Service Dharma

Dhyanamoolam Gurormoortih Poojamoolam Guroh Padam,
Mantramoolam Gurorvaakyam Mokshamoolam Guroh Kripaa

Jaako Raakhe Guruhani Kahaan Kari Sake Aur,
Hari Roothe To Thaur Hai, Guru Roothe Nahin Thaur

Yah Tan Vish Ki Beladi, Guru Amrit Ki Khaan,
Sheesh Diye Jo Guru Mile, To Bhi Sasta Jaan

The root of meditation is the Guru’s image; the root of worship is the Guru’s feet.,
The root of mantra is the Guru’s word; the root of liberation is the Guru’s grace

Whom the Guru protects, no one can harm,
If God is angry, there is refuge; if the Guru is angry, there is no refuge

This body is a vine of poison, the Guru is a mine of nectar,
Even if one gives one’s head to the Guru, consider it a small price

Beloveds!

If someone shows us a small task or path, we say ‘thanks,’ express gratitude, and give thanks. But that Supreme Being has given us this great body, the strength to perform actions, and stands guard for us twenty-four hours a day. Just as a cow protects its calf, in the same way, God is protecting us. He has given us light for free – the light of the sun and the moon. He provides us with air, water, and rain at the right time, all for free.

They shower upon us! They provide us with a beautiful and fragrant environment for free, without charging any ‘tax’, and we have completely forgotten it. Even after having everything, we want something more. This continues day and night, even in dreams – wanting more. We always want something more. Even if we have millions and billions of wealth, the mind desires – more. Think, my beloved ones, what more do we need? We have gathered worldly things for our senses but have done nothing for the joy of the soul. Hence, the soul always cries out – more. The soul’s spouse is the Supreme Being. It desires its spouse. Therefore, the soul says – more. Let us all remember the name of the Supreme Lord Shri Hari together.

Narayan Paratatva Hai, Brahma, Vishnu Mahesh Tatva Hain,
Bhagwan Shrimannarayan Paratatva Hai, Paratatva Ka Saadharan

Narayan is the Supreme Principle. Brahma, Vishnu, Mahesh are elements,
Lord Shri Narayan is the Supreme Principle. The essence of the Supreme Principle

The meaning is that there is no other principle beyond it. When the dissolution (Pralaya) happens, the ages (Yugas) end, and after the ages end, the deities of the ages also end. After that, the same Supreme Being, the same Shri Hari, the same Narayan, who always rests in the Kshirsagar (Ocean of Milk), once again creates a lotus from his navel, from the lotus emerges Brahma, and from Brahma, the creation of the universe begins. He creates Shiva, creates Vishnu. These three gods are endowed with destruction, maintenance, and creation. Beyond this, there is no other. Every scripture has accepted this Supreme Principle, every saint has accepted it. In the Punjab region, Baba Nanak Dev Ji accepts this Supreme Principle. It is written in Guru Granth Sahib:

Yoga is the union of the name. Until you unite this soul with the Supreme Being, your soul cannot be content. The sorrow of your life and death, the worldly sorrow, can only be removed by the Supreme Being, and no one else can do it. Ordinary worldly gods may provide the pleasures of materialism and the pleasures of the senses, but they cannot relieve the great sorrow of Yama’s punishment. They cannot remove the sorrow of beatings. They can give you everything else. The great sorrow of the cycle of birth and death can only be eradicated by the Lord.

For the eradication of sorrows, the name of the Supreme Being Shri Hari Narayan is paramount. It is true that by worshipping various gods, we attain wealth, luxury, and sensory pleasures, but these are not permanent. If the body is gone, the pleasures also vanish, and if the body remains but becomes ill, the pleasures are of no use. Permanent happiness can only be given by the Supreme Being Narayan. Permanent happiness means the end of the cycle of birth and death. Our greatest suffering is this cycle of reincarnation. Satsang lovers should contemplate this carefully.

Satsang lovers should consider that a child remains inverted in the womb for nine months. The head is downwards and the feet are upwards. When someone is given a minor punishment, they are told to hang upside down. It is considered a great punishment. And the child remains hanging upside down, living in the excrement and urine like a worm in a drain. The mother eats spicy food, drinks tea, and consumes both hot and cold.

Even the mother drinks. Inside her, there is no great fortress. There is a membrane, a thin plastic-like bag. Inside it, this being hangs. How much suffering does it endure! There it continuously remembers the Lord’s name. Oh Lord! Give me liberation this time. Liberation means release, let me come out. I will chant your name so much, perform good deeds, and serve so much that my cycle of birth and death ends.

When we suffer a small loss, we start crying. If something is lost, there is great distress in the household. But when we leave the earnings of a lifetime and close our eyes, at that time, beloved, think how much suffering there will be! What we have accumulated and saved throughout our lives, we leave behind as we go, eyes are closing, senses are not working; how great will the suffering be at that time. The greatest suffering is this – birth and death.

Only that Supreme Being, Shri Hari Narayan, can free us from the cycle of birth and death because giving liberation, freeing from the bonds of karma, is only their work.

For Svayambhu Manu and Shatarupa, Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh appeared many times and asked them to ask for a boon, but Svayambhu Manu and Shatarupa did not accept, and when  Lord Shri Narayan arrived, they immediately stood with folded hands and prayed. Shri Narayan said, “Ask for a boon.” Svayambhu Manu Ji was a great scholar and spiritual person. He said that first Shatarupa should be given the authority, and Shatarupa should accept. When Shatarupa was asked, she said, “I want a son like you, your likeness.” The same Lord came in the form of Shri Ram.

