Central Insights: Key Points: Explanation: In this Vachanamrut, Shreeji Maharaj references a verse from the twelfth chapter of the Eleventh Canto of the Bhagavat Purana, where Shri Krishna tells Uddhav, “Through astanga-yoga, sankhya, austerity, renunciation, pilgrimages, vows, sacrifices, or charitable acts—I am not won over to the extent that I…

Hindu teaching on value of human birth and avoiding attachment to women, wealth, and power

स्त्रियाः धनस्य वा प्राप्त्यै साम्राज्यस्य च वा क्वचित्। मनुष्यस्य तु कस्यापि हिंसा कार्या न सर्वथा ॥१३॥  None shall ever kill a human being for obtaining women, wealth or even for a kingdom. Human Birth: The Gateway to Liberation From the earliest scriptures to the teachings of sages, one truth remains…

Man shouting with glowing words “False Accusation, Bad Words, Curse” symbolizing the harmful power of speech.

मिथ्यापवाद: कस्मिंश्चिदपि स्वार्थस्य सिद्धये ।नारोप्यो नापशब्दाश्च भाषणीया: कदाचन ।।२०।। None shall ever make false accusations against anyone, even for serving self-interest, and one shall never abuse anyone. This verse underscores the importance of speech and the moral responsibility to uphold the truth. Authored by Bhagwan Swaminarayan, the Shikshapatri guides devotees…

Central Insights: Key Points: Explanation In this Vachanamrut, prompted by Shreeji Maharaj’s encouragement, Muktanand Swami raises a question: Why does the jeev not maintain consistent firmness in bhajan, smaran, and in observing vartaman? Shreeji Maharaj replies that such inconsistency is due to the influences of desh (place), kal (time), kriya…

Peaceful young boy meditating in a sunlit forest, surrounded by divine light – spiritual and nature-focused artwork from Swaminarayan Chintan.

Introduction Sthiti in the spiritual context refers to an unwavering state of stability in devotion, faith, and realization of Bhagwan’s eternal presence. A devotee who attains spiritual steadiness through Gnan (divine knowledge) experiences divine bliss (ānand) and remains unaffected by external circumstances—whether favorable (anukūltā) or unfavorable (pratikūltā). This article explores…

Spiritual illustration of a meditating man glowing with energy, surrounded by icons of five senses – sight, hearing, smell, taste, and touch.

Introduction: The Struggle of Desires in Spiritual Life One of the biggest challenges in the spiritual journey is overcoming vasana—deep-rooted worldly desires that bind the soul (jiva) to material existence. Bhagwan Swaminarayan, in His divine discourses, emphasized: “Renouncing desires is the greatest of all spiritual endeavors.” While many focus on…

Young boy meditating under a tree, receiving divine light and blessings from Lord Swaminarayan in the sky – spiritual illustration by Swaminarayan Chintan.

Introduction: Why Purifying the Intellect is Essential for Spiritual Progress In Vachanamrut Gadhada Middle Chapter 45, Bhagwan Swaminarayan explains the necessity of detaching the jivatma (soul) from the limitations of the mind (mann) and buddhi (intellect). He emphasizes that true spiritual progress requires aligning one’s consciousness with divine wisdom, rather…

Central Insights: Key Points: Explanation: In this Vachanamrut, Maharaj begins by explaining that transcending Maya (illusion) and fostering love for Bhagwan is the fundamental principle of all scriptures. What constitutes Maya? It is the attachment formed by Aham (sense of “me-ness” regarding one’s body) and Mamattva (sense of “my-ness” regarding…

Central Insights: Key Points: Explanation: In this Vachanamrut, Shreeji Maharaj explains that once a person truly realizes the divine nature of Bhagwan in their heart, this understanding never diminishes, even if adverse circumstances such as time or place arise. For instance, Bharatji retained the memory of Paramatma’s divine form and…

Central Insights: Key Points: Explanation: Shreeji Maharaj begins by addressing a question posed by Shukmuni. The query explores the mental and behavioral attributes of a devotee whose firm refuge in Bhagwan and His devotees remains unshaken under any circumstances—whether it be bodily happiness or suffering, honor or insult, or adverse…

Central Insights: Key Points: Explanation: In this Vachanamrut, Shreeji Maharaj posed the question: “Will you explain the verse of the Gita, विषया विनिवर्तन्ते निराहारस्य देहिनः — viṣayā vinivartante nirāhārasya dehinaḥ, When the saints provided explanations based on Ramanujacharya’s commentary, Maharaj expressed His own unique understanding:“I have determined thus.” Here, Maharaj…

Central Insights: Key Points: Explanation: In this Vachanamrut, Maharaj asked Shukmuni a question. There are two satsangis (members of the holy fellowship), both aged 20 years. Both possess steadfast nishchay (conviction), het-bhakti (affectionate devotion), vairagya (non-attachment), and dharma (moral integrity). One of them, due to prarabdha (destiny), marries and lives…