Brahmswarup Param Pujya Yogoji Maharaj
Birth DayVaishakh Vud 12, Vikram Samvat 1948( June 3 , 1892 A.D.)
Birth Place
Dhari, Dist: Amreli, Gujarat, India
Parents
Mother : Puriba
Father : Devchandbhai
Childhood Name
Jhino, Jhinabhai, Jhina Bhagat
Spiritual Predilections from Early Childhood
When Jhinabhai was pursuing his studies in the seventh grade in school, Sadguru Krishnacharan Swamiji came to visit Dhari. When he saw Jhinabhai offering various services in the temple with utmost dedication and deep reverence, Swamiji enquired, 'Jhina ! Would you like to dedicate yourself to God as His saint ?' Jhinabhai was exhilarated,' Certainly Swamiji ! You have actually proposed me something which I ardently desire!' Swamiji was very much pleased and blessed Jhinabhai.
Renunciation
At the age of 16, Jhinabhai renounced his worldly affiliations and left home for spiritual pursuits on Kartik Sood 7, Vikram Samvat 1965. (Sunday, November 11, 1908 A.D.)
Initiation as Parshad
On Kartik Sood 14, Vikram Samvat 1965, Krishnacharan Swami initiated Jhina Bhagat as a Parshad (a prelude stage to sainthood) in Junagadh.
First Meeting with Guruhari Shastriji Maharaj
On Shravan Sood 7, Vikram Samvat 1965, Parshad Jhina Bhagat had his first ever meeting with Guruhari Shastriji Maharaj in the home of Shri Krishnaji Ada in Rajkot.
Initiation as a Saint
On Chaitra Sood 13, Vikram Samvat 1967 (Tuesday, April 11, 1911 A.D.), Jhina Bhagat was initiated by Acharya Shri Shripatiprasad Maharaj in Vadtal who rechristened him as Sadhu Gyanjivandas. Initially, he was addressed by all as "Gyanji Swami", but later on due to his extraordinary humility and tendency to serve one and all, and due to his ever blissful personality devotees revered him as "yogi" or "Jogi".
Moving On from Junagadh
Yogiji Maharaj, along with seven saints, moved on from Junagadh on Jeth Sood 11, Vikram Samvat 1967 (Sunday, July 9, 1911 A.D.) to join Guruhari Shastriji Maharaj in the service of Shri Akshar Purushottam Maharaj.
Unimaginable Abjuration, Limitless Love and Universal Compassion Brahmaswarup P.P. Yogiji Maharaj...
slept on a jute bag of 2.5' x 4.0 ' size on floor with his arm bent under his head to serve as pillow for 40 years !
never tasted ghee, milk or butter for forty years !
used to undertake three complete fasts per week !
carried out various jobs meant for at least ten persons all by himself cheerfully !
tolerated physical injuries, wordly abuses and psychological violences of innumerable persons, with a smiling face and a prayerful heart wishing for everyone's well-being !
Thus Spoke Shastriji Maharaj about Yogiji Maharaj
I am Yogi and Yogi is I.
There is no difference even of an atom between me and Yogi.
Vyasji has narrated 64 virtues of a true saint in the Bhagvat, all of those virtues and even those which Vyasji might have missed can be found realized in Yogiji Maharaj.
Yogi is the Yogi since the Genesis.
A saint like Yogi does not exist in the whole Universe.
Yogi is my ultimate resort in the severest of crises.
Yogiji Maharaj's Maxims
Maintain Unity, friendliness and integrity.
Learn to adapt to life as it manifests.
Be saintly and imbibe saintliness.
Devote yourself to God; May God do good to all.
Youth are my heart.
Divine Valediction
The physical body of Brahmaswarup P.P.Yogiji Maharaj bade farewell to this world at 13:00 hrs on Posh Vad 11, Vikram Samvat 2027 (Saturday, January 23, 1971 A.D.) in Mumbai (Bombay). (Age : 79 Years, 7 Months and 24 days)
Birth of Jinabhai:
In the small town of Dhari in the Amreli District of Saurashtra there lived a devotee by the name of Devchandbhai Vasanji of the Lohane community. Jethabhai, the grandfather of Devchandbhai, was a blessed devotee of Shriji Maharaj.Yogiji Maharaj, the son of Devchandbhai, was born at Dhari on the twelth day of the dark half of the month of Vaishakh in the year V. S. 1948. His mother's name was Puribai. His original name was Jinabhai, but his parents lovingly called him 'Jina'. Jina was loved by everyone. All were captivated by his handsome shining face.When Jina was a child, his mother daily carried him along to the cotton-farm. Other village-women who came to pluck cotton also brought their children with them. The women would leave their children under the shade of a tree, before commencing their work in the fields. Sometimes their children, failing to see their mothers, would cry loudly. This infuriated the farm owner. He scolded the women daily : "Why do you bring your wailing children to my farm ?"The farmer however never bacame angry with Jina's mother. Looking at Jina, the owner always remarked : "Jina is a miracle child. Look, he always sucks his toe, just as Shri Krishna did. Puribai, one day everybody will fall at his feet. They will worship him."Gradually, Jina grew up and he was popularly called Jinabhai. Jinabhai though young, had strong feeling for simplicity and cleanliness. He was devoted to nothing but bhakti (devotion) and bhajans (divine songs).
Jinabhai in Meditation:There is a confluence of three rivers on the outskirts of Dhari. The place of confluence is known as Triveni Sangam, and the resulting river is called the river Shetrunji. The Shetrunji narrows on reaching a bridge, and shrinks to the size of a small rivulet under the bridge. The inhabitants of Dhari call it 'Patalio Zaro'. Exactly at this spot near the bridge, Jinabhai used to have his daily bath in the morning. He would wear clean clothes after his bath, and then sit in an upright posture and perform meditation for hours together. He meditated upon the divine form of Shriji Maharaj. To many who saw Jinabhai seated in meditation at such a lonely place, it seemed as if Dhruva himself was meditating ! They invariably stood and watched the young Jina steeped in meditation.Sometimes, friends of Jinabhai would come to have their bath at 'Patalio Zaro'. They were amazed to find Jinabhai rapt in meditation. They would wait for him till he came out of his meditation. And then they would always inquire : "What were you doing ?" And Jinabhai would reply : "I try to remember God. Will you join me ? I will try to teach you the art of meditation."From his childhood Jinabhai never failed to do his meditaiton every morning. He advised everybody to start their morning work only after remembering Shriji Maharaj.
Jinabhai's Courage:
Jinabhai came into the Fifth standard. Tribhovandas was the headmaster of their school. He was a very hot-tempered man. One day, Tribhovandas severely thrashed a boy named Chandu. Jinabhai could not bear to see the boy suffer. He felt pity for Chandu, who was innocent of any wrongdoings. Jina, not knowing what to do, started chanting the name of "Swaminarayan". Chandu screamed with pain. Tribhovandas continued thrashing him until he fell down unconscious. The children ran helter-skelter from fear of the teacher. Later Chandu died as a result of the severe beating. Chandu's father reported the case to the inspector, and an inquiry was opened. The inspector came to the school to investigate. But who dare bear witness against the headmaster ?The inspector asked all the students in the class. No one was bold enough to report the truth. Jinabhai always spoke the truth whatever the consequences. When the inspector questioned Jinabhai, he felt, why should he be afraid of the headmaster. He boldly addressed the inspector : "Our headmaster had mercilessly beaten the innocent Chandu, until he fell to the ground."When Jinabhai spoke up, all the other students shouted with one voice : "Yes sir, it was the headmaster who had beaten Chandu to death."Looking closely at the forehead of Jinabhai, the inspector saw the holy mark of tilak-chandlo. Innocence and honesty were written on Jina's face. He believed Jinabhai and immediately dismissed the headmaster. He also rewarded Jinabhai with a prize for speaking the truth fearlessy.The truthful always triumph. Therefore we should not be afraid of telling the truth. We should form a habit of speaking the truth from early childhood.
An Ideal Student:Jinabhai was very clever in his studies. He always stood first in every class, all through his career. He won many prizes. Sometimes dull or lazy students would sit beside Jinabhai with a hope of copying his exercises. Some bullies would threaten Jina : "When you have done all the questions you had better tell us the answers." Jina laughed, and said : "Alright, I will tell you. I will tilt my slate so that you can see everything I have written."Whenever the teacher set any problem, Jinabhai solved it immediately, and would turn his slate upside down. All those around him who had neglected their previous lessons, would ask in a whisper : "What is the answer ?" But Jinabhai kept silent.One day some of the boys threatened him : "Jina, show us your slate; otherwise we will beat you up." But Jina was not frightened because he had a good reason for not showing. He said, "If my answer is wrong, then your answer will also be wrong."Whenever other students succeeded in copying his work, Jinabhai did not like it. He would tell them off : "It is wrong to copy. By copying you are cheating God."Thus Jinabhai always insisted that others should learn by working hard, and should not cheat. It is a sin to copy. We should remember these words of Jinabhai whenever we are tempted to copy from others.
Use of Leisure:
At two o'clock in the afternoon there was half an hour's recess for the class. During this recess the students played games like 'kho-kho', hide and seek, chase and catch and 'amli-pippli'. Jinabhai was not fond of games. He preferred to spend his time in prayer. When other children played games, Jinabhai prayed to God in a quiet corner or under a tree.Other boys often wondered what Jina was doing. The teachers too would ask his friends : "What does Jina do while others play ?" They replied : "He always meditates during the recess period." One day, two teachers saw Jina while he was meditating under a tree. "Jina," they asked, "why don't you play any games? You meditate on God all the time. If you are not interested in the affairs of this world, why don't you become a saint ?""I will become a saint one day," replied a determined Jina. So saying, he resumed his prayers. How could the teachers of Jinabhai know at the time that Jinabhai would really become a saint and become famous in many parts of the world.
