counted, and noticed that they were nine, he started crying. The person didn t count himself. Maharaj describes such a person as the most ignorant of the ignorant. 4. Lalji drank milk offered by Jivuba and threw the empty bowl at Abhel Khachar. A) Reference Gadh I-68: God himself has said, I forever reside in the eight types of murtis and in the Sant. B) Explanation: Lalji drank the milk offered by Jivuba. Jivuba had offered the milk with love and with the belief that God resides within the murti of Lalji. Seeing her loving devotion, Lalji drank the milk. Thereafter, she threw the empty bowl at Abhel Khachar. Q.5 Complete the following quotations. [9] 1. A person who safeguards... possess a blunt intellect. A) A person who safeguards his liberation, even though he may possess only limited intellect, should be considered to have a sharp intellect. On the other hand, a person

4 who, even though possessing a sharp intellect, pays more attention to worldly affairs should be considered to possess a blunt intellect (Gadh I-50). 2. A Sant with such a conviction... redeem countless wretched jivas. A) A Sant with such a conviction is so highly respected by me that even I place the dust of his feet on my head. In my mind, I am afraid of harming him and I also long to have his darshan (Gadh I-37). 3. Someone may appear... can be called intelligent. A) Someone may appear to be very intelligent, but if he does not introspect over his own flaws, then his intelligence should be known to be merely worldly. Outwardly, that intelligence appears to be very sharp but he cannot be called intelligent (Panchala 3). SECTION 2 : BHAGWAN SWAMINARAYAN JIVANCHARITRA PART 1 6th Gujarati Edition, May 2013 AND PART 2-6th Gujarati Edition, June 2012 Q.6 Write concisely on any ONE of the following. (In 30 lines.) [12] 1. Nilkanth s journey for the liberation of jivas (Only incidents from Divine Journey in Jungle ). A) First Night (p. 14 in Nilkanth Varni) B) Overnight stay and Solemn Welcome (p in Nilkanth Varni) 2. Divine personality of Nilkanth Varni (Only incidents from In East Bengal ). A) Incident 1: King Siddhavallabh of Sirpur was a generous and pious monarch. The fake ascetics residing in Sirpur were godmen only in name. King Siddhavallabh always welcomed them with offerings and sumptuous feasts. He would daily go for their darshan considering them to be sadhus. He had been serving the fake sadhus, but he did not have inner peace. The moment he saw Nilkanth he experienced bliss and his agitated mind was at once calmed. In Nilkanth, the king at once saw the light of divinity and detachment from worldly things. B) Incident 2: Encounter with Pibek (p. 92 in Nilkanth Varni) C) Incident 3: Sages of Navlakha Mountain (p. 97 in Nilkanth Varni) 3. Affectionate relationship between Ghanshyam and Suvasinibhabhi (Only incidents from Birth of Purushottam and Childhood Incidents to In the Holy Land of Ayodhya ). A) Suvasinibhabhi s Ring (p. 21 in Bhagwan Swaminarayan: the Story of His Life.) B) Injured thigh in Targam (p. 26 in Bhagwan Swaminarayan) Q.7 Write short notes on any TWO of the following topics. (Each short note should contain two incidents of five lines each.) [8]

