Astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore recently faced such a moment when their carefully planned eight-day mission to the International Space Station (ISS) turned into an extended stay of 286 days—far longer than anyone anticipated. Their story is not just about space travel; it is a lesson in patience, duty, and composure in the face of uncertainty.

A Mission That Didn’t Go as Planned

Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore launched aboard Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft, ready for a short stay at the ISS. However, even before the launch, a helium leak issue was detected. It was assessed as low-risk, and the mission proceeded. But after reaching space, the issue persisted, making their return uncertain.

NASA deemed it unsafe to bring them back in the faulty spacecraft. With no immediate rescue option available, the two astronauts had only one choice—to wait. And wait they did.

How Did They React?

For most people, being stranded in space would be a terrifying ordeal. But these astronauts did not let anxiety take over. They remained calm, adapted to the situation, and accepted their extended stay as part of their duty.

Their words reflect a mindset that we can all learn from.

Butch Wilmore shared his approach:

“If I can’t affect it, if there’s nothing we can do, there’s nothing we can do. So we march forward, carry out the plan of the day.”

Sunita Williams, drawing from their military background, said:

“We’re both Navy, we’ve both been on deployments. We’re not surprised when deployments get changed. Our families are used to that as well. So that’s not a humongous surprise.”

Instead of frustration, they embraced acceptance and responsibility. They understood that some things are beyond control—and the only thing we can control is our attitude.

Lessons from the Bhagavad Gita

Reading their words, one cannot help but recall the teachings of Lord Krishna in the Bhagavad Gita:

“You have a right to perform your prescribed duties, but you are not entitled to the fruits of your actions. Never consider yourself to be the cause of the results of your activities, nor be attached to inaction.” (BG 2.47)

In another verse, Krishna teaches:

“Fight for the sake of duty, treating alike happiness and distress, loss and gain, victory and defeat. Fulfilling your responsibility in this way, you will never incur sin.” (BG 2.38)

The astronauts unknowingly embodied this wisdom. They focused on doing their duty without being fixated on the outcome. They did not resist reality; instead, they flowed with it, trusting that things would unfold as they should. 

What Can We Learn?

Life, like space travel, is full of uncertainties. Sometimes, despite our best efforts, things do not go according to plan. In those moments, we have two choices:

1. Complain, worry, and panic.
   
2. Accept, adapt, and keep moving forward.
   

The first choice makes us miserable. The second makes us stronger. Hence, when faced with challenges, let us remember this: True strength lies in staying calm, focusing on what we can control, and trusting the process.

After an incredible 286 days in space, Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore have finally returned to Earth. They are now under quarantine, but their journey is far from over. More than astronauts, they have become an example of how to embrace life’s uncertainties with grace and courage.

So, the next time life throws a curveball at you, ask yourself—will you fight it, or will you flow with it?

Sources:

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/starliner-astronauts-no-regrets-agree-with-nasa-decision-to-extend-mission

https://www.space.com/boeing-starliner-spacecraft-tension-return-earth-without-astronauts

https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/explained-why-helium-leaks-delayed-boeing-starliner-astronauts-return-6509846

Thousands of years later, the lesson remains the same—but are we paying attention?

A Modern-Day Crisis

In 2024, a heart-wrenching tragedy unfolded in Telangana. A young man, addicted to online gambling, lost 30 lakh rupees. With no way to repay his debts, despair consumed him. His entire family—his parents and himself—took their own lives.

This incident was not just a personal loss; it was a wake-up call. It exposed a growing crisis—one that is quietly destroying many young lives across India. Gambling, once a game of the reckless, has now become a trap that many unsuspecting students and young professionals are falling into.

Recognising the urgency of the issue, Telangana’s Chief Minister, Revanth Reddy, recently announced the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to enforce the state’s ban on online gambling platforms. However, many other states in India have given little to no thought about this looming danger, putting youths and teenagers at risk.  

Why Are Our Children Falling for This?

We often blame the companies behind gambling platforms, the celebrities promoting them, or the legal loopholes that allow them to exist. While these factors contribute to the problem, there is a deeper issue at play: a mindset shift among young Indians.

Many young people today are trapped in the illusion of “quick success.” They see overnight wealth as a real possibility rather than an exception. Online gambling platforms exploit this mindset, presenting a dangerous fantasy—one where money multiplies effortlessly. What they do not reveal is the destruction that follows.

This is where parents and teachers play a crucial role. The values we instill in children today will determine the decisions they make tomorrow. The lesson is simple: shortcuts don’t work.

The Mahabharata’s Forgotten Lesson

Had these young gamblers read the Mahabharata, they would have known how dangerous gambling can be. When Yudhishthira, the righteous Pandava prince, was invited to a game of dice, he did not see the danger. He was tricked into believing it was just a game. By the time he realised his mistake, he had lost everything.

The message is clear: Gambling is never just a game. It is a slow poison that consumes everything—money, relationships, and, ultimately, life itself.

Parents must bring these lessons back into their children’s lives. Stories are powerful. They teach without preaching. Through the Mahabharata, children can learn about discipline, patience, and self-control. They will understand that true success is not built in a day—it is earned through effort and perseverance.

Beyond Stories: Teaching the Right Values

While storytelling is one way to guide children, there is another essential tool—spirituality.

Why do so many people fall into the gambling trap? Because they believe money equals happiness. But if true happiness came from wealth alone, then the richest people in the world would never struggle with depression, anxiety, or stress. The reality is different. Contentment, discipline, and self-awareness are what truly bring peace of mind. And these qualities are best nurtured through spirituality.

What Can We Do as Parents and Educators?

• Start conversations – Talk to children about the risks of gambling. Make them aware before they learn the hard way.
  
• Use stories as teachers – The Mahabharata, the Ramayana, and other epics are filled with lessons on greed, patience, and the consequences of bad choices.
  
• Encourage healthy ambitions – Instead of quick money, help children develop skills that will bring real, lasting success.
  
• Introduce mindfulness and self-control – Teach children to manage their impulses. Spirituality, meditation, and introspection help in building discipline.
  

Conclusion

Laws may change, but values should remain constant. Telangana’s crackdown on online gambling is a step in the right direction. But the real solution lies in our homes and classrooms. When children grow up with strong moral foundations, no gambling app, celebrity endorsement, or false promise can mislead them.

Sources:

https://www.telegraphindia.com/my-kolkata/news/teen-in-debt-found-hanging-in-abandoned-building-in-behala/cid/2006719

https://www.indiatoday.in/india/telangana/story/telangana-debt-burden-family-suicide-son-online-gambling-games-police-case-2611985-2024-10-05

https://www.heraldgoa.in/globe/telangana-cm-announces-sit-to-tackle-online-betting-and-mobile-gambling-concerns/420959

Dr. Kasturirangan played a pivotal role in designing the NEP, ensuring that modern education was interwoven with Indian values, culture, and ethics. His vision of education resonated deeply with the philosophy of Shree Swaminarayan Gurukul Organization.

His connection with Gurukul began in 2015 when he, along with his son, first got connected with Sadguru Mahant Swami Shri Devprasaddasji Swami  and saints in the United States. Since then, a warm bond developed between his family and the Gurukul. He continues to remain closely connected with Pujya Bade Swamiji and the Gurukul mission.

On 29th November 2023, Pujya Satsangpriyadasji Swamiji and saints from the Swaminarayan Gurukul Organization had the privilege of visiting Dr. Kasturirangan at his residence. What followed was a deep and enriching conversation about education, spirituality, and the integration of NEP within Swaminarayan Gurukul’s value-based education framework. Dr. Kasturirangan not only appreciated the efforts of Gurukul but also provided valuable guidance, shared key resources, and connected the saints directly with his office for smoother NEP implementation.

His genuine interest, personal involvement, and encouragement gave a strong momentum to the Gurukul’s efforts toward holistic education.

Saints from Gurukul Bangalore has conducted prayers, gave sacred tirtha jal to Shri. Kasturiranganji and prayed Bhagwan Shree Swaminarayan recently during days his health was critical.

Today, as we bid farewell to this great soul, we offer our heartfelt tribute. May his life’s mission continue to inspire us. May his soul find eternal peace at the feet of the Almighty. The Swaminarayan Gurukul family bows down in gratitude and reverence to this extraordinary guide and well-wisher.

We pray to the lotus feet of Bhagwan Shree Swaminarayan to grace his soul.

• The word “mountain” here symbolizes the challenges and obstacles we face in life not a literal mountain like Mt. Everest.
• Obviously, we can’t move Mt. Everest by sitting here, but we can overcome huge emotional and physical barriers with the right kind of faith.
• True faith — Faith in God — is the kind that can help us break through depression, fear, and even danger.
• The more faith we have, the less fear remains. The less fear, the stronger our faith becomes.

How Do We Know We Have Faith in God?

Mira Bai: Faith That Turned Poison into Nectar

We all know that Mira Bai was a great devotee of Lord Krishna. The love Mira Bai had for Lord Krishna was as immense as that of the Gopikas.
Once in childhood, Mira saw a wedding procession and asked her mother what it was. Her mother explained it was marriage, where a man becomes the husband and the woman, the wife.

Innocently, Mira asked, “Can I have a husband too?” Her mother, to calm her, gave her an idol of Lord Krishna and said, “He is your husband.”
Mira accepted this with innocence and grew up believing Lord Krishna was truly her husband.

Later, she was married to King Ranaji of Chittorgarh, but Mira did not accept him as her husband. Her heart belonged to Krishna.
Ranaji, initially loving, grew frustrated with her detachment and deep devotion to Krishna. Eventually, he decided to poison her.

He sent her a bowl of milk laced with poison. Mira, unaware of the danger, first offered it to Lord Krishna. Then, she drank it as prasad.
To everyone’s shock, she remained unharmed.
Her faith had transformed poison into nectar. Such is the power of devotion when it is pure and unwavering.
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Prahladji: Fearless Faith in Lord Narayan

Prahladji was the young son of the demon king Hrianyakashyapu. But unlike his father, he was a staunch devotee of Lord Narayan.
His father, angered by his devotion, tried every possible way to kill him — poisoning him, throwing him from a height, setting him on fire.

In every situation, Prahladji remained calm and fearless, continuously chanting the name of Narayan.
Not once did he plead, beg, or run — he simply believed.
His faith was stronger than fear, and Lord Narayan protected him every time.
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Bhakta Daaya: Faith that Defied Abuse and Darkness

During the time of Bhagwan Swaminarayan, a boy named Daaya joined a group of villagers on a pilgrimage to Kashi.
On the way, they passed through Gadhpur and had the darshan of Bhagwan Swaminarayan. One glimpse was enough. Daaya was captivated.
He insisted on staying in Gadhpur and refused to continue the yatra. He said, “My Kashi, Vishwanath, Somnath — all are at the feet of Bhagwan Swaminarayan.”

His brothers argued but couldn’t convince him, so they left. Later, they returned. Bhagwan Swaminarayan gently told Daaya to go home, and Daaya obeyed.
At home, his father disliked his devotion. He beat him and hung him inside a well. Still, Daaya kept chanting “Swaminarayan.”

Locked without food or water for 3 days, Daaya’s mother wept. Daaya said, “Don’t worry Maa. Bhagwan Swaminarayan will take care of me.”
At 3 AM, Bhagwan Swaminarayan appeared, fed and freed him, and took him to Gadhpur. There He gave him Bhagwati Diksha and Daaya became a sadhu.
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Final Reflection: Do We Have That Faith?

• We all have faith — in people, systems, or outcomes — but true transformation begins when that faith is directed towards God.
• Faith in God isn’t just believing He exists — it’s surrendering, trusting, and standing firm, even when life challenges us.
• Mira Bai, Prahladji, and Daaya didn’t have ordinary faith — they had divine conviction.

Let’s build the kind of faith that doesn’t just admire God — but surrenders to Him, no matter what. Because when faith is real, obstacles become opportunities, and suffering becomes grace.

Hanumanji’s life begins not just with a divine origin, but with a profound lesson—power, if not directed, becomes a curse rather than a blessing. As the eleventh Rudra avatar of Lord Shiva, Hanumanji was born with tremendous strength, energy, and supernatural gifts. But his early life teaches us that without wisdom and purpose, even the most powerful individual can lose their way.

Hanumanji’s Divine Birth and Playful Power

As a child, Hanumanji was curious, lively, and extremely powerful. With a spark of divinity flowing through him, he would leap across trees, soar through skies, and often playfully disturb meditating sages—stealing their kamandalu (water pots), snatching sacred fruits, and treating their quiet spiritual practices as games.

Though it seemed harmless, these actions began to interfere with serious spiritual pursuits. The sages and saints, initially amused, soon grew concerned. They understood a critical truth:

Hanumanji had divine power, but no direction.
Power without purpose is chaos waiting to unfold.

