The Divine Guidance and Miracles of Guru Maharaj: A Journey of Faith and Transformation

DISCOURSE DELIVERED BY GURUJI ON 23 MARCH 1998

Dear devotees, Guru devotees, exclusive saints and scholars! Welcome to all of you for your arrival here in my satsanga. Yesterday in my discourse, I emphasized humanity. As you know, this human body cannot be obtained by yajanas or charities or by thousands of penances/yogas. It is just a body, blessed or granted by God. A human body is above all, as whenever God incarnates on the earth, He too, takes a human body. Whether He descended in the form of Rama or Krishna or Kapil or Narsingha, He always took human form. Angels also appreciate and crave to be human beings:

Bade Bhag Manush Tan Pava
Sur Durlabh Sab Granthahi Gava
With great fortune, one attains a human body, Which all scriptures declare is rare even for the gods
Ramcharitmanas

This human body is unachievable to angels and deities too. They also pray to God to make them human. God said to them, “Oh angels! When your good deeds would be exhausted, you too, would have to be descended on the earth in the form of any creature, not necessarily as a human being. So, this is a great human body. We should realize its value. If some saint gives you a parasmani (a stone which converts a base iron metal into gold just by touch) and you just use it making only sauce by that, it is your foolishness. The real wisdom and cleverness lie in the fact that we should utilize that stone for making gold. We decorate God’s crown with that gold. But regret! we are misusing this human body. We are doing the same actions as the other animals do. Eating, drinking, sleeping, sexing, and reproducing, that’s all. We are just wasting this valuable and graceful body. We are not using this physical form to attain God. He (God) will be happy with us only when we pray to Him. We make Him angry by using abusive language. Saint Tulsidas has considered this body as our field. The bad actions and good actions are the two seeds. Mind, (feelings), words, and actions are its three farmers. As the farmer sows, so shall he reap.

For purifications of this body: pure food, pure water, and a pure atmosphere/environment are essential. Our body always remains filled with dirt and filth. Whatever we eaT or drink, all that converts into excrement. So, this body is a filth forming factory: and we are proud of this factory. This is not good mentality. This body is meant to meet God. This body is very pious too, because the pious soul lives in it. As God Krishna says to Arjuna in Gita:

Naainam chhindanti shastraani naainam dahati paavakah
Na chainam kledayantyaapo na shoshayati maarutah
Weapons cannot cut it, fire cannot burn it, Water cannot wet it, and wind cannot dry it
(Śrīmad Bhagavad Gītā 2-23)

Means – neither any weapon can cut this soul off, nor the fire can burn it. The water cannot make it wet nor the air would be able to dry it out.

This soul is immortal. This is neither a subject to old age nor to death. The assistants of the soul are our mind, wit, sense-organs, and action-organs. But the main is the soul in our body by which we should remember God to achieve Him.

Now, our field (body) is ready but what to sow in this field? The mind, the actions, and the words are its three farmers. Which and what to go with us out of these three? Let me exemplify a tale here: Once there was a rule in a city that kings were made (elected) only for six years in that kingdom. After the expiry of six years, the residents and the rich people of that city/kingdom used to leave that king across the river in a dense and rugged forest where the wild animals ate the king. In a passage of time, there came the turn of a man to be the king of that city. He thought of a plan to reject the prevailing law. He called the able ministers and took their advice. The ministers suggested the king a way secretly that, “provide the common people of the kingdom all the pleasures and to keep a few confidential/trustworthy servants on the other side of the river.” Get a city constructed there and keep on sending every help, food material, and money across the river. The king agreed and the same went on secretly as per planning.

A beautiful city was developed across the river in a due course of time. Everything was made available there. By and by five years and eleven months were passed, only one month was left. The king invited all the people of his kingdom for a feast on the fixed day and organized a grand party in which all kinds of fun and food were served. He arranged everything for the masses. The king was very happy, danced, enjoyed, and embraced all the people on the last day. As per tradition, the king was made boarded in the boat to exile him on the other side of the river. The king was laughing. The other people thought that the king had turned mad.

