Sabha 5-7 PDF - Swaminarayan Mahamantra

SABHA-5: “SWAMINARAYAN MAHAMANTRA” MAHARAJ BRINGS THE OLD LADY TO AKSHARDHAM!! Once an old lady, living in Karyani village, was against Swaminarayan Bhagwan. She never even uttered the name of ‘Swaminarayan’. Maharaj came to know of this and decided that he would make her speak ‘Swaminarayan’ unde...

SABHA-5: “SWAMINARAYAN MAHAMANTRA” MAHARAJ BRINGS THE OLD LADY TO AKSHARDHAM!! Once an old lady, living in Karyani village, was against Swaminarayan Bhagwan. She never even uttered the name of ‘Swaminarayan’. Maharaj came to know of this and decided that he would make her speak ‘Swaminarayan’ under any circumstance. One day, Maharaj told Bhaguji, “Go and throw some money on the roof of the house of that old lady.” The roof was made of clay roof tiles. So, when Bhaguji threw the coins, you could hear them landing. Due to the annoying sound, the old lady started shouting out of furiousness “These Swaminarayan-ians have no brains! Do they not know how to behave!” Maharaj told Bhaguji, “the whole purpose of this was to listen to her say my name. Now since she spoke my name. regardless of it being out of frustration, I will bring her to Akshardham.” Maharaj says in the Vachnamrut, “However grave a sinner a person may be, if at the end of his life, he utters, ‘Swāminārāyan’, he will be redeemed of all sins and will reside in Brahmamahol (Akshardham).” (Vach.G.P.56) POWER OF THE SWAMINARAYAN MAHAMANTRA! There was one village named Zinzavadar which Maharaj visited often. In that village lived Alaiya Khachar who was an Ekantik and staunch Satsangi. Maharaj visited his house several times, and had blessed him saying, “Whoever dies in this house of yours, we will take that very person’s soul to Akshardham.” The whole village came to know about this blessing. Alaiya Khachar had a servant whose name was Jehlo. He had died in an accident in Alaiya’s home. This occurred while Alaiya Khachar was at the farm. The people of the village were preparing for the last rituals of his funeral. Meanwhile Alaiya Khachar arrived for the funeral ceremony and Alaiya Khachar’s uncle Jethsur Khachar was also present at the funeral. Jethsur Khachar was not a devotee of Swaminarayan Bhagwan and so, he said, “Maharaj has promised that he will take everyone who dies at your home to Akshardham, but we do not see Maharaj. How can we believe whether what he has said is true.” As this question was posed, everybody became intrigued and the ceremony stopped. Suddenly, Alaiya Khachar, without saying anything, started doing dhun of the Swaminarayan mahamantra. The others joined right behind him. After some time, Alaiya Khachar went to the funeral pyre and chanted “Swaminarayan, Swaminarayan, Swaminarayan” loudly and that is when a miracle took place! Jehlo, the dead servant, suddenly woke up as if he were alive. He got up and opened his eyes! Alaiya Khachar asked him, “Jehla, where did you go?” Jehlo replied, “Why did you call me back? I was in Akshardham enjoying the divine happiness of Maharaj but due to His promise to you, Maharaj sent me back. He has asked me to tell you all, ‘Do not think anything wrong of me, I am in Akshardham and that Bhagwan Swaminarayan has definitely kept his word.’ Jehlo laid back down on the funeral pyre and went to Akshardham. Sadguru Muktanand Swami’s Talks: Bhagwan Shree Hari has many names and all of those names are divine. Shree Hari manifests his different names from time to time. Amongst those many names, “Swaminarayan” is the greatest of all as it includes all names of God. The Swaminarayan name has greater power than the other names. Thus, do not understand other names to be more powerful than this name of God. (H.C.S.10/35) KADI GAAN SECTION: Je Swaminarayan Naam Lese, Tena Badha Patak Bali Dese; Chhe Naam Mara Shruti Ma Anek, Sarvopari Aaj Ganay Ek. (Shree Harililamrut) By chanting the holy name – Swaminarayan, all sins (pataks) are forgiven and washed away, leading to spiritual purification. While many holy names are mentioned in various sacred scriptures (Shruti), the name "Swaminarayan" is considered the supreme and most powerful How to do Mantrajap? Stability