5 1. Lives transformed by Shri Hari (Only incidents from Shri Hari s Powers Seen Through Samadhi to Prohibition on Installing Murtis of Ram, Lakshman, Janki ). A) Incident 1: Meghjit s Transformation: (p. 152 in Bhagwan Swaminarayan) B) Incident 2: Magniram s Transformation: (p in Bhagwan Swaminarayan) 2. Shri Hari won over by the devotion of devotees (Only incidents from Raghunathdas Causes Problems to Shri Hari Enters Panchala ). A) Incident 1: Khima Patel had a wish of swinging Maharaj on a swing to take the benefit of His darshan. To fulfill the all loving Shri hari, came to his house. After taking a bath in the river Ghela, he sat on the swing. And then he said to Khima, You have built the hindolo well. I had a wish to be swung on the swing and you have fulfilled it today. Then Khima Patel became emotional and folded his hands and said, Prabhu! You would never wish such a thing, but in fact, it is our wish and you have fulfilled it through this divine action. B) Incident 2: Maharaj had come to visit the Maharaja Devaji of Gondal. Hearing this, Ratno Kadiyo came for His darshan. However, Ratno Kadiyo hesitated in approaching Maharaj because he was poor. He gathered up the courage and approached Maharaj. He told Maharaj, You are the succour of the poor. Please come to my house, as it is difficult for people like me to come to a grand courtyard to take your labh. Maharaj went to Ratno s house and Ratno became very happy. Despite not having a proper place to sit or mattresses, Maharaj went to Ratno s house due to his love. 3. Sadavrat in Mangrol (Only incidents from In the Pilgrim Place of Lojpur ). A) Incident 1: Lending a Helping Hand (p in Nilkanth Varni) B) Incident 2: Brahmin s Request (p in Nilkanth Varni). Q.8 Describe any THREE of the following incidents and give your thoughts. (Write incidents in eight lines and thoughts in four lines.) [12] 1. Shri Hari in Umreth. A) Incident: When Shri Hari came to Umreth, Narbhayram Dave saw him from afar and thinks to himself that he s seen Maharaj before but cannot remember where. Maharaj then told him, Narbhayram why are you afraid? With a gesture, Maharaj called him near and said, Have you forgotten? We had met in Jagannath Mahadev, when I was sitting on the terrace when you and Rupram had come to me. Narbhayram immediately remembered the incident. Then Maharaj blessed Narbhayram and called Rupram for the introduction. B) Thoughts: Shriji Maharaj had incarnated on this Earth to liberate innumerable jivas. He sought outs mumukshus and showered them with love and affection that the mumukshus became attached to Him, and thereby liberating them.

6 2. In Guptaprayag: Nilkanth Varni in a shepherd s hut in Dolahe village. A) Incident: Once Nilkanth arrived to shepherd s hut, and the shepherd gave Nilkanth provisions but Nilkanth asked only for milk. In the evening, the shepherd s guru arrived there. Nilkanth engaged in bhajans with the guru. Late at night, everyone went to sleep. While turning in his bed, the Bawaji would say Hey Ram, and Varni would respond Yes?, and this happened three to four times. Finally, the Bawaji asked, Are you Ram, if you are answering every time? Varni laughed and said, Only one who is Ram would respond. Then the Bawaji saw Ramchandra bhagwan in Varni s form. As the Bawaji was a firm believer of God, he was able to have darshan and was able to develop conviction in Varni. B) Thoughts: Purnapurushottam Narayan liberated on this earth to redeem countless souls. He sought out mumukshus and showed them their ishtadevs, thereby liberating them. 3. The Vasant Festival in Manavadar. A) Incident: Shri Hari was at Marayam Bhatt s house on Maha sud , to celebrate the festival of Vasant. He sprayed colors with close friends. Marayam thought, that Maharaj was from northern India, and therefore he must enjoy spraying the colors. Shri Hari understood what was on his mind and explained, Spring time is a festive time, from today the earth will blossom. There will be garments made of flowers- all of this is God s greatness. We must learn to attribute all of this greatness to God. Austerities and detachment are tools to experience this joy but one s life is not fulfilled just by that. The joy of Paramatma s true form will be experienced by offering affection. B) Thoughts: Shri Hari used to ensure that His devotees abided by their dharma. He explained that if these celebrations and festivals were conducted to indulge in the indriyas, then it would lead the person off the path of moksha. Maharaj thus established the pure way to celebrate these festivals. 4. Shri Hari explains the significance of Navratra in Bhader. A) Incident: In Bhader, Shri Hari explained the significance of Navratri to the Brahmins. He stated, Navratri is Vedmata, it is a festival to appease Savatri, Lakshmiji and Parvatiji. They are filled with dharma, vairagya and bhakti. So how can you kill and offer meat as an offering? Only tamasik deities accept such food and by appeasing to them, nothing is attained. On the contrary, one performs adharma and falls from the path of God. Therefore, put aside such devotion and pray only to Savatri, Lakshmi and Parvati to truly celebrate this festival. The scriptures say, to have a thought about killing will earn bad merits, so what can be said about killing animals? The Brahmins understood and accepted Maharaj s commands. B) Thoughts: Shriji Maharaj incarnated to vanquish unrighteousness and establish true vedic dharma. He put an end to wrongfully conducted festivals that involved killing and to explain the spiritual significance of all of the festivals, and for everyone to develop firm faith.