The people asked him why he was so happy and laughing. The king replied that he was laughing at his good actions. When he crossed the river, he found there so many ministers, guards, servants, and workers standing. Welcome your majesty! Welcome king! May the new kingdom be blessed to you; and his people took the king away riding on the elephant. I mean to say is that we, the common people, are able to spare just 6 years out of our lives (considering the lifespan as 80 years). We just waste most of our life in eating, drinking, sleeping, and enjoying or gossiping. If we calculate, then we find that only six years are left during which we can do something fruitful or purposeful. So, these six years are compared as the king’s actions. Do good or bad deeds in these six years.

This side and that side of the river mean this world and the other world. We all have to cross this river. The next world belongs to God. Presently we are living in the death world. The next world is such where neither the sun shines nor the moon or the stars. That is his absolute abode/divine abode. As is said in Gita:

Na Tad Bhasyate Suryo, Na Shashanko Na Paavakah
Yad Gatva Na Nivartante Taddham Paramam Mama
That (abode of Mine) is not illuminated by the sun, nor the moon, nor fire. Having gone there, one does not return; that is My supreme abode
(Gita 15/6)

Krishna says to Arjuna that, “during the final annihilation of this world, all the Lokas (Worlds) are destroyed. But my loka (Krishna’s world) remains left.” So, if you want to go to Param Loka (Divine Abode), then save something and send it across the river. Means – spare something for the sake of God. Donate anything that you can for Him. It is the deal for going across the river. Nothing will become less in this deal. It only increases rapidly. Do a bit good and get the divine world. What a profitable deal.

We are certainly scholars, well educated but we are experts in making excuses. We pretend that we are unable to spare time for worshiping God. This type of excuse will not work before Yamraj (God of death). The Yamraj and his workers do not care for anybody. They are not afraid of breaking the head or eyes or ears. They beat mercilessly. So, my dear ones! Prepare in advance and get cautious to avoid that beating. Here, if we are going outside for a day or two, we make so many preparations in advance, we collect a number of items, clothes and eatables. Now think, when this jeeva (creature) has to travel from this world to the other world after death, and it has to cover 16000 yojans distance approximately (2,00,000 kms); whoever or whatever one is, king or beggar, rich or poor, then think! How much preparations a jeeva has to make for this journey.

First, this jeeva has to cross the karma-nasha river which is full of bones, flesh, filth and all kinds of dirt and fierce crocodiles. I will also have to cross that river. Means of crossing may be different, depending on good and bad actions. You may avail of a donation boat also. Then comes Vaitarni river. A jeeva will have to cross that river also. After that comes Yamloka (world of death-king). There, you cannot speak a lie, you can’t make lame excuses. He will thrash you more and more for telling a lie. He will ask that you (jeeva) got the time for doing so many other futile things like drinking, playing cards, abusing, stealing etc. but not for praying God?

Then you will curse your fate but it will not serve your excuses. You can’t blame God. God does not say to you to drink and quarrel with others. Does He refuse you for praying Him? But it is the nature of man to blame time, fate, and God. There are 27 departments of the king of death. Here are only three categories of prison viz-A, B, and C. But there are four hells – viz Maharau rava Narka (Hell), Kumbhi-Pak Narka, Asiparna Narka, and Krimi Narka. All these types of hells are very severe and horrible. Dreadful torture, poisonous insects, scorpions, snakes, crocodiles, filth, flesh, and bones, foul suffocative smell and so many other kinds of punishments and tortures are imposed on the sinners. Thousands of the suns- heat and light scorch the body of jeeva. Hence, we should think well before this all happens.

If we do all actions for this world only, then nothing will go with us into that world. Once the King Janaka had a dream, some mysterious power asked him that- O King! “what is that, which is here too and there too; and what is that, which is neither here nor there too; and what is that, which here but not there & vice-versa?” So, Beware! The king woke up at once puzzled. He immediately called an assembly of scholars and asked them the meaning/answer to this call in the dream; otherwise face the death penalty. Time was fixed for six months. Everybody was afraid of this hard order; tried to find the answer but in vain. At the end, a saint went to the king’s court taking with him the priest, a city dancer, a wood cutter and a city’s wealthy man (lender/merchant).

The saint said, “Oh King Janak! Have you got the answer to your question or not?” The king asked who has given the answer? Then the saint called the king a big fool and said, “King, listen to the answer of your query. See, this wealthy man (addressing to the merchant), he has neither shortage of anything here nor there. He is a millionaire he prays to God for hours and hours every day, serves the poor for 3 hours daily, donates food, water and money to the needy people. So, he has a lot here as well as for there too. What was your next doubt? The king said, “Neither here nor there?” then, the saint presented the wood cutter before the king and asked him how much money he had. Nothing, he said, daily cutting the wood and daily earning the livelihood by selling the wood.