The essence of my saying is that to be free from the cycle of birth and death, a person should maintain austerity, routine, and service with consistency. Only then can their Lord, Shri Narayan, liberate them. The right to liberation belongs only to Narayan, not to any other deity.

Punarapi Janmam Punarapi Maranam, Punarapi Janani Jathare Shayanam,
Bhaj Govindam Bhaj Govindam, Govindam Bhaj Moodhamate।

Rebirth and death, again and again, lying in the womb of the mother,
Chant Govind, chant Govind, chant Govind, O foolish mind

The Supreme Being who has given us such a great body, we have forgotten him. To attain him, we do not need great resources because the Supreme Being is not attained through resources. Through resources, material wealth can be obtained, happiness can be found, houses, ashrams, and temples can be built, but the Supreme Being Attainment is not through means. There is no need for great means. It is self-attainable. For it, means are not necessary. Our humanity should remain, humanity should not be destroyed, and humanity should continually grow; only for this, means are needed.

The Supreme Being is self-attainable. There is no need to search for Him because He is not confined to Kashi, He is not confined to Mathura, He is not confined to Vrindavan; He is everywhere. He is found in every place. He is present everywhere; all that is needed is humanity. To maintain that humanity, rules are needed, restraint is needed, food is needed, and behavior is needed. God loves humans. He has been loving humans continuously. That is why He has called this human body His own form. Oh human! I am giving you my own form.

In the Gita, the Lord also says, “The living entities in this material world are my eternal fragmental parts!” Oh Arjuna! This human body is a part of me. I am the eternal person and this soul is also eternal. The soul is eternal, the Supreme Being and His path are also eternal. If you abandon it and follow another path, you will not attain the Supreme Being. You do not need to search, you need to attain. He is here – just see Him, attain Him.

One searches for something that has been abducted, taken away, or lost. The Supreme Being, however, is always with you. Where the soul resides, there the Supreme Being is present. He is always with you, moving with you, staying with you.

Every saint, every scripture, every teacher, and every spiritual guide has considered service to be the supreme means of attaining the Supreme Being. Our commentator, Lord Shri Ramanujacharya Ji, emphasizes this word greatly. He strongly asserts, “Kainkaryam Lakshanam Vilakshanam Moksha Bhaja:” O disciples! When the attitude of service arises in this human being (Kainkaryam refers to service), and what kind of service? From the smallest service to the greatest service, then a distinctiveness begins to emerge in them. Why does this distinctiveness begin to emerge? Because by adopting Kainkaryam, by performing Kainkaryam, a person’s desires, anger, pride, greed, attachment, and delusion – all these become subdued, not destroyed. Their destruction is not evidenced. That is, the sensory organs become stronger, the motor organs become weaker. Lord Ramanujacharya Ji, our commentator, was the first to say, “Kainkaryam-Lakshanam-Vilakshanam-Moksha-Bhaja.” When the characteristics of Kainkaryam appear, distinctiveness you will not need to ask for liberation; liberation itself will lie at your feet. Whether you attain proximity to liberation, union with liberation, the presence of liberation, or become a living-liberated soul, it will follow your footsteps. The truth of liberation will stand before you twenty-four hours a day. After accepting service (Kainkaryam), you will become a living-liberated soul. Kainkaryam means service. It is mentioned in Guru Granth Sahib –

Jaise Jal Mein Kamal Neermal, Murgaabi O Sang,
Seva Smaran Bhav Sagar Tariye, Nanak Naam Hari Ras Rangiye

Like a lotus in water, pure, with the swan alongside,
By serving and remembering, cross the ocean of existence, imbued in the essence of Hari’s name, says Nanak

This servant Nanak is colored in your name, O Supreme Lord Shri Hari! O my Narayan! The color of this transient world does not stain it, just as the lotus remains unstained in water. In the Gita, Lord Shri Krishna tells Arjuna, “O Arjuna! Live like the lotus leaf, which remains in water but is unaffected by it – Padmapatramivambasa.” Baba Nanak Dev Ji writes in his language – Like a lotus in water, pure, with the swan. The swan is called a water bird that dives deep into the water and, when it flies, its wings remain dry. Live in this world like that water bird.

First, I wrote service; then I wrote remembrance. Without service, the signs of Kainkaryam (service) cannot emerge. Without service, pride cannot be destroyed. Without service, anger cannot be eradicated. Without service, desires cannot be eliminated. To eliminate these things, to concentrate the mind, and to unify it, service is paramount. A person who learns to serve does not need yoga, meditation, or any other means.

Service is neither Rajasic (passionate) nor Tamasic (ignorant), nor Sattvic (pure), nor even Brahmic (divine). It depends on the seeker. What is the seeker’s goal in service? What are the tendencies of the seeker’s mind? What are the mental dispositions? The form of service is determined by this. Service begins to bear fruit accordingly.

If we set materialism as our goal, my beloveds, this is not a goal at all. Because, if we do not make that goal a goal, then ‘Punarapi Janmam Punarapi Maranam’ (rebirth and death again and again) will still happen. What goal can we set for something that is inevitable? Even if we do not make materialism our goal, we will still get what we deserve – as accumulated from past lives’ actions. Karma is fate, which is accumulated from previous births.

That is what we are bound to attain. We should set our goal as the spiritual world.