7 5. Explained the glory of Ekadashi to Bawa Mohandas in Hanumangadhi. A) Incident: According to his usual routine, Ghanshyam went to the Hanuman mandir. There, Mohandas was reading the Ramayan, at which the importance of Ekadashi came up. Ghanshyam asked Mohandas, That despite the shastras talking about the importance of Ekadashi, why don t people observe it? Mohandas replied, This human body given by God is not meant to be kept hungry or in misery. One receives bad merits by keeping the God within hungry. This priceless human body is meant to enjoy the foods and drinks. Those who do not have food are observing Ekadashi. Hearing his response, Ghanshyam was disturbed, he could not believe the guru s words and how he was leading his disciples astray. Ghanshyam said, By being a leader of dharma, you must propagate dharma properly to please God. These words were felt deeply by the Bawaji. He felt that even though he has become old, he still indulges in the vishays and thereby falling to adharma. Thus, the Bawaji s innerself was cleansed. B) Thoughts: Maharaj showed the right way to observe dharma to those that were seated at the forefront of dharma but were misguiding others. He explained that to attain moksha, one must perform spiritual endeavours as described in the shastras. Compared to doing 100 rajsurya yagnas or 1000 ashvamedh yagnas, observing ekadashi is greater. Q.9 Narrate incidents to describe the personality of any ONE of the characters below. [8] 1. Shitaldas (Hostile, Mangrol) (Only incidents from Prohibition on Installing Murtis of Ram, Lakshman and Janki ). A) Incidents: In Mangrol, Gopidas, Jankidas, Shitaldas and many others sadhus stayed in a mandir built by Ramanand Swami. They were in opposition with Shri Hari and they felt that Ramanand Swami s successor should rightfully be Ragunathdas. They also felt that the murti of Radha-Krishna which belonged to Ramanand Swami was being used by Shri Hari to perform miracles. One time, Shitaldas and others arrived to take the murti back, however, seeing the Nawab s Arab forces they turned back. They then decided to self-mutilate themselves, however, when the Nawab found out, he informed them that the murti would stay with Shri Hari. However, Shitaldas and everyone else were more concerned about their own personal welfare. They determined that Shri Hari would most likely would keep the murtis that Ramanand Swami had installed in the Mangrol mandir. Thus, they put Mangrol mandir under Shitaldas name and Bhuj and Amdavad Mandir until Jankidas, Raghunathdas and Gopidas name. Thus, through this argument, Shitaldas and the others turned from sadhus into bawas- they only care about themselves. B) Personality: Shitaldas was offering worship to the murtis to the Mangrol mandir built by Ramanand Swami only for his own welfare. He only care about himself, and he did not want to lose the miracle performing Radha-Krishna murti. He was willing to go as far as self-mutilation to get it.

8 2. Mulji Sharma (Only incidents from Nilkanth Varni Meets Ramanand Swami to Satsang in Kutch ). A) Incidents: (p , p in Nilkanth Varni) B) Personality: When one looked at Mulji Sharma from an outside perspective, he appeared to be simple and innocent, but in fact he was Maharaj s divine abode, His Akshardham. He had incarnated on this earth with Shri Hari to grant liberation. SECTION 3: DHARMIK VIDHANO ANE BHAVNAO 7th Gujarati Edition,September AND GENERAL KNOWLEDGE ESSAY Q.10 Answer All of the following, using one sentence (not just one word) for each answer. [5] 1. With what feelings is a kanthi made of tulsi wood worn around the neck? A) The Tulsi plant is a symbol for sacrifice, or surrenderance and thus a kanthi made of tulsi wood is worn around the neck. 2. What kind of solution Upanishads provide for keeping the mind pure? A) If the diet is pure the antahkaran becomes pure, when the mind becomes pure, his meditation becomes stable, and when he achieves meditations, all of his vasanas are eradicated. 3. What can be done to focus the mind during meditation? A) One can say Aum and do pranayam to focus the mind during meditation. 4. What is meant by bal sanskar? A) Bal sanskars means, the molding of children, the making of a happy family, the firm foundation of society and the creation of a peaceful world. 5. Complete the shlok: Brahmabhutah prasannatma... A) Brahmabhutah prasannatma na shochati na kaankshati, Sammaha sarveshu bhuteshu madbhaktim labhhate param. Q.11 Write short answers to the following questions. (In 4-5 lines each.) [6] 1. What is sashtang dandvat pranam? A) Sashtang dandvat pranam means with eight body parts. In this type of pranams, the eight parts of the body which should touch the floor are: thighs, feets, hands, chest, mind, head, speech, and eyes. Since all of man s karmas are performed either by the mind, or the body or by speech and since every karma in life should be offered to God, the mind and speech are also included.