of our Body and mind is necessary to do proper Mantra Jap. When we do Mantrajap, we must keep all our materialistic goals and aims on side. We must do Mantra Jap to please Maharaj and for eternal peace. Supreme Mahamantra: Swaminarayan: There are many names and mantras that are mentioned in our holy scriptures. Out of all those, Swaminarayan mantra is the supreme mantra.The Swaminarayan Mahamantra is given by Lord Swaminarayan himself and that is why it is called the supreme Mantra. All other Mantras have been given by devotees. Swaminarayan Mahamantra was given on December 31, 1801, in the village of Fareni, India. Bhagwan Swaminarayan recited this Mantra for the first time to Shitaldas, after that he became a Sadhu and was Vyapkanand swami. Param Pujya Guruji puts emphasis on the Swaminarayan Mahamantra during every occasion. When someone is sick or in any trouble, Guruji always says, “Start Dhun of the Swaminarayan Mahamantra and Maharaj will do well.” Pu. Guruji daily mala for performs minimum one-hour while reciting the Swaminarayan mantra, this is inspiring to all of us. Benefits of Mantrajap: When we do Mantra Jap just to please Maharaj, we feel the presence of Maharaj himself within us. It will fulfill all our good wishes.It also helps us in relief of many physical illnesses because when we do Mantra Jap, all our senses are connected to one thing: God. Our mind, body and soul get peace when we do Mantra Jap.  SABHA-6: VIOLENCE IS THE BIGGEST SIN Ghanshyam had been performing many miracles since his childhood. Appearing in many different forms, he was able to do things like kill demons, give moksha to ghosts, walk on water, give life to the dead, send animals into a trance etc. There was a lake named Min Sarovar in Chhapaiya. It was Ghansyam’s favorite place. He would go there with his friends Veni, Madhav, and Prag and play in the water. One day, Ghanshyam and his friends were preparing to take a bath in the water. When he went near, He saw that a fisherman was catching fish from the lake. He was a big, tall and dark-skinned man. He was using a fishing net to catch the fish and transfer them into a basket. The poor fish were dying after enduring great torture. However, the fisherman showed only joy on his face. Ghansyam became heart-broken by seeing this and he told the fisherman, “Why are you killing these innocent fish? You do not have the right to kill anyone, even for your own self- interest, because God resides in everyone. Moreover, violence is the biggest sin. Those who kill any being, go to Yampuri (Hell).” The fisherman laughed at Ghanshyam and said, “Mind your own business and don’t get in my way! Who are you to teach me! You little kid!” “I must teach him a lesson,” Ghanshyam thought to himself. So, Ghanshyam looked at the fish and due to his divine gaze, the fish came back to life. Suddenly, the fisherman’s basket emptied as all the fish jumped back into the lake. The fisherman saw this and became extremely angry with Ghanshyam and ran towards him with bloodshot red eyes, ready to kill him. But suddenly, divine light emerged from Ghansyam’s body and blinded the Fisherman. The divine light eventually faded, allowing the fisherman to see again, but when he opened his eyes, Yamraj (God of Death and Justice) was standing in front of him!! Yamraj is the God of death. He had a huge body, big moustache, giant teeth, red eyes, long tongue, and lots of weapons in his hands. He was sitting on a giant buffalo. Merely by seeing him, the fisherman began trembling with fear. Yamraj showed him Yampuri (Hell), where the Yamduts (servants of Yamraj) hit the fisherman as he shouted, “Save me… save me….” The fisherman begged for forgiveness as he bowed down to Ghanshyam and said, “I will never kill any living beings from now. Please forgive me.” Then, Yamraj disappeared and Ghanshyam told the fisherman kind-heartedly, “Violence is the biggest sin. Everyone has the right to live their life to their fullest extent.” The fisherman prayed to Ghanshyam, “Please forgive me for my sinful life. You are God. Please cleanse me of my sins. Never again will I engage in any sort of sinful activities. Please