We go to a pilgrimage site – Vrindavan, Mathura, Kashi, Kamakhya – wherever we go, and upon reaching the pilgrimage site, we book tickets for a cinema hall. What have we done by going there? There, we should behold the beautiful works of Lord Shri Krishna and Shri Radhika, visit the temples, and seek their blessings. My beloveds! I speak this because I have seen it with my own eyes. People go to Vrindavan for pilgrimage and end up booking cinema tickets. We are doing the same here. We come to this Dharmakshetra and, getting entangled in the cycle of pleasure and pain, forget our duties. If you desire happiness, go to heaven. If you desire sorrow, go to hell. You are neither in heaven nor in hell. You are in the field of action. This is the field of action. Lord Shri Krishna explains to Arjuna in clear words –

Dharmakshetre Kurukshetre Samaveta Yuyutsavah,
Mamakah Pandavashchaiva Kimakurvata Sanjaya

In the field of righteousness, the field of Kurukshetra, assembled for battle,
What did my sons and the sons of Pandu do, O Sanjaya?

This is the field of righteousness, Kurukshetra. The field of righteousness means – action. Which action? The explanation is given – the action of righteousness. This is the place to perform actions for attaining me.

In this world, we get entangled in the cycle of happiness and sorrow. We cry over loss and rejoice over gain. If we gain something, we celebrate greatly; if we suffer a loss, we cry day and night without eating or drinking. This place is neither for crying nor for laughing. This place is for continuous action. The actions we perform should not be for materialism, but for the spiritual world. However, we have made our goal 99% materialistic. Raj (a disciple singer) sometimes sings devotional songs to the mother. I don’t remember the words, but I remember the emotions: “Oh Mother! Oh Vaishnavi Devi! Grant me a lottery of nine lakhs. Get the plastering of my house done, get my latrine fixed.” We are asking the Mother for a lottery, for plastering, and for whitewashing. Imagine! Our devotional songs have become like this! No one says, “Mother! I don’t want anything, I just want you.” This human has come to this world to say, “Oh Supreme Being! You have given me everything. You have always given and will continue to give. You are giving me today, and you have given before. You have always given. This is not the first time I have come as a living being. After wandering through 84 lakh species, I have come into a human body. You gave in 83,99,999 species as well. Why won’t you give today? You certainly will. In my past births. According to accumulated karma, it will give, and if I become yours, you will give me even more.

This field of action (karma bhoomi) is for the attainment of the Supreme Being, and this human body is for us to attain Him. As I said earlier, that Supreme Being is not attained through means. He is not attained through great actions, nor through the Vedas, nor through scriptures. No means can lead to His attainment. All means are only to please the Supreme Being and to maintain humanity. We are humans, and we must maintain this humanity. The paramount word in this is service. Without service, a human cannot become a true human because if ego enters, the human is no longer human but has become a demon. Ego itself is called a demon. People say that Ravana had horns on his head, but this is absolutely wrong. It is not so. Ravana was very handsome. He was very learned. He had studied all four Vedas. He was from a sage lineage. It is said that demons have horns, but this is just a saying; they do not have horns. Horns mean ego and anger; ego and anger are like two horns. People say, “Have your horns grown?” Don’t they say so? When a person starts talking a lot, running around too much  when one starts doing this, society says, “Have your wings come out? Have your horns grown?” Ravana had no such horns. His horns were metaphorical for ego. Ego itself is the name of the demon. Despite his immense penance, Ravana did not possess humanity, but demon-like traits. It is from humans that demons are made. From this comes the creation of the wicked, and from this comes the creation of demons. When humanity leaves, one becomes wicked, becomes a demon, becomes a monster.

Our goal is to attain the Supreme Being, to end ‘Punarapi Janmam’ (rebirth), to end ‘Punarapi Maranam’ (death). This is not impossible, it is possible. To do this, you don’t need to perform large-scale rituals or ceremonies, nor do you need Vedic texts. You only need to follow the path they have prescribed. Follow the teachings of the saints.

What is Dharma? ‘The path of the saints is the ladder of Dharma.’ Baba Nanak Dev Ji says that I have recognized only one Dharma, which is the path of the saints. The path given by the saints is the greatest Dharma. However, it is written, ‘Only a very fortunate one attains it.’ Only those who are very fortunate practice it and believe in it. Otherwise, society says something else – that this is hypocrisy. He is greedy, deceitful, a thief, a smuggler, an opportunist, and something else.

Those whose past life’s impressions are the highest, only they believe in saints. Believing in saints means attaining the Lord. In Guru Granth Sahib, it is written in very clear words –

Sant Ka Doshi Maha Hatyaara,
Sant Ka Nindak Parameshwar Maara,
Sant Ki Mahima Ved Na Jaane,
Jeta Suna Teta Bakhaane,
Sant Sharan Mein Jo Pade So Jan Uddhranhaar,
Sant Ki Ninda Naanka, Bahut Bahut Avtaar,

The one who faults a saint is a great murderer,
The one who criticizes a saint is struck by the Lord,
Even the Vedas do not know the glory of a saint,
As much as they hear, so much they describe,
Those who take refuge in saints are uplifted,
Nanak says, slandering a saint has caused many to be reborn