9 2. What if we perform nitya puja in the gharmandir? A) In the gharmandir, the collective endeavours and devotional feelings of the whole family are involved, whereas the nityapuja is bhakti offered at the personal level. With the personal puja, the pictured murti of Paramatma can be taken by a bhakta wherever he goes. Therein, the puja s regularity is not disturbed. 3. Write two scriptural references which prohibit eating onions and garlic. A) Shiva Purana states that the devotees of Lord Shiva have been forbidden to take alcohol, meat, onions and garlic. B) The Manu Smruti states, the brahmin who knowingly eats onions and garlic falls from the spiritual path. Q.12 Write concisely on any ONE of the following. (In 10 lines.) [3] 1. What does Pramukh Swami Maharaj say about gharsabha? A) In the past, even parents used to tell stories from the Ramayana and Mahabharat. Religious Education given in schools enabled religious samskaras to be imparted to the children. In today s environment the parents do not care, neither is religion taught in school. So such education will not be provided outside the home environment. Therefore, it is necessary for such samskaras to be received at home. That is why the Ghar Sabha is needed. Children will be influenced by environment they are brought up in. A Satsang environment at home will mould children well. A holy atmosphere will prevail in the home and in society. 2. What is prayer? A) (p. 39 in Hindu Rites and Rituals). Q.13 Write short notes on any ONE of the following topics. (In lines.) [6] 1. Television relaxes our mind. How true is this? A) Consider the analogy, A man was walking carrying a heavy bag. After a while, he arm ached. So he carried the bag in his other hand. Relief! After a while, that arm aches as well so he placed the bag on his head. Relief again! Well, has the lad really decreased? Similarly, relaxing the mind to watch TV does not truly provide peace. Because once the mind starts to watch TV, it starts churning and processing the images that it sees. So, is the mind really resting? The load shifts around but does not disappear. Only the subject matter changes, deceiving the mind into a false sense of belief. In reality, TV programs and commercials just give us impetus to further indulge in the sense pleasures. We crave for the unattainable. In this game, one s instincts of ego, hate, greed, lust, anger and jealousy are not only aroused, but go haywire. Has the mind then relaxed? When

10 the scenes of immorality and violence are watched, the mind s peaceful equilibrium is thrown into turmoil. Is this really relaxation? Entertainment? Indulging in the sense pleasures does not relax the mind. It reloads it. Only when the mind centers on Paramatma does it stop craving for the material pleasures and only then, is it stabilized. Then its fatigue ebbs. The mind attains reals peace and happiness. 2. What is tilak-chandlo? A) (p. 25 Hindu Rites and Rituals) Q.14 Write an essay on any ONE of the following topics. (In approximately lines.) [15] 1. Associating with God by karma is karmayog. (Swaminarayan Prakash (Gujarati) July 2016, pp. 4 to 6, 19) 2. Enduring story of the immortal Amrut. (Swaminarayan Prakash (Gujarati) September-October 2016, pp. 7 to 15) 3. Tributes paid to Pramukh Swami Maharaj by renowned dignitaries from diverse fields. (Swaminarayan Prakash (Gujarati) September-October 2016, pp. 121 to 126)