bless me.” In turn, Ghanshyam blessed him and preached him a new flawless life. Conclusively, true devotees would never kill even the smallest of insects. We must take care of everyone. We should never use such words nor commit acts that could hurt someone. As a true devotee, we must help everyone and make sure no one is ever hurt by our behavior. A true devotee always feels pain by watching others in pain. KADI GAAN SECTION: Murti Tamari Sukhkari, Jivan Janu Chhu Chho Avtar Na Avtari, Jivan Janu Chhu. Meaning: Your divine form (Murti) brings immense joy and peace, Hey Maharaj, I know. You are beyond even the greatest incarnations (Avtars), Hey Maharaj, I know. Maha Samarth Chho Maharaj, Jivan Janu cChhu Vadi Aape Raja Dhiraj, Jivan Janu Chhu Meaning: You are supremely powerful, Hey Maharaj, I know. You bestow sovereignty and kingship, Hey Maharaj, I know. Madvu Tamaru Chhe Monghu, Jivan Janu Chhu Te To Sahu Ne Thayu Chhe Songhu, Jivan Janu Chhu Meaning: To meet you is a rare and priceless blessing, Hey Maharaj, I know. This opportunity has become a cherished desire for all, Hey Maharaj, I know.  Question/Answer Section: 1. Which temples did Ghanshyam visit daily for darshan in Ayodhya? Ans: Hanuman gadhi, Kanak bhuvan, Vidhyakunj 2. With whom and where did Swaminarayan bhagwan have a scriptural debate for the first time? Ans: Gaumath, in the city of Kashi, with a group of great scholars of the city 3. At what age was Swaminarayan bhagwan’s Yagnopavit kriya (Janoi dharan) performed? Ans: Eight years 4. Which question did Nilkanth Varni ask everyone during his Van vicharan? Ans: About JIv, Ishwar, Maya, Brahm and Parbrahm’s form and nature Who did Nilkanth Varni meet in Loj? Ans: Sukhanand Swami and Muktanand Swami To Remember: If you drink unfiltered water and milk, then it is equal to the sin of killing fishes for 6 months. Special Reading: Once, Swami Vivekananda was visiting Chicago. At that time, the city was home to the largest slaughterhouse in the world. The organizers of his visit took him to see the facility. The entire slaughterhouse was operated by automated machines. A cow was hung at one end of the process, and by the time it passed through, its organs were cut, processed, and packaged in tins. The organizers asked Swami Vivekananda for his opinion about the slaughterhouse. Swamiji responded, “Can you reverse this process? Can you recreate a cow from its bones, skin, and meat?” Puzzled, the organizers replied, “How is that possible?” To this, Swamiji said, “Then what great accomplishment is there in running this slaughterhouse? If you cannot create life, what gives you the right to take it?” With these words, Swamiji left the place.  Sabha 7: The Glory of Saintly Association During the era of Ramayana, there was a Brahmin named Ratnakar who had fallen into a life of crime. He lived among thieves and bandits, participating in robberies and murders. Over time, he became ruthless and feared no one. People dreaded him and called him "Valiyo Lutaro," meaning a great thief. Valiyo lived with his family deep in the forest. One day, as the sage Naradji passed through the forest, Valiyo stopped him, threatening him with a knife. “Give me everything you have, or I will kill you,” he demanded. Calmly, Naradji replied, “A sadhu’s clothes have no pockets. All I carry is my vina (a musical instrument) and the name of Narayan (God).” Valiyo, unconvinced, retorted, “What’s that around your neck? Hand it over!” Naradji explained, “This is a Tulsi mala (a sacred garland). In my cloth bag, I also have crystal sugar and peanuts. Take them as prasad (blessed food) and eat.” Surprisingly, Valiyo accepted the prasad and began to calm down. Still, he asked, “How much money do you have?” Naradji smiled and said, “Narayan… Narayan… I possess no wealth. My only treasure is God, and devotion is my life.” Naradji then began playing his vina and singing a bhajan (devotional song), which soothed Valiyo further. The sage spoke gently, “Every action has a consequence. Sins bring suffering, while good deeds bring happiness. If we cannot give life, we have no right to take it. You rejoice in your sinful acts now, but one