Mathan Rishi’s Curse and Its Hidden Wisdom

Observing Hanumanji’s misuse of divine gifts, Sage Mathan grew worried. He foresaw that if left unchecked, Hanumanji’s powers could cause unintended harm. In a moment of stern compassion, he cursed Hanumanji to forget his powers, stating that he would only remember them when someone reminded him.

This wasn’t a punishment—it was a protective measure. The curse served a deeper spiritual purpose:

• It shielded Hanumanji from ego that often comes with power.
  
• It instilled humility, making him a servant first, not a showman.
  
• It ensured divine intervention (through Jambavan later) would unlock the power only at the right time.
  

This story resonates with our modern lives. Each of us is born with certain talents, skills, or resources. These are our powers. But without spiritual grounding and purpose, we can misuse them out of ignorance or ego.

Modern Reflection: Power with Purpose

In today’s world, power takes many forms—wealth, knowledge, influence, position, or even physical capabilities. But the principle remains unchanged:

Skills must serve society, not self-interest.

Let’s draw parallels between Hanumanji’s story and our own:

The takeaway is simple yet profound:
Use your abilities to uplift others, not to show off. When power is wrapped in service and humility, it becomes a blessing not only for us but for the world around us.

How to Apply This Principle Today

1. Pause before using your skills: Ask, “Will this action help or harm someone?”
   
2. Avoid ego-driven acts: Just because you can do something doesn’t mean you should.
   
3. Seek reminders like Jambavan: Surround yourself with mentors and spiritual guides who can channel your abilities in the right direction.
4. Reclaim your forgotten powers: Sometimes, all it takes is a little faith or encouragement to remember how capable you truly are.

2. Self-Doubt Diminishes Divine Potential

Even the mightiest souls can forget who they truly are—until someone reminds them. This was exactly the case with Hanumanji during one of the most critical moments in the Ramayan. His life takes a transformative turn when belief in self is reignited, showing us that even divine power lies dormant without confidence.

The Ocean Standoff: When Everyone Looked at Hanumanji

After Sitaji was kidnapped by Ravan and taken to Lanka, Lord Ram organized a search party with the Vanar Sena (monkey army). Hanumanji, along with Jambavan, Angad, and others, reached the edge of a massive ocean, uncertain how to proceed. At this point, a critical piece of news arrived—Sampati, brother of the noble bird Jatayu, revealed that Sitaji was indeed in Lanka.

Now the urgency grew. Someone had to cross the vast ocean to confirm Sitaji’s whereabouts. The mission demanded someone strong, swift, and fearless. But none stepped forward.

Even Hanumanji—yes, the same being born with supernatural strength—sat quietly, not offering to leap. Why?
Because of Mathan Rishi’s curse—he had forgotten his own potential.

This is symbolic of the modern human condition:

We often sit in circles of self-doubt despite being fully capable.

The Moment of Awakening: Jambavan’s Role

It was the wise and aged Jambavan who stepped up—not to cross the ocean—but to awaken the sleeping lion within Hanumanji.

He gently reminded Hanumanji of who he was:

• The son of the Wind God
  
• The strongest among them
  
• The one born for missions like this
  
• The servant chosen by Lord Ram himself
  

These words rekindled something deep inside. A spark turned into fire.
Suddenly, Hanumanji remembered—his curse lifted. His posture changed, his chest expanded, and in one divine roar, he assumed his enormous form and soared across the ocean, powered by belief and devotion.

Your Inner Jambavan: The Power of Positive Affirmation

In our lives, too, we often sit back, doubting our own capabilities. We think:

• “I’m not good enough.”
  
• “What if I fail?”
  
• “I’m not as smart or talented as others.”
  

But all it takes is one moment, one mentor, one friend—a “Jambavan”—to remind us of who we are. And the moment we believe, we unlock our forgotten powers.

“You can’t do bigger than your belief.”

This story is not just about Hanumanji; it’s about YOU.

From Ordinary to Extraordinary: A Shift in Mindset

Before Jambavan’s reminder, Hanumanji sat like an ordinary vanar. After remembering his power, he soared like the divine avatar he truly was. This transition is one of the most motivating metaphors in spiritual literature.

The only difference? Belief.

How to Awaken Your Inner Hanumanji

1. Identify your Jambavans: Seek mentors, scriptures, or environments that uplift you.
   
2. Reaffirm your strengths: Reflect on what you’ve accomplished, what you’re good at.
   
3. Chant affirmations: Spiritual reminders like “I am a child of God. I am chosen for a mission.”
   
4. Serve with devotion: When service is your focus, fear disappears.
   
5. Visualize the leap: See yourself crossing your personal “oceans.”

3. Devotion Greater than Strength

While Hanumanji is admired for his unmatched strength, agility, and divine abilities, what truly makes him extraordinary is his unwavering devotion—his bhakti—for Lord Ram. His physical feats may inspire awe, but it’s his heart—filled with loyalty, surrender, and love—that makes him the greatest sevak in all of Hindu scriptures.

Bhakti Over Brawn: Hanumanji’s True Power

Hanumanji leapt over oceans, carried mountains, and defeated demons, but never once did he credit his strength. Instead, he always credited Lord Ram’s grace.

In fact, in Ramayan, every time he accomplished a miracle, Hanumanji would humbly say,

“By the grace of my Lord, this was possible.”

This is a powerful shift in mindset:
He did not see himself as the doer—he saw himself as an instrument.

That’s why God prefers bhaktas (devotees) over the mighty. Power can be dangerous in the hands of ego, but when wrapped in humility and service, it becomes divine.

What Made Hanumanji the Ideal Servant?

Let’s break down the traits that elevated Hanumanji from a powerful being to the most beloved sevak of the Supreme.

These virtues transformed every task into seva and every action into an act of divine love.

Why Devotion is More Powerful than Power

You might ask—what’s more powerful than lifting a mountain?
The answer: lifting a burden from your Lord’s heart.

When Lakshmanji was unconscious, Lord Ram’s heart was heavy with pain. Hanumanji didn’t just fetch the Sanjeevini herb—he restored hope to Lord Ram. His love, his urgency, and his willpower were fueled not by orders, but by devotion.

In many scriptures, it is said:

“A bhakta controls the heart of Bhagwan.”

Hanumanji didn’t win Lord Ram’s heart with muscles; he won it with selfless love. His devotion softened the divine, made the all-powerful Lord weep in joy, and earned him an immortal place in Ram’s heart.

Modern Parallel: Do You Serve With Devotion or Duty?

Many people do good deeds or “service” because they’re told to. But Hanumanji teaches us that only service born out of love transforms the soul.

Let’s compare two types of seva:

Ask yourself: Is your seva done with bhakti?
Whether you’re helping someone, leading a team, doing social work, or spiritual duties—bring Hanumanji’s spirit of love into it.

God Always Chooses the Devoted

Lord Ram had access to divine weapons, deities, and forces of the universe. Yet He chose a monkey—Hanumanji—for His most important missions.

Why?

Because Hanumanji’s heart was aligned with His.

“God doesn’t need the strongest. He needs the most surrendered.”Hanumanji didn’t serve for rewards, recognition, or roles. He served for Ram’s smile, and that made him more powerful than any army.

Visualize the leap: See yourself crossing your personal “oceans.”

4. Humility is the Highest Ornament

In a world obsessed with recognition, awards, and applause, Hanumanji stands out as a divine embodiment of humility. Despite performing superhuman feats that changed the course of the Ramayan, he never once sought attention, praise, or even acknowledgment. He served in silence, shined in surrender, and taught us all that true greatness hides itself in humility.

The Silent Hero of Ramayan

Think about it: Hanumanji crossed oceans, challenged mighty demons, set Lanka ablaze, and brought back the Sanjeevini mountain—all pivotal moments in Lord Ram’s journey. Yet, in none of these instances do we see Hanumanji boast.

Even after saving Lakshmanji’s life—an act that made every celestial being bow in reverence—Hanumanji stayed quiet. He didn’t run to Lord Ram and say, “Look what I did!”
He didn’t wait for garlands or thrones.
Instead, he stood humbly, his hands folded, eyes lowered, heart filled with only one thought:

“I am just a sevak—Ram is the doer.”

Sanatana Dharma’s Greatest Sevak

What makes Hanumanji the epitome of humility?

1. He never interrupted others to share his achievements.
   
2. He never thought he was irreplaceable—even though he was.
   
3. He bowed even after winning.
   
4. He saw Lord Ram as the source of all power—even though it flowed through him.
   

In one episode, after returning with Sitaji’s message from Lanka, he quietly handed the chudamani (jewel) from Sitaji to Lord Ram and sat down. He didn’t mention that he had fought Ravan’s army, burned the entire city, or delivered a bold warning to Ravan himself.

He simply said:

“Sitaji is waiting for you, my Lord.”

Now that’s humility.

The Modern Relevance of Hanumanji’s Humility

Today, we live in a time where self-promotion is everywhere. People want likes, shares, fame, and constant praise for the smallest contributions. But what if we lived like Hanumanji?

Let’s reflect with a table:

Imagine how peaceful, powerful, and purposeful our lives would be if we embraced this kind of humility. It would transform families, teams, spiritual communities, and even workplaces.

Why God Loves the Humble

Scriptures repeatedly state that God stays where humility resides. Even when God descends as an avatar, He favors those who:

• Don’t claim credit
  
• Don’t seek spotlight
  
• Don’t forget the source of their blessings
  

Lord Ram once told Hanumanji:

“I am forever indebted to you. But I cannot repay you, so I bless you with eternal life and devotion.”

He didn’t say this because Hanumanji was strong.
He said it because Hanumanji was surrendered.

That’s why Hanumanji is the only character from the Ramayan who still walks this Earth. Others completed their roles and ascended to Vaikunth. But Hanumanji stayed—by his choice—to keep serving.

How to Practice Hanumanji’s Humility

Here are a few ways we can apply his example:

• Do something good without telling anyone.
• Let others take credit sometimes—God sees everything.
• After success, thank God first, not just yourself.
• Fold your hands before you open your mouth.
• Never compare your seva with others.

5. The “Yes” Spirit of a True Sevak

If there’s one quality that defined every moment of Hanumanji’s service to Lord Ram, it’s this: He never said no. No matter the task, time, or terrain—Hanumanji always responded with unwavering enthusiasm and obedience. This mindset of complete surrender and positivity is what we call the “Yes Spirit”—and it’s one of the most divine traits a sevak can develop.

Never a ‘No’ in Hanumanji’s Dictionary

Throughout the Ramayan, we witness countless examples where Hanumanji was asked to do the impossible. Yet not once did he hesitate, complain, or question the logic behind the command. Whether it was:

• Leaping across the ocean
  
• Searching for Sitaji in enemy territory
  
• Bringing the Sanjeevini herb
  
• Entering the underworld to save Lord Ram
  

—Hanumanji simply responded,

“As you command, my Lord.”

It wasn’t blind obedience. It was devotional obedience—where logic and ego were willingly set aside to serve with love.

Seva is Not Optional—It’s a Privilege

In our lives, we often treat service (seva) as something we do when we “have time” or when it’s “convenient.” But Hanumanji saw seva as the ultimate privilege, the greatest opportunity a soul could receive.

He didn’t ask, “What’s in it for me?”
He asked, “Can I do more?”

That’s why Lord Ram never had to repeat instructions to Hanumanji. He trusted him completely—not just for his strength, but for his heart.

Signs of a True Sevak

Want to be like Hanumanji in your personal, professional, or spiritual life? Start by adopting these key traits:

These are not just bullet points—they are lifestyle markers of someone who lives to serve.

Why We Often Refuse Seva (And How to Fix It)

Let’s be honest—how often do we turn down opportunities to serve?

• “I’m tired.”
  
• “Let someone else do it.”
  
• “This isn’t my job.”
  
• “What will people think?”
  
• “I’ve already done enough.”
  

But Hanumanji shows us a higher path. He teaches that each act of service is a step closer to God.

“Seva is not a burden—it is the bridge to liberation.”

And yet, we happily attend parties, outings, and events, but drag our feet when it comes to spiritual or social service. Why? Because we forget that seva is the soul’s nourishment.

Developing the ‘Yes’ Spirit in Daily Life

Here are simple ways to adopt Hanumanji’s “Yes Spirit”:

1. Say yes immediately to seva opportunities (don’t overthink).
   
2. Start small—help clean, organize, guide others, or teach.
   
3. Volunteer joyfully in spiritual, community, or family work.
   
4. Turn every chore into seva by connecting it to a higher purpose.
   
5. Catch yourself when you’re about to refuse—and choose to serve.
   

Seva is the Shortcut to God’s Heart

Why does Lord Ram love Hanumanji so deeply?

