• Shree Hari the Ultimate Supreme God (Part - II)

1. Bapashri praised Hanumanji installed at Chhatedi by himself and declared with extreme delight, Hanumanji installed here has miraculous powers. If someone is troubled by ghosts or spirits, Hanumanji will destroy them through will of Maharaj. It should be understood that all the miracles are performed due to greatness of Shriji Maharaj. Hanumanji has miraculous powers because, he has been installed at a blessed place in a blessed congregation. All the miracles should be considered as glory of Shriji Maharaj. 2/4/20

2. Bapashri narrated an incident, once I went to Ahmedabad with a group of people. There a learned saint described Maharaj as Prakriti Purush. So, I objected, you learned people describe Maharaj upto Maya. You do not have understanding beyond that. Therefore, I am scared of scholars. Maharaj cannot be attained by such scholars. We must get absorbed into Shri Swaminarayan Bhagwan who is residing in Akshardham which is a cluster of light of splendour of Shriji Maharaj who is beyond Mul Akshar. Seekers are tired of observing the creations of Prakriti. If they can get united with Murti of Maharaj, they would be blissful. A seeker who gets united with Murti of Maharaj by detaching himself from Prakriti, Mul Akshar etc. neither notices nor remembers anything else. 2/18/47

3. 51st Vachanamrit of Gadhada first chapter was being read during congregation. Here, it has been mentioned that other than Murti of Shriji Maharaj everything up to Akshar should be forgotten. Bapashri explained, In this Vachanamrit, it is explained clearly that a devotee of Shriji Maharaj should not pay attention to anybody except Murti of Shriji Maharaj. But still some seekers get stuck with indirect incarnations and they are not able to understand such statements. Recently, a saint visited this place. He was known as a scholar. But he did not consider Maharaj and other indirect incarnations different. Therefore, during congregations he used to read Vachanamrit and make comments such as Maharaj and other incarnations are not different. I suggested him to read 7th Vachanamrit of Ahmedabad. Then he argued that those Vachanamrits were written later on. They are not included in the copy of Vachanamrit of their region. So I told him to read 24th Vachanamrit of first chapter and asked if that is included in the copy of their region or not. Then he read that Vachanamrit in which it is explained that when a seeker attains spiritual state by experiencing proper knowledge, he pays no attention to Prakriti Purush or His creation; for him the whole existence looks like pure consciousness and within this consciousness he sees only the Murti of God. No other form exists for him. Such realization can be attained by concentration on divine personified human form of God. After reading the Vachanamrit, the saint did not respond. Then I said, It has been mentioned in 62nd Vachanamrit of Gadhada middle chapter that a fully devoted devotee of God likes to contemplate his God of faith and he likes to listen to His narratives describing His attributes. Who is our God of faith? He replied, Maharaj. What else could he say? Then he asked me why did Maharaj install the idols of indirect incarnations and not His own idol? So, I explained. Those are His own idols when he appeared in disguise of indirect incarnation at Loj, Mangrol etc. places. Inspite of that these idols should not be meditated upon. Only the real Murti installed in idol form of Sahajanand Swami, Ghanshyam Maharaj, Shri Harikrishna Maharaj, Shri Swaminarayan should be meditated upon, because it is the cause of all and it is the original form. In 11th Vachanamrit of Loya, Shriji Maharaj has instructed that His devotees should meditate upon His divine form only and should not meditate upon previous indirect incarnations. Here, the difference between incarnation and incarnate is explained. In 16th Vachanamrit of Gadhada last chapter also, Shriji Maharaj has explained that a devotee of God is firmly devoted to the divine form of God which he has personally experienced. He cannot experience such devotion towards other incarnations of his own God of faith. According to this statement, if a seeker experiences the devotion towards other indirect incarnations similar to that of Bhagwan Shri Swaminarayan, then his devotion is not firm. Therefore, in the same Vachanamrit it is forbidden to practice such divided and disgraceful devotion. If we are not able to understand such explicit instructions of Maharaj recorded in Vachanamrit, what do we know about greatness of Maharaj? The saint understood the point and confessed, Bapa! It was worth performing Panch Tirthi (i.e. his visit to Baladiya was fruitful.) 2/21/54