Why is Lord Krishna called the Universal Teacher (Jagadguru)? Because he served, and the greatest service he performed was Kainkaryam. Kainkaryam means that when the Pandavas performed the Rajasuya Yagna, he took on the service of cleaning the used plates. Lord Krishna, who is the Lord himself, said, “I will serve at your yagna, Yudhishthira Ji.” He asked, “What service will you do?” He replied, “I will clean the used plates.” “Oh, oh, Lord! You should become the owner of the store, the in-charge of donations and merits. We will set up a golden throne for you. You sit on it, Fans and umbrellas will sway over you, and people will behold you, worship you; do this. But the Lord said, “I will perform service (Kainkaryam), and I will lift the plates of all who have come.” Immediately, there was a shout of victory, just upon saying he would lift the plates – ‘Krishnam Vande Jagadgurum.’ He was called the Universal Teacher (Jagadguru) from that moment. Imagine, even Lord Shri Krishna performed Kainkaryam because there is distinctiveness in it. Yudhishthira Ji said, “Maharaj Ji! Please sit on the throne and grant us the fortune of your worship.” The Lord replied, “At the right time.” Just like you see Baba Swami Sudarshanacharya sitting on the throne with fans and umbrellas over him, and after two hours, you will see him in your line, and after two more hours, you will see him breaking stones. Without performing Kainkaryam for that Supreme Being, whether it is Swami Sudarshanacharya or any other Swami, they cannot be liberated. In the house of the Lord, the law is the same for Swamis, for you, and for me, for the poor and the rich alike because no bribe is taken there. The law there is of equality for everyone.

You just heard – The berries of Bhilni, the rice of Sudama. If there was discrimination between rich and poor, the Lord would not have eaten the berries at Bhilni’s house or the rice of Sudama They do not eat, nor do they eat raw bananas and Bathua greens at Vidura’s place. There was a feast of fifty-six kinds of dishes at Duryodhana’s place, but they refused. This confirms that in the house of God, there is no discrimination between the poor and the rich, between the highly learned and the uneducated. If there was discrimination, then poor Shabari, who knew nothing, would not have met the Lord. She clearly says –

Adham Te Adham Adham Ati Naari,
Tinh Mah Main Mati Mand Adhaari

The lowest among the low, the lowliest of women,
Among them, I am the one with the dullest intellect

‘Mati Mand Adhari’ means – I am uneducated, ignorant, Maharaj! I know nothing. I do not know how to serve, I do not know the path of the Vedas, I do not know the path of Dharma, I am not educated that I can do anything. If there was discrimination, Shabari would not have met the Lord. And look at this; there were Vedic scholars, those who practiced self-study and meditation, those who performed Yagnas, ascetics, sages, yogis; what was lacking there? But the Lord did not stay at anyone’s place; he stayed at Shabari’s place. An atheist might say that he stayed because she was a woman, but she was very old, couldn’t stand up. The Lord held her arm and made her sit. He said, Shabari! Sit down. Thus, in the house of that Lord, there is no discrimination of any kind.

In the Gita, the Lord clearly states that my attainment is not through sacrifices, not through the Vedas, not through penance, nor through charity; serve me, worship me. In the Gita, the word ‘bhajan’ has been used repeatedly. He repeatedly used the word ‘bhajan’ which means – serve, worship. The pure meaning of the root ‘bhaj’ is – service. O Arjuna! You can attain me through my service. In meditation, in yoga, there is ego, but in the attitude of service, my beloveds, there is absolutely no ego. Where there is ego, there is no service, and once service begins, ego is destroyed. Therefore, every saint, every divine being, and every scripture has placed service above all.

Bharata, Lakshmana, and Shatrughna were all brothers of the Lord; they were the younger brothers of Rama. But Lord Rama clearly said to Hanuman Ji – you are as dear to me as Bharata. O Hanuman Ji! You are as dear to me as my brother Bharata, even though you are not a brother. You were a servant. But the duty of service is so powerful that Lord Rama had to call you his brother. Not only that, the Lord declared the servant more beloved than the kingdom, brothers, wealth, Sita, body, home, family, and friends –

Anuj Raj Sampati Vaidehi,
Deh Geh Parivaar Sanehi,
Sab Mam Priya Naahi Tumhahi Samaana,
Mrisha Na Kahau Mor Yah Baana,

Younger brother, kingdom, wealth, and Vaidehi (Sita),
Body, house, family, and affection,
All my dear ones, none can match you,
I do not lie, this is my vow

Even Sita Ji had to call Hanuman Ji her son, and not only that –

Ashta Siddhi Nau Nidhi Ke Daata,
As Var Deenh Janki Maata,

Bestower of eight siddhis and nine treasures,
Such a boon was given by Mother Sita

Did Hanuman Ji perform penance? Did he perform Yagnas? Was he a scholar of the Vedas? No, he only served. In his daily routine, in his service, whatever he did, he believed in only one thing – for the Lord, for Rama Ji, for Mother Sita; not for himself. When a person develops such a spirit of service, of Kainkaryam, then all yoga, meditation, and penance come together. Whenever we perform any service, whether it’s bathing Thakur Maharaj, or you people being continuously engaged in the service of your ashram, at that time your focus is neither on the family nor on the house, nor anywhere else. It remains only on serving Guru Baba, serving Hanuman Ji, serving the Lord – serving. That is concentration. Closing your eyes is not meditation, and just chanting “Om Om”

Performing yoga is not service. The word ‘yoga’ means union. The word ‘meditation’ means becoming attracted. Through service, humans are attracted towards the Supreme Being. That means all senses accept working for that purpose.

