25. Unique Qualities of Shri Swaminarayan

(i) Of all the spiritual leaders, Lord Shri Swaminarayan has been the most dynamic, most vibrant, most radiant and most redeeming. For the spread of the Ekantik Dharma (the ultimate and absolute truth), He,for 28 years, constantly moved across the length and breadth of the country either on foot or on horseback. He visited thousands of towns and villages, transforming people into ardent devotees.

(ii) He did not keep anybody out of His divine grace. Hindus, Parsis, Muslims, Khojas, Jains, Britishers and even those who did not believe in the Vedas, directly or indirectly experienced His divine bliss.

(iii) His life was His mission. Therefore, for the spiritual education and redemption of thousands of people He projected Himself as sadhak -the practitioner, sadhan -means (instrument) and sadhya -the spiritual end. His entire incarnatory life itself was a living book of theology and metaphysics.

(iv) He could explain the abstract and most explicable philosophical concepts in the language of the masses. His interpretations were so simple that even a layman could understand Him without any difficulty. His discourses were marked by a simple, direct, colloquial, epigramatic and conversational style.

(v) Even in His attempts at correcting the morals and manners of the people, His approach was always constructive and corrective.

(vi) He always believed in returning good for evil. He was always eager to do a good turn to those who thought ill of Him. He never cursed anybody, nor did He wished ill of anyone. On the contrary, even if His disciple had offended anybody, He would approach the aggrieved person and tender an apology.

(vii) He had a boundless love and compassion for children. Inspite of His busy schedule, He used to spend some time with children and preach them. He always grieved if a child suffered. He would not hesitate to say sorry even to a child. He always behaved with them as one of them.

(viii) Sadguru Premanand Swami has addressed Him as Karunalochan (Merciful) in his song:

'કોઈને દુખિયો રે, દેખી ન ખમાય,

દયા આણી રે, અતિ આકળા થાય.

અન્ન, ધન, વસ્ત્ર રે, આપીને દુઃખ ટાળે,

કરુણાદૃષ્ટિ રે, દેખી વાન જ વાળે.'

(Grieved to see others in grief, pains of others pained Him. The compassionate one moved by pity, offered food, clothes and cash. And with a glance divine, the Merciful mitigated all miseries.)

(ix) Once, revealing His mission on the earth Lord Shri Swaminarayan declared: "I have come here for accord and not for discord."

(x) Shri Swaminarayan had the yogic power and spiritual magnetism to attract people. His absolutely transparent spiritual life forever guided people on the path of righteousness. He provided inspiration, moral strength and support. These divine attributes illuminated His whole being and warmed those around Him with joy divine.

(xi) Whosoever came into contact with Him experienced:

(a) That there was magnetism, a magic in His eyes, in His utterances and also in His gait.

(b) That from His eyes there always trickled the nectar of divine love.

(c) That everyone, mesmerised by His radiant figure, instantly paid obeisance to Him. Even today, His wooden and marble icons continue to captivate our minds.

(d) The propitious, 'boon-granting' posture of His hand makes us fearless and inspires confidence in us.

(e) In the right foot of Shri Swaminarayan there were nine incarnatory signs and His left foot revealed seven divine signs. In all, there were sixteen unique marks asserting His incarnation.