4. We are blessed by the Ultimate Supreme God Shriji Maharaj and if we are not able to differentiate between worthy and useless concepts, then what is the benefit of having such privilege? Anadimukta Sadguru Shri Gopalanand Swami has described six objective for appearance of Shriji Maharaj. Here, one of the objectives is to make His incarnations and their devotees aware of the greatness of His worship and His glory and to help them attain unity with Murti (God realization). Why should Maharaj do such thing, if incarnate and incarnation, both are same. I wonder why the learned scholars of scriptures do not understand such simple facts? I am surprised. In scriptures certain terms have dual (more than one) meaning. Even if God realized Muktas explain the inherent meaning out of compassion, it is hard to believe. Therefore, they are not understood properly. Sadguru Gunatitanand Swami has written that as there is difference between arrow and archer, king and his subjects, Moon and Stars; similarly there is difference between incarnate and incarnation. Now, if a seeker cannot understand such explicit statements, then what to do? In the sermons of my Guru Sadguru Swami Nirgundasji it is written that by worshipping Murti, one can attain infinite splendour. Also, in 7th Vachanamrit of Ahmedabad Maharaj has said that there is no other Purushottam i.e. Ultimate God other than Him. Thus, when Ultimate Supreme God Shriji Maharaj Himself explains out of compassion through His own example, it is not understood, then how could scriptures be helpful? The saint became my admirer by listening to such explanation. He repeated again and again, Bapa! I feel as if today I am initiated as saint. Thus, if the teachings of Muktas are followed, then goal could be achieved. Anadimukta Sadguru Gopalanand Swami has written that Maharaj had told him that till he did not establish Maharaj as the Ultimate Supreme God, He would keep swami in his physical body. Anadimuktas Sadguru Gunatitanand Swami has mentioned that Bhagwan Swaminarayan had told secret Mantras in his ears. So he would describe Maharaj in His real form. Nishkulanand Swami has also mentioned, ‘Great is this incarnate who is only one of His kind.’ And in comparison of rainfall of Ashadh month other rainfall seems like dew. Earlier also great saints had experienced His greatness but as the seekers were not eligible, they described it through examples as per the level of understanding of seekers. The descriptions in scriptures are such that the souls are slowly attracted towards God and gradually experience the glory of God. These scriptures describe the knowledge of higher level also. If a seeker trys to understand such teachings without the help of great Muktas, then he cannot differentiate. In 1st Vachanamrit of Panchala, Maharaj has mentioned that when we think about bliss of Akshardham, all other pleasures seem to be of inferior quality. Therefore, Maharaj is the Ultimate Supreme Lord, cause of all, sustainer of all and only one of His kind. It is futile to look for other examples and principles after surrendering to Shriji Maharaj. It is like discarding the grains and collecting the husk. Some seekers regress after studying Vachanamrit. They argue that Maharaj has asked to meditate upon Shri Krishna Bhagwan alongwith Radhika and you are teaching to meditate upon Maharaj alongwith His Muktas. How could they understand such teachings? 2/21/56

5. Some learned scholars of scriptures say that we must remember the playful character of various incarnations. Sadguru Sukhanand Swami has described Mathura, Dwarika as places of indirect incarnations in commentary of Harivakyasudhasindhu. Therefore, some seekers understand that those places and the acts of indirect incarnations should be remembered. But the subtle meaning is that Maharaj and His Muktas should be contemplated upon. Shriji Maharaj has mentioned in Shikshapatri that I contemplate Shri Krishna Bhagwan in My heart. If a seeker does not understand the subtle meaning behind this statement, then how could he understand the superiority and glory of Maharaj as Ultimate Supreme God. If one does not trust a Mukta and tries to understand Vachanamrit using his intellect, he fails. Look! At one place, Shriji Maharaj has mentioned that He is Nar Narayan. Another place He has mentioned that He is directly connected with Nar Narayan. Similarly, He has also mentioned that He is a devotee of the devotee of God - His devotees know Him as God. He is preceptor, Guru who reveals the truth and shows the path of worshiping God. And He has also mentioned that Nar Narayan resides in His heart - By experiencing His divine form, His devotees have built temples by spending lakhs of rupees - Nar Narayan is the king of Bharatkhand - All the incarnations originate from one God i.e. Himself - Resident of Akshardham are present in your congregations - He has infinite affection for Shri Krishna - He Himself is luminous Murti surrounded by splendour and clusters of light. Such statements of Maharaj are not understood by a seeker without Mukta’s help. So he repeats them like son of Varun and confesses that if he goes deeper into the meaning, he may offend God. With such arguments, he describes indirect incarnations and Maharaj as one and the same. How to explain such people! 2/22/58