Then the saint asked, “Do you pray God?” No, was the reply. He said, “I have no time for doing prayers.” The saint said to the king, “See, this woodcutter has nothing here in this world and nothing for the next world. Now, see this city-dancer. She has got much here but nothing for there. The last question was – nothing here but much for there? Now, the king! See me; I (the saint himself) have nothing here but a lot for there. So, this is the explanation of your dream questions.

My dear audience, the essence of my illustration is that we should earn something (God’s name) here so that we may enjoy the divine happiness there. Now, choose the way which may give you a lot here as well as there. Here means – name of God which will remain with us here as well as there. But here, everyone is running after Laxmi (wealth); I too. My dear ones! She will come definitely but by sitting on the owl, which will make all of you fool. She is very unsteady, agile and fickle, She does not stay at one place. When she comes without Narayana (God), she comes sitting on the owl with a large force which stands as guards at 9 gates of our body. Goddess Laxmi brings her bodyguards with Her. Her conveyance owl first spoils man’s wit. Then, everybody in the family becomes senseless, mannerless and extravagant, member of elite clubs, 29 days meal in hotels, waking up throughout the night, dancing and drinking, sleeping in the day, this becomes the routine of prosperous and luxuriful persons.

Elite class, all vices but respected persons of the society. Just see the irony. In the past, the king as well as his people used to get up early in the morning but today these ministers and wealthy men pass their time in clubs and five star hotels. They don’t know how to worship; what is Ramayana, what is Bhagvad Gita? When they come out from hotels or clubs, their faces tell the story; like a beaten man.

Then, the army of goddess Laxmi, gets the order from Her. There are so many regiments of Goddess; but the chief regiment is ‘Baji Regiment’. It means that the house in which Goddess of wealth enters, all kinds of Bajis (vices) like gambling, card playing, litigations, drinking, prostitution and many other vices start or take place in that house. So, Laxmi comes along with a number of vices. After making a man a victim of so many ills, she leaves him forever. Then the man is addressed by several names like – fool, duffer, donkey etc. I mean to say is that we do need Laxmi but not in abundance, as we cannot serve our purposes without money. The man who has wealth, possesses so many qualities and specialities. The great scholar Markandey has admired Laxmi as –

Ya Sri Swayam Sukritinam Bhuvaneshu Laxmi
Paapatmnam Kritadhiyam Hridayeshu Buddhini
She who is prosperity itself dwells in the homes of the virtuous, While in the hearts of the sinful and the wicked, she manifests as intellect
Rigveda

“Goddess Laxmi makes a man sacred or pious. She provides intellect and wit to a person. Even yogis (ascetics) are able to perform their penances when you (Laxmi) have your grace upon them. It is only you due to that a man gets honour and respect in the society. It is because of you when a man gets honour and respect in the society. It is because of you when a person is able to have all kinds of knowledge.” I am telling you the way to make a target. Don’t try to become the husband of Laxmi. Invite Laxmi’s husband also. When Laxmipati, God will mercy upon you, then the saints themselves would go to you to give their blessings. Lust, anger, arrogance, greed and attachment will escape away from your home. My dear ones! Now, Your heart has become pure, field is well prepared. You will have to sow the seed in it. Which seed? The seed of His name; God’s prayer. Because all the zeros are useless, unless a man puts the digit one before them (zeros). This digit one is His name. Only then, your donations, charities, good deeds, yogas, yajanas and penances will prove fruitful. The magic of His name is such that God Ganesha knew the greatness of His name, and bore His name in his heart. That is why Ganesh is worshipped first of all. Hanumanji also kept God Rama’s name in his heart.