day you will suffer greatly for them. Why commit such atrocities? For whom are you doing this?” Valiyo replied, “I do this for my family. I must feed them.” Naradji responded, “But have you considered if your family is willing to share the burden of your sins?” Valiyo was taken aback. “Of course, they will! If we eat together, we must share the consequences together,” he reasoned. Naradji advised, “Why not ask them first instead of assuming?” To ensure Naradji wouldn’t escape, Valiyo tied him to a tree and went home to question his family. To his shock, every family member refused to share responsibility for his sins. They told him, “It is your duty to provide for us, but you can earn money through honest means. Why should we suffer for your wrongdoings? Your sins are yours alone.” Heartbroken and disillusioned, Valiyo realized the selfishness of the world. He rushed back to Naradji, fell at his feet, and sobbed. “You have opened my eyes! No one will bear the burden of my sins. Please, save me from the consequences of my actions.” Filled with guilt and remorse, Valiyo begged for forgiveness. Naradji comforted him. “Your repentance is your first step toward redemption. Leave behind this life of robbery and murder and embrace righteousness.” Valiyo pleaded, “What should I do?” Naradji instructed, “Chant the name of Ram, the supreme God. This is the only path to cleanse your soul and attain enlightenment.” After blessing him, Naradji departed, chanting, “Narayan… Narayan…” Inspired, Valiyo began chanting “Mara… Mara… Mara…” (a syllable reversal of "Ram"). Over time, his chanting transformed into “Ram… Ram… Ram,” as his intentions grew purer. Through continuous chanting, his heart was cleansed, and his sins were forgiven. He became peaceful, and the negativity within his soul dissolved. For years, Valiyo sat in deep meditation, his body covered in dust, transformed by his devotion. With his pure intentions and unwavering dedication, the once-feared bandit became the revered sage Valmiki Rishi. He was gifted divine knowledge of Sanskrit and wrote the Ramayana, an epic scripture revered for generations. This story shows the transformative power of saints. Just as Naradji turned a robber into a sage, association with holy individuals can make even the most sinful person righteous. For instance, the infamous thief Joban Pagi became Joban Bhagat through the influence of Muktanand Swami. Such examples remind us that pure devotion and guidance from saints can lead to the most profound transformations—Maharishi Valmiki being one of the greatest among them. KADI GAAN SECTION: Sacha Sangathi Sant Chhe, Jano Jivana Jag Maay Bhavsagarma Dubta, Sacha Sant Kare Chhe Sahay Meaning - in this world, A true saint is a blessing and the only true friend of the Jiva. For those drowning in the ocean of maya (Bhavsagar), a true saint provides aid."  VATO 1. By seeking the refuge of the Satpurush, regardless of how terrible a sinner a person may be, he becomes extremely pure and attains samādhi. (Vach.Vartal 14) 2. Only Bhagwan and his holy sadhu can grant liberation. (Gunatitanand Swamini vat - 1/20) Question/Answer section: 1. When and where did Nilkanth Varni and Ramanand Swami meet? Ans: Samvat 1856 Jeth Vad Barash (06-19-1800). In Piplana 2. Who was Ramanand Swami? Ans: Guru of Bhagwan Swaminarayan. 3. Where was Ramanand swami born? Ans: Ayodhya 4. Who gave maha diksha to Nilkanth Varni? Ans: Ramanand Swami NEED TO KNOW: The Three types of Karma 1. Sanchit Karma – The type of Karma performed in one’s previous life or lives. 2. Prarabdha Karma – The type of Karma performed previously, whose consequences one undergoes in the current life. 3. Kriyaman Karma – The new Karma one is performing in the current life.  REFLECTIONS: A True Saint is Like a Lamp Just as a lamp illuminates the darkness, a saint provides guidance and support during the hardships of life. A True Saint is Like a Cloud Just as a cloud showers rain impartially, a saint shows compassion and sympathy to all, without discrimination. A True Saint is Like a Tree Just as a tree offers shade to everyone, a saint brings inner peace and solace to all who seek it.