6. Bapashri spoke, in Satsang Maharaj should be declared as the Ultimate Supreme God and Maharaj should be known as Ultimate Supreme God. This task is difficult. Even when Shriji Maharaj was present in His physical form, some people used to get confused listening to talks like Murti is divine and unique; infinite number of Muktas are experiencing bliss through unity with Murti, biggest incarnations like Akshar and His Muktas also meditate upon Murti; etc.. They used to call Anadimukta Gopalanand Swami who was a great spiritually accomplished Mukta, a person with reserved, confined knowledge. But such people have no idea of glory of God or accomplishments of His Mukta. Look! Nishkulanand Swami has mentioned, The Murti is unique and full of surprises. I am telling you, I am quite sure about it that Murti is purely full of surprises. Thus great Muktas have described the glory of Murti. Maharaj and His great Muktas are full of compassion towards all the living beings. Therefore, they try to explain the glory in such a manner that living beings could understand it. Anadimukta Gopalanand Swami, Gunatitanand Swami, Muktanand Swami, Brahmanand Swami, Premanand Swami, Nishkulanand Swami etc. Muktas have made great efforts to describe the glory of Maharaj. But a seeker has been living in ignorance for infinite time. Therefore, he is not able to understand such facts easily. He would understand gradually by grace of Maharaj. We must feel compassionate towards all. What is compassion? Compassion means to explain the fact that Maharaj is the Ultimate Supreme God. 2/26/69

7. 39th Vachanamrit of Gadhada last chapter was being read in the congregation. Here it is explained that an insect is produced from an insect, an animal is produced from an animal and a human is produced from a human and the creator of all is God, who is unique. Then Bapashri spoke, now, where is Brahma’s involvement as a creator? Only Shriji Maharaj is cause of all and doer of all. There is no other doer. 2/28/75

8. Other incarnations who are residing in separate abodes are different from Maharaj and extremely inferior to Maharaj and are desirous of splendour. A seeker who has understood the glory of Maharaj in this manner, considers everyone from Prakriti Purush till Akshar as of inferior quality. Maharaj is prevalent in each and every atom through His inherent will and He is directly present in Satsang. But a seeker does not feel so, because sometimes we treat human beings with more propriety then Maharaj. This is hidden atheism. When we have to describe the glory of Maharaj and His Muktas using worldly examples, it is like introducing an emperor as a poor subject. 2/37/106

9. In this world, an emperor does not give the whole kingdom to his subordinate king. But Maharaj is so compassionate, He showers all His bliss. Therefore, Shriji Maharaj is the doer of all, cause of all. Kaal, Karm, Maya, deity, Mantra, medicine etc. any of them should not be considered as doer without Maharaj’s will and inspiration, nobody is able even to break a blade of grass. Maharaj Himself has mentioned that without His will nobody can break a blade of grass. 2/41/123

10. A devotee of Shriji Maharaj should consider Vachanamrit, Bhaktachintamani etc. scriptures as liberating and pious scriptures. Scriptures of indirect incarnations are of no use to understand the divine form of Shriji Maharaj. Statements of Sitaji incited Ramayan and statements of Draupadi incited Mahabharat. Such indirect scriptures cannot comprehend Maharaj. Only Muktas of Maharaj can describe the glory of Maharaj. For us these scriptures are liberating. Ved can describe up to Vairaj. Splendour of Prakriti Purush is passed down to Vairaj. Vedas describe the splendour of Prakriti Purush through Vairaj. Other scriptures are also restricted up to Prakriti Purush only, but none of them could describe Maharaj. 2/41/125