What is the goal of service? You should make it your own. I have explained that the goal of materialism is to be destroyed. The goal of the spiritual world is to provide supreme happiness. It is your mind, make both – spirituality and materialism. Sometimes even talk about materialism with Lord, what is the harm? Where will they go if not to you? When there is hunger for bread, where will they go to ask? They will ask only from you. There is no harm in that. The harm is in leaving the Supreme Being and getting 99% involved only in materialism. This is what we are asking from the Lord. Great saints have asked, great gods have asked. The god, meaning Thakur Maharaj Ji, has also asked his devotees to do something for him. It is a request. But keep in mind that the request should not be unethical. It should not be a request involving sinful acts, it should be one involving virtuous acts. It should lead to the welfare of people, self-welfare, and public service. Such a request we should make to Thakur Maharaj Ji daily, every hour, every minute. Not just once a day, we say, every moment, every second. O Supreme Being! Give us enough so that we can serve society, arrange carriages and horses for them. Arrange for their accommodation. There is no harm in asking for this. Why is there no harm? Because we belong to Thakur Ji. If we do not ask Thakur Ji, then whom will we ask? And he gives as well. The request is not false –

What one asks from Thakur, Thakur grants exactly that.

Whatever is requested from Thakur Ji Maharaj, he grants it, he does not refuse. But when does he give? When we belong to Thakur Ji, he grants it. Thakur Ji Maharaj, who are his, he never refuses to give them. And those who are not his, why would he give them anything?

My sentiment is that service is the supreme duty, the supreme obligation. Service was performed by Hanuman Ji Maharaj and also by Sugriva Ji. Both were servants. But Sugriva, being engrossed in worldly affairs, forgot the name of the Lord for several months. He did not remember that the Lord saved him, the Lord kept him alive. The Lord brought my wife back. The Lord made me king. He forgot everything. The Lord sent Lakshmana Ji. Lakshmana Ji did something Anger ensued. Lakshmana Ji was naturally prone to anger. Immediately, Sugriva remembered. He started saying to the Lord, “O Lord! What is my fault in this? O Thakur Ji! I did exactly as you wished.”

Vishay Baras Sur Nar Muni Swami,
Main Paanvar Pashu Kapi Ati Kaami,
Naari Nayan Sar Jaahi Na Laaga,
Ghor Krodh Tam Nisi Jo Jaaga,
Lobh Paanch Johi Gar Na Bandhaaya,
So Nar Tuchchh Samaan Raghuraaya,
Yah Mun Saadhan Te Nahin Raai,
Tumhari Kripa Paav Koi Koi,

The worldly pleasures shower upon gods, humans, and sages,
I am a mere animal, a highly lustful monkey,
A woman’s eyes are like arrows, they do not pierce,
but deep anger arises in the dark night,
Greed is like a noose that cannot bind a strong neck,
Such a person is insignificant like Raghu’s scion,
This sage’s method is not easy,
Only a few receive your grace

The Lord was accused. He got trapped in luxury, got entangled in work, got stuck in rural pleasures, and said, “O Lord! I am doing exactly as you desire.” How irresponsible! Accusing the Lord is not a good thing. Hanuman Ji, Meera Ji, Tulsidas Ji, Baba Nanak Dev Ji, all were servants and devotees. They were all dedicated to service. Their goals were noble.

Service has so much power that the master overlooks many mistakes. The RTO officer is sitting. If a known person’s vehicle is polluting, they say, let it go because the person is known to the RTO officer. And our vehicle, even if newly bought, if we do not show a spirit of service, they immediately say to stop it and issue a ticket. This is spreading pollution. The same is true for Lord –

Soee Kartoot Vibhishan Keri,
So Sapnehu Na Ram Hiyan Her,

Vibhishana did the same deed,
He did not even think of Lord Ram in his heart

The same deed that made the Lord kill Bali, Vibhishana did too. He kept his brother’s wife, Mandodari. The Lord killed Bali and did not pay attention to Vibhishana.

What is a devotee? One who performs bhajan. What is bhajan? Bhaj Sevaayam – being devoted in the service of Thakur Maharaj Ji. Being devoted to the type of service that is rendered. The Lord does not consider the past deeds of his devotee, his servant, whether in this birth or previous births, and grants him salvation. Ajamila was a murderer, a sinner, and performed inauspicious deeds throughout his life. But in the end, he remembered the Lord’s name, started thinking of the Lord’s form, and became devoted to His service. The Lord did not consider anything and granted him His realm, giving him salvation.

Narayan Kahate Narak Na Jaaye,
Narayan Seva Sagal Phal Paaye

Narayana says, one does not go to hell,
Narayana’s service yields all fruits

Seva Dharma is the supreme dharma. Now, the goal is to It is our duty. As your inner disposition is – Rajasic, Tamasic, Sattvic; accordingly, the service performed will start bearing fruit for you. Even Shumbha and Nishumbha performed service to Shiva, and it was significant, but their goal was wrong. The aim of materialism was to rule over everyone, take service from everyone, and have everything happen by their command. The goal was wrong. Hence, they had to die. Shumbha and Nishumbha are called demons.

Serve, but keep a noble goal. The Lord has been delivering through the power of service to this day. Yogis and ascetics have been given rebirth. Lord Shiva is a yogi. But he became a Gopi, took the form of a woman, and served the manifest Lord; only then did he attain the supreme position. Now, salvation is in their hands. They can grant salvation to whom they wish. This authority was given to them by the Lord due to their service. Not just by remembering their name, but through both service and satsang. Through service, Tulsi Das Ji, through service, Meera Bai, through service, Sahjo Bai, Karma Bai, and all our saints were redeemed.

In our Vaishnav world, there has been a very great devotee – Dhanurdhar Sanji. Dhanurdhar Sanji was not so learned, but he took up the service – of Lord Ranganatha.

