Asserted Topics:
The best means for attaining Kalyan.
Key Points:
- One who understands the greatness of the manifest Maharaj and the manifest Sant has grasped the essence of Kalyan (ultimate good).
- The Svapna-Srushti (dream world) is created by Bhagwan for living beings.
Explanation:
In this Vachanamrut, Shreeji Maharaj emphasizes that all the scriptures and texts explaining the means to attain Kalyan have been carefully studied. The central tenet across all these texts is that Bhagwan is the ultimate Karta-Harta (doer and undoer) of the entire universe. Moreover, Shreeji Maharaj is Himself that manifest Bhagwan, and recognizing the greatness of the manifest Sant who serves Him is the key to progressing on the path of Kalyan. There remains nothing more to understand once one realizes this. Such a person has the greatest means of attaining liberation in their hands.
Just as the Brahmimamsa investigates whether devtas (deities), Jiva (souls), or Maya can be considered as Parmatma (Supreme God) – and ultimately concludes they cannot – the same principle applies here. The manifest Bhagwan and His true Sants are to be revered, just as earlier incarnations and sages like Narad, Sanakadik, and Hanuman are remembered. This understanding leads one to Kalyan, which is the highest purpose of all scriptures.
An example of this reasoning can be found in Vach.G.M.10, where Maharaj answers a question about the importance of Bhakti, Vairagya, and Gnan (devotion, detachment, and knowledge) in realizing God. While all three are important, Bhakti is highlighted as the superior path. This same rationale applies here when considering the various means to reach Bhagwan.
The various spiritual disciplines like Dhyan (meditation), Dharm (righteousness), and Vairagya (detachment) connect one to God and detach the soul from the material world. Similarly, association with the manifest Sant is considered one of the most powerful methods for achieving Kalyan. Compared to other means, this connection is filled with more Daivat (divinity).
In Vach.G.M.54, Maharaj explains that Bhagwan declared to Uddhavji in the 11th Canto of the Bhagavatam that while disciplines like Tap, Yog, and Yagnya can draw God’s favor, His true devotees who develop deep love for Him control Him more than these methods. This truth is echoed in all scriptures, and Vyasji emphasizes this in the Bhagavatam. It is precisely this point that Shreeji Maharaj conveys in the Vachanamrut.
While disciplines like Bhakti are divine, they are not living entities. Bhakti is a virtue, but a Sant is a living, active being who tirelessly works for the soul’s liberation. Just as Bhagwan engages with us out of His compassion, the Sant similarly dedicates himself to the upliftment of souls. The tools of Bhakti are beneficial, but it is up to the practitioner to use them correctly. On the other hand, a Sant is a living, guiding force who actively participates in the spiritual journey of the aspirant. The role of a Sant as an embodiment of the path to Kalyan is unparalleled.
Thus, Maharaj concludes that anyone who places unwavering faith in a true Sant has fully grasped the essence of Kalyan. Such a person will never fall from the path of salvation. Even figures like Brahma, Shiva, and Brihaspati faced setbacks due to lust and desire, but their faith in the greatness of Bhagwan and His Sants never faltered. This unshakeable belief is the key to overcoming all obstacles on the path to Kalyan.
Shreeji Maharaj also posed a question about the nature of the Svapna-Srushti (dream world). Does the soul create this dream world, or is it a projection of the soul? Similarly, what about Ishwar? He answered that neither the soul nor Ishwar creates their respective dream worlds. It is Bhagwan who, as the dispenser of karma’s fruits, generates these dream worlds. The instability and illusions witnessed in dreams arise from the nature of the realm in which they occur. The Desh (place) of dreams is such that a single illusion multiplies into many, just as a small lamp’s reflection multiplies infinitely in a glass temple.
A knowledgeable person would discern which factors—Desh, Kal (time), Karma, or Maya—are dominant in any given situation. An ignorant person, however, will latch onto one factor and ignore the rest. Yet, Bhagwan orchestrates the balance of these elements according to His will. All are subject to Bhagwan’s rule, just as various administrative levels (like a governor or district collector) function under the ultimate authority of the president. Similarly, although the final power lies with Bhagwan, different powers operate within different spheres.
Thus, the path to salvation is governed by the unshakeable will of Bhagwan.