Because Hanumanji’s “Yes” wasn’t just from the lips—it was from the soul. He lived to serve, and God lives where seva thrives.

This is why saints and scriptures emphasize:

“Don’t ask for God. Ask for seva—and you’ll find God in the process.”Hanumanji didn’t seek moksha, fame, or power. He only asked for more opportunities to serve. That’s why he became eternal.

6. Go Beyond the Job Description

One of the most striking qualities of Hanumanji’s service was that he never limited himself to what he was told. He didn’t just fulfill tasks—he anticipated needs, took responsibility, and thought creatively, going far beyond the call of duty. This mindset sets him apart as not just a sevak, but a visionary servant who acted with initiative, love, and foresight.

Assigned One Task, Accomplished Many

Let’s revisit the critical episode when Hanumanji was tasked with a simple, clear instruction:
“Go to Lanka and find Sitaji.”

He could have done just that—located her, confirmed her wellbeing, and returned. But what did Hanumanji actually do?

1. He crossed the ocean with faith and power.
   
2. He searched Lanka with stealth and strategy.
   
3. He identified Sitaji’s exact location and her condition.
   
4. He delivered Lord Ram’s message and received hers.
   
5. He assessed Lanka’s internal structure and military strength.
   
6. He boldly delivered a warning to Ravan.
   
7. He set Lanka ablaze—disrupting enemy morale.
   
8. He returned safely with valuable intelligence.
   

He was sent as a messenger. He came back as a warrior, strategist, and savior.

This story perfectly captures what it means to go beyond expectations.

Worker vs Sevak: The Subtle but Big Difference

Too often in life, we do only what’s “in the job description.” Whether at work, in relationships, or in spirituality—we limit ourselves to doing the bare minimum.

Hanumanji teaches us the power of thinking like a sevak, not a laborer.

The sevak doesn’t ask, “What do I get?”
He asks, “What does God need?”

Modern Application: How to Live Hanumanji’s Mindset

This approach isn’t just for divine missions—it’s for daily life.

In your job:

• Don’t just do what’s in your job profile—contribute ideas, help others grow, and take ownership.
  

In your home:

• Don’t just wait for instructions—see what needs attention and do it joyfully.
  

In seva:

• Don’t only respond when called—volunteer, initiate, and uplift others in the process.
  

In spiritual life:

• Don’t limit devotion to rituals—live your faith in every action, word, and thought.
  

The Blessing of Going the Extra Mile

When Hanumanji returned to Lord Ram, he didn’t brag about burning Lanka or scaring Ravan. He focused on what mattered—Sitaji’s message.

But Lord Ram saw everything, and with tears in His eyes, He embraced Hanumanji and said:

“Even if I live for thousands of years, I cannot repay your debt.”

Why such a deep blessing?

Because Hanumanji understood the heart of the mission, not just the words of the command.

What Stops Us From Doing More?

Let’s examine why we sometimes hesitate to go beyond:

• Fear of making mistakes
  
• Waiting for validation
  
• Avoiding extra effort
  
• Not seeing the bigger picture
  
• Lack of inner connection with purpose
  

But once you shift your mindset to serving with love, these barriers disappear. You begin to act from a space of inspiration, not instruction.

What You Can Do Starting Today

1. Look for unspoken needs—whether in family, work, or temple.
   
2. Offer to help before being asked.
   
3. Do more than expected—and do it silently.
   
4. Treat every task as if God assigned it.
   
5. Add excellence and devotion to ordinary duties.

7. Emotions Must Serve Dharma

Hanumanji is known for his courage, strength, and unmatched devotion—but one of the most powerful lessons he teaches us is how to control emotions and stay aligned with dharma, even in emotionally overwhelming moments.

He wasn’t emotionless—he felt deeply. But he never let emotion override obedience or duty. This balance between heart and discipline is one of the noblest traits of a true sevak.

The Ashok Vatika Dilemma: When Emotions Were Tested

When Hanumanji reached Lanka, he discovered that Sitaji was imprisoned in Ashok Vatika, guarded by demons and constantly pressured by Ravan to accept him as her husband. Sitting on a tree above, Hanumanji watched this horrific scene unfold.

Ravan threatened Sitaji, boasted about his power, and tried to break her spirit. Hanumanji, burning with rage, clenched his fists. He had the strength to jump down, fight the guards, and rescue Sitaji right then and there.

But he didn’t.

Why?

Because Lord Ram had given him one simple instruction:

“Find Sitaji and bring me her message.”

Hanumanji was furious. He was emotional. But he was also disciplined. He remembered his dharma—to serve his Lord’s will, not his own impulse.

Obedience Over Emotion: The Mark of a True Sevak

In today’s world, emotions often run high. Anger, anxiety, fear, and grief are natural—but they should not dictate our decisions. Hanumanji teaches us that:

Feeling is not the problem. Acting without dharma is.

He shows us that even when you have the strength to take matters into your own hands, you must first ask—Is this what God wants?

How Hanumanji Made Contact with Sitaji

Instead of leaping into battle, Hanumanji made a wise, emotionally intelligent decision.

• He waited until nightfall.
  
• He dropped Lord Ram’s ring near Sitaji.
  
• The ring created a divine sound as it touched the ground.
  
• Sitaji recognized it instantly—it was Ram’s ring.
  

That ring carried more weight than a thousand warriors. It gave her hope, assurance, and strength.

Then Hanumanji revealed himself in the form of a vanar. Sitaji was cautious, fearing it was another illusion by Ravan. Hanumanji then transformed into his original divine form. Only then did Sitaji believe that this vanar was no ordinary monkey—he was the messenger of her beloved Lord Ram.

Hanumanji let wisdom guide his heart.

Modern Reflections: Emotions in the Age of Reactions

In a world full of instant reactions—on social media, in relationships, at work—Hanumanji’s restraint and emotional control are a breath of fresh air.

Here’s how most of us react vs. how Hanumanji would respond:

Discipline in the Midst of Emotion

This episode in Ashok Vatika shows us that discipline is a form of devotion. Even when he had every reason to act, Hanumanji submitted to divine command.

How many times have we let anger break relationships?
Or fear stop us from serving?
Or emotions cloud our judgment?

Hanumanji reminds us that your emotion is only divine when it flows through the filter of dharma.

Practical Ways to Practice This Today

1. Before reacting, ask yourself: Is this action aligned with God’s will or just my ego?
   
2. Breathe when emotions rise: Spiritual breathwork helps regulate impulses.
   
3. Stick to your values even when it’s hard.
   
4. Remember your higher purpose: Let it guide your emotional responses.
   
5. Channel emotion into action for good.

8. God Sometimes Steps Back for You to Step Up

One of the most profound and humbling truths in spiritual life is this: sometimes God allows Himself to appear “powerless” so that His devotees can rise in service. This is not a sign of divine weakness—it is an opportunity for us to grow. Hanumanji’s life beautifully illustrates this concept in one of the most dramatic episodes of the Ramayan.

The Ahiravan Episode: When God Needed Saving

During the war in Lanka, one night while everyone, including Lord Ram and Lakshman, was fast asleep, a powerful sorcerer demon named Ahiravan appeared. Using illusion, he kidnapped both brothers and took them to the Netherworld (Patala). There, he prepared to offer them as a sacrifice to a dark goddess, thinking this would bring him victory.

Hanumanji, ever alert, soon realized something was wrong. Sensing the absence of Lord Ram and Lakshmanji, he searched tirelessly, following mystical energies until he discovered their location.

Now, imagine this:
The all-powerful Lord Himself was tied up, lying helplessly before a demon. He didn’t break free. He didn’t fight back. Why?

Because this was Hanumanji’s moment.

God’s “Failure” Was Devotee’s Success

When Hanumanji arrived, he unleashed his full might, destroyed Ahiravan, and rescued both Ram and Lakshman from the underworld.

But here’s the divine mystery:
Could Lord Ram have freed Himself?
Of course. He’s Bhagwan.
But He didn’t—because He wanted Hanumanji to serve.

God stepped back so His sevak could step forward.

This wasn’t just a rescue mission. It was a moment of divine trust, where Hanumanji was given a chance to display his love, courage, and surrender.

“God Fails for My Success” – A Sevak’s Outlook

Hanumanji never came back boasting, “I saved Lord Ram!”
Instead, his heart whispered:

“My Lord chose not to act so I could serve. He failed—for my success.”

This is the highest level of seva mindset—a heart that believes:

• “God could have done it, but He wanted me to have the joy of doing it.”
  
• “My weakness and my strength both are His blessings.”
  
• “When God doesn’t act, He’s inviting me to.”
  

Such humility makes the sevak feel indebted even in moments of glory.

Why Does God Step Back in Our Lives?

Have you ever felt like your prayers weren’t answered?
Or that God let you go through something difficult?

Maybe… just maybe…
He was stepping back, so you could grow.

Hanumanji teaches us to see these moments as divine setups, not setbacks.

The Opportunity Hidden in Crisis

The Ahiravan story is a metaphor for many things in life:

• Your family may face a crisis—step up like Hanumanji.
  
• A leader may falter—don’t criticize; rise and help.
  
• In temple or community, work may be undone—don’t wait, serve silently.
  

You may think, “But I’m not qualified.”
Hanumanji could’ve said the same.
But he chose faith over fear.
He chose seva over doubt.

How to Embrace God’s Trust

1. When God seems absent, become present.
   
2. When you feel unworthy, remember Hanumanji.
   
3. Don’t question why you were chosen—just say “Yes”.
   
4. Offer the fruits of action back to God, not your ego.
   
5. Always see service as a divine trust, not a task.
   

When God gives you the chance to help—even in tough times—know that it’s because He trusts your heart.

9. Be Creatively Devotional

Devotion doesn’t mean routine. It doesn’t mean blind repetition or passive obedience. Hanumanji’s life teaches us that true bhakti (devotion) is dynamic, creative, and solution-oriented. In moments of crisis, his actions reflected not just strength, but also extraordinary wisdom and innovation—all guided by love for his Lord.

Let’s explore one of the most famous stories in the Ramayan that highlights this creative devotion: The Sanjeevini Mountain episode.

The Crisis: Lakshmanji’s Life in Danger

During the fierce battle in Lanka, Lakshmanji was critically injured by a powerful weapon from Ravan’s son, Meghnad. He fell unconscious, and all efforts to revive him failed.

A divine physician was called in and declared:

“Only one herb from the Himalayas can save him—Sanjeevini.”

Time was running out. The herb had to be brought before sunrise, or Lakshmanji would lose his life.

Hanumanji Takes Flight—With Faith and Speed

Without hesitation, Hanumanji leapt into the sky and flew to the Himalayas. He was determined, focused, and spiritually charged. But when he reached the mountain, he faced an unexpected challenge:

He couldn’t identify the Sanjeevini herb.

Think about this moment:

• He was on a divine mission.
  
• A great warrior’s life depended on him.
  
• Time was running out.
  
• And he was stuck.
  

Many would have panicked or returned for help.
But not Hanumanji.

The Solution: Bring the Whole Mountain

In a flash of genius and devotion, Hanumanji lifted the entire mountain and carried it across the sky back to the battlefield.

“If I can’t find the solution, I’ll bring everything that contains it.”

This was not just strength—it was divinely inspired problem-solving. It was creative bhakti in action.

Lessons in Out-of-the-Box Thinking from Hanumanji

This episode is a masterclass in how to combine:

• Urgency with calmness
  
• Power with humility
  
• Limitations with solutions
  

Let’s break it down:

This is what happens when your heart is aligned with seva—your mind opens up to new solutions.

Devotion is Creative When It’s Driven by Love

Hanumanji wasn’t trying to impress anyone. He didn’t care how ridiculous it might seem to carry an entire mountain. His only goal was to serve—and he did it with innovation and urgency.

This story inspires us to ask:

• Where in life am I stuck waiting for the “perfect” answer?
  
• Where can I act with creativity instead of waiting?
  
• What can I do differently if I truly cared enough to serve?
  

Apply This Mindset in Daily Life

1. At work:
   Faced with tight deadlines or missing information? Think like Hanumanji—solve first, perfect later.
   
2. In family or seva:
   If the usual way doesn’t work, try something new. Devotion allows flexibility, not rigidity.
   
3. In spiritual practice:
   If you’re bored or disconnected in your sadhana, change the way you connect. Sing, dance, write, or serve—bhakti has no boundaries.
   
4. In helping others:
   Go beyond the “expected” method. Do what helps, not just what’s traditional

10. Joyful Seva Requires Unshakable Faith

One of the most striking characteristics of Hanumanji throughout the Ramayan is his unshakeable joy. Unlike many other characters, who experience extreme highs and lows—crying in sorrow, raging in anger, or breaking under pressure—Hanumanji remains remarkably balanced, always joyful, peaceful, and filled with enthusiasm.