His flower service, service to his clothes, looking at his beauty, and so on. Due to the influence of this service, even today, we remember that devotee, that saint, for a month. He was making a blanket for Thakur Ji, threading it, when Lord Shiva and Parvati came. They came with a topic. ‘Varam Bruhi’ – Ask for a boon. Dhanudasa kept threading. He asked, “What boon? Who are you?” The answer came, “We are Shiva and Parvati.” Dhanudasa asked, “What boon will you give?” Shiva said, “Take the kingdom of the world, take whatever you want, wherever you want. If you want wealth, take it.” He kept threading. Dhanudasa said, “I want nothing but salvation. I want that realm about which the Lord has said in the Gita –

Na Tad Bhaasayate Suryah Na Shashaanko Na Paavakah,
Yad Gatva Na Nivartante Taddhaama Paramam Mama

Neither the sun shines there, nor the moon, nor the fire,
Having gone there, one does not return; that is My supreme abode

I want that, will you give it?” Lord Shiva replied, “For that, even I am a beggar.” Dhanudasa said, “If you yourself are a beggar, you have wasted my time. I am in the service of the Lord, threading. See, the power of service is such that even Shiva and Parvati were disregarded.” Dhanudasa said, “I don’t want your boon. With your boon, I will be destroyed. Therefore, I do not need any boon. All those you granted boons before me were destroyed – Ravana, Kumbhakarna, Jarasandha, Shishupala, Meghnada; all of them. I do not want to die because of your boon. When luxury and indulgence come into human life, death is certain – Bhogena Mrityuh (Death through indulgence). When a person indulges in luxury, death becomes inevitable. Death comes. I do not want to die. I want to live. As I said, Dhanudasa Ji’s dedication is celebrated. He is immortal. Dhanudasa’s body left, but his creation remains immortal. Only the body dies. Immortality is achieved through service. The impact of service is extraordinary.

Once Baba Nanak Dev was traveling, giving satsang somewhere. A person on a horse met him. Baba said, “Hey brother! What is your name?” The horseman replied, “Baba! What is your name?” Baba said, “First, you tell your name.” The horseman said, “My name is Lahanaji.” Babaji said, “My name is Denanaji.” The horseman got down from the horse. He asked, “What are you giving?” Baba gave him education and initiation. What else did Babaji have? Lahanaji served Babaji with great devotion. What service was given to him? The service of the horse. He dedicated himself to his Guru Maharaj. Guru Taking care of the Maharaja’s horse, digging grass, feeding grass, bathing, walking, etc. were included in their service. Lahana Ji continued his service and because of that service, his name became famous as the second Guru Angad Dev. Devotee Lahana’s name itself is Angad Dev. The second Patshahi was Angad Dev Ji. He achieved the Gurupad only on the basis of serving the horse.

I am not saying to serve Swami Sudarshanacharya. Absolutely not. Serve any saint. If you have an allergy to saints, Thakur Maharaj Ji, then no problem, serve your family. Suppose you have an allergy to Babaji, many do, no problem. Do not do the work that causes an allergy. If you have an allergy to the name of Thakurji Maharaj Ji, no problem, do not serve. Serve your family, serve your neighborhood, serve your town, serve your society, serve India, serve the whole world. Serve materialism if you must, but serve.

Today, what is the reason for quarrels in our household? Think about it. It is not a quarrel over food and drink. Satisfaction is achieved with food and drink, eat chutney-roti, eat plain dry roti. The quarrel is about the fact that the housewife says she is great and the household deity says It is about who is bigger. Both want to rule over each other, the fight is about this. If both start serving, develop a sense of service, and become servants of each other’s family, then there won’t be any fight. In small homes, where there are children, we are not serving the children but Thakurji (Lord Krishna) and Gopalji (another name for Krishna), considering it this way. We have to serve the children of Gopal, to nurture them in the best possible way. Educate them; both of us should serve them together.

Nowadays, instead of serving, there is a race to get served. But by taking service, we will be reborn, my dear ones! It is a certain fact. When I take from you, I must come back. When I give to you, it is my choice whether to come or not. Oh, I have opened a shop somewhere, and I have to give a hundred rupees to the market and take a thousand. If I leave without giving a hundred rupees, people will tear my clothes. They will say, Baba’s children, are stealing and going away. And if I leave behind a thousand rupees, then that day everyone in the neighborhood will celebrate that it was good Baba left, he even left a thousand rupees. Whether I come to take the money or not, it is my choice, because I have to run the shop.

My dear ones! Whoever takes from society must come back, 100% must come back. And whoever gives to society, it is their choice whether to return or not. It is up to them whether to take rebirth or not; it is their will. I do not go to collect. If you go to Mumbai, stay at the Taj Hotel, and leave behind your ordinary clothes, pants, suit, towel, etc., it is your choice whether to return to collect them or not. And if you leave behind essential documents, you will have to return immediately by the next flight.

We should serve selflessly, whether we receive anything in return or not. We must serve without expecting anything in return. Those who take service and those who give are lustful, merchants; they will get nothing. Because they have already taken in return for their service. They have already taken the applause in exchange for their service. We went to have the darshan of the Mother. One wish was fulfilled. We demanded to have our house plastered in return for the darshan. The account was settled. We had the darshan, and they got the house plastered. Now what is left to give and take? Hence, maintain some balance in service. Salvation has always been achieved through the strength of service.