Sumir Pawan Sut Paavan Namu
Apane Vash Kari Rakhe Ramu
Chant the name of the holy son of the wind (Hanuman)
Who has kept Lord Rama under his control
Tulsidas (Hanuman Chalisa)

So, How long should the greatness of His name be eulogised or explained. God Rama Himself could not praise the dignity of His name. He took up a stone and threw it in Sarayu River. It sank into the river. Hanumanji asked what God Rama was doing. Rama replied that He himself was in the human form. So, the stone could not float, only His name could do that. So, only His name has power. Baba Nanak Dev also understood the greatness of God’s name after reading all the Vedas, Puranas and scriptures. He became fearless even from death. So, there is no liberation of Jeeva without His name-

Yama Kankad Nere Na Aavahi
Jab Rasana Hari Guna Gavahi
The messengers of Yama (the god of death) do not come near, When the tongue sings the glories of Lord Hari

Many modern educated people say that this mala (rosary) is just a fraud and show off. It is useless, but my dear devotees! I am asking you a question –

Maala Man se Lad Padi, Kyon Bichhurat Hai Moy
Bina Shastra Ka Surama, Jeet Saka Kya Koy
The rosary fights with the mind, why does it separate from me? Can a warrior win without weapons?
Kabirdas

Can any brave man, however mighty and strong he is, fight and defeat his enemy without weapons? Mala says that she is a weapon (means) to prayer. The tongue alone is not enough. My dears! Tulsidas also praised Rama’s name. God has made two assistants (organs) for doing Krishna) would be pleased, she would bear the same form. So, God loves the rosary, that is why, we make Him wear it.

My dear ones! When the people offer water to God Shiva or any other deity, then many of them turn their faces backside. They just do the showoff or ostentations. This is our devotion these days; and we complain that God is not happy with us, Many people just wave their hands before the idol of God while passing by the temples. What a culture Our people have adopted! It is unfortunate for our country, our motherland where holy Vedas and Puranas were found, there the people feel ashamed of applying the sandalwood paste on the forehead of God.

They can rub or use the cream, powder on their bodies but not a tilak mark on their forehead. Many people feel hesitation in saluting idol of God. They feel low in doing so. But now – a – days here, hundreds and thousands of the people prostrate before the ministers. They keep on standing with their palms holding, make flattery, praise them and serve the ministers like anything. Man has become God. It is unfortunate. My dear ones! What is the use of getting human body, If not prayed God. God will definitely grace upon you, if you meditate Him. It is my guarantee. We just serve Him with a desire in our mind to get something in return. Then, why should He meet you? He likes a pure mind only.

Nirmal Man Jan So Mohi Paava
Mohi Kapat Chhal Chhidra Na Bhaava
Only a person with a pure mind can attain me,
I do not like deceit, trickery, or hypocrisy
Ramcharitmanas

God embraces the clear heart persons. He hugged up Shavari, Giddha (a vulture), Gaja and so many others. Why will He not protect us? He will do certainly.

So, remember God. You need not abandon your household. Sages like Valmiki, Bhrigu, Marichi, Angira, Bhardwaj, Pulatsya, Jamdagni and so many other attained God living in their household. You have to name Him. He will come only by calling His name. As you call the name of a person, then only he attends you. Similarly, God. Now-a-days parents nomenclate their children as Titu, Bittu, Ritu, Toni, Moni, Pappi, Babli, Kiti and so on … Which are the names of foreigners dogs. What a pity? Nobody wants to name their child as Rama, Krishna or Sita or Savitri. This is our aim for achieving God. Wonderful! Surprise!

Ajamila, a murderer, named his child as Narayana. He got absolution naming his son on the name of God. This is the importance of God’s name. Our aim should be God’s name at every breath. Do on your business but not to forget His name. Birla, Singhania and Somani are all devotees of God. They are millionaires. Birla has got constructed a number of temples in the country and outside.

These people never eat meat or fish etc. They do not drink liquors. Rathi and Bangar are also the similar families. The above-mentioned names are the unique religious personalities. They are all Vaishnavas (Those who regard Vishnu as their ishta God). They have more than 500 families/ households. Nobody is poor. They are munificent and charitable. They do not want to entangle themselves into mundane affairs. They want only God’s grace.

My dear devotees! The Poverty, Conflicts, and sorrows/ sufferings never enter in the house in which the people remember or recite God’s name. Just see the greatness of God’s name. He is absolute Truth, always resting in Kchhir Sagar. So, if you water the root, the plant will remain lush-green, and laden with flowers and fruits. Rama and Krishna are His incarnations; you may recite any name. As the earth/ land itself does not sow the seed into it, only the able farmer cultivates the land and sows the proper seed in it; then harvests a good crop. Similarly, a sensible/ wise devotee earns His grace. When everyone is running after money and struggling for the sake of his name and fame. Why not God? Today, most of the people in India teach their children as B,A,T – bat, C,A,T – cat but not about their own culture. What a pity/ shame!. Once emperor Akbar himself, leaving all his works, reached an old woman who wanted nothing but to see Akbar only. The king went there and fulfilled her desire. Then, why can not God arrive to a person who utters His name with a true feeling. The devotee must be firm in his belief, like the old woman. God will certainly come to fulfill his devotee’s demands/desires.