11. Amichandbhai from Mathak asked, Bapa! Sincere devotees of indirect incarnations of Ram, Krishna etc. do not know anything about Shriji Maharaj and they are not even aware of Shriji Maharaj. So they cannot even realize anything about Maharaj. Do they attain salvation? Bapashri replied, indirect incarnations cannot come here to liberate their devotees since Maharaj appeared on Earth. Such devotees are given birth in Satsang by Shriji Maharaj. Maharaj explains them His religion and takes them to His abode. This has been mentioned in Kirtan of Nishkulanand Swami, All other doors are closed, only way to Akshardham is open, after Purshottam appeared on this Earth. Thus, at this time Shriji Maharaj has opened the doors of Akshardham for ultimate salvation. 2/68/211

12. Bapashri spoke out of compassion, great Muktas have written pious scriptures out of compassion to liberate living beings. Here, they have explained superiority of Maharaj and His divine attributes. Great Muktas have explained the glory of Muktas and difference between incarnate and incarnations. What a vast difference between Maharaj, His Muktas and indirect incarnations! Even then some people describe Maharaj and indirect incarnations as the same. Initially spiritually accomplished, great Saints like Anadi Mahamuktaraj Sadguru Gopalanand Swami and Sadguru Gunatitanand Swami used to describe Maharaj as superior to all. For this they had to suffer a lot. Those days many people did not believe them and now they carry the books written by them on their head and earn their livelihood. Therefore, divine scriptures written by great Muktas and the principles explained by them should be studied properly and should be contemplated upon. 2/70/221

13. Shriji Maharaj is constant, eternal and exists from infinite time, and He is the Ultimate Supreme being. He cannot be obscured by anyone, but others can be over shadowed by Him. Such is the glory of Maharaj and His Muktas, who are eternal and permanent. 2/75/233

14. Tulsidasbhai asked, does Akshar experience Maharaj’s Darshan and bliss? Bapashri replied, if Akshar could experience Maharaj’s Darshan and bliss, why should Akshar remain separate from Maharaj? They would join the Muktas. Therefore, assembly of Akshar is different and their rank is also different. Because Akshar is restricted by veil of brilliant light. As we cannot see the personified form of Surya (sun). Whereas veil of brilliant light cannot obstruct Valkhilya Rishi. Similarly luminous splendour of Shriji Maharaj do not hamper with the Muktas of Shriji Maharaj. They experience the bliss of Maharaj ceaselessly. Let all other be at their respective places, consider Maharaj as the Ultimate Supreme God. To remember anything else then Maharaj is waste of time. Therefore, only Murti should be contemplated upon. 2/75/234

15. Bapashri spoke out of compassion, we must consider Shri Purushottam Narayan as cause of all causes. As a banyan tree looks huge, but the seed is tiny. This tiny seed is able to create, sustain and destroy. Similarly divine personified form of God is of the size of a human, but He is the cause of creation, sustenance and destruction of infinite number of Brahmand (Universes). Shriji Maharaj has mentioned, I control all and I am the cause of all. I am the Ultimate Supreme God. Thus, He is the divine cause. 2/83/257

16. All other incarnations are due to splendour of Maharaj. Our Maharaj is immensely great. His compassion is boundless. Look at this! Such great God talks to us, He gives us food, He gives us Prasadi. How compassionate of Him! 2/85/266

17. Bapashri spoke, Maharaj and His great Muktas are always present in Satsang. At present bliss is spreading everywhere. Whatever object we desire is available here. It is not available in any other Dham. In other Dham there is no worship of Ultimate Supreme God Shri Swaminarayan Bhagwan. Therefore, they all are of inferior quality. We do not attain liberation there; considering this fact, we must strengthen out faith and firm worship. A person who is not firm in worship is like a human without head. 2/90/285

18. Bapashri spoke, Shriji Maharaj is the emperor of infinite number of Brahmand. He is cause of all, sustainer of all, controller of all. He is the Ultimate Supreme Being, He is unfathomable (esoterid) divine Murti. Kaal, Karm, Maya or any of them are not able to perform any task without inspiration of God. Shriji Maharaj should be considered as doer of all. A seeker who has such understanding of God’s glory is firmly rooted in Satsang. He cannot be distracted from the path of Ultimate salvation by any distraction. 2/105, 106/334, 336.