The secret to this? Unshakable faith in Lord Ram.

The Only Character Who Never Cried

In the epic narrative of the Ramayan, we witness:

• Sitaji’s tears in Ashok Vatika
  
• Lord Ram’s grief when separated from Sitaji
  
• Lakshmanji’s rage on the battlefield
  
• Sugreev’s insecurity
  
• Even Vibhishan’s emotional turmoil
  

But Hanumanji?
He never cried. He never lost composure. He never complained.

Why?

Because he had absolute faith in two things:

1. Every situation is part of Lord Ram’s plan.
   
2. Every outcome is a blessing—whether strength or weakness.
   

This faith gave him a spiritual anchor—one that kept him steady during storms.

Faith in Ram = Freedom from Disturbance

Hanumanji understood something many of us forget:

“If I succeed—it’s by Lord Ram’s grace. If I fail—it’s still Lord Ram’s will.”

This perspective freed him from:

• Worry about results
  
• Fear of failure
  
• Desire for credit
  
• Comparison with others
  

Whether he was flying over oceans, entering enemy territory, or bringing back a mountain, he did it with total trust and inner joy.

That’s why he didn’t need praise to feel proud, or outcomes to feel fulfilled.
His happiness came not from success, but from serving his Lord.

Modern Life Needs Hanumanji’s Faith

Today, many of us are constantly anxious—about careers, relationships, exams, finances, social status. Even when we’re doing good things, we do them under pressure, not peace.

Hanumanji teaches us to flip that mindset:

When seva is done with faith, it becomes light and blissful. You don’t burn out—you burn bright.

Seeing Both Strength and Weakness as Gifts

Hanumanji never took ownership of his powers. He saw his strength as a blessing and his weaknesses as opportunities to rely more on Ram.

Even in moments of doubt or challenge, he never thought, “Why me?” Instead, he thought:

“Whatever my Lord gives me—He will help me through it.”

This attitude kept him joyful through:

• Sleepless missions
  
• Impossible deadlines
  
• Life-threatening dangers
  
• Thankless work
  

And yet, he smiled, served, and surrendered.

How to Practice Joyful Seva in Your Life

1. Remind yourself daily: “I am serving God through this work.”
   
2. Don’t expect applause: Trust that the divine is watching.
   
3. Smile even in difficulty: It’s your offering, not your burden.
   
4. See every task as sacred: Even cleaning, organizing, or guiding is seva.
   
5. Keep your focus on the bigger picture: Seva is not about results—it’s about connection.
   

11. Seva is the Reward for Seva

Hanumanji’s story reveals an eternal truth: True servants of God don’t serve for rewards—they serve because seva itself is the reward. For them, no title, throne, or trophy is greater than the joy of simply being in God’s service.

One of the most touching moments in the Ramayan happens after the war is over. Lord Ram, having defeated Ravan, is now returning to Ayodhya. The mission is complete. Rewards and roles are being distributed. It’s time to celebrate.

But Hanumanji? He asks for nothing—except the opportunity to continue serving.

When Everyone Took Positions, Hanumanji Chose Service

After returning from Lanka, Lord Ram began assigning roles:

• Sugreev was reinstated as king of the Vanars.
  
• Vibhishan was crowned king of Lanka.
  
• Angad was praised for his bravery.
  
• Many others received honors and positions.
  

Then, Lord Ram turned to Hanumanji. Surely, He would offer him a kingdom or a divine title. But Hanumanji bowed deeply and said:

“My Lord, I do not seek any post. If you permit me, I ask for one small seva—that whenever you yawn, I may snap my fingers before you.”

A simple act. A humble request. Yet it carried the weight of his heart.

The Heart of a Sevak: No Desire for Greatness

This moment speaks volumes about Hanumanji’s character:

• He didn’t want fame
  
• He didn’t want credit
  
• He didn’t even want moksha
  

He wanted more opportunities to serve, even in the smallest, unnoticed ways.

He didn’t see seva as a means to an end.
He saw seva as the end itself.

This is what makes Hanumanji the gold standard of devotion—his soul was wired not for rewards, but for continuous offering.

The Deep Meaning Behind the Snap

Why snap his fingers when Lord Ram yawns?

It may seem trivial, but it reveals something powerful:

• He wanted to be constantly alert, even in the most mundane moments.
  
• He wanted permission to stay near his Lord, even without being needed.
  
• He found joy in the smallest duties, knowing that every act of love matters.
  

This story shows us that true bhakti has no ego—it just wants to be close to God, in any form, at any time.

Modern Relevance: What Do We Seek from Seva?

Let’s be honest. Many times, we:

• Want recognition for our service
  
• Feel bad when not acknowledged
  
• Seek positions or power in spiritual or social spaces
  
• Compare our service with others’
  

But Hanumanji reminds us that real seva is invisible, unconditional, and ongoing.

When God Becomes Your Reward

Hanumanji’s mindset teaches us that when God becomes your reward, seva becomes your joy.

You don’t look for payment.
You don’t stop after success.
You don’t serve with condition.
You serve with celebration.

That’s why, even today, Hanumanji continues to walk the Earth—not because he has to, but because he asked to.

He chose seva over salvation, and God gave him both.

Living This in Our Own Lives

1. Ask for more seva, not more praise.
   
2. Let go of “position” mentality—serve in any capacity.
   
3. Find meaning in small, quiet actions.
   
4. Measure your success by inner joy, not outer applause.
   
5. Choose continued contribution over resting on past efforts.

12. Who Lives in Your Heart

Among the many unforgettable stories from Hanumanji’s life, one stands out as a breathtaking expression of pure, selfless devotion—the moment when Hanumanji literally tears open his chest to show who resides in his heart.

This story is not just dramatic—it’s deeply symbolic. It reveals the depth of Hanumanji’s love, the intensity of his bhakti, and his ultimate identity as the eternal servant of Lord Ram and Sitaji.

The Story: Hanumanji and the Pearl Necklace

After the battle of Lanka was won and peace was restored, Sitaji, overwhelmed with gratitude, gifted Hanumanji a beautiful pearl necklace. It was her way of honoring his unmatched service.

Hanumanji, with folded hands, accepted it. But then, to everyone’s surprise, he began examining each pearl, holding them to his ear, looking inside them, and even biting some of them.

The onlookers were confused and irritated. “What are you doing?” they asked.
Hanumanji calmly replied:

“I am looking for Lord Ram inside these pearls. If He is not there, then what value do they have for me?”

Some mocked him for being superstitious or disrespectful.
One asked, “Does Lord Ram live inside everything you touch?”

Hanumanji smiled… and in that moment of divine madness, he tore open his chest.

What they saw left them speechless.

Inside his chest, glowing with divine light, were the sacred images of Lord Ram and Sitaji, seated in his heart—alive, radiant, eternal.

What This Story Teaches Us

This moment teaches us something profoundly personal:

We are not what we wear, achieve, or show—we are what we hold in our hearts.

Hanumanji didn’t just love Lord Ram.
He didn’t just serve Him.
He made Lord Ram his soul’s resident.

In a world obsessed with external achievements, Hanumanji reminds us:
Your inner world is your true identity.

Who Truly Lives in Your Heart?

It’s a question worth asking ourselves:

• Do we hold God in our heart—or just on our lips?
  
• Do we remember Him in joy as much as we do in pain?
  
• Is our devotion constant—or occasional and convenient?
  

Hanumanji’s chest wasn’t just a metaphor. It was a spiritual declaration:

“I am not Hanuman. I am the servant of Lord Ram. My heart is His home.”

The Symbolism of the Open Chest

Let’s understand the layers of this powerful act:

No arguments, philosophies, or rituals can match the force of visible bhakti. That’s why saints say:
“Devotion must become your very heartbeat.”

Bringing This Devotion Into Your Life

You don’t have to tear your chest open—but you can open your heart.

1. Start your day remembering God. Not as a routine, but as a reunion.
   
2. Repeat the divine name with love, not as a ritual but as relationship.
   
3. Serve without ego—every act of seva is like placing God deeper into your heart.
   
4. Speak to God throughout the day—keep Him company in your thoughts.
   

Let go of grudges, pride, and distractions—make space for the divine to dwell within.

13. Hanumanji: The Eternal Sevak

Most divine characters in the Ramayan concluded their earthly roles and returned to their celestial abodes. But not Hanumanji. When Lord Ram’s mission on Earth came to an end and the vanaras began ascending to Vaikunth (the divine realm), Hanumanji made a request that once again reflected the depth of his devotion and the timelessness of his seva.

The Final Seva Request

As Lord Ram was preparing to conclude His divine leela on Earth, many vanar warriors and devotees ascended along with Him. But Hanumanji approached Lord Ram with folded hands and said:

“My Lord, I have but one request: Let me stay on Earth so I may continue to serve You by serving Your devotees.”

This was not an ordinary plea. It came from the deepest well of bhakti—from someone who didn’t want rest, reward, or retirement.

Hanumanji wasn’t interested in enjoying divine luxuries in Vaikunth.
He wanted to stay in the muddy, chaotic, ever-challenging Earth—because this is where God’s mission continues.

God Grants Immortality Through Seva

Lord Ram, moved by Hanumanji’s love, granted his wish:

“So long as My name is chanted, and My katha is told on Earth, you shall live here—unseen, but always present—serving My devotees.”

And with that, Hanumanji became Chiranjivi—immortal. Not just in the body, but in purpose.

• He didn’t retire.
  
• He didn’t disappear.
  
• He became eternal.
  

He transformed from a servant of God into a guardian of devotion, walking among us, unseen yet always active.

Where is Hanumanji Today?

Scriptures and saints agree:
Hanumanji is still alive—wherever Ram Katha is recited, wherever bhakti is practiced, wherever seva is done with love.

He is there:

• In the heart of a mother praying for her child
  
• In the hands of a volunteer feeding the hungry
  
• In the footsteps of a devotee walking to temple
  
• In the chants of “Ram naam” echoing in the air
  

He is not just a historical character—he is a living presence, continuing his mission.

What It Means to Be an Eternal Sevak

Hanumanji could’ve chosen liberation (moksha)—freedom from birth and death.
But he chose service over salvation.
He chose presence over peace.
He chose to stay in the world—not to enjoy it, but to uplift it.

This is the highest form of spiritual maturity—where your desire is no longer for personal enlightenment, but for perpetual usefulness in God’s mission.

Living the Eternal Sevak Spirit Today

You don’t need to be immortal to serve forever. You just need the mindset of Hanumanji:

1. See service as eternal—even if your time is temporary.
   
2. Attach yourself to God’s mission, not your personal milestones.
   
3. Help people not for applause—but because it helps God’s plan.
   
4. Stay spiritually available. Even when no one sees, God sees.
   
5. Wherever there is devotion, show up with action.

14. How to Apply Hanumanji’s Compass Today

Hanumanji’s life isn’t just an epic tale—it’s a practical guide to living with purpose, power, and peace. His 12 directions, drawn from his deepest values and actions, are timeless spiritual tools. But how do we bring those directions into our 21st-century lives?

The truth is—you don’t have to be a vanar or a warrior to live like Hanumanji. You just need a heart willing to serve, a mind committed to faith, and actions aligned with higher values.

Let’s walk through how to apply Hanumanji’s Compass in today’s fast-paced, often chaotic world.

Direction 1: Power With Purpose

• Identify your strengths (skills, talents, resources).
  
• Use them to uplift others, not just yourself.
  
• Avoid using talent for ego or manipulation—channel it into contribution.

✍️ Modern Application: Turn your job, business, or hobbies into tools for service.

Direction 2: Believe in Your Inner Power

• Doubting yourself limits God’s work through you.
  
• Surround yourself with “Jambavans”—mentors who see your potential.
  
• Affirm your strengths daily.

✍️ Modern Application: Practice self-belief. Start before you feel fully ready.

Direction 3: Let Devotion Drive You

• Let your service be fueled by love, not duty.
  
• Connect tasks to a higher purpose.

✍️ Modern Application: Serve your family, team, or cause as if serving God.

Direction 4: Practice Humility Silently

• Do great things, but stay grounded.
  
• Let others speak of your actions—don’t self-promote.

✍️ Modern Application: Don’t seek applause. Seek inner satisfaction.

Direction 5: Say “Yes” to Seva

• Don’t hesitate when asked to help.
  
• Volunteer where help is needed.

✍️ Modern Application: Be the first to raise your hand for tough jobs.

Direction 6: Go Beyond Expectations

• Don’t just finish tasks—add excellence and insight.
  
• Be proactive, not reactive.

✍️ Modern Application: Don’t wait for instructions—create value with initiative.