Many people complain that they attend Satsangas (company of holy people) and recite His name also but they get no benefit. How can you get any benefit if you have no firm faith like the old lady? She wanted only Akbar and she got him. Why can’t you get God? Generally, people say, “Where does God live? How is He? What does He do? Why does He incarnate on the earth?” My dear friends! These are irrelevant questions/arguments. He lives in Divine Abode. He resides in every man’s heart. He eats arrogance. He can make a man a devil and a devil into a man. He incarnates to protect His devotees.

Now-a-days, there is a conflict between Nirakaar God and Saakaar God (Formless & having form) in our society. So many religions have come up in India, so people are confused; you know when there is a flood of anything, it causes destruction, then the people are afraid of religions. Which religion should they follow? Which path or line they should move? They remain in doubt what to do?

My dear listeners! our holy books/scripts; their writers and ancient saints have not established God in plural form. They have not mentioned that God is found in multi-forms. God Krishna has himself said in Gita that, “I am one; my religion is one. So, every saint and holy scriptures consider religion as one. That one religion was so firm in ancient times that the people never locked their houses. The women could walk freely without any fear even at night. The people were so happy in Rama Rajya that nobody had any kind of trouble/problem. They did not fight with one another. Such a beautiful atmosphere was those days. No corruption, no theft and no atrocities during that era of one religion. But now, so many religions, so many evils and immoral activities. Nowhere is mental peace, nobody is happy now. Everywhere is wars, disturbance, corruption, murders, exploitation, rape, and all kinds of atrocities. Does a religion teach these things? No, a true religion never aims at such vices. Our kings like-Shivi, Dadhichi, Harish Chandra, Moradhwaja, and many others underwent/suffered a number of pains and hardships for the sake of religion. If that one religion in those days was so strong and powerful, then so many religions of today must be much more powerful. But it is not so, Why? Because we are going on deviating from that religion.

So, there is a need to understand the Nirakar God and Saakar God. I think there is no difference between them, as Guru Nanak Dev has said –

Jihi Puhup bich Gandha Samai
Just as fragrance resides in a flower
Tulsidas – Ramcharitmanas

As there is fragrance pervaded/intermixed in a flower. You can just feel it, you can’t see it. So is the relation of God and His Maya (miracles). Therefore, as a flower is Saakar (with form), God is also Saakar. Nirakar is a subject of realization as fragrance. So, there is no dispute between Narakar and Saakar. God is not formless; He has a form but it is very difficult to understand/see Him.

As Rama and Krishna, the incarnations of God, were Saakar. They killed the devils to liberate the earth from them.

“Yada Yada Hi Dharmasya Glanir Bhavati Bharatah”
Whenever there is a decline in righteousness and an increase in unrighteousness, O Bharata (Arjuna)
Bhagavad Gita (Chapter 4, Verses 7 and 8)

Whenever Dharma (the religion) gets destroyed and Adharma increases, then God ascends on the earth by taking some form. So, God can only be worshiped when He is having some form. Nirakaar God cannot be worshiped. As the Books, the teacher, pen, and paper/words are saakar but the knowledge is Nirakar. Only Saakar is believed not Nirakar. The signatures, proof, and the witness are trusted as they have some form or shape. Whether it is a court or office or any other dealing in our daily life, seeing is believed. No payment is made without the signatures of concerned authority. No case is decided without proof or witness. Therefore, the Saakar only has the value. So God has always been Saakar.

I challenge the scholars who say that God is not Saakar. He cannot protect us without taking a form. It will be just a wastage of time if you adore or worship a Niraakar God. If He could be found in Niraakar form, I was not a fool enough to be found breaking the stones on this hill. If anything could be achieved just by meditation or contemplation, then everyone would have got it. So, it is sure that God is Saakar (Having a form) no one can deny this truth. I am not denying that the meditation is useless; but in this Kalyuga (in this present age/era), only recitation or devotion is the base to attain Him. There are four eras viz – Satyuga, Traita, Dwapar and Kalyuga. Meditation in Satyuga, Yajana in Traita, Worship in Dwapar, were recognised/ordained in era viz.