My dear ones! I have said many times that in Sanatan Dharma, the first record of car service belongs to you people. I feel proud that car servants still exist today. You, the servants, who reach that ultimate goal are present. You want to attain the Supreme Being, you want to receive the grace of the Guru. Such a record has been rare in our India, whether it was Birla who built a temple, or our Swamiji Maharaj who built the temple of Rangji, or the temple of Srinivasji, or the temple of Srivenkateshwarji; it was not built through car service. I am very proud of you people; I feel happy seeing you people. Not because you serve the temple. In this temple, millions of rupees are being invested by Thakurji Maharaj. He can also employ a hundred thousand servants. It is not a big deal for Thakur Maharaj, he will do it. But Thakur Maharaj’s order is that only my servants should serve so that they can achieve service dharma, the ultimate goal of human life. Only then will they be liberated. Your resolution is that those who follow this path should attain Dharma, Artha, Kama, and Moksha. None of these four things can be obtained without service. Therefore, by the command of that Supreme Being, through His inspiration, this place has been created by your service. This is car service.

There are four types of service. One service is through the body. There are four types of service: service with the body, service with the mind, service with speech, and service with wealth. Service with wealth is also possible. The service with the body is what you people are doing – Kar service. Service with the mind is considered as thinking good thoughts, not criticizing any religious place, thinking good for others, and contemplating good things. Like Vibhishana, while living in Lanka, had good thoughts that his brother Ravana should be saved. His brother Ravana should not die, and he should meet God; these were good sentiments. So, service with the mind is also service, and service with the body is what is called car service in the Punjab region. Here also it is called car service. Car service or ‘Kar Seva’ means serving with hands, serving with the body. If someone doesn’t have both body and mind, then service with wealth is also done. There are six aspects of service with speech. Satsang (spiritual discourse) is also service with speech because our sages and seers have been doing satsang. They deliver sermons through speech, bring about welfare through speech, and give orders and instructions through speech. Another example is a leader who guides fifty or a hundred people with his speech and gets them to serve religious places. Do this, brothers, do that; this is service with speech. So, service is done through the body, mind, speech, and wealth.

All services are excellent. Only the intention can spoil them. If you want to donate money to get your name engraved on a stone, then it is not true service because you did it for worldly recognition. Oh good man! The stone is already written in your destiny; why do you need to engrave your name on it? Now, get the name of God engraved on it. Such service bears fruit, but that fruit is obtained here itself. The benefit is that your fame is increased, your name is known, but you do not get the eternal fruit of it.

The highest service is Kar service. There is no ego in it. Baba Nanak Dev Ji has said, “Oh Lord! I am a servant at your door, a sweeper at your door.”

Pani Dhoon, Pancha Jhaloon, De De Soi Soi Khavaan

I will fetch water, fan the devotees, and eat whatever is given to me

Baba Nanak Dev Ji says, “I will fetch water at your door, fan the devotees; I am a servant at your house, a sweeper.” Doing this destroys pride. Therefore, car service is the highest form of service. Serve with your body. Do it in your family. You constantly rebuke and get angry with your servants, fight and argue with them. God has given you a body. Use it to serve a little. It’s not that you should only do physical service in the ashram; do it at home too. It will keep your body healthy and your mind pure.

The Need for Humanity and the Importance of Service

The quantity of anger will decrease, the amount of anger will decrease. When we ask for water and if no one brings it, we get very angry. We throw the glass on the table. We are good people, right! We even break the tea cup. If we ourselves pick up the cup and serve, then what is the harm? There was double loss there – anger came and the cup also broke.

My dear ones! Let me give today’s message, I only convey messages. I do not command, the command comes from God, my body is made of five elements; what command will it give? This is the message from God that we received last night that my beloved ones have been involved in service. Now tell them something related to service. Tulsidas, Meera, Sahajo all served. And let’s not even talk about that, in materialism, Gandhi’s photo is placed in every office, it is on the crossroads. He has been given a stick in his hand, standing day and night, because he has the spirit of service. The servant has to stand. You see on the crossroads. Many are shown on horses, like brave Shivaji, Maharana Pratap, Queen Jhansi, etc. Gandhi is shown with a stick in his hand, his back bent. Similarly, you also serve continuously. By serving, Gandhi Gandhi was called the Mahatma and the Father of the Nation. The supreme father is only God Narayan, but Gandhi earned the title of Father of the Nation through his lifelong service to the people.

Whether you serve materialism or your family, make sure to serve. By serving your family, everyone will love and praise you. “This daughter-in-law is so good, this boy is so kind, he serves everyone who comes and goes.” The word “service” itself brings goodwill and ultimate happiness, which cannot be found by simply receiving. My dear ones, try and experience it; happiness comes from giving. There is happiness in renouncing something. In the Gita, Lord Krishna emphasizes this to Arjuna: if you always seek happiness, do one thing – “renunciation brings endless peace.” True peace lies in renunciation, no matter what the object is. When you have an urge for something, happiness lies in renouncing it. Even a small thing brings happiness when renounced. The happiness of materialism holds as much value as excrement. True happiness lies in renouncing it. Try renouncing, and you will find supreme joy. How did you come here by renouncing your own comfort? Today is Sunday, a holiday.

It is day. Grihalakshmi (housewife) has told her husband in various ways. The husband has told Grihalakshmi in various ways, this is sacrifice. You will get supreme happiness from this sacrifice. Your soul will say that I am getting something.