Direction 7: Emotions Must Serve Dharma

• Don’t let anger, jealousy, or sadness guide your decisions.
  
• Stay grounded in your principles.

✍️ Modern Application: In tough moments, pause and act from purpose—not reaction.

Direction 8: Seva Is Hidden in Struggles

• When things go wrong, ask: “How can I serve here?”
  
• See setbacks as divine setups.

✍️ Modern Application: Take leadership in crisis—with calm and care.

Direction 9: Use Creativity in Devotion

• Bhakti doesn’t mean boring repetition—it’s dynamic.
  
• Think creatively when solving problems or serving others.
  

✍️ Modern Application: Innovate in how you care, teach, give, and serve.

Direction 10: Serve with Faith and Joy

• Know that God sees your efforts, even if no one else does.
  
• Trust that success and failure both serve your growth.

✍️ Modern Application: Keep smiling while serving—make faith your fuel.

Direction 11: Let Seva Be Its Own Reward

• Don’t ask, “What will I get?”
  
• Ask, “What more can I give?”

✍️ Modern Application: Detach from results, stay rooted in giving.

Direction 12: Let God Live in Your Heart

• Meditate on God’s name daily.
  
• Invite the divine into every thought, emotion, and decision.

✍️ Modern Application: Carry God like a heartbeat—not a weekend hobby.

Living Hanumanji’s Compass in Relationships

• Be a sevak in your relationships—serve without keeping score.
  
• Be emotionally stable—don’t react, respond with kindness.
  
• Be reliable—do more than expected.

Living Hanumanji’s Compass in Work

• Approach your job as service.
  
• Focus on excellence, not entitlement.
  
• Help your team succeed—be the Jambavan for others.

Living Hanumanji’s Compass in Spirituality

• Don’t chase mystical experiences—chase genuine service.
  
• Do daily puja with presence, not pressure.

Read Ram Katha, chant His name, and serve His devotees.

15. Bonus Wisdom: The Sevak’s Ideology

Beyond the stories, the miracles, and the leelas, Hanumanji lived by a powerful inner philosophy—an unshakable code of belief that shaped every thought, action, and moment of his existence. This wasn’t written in any book. It was written in his heart.

Let’s call this “The Sevak’s Ideology”—the final gem in Hanumanji’s Compass for a Meaningful Life.

A Sevak’s Beliefs – Hanumanji’s Core Philosophy

1. Problems Signify Opportunities
   Hanumanji never backed down from a challenge. Whether it was crossing the ocean or fighting demons, he saw every problem as a chance to serve and grow.
   
   “Where others see obstacles, a sevak sees a call from God.”
   
2. My Failure Is My God’s Failure
   He believed that his success was for Lord Ram’s glory, and if he failed, it wasn’t just his burden—it was his Lord’s burden too. This created a deep sense of shared responsibility and intimacy with God.
   
   “I am not alone. My mission is God’s mission.”
   
3. Nothing Is Impossible by the Grace of God
   When others hesitated, Hanumanji leaped—literally and spiritually. Why? Because his confidence wasn’t in himself, but in God’s infinite power.
   
   “I am small, but God is vast. I leap through Him.”
   
4. Hides from Credit, Rises for Responsibility
   Hanumanji never advertised his service. He never told his success stories. But he always showed up for tough tasks, quietly, joyfully, wholeheartedly.
   
   “Let others speak of me. I will keep speaking of Him.”
   
5. The Fruit of Seva Is Another Seva
   Hanumanji never asked for retirement. He never said “I’ve done enough.” Even after saving lives and burning Lanka, he said,
   
   “Let me snap my fingers when You yawn.”
   
   That’s the heart of a true sevak—always ready, never entitled.
   

The Sevak’s Ideology in Action

How You Can Live the Sevak’s Ideology

• Choose contribution over credit.
  
• Step forward when others step back.
  
• Turn every routine task into a divine offering.
  
• Trust that God sees even what others don’t.
  
• Celebrate seva—without seeking applause.
  

🕉️ Final Quote to Reflect:
“I am Hanuman—not because of my strength, but because I serve, I love, and I never stop.”

✅ Conclusion: Let Hanumanji’s Compass Guide Your Journey

Hanumanji’s life is more than a tale—it’s a living template for how to walk with strength, serve with devotion, and live with love. In his every leap, whisper, roar, and silence, lies a direction pointing toward divinity.

By following these 12 directions, embracing his eternal mindset, and living the Sevak’s Ideology, you too can unlock a meaningful, powerful, and purposeful life—one that pleases God and uplifts the world.

So whenever you feel lost, ask yourself:
👉 What would Hanumanji do?
Then do it with love, loyalty, and limitless faith.

Let us walk you through this ancient yet timeless secret that holds the power to transform your destiny and help you live the life you truly deserve.

🌱 What is Destiny?

Destiny refers to the events and outcomes that unfold in our lives — things we often believe are
beyond our control. It’s like a script written by a higher force, determining:

● Where we are born
● Our physical traits
● Our family environment
● Financial situation
● Life opportunities and challenges

But is it really unchangeable?

⚖️ The Law of Karma: The Real Architect of Destiny

The law of karma is a fundamental principle of life, deeply rooted in Hindu philosophy. It means that every action has consequences — good or bad.

“As you sow, so shall you reap.”

If you do good deeds with selfless intentions, you accumulate good karma, which leads to blessings and peace. If you engage in wrongdoings or selfish acts, you create bad karma, which invites pain, loss, and misfortune.

Understanding karma is the first step in understanding how to change bad destiny. Destiny is the result of past karma— from this life or previous ones.

🎯 Is Our Destiny Fixed or Can We Change It?

Many people believe that destiny is rigid and unchangeable — like an arrow already shot. Once released, the arrow cannot be recalled, just as a person cannot undo their birth and the basic structure of their life.

Another way to understand destiny is to compare it to a preloaded bank balance. When we take birth, God deposits a certain balance of:

● Joy and sorrow
● Success and struggle
● Health and sickness
● Love and loss

This balance gets used up over our lifetime. For example, if someone eats too many sweets, they develop diabetes. Even if they want to enjoy sweets later, their body won’t allow it. That’s how destiny limits us when we overstep the boundaries set by our karma.

But here’s the game-changer: While the past cannot be changed, the future can be reshaped.

🔑 The Secret to Changing Destiny: Two Powerful Keys

Changing destiny is possible through spiritual transformation. Two major forces play a powerful role:

1.Taking Refuge in God (Surrender & Devotion)

Complete surrender to God isn’t about abandoning responsibility — it’s about trusting divine wisdom while staying devoted.

Here’s how you can change your fate by taking refuge in God:

● Worship one God with full faith throughout life.
● Follow Panch Vartaman (Five basic vows in Swaminarayan tradition).
● Live by the commands of God, not by personal convenience.
● Stay loyal and dedicated, even in challenging times.

📖 Short Story: The King’s Adopted Son
There was an old king, 80 years of age, who had no heir. He declared that whoever entered the palace first the next day would become his adopted son and future king.

A poor orphan boy happened to walk in first. From that moment, his entire destiny changed — he became the prince of the kingdom. This boy had no wealth or family, yet one decision changed everything.

Similarly, when we surrender to God, He takes full responsibility for us. Our life begins to transform in unimaginable ways.

“Respect all Gods but worship only one for life” is a vital spiritual principle.
Confused devotion dilutes spiritual energy, while focused devotion unlocks grace.”

2.The Grace of an Ekantik Saint

Who is an Ekantik Saint? One who is:

● Fully detached from worldly desires (Nishkam)
● Deeply devoted to one God (Ekantik Bhakti)
● Free from ego
● Always engaged in the welfare of souls

Their grace is like divine sunlight — it melts karmic blocks and helps change the course of life.

📖 Inspiring Story: The Transformation of Bawla

Nearly 200 years ago in Junagadh, saints including Gunatitanand Swamiji and Krupanand Swamiji were traveling through the forest during winter. They needed fire to survive the cold but had no wood.

A Muslim woodcutter woman asked her young son to offer their firewood to the saints — without expecting anything in return.

This boy, named Bawla, obeyed his mother and provided the wood, helping Swamiji recover. Deeply pleased, Gunatitanand Swamiji blessed the boy and told him, “When the King of Junagadh gives you a proposal, accept it.”

Years later, the king saw Bawla’s sister during a royal procession and decided to marry her. Remembering the saint’s words, Bawla accepted the proposal.

After the marriage, Bawla was made Prime Minister of the province, and his name changed to Bahauddin. From a poor boy to a powerful leader — all because of the grace of an Ekantik Saint.

Today, Junagadh’s Bahauddin College still bears his name.

✅ How to Earn the Grace of an Ekantik Saint:

● Develop deep attachment, like a family member.
● Perform nishkam seva (selfless service) with love.
● Follow the saint’s words and wishes in your life.
● Serve consistently and with humility.
“Even when we falter in our devotion, their blessings can uplift us.”

💡 Modern-Day Example: Dhirubhai Babariya

A real-life example of spiritual transformation is Dhirubhai Babariya. He studied in Shree Swaminarayan Gurukul Rajkot for just six months but developed a lifelong bond with Shastriji Maharaj.

Today, he is a great donor and spiritual ambassador, spreading the values of the Swaminarayan Sampraday worldwide. His pious giving and moral living are a testament to the power of association with saints.

🔍 Final Reflection: What’s Missing in Your Life?

Changing destiny doesn’t require miracles — it requires awareness, surrender, and spiritual action.
Ask yourself:

● Am I truly devoted to one God?
● Have I surrendered completely or only partially?
● Do I have the guidance and blessings of an Ekantik Saint?
● Do I perform selfless service?
● Am I living for my ego or divine purpose?

Your past may shape your present, but your present actions will shape your future.

📌 10 Key Takeaways to Change Your Bad Destiny:

In the fast-paced world we live in, it’s easy to overlook the profound impact that reading good books and scriptures can have on our lives. As Swaminarayan devotees, we understand the importance of spiritual and intellectual growth. This week, we’ll explore the power of reading and how developing this habit can enhance academic performance and positively influence our behavior and personality.

The Importance of Reading Good Books

Reading is not just about flipping through pages; it’s an immersive experience that enriches our minds and souls. Good books, whether classical literature, modern fiction, or religious scriptures, provide us with knowledge, wisdom, and a deeper understanding of the world. Here’s how the power of reading can benefit us:

Enhanced Cognitive Skills: The power of reading stimulates our brain, improves our vocabulary, and strengthens our comprehension skills. This cognitive stimulation is directly linked to better academic performance, as it helps us grasp complex concepts and retain information more effectively.

Improved Focus and Concentration: In an age of distractions, reading requires us to focus and concentrate. This practice can significantly improve our attention span, which is crucial for excelling in our studies.

Critical Thinking and Analytical Skills: Engaging with diverse genres and subjects fosters critical thinking. It encourages us to question, analyze, and form opinions, which are essential skills for academic success.

Stress Reduction: The power of reading has a calming effect on the mind. It provides an escape from daily pressures and helps reduce stress. A relaxed mind is more capable of learning and retaining new information.

The Spiritual Dimension: Reading Scriptures

For Swaminarayan devotees, reading scriptures is a cornerstone of our spiritual practice. The Vachanamrut, Shikshapatri, and other sacred texts offer timeless wisdom and moral guidance. Here’s how the power of reading scriptures benefits us:

Moral and Ethical Guidance: Scriptures instill strong moral values and ethical principles. They teach us about righteousness, compassion, and humility, which shape our character and behavior.

Inner Peace and Clarity: Regular reading of scriptures brings inner peace and mental clarity. It helps us navigate life’s challenges with a calm and composed mind.

Purpose and Direction: Scriptures provide us with a sense of purpose and direction. They remind us of our duties and responsibilities, guiding us on the path of dharma (righteousness).

Community and Connection: Reading and discussing scriptures with fellow devotees strengthens our sense of community. It fosters a sense of belonging and collective growth.

Practical Tips to Develop a Reading Habit

The power of reading can be fully realized when we make it a regular part of our lives. Here are some practical tips to help you develop a reading habit:

Set Aside Time: Dedicate a specific time each day for reading. Consistency is key to developing a habit.

Create a Reading Space: Find a quiet and comfortable place to read, free from distractions.

Start Small: Begin with short books or scriptures. Gradually increase the complexity and length as you build your reading stamina.

Join a Book Club or Study Group: Engage with others who share your interest in reading. This can provide motivation and new perspectives.

Reflect and Apply: After reading, take time to reflect on what you’ve learned and think about how you can apply it to your life.

Embracing the Power of Reading

Developing a habit of reading good books and scriptures is a transformative journey. The power of reading not only enhances our academic performance but also shapes our behavior and personality in profound ways. As Swaminarayan devotees, let us embrace the wisdom of our scriptures and the knowledge from great books to lead a life of excellence and virtue.