But for Kalyuga, sage Narada says

Hareh Namah Hareh Namah Hareh Namah Kevalam
Kalau nāsty eva nāsty eva nāsty eva gatir anyathā
In this age of Kali, there is no other way, there is no other way, there is no other way Except the chanting of the holy name, the chanting of the holy name, the chanting of the holy name of Lord Hari.
Brihan-naradiya Purana

only His name is the essence in this age Kalyuga. Baba Nanak Dev, saint Tulsidas and God Shiva himself, all endorsed or recognised the Saakar devotion. Were all of them liars or fools?

They all said, “God can be pleased by Saakar devotion only”. Saakar devotion (remembering His name) contains all these four – contemplation, meditation, yoga and Bhakti. If we utter the name of God, it is His complete worship & service. Therefore, whatever is prevalent in a particular period or whatever any consideration has value during a particular era, one should adopt or follow the same during that time only, otherwise it is useless. So, anything, any action, any performance or any mode or manner of prayer has its importance only in a particular period. It is fruitful or it has utility only at a particular moment (era). I challenge if any scholar of Gita can tell me the importance of yoga. Nowhere in Gita, God Krishna supported yoga. Arjuna did not accept Yoga (meditation) anywhere in Gita. He only followed/approved Saakar devotion. Saakar adoration is above all. It is supreme of all the modes of worship. God loves a Saakar devotee only. My dear devotees! There has been only one religion since times immemorial; and so there is only one God and that too, in Saakar form. He is non-discriminating. He makes no difference between man to man. He has created all men alike/same all over the world. Everyone has two eyes, one nose, two ears and a mouth. Everybody has to take birth from his/her mother’s womb. So, when everything happens the same way, how can the religions be different or many? So, He is one, religion is one.

Yada yada Hi Dharmasya
Whenever there is a decline in righteousness
Bhagavad Gita (Chapter 4, Verses 7 and 8)

Dharmo Rakchhati Rakchhitah
Dharma protects those who protect it
(Manu Smriti 8-15)

Now, the narrow-minded people have made different religions. People fight/quarrel with one another supposing their own religion as superior. The coins which are not in use these days, are being used. Yoga is being taught, Patanjali Suktas are being taught to the people, meditation is being stressed. These modes of prayer have no existence/importance in Kaliyuga. But many people are wasting their time by adopting these ways.

These days, different brands of cold drinks are being sold in the market at high prices by adding different colors and acids. What a pity! Water is the same in all the brands but the people are misusing and mistaking it for cold drinks. Our great sages/saints have created four Vedas, six Shastras, eighteen Puranas and twenty-seven Smrities for man to learn the ways of life, to follow the true path but we, the fools run after the different forms. God is like the well whose water is being used in different brands of drinks; but the man, due to his foolishness, sees Him in different forms. Now, God has closed His well, so everyone is sad.

Dear friends! Now-a-days everybody has become lusty and greedy. He wants more and more, even then his desires remain unfulfilled. A man who has got a lot of money, has magnificent building, many cars and factories, even then his desires remain unquenched. Friends! ‘Have you ever thought what our soul wants? It wants to meet her husband, that is God. As a woman feels delighted when she gets the news of her husband who has gone to abroad. Similarly, our soul feels satisfied when God embraces her or when it gets the message that her husband is coming to meet her. It gets overwhelmed with joy. But we are intoxicated in eating and drinking and riding in luxurious cars, not caring about our soul what it needs.

My dear devotees! You should try to listen to the message I am telling you: and convey it to your soul; you will certainly feel a kind of pleasure after hearing the religious fables. Rama, Krishna Madan Gopal, Keshava and so many other are His names. You may utter any of them. The essence is the same. You have to do one thing more also. You will have to accept God’s Sharanagati, otherwise the five thieves (lust, anger, arrogance/proud, greed and attachment) will rob of your wealth (devotion). Meditation and yoga do not lead you to Sharnagati (surrender). There is no salvation without surrender to God. Each of the sages or saints or devotees, first adopted His Sharanagati. God Krishna gave the message to Arjuna in Gita saying –