As I often say in satsang (spiritual discourse), if someone’s husband is abroad and there has been no news for a long time, she will be sad, she won’t be able to stay happy. And if she just gets the news that he is alive, even if there is no detailed information, that day she will distribute sweets in the street, in the neighborhood. Another will ask, sister! What happened today? Why are you so happy? Then she will say that today we received news that my husband is well. Upon receiving the news, she will distribute sweets house to house, being a worldly woman. And this soul, when it gets news, through the medium of name, through satsang, it becomes happy at that time. And who are the people of the neighborhood? The intellect, the tongue, the eyes, all these are her neighbors, feminine. All. They and the people of the neighborhood too, lust too, anger too, challenge them saying now you cannot harm me; my dear one’s news has come, my husband’s news has come. Now what will you do to harm me? Therefore the soul is happy.

We must receive the orders and messages of God.

My beloveds! I am just a crier. I am neither a master nor a world teacher. Who is a world teacher? First, he is a teacher; he is humble. The literal Hindi meaning of Jagadguru (world teacher) is that now the whole world has become a teacher. I have to serve everyone. Now the burden of service has increased. Whoever serves society is the true Jagadguru. Whoever does not serve the world is neither a teacher nor a Jagadguru; he is nothing. Lord Krishna also served. By giving me the title of Jagadguru, you have further increased my duty of service. I am just a crier. I keep announcing. I am a messenger of that supreme soul. I am a letter carrier. Whatever message that supreme soul gives, I carry it to you all. My master’s, my Lord’s, for whom I am a servant, believe that my family members have become quite prosperous in the spiritual world and have gained much humanity. They believe that my beloveds have followed much. Now, speak about service, so that they serve, serve society, and serve their own bodies. This is also service because the body is indeed the means of religious practice. If you do not serve your body, how will you perform religious duties. How will you nurture? How will you serve society?

The meaning of service is no longer limited to serving only Shri Siddhadata Ashram. By service, I mean serving in the worldly, material, spiritual realms, serving saints, God, Bhagwan, husband to wife, wife to husband, and both parents together serving their children, and children serving their parents. “Matridevo Bhava” – let children accept that their mother is their deity, who carried them in her womb and taught them to call their father “Papa.” Therefore, she is the first guru. She gave the initial education. Therefore, she is my deity. She gave me everything by nurturing her body and gave me everything. She is my deity. “Pitrudevo Bhava” – father is also my deity. He nurtured me through his unwavering hard work. After that comes “Acharyadevo Bhava.” Our number is third. Our service is in the third position. Learn to serve.

My master’s vision is vast. From here, England is just a second away for him. You look at the neck (watch) and see. In one second, they went and in one second, they came back; delivered the news. Maybe they wander in homes, seeing some sort of fighting and quarrels in homes. Why is there quarrel among my followers? Why is there quarrel among my beloveds? Why is there anger among my devotees? Why is there quarrel among them?

Why is there a tug-of-war? They found out that in one house, there are not one, but several presidents. Many have become presidents in terms of discipline. There are conflicts among the presidents. Do not become a president; adopt the religion of service. Therefore, it is the command of the master, it is the master’s instruction that today’s message of service reaches my beloveds in detail.

Saints have also served, and God has also served, as demonstrated by Lord Krishna. Lord Rama served us by walking on foot. It is very essential for you to adopt the religion of service. First, start serving your own family. That is true Guru Seva, that is the service of the ashram. Even the household is my ashram. Is the household not called an ashram? Start serving from the household ashram first. Everyone should consider themselves a servant of the family; this is my message. This is the command of that supreme soul, whom you call Baba, whom you call Guru, whom you call God; obeying his command is also our duty.

Narayan Narayan Narayan

Summary

The discourse emphasizes the supreme importance of the Guru in spiritual practice, highlighting the Guru’s role as the source of meditation, worship, mantra, and liberation. The teachings stress that the Guru’s grace is paramount, surpassing even divine intervention in its significance. The speaker urges devotees to recognize the vast blessings provided by the Supreme Being, who sustains life and the world without asking for anything in return. Despite possessing everything necessary for spiritual fulfillment, humans often remain trapped in material desires, constantly seeking more. The true path to peace and liberation lies in devotion to the Supreme Being, Shri Hari Narayan, and consistent, selfless service.

The discourse further explores the nature of service (Kainkaryam) as the highest form of spiritual practice, emphasizing that true service leads to the dissolution of ego and the attainment of liberation. The speaker illustrates this with examples from scriptures, highlighting the lives of saints and devotees who attained the highest spiritual states through dedicated service. The message is clear: regardless of one’s social or spiritual status, serving others with humility and devotion is the key to spiritual progress. The discourse concludes with a call to action, urging listeners to embrace service in all aspects of life—whether in family, society, or spiritual practice—as the path to true fulfillment and liberation.

Important Points

1. The Guru is the root of all spiritual practices, including meditation, worship, mantra, and liberation.
2. The Guru’s grace is essential, surpassing even divine intervention.
3. The Supreme Being provides life and sustains the world without expecting anything in return.
4. Humans often remain trapped in material desires, constantly seeking more.
5. True peace and liberation come from devotion to Shri Hari Narayan.
6. Service (Kainkaryam) is the highest form of spiritual practice, leading to the dissolution of ego.
7. The lives of saints and devotees illustrate the power of dedicated service in attaining liberation.
8. Service should be selfless and performed with humility, regardless of social or spiritual status.
9. The true path to spiritual progress lies in serving others with devotion.
10. Material wealth and desires are transient, and should not be the ultimate goal.
11. The soul’s ultimate desire is union with the Supreme Being.
12. Service leads to the destruction of pride, anger, and other negative emotions.
13. The Supreme Being is omnipresent and accessible through consistent service and devotion.
14. True happiness and fulfillment come from renunciation and selfless service.
15. The speaker calls for embracing service in all aspects of life as the path to true fulfillment and liberation.