May we all be inspired to cultivate a lifelong love for reading and learning, harnessing the power of reading to enrich both our minds and souls.

This teaching underscores the vital role of the guru as a divine representative of God on earth. In the Swaminarayan tradition, the importance of the guru is eloquently highlighted in the Vachanāmrut. Swaminarayan Bhagwan has extolled the greatness of the guru on numerous occasions.

Muktanand Swami beautifully translates this sentiment, expressing:

This sentiment reflects the ultimate dedication and reverence a true devotee holds for the guru, recognizing the guru as the highest form of spiritual connection and guidance.

In everyday life, when a new car is purchased or a new house is built, people are eager to show and praise it to their relatives and friends, proudly saying, “See, we have bought a new car.” However, Shree Krishna Bhagwan states that if there is something truly worthy of praise, then that is my saints.

God Himself has described the immense glory of gurus. Niskulanand Swami has extensively detailed the characteristics of such saints. It is not only their greatness that is described but also their traits. When we purchase a new car, we receive a manual detailing how to care for it. Similarly, our scriptures have provided the characteristics of gurus. Brahmanand Swami succinctly stated in one of his kirtans:

The greatest and most vital role of the guru is to introduce God. Maharaj has given our Paramhansas the title:

This suggests that my Paramhansas should emulate Jad Bharat. Jad Bharat was an Avdhut Yogi and Avdhut Paramhans.

Understanding the Avdhut

An Avdhut is one who does not introduce himself but only introduces God. If one introduces himself, he cannot be called an Avdhut. This selfless nature of the Avdhut embodies the highest level of spiritual humility and dedication.

The Role of True Guru in Our Lives

In our tradition, we have been blessed with such saints, like Shastriji Maharaj, who introduced God to lakhs of people, bringing them to the feet of God. However, he never introduced himself; he did not let others to introduce about him either. He is called an Avdhut Paramhans. Such a saint is considered a step ahead of God for a mumukshu (seeker of salvation). Even if one has achieved God, without a great saint, one cannot recognize and realize God. Brahmanand Swami said:

There is a great delusion and illusion about gurus in this world. Speaking of this, I recall a story that I must share. During the svayamvara (choosing of the groom) of Damayanti, she and Nala Raja had already mentally chosen each other. However, upon hearing of Damayanti’s glory, the Four Devatas (Indra, Agni, Varuṇa, Vāyu) wished to marry her. Since Damayanti had already prepared her mind to marry Nala Raja, the Devatas, knowing Nala Raja’s innocence, sought his permission to take his form and sit in the svayamvara. Nala Raja permitted this, and thus four Devatas assumed his form, with the real Nala Raja sitting in between. When Damayanti came to choose her groom, as she was sati (devoted wife) she could distinguish the real Nala Raja from the impostors.

In Gujarati, Nala means water tap. Swami says four Nala were fake and one was real. A fake water tap does not give water; only the real one does. Similarly, Damayanti identified the real The Sacred Day of Guru Purnima: Celebrating Our Guru Parampara 4 Nala Raja among the fakes. In this world, delusion and illusion abound, and fake individuals are more common. Brahmanand Swami says:

Dear devotees, we need not look far to find such Paramhansas. Our revered Jogi Swami was such a great saint who fulfilled the desires of devotees and removed their sorrows. If someone did not have a son, he blessed them with one. If there was no water in a well, he blessed it to have water. Such small to huge sorrows of devotees were vanquished, and they became happy just by the blessings of Swamiji.

His behavior is such that one cannot find such qualities elsewhere.

The objects and materials of this world are not the result of satsang. Gunatitanand Swami said that whatever wellness and wealth we have is not the result of satsang. Many sinners possess more wealth than anyone else. This is not the fruit of having attachment with true sant or
satsang.

True realization of God in this very life is the fruit and result of the association of true Sant. Today is the day of Guru Pujan. Shreeji Maharaj has used the term sant in place of guru, meaning the same. The true characteristic of a guru:

If a soul is a true mumukshu and finds a true guru, his life will be without flaws.

Today is a great day for us to perform the puja of the guru, the gurus who have carried forward our paramparā (tradition). The life of our gurumahārāj is as pure as the water of the Ganga. By performing his puja, we can feel fulfillment in our lives. This is a great achievement we have. Today is the day to worship our gurus physically or mentally and feel fulfilled and grateful.

As we celebrate this auspicious day, let us reflect on the invaluable guidance and blessings we receive from our Guru Paramparā. Their teachings illuminate our path and help us transcend worldly illusions, leading us towards spiritual fulfillment and ultimate Mukti.

Famous Hollywood actor “Robin Williams” committed suicide by hanging himself with a suicide note of just three words “Time to Go”.

Great Dutch painter and creator of around 2100 art pieces, “Vincent Van Gogh”, shot himself in the chest with a revolver.

Well-known art director “Nitin Chandrakant Desai” committed suicide by hanging himself with a debt of around 200 crores on his head…

The cruel “Adolf Hitler” who took the lives of millions of people had to commit suicide by swallowing a cyanide capsule and shooting himself in the head in an underground bunker.

Well-known spiritual guru “Bhaiyuji Maharaj” whom millions of people used to follow, ended his life by his own hands by shooting himself in the head.

Famous Bollywood actor “Sushant Singh Rajput” committed suicide due to depression despite doing a positive thinking film.

This list continues with Gurudutt, Heath Ledger, Marilyn Monroe, Kurt Cobain, Jiya Khan, V.G. Siddhartha, Avicii, V.B. Chandrasekhar and many more……

From artists to actors, from poets to politicians, from singers to saints; there is a huge list of famous personalities who have committed suicide.             

I think many of you will be thinking why I have written about these suicides ???

What is the reason behind mentioning all these things here ???

What leads them to suicide and What should we learn from the examples of these celebrities?…..

Answers to these all questions is that these well-known personalities have failed to balance between Success and failures, Gain and Loss, Insult and Honor. All these celebrities were highly successful in their respective fields but one such small failure, insult or loss stuck in their mind and eventually that failure, insult or loss took their life.

“At some point in life, everyone gets failure and the one who overcomes it is truly successful”. If they all have understood the real meaning of these two lines, then premature death would not have been written in their fate.

Failure should be considered part of life, not the end of success or end of life. 

To make us understand this thing, Bhagwan shree Krishna has said in second chepter’s 38th sloka of  Bhagavad Gita that

सुखदु:खे समे कृत्वा लाभालाभौ जयाजयौ |
ततो युद्धाय युज्यस्व नैवं पापमवाप्स्यसि || 38||

It means that “Fight for the sake of duty, treating alike happiness and distress, loss and gain, victory and defeat. Fulfilling your responsibility in this way, you will never incur sin.”

Success as an Unstoppable Journey.

Success serves as a guiding light, illuminating aspirations and validating efforts. A singular focus on success can lead to a narrow perspective. It’s crucial to view success not only as an endpoint but as part of a continuous journey of growth and self-discovery. Every success seeker should have a growth mindset that views challenges as opportunities for learning and growth.

Failure is often misunderstood as a dead end. It is a stepping stone toward improvement and then to success. There is a proverb that says “To win the war, be ready to lose small fights”. Likewise to get great success, be ready to welcome small failures. Embracing failure as a teacher fosters the capacity for winning. Each setback provides an opportunity to learn, adapt and ultimately move closer to the desired success.

Failures, when approached with a growth mindset, become invaluable teachers. Analyzing the reasons behind setbacks, identifying areas for improvement and learning from mistakes contribute to personal and professional development. This repetitive learning process transforms failure into a booster for future success.

In the way of success if you face insults or get honoured, choose thoughtful responses. Don’t be driven by them, don’t let insult or honour drive your mind. Responding with grace to both criticism and praise maintains emotional equilibrium.

An Outlet of Emotion

Only a struggling person knows the effort he has to make to show that his life is peaceful. He may not be as strong as he looks from the outside. He may have a different feeling in his mind, which is not reaching anybody. Only he knows what he is trying to hide behind a cheerful and happy face.

What will happen if a huge dam is built for Water conservation at the expense of millions of rupees and it is not given an outlet for water to come out? Sooner or later The dam will surely burst. The human body is a “dam” made up of five different elements. If there is an excess problem in this body, will this physical barrier break or will it remain?

So always keep your outlet of heart open, and keep expressing your joy, emotion and problems to your loved one like your guru, parents, partner, child or best friend.

To open the outlet of mind we can practice meditation. 

To open the outlet of the ear we can listen to some good kirtan or katha of elder saints, which will teach us the value of a human body and The real purpose of our life.

And if possible open the biggest outlet, your eyes. Let the dam of tears break… let stress, sadness and sorrow flow ..so that you feel that it is never easy to hang on a fan or shoot a pistol to the head..?

take the support of a true Guru’s lap or a best friend’s shoulder who will pull you out of hell. Free your mind. Express yourself!! Laugh!! Speak!! cry!! fighting !! Be free..!! 

Instead of saying “MISS YOU” after a person goes, Say “WITH YOU” when he is alone because It takes a lot of luck to find loved ones or the one who cares for you…

Conclusion

Balancing success and failure, gain and loss, insult and honour is an art that everyone should have and we should keep in mind that it is not a one-time task but it is a lifelong ongoing process. Having a growth mindset, a calm mind, a kind heart, defining failure as part of success and practising mindfulness have a great contribution to the wisdom of maintaining balance.

Remember, the key to life lies not in eliminating or neglecting these dualities but it is in navigating them with wisdom and equanimity.

It means “I do not see any happiness in worldly works. In my opinion, even the fruits of virtues are dangerous. Apart from this, by doing many good deeds, the objects of sensual pleasures that have been obtained and enjoyed for eternity, are also the cause of the sorrows of those who seek sensual pleasures in the end.”

This verse is the third verse of Vairagya Shatak, which is written by Maharaja Bartuhari of Ujjain.

This is the same Maharaj Bhartuhari who, seeing the beauty of his wife wrote saundrya shatak (hundred verses to describe beauty), seeing the infidelity of the same wife, he wrote a hundred verses of vairagya shatak, a hundred verses which led many divine souls to detachments from worldly desires.

So, the story goes as follows.

Once Guru Gorakhnath arrived in Ujjain. Bhartuhari gave proper respect to Gorakhnath. The ascetic guru was very pleased with this. Pleased, Gorakhnath gave the king a fruit and said that by eating this, he would remain young forever, will never get old, will always be beautiful and will be immortal.

Gorakhnath went away after giving this miraculous fruit. Since the king was deeply infatuated with his wife, he thought that if Pingala ate this fruit, she would remain beautiful and young forever. Thinking of this, the king gave that fruit to Pingla.

Queen Pingala was not infatuated with Bhartuhari but with the security officer of her kingdom. The king did not know this thing. The Queen thought that if her lover ate this fruit, he would be able to fulfil her wishes for a long time. Thinking this, the queen gave the miraculous fruit to that officer.

That officer was in love with a prostitute and he gave her the miraculous fruit. So that prostitute always remains young and beautiful. After getting the fruit, the prostitute thought that if she remained young and beautiful, she would have to do this dirty work forever. There will be no salvation from a life like hell. Our king needs this fruit the most.

If the king will always be young, then he will continue to give all the comforts and facilities to his people for a long time. Thinking of this, he gave the miraculous fruit to the king. The king was astonished to see that fruit.

The king asked her where she got this fruit. She said that the fruit was given to her by his security officer. Bhartuhari immediately called that officer. On asking strictly, he said that this fruit was given to him by Queen Pingla.

When Bhartuhari came to know the whole truth, he understood that Queen Pingla was cheating him. Bhartuhari’s mind was awakened by the betrayal of his wife and he handed over his entire kingdom to Vikramaditya, he took sanyas and left his queen and kingdom forever.

What is Vairagya???

If you were born and brought up in India, there is a high chance you’ve heard a term called “Vairagya”. It basically means the state of being detached from the materialistic pains and gains of the world.

Vairagya is a Sanskrit term meaning “Detachment“. Vairagya is the opposite of Raga (Attachment). Vairagya is dispassion. It is a state of being free of attachment to materialistic life. It can also be defined as the mental state of mind that lets go of all attachments that belong to the materialistic world. Letting go of feelings such as pride, ego, aversion, inferiority and superiority complex, false identities and fear, are all also associated with vairagya. It’s a state of being unattached to the tangible world. 

There is a very famous kirtan of Niskulanand swami

“Tyag na take re Vairagya vina“

which leads many kings, scholars, saints and devotees to a desireless attitude and through that they opened the doors of salvation and reached to the final destination of birth and death, the Akshardham.

This kirtan is very influential in saving one’s self From this world, the world which is drifting in the flow of lust.