Sarv Dharman Parityajya mamekam Sharanam Braja
Aham Twam Sarv Papebhyo Mokchha Yishyami Ma Shucha
Abandon all varieties of religion and just surrender unto Me. I shall deliver you from all sinful reactions. Do not fear
Bhagavad Gita, (Chapter 18, Verse 66)

Means – “leaving all the religions, come to my shelter only. I will liberate you from all the sins.” God Krishna removed all the doubts of Arjuna and told him to give him His Divine Abode. Then Arjuna accepted Krishna’s Sharanagati, not Yoga. God never abandons/leaves/renounces His surrendered devotee. Then, He does not observe/count one’s sins. Why did God Rama kill Bali? Because Bali had made his brother’s wife as his wife but the same crime was committed by Vibhishana, then Rama forgave him as Vibhishana had surrendered himself to Rama. So, keeping His promise, Rama did not mind Vibhishana’s crime, as a mother does not mind her child’s mischiefs. When a small child spoils the costly bed by his excreta or urine, the mother cleans it instead of beating/punishing him; because she loves her child very much. God says to Yamraj (king of death) not to tease His Sharnagat.

Our each breath is very valuable/expensive. When it stops breathing, then the man goes to a doctor to extend his life but the doctor says – ‘I am sorry’. Then we realize the cost/value of the breath. We are wasting our breaths uselessly. So, my dear devotees! Worship the Saakar God; pray Saakar only.

At last, I would like to say one thing more – I am quoting an example here. Once the head of a village had become the M.P. (member of parliament). He then went to take bath in Ganga river. He took a happy bath, gave huge offerings to the priest. Then the priest said to the M.P. to give something to Ganga. The M.P. proposed to give money, cow, clothes but the priest refused to take them all and said that River Ganga does not accept any of these things. She says that ‘give me your vices or sins’. I mean to say is that – you please give me your vices/bad habits and be quiet. Make a resolution to adopt humanity and virtues. That’s all. My blessings are with you.

Summary

In this discourse delivered on 23rd March 1998, Guruji emphasizes the rare and precious nature of the human body, which is granted by God and is superior even to that of angels. He highlights the importance of utilizing this human form for spiritual growth and devotion, rather than merely indulging in worldly pleasures. Guruji explains that the true purpose of life is to attain God through sincere prayer, pure actions, and a dedicated spiritual practice. He stresses that wealth and material success should not distract from the ultimate goal of spiritual liberation. Through anecdotes and references to sacred texts, Guruji underscores the significance of remembering God’s name, surrendering to Him, and embracing the path of devotion as the only means to attain true peace and salvation.

Guruji also addresses the contemporary confusion about the form and nature of God, advocating for the worship of a tangible, Saakar (formful) God rather than a Nirakar (formless) concept. He explains that while meditation and yoga were suitable in previous ages, the current age (Kaliyuga) requires devotion through chanting and remembrance of God’s name. He concludes by emphasizing the importance of surrendering to God, as exemplified by Arjuna in the Bhagavad Gita, and encourages devotees to focus on the eternal benefits of spiritual practice rather than the temporary gains of worldly life.

Important Points

The human body is a rare gift from God, superior to that of angels.
The body should be used for spiritual growth and devotion, not just for worldly pleasures.
True wisdom lies in using the body to attain God through sincere prayer and pure actions.
Wealth should not distract from spiritual goals; it should be used to support one’s spiritual journey.
The importance of remembering God’s name and surrendering to Him is paramount.
Worship of a tangible, Saakar (formful) God is emphasized over a Nirakar (formless) concept.
In Kaliyuga, devotion through chanting and remembrance is the most effective spiritual practice.
Surrender to God, as Arjuna did in the Bhagavad Gita, is the key to spiritual liberation.
Material wealth and success are temporary; spiritual practice leads to eternal peace.
The value of each breath is highlighted, urging devotees to use their lives for spiritual purposes.
The story of Ajamila illustrates the power of God’s name in granting salvation.
Guruji cautions against being misled by modern distractions and stresses the importance of traditional spiritual values.
The dangers of materialism and the negative influence of wealth without spiritual grounding are discussed.
The discourse includes references to sacred texts like the Ramcharitmanas and Bhagavad Gita.
Devotees are encouraged to focus on the eternal benefits of spiritual practice rather than temporary worldly gains.