19. Purani Keshavpriyadasji read 7th Vachanamrit of Ahmedabad. At that time Bapashri spoke, Here Maharaj says, I am the cause of creation, sustenance and destruction of all the Brahmand (Universes). Infinite number of Shiv, Brahma, Kailas, Vainkuth, Golok, Brahmpur of infinite number of Brahmands and infinite number of other strata - they all are illuminated due to My luminous splendour. If I shake the Earth with the toe of My feet, infinite number of Earth belonging to all the Brahmands would start shaking. Sun, Moon and Stars are glowing brightly due to My brilliant splendour. I, Purushottam am the sustainer of infinite number of Brahmands and I am cause of all. There is no other superior to Me. I am the Ultimate Supreme being. If a seeker understands and determines My true form in this way, then that determination is Ultimate. As per this statement Shriji Maharaj is cause of all. But a seeker who cannot comprehend such glory, describes the Ultimate Supreme Being Purushottam Narayan and other indirect incarnations together. Actually Maharaj and indirect incarnations cannot be compared. Shriji Maharaj is beyond comparison. He is the only one of His kind. This Murti is full of surprises and Purushottam appeared, and showed that there is no other like Him. Such is the Murti - end of all means. Maharaj is cause of all, controller of all, the Ultimate Supreme Being, and sustainer of all. Without experiencing this truth, a seeker cannot attain ultimate salvation. Therefore, Shriji Maharaj says that assembly of Satsangis is superior to the assembly of Shwetdweep, Golok, Vaikunth, Badrikashram etc. Dham. And I visualize all the Haribhaktas surrounded by bright light. I swear on this assembly of saints, if I am lying. Thus, Maharaj swear on assembly of saints. Even then some new disciples are not able to understand difference between incarnate and incarnation. They do not understand even when great Muktas teach them out of compassion. 2/113/360.

20. Bapashri spoke, some of the Satsangis are veteran, but they have not understood anything. Therefore, they describe Maharaj and other incarnations as same. They explain that all the incarnations of God are same. Those who have not understood the truth, explain that Ram, Krishna etc. incarnations are Maharaj Himself. Those days also they were accomplished, but this time He is greatly accomplished. They also argue that God is only one. They all are different forms of God, so how could we discriminate as superior or inferior? They have such understanding, and they impose such understanding on those who have faith in them. So, how could Maharaj or His Muktas be pleased with them! Great Muktas have explained again and again, but they have not been able to absorb the fact that Maharaj is the Ultimate Supreme God and there is difference between incarnate and incarnation. How could such people experience the bliss of Maharaj? Truth is revealed when one considers Maharaj as cause of infinite number of Ram, Krishna and infinite number of Muktas. He is cause of all, sustainer of all and He is the end of all means. Anadimukta Gunatitanand Swami has mentioned that the one who has come to our place is the Ultimate Supreme God of all the deities Anadimuktas Gopalanand Swami has also described the Ultimate glory of Maharaj immensely. If we have faith in great Anadimuktas, we can understand the truth. Otherwise we cannot understand it through our limited intelligence, some people are considered learned, but if they look for the truth in scriptures of indirect incarnations, how could they find it? Shriji Maharaj says, I have never arrived. From where should I arrive. Think over it. i.e. He is all pervading, He is ever present, so, He do not have to come from anywhere. Who else could explain the glory of Shriji Maharaj other than an Anadimukta who is experiencing the bliss of Murti eternally. Since Shriji Maharaj met Anadimukta Ramanand Swami, Swamishri used to say, Nilkanth is eligible to be prayed and worshipped by great incarnations like Ram, Krishna, Vasudev and Akshar etc.. But a seeker who does not heartily believe such statements and does not have faith in teachings of great Muktas, how can he experience the bliss of Maharaj? Therefore, all of you, please try to understand Maharaj as He is. 2/126/388.