This was one of the favourite kirtans of our nation’s father Mahatma Gandhi, which led him to a desireless attitude. This kirtan was so dear to him that he has included this kirtan in the prayer book of his ashram and has sung it many times with other devotees and dignitaries in his Sabarmati ashram of Ahmedabad.

It is not enough to go to the Himalaya for Vairagya but it is necessary to melt the Himalaya of desires within you.

I believe that living in the constant chaos of this world gives us a better understanding of why all these materialistic pleasures are not the sole purpose of life. 

It is said that the origin of suffering is craving. We mostly try to measure happiness with materialistic components. We think that we will only be happy if our lives head the way we planned or desired them to be. We keep forgetting about the higher purpose, the salvation, the Akshardham.

Is your favourite sport, favourite movies, food or your mobile capable of giving you pleasure for a lifetime???

.

.

.

No, I think neither these nor any Worldly material can do No single thing can make you happy for a lifetime. You won’t have pleasure from it for your whole life, you would love it but to a certain extent, their use will give you momentary pleasure, not lifetime.

Just one thing is capable of giving you a lifetime of joy, is detachment from the world and attachment to god. There are so many saints and devotees who have surrendered their lives at the pious feet of god and made their lives joyful.

How to Develop “Vairagya”?

By looking at the lives of saints, reading books on Vairagya or even an incident that you have never imagined(like, the incident of Bhartuhari) dispassion should be cultivated.

Attaining vairagya is the only way to achieve spiritual progress. Vairagya can be achieved by learning to discriminate between the essential and non-essential as well as by practising the art of developing the right thoughts, speech and action.

To attain true Vairagya one must understand that no one belongs to us and we belong to no one other than god.

King Janak’s Detachment 

King Janak, the father of Sitaji, was the best example of detachment. He was regularly going for Satsang to his guru Rishi Ashtavakra’s ashram. Other saints at the ashram were a bit jealous of King Janak because when King Janak came into the ashram, their guru was more concerned with Janak’s satsang, rather than those saints.

Ashtavakra was well aware of their feelings. So, one day he arranged a way to take them out of that.

Ashtavakra was preaching to saints, and King Janak was also present. As the discourse was going on, a soldier came barging into the room, bowed down to Janak and said, “Oh king, the palace is on fire! Everything is burning. The whole kingdom is in disarray.”

Janaka got up and just yelled at the soldier, “Get out of here! How dare you come and disturb the Satsang and how dare you bow down to me and not to my Guru! Just get out of here!” The soldier fled from the room. Janak sat back down and Ashtavakra continued to speak.

A few days later, All of them were once again seated in the hall and Ashtavakra was giving a discourse. Right in the middle of the discourse, a helper in the ashram came running into the hall and said, “The monkeys have taken the clothes off the clothesline and they are playing havoc with the saint’s garments.”

All the saints immediately got up and ran to save their clothes. When they got to the clothes-drying area, there were no monkeys and their loincloths were still hanging on the clothes-line. They realized what had happened. They hung their heads down and walked back.

when they came back, Ashtavakra said, “Look at this. This man is a king. A few days ago his palace was burning. His whole kingdom was in turmoil. his wealth was burning, but his concern was that his soldier disturbed the Satsang. That was his concern. 

and you, You are saints. You have nothing. You don’t have a palace, you don’t have a wife, you don’t have children, you have got nothing. But when you heard the monkeys come and pick up your clothing, you ran. But for that one cloth, without even paying attention to what I was saying, you just ran out to save those worthless pieces of cloth. Where is your detachment? He is having true detachment. He is a king but he is a renunciate. You are saints. You are using things that other people discard, but there is no Detachment in you. This is where you are. That is where he is.”

A person’s progress within oneself has nothing to do with what a person does on the outside, what is most important is, what a person is doing within himself. What you are doing with the outside world is just social; you conduct yourself as it is suitable for the situation in which you exist. It has social relevance but no existential or spiritual relevance. How you are within yourself is all that matters.

Conclusion

Vairagya just simply promotes why all wealth, desires, attachments or emotional turmoil that we go through on a daily basis are illusions and just a mind game. If you control your mind, you’ll win over every situation in life. 

When we realize that all pleasures are short-lived and the body with which we are so attached is only temporary. With this realization comes the seeking for liberation from this bondage and the true desire for vairagya develops.

Like the cashier sitting in the bank knows that whatever money I am counting is not mine, it is just my job to count it. The money at my home is only mine, all millions or billions in the bank are property of the bank. Similarly, we should also think that all this is not ours. We also came on this earth to do our duty. our ultimate home is Akshardham. After finishing the duty of this life we will need to go to Akshardham. 

This is the only thought of detachment that needs to be remembered throughout life.

तद्‌भूरिभाग्यमिह जन्म किमप्यटव्यां, तद्‌गोकुलेऽपि कतमाङ्‌घिरजोभिषेकम्‌।
यज्जीवितं तु निखिलं भगवान्मुकुन्दस्त्वद्यापि यत्पदरजः श्रुतिमृग्यमेव॥ (10/14/34)

This verse of  shreemad bhagvat says  that “O God, give me such a fortune that I get the birth of an animal, bird, tree or forest valley in Vraj, so that I may anointed with dust of the vraj’s people, whose everything is Lord Mukund (shree krishna).”

This shows the greatness of a real devotee. We shall feel fortunate by just receiving dust from a true devotee’s feet, which means it is very hard to get. 

As aspiring devotees, we are all very eager to receive the mercy of the god and to obtain this mercy there is one absolute necessity and that is to obtain the blessings of the dust of the lotus feet of pure devotees. A pure devotee never approaches the Lord directly but tries to please the servant of the Lord’s servants, and thus the Lord becomes pleased and only then can the devotee relish the taste of God’s grace.

One may have doubt whether my service of the Supreme Personality of Godhead will attain salvation, but there is absolutely no doubt that those who are attached to serving his devotees will attain salvation.

In Sat yuga, people’s minds and hearts were so pure and innocent, that salvation could be attained only by meditation of God. Then when the Treta Yuga came, due to a slight decrease in the purity of the heart of the people, they could not attain salvation by meditating. People now had to perform physical activities like singing bhajan and worship. In Dwapara yuga, the purity decreased even more. Now there was a need for temples and idols so that people could find God.

Today in Kaliyuga, meditating, singing Bhajan and worshipping, or going to the temple and seeing the idols is not enough to take us to Akshardham. We now need to serve the saint or a true devotee who has achieved God’s grace.  

A devotee who believes in God but not in the devotee is average, but the one who is devoted to God and his devotees too is the best. If we believe that God is omnipresent, the service of devotees is also the service of God, because God resides in everyone.

In Kalyug, the glory of a true devotee is considered as compared to God’s own glory. The devotee can subdue the Lord by his fiery devotion. That’s why at present Hanumanji is worshiped in the form of a devotee of Bhagwan Shree Ram. There are more temples of Hanumanji compared to Bhagwan Shree Ram’s. There will be many villages which don’t have a temple of Shree Ram but, for Hanumanji, It might be Small but definitely there will be a temple of him. This glorifies the devotion of Hanumanji towards Shree Ram.

Jinabhai, A servant of God’s servant.

Once a great devotee of village panchala, Jinabhai went to Mangrol to meet Kamalshibhai Vanja. He was very sick and there was no one to take care of him, even his son was not paying any attention to him. There was filth all around his bed, insects were crawling all over him and flies were hovering. His condition was very pitiable. Jinabhai told his son to take proper care of Kamalshibhai or let Kamalshibhai take with him.

his son said “OK! surely you take him with you, we will get rid of this problem.” Jinabhai went to the market to find labourers who could lift Kamalshibhai and drop him to his village. He got only three labourers, he tried hard for fourth but he didn’t get it. Then three labourers and the fourth himself lifted the bed and started walking towards Panchala with one hand he was drawing his horse and with the other hand and shoulder, he was lifting the bed.  In the midway, he found a fourth labourer and all of them went to panchala, where he put a bed beside his bed in his room. 

He served Kamalshibhai like he was serving Bhagwan Shree Swaminarayan himself, after getting treatment and services kamalshibhai got well.

So, this desireless service of Jinabhai was noticed by Bhagwan Shri Swaminarayan and as a reward for that service, Swaminarayan Bhagwan helped Jinabhai many times. 

 Once Swaminarayan Bhagwan went panchala at his house and told his mother Gangabaa  ” I am very hungry, bring whatever is prepared in your kitchen and give it to me” 

 Gangamaa said ” No maharaj ! let me prepare something for you, what is made is not fit for you to eat.”

 Because it was the bread of sorghum (jowar -usually it is used as animal feed).  Swaminarayan Bhagwan asked Jinabhai why are you eating this, Jinabhai said ” I am not sowing my farm by myself but I have hired a group who is sowing my farm, When the crop comes in the field, then they have to give it to me but they have not given it for two years. That’s why I’m forced to eat this sorghum. That group is neither Giving me crop nor any rent.”

From right there Swaminarayan Bhagwan rode Manki towards Kheda, At midnight he reached there and he woke up Colonel Walker(an English government officer and devotee of Bhagwan Shree Swaminarayan ), told the story and ensured to help Jinabhai. Colonel Walker sent one hundred soldiers with guns. After five days soldiers came to Jinabhai’s farm, went straight to that group, Beat them very hard and warned them that ” If we hear your complaint once again, we will put you all in jail. And no one will be there to save you. Now you all go and give Jinabhai his crop and beg sorry to him”. They all went to Jinabhai’s house with two years’ crops which they didn’t give to him. They put it all in front of Jinabhai and said “We won’t do this again to you. Please forgive us”

Thus Bhagwan Shri Swaminarayan saved the crops of his devotees and with this crop, jinabhai passed drought.

So, this is how Bhagwan Swaminarayan saved his dear devotee from drought.

And when the last time of Jinabhai came Swaminarayan Bhagwan himself lifted the pyre of Jinabhai at his funeral and walked more steps than Jinabhai walked with Kamalshibhai’s bed and gave him the pleasure of Akshardham.

We can bear the hot sun rays falling on our heads, but the soles of our feet will not be able to bear it. Similarly, God is at the place of head and we are the servants of his pious feet. Whatever happens, God will not let his devotees suffer even after death.

The place of the devotee has always been very high in our culture. The speciality of the best devotee has also been discussed many times. It has always been our belief that the one who always remembers the name of God, serves him, he is a true devotee. 

In the 29th vachnamrut of Vadtal Muktanand Swami asked, “What is the cause of so much strong attachment to God?”

Bhagwan Swaminarayan answers, “Either there is such a powerful sanskar of pre-birth or one must have served and satisfied the saint of God who has such strong attachment towards God”, only by doing that, one can get such a strong attachment to God but without that, there is no other solution.so, Bhagwan Swaminarayan also described the value of a true saint and a true devotee.

If you bring your child to the temple and Swamiji garlands your child instead of you, you will be more happy. Because you know that the one who is being respected is yours only.

For any service, The work is the same but there is a lot of difference in the feeling behind it. It is not the action that is important, but what is the feeling behind that action, is more important and God sees that only. If one person is doing mala(chanting the name of god)  while sitting in the temple, but he is thinking about the world, another person does the cleaning of the floor while remembering the Lord, then the one who does the cleaning is better than the one who does mala. This type of devotee is eligible to be served by other devotees. He has connected all the activities of his daily routine with God which is what makes him a true devotee. And serving that true devotee one can achieve devotion like him, God’s grace and Akshardham too.

Service of a devotee = Confirmation of God’s Abode.

There is an incident in the life of the great devotee Kanchipurna that nicely illustrates this principle of serving the devotees. 

 Kanchipurna was famous throughout South India as a great devotee. He resided in the city of Kanchipuram, where he daily offered the service of fanning the famous deity Lord Varadaraj. 

Kanchipurna’s simplicity and devotion endeared him to Lord Varadaraj, so much that the two of them began having daily conversations. Some of the local people found out about this and individuals began approaching Kanchipurna, requesting him to convey questions on their behalf to Lord Varadaraj. so that lord would reply to him and then Kanchipurna would relate the answer back to the questioner. 

One day a person who used to do service of Kanchipuram, asked him to enquire from lord varadraj if “he ever go to God’s divine Abode and if yes then after how many births ?”.

Lord Varadaraj confirmed that “after leaving his present body”, meaning that this is his last birth, after finishing this birth that devotee will go to Vaikuntha.

 The desire arose in Kanchipurna’s heart to know if he would go to Vaikuntha after his present life. However, he was too shy to ask about himself. Finally, Kanchipurna revealed his heart. “My dear Lord, when will I go to Vaikuntha?” 

