Q&A with the Guru

How does mankind benefit from Satsang and from temples?

Pramukh Swami Maharaj: By going to the temple, man’s faith in dharma is strengthened. He develops devotion towards God, his life is transformed and his evil instincts are destroyed. The result is that he experiences everlasting bliss. He experiences every type of peace - at work, in his home, in society and in his mind. Above all, he attains spiritual peace in his soul. By doing Satsang, he learns how to live in society without becoming entangled in it.

Even devotees face hardships in today’s society. Is there an easy way to be free of all these entanglements?

Pramukh Swami Maharaj : Society exists and with it, come responsibilities. It is not easy to live in today’s social climate. However, we should keep God in front of us and strive on and learn to be content with whatever we get as a result. But we shouldn’t become depressed. Think of it as God’s wish and keep going. We should never let go of Satsang and puja.

There is constant friction between the youth and their elders. How can this be resolved?

Pramukh Swami Maharaj: Elders tend to be orthodox whereas youngsters are full of new ideas. However to say that anyone is the cause of such friction is not right. Youths are not ready to accept the advice of their elders and the elders are not ready to adapt to the views of the youngsters. Basically, both groups should try to understand each other. If they can learn to compromise, there won’t be any problems.

If a man is destined to die, what is the purpose of him living?

Pramukh Swami Maharaj: To help others and to attain redemption from the cycles of birth and death by offering devotion to God. We should also use it (life) to do seva. But be careful not to harbor vanity. Always think, ‘I am not doing anything, God is doing it all.’ For God gives us the strength and ability. One should live life beholding this belief.

On the spiritual path there are many paradoxes which remain debatable.

Pramukh Swami Maharaj: Religion is a subject of faith. Logical explanations will never suffice.

Many people attach themselves to a guru simply by seeing him perform a miracle. Is that not negative and harmful to society?

Pramukh Swami Maharaj: Bhagwan Swaminarayan has not given much emphasis to the significance of miracles. Of course there is such divinity in God, but miracles do not help a man to achieve stability in his life. We believe that to change a man’s character for the better is the real miracle!

Where can one find peace of mind - in money or in God?

Pramukh Swami Maharaj: Money causes strife; only spirituality gives one peace. God is the source of all peace and harmony. But only those who are worthy can attain such peace. People experience ‘peace’ upon receiving perishable objects, which is followed by pain when they lose them. Whereas when one receives God’s wealth, one receives happiness followed only by more happiness. How rich was Narsinh Mehta? Still, through his devotion to God he was at peace.

What should we do so that we can concentrate fully in all our activities and achieve success?

Pramukh Swami Maharaj: We have to make an effort to concentrate harder. Once we have fixed a goal, all our thoughts should be directed towards fulfilling it. To develop intense concentration we need to keep a single thought fixed in our minds, read only about that, discuss only that topic and stay in an appropriate environment. But if we let our thoughts wonder here and there, or if we waste our time in trivial actions, then how can we concentrate on our work? To achieve our goal we must be fixed in our niyams. If we behave in this manner, then we will be successful.

How did you progress?

Pramukh Swami Maharaj : If we remain smaller than everyone, we become bigger than everyone. But those who try to become bigger than the rest end up becoming the smallest. We should never try to get ahead at someone else’s expense. Those who help others help themselves.

Many youths are drawn towards BAPS. What’s the reason behind that?

Pramukh Swami Maharaj : My guru Yogiji Maharaj had a lot of affection for youngsters. He was a great Saint, a divine person. He never had any sort of hypocrisy, and he never tried to be artificial. He was never egoistic, nor did he have any prejudices. He had the qualities of a true Sadhu. His own life was very pure. His life was his message. He was an example for us all. Thus children and youths were drawn to him.

Will honesty and truth ever succeed in this world?

Pramukh Swami Maharaj : Only they will be victorious! Only through them will we attain peace. Even if we only have a hut as a home, we will still be content. There is nothing greater than being happy at heart!

How can one attain everlasting peace of mind?

Pramukh Swami Maharaj : By daily prayer and reading the scriptures. By doing a little every day our mind will become calm. Also, realize God as the all-doer and that whatever happens in our life is for our own benefit. Think: ‘I may have been heading into trouble, and He saved me.’ By keeping that thought we will never be shocked or upset in times of failure or disappointment. Our efforts are never in vain. Sometimes if we don’t succeed, we should think that it’s for the best. That way we will not become frustrated. By offering daily prayer and doing Sant samagam our mind will experience peace.