Worship of Lord:For years Uncle Mohanbhai had been perforning the morning and evening worship and service of God, in the temple of Dhari. But due to old age and frequent illness he could no longer look after the temple properly. He sincerely wished that Jinabhai, because of his natural inclination to worship, consider performing the temple services. He once suggested to Jinabhai that he should take up the duty. Jinabhai was over-joyed, and assured him : "Uncle, you need not worry, I will look after the daily services with all my heart".Without a moments delay Jinabhai started to perform the temple routine, and the service of the Lord. He would bathe the image of the Lord lovingly, apply sandlewood paste and a kumkum mark, light the lamp and the incense, and perform the arti. His heart leaped with joy whilst offering devotion to the Lord.Besides all this, he would draw water from the well and water the plants in the compound of the temple. Within a short time the garden in the temple was filled with the sweet fragrance of flowers. Everyday in the morning Jinabhai made garlands of flowers of various colours for the Lord. He prepared varieties of dishes, as an offering to the Lord. He would serve the image as if the Lord Himself was physically present. Quite often, he even conversed with the image.In the morning, as well as in the evening, he would bring his friends to the temple. There, he taught them how to chant the name of 'Swaminarayan'. He used to sing bhajans and, asked others to sing with him. He taught them how to perform arti and also how to prostrate before the Lord. Before they left he would give them prasad.
Initite Me as a Saint:Now, Jinabhai passed his days and nights in the temple. He worshipped the Lord with single-minded devotion. Jina would also serve the saints during their short stays in Dhari. All of them were pleased with his service and would bless him. Jinabhai, attending school, passed the standard VII exams. At that time Shri Krishnacharandas Swami along with his group of saints visited Dhari. On seeing the saints, Jinabhai was extremely pleased. He was in their service from early morning till late night. He would get up early in the morning and have his bath. After completing his morning prayers he would attend to the needs of the saints. He helped them by drawing water from the well for their bath. He would sweep the temple floor, and neatly arrange the mats for the saints to sit and meditate upon. He served them all through out the day.Sadguru Krishnacharandas Swami was a blessed follower of Shri Gunatitanand Swami, the incarnation of Akshar Brahman. He was gratified to see the devotion of Jinabhai, and appreciated the zeal with which he worked. He also found that Jinabhai, though often very tired, never stinted in his daily duties and services at the temple.One morning, while giving prasad to Jinabhai he asked him : "Jina, would you like to be a saint ?" Jinabhai was filled with joy at Swami's question. He replied eagerly : "Yes Swamiji, I would be happy if you would make me a sadhu. It is my only ambition in life. For the last few days, I was hoping to talk you about it but today, you yourself have read my secret wish. Swamiji, please initiate me as a saint. I want to serve the Lord and also you, whom I regard as my guru."Swami Krishnacharandasji blessed him and said : "Your wish will be fulfilled."
Jinabhagat in Junagadh:
A year later, Jinabhai obtained permission from his parents to become a sadhu. Mother Puribai prepared kansar (sweetmeat), and served her son for the last time. Applying the auspicious red mark (kumkum) to his forehead, and wishing him fulfilment in his new life, she gave him a proud but sorrowful send off. On the seventh day of the bright half of the month of Kartik in the year V. S. 1965, Jinabhai left home. He set out for Junagadh. On the way he was accompanied by his elder brother Kamalshibhai. The very next day, they met Swami Krishnacharandasji.On the full moon day of the month of Kartik, in the year V. S. 1965, Jinabhai was initiated into the Parshad diksha by Krishnacharandas Swami. He was then given the name Jina Bhagat. Jina Bhagat immediately took on various duties at the temple.In those days the parshads were entrusted with the task of grazing the cows and buffalos of the temple. Jina Bhagat would go along with the other parshads to the borders of Mount Girnar to graze the cattle. While the cattle were browsing, Jina Bhagat sang bhajans and memorized verses of Swamini Vatu.In the evening Jina Bhagat would return to the temple along with the herd of cattle. On the way back he would cut out babul-sticks used for brushing teeth in the morning, for all three hundred saints in the temple.Besides this, every morning, he cleaned the cowsheds and collected cow-dung. He would then make little flat cakes out of the dung and placed them in the sun to dry. They were then used for fuel.In spite of fatigue from the day's work Jina Bhagat always attended the religious meetings every evening. He would sing bhajans and chant the Swaminarayan mantra. Then he would stay and listen to the discourses till late night. Next morning he would get up at four in the morning to serve his guru once again. Such was his daily routine.He earned the blessings of Swami Krishnacharandas by serving him devoutly for six months. We too should please the saints by serving them faithfully.
Jaga Bhakta Appears in a Dream:
During those days, Krishnaji Ada and Pujaji Bapu were frequent visitors to Junagadh. Jina Bhagat listened to their preachings. Krishnaji Ada narrated many incidents about the greatness of Jaga Bhakta. Day after day he would hear about the spiritual glory of Jaga Bhakta. Once at night a thought came to him : "How great Jaga Bhakta must be ! It would be most delightful if I could have his darshan."With this thought he fell asleep. During his sleep, at two o'clock in the morning he had a wonderful dream. He dreamt that Jaga Bhakta was standing before him. Jaga Bhakta had put on a dhoti and a white turban on his head. Jina Bhagat immediately prostrated before Jaga Bhakta, and addressed him saying : "Guru, today you have fulfilled my wish by giving me your darshan. I am highly gratified. Please say a few words of wisdom that will be of some benefit to me on this spiritual path."Jaga Bhakta replied : "You should keep two guidelines in mind. The first is to form a habit of reading the scriptures (sacred books) and the second is to keep the association of holy saints." Then Jina Bhagat again prostrated before Jaga Bhakta in his dream. When the dream was over he woke up with a feeling of joy.The habit of reading scriptures means reading daily the Vachnamritam, Swamini Vatu, Shikshapatri, Bhaktachintamani, Harililamruta, etc. with reverence and applying the wisdom contained in it. Contact of revered saints means seeking the company of a God communion saint such as Shastriji Maharaj.We must also cultivate these two habits and thus strive to achieve inner-fulfilment.
First Meeting:
Jina Bhagat belonged to a group of sadhus led by Krishnacharandas Swami. Once Swamiji along with Jina Bhagat and other saints went to Rajkot.Early at four o'clock one morning, Shastriji Maharaj also arrived at Rajkot. He stayed at the house of Krishnaji Ada. When Jina Bhagat heard this news, he felt a strong desire to have the darshan of Shastriji Maharaj. So, early in the morning, under the pretext of going for a bath in the Aji river, Jina Bhagat accompanied by three other saints went to the house of Krishnaji Ada.When Shastriji Maharaj got up at four o'clock, Jadavjibhai informed him that some sadhus had come for darshan. Shastriji Maharaj went to the room in which the sadhus were waiting. Jina Bhagat and the other sadhus payed homage to Shastriji Maharaj and then presented to him a mala (rosary) and a tumbadi (gourd), which were used by Shri Gunatitanand Swami. Shastriji Maharaj was greatly pleased by the offering.Jina Bhagat could not take his eyes off the face of Shastriji Maharaj and looked at him with love, and he, too, looked at Jina Bhagat with even greater love.Jina Bhagat thought : "If I have to accept a guru I would prefer that guru to be Shastriji Maharaj," and at once he mentally accepted Shastriji Maharaj as his guru.Thus it was on the seventh day of the bright half of the month of Shravan in the year V.S. 1965, that Jina Bhagat met Shastriji Maharaj for the first time. It was like a river meeting the ocean.
I Am Only a Servent:After staying for some days in Rajkot, Swami Krishnacharandasji and his group of sadhus resumed their tour of the villages. In the course of their tour they visited Hajdiyala near Sardhar. There was no Swaminarayan temple in the village, and therefore the saints rested at the chora (community hall) of the village.It was noon. The saints, after the afternoon sermon (Katha) retired for a short rest. Jina Bhagat, after completing his duties also lay down for some rest. A Rajput haribhakta, who was an expert in astrology and palmistry, was struck with wonder when he saw the soles of Jina Bhagat's feet. He had never seen such extraordinary lines on the feet of any sadhu before.Thus when Jina Bhagat got up and he welcomed the Rajput Bhakta, the bhakta exclaimed : "Oh ! Jina Bhagat, you will be a great saint one day. People in their thousands will follow you. They will pray to you to earn your favour and blessings. Shriji Maharaj will be your constant companion. There are urdhvarekhas on your soles. Holy men with urdhvarekhas are extremely rare. They are the holy signs possessed by a saint who has a constant rapport with God."On hearing these words, Jina Bhagat at once covered his feet and said : "Don't utter things like that about me. I am just an ordinary sadhu. Krishnacharandas Swami is a great saint. Please never speak about this to anybody."But the devotee could not remain silent. He at once disclosed his thoughts to Krishnacharandas Swami. Swamiji smilingly said : "Yes, he possesses all the qualities that a great saint should possess."
Austere Jina Bhagat:The king of Mengni was a great devotee of God. At his request, Swami Krishnacharandas would visit Mengni every year to celebrate the Annakut mahotsava. But once the king of Lodhika, in earnest, invited Swamiji to visit Lodhika instead, to celebrate the Annakut mahotsava. The king was a staunch devotee of the Lord. He provided all the raw materials for the mahotsava. The saints and parshads were busy preparing the various sweetmeats from morning till evening. When the day of Annakut arrived, a grand festival was held. Food was first offered to the Lord and then the king served sumptuous meals of 'saataa and jalebee' to everyone.Jina Bhagat used to fast some days in the month. Realising that such delicious sweets like saataa and jalebee will be served on that day he decided to observe a fast. All the sadhus went for lunch except Jina Bhagat.When the king heard that Jina Bhagat was fasting, he pleaded with him saying : "It's a festival day today, therefore please have some food." Jina Bhagat politely refused. The king repeated his request several times but Jina Bhagat told him that he had a pain in his stomach and that he could not eat anything.The king then appealed to Krishnacharandas Swami : "Please tell the young Jina Bhagat to have his meal today." So Swamiji asked Jina Bhagat not to fast that day. But he gave the same reply to Swamiji, that he could not eat because of a stomach-ache. Krishanacharandas Swami was inwardly pleased to find that Jina Bhagat was not tempted even by the tastiest of sweets to break his fast. He praised his austerity and self-control. That night he called Jina Bhagat and placed his hands on his head, and blessed him. He advised the other young sadhus to cultivate the same attitude of austerity and self-restraint as Jina Bhagat.
Krishnaji Ada's Blessings:
In Vartal, on the morning of the 13th day of the bright half of Chaitra of V. S. 1967, Acharya Shri Shripatiprasadji initiated Jina Bhagat into the Bhagawati diksha. Jina Bhagat was then renamed Sadhu Jnanjivandasji. But the sadhus and the followers called him by the name 'Yogi', while Krishnacharandas Swami called him 'Jnanji Swami'In the year V.S. 1967, after the festival of Ekadashi in the bright half of Jyesht at Junagadh, Sadhu Jnanjivandasji - Yogiji Maharaj - as was later called, along with seven other saints left the Junagadh temple to join Shastriji Maharaj in his mission of propagating the noble cause of Shri Akshar- purushottam Upasana.It was on a Saturday, the Ekadashi of the bright half of Aso of V.S. 1967, that Krishnaji Ada breathed his last. Bidding his last Jai Swaminarayan to Shatriji Maharaj and other sadhus he asked : "Where is Jnanji Swami ? Call him here." Jnanji Swami (Yogiji Maharaj) who was sitting in the corner, prostrated before him and then came and stood respectfully by his side. Krishnaji Ada asked him to come nearer; and when he did, he placed his hands upon his head, and blessed him.Nirgundas Swami remarked : "Yogi ! It is not Shri Ada alone who is blessing you, but through him Shriji Maharaj, Gunatitanand Swami, Bhagatji Maharaj and Jaga Bhagat, are also blessing you."Because of his great love for all, Shri Ada's eyes welled up with tears. Then bidding Jai Swaminarayan, his last farewell, he left this world for Akshardham.
The Desireless Saint:
Yogiji Maharaj was absolutely without any desire. Though he was young he never wanted anything for himself. All day long he would remain busy in katha (spiritual discourses), kirtan (devotional songs) and seva (service) of others.Once Yogiji Maharaj was with a group of saints in Bhavnagar. They had all put up at the house of a staunch devotee. This house was situated on a main road. It was evening and Yogiji Maharaj was on the upper floor of the house reading the holy text, Swamini Vatu.Down below, people were eagerly awaiting the king's marriage procession. The procession was to pass along the main road. Both sides of the road were crowded with onlookers. Windows and balconies were full of eager spectators. Though the procession was still far off, its drums and clarinets could be heard.Suddenly, a devotee got up and approached Yogiji Maharaj and said : "Come, let us go and see the royal procession. The procession is about to pass, come to the window - wouldn't you like to see it ?"Whereupon Yogiji Maharaj replied : "How could a marriage procession concern saints like us? Would we derive any spiritual benefit ? We have renounced the world and so we have no interest in wedding processions." The devotee was amazed by his reply and spirit of renunciation. He bowed down at the feet of Yogiji Maharaj, and returned quietly to his place.Because of the spirit of service and other saintly virtues inherent in the character of the veteran saint Yogiji Maharaj, Narayandas Swami of Junagadh who adored him, thrice sent the message : "Jnanji Swami, if you return to Junagadh, I will myself come down to Jetpur from Junagadh to welcome you, and bring you here in a grand procession." But it was God's will that Jnanji Swami should stay with Shashtriji Maharaj and help him accomplish and further many noble tasks.In Rajkot, Yogiji Maharaj unintentionally made a small mistake. Vignandas Swami, his guru, became very angry and ordered Yogiji Maharaj to leave his unfinished meal as a punishment. Hargovind Mehta who had witnessed the scene, privately asked Yogiji Maharaj : "Yogi ! Why do you tolerate such rudeness and tyranny ! Don't you feel like leaving your guru and going home ?" Yogiji Maharaj replied laughingly : "He scolds so that I may improve. Withour punishment as a reminder, we cannot always remain alert, nor can we correct our mistakes." Hargovindbhai was amazed at his reply and fell at the feet of the young saint in recognition of his patience and humility.
Indifferent to Insult:
Now, Yogiji Maharaj was considered a regular member of Shastriji Maharaj's mandal (group). While on a tour with the saints, he once went to a village by the name of Keria. They stayed in the village temple. Some evil sadhus, who were not on friendly terms with Shastriji Maharaj, heard that the saints of Shastriji Maharaj had put up in the temple.It was past twelve o'clock, and all the saints except Yogiji Maharaj who was fasting that day, were having an afternoon nap. In the meanwhile the evil sadhus came to the temple. At once they flung the clothes and other belongings of the saints of Shastriji Maharaj out of the temple and broke their water pots.They saw that Yogiji Maharaj was the youngest of the lot. So they caught hold of him and pushed him out of the temple. "Call your Gunatit, and see if he can save you," they shouted, and then pushed the blind saint Bhagwatswarupdasji against the grills.Another saint was pushed aside into a corner. Some however were beaten severely, while Vignandas Swami was locked up behind closed doors.While the saints were beating up the innocent sadhus, some of the followers of Shastriji Maharaj from the village came to know about the sudden noon unrest in their temple. They hurried to the place with sticks in their hands. When they appeared on the scene and threatened the intruders, the intruders stopped their beating, and peace was quickly restored.Though they were abused, insulted and beaten up violently, Yogiji Maharaj and his fellow saints did not utter even a harsh word against them. They offered no resistance, and met the assault with a smile on their face. Their strength and patience was a monument of virtue. It rests upon us all to remain calm and retain a peaceful composure in the face of provocation and insult, and a spirit of indifference to sorrow and misery.
A Hard Working Saint:Yogiji Maharaj, though physically delicate, performed many heavy tasks. From early morning to late night he would be busy in the service of others. He never complained of fatigue. He never felt at ease in the absence of work. Even during fasts he would serve others with a spirit of enthusiasm and love.Each day he would get up early in the morning, and after performing his prayers, he would start cooking in the kitchen. He would cook 300 loaves of bread. He prepared and cooked the bread simultaneously on two separate hot-plates. Whilst cooking, Yogiji Maharaj would sing bhajans and recite Swamini Vatu. Swami used to cook everything by himself for any quantity of people.When the food was ready, he would call everybody to have their meal with the cry : "Vasudev Hare". He himself served the food to all the saints and the bhaktas (devotees). He was always the last to have his meal.Yogi, as he was popularly called, also drew water that would be required for cooking from the well and for bathing the disciples. Everyday, early in the morning, he rinsed out all the big pots and vessels, and filled them with water after filtering it through a piece of cloth.In spite of such heavy work in the morning, he would go to clean the utensils after the meals were over. Even after the evening meals, he would be found cleaning the huge pots, till late night.His life teaches us that we should work tirelessly and sincerely.
A Real Saint:The saints visited one village after another to propagate our beliefs and way of life. They cared not whether it was day or night. Wherever they went, they collected flour and cooked their meals from whatever they managed to get.Once the sadhus had halted at a village called Sankarda. Every morning, they would go round the village to beg foodstuff (bhiksha). Yogiji Maharaj, accompanied by the blind saint Bhagwatswarupdasji, would also go around to beg food. Holding one of his hands, he led Bhagwatswarupdasji along the road. A bag hung from Yogij Maharaj's other shoulder. When anybody offered flour, grain, etc., he would open his bag. As he walked, he kept searching the road so that no stone or thorn or pit could get in the way of Bhagwatswarupdasji. After the morning round was over, he cooked whatever alms they had received. He first devoutly offered the food to the Lord. Then, after serving everybody else, he would finally sit down to have his meal.Karsansang Bapu of Adval often saw Yogiji Maharaj leading the blind and aged saint Bhagwatswarupdasji while going round for alms. One day, he saw the barefooted Yogiji Maharaj begging for alms in the scorching heat of summer. He felt pity for him. "Yogiji Maharaj", he asked, "why don't you take a younger sadhu with you ? How difficult it must be with such an aged saint to go about asking for bhiksha !" Yogiji Maharaj with a smiling face, replied quitely : "Bapu, it is my good fortune to have such an aged saint with me. I am extremely fortunate to learn from a revered old saint ! While moving about with him I get the benefit of his vast knowledge, experience and wisdom. I also get the benefit of serving the temple by bringing in bhiksha." Karsansang Bapu could not but admire the good sense and kindliness of Yogiji Maharaj. He bowed to him silently as a token of respect.Once, Yogiji Maharaj went to 'Narayan Dharo' near the village of Mojidad, to have a dip in the holy river. A sadhu named Narayanprasad, wild with envy, insulted and abused Yogiji Maharaj there. Yogiji Maharaj started chanting the name 'Swaminarayan', and after finishing his bath quietly returned to his residence without a word in retaliation.After some days had passed, and the monsoon had set in, this same sadhu, Narayanprasad, alighted from a train at Botad railway station at two o'clock at night. The cart driver refused to take him to Kariyani. Walking wearily along the muddy road, he came to Shri Aksharpurushottam Temple at Sarangpur and knocked at the door. A thorn had driven deep into his foot. Thus his foot was swollen, and he was in extreme agony. The watchman came and reported to Yogiji Maharaj : "A saint has come, and wishes to stay for the night."Yogiji Maharaj went to receive him. He brought him inside with courtesy. He then removed the thorn from his foot and dressed the wound. He fed the man lovingly with prasad of puri and ladu. He made a bed for him, and gently asked him to rest. In the morning he kept a cart ready to send Narayanprasad to Kariyani. Narayanprasad had recognised Yogiji Maharaj as the very sadhu he had insulted just a few days before. He felt ashamed, and soon underwent a complete change of heart. He thought : "Yogiji served me with love even though I had insulted him. He has not said one word of rebuke. He has won me over completely with his great affection."Narayanprasad quickly repented. Falling at the feet of Yogiji Maharaj, he burst out : "You are the embodiment of love because you do good to those who have harmed you. You are just like an ideal paramhansa (saint of Shriji Maharaj) one who repays animosity with love and affection." Receiving the blessings of Yogiji Maharaj, Narayanprasad then left for Kariyani by cart.
Temple Service:
Yogiji Majaraj liked to engage in the service of the Lord and the temple as much as he liked to render service to saints and devotees. When engaged in such services Yogi would forget hunger and fatigue. He obeyed all the commands of Shastriji Maharaj sincerely and instantly. He served him also, and helped him in all his work.Shastriji Maharaj built the first temple in Bochasan, and installed the images of Akshar and Purushottam in it. After some time he also started building a temple in Sarangpur. During those days, due to lack of funds, the sadhus and the devotees also helped in the construction of the temple. Yogiji Maharaj too, after completing all his normal duties used to give a hand in the building of the temple. He carried on his head large stones for the masons to lay. He mixed lime and sand with a spade, and provided the mixture. He assisted in digging and in filling in the foundation. He was the youngest in age, but in service, he excelled everyone.He was jubilant because the images of Akshar and Purushottam were to be installed when the temple was ready. "How can one ever get such an opportunity to serve the Lord ! One should therefore seize the opportunity for service whenever it comes, so that God may be pleased," he used to say.Shastriji Maharaj was much pleased with Yogiji Maharaj's sincere service and loving nature. He frequently praised and blessed Yogiji Maharaj.
Swami-Shreeji Accepts Offerings:It was the time when the ceremony of Jalzilani Ekadashi was being celebrated at Sarangpur. Shastriji Maharaj, feeling unwell, was resting in his bed. Some devotees from Bhavnagar had come there to celebrate the function. After the ceremonies were over Kuberbhai, who was a leader among the devotees of Bhavnagar, spoke to Shastriji Maharaj : "On kind-hearted one ! Please come to Bhavnagar so that we can profit by your discourses."Shastriji Maharaj replied smiling : "I am not well at the moment. So instead of me, take Yogiji Maharaj. I shall be represented by Yogiji Maharaj." They were pleased with these words of Shastriji Maharaj, and returned to Bhavnagar along with Yogiji Maharaj with joyful anticipations. Jayantibhai, the nephew of Prabhudas Sheth who was staying at Bhavnagar invited Yogiji Maharaj and the other sadhus for lunch at his house. A pious Brahmin prepared the ladu, soup, rice, vegetables, etc. When the meal was ready, Jayantibhai along with Prabhudas Sheth went to Yogiji Maharaj and made a request : "You have won the favour of Shriji Maharaj and Gunatitanand Swami. Today on our behalf pray to Them to accept the thal (savoury dishes offered to the Lord)."Yogiji Maharaj laughed and answered : "Let us go and offer the thal to Maharaj. Shriji Maharaj and Swami will surely appear and accept the thal." So saying, Yogiji Maharaj entered the prayer room. The thal was placed before the Lord. Silver jugs, full of water were also placed near the image. The curtain was then drawn. Yogiji Maharaj sat there and all around him sat the devotees. Yogiji Maharaj sang with great devotion : "Avinashi avo re....."After half an hour, when the curtain was lifted they gasped with wonder for what had happened. Five ladus, soup, and some rice had been accepted by the Lord. The water pot was also half empty. All the devotees were struck by the power and devotion of Yogiji Maharaj. They were convinced that Yogiji Maharaj enjoyed the favour and confidence of Swami and Shriji, and could fulfill their wishes.
Devotion Par Excellence:Once Yogiji Maharaj and Nirgundas Swami were going to Gadhada from Sarangpur by bullock-cart. It was a hot summer's day, and the road was deserted. There were neither any wells nor rivers on the route for water. It was already four o'clock in the afternoon.Yogiji Maharaj had the small image of Shri Harikrishna Maharaj (small image of Shriji Maharaj, formerly worshipped by Gunatitanand Swami). The time to offer water to Harikrishna Maharaj was fast approaching but there was no water any where. Yogiji Maharaj became worried and upset. "My Lord must be very thirsty. What shall I do ?" he said to himself.It was six in the evening when they came to a river. Yogiji Maharaj asked the cart-driver to stop by the river side. He took the image of Lord Harikrishna, bathed it in the river water and offered it filtered water to drink. Yogiji Maharaj was still not fully satisfied. He prostrated and prayed repeatedly before the image : "Oh ! Maharaj, please forgive me. Today, I have failed to give You water on time. Please forgive me." On hearing this, Swami Nirgundasji who was standing nearby casually said : "It wasn't your fault that we couldn't get any water on the way. You are not to blame."Still, Yogiji Maharaj kept bowing to the image repeatedly and prayed for forgiveness.Words fail to describe the full measure of his dedication, devotion and humility. We should also cultivate these same virtues.
Snake Bite:
A small monument (deri) had been constructed at the place in Gondal, where the last rites of Shri Gunatitanand Swami had been performed. To add to its sanctity, Shastriji Maharaj started erecting a beautiful temple a round the monument. Yogiji Maharaj was stationed there at the time. Every day he used to get up early in the morning at four o'clock and perform the pooja of Charnarvinda (foot-prints carved on stone) of Shriji Maharaj which had been installed there. He then offered worship (Mahapooja) to the Lord along with all His devotees.While the temple was being built, Yogiji Maharaj and other saints used to live in hut-like houses built of mud and bricks. Once at midnight, when Yogiji Maharaj was a sleep, a venomous black cobra bit the index finger of his left hand. The sudden rush of pain woke him up.As a result of the poison, the pain quickly spread through his whole body. However Yogiji Maharaj did not complain. He kept on chanting the mantra of "Swaminarayan".Some anxious devotees suggested a physician be called. Others proposed various remedies. Meanwhile, Shastriji Maharaj arrived. When he heard of the snake bite he said : "Please bring Yogiji Maharaj here to the Akshar Deri and chant the holy name of Swaminarayan. The effect of the poison will vanish if we summon to our aid the divine power of the Swaminarayan Mahamantra." Immediately, the sadhus lifted Yogiji Maharaj and carried him to the Akshar Deri and started chanting the holy name of Lord Swaminaryan. After exactly twelve hours, the effect of the poison subsided. Yogiji Maharaj opened his eyes and bowed to Shastriji Maharaj. Just then a government doctor arrived. He was amazed to see that the effect of the poison had been nullified by chanting the Swaminarayan mantra. He fell at the feet of Shastriji Maharaj. The king of Gondal and his officers were also surprised at the divine power of Akshar Deri. They were convinced that it was a highly sanctified place.
Head of Akshar Mandir:It was the year V. S. 1990. Most of the construction work of the Gondal temple (also called 'Akshar Mandir') had been completed. In the same year, on the 10th day of the bright half of the month of Vaishakh, Shastriji Maharaj installed the images of Akshar-Purushottam in the temple with all religious ceremonials. After the function, a meeting of all the devotees was held in the compound of the temple. Here in the presence of thousands of devotees Shastriji Maharaj appointed Yogiji Maharaj as the Mahant (head) of the Akshar Mandir and garlanded him. The whole assembly greeted the choice with joy and acclaim.To Yogiji Maharaj, this Akshar Mandir and Akshar Deri meant everything in life. The Akshar Deri was dearer to him than his soul. He was never tired of performing Pradakshinas of the Deri. He would get up early in the morning at 3.30 and sweep the floor in the Deri. After performing the pooja of the Charanaarvinda with sandle-wood paste and flowers, he would perform arti. Then he gave spiritual discourses to the devotees. He also performed mahapooja in the Deri regularly. During the mahapooja he prayed whole-heartedly that he might have the opportunity to spread the influence of the faith far and wide. During his free hours he kept the accounts of the temple himself, and maintained the ledger. Yogiji Maharaj looked after the maintenance of the temple and himself attended to the needs and the comforts of any guests. He was extremely gratified by the increase in the flow of visitors to the temple. He never allowed any visitors (satsangi or pilgrim) to leave without entertaining them fully.Rana Daji Bapu assisted him in many of his duties. One day, Daji Bapu wanted to consult Yogiji Maharaj on matters pertaining to the temple accounts. He searched for him in the kothar (godown), but did not find him there. Thinking that he might be in the Deri or upstairs in the temple, he went there to look for him. But he was not there either. After searching for him everywhere, he finally went to the kitchen where he found him cooking, all by himself.Seeing the head of such a big temple working like an ordinary cook in the kitchen, he said : "I have been searching for you for a long time. You work so hard, why must you also cook ? Where is the saint who cooks daily ?" Yogiji Maharaj quietly replied : "The cook is ill. By the grace of God, today I have got the rare chance of cooking and serving God in this way. For a long time I have been thinking of preparing food to serve the Lord. Only today have I got the opportunity. It is very precious to me."Hearing these noble sentiments, Bapu could not but admire the saint more than ever before. But he went and enquired of the sadhu in charge of the kitchen, and found that the man was not ill at all. He and some other sadhus were loitering around and not doing their duty. He scolded them : "Yogiji Maharaj works day and night. Do you want to add still further to his duties ?" he asked. He then ordered them to go back to the kitchen immediately. Along with Yogiji Maharaj, Bapu went to the temple office to finish the accounts.
Devotion to Master (Gurubhakti):Yogiji Maharaj used to eat only once a day. Moreover, every third day he observed a fast. Even on days of fasting, he would carry his luggage on his own head while visiting villages in the company of Shastriji Maharaj, whether it was in the scorching heat of the summer or the biting cold of the winter. He would pass the whole day in the service of others. Owing to such incessant heavy work he fell a victim to an ailment called hernia.Later on in the year V. S. 1993, Dr. Aspinol, a surgeon attached to the Rajkot Hospital was consulted. After examining Yogiji Maharaj he said : "Swamiji, you will have to undergo an operation. This cannot be cured by medicine." And so on a request from Shastriji Maharaj, Hirjibhai reserved a special room in the Rajkot Hospital for the operation.At the time, Shastriji Maharaj was also under medical treatment at Gondal. Still, he came to Rajkot before the day of the operation. Though it was winter and very cold, Shastriji Maharaj as usual, got up early in the morning, and after finishing his morning pooja went to the hospital without delay. As he entered the hospital premises the attendants were carrying Yogiji Maharaj on a stretcher to the operating theatre.On seeing Shastriji Maharaj, Yogiji Maharaj was overcome with joy. He folded his hands in reverence. Shastriji Maharaj then blessed him. After this, Yogiji Maharaj was taken to the operating theatre. The doctor conducted the operation very skillfully. When the operation was over, Yogiji Maharaj was carried back on a stretcher to his room in the hospital.Yogiji Maharaj had brought the image of Shri Harikrishna Maharaj to the hospital and had placed it on a table in front of his bed. The devotees were all sitting on the floor around the bed. Shastriji Maharaj was sitting on a chair in front of the bed and chanting with rosary in hand. After about two hours the effect of the anaesthetic subsided. Yogiji Maharaj stirred in his bed and opened his eyes. Shastriji Maharaj was sitting right in front of him and smiling softly. Immediately Yogiji Maharaj folded his hands in reverence and asked the devotees sitting nearby in low voice, "Has milk been served to Shastriji Maharaj ?"The question came as a surprise to the devotees. They all felt that Yogiji could not be said to have been unconscious during the operation, but in a trance. It was a state in which he remembered the Guru always, and at all times !Yogiji Maharaj was, so to say, the personal attendant of Shastriji Maharaj at Gondal. There he served him daily with milk, medicine, etc. When he awoke the first thing he remembered was his duty to his Guru. How unique was his devotion and kinship with his Guru !
Shastriji Maharaj is Still With Us:Sometime in the year V. S. 2007, Shastriji Maharaj fell ill. One day he said : "I have performed the arti of the images to be installed in the Gadhada temple. They will now be ritually installed by Yogiji Maharaj, as I cannot do the installation ceremony in my present condition. There is a spiritual identity between myself and Yogi. I am Yogi, and Yogi is Myself." These were his last words. On the fourth day of the bright half of Vaishakh, he reverted to Akshardham. His body was cremated next day. The devotees were in deep shock. They all thought, "Shastriji Maharaj has gone. Now what will happen to us ?" No one knew what to do.At that time Yogiji Maharaj gave strength to everyone. He said, "Shastriji Maharaj has not gone. We should never believe that Shastriji Maharaj has gone from our midst. Shastriji Maharaj is forever present in the fellowhip." Listening to these words of Yogiji Maharaj everyone came to understand that, "Shriji Maharaj was ever present in Shastriji Maharaj, and that same Shriji Maharaj is now present in Yogiji Maharaj. Shastriji Maharaj will now make us happy through Yogiji Maharaj." All saw Shastriji Maharaj in Yogiji Maharaj. The spiritual eyes of all, opened.Six days after the passing away of Shastriji Maharaj to Akshardham, with great fanfare in the holy presence of Yogiji Maharaj, the images were installed in Gadhada temple. The date was V. S. 2007 Vaishak Sud 10. Fifty thousand devotees had assembled to witness the ceremony. Conviction ran strongly that Shastriji Maharaj was always present in the satsang.All opponents and vilifiers were disappointed. They had thought that as Shastriji Maharaj had reverted to Akshardham, no one would attend the ceremony. There would be no unity and the whole Aksharpurushottam fellowship would collapse, since there was no one fit enough to step into the place of Shastriji. But they were amazed by the personality of Yogiji Maharaj. The glory of Akshar- purushottam spread in all directions. It was the beginning of a new era and an enormous amount of work was still waiting to be done by Yogiji Maharaj. He captured the hearts of all the devotees, and won their respect and admiration.
Youth Organisation and Satsang Meetings:
Yogiji Maharaj had been conducting weekly satsang meetings of the devotees for a long time. After the departure of Shastriji Maharaj, Yogiji Maharaj injected into these activities a new vigour. Gradually he established a youth organisation. In the beginning, only a few youths attended the meetings. The organisers, therefore, were somewhat discouraged. But Swamiji would console them with words of sympathy and cheer. "It will grow," he would promise in every village or town he visited. He kept a personal record and encouraged them by writing to the members regularly. In no time at all, many youth organisations sprang up in India. Moreover, groups were also formed for smaller children. Religious instruction was provided for them as-well.Yogiji Maharaj would frequently say : "One should attend the weekly meetings even at the cost of losing a lot of money. It is not possible to meet the devotees individually in their homes. But if we attend a satsang meeting, then we can meet our elders and youth friends at the same time. We get an opportunity to learn about the moral and spiritual beliefs of our fellowhip. Moreover, at such gatherings, Shriji Maharaj, Gunatitanand Swami and Shastriji Maharaj are divinely present. So one should never miss these meetings."Yogiji Maharaj took a close interest in all the activities of the youths. Such activities as lecturing, performing Yogic asanas, forming bands, staging dramas and rasa, which were organised by these youths, were keenly observed by him. He blessed them and applauded their efforts. He would listen attentively to their articles in the hand-written magazines which were read out to him. He used to say that a hand-written journal should be put out every three months. Yogiji Maharaj exhorted everyone to take part regularly in such activities.
Youths and Yogiraj:
Youths and small children were very dear to Yogiji Maharaj. He once said : "Young people are as precious to me as my heart." And he cared for them as one cares for one's heart. He spoke to them affectionately, showed genuine interest in whatever they said, and lovingly put his hands on their heads or shoulders in appreciation. Moving his delicate hands around their neck he would quietly check whether a boy had a kanthi or not. If any one was found without a kanthi, he would immediately give him one. He won them over by showering upon them more love than even a mother could do.In the summer and the Diwali vacations, Yogiji Maharaj used to take the youths around the villages with him. During this time they would be taught Swamini Vatu, Vachanamrut, etc. Yogiji Maharaj walked holding the hand of some young man or another. It was a pleasurable sight to see young poeple walking on both sides of the Yogi, and to see the Yogi, who was also just like a youth, walking in the centre. He took personal care of these young people who toured the villages with him. He personally served them food, prepared bread for them, and in case anyone fell ill, he himself cared for the patient during the illness.Yogiji Maharaj used to get up early at half-past four in the morning, and would then awaken the youths. He gave discourses on subjects like agna (obeying commands), upasana (doctrine) and seva (service). He especially admired those who could observe a complete fast with neither food nor even a drop of water. He showed his joy by patting them on their backs. At 11:00 at night, after the evening meeting of the devotees was over, Yogiji Maharaj gathered all the youths in a quiet corner of the hall. He encouraged them to converse among themselves in any language they liked, whether English, Hindi or Gujarati. He would sometimes make fun by using English words even though he did not know much English.Yogiji Maharaj captivated the hearts of even college students. He helped many to get rid of bad habits such as smoking and visiting the cinema. He advised them to live a pure and simple, well regulated life, and thus prepared them to become ideal citizens. He persuaded them to accompany him for a month or two during the vacations and when they left at the end, he advised them to lead a useful, righteous life, and to attend regularly their weekly meetings. Again he reminded them that if there wasn't a youth organisation in their village, they should establish one. He was full of enthusiasm for the Movement and promised to write regularly to them. His affection for them was so great that he would take the trouble of walking upto the temple gate to see them off. The young people who thus parted from Yogiji Maharaj - who had become their idol and object of love - felt the pangs of separation keenly. Often their eyes were filled with tears when they left.
Youths Become Sadhus:
It took less than ten years for Yogiji Maharaj to form groups of dedicated youths in many different areas and train them. Because of his all pervading influence, these young men led a simple and pious life. They fasted every fifth day. They slept on an ordinary carpet without using even a pillow. They had cold water baths every morning and made it a point to apply tilak and chandlo to their foreheads. They did not eat or drink anything that was not prepared at home. And they never saw any films.By special orders from Yogiji Maharaj many such youths were trained for the life and vocation of a sadhu. He once said : "I want you to become saints. Will you agree ?" The educated and cultured young men who were captivated by his personality and unlimited love readily agreed and surrendered their whole life to the cause of satsang.Once, Yogiji Maharaj wrote a letter to a young man, who wanted to become a saint : "I do not want you to become a sadhu to serve me. I want to teach you Brahmavidya which will enable you to realise God. I want to help you liberate your soul. I want thousands of our devotees to benefit by the satsang and through you reveal to the world the eternal truths of the doctrine of Akshar and Purushottam." Many parents realised the lofty ideals of Swamiji and agreed willingly to dedicate their beloved sons to the mission and its noble tasks. Large groups of highly educated young men were eager and anxious to be initiated into monkhood.In the year V. S. 2017, on the 12th day of the dark half of the month of Vaishakh, which was the 70th birthday of Yogiji Maharaj, the spires of Gadhapur temple were fitted with golden pinnacles (kalash). On this auspicious day Yogiji Maharaj initiated into the Bhagawati diksha, fifty-one well educated young men. In the whole Swaminarayan fellowhip, and in the entire history of the sect, this was the only occasion when on a single day, as many as fifty-one highly educated young people assumed the saffron robes. It was a milestone in the history of the religious order. The credit goes wholly to Yogiji Maharaj. This occasion will be written in letters of gold in the annals of satsang history.Later on, many young men with high qualifications from India as well as England, Africa and other places approached Swamiji for the purpose of initiation as sadhus. Such enthusiasm gave great impetus to the fellowship and its future course of development. This group of devoted young men, trained and nurtured by Yogiji Maharaj in their pre-initiated days, later started preaching in India and abroad and explained to the people the hopes and beliefs of true doctrine. They totally dedicated themselves to the noble cause of spreading the true faith, and thus elevated the lives of thousands.
Yogiji Maharaj's Life-Work:
Yogiji Maharaj was tireless in his mission of explaining the upasana of Aksharpurushottam to the world at large. He toured villages incessantly by day and by night. If he was found in one village in the morning, in the evening he would be in another. Wherever he went, he was enthusiastically welcomed. Aspirants in large numbers queue up to receive vartaman from him. There was an unending series of celebrations, and many congregations were held. He gained a mass following, and so the institution progressed and expanded. Yogiji Maharaj started satsang organisations in many different villages. He arranged for the satsangis to receive spiritual guidance through regular correspendence.He twice visited pilgrim centres by twice conducting all India pilgrimage tours by special trains, which carried sadhus and haribhaktas. These pilgrim centres were further sanctified by the visits of Yogiji Maharaj, and the inhabitants had many remarkable experiences because of the influence exerted through the satsang. He prevailed upon the Government to build a platform at the railway station in Chhapaiya and name it "Swaminarayan Chhapaiya". A tremendous welcome was given to him when he arrived at Chhapaiya.In recognition of Swamiji's greatness, devotees all over celebrated the sixty-fifth birthday of Yogiji Maharaj which fell on the 12th day of the dark half of the month of Vaishakh of V. S. 2012 at Sarangpur. About one lakh devotees assembled there to offer their homage to him.Yogiji Maharaj fulfilled the desire of his Guru, Shastriji Maharaj, when he established a temple (Hari-Mandir), Akshar Bhavan at Bombay in the V. S. 2018. In the same year, he had a three spired temple erected in Ahmedabad (Shahibaug), and installed the images of Aksharpurushottam on the 7th day of the bright half of Vaishakh.He was also a promoter in erecting a fine temple at Mahelav, the birth of Shastriji Maharaj. In this temple, besides 'picture-images' (Chitra-pratima), he also installed a marble statue of Shastriji Maharaj.V. S. 2021 was a centenary year; it was a hundred years before, that Shastriji Maharaj had manifested himself on this earth. Yogiji Maharaj was himself seventy-four, and was in very delicate health. Yet he visited eighty-two villages in the shivering cold of the winter, and was out on tour for thirty-eight days collecting funds for the centenary celebrations. He was prepared to undergo any amount of hardship for the sake of celebrating the centenary in a fitting manner. On Vasant Panchami day, V. S. 2021, at Atladra, he demonstrated before the devotees of the whole fellowship the full meaning of ideal gurubhakti by his tireless exertion and unflagging enthusiasm. To promote a faster advancement of knowledge he established a student's hostel in Vidyanagar and a gurukul in Gondal. Primary and secondary schools were also started at Gondal.On the 76th birthday of Yogiji Maharaj, thousands of his followers in India and abroad decided to celebrate the birthday of the great saint, who was a manifestation of Shriji Maharaj, with due pomp and ceremony. A souvenir publication named 'Amrutparva' describing his glorious character and services was also published on this occasion. The occasion also witnessed the grant of a magnificent donation of Rupees twenty-five thousand to the Gujarat Government for the purpose of feeding famine-striken people. Two hundred thousand devotees attended this celebration at Gondal. The honourable guests eulogised his life and character in glowing terms. There were meetings at all the world centres where his followers paid tribute to a rare personality and praised his manifold virtues.Yogiji Maharaj himself participated with his followers at the labour camp which was entrusted with the task of constructing the 'Gunatitnagar' railway station at Bhadra, the birth place of Akshar Brahman, Shri Gunatitanand Swami. He built a marvellous single spired temple over the house where Gunatitanand Swami was born. In it, he installed the images of 'Dham' (Gunatitanand Swami), 'Dhami' (Lord Swaminarayan) and 'Mukta' (Gopalanand Swami) on the sixth day of the bright half of Vaishakh in the year V. S. 2025.'Vedras', the book containing the Lord's teachings was republished at his request. He also ordered the publication of the biographies of his Guru Shastriji Maharaj as well as that of Bhagatji Maharaj, (the Guru of Shastriji Maharaj). During the centenary celebrations of his Guru he wanted a souvenir publication named 'Yagnapurush Smruti' also to be brought out. A huge volume - 'Harilila kalpataru' - inspired by Gunatitanand Swami and written by Achintyanand Brahmachari was also published through his initiative. Hindi and English versions of the 'Life and Philosophy of Lord Swaminarayan' as well as the 'Vachanamritam' were also published.A biography of Gunatitanand Swami was also printed because of the personal interest he took in the old manuscript. He procured a vast circulation of the monthly 'Swaminarayan Prakash'. It had the blessings of Shastriji Maharaj. All who belonged to the fellowship became its regular readers. A weekly, named 'Swaminarayan Satsang Patrika' was also started to provide instructions and also news regarding the satsang to members in various centres to enable them to conduct regular Sunday meetings.Yogiji Maharaj organised facilities for higher education in Sanskrit for young sadhus and established a Sanskrit school (pathshala) in Bombay. By his influence and blessings many saints became Shastris and Acharyas in the Sanskrit language. Some of the saints received Government scholarships and Doctorate degrees because of their high calibre. Moreover, many young sadhus were also encouraged to develop various innate skills in music, art, painting, etc.Yogiji Maharaj built many temples. He called congregations and arranged seminars which spread the benefits of satsang, widely among his followers. Many new people were attracted to this faith, and the fellowship expanded considerably.What is remarkable about Yogiji Maharaj is that he was also highly respected by leaders of many different religions. They often approached him for guidance and even for his blessings. They said : "Yogiji Maharaj belongs to all. He is not for the Swaminarayan sect only, but for the whole world." The reason behind this widespread respect was that Yogiji Maharaj respected every faith. He showed tolerance and understanding towards all religions. He never allowed anyone to criticise any faith or sect. In India and in Africa, Yogiji Maharaj visited without any hesitation, temples dedicated to Rama, Shiva or any other deity. He also visited Sikh Gurudwaras, Jain Derasars and Christian Churches. He had great respect for all religions. Thousands of aspirants from different climes and regions were admitted to the fold and became followers of Lord Swaminarayan : all because of the efforts of Yogiji Maharaj. Whatever his faith, when the man came into contact with Yogiji Maharaj, a change came over him and he accepted Yogiji Maharaj as his Guru. Thus he attracted many Jains, Sikhs, Parsis, Muslims and also Africans and Europeans to the fellowship. This itself indicated what a great personality and leader Yogiji Maharaj was.Today we see many saints who allow relaxation or adjustment in their codes of conduct to attract more followers, but they do not succeed, not does their reputation shine thereby, whereas Yogiji Maharaj observed strictly the rule of eight-fold celibacy and the renunciation of wealth. He implicitly obeyed even the most trifling commands of the Lord, despite the utmost severity and self-control required for the observance of these rules of conduct. He performed remarkable tasks and achieved marvellous results. He captured the hearts of all his followers, and to countless others his name became sacred, to be chanted in the morning, and always remembered.
Dark Places Enlightened:
Owing to the persistent requests of his followers living in East Africa, Yogiji Maharaj visited East Africa for the first time in the year of V. S. 2012 (A.D.1955). He installed the images of Aksharpurushottam in a big temple in Mombasa. He established the Lord's footprints carved in marble on the cremation ground of Shri Maganbhai, a respected veteran leader, who inducted many into the spiritual way of life. Many new aspirants were admitted into the faith. Many congregations were held at various places; these sanctified many hearts. Yogiji Maharaj travelled thousands of miles and wherever he went, he brought enlightenment into the dark corners of the continent of Africa. As a result of this visit many new organisations of youths and elders were established. Their enthusiasm was sustained by a regular flow of correspondence. Later on they built temples in Kampala, Jinja and Tororo, and they requested Yogiji Maharaj to visit East Africa once again to perform the image installation ceremonies in these temples.So once again Yogiji Maharaj visited East Africa and also Aden in the year V. S. 2017 (A. D. 1960). He conducted the installation ceremonies of the images (Chitra-pratima) at Kampala, Jinja and Tororo. He travelled thirty-five thousand miles, visiting one hundred and three centres in seven different countries. He succeeded in attracting many new aspirants to the fellowship. The satsang in Africa became stronger and stronger. In the western countries too, Movements were started in U. K., U. S. A. and Canada. Especially in U. K. and U. S. A., many aspirants embraced the new Faith. In Africa, the devotees purchased large plots of land in Gulu and Nairobi and erected huge temples. Again the devotees appealed to Swamiji to visit them once more. Yogiji Maharaj, in spite of his ill health was moved by their devotion and agreed to visit East Africa for the third time.In the year of V. S. 2026 (A. D. 1970) he set forth on his third foreign tour. He installed the images (Chitra-pratima) in a grand ceremony, in the temple built on the main road in Nairobi. Although it was for the last time, the devotees were overwhelmed with joy. His followers in London bought a church hall and converted it into a temple. They invited him to London to install the images in the temple. Pleased by their devotion, Yogiji Maharaj went to London. He was given a great welcome. He was honoured with a procession accompanied by the R.A.F. band through the main roads of the city. He performed the installation ceremony of the images (Chitra-pratima) in the temple in Islington, near the heart of the city of London. Many foreigners - impressed by the spirituality of Yogiji Maharaj - joined the fellowship. During a ceremony on the river Thames in London the image of Lord Harikrishna was bathed in the river. Thus, the Thames too, became a sacred river. After fully explaining the tenets and general philosophy of Lord Swaminarayan to large audiences at various places, Yogiji Maharaj ended his visit, which by then had lasted about a month and a half. He then returned to India, and sent four sadhus to the U.S.A. to explain the nature of this fellowship and propagate the faith.
Reception and Departure:
The visit gave immense happiness and satisfaction to his devotees in Africa and England. Yogiji Maharaj returned to India after spending a total of five months abroad. In India, English, Hindi, Marathi, Gujarati and other newspapers gave a wide coverage of his tour and the commendable work he did abroad. Everywhere people sang his praises. He was given a grand reception at the Sunmukhanand Hall, the largest auditorium in Asia. His life, work and achievements were highly eulogised. Swami Chinmayanand who presided at the function said : "While Indian youths imitate western culture, this grand old saint at the age of eighty went to England for the propagation of the Hindu religioun, It is really marvellous that he could prevail upon them all to cultivate virtues such as truth and righteousness." A public reception on the same scale was also accorded to him at Baroda.In Ahmedabad, the capital of Gujarat, Yogiji Maharaj had the grandest welcome of all. He was taken in a big procession through the main roads of the city. Yogiji Maharaj was the centre of attraction in a mile long procession, where some five to six hundred thousand people turned up to have his darshan. In the city's Tagore Hall, the Chief Minister of Gujarat, and other ministers and heads of various religions assembled together, and paid their respects and tributes to him. The Chief Minister, Shri Hitendrabhai Desai said : "To honour Yogiji Maharaj is to honour the hero of Indian civilization. To honour Yogiji Maharaj is to honour the liberator of the whole of mankind. Today, we are greeting Yogiji Maharaj as the real giver of peace, as one who has destroyed all miseries which are caused by the many unpleasant incidents taking place in India and abroad."He was given a rousing reception at many other places like Limdi, Gadhada, Bhavnagar, Mahuva, Amreli, Rajkot and Gondal. Even in the midst of such a busy programme he atttended to all his religious duties and other humanitarian tasks which he discharged with the utmost care and love. During his last visit to Sarangpur he declared open the golden sinhasan prepared for the Lord. This was a highly cherished desire of Shastriji Maharaj, and it was at last fulfilled.There were heavy rains in Bhavnagar, but despite the weather, he came out to lay the foundation stone of the new temple. In Mahuva he officiated the image (Chitra-pratima) installation ceremony in the temple built at the birth place of Bhagatji Maharaj, who was the Guru of Shastriji Maharaj. The leading politicians of Gujarat, Educationalists, Social Workers, revered sages, heads of various religions, Industrialists, Doctors, Lawyers - in short - representatives from all walks of life, hailed the glorious work done by Yogiji Maharaj for the spiritual advancement of man.He then went to Gondal to have a rest. During this period in Gondal on the auspicious occasion of Sharad Purnima, he unveiled a beautiful marble statue of Shastriji Maharaj which was artistically placed on a fine marble platform behind Akshar Deri. He thus fulfilled the heart-felt desires of one and all in the fellowship. He invited all the devotees there, and showered upon them divine blessings. He celebrated publicly many small and big occasions, to remain as precious memories in the hearts of all the devotees.All of a sudden he decided to invite illness. It is not always possible to understand the actions of such godly saints. The illness worsened. Any treatment of the disease was possible only at Bombay and he was immediately flown there. But, on the 23rd of January, 1971 at one O'clock in the afternoon, he bade Jai Swaminarayan to all, and left this world for Akshardham.His body was flown to Gondal. Here on the 24th January, 1971, after all the funeral rites were over, the body was put on a pyre in the compound on the right of the temple. The fire was ignited by Swami Narayanswarupdasji (Pramukh Swami Maharaj). Thousands of devotees from India and abroad offered their last homage to Yogiji Maharaj. An impressive memorial is erected at this place to inspire old followers and new aspirants.
The Likings of Yogiji Maharaj:
Yogiji Maharaj used to wear only coarse clothes till the last days of his life. He was very simple and liked to spend his time in service. He always ate plain food which he himself mixed in a wooden bowl and ate only after adding water to it. Whenever there was any special dish or if there were any sweetmeats, he would fast on that day. He always had a smile on his face. He mixed with young and old alike freely, inquired about their welfare and blessed them all. He prayed to Shriji Maharaj that the miseries of mankind may disappear or lessen. He chanted the maha-mantra Swaminarayan constantly with a rosary in his hand.Yogiji Maharaj was very fond of children. He called them to him affectionately and made them sing : "Swami ane Narayan, Akshar ane Purushottam, Atma ane Paramatman, Brahman ane Parabrahman."He often gathered the children around him. and made them sing bhajans, and taught them 'Swamini Vatu'. He narrated stories from the life of Shriji Maharaj and Gunatitanand Swami to point a moral or teach the children truths. He also narrated incidents from the lives of Shastriji Maharaj and Bhagatji Maharaj as illustrations of correct thought and conduct. He taught everyone how to perform pooja and arti and gave them prasad, which coming from him was doublely delicious.Yogiji Maharaj used to tell young people that they should get up early in the morning. After getting up one should first remember Lord Swaminarayan. Then finishing one's bath, one should perform pooja. One should then prostrate before the Lord, and read five verses from the Shikshapatri. After pooja, one should do one's school work. School children should study regularly for four hours a day and college students for eight hours. One's elders must always be shown due respect. One should always bow to one's parents.Before going to school or college, one must apply tilak and chandlo to one's forehead. Every boy should visit the temple daily. He should attend the weekly meetings without fail. He should commit to memory Swamini vatu, Vachanamrut and Kirtans. Milk and water should be filtered before drinking. One should fast on Ekadashi. One should not steal, nor should one use another's material without permission. One should not touch another's lost property. One should not smoke or tell lies. One should neither see films nor attend plays. One should not eat in hotels or in the bazaar.
Sermons of Yogiji Maharaj:
1. We should pray to God before eating or drinking or going out. In short, before starting any task or activity, we should remember God.
2. We should read regularly two Vachanamruts and ten Swamini Vatu.
3. We should recite bhajans, Vachanamruta, Swamini Vatu, etc., which have been committed to memory.
4. Wherever the faithful assemble, they should not talk about worldly affairs, but should discuss religious matters. They should discourse on the divinity of the Lord and the godliness of His saint. They should recollect and ponder over what saints have preached and advised.
5. Our aim should be to get rid of whatever vices we have. We should never lose our temper, but should remain calm. If one behaves fairly and justly with one's Guru, then one at once achieves perfection by his grace.
6. Those who acquire philosophical and religious knowledge and also do practical service (seva) simultaneously, progress rapidly. Therefore, we should not avoid doing our daily tasks or duties; big or small. We should make it a practice to attend religious meetings and discourses (katha).
7. Nanese ho nana rahie, jaisi nani dub,Ghas phis sab uda gaya, dub khubki dub.During floods, big trees which stand erect are often washed away, whereas, the grass under our feet remains in its place in spite of the heavy water flow. Thus, if on account of our ego, we remain foolishly obstinate, we will suffer. It could even mean a crisis for the man so afflicted. But if we do our duty humbly and render service, no matter how small or low, then the ego will not disturb us, and one will be able to uphold the satsang.
8. The youth should maintain unity, friendship and a sense of fraternity amongst themselves.
9. The whole satsang should be regarded as sacred. We must see the spark of divinity in all the devotees. Our spiritual master (Guru) through whom God manifests Himself must, be considered a perfect being. One should never disregard God and speak ill about His devotees.
10. Young people should not make fun of others or indulge in mischief. They should always behave themselves and should be modest.
11. One should not think of the action, forms (physical) or faults of other people. One should think more of their own faults and actions.
12. One should cultivate the habit of thinking sympathetically of others' difficulties and hardships, whether emotional or physical. The Lord and the saints are pleased with one who suffers hardships patiently.
13. One should try to make do with anything that comes one's way irrespective of its adequacy or quality; be it a place allotted for staying or the food or the clothes provided. One should be content with what one has or is given, and should never complain about trifling matters.
14. Fire changes everything to its own colour, whereas water takes the colour of whatever is poured into it or mixed with it. Similarly we should influence others for their good, but should not be influenced by another's vices or weaknesses.
15. While walking on the road, one should walk with one's eyes cast down. One should not be affected by the temptations offered by the city. One who resides in a city is always exposed to the evil of temptation from the environment. Young people should therefore avoid sinful thoughts. If one visits a temple regularly and develops love for the Lord and the Saint, then inspite of living in a city, one will be immune to temptation.
16. Saintly virtues should be cultivated. Evil habits (swabhav) prevalent in one's nature should be discarded. One great virtue is tolerance and another, compassion. Our behaviour must be such that it is an influence for good.
17. Unselfish service of the devotees of God confers the highest honour and dignity on a man. Even the lowest of services such as cleaning the utensils of the devotees, washing their clothes, cleaning the latrines of the temples and the dining halls and collecting the leftovers form the dishes pleases God. One may be a man of high rank, but even then he should not think it too low to perform such services. Those desiring spiritual emancipaton should have regular training in the performance of such tasks. Every devotee must take his turn in carrying out humble duties.
18. Non-violence and celibacy must be strictily observed. One should remember that one's soul (Atman) is Gunatit or Akshar or Brahman.
19. The Lord, His divine abode, and the Mukta (liberated soul) are all eternal; Shriji Maharaj - Purushottam, is the supreme incarnation. He is the sole doer (karta); He is personal (Sakar) and transcendental, supreme entity (Sarvopari) who is ever present (Pragat). Gunatitanand Swami who is Brahman personified, is the divine abode of Shriji Maharaj, and the realised saint-guru, is the Gateway to Akshardham. One must have complete faith in these doctrines.
Swami Shri Narayanswarupdasji:In the year V. S. 2006, Shastriji Maharaj appointed Shastri Narayanswarupdasji as the administrative Head of the sanstha (Bochasanvasi Shri Aksharpurushottam Sanstha). All the devotees were asked to work under his orders and guidance. He was only 28 years old at the time. Since then, Shastri Narayanswarupdasji has been known by the name of 'Pramukh Swami'.Yogiji Maharaj, referring to this incident in his diary has written as follows : "Shastriji Maharaj desired that I should appoint only him as President of the sanstha, and he was so appointed at a meeting in Ahmedabad. I was then sitting beside Shastriji Maharaj, who told me : 'Put your hand on his head and bless him so that he acquires all the virtues and the sanctity that you have.' So I put my hand on his head, whereupon Shastriji Maharaj said : 'Since you and I are the same, it is like my putting my own hand on his head.' In this way, Swamiji asked me to bless him, and when I did so, he became very happy."Since then, in accordance with the wishes of Yogiji Maharaj, Pramukh Swami has been working and continues to work day and night to further the cause of our institution and fellowship. Many sadhus and devotees celebrated the forty-eighth birthday of Shri Pramukh Swami Maharaj in Bombay. On this occasion Yogiji Maharaj had said : "Shastriji Maharaj had been highly pleased with him ever since his younger days and appointed him president. How fast and how admirably he has developed the order and the fellowship ! All should obey him implicitly. Pramukh Swami is the manifestation (Swarupa) of Shastriji Maharaj. The identity between these two forms is complete. We should all develop the the same divine knowledge (Divyabhav). Seven hundred saints will be initiated and will attain perfection. This task and mission will be fulfilled by Pramukh Swami." Yogiji Maharaj foretold a glorious career of work and fulfilment for Pramukh Swami Maharaj.During his last illness Yogiji Maharaj had said : "Pramukh Swami is none other than me in another body. All of you will enjoy the bliss of God through him."At present, our beloved Master-Guru is His Divine Holiness Swami Shri Narayanswarupdasji - Pramukh Swami Maharaj.
Glossary:
Ame Sau Swamina Balak....We are the children of Swami; we will die for him. We are the youths of Shriji Maharaj; we will fight for Him. We are fearless; we will not shirk sacrificing our lives, for we are born to die. We have launched this movement, and will undergo any suffering. We will sing the praises of Akshar-Purushottam. We are the sons of Shriji; we have our abode in Akshar. Consecrated as we are to swadharma (religious faith), we have no apprehensions whatsoever. Lord Purushottam and Akshar, Gunatitanand Swami are with us. We have accomplished our goal.
Agna = Order; command.Akshardham = The vast, immeasurable and all pervading divine abode of God, Lord Swaminarayan.Annakut Mahotsava = A great Indian festival wherein various delicious dishes are offered to God, especially on New-Year's day.Arti = The act of a priest moving his right hand with a lighted lamp in a circular movement before of the image of God, and ringing a small bell with his left hand along with the singing of the glories of God.Avinashi avo re = Opening words of a devotional song sung at the time of offering food to the Lord.Bhagat or Bhakta = A worshipper; faithful attendant or an ascetic in white apparel.Bhagwan = God or a deity.Bhagwatdiksha = Receiving initiatory mantra from the guru. Renunciation of worldly attachments by becoming a saint or monk.Bhajans = Singing the praises of God; repeating His name; adoration.Bhiksha = almsBrahmavidya = Spiritual lore; knowledge of Brahman which leads to liberation.Charanaarvind = Lotus feet of God usually carved in marble, showing the under-side and the sixteen sings.Chandlo = Circular red mark imprinted the centre of the tilak.Darshan = Seeing with devotion and reverence. Deri = Small temple; shrine.Dham = Gunatitanand Swami personified as the divine abode of Lord Sahajanand.Dhami = Sahajanand Swami as residing in and reigning over the supreme abode, Akshardham.Ekadashi = Eleventh day of every fortnight wherein fasting is prescribed by the scriptures.Guru = Spiritual teacher; preceptor.Gurubhakti = Devotion or adoration towards guru.Gurukul = Hermitage of a guru, wherein students reside and learn; kind or residential school.Haribhakta = A devotee of God.Harikrishna Maharaj = One of the names of Sahajanand Swami. Here this denotes a small image which Yogiji Maharaj used to carry with him. Hari-Mandir = A small temple wherein a pictorial image of God is installed.Jalzilani Ekadashi = Eleventh day of the bright half of the month of Bhadrapad. The day on which the image of God is offered a ceremonial bath.Japa = Chanting God's name repeatedly in an undertone.Kalash = Pinnacle Kanthi = A two-fold string of tiny beads worn round the neck of a devotee as a symbol of initiation.Kirtan = A song glorifying God and His devotees.Kumkum = Bright red powder.Krishnacharandasji = A disciple of Madhavcharandasji who was a direct disciple of Gunatitanand Swami.Krishnaji Ada = A devoted Brahmin disciple of Gunatitanand Swami hailing from Mevasa (Saurashtra).Mahapooja = Adoration of Lord Swaminarayan with His devotees under special ceremony.Mantra = Divine word having divine spiritual power when chanted.Mukta = A liberated or released soul from the bondage of Maya.Narayan Dharo = A holy stream in Saurashtra near Mojidad, where a festival is celebrated on the new moon day of Bhadrapad.Panch-dhatu = A metallic alloy containing five metals, i.e., gold, silver, copper, tin and lead.Paramhansa = An ascetic of the highest order; one who has controlled and subdued all his senses.Parshad = A person in the initial stage of sainthood.Parshad Diksha = Initiation into the primary stage of sainthood.Pooja = Worship.Pradakshina = Clockwise circumambulation of an image or object, as a mark of reverence or devotion.Prasad = Consecrated food.Pujaji Bapu = One of the devotees of Lord Swaminarayan and contemporary of Krishnaji Ada.Rasa = A circular folk dance accompanied by singing, synchronised steps and strokes of sticks.Saataa and Jalebee = Indian sweetmeat delicacies.Sadhu = An ascetic.Sampradaya = Traditional handing down of knowledge through successive preceptors; religious sect.satsang = Company or the society of the holy fellowship.Satsangi = One who is attached to satsang.Sinhasan = Throne; a seat of honour.Swamini Vatu = Talks of Mul Akshar Murti Gunatitanand Swami.Tapasvin = One who is practising penance.Tilak = Upright 'U' shaped mark imprinted on the forehead.Upasana = Worship. Here it specifies adoration of Akshar and Purushottam. Doctrine.Urdhva-rekha = Vertical line on the sole from the toe to the heel.Vartaman = Ceremony of initiation in the Swaminarayan faith.
JAY SHREE SWAMI NARAYAN