21. A living being is impressed by the indirect incarnations, but is not affected by the direct, visible presence. He is, so impressed by the indirect incarnations that while visiting Mathura, Gokul; he brings back the soil of lake situated there for the purpose of Tilak. But nobody carries the soil of Hamirsar lake of Bhuj. Have you noticed? Here Maharaj has taken bath, Santdasji has taken bath, great Muktas have taken bath, but we do not realize such facts. 2/35/99.

22. 11th Vachanamrit of Kariyani was being read. Here, affection of Gopis has been described. At this point Bapashri spoke out of compassion, saints! Please describe - who are Gopis? Where is Mathura and Gokul? Swami Vrindavandasji replied, where Maharaj is residing in His personified divine form is Akshardham. Gokul and Gopis are there. Bapashri said, yes, you are right. Wherever there is Murti of Maharaj, it is Gokul and Mathura. And Shriji Maharaj Himself is Shri Krishna. But He is not the Shri Krishna who was indirect incarnation. And recited a line of Kirtan written by Premanand Swami, ‘Giridhar is taking bath and Gopis are singing, watching this, Premanand is full of bliss.’ Where did Premanand Swami watch Gopis? He has described saints as Gopis. He was watching them. Therefore, saints are Gopis and wherever, there is Maharaj that place is Gokul, Mathura. It is a great puzzle to understand the hidden meaning. If this puzzle is solved, then all the secrets are revealed. And if it is not understood then we are lost. 2/2/4

23. Purani Keshavpriyadasji asked, Bapa! Muktas accompanying Shriji Maharaj had great prowess. They used to describe Shriji Maharaj as the Ultimate Supreme God. Disciples of such great Muktas shouldn’t hesitate in describing glory of Maharaj as the Ultimate Supreme God. Even then why are they doubtful about it? Bapashri replied, Those days also all of them had not understood the glory of Maharaj equally. The Muktas whom Shriji Maharaj had brought with Him were experiencing the bliss of Murti by unity with Murti, so they were aware of glory of Shriji Maharaj. But those who had come from other Dham, might hesitate in knowing the glory of Maharaj. When Maharaj is acting as a human and hiding His glory, His behaviour looks different. Look! When the holy book ‘Satsangi Jivan’ was being written, Sadguru Nityanand Swami had opposed everyone and had stopped the process of writing for seven days to describe Maharaj as He is. Those days Maharaj had tested Sadguru Shri Nityanand Swami severely, but Swami did not budge at all. Therefore, after the trial Shriji Maharaj hugged Swamishri and showered a lot of affection on him. He took out a necklace from His neck and put it on Swamishri. At last He put His hand on Swamishri’s head and addressed the assembly, saints! A devotee should be like this. This saint knows My glory completely. Some of them changed their opinion when I insisted, but only Swami did not alter his opinion. 2/3/5

24. Accomplishment of Narad, Shuk, Sanak, Gopis etc. is nothing compared to the bliss of Maharaj. I am not saying this to belittle them, but describing the enormous proportions of the bliss of Maharaj. Some deities also took Prasadi (offerings) from the bowl of Saints. These deities had visited to acquire divine attributes. 2/59/188.

25. Bapashri spoke out of compassion, when is it confirmed that we have understood scriptures properly? When we are attracted towards and believe only those scriptures, which describe Murti of Shriji Maharaj and His playful character and divine attributes, then it can be said that scriptures are properly understood. Similarly when we enjoy associating with only that saint who is devotee of Shriji Maharaj and who is firmly surrendered to Maharaj and when we neither feel attracted towards saints of other sects nor believe them, it is confirmed that we have known a proper saint. A person is said to have known Atma - the soul. When he understands the nature of soul as explained and established by Swaminarayan sect, but he neither feels attracted towards the description of Atma - the soul established by indirect scriptures or other sects nor believes them. When does a person is considered to have true understanding about God? A person is considered to have truly known God when great Anadimuktas of Swaminarayan sect explain the difference between incarnate-incarnation and describe Shriji Maharaj as the Ultimate Supreme God, he believes them with full faith and without any doubts. And clearly understands the divine form of Purushottam through the scriptures and pious saints, of Swaminarayan sect. He feels attracted towards them and believes them, but he does not feel attracted towards indirect scriptures to understand the divine form of God. 2/70/221