Lord Varadaraj cast a loving glance at his devotee, and said, “Kanchipurna, you are my dear servant. I love you, but you will not go to Vaikuntha after this life. Because you have served me with great devotion, but you have never served my devotee. Unless someone serves one of my devotees they cannot enter into my abode.”

Hearing the Lord’s words, Kanchipurna stood there for a moment, and then, without saying a word, he suddenly put the fan down and left. Kanchipurna went searching for a devotee whom he could serve. Being famous all over South India, it was not easy for Kanchipurna to find a devotee willing to accept his service. 

Although he tried and tried, no one would allow him to serve. Rather, everyone he approached said, “No! No! No! You are a great devotee. Lord Varadaraj personally talks to you! I cannot allow you to serve me. I’ll go to hell!” 

Finally, Kanchipurna took off his saffron cloth. Dressed like normal people, he went to the home of one of the devotees named Mahapurna, disguised as a person who used to take care of cows. For a few months, he rendered service to that devotee’s cows, he was always careful to hide his face.

But one day it was raining heavily. He was all wet in the rain. He came to his room to change his clothes but he didn’t have any clothes except the saffron one. He put it on and sat in his room for chanting the name of god.

suddenly mahapurna entered the room and he recognised him and said “Oh! Are you Kanchipurna ? To date, you have been working as a servant. Due to this act of yours, I will be a part of the sin and will fall in hell. Because you are a true devotee and I told you to do this work. please forgive me.” Kanchipurana said, “No problem, I did it for my own sake, it is not your fault”. 

Mahapurna knew him and so he refused to accept further service. Kanchipurna then returned to the temple of Lord Varadaraj. Seeing his dear devotee entering the temple, the Lord smiled upon him and said, “Kanchipurna, you did the best service of my devotee, Now at the end of this life you also can come to my abode.” 

Conclusion

so, God himself will bear the pain but will not let his devotees even get hurt. Similarly, Shri Krishna had to bear thousands of hardships for himself. But, for the sake of his dear devotees Pandavas, he fought The entire Mahabharat war, with Duryodhan who refused to give an inch of land to Pandavas.

We should consider the service of a true devotee or a saint, as the service of God himself. and God will also accept the service done for his devotee as his own service and we will be facilitated with great virtues.

So, Serving a true servant of God is the secret to improving your devotion and through that service, both God and his devotees will shower their blessings on us. And the same blessings will take us closer to Akshardham.

In today’s age of information overload and constant digital distractions, students often face the difficult challenge of maintaining focus during their study sessions. The ability to concentrate deeply and retain information is vital to achieving academic success. In this blog post, we’ll shed light on a powerful concept that can revolutionize your study habits: “Flight Mode.”

The Main Issue:

The central premise is extremely simple but extremely powerful: “No attention, no retention” Your ability to retain information is directly linked to the quality of your attention. This mantra underlines the critical need to discover effective strategies to increase both attention and retention.

Understanding flight mode:

To illustrate this concept, picture an aeroplane flying above the clouds. At this cooler altitude, it travels faster and more efficiently than it does in the turbulent skies below. As an aircraft climbs, the air becomes thinner, making glide easier.

Would you like to explore this concept further? Watch our informative video: “Study Above the Clouds”

Applying flight mode to your studies:

Like an aeroplane rising above the clouds to optimize your journey, you have to lift yourself beyond distractions to improve your focus and retention. This is where “flight mode” comes in – a state of intense focus, free from interruptions. But how can you activate this mode effectively? This includes eliminating and reducing distractions.

Recognizing and overcoming distractions:

Let’s take a closer look at the three primary distractions that often hinder students during their study sessions – environment, people, and thoughts – and discover effective ways to disconnect from them.

Distracting Environment:

A. Organized Study Space: Maintain an impeccably organized and clutter-free study area.
B. Avoid TV: Avoid studying in places where the temptation to watch television is strong.
C. Choose the right setting: Choose a dedicated study room, a quiet library, or a secluded natural location. Choose an environment that fosters your enthusiasm for learning.

Distracting people’s attention:

A. Avoid aimless companions: Stay away from people who have no clear purpose and who may unknowingly distract you.
B. Connect with top performers: Surround yourself with hardworking students who are dedicated to their studies. Listen to their experiences and insights, as they can inspire and encourage you to excel.

Distracting thoughts:

A. Managing worries: Dealing with intrusive thoughts can be difficult, but it is not insurmountable. Use your willpower, a unique tool available to you, to distance yourself from worries and anxieties.
B. Using Your Willpower: Understand that willpower is more than just mental strength. You naturally have the ability to control your thoughts and focus your attention. Control your mind with determination.

Applying flight mode:

To effectively activate flight mode, think of your mind as your servant, not your master. You are the captain of your mental ship. Before starting your study session, firmly command your mind: “I will not engage in any distractions during this period.”

In conclusion:

In short, flight mode, also known as focus mode, empowers you to rise above the clouds of distractions, allowing for more effective, efficient, and intuitive study. By separating from disruptive elements – whether environmental, social, or mental – you unlock your immense potential. Remember, you have the power to control your mind and direct it toward your educational goals.

Let us resolve to study and work above the clouds of distractions, embarking on a journey towards academic excellence and personal growth. We appreciate your time spent exploring this concept and wish you great success in your educational endeavours.

Truth is the foundation for a fair and just society. In court, a witness is required to take an oath that “I swear by Almighty God that what I shall say and what evidence I shall give shall be the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth“ because only that way can justice be delivered.

Fully truthful people are rare in today’s society and are an important and valuable commodity. People who tell the truth are drawn to other honest-speaking people. Being honest can bring you better quality friends and acquaintances. But, firstly we have to be truthful and honest.

There are so many common maxims in Indian philosophy and culture that emphasize the importance of truth, honesty, integrity, and moral responsibility in one’s actions and words. like; “Satyam Vada, Dharmam Chara“(Speak the truth, follow righteousness), “Satyamev Jayate“(Truth alone triumphs), “Satyan nasti paro dharma” (There is no greater Dharma than truth) and many more sutras and shlokas are there to strengthen every mankind’s dedication towards truth.  

Sometimes even speaking the truth can cause harm to someone, then the lie told at the time will also be counted as the truth. For example, If a hunter is following a cow and comes to a crossroad, where you are standing. He asks you for the direction where the cow went. At that time if you tell the truth, he will follow that way to kill the innocent cow. your truth will take the life of that cow. At that time you should not hesitate to tell a lie to save the cow. the lie you will tell will be the lifesaver for Mother Cow, 

For circumstances like these, many times our elder swamiji shree Devprasaddasji swami used to tell this shloka of Mahabharata( 3.203.42) in his preaching. that shloka is 

सत्यस्य वचनं श्रेयः सत्यं ज्ञानं हितं भवेत् ।
यद्भूतहितमत्यन्तं तद्वै सत्यं परं मतम् ॥ ४२ ॥

It is good to speak the truth, knowledge of the truth will do good to us, only that truth should be spoken which will benefit and bring welfare to more lives. it is the ultimate truth according to me (Naradji). (42)

previously spoken lies encourage us to speak the lie at all times. Because we already had the benefit of it when we told it to someone, but it doesn’t mean that every time we will be in benefit, sometimes it will take all your previous benefit together with. One should always be all the time honest and transparent in his words and actions, even if it may be difficult or uncomfortable. By speaking the truth, we can build trust with others and create a foundation for strong relationships.

Truth and Righteousness are the stepping stones to human greatness.  in any circumstances do not give up Truth. It is the teaching of most of the scriptures. Truthtelling treats people with dignity. To tell someone the truth is a measure of respect. while it is missing when someone lies.

King Harischandra, who gave up his kingdom, wife and son and even chose to serve at the crematorium, is the supreme example of one who stood for Truth.  

Sage Vishwamitra, who has given Harischandra the most severe tests and ordeals, ultimately declared: “The whole earth can be held in the palm of one’s hand. The entire ocean can be drunk in one gulp. The earth and the sky can be rolled into one. But it is impossible to make Harischandra utter a lie.” 

Through Truth not only can the world be subdued, but it is possible even to realize a spiritual power within himself and one can even carve his way to salvation. Today in our country, because people have given up Truth and Righteousness, they are not able to achieve unity and all kinds of divisions have developed. You have to dedicate yourselves to Truth.  In the cause of upholding the truth, Bhagwan Shree Ram had to go as an exile to the forest. shree Ram told the sage Jabali: “For rulers in the Ikshvaku dynasty, the greatest calamity is going back from words uttered.“

Power of Shree Krishna’s Truth

There was a furious fight going on between Ashwathama and Arjun. Meanwhile, Ashwathama shoots Brahmastra at Uttara’s (Arjun’s son Abhimanyu’s wife) womb with the intention of killing the upcoming generation of Pandavas and finishing the Kuru clan.

After a few months, a boy was born from the womb of Uttara, But the child died as soon as it came out of the womb. Seeing the child dead, All started crying. The sea of sorrow overflowed. This child was the only one who was the successor of the Kuru dynasty, but unfortunately, he also died. Kunti, Draupadi, Subhadra and all drowned in the ocean of great sorrow. Hearing the news of the birth of a dead child from Uttara’s womb, Lord Krishna immediately reached there with Satyaki. After Hearing them cry over there, his heart was also filled with tears. Subhadra and Draupadi had never cried so much for the sons who died in the war as they were crying about the death of that newborn child.

On seeing Shree Krishna, she fell at his feet and said crying  – ‘Oh Janardan!! You had promised that this child would not be killed by  Brahmastra and would live sixty years of religious life. But this child is lying dead. This is the child of your grandson Abhimanyu. Give life to this child’.

Shree Krishna consoled everyone and immediately went to that dead boy. Uttara had fainted due to over-crushing her son’s death. At the same time, Draupadi also came there and started saying – ‘O Kalyani! In front of you is the life-giver of the world, Shree Krishna, your father-in-law. Get conscious and wake up.’ 

shree Krishna said – ‘Daughter! Do not grieve, your son is still alive. I have never told a lie in my life. I have made a promise in front of everyone, it will definitely be fulfilled. I have protected this child of yours in the womb, so how can I let him die now.’ 

Having said this, Shree Krishna looked at the child and said – ‘If I have never lied, have always followed the rules of celibacy, have never shown my back in war, I have never committed unrighteousness even by mistake. If there is, then this dead child of Abhimanyu should come alive.‘ As soon as he said this, the child started crying while waving his hands and feet. All the women over there were surprised to see this amazing work of Shree Krishna. Shree Krishna named that child Parikshit.

Benefits Of Telling The Truth

1. You don’t have to remember your lies.
2. You will feel more confident
3. You will get trust and respect.
4. you will hate lies, your surrounding people also will speak the Truth.
5. Because of the truth, people will trust you and Trust will create opportunities.
6. You will get blessings of saints, teachers and all elders because of your truthfulness.

Overall, speaking no lies is a powerful virtue that everyone must have. There is much importance on truthfulness, honesty and ethical behaviour in our personal and professional lives. By speaking the truth and following our moral principles, we can live a life that is guided by integrity and make a positive impact on the world. If a work colleague or society is aware that you are not always truthful, they will not be able to trust you. If your colleague believes you are an honest person and to be trusted, friendship, information, and opportunities are more likely to flow your way.

Conclusion

So, let us make ourselves ready to speak the truth in every situation and try to please Bhagwan Swaminarayan and saints with truthfulness. We will try to convey to society that we, the Gurukulites are always in the favour of truth and we will never bear lies.

Mahabharat was not just a war fought between brothers for property or kingdom, but it was a fight between Dharma and Adharma. On one side were the Kauravas, the hundred sons of Dhritarashtra, while on the other side were the Pandavas, five sons of Pandu.

Mahabharat is an epic tale that contains a wealth of wisdom and lessons on various aspects of life. It has a treasure of lessons to be learned and every character of it denotes what to do and what not to do by giving real-life examples of each character.

Here is a case study of Arjun, Duryodhan and Karna based on their experiences and actions in the Mahabharat. now we will see What these three characters want to say by their real-life examples:

Arjun

Arjun was the third son of King Pandu and he was the main reason behind the Bhagavad Gita, an immortal scripture of Hinduism. He was known for his archery skills and his deep sense of duty and honour. Arjun was initially hesitant to fight against his own family members in the war but was convinced by Krishna to do what was right and fulfil his duty as a warrior. 

Arjun is known for his skill as an archer, but also for his devotion to Shree Krishna, humanity, wisdom and his duty.

Once Dronacharya, the Guru of the Pandavas and Kauravas, called his disciples to test them. He placed a wooden bird on top of the tree and asked them all one by one what they were able to see. They all answered what they saw. They all said that they saw the tree, themself, the sky, leaves, fruits and the bird. Drona asked them to step aside. All Pandavas and Kauravas replied in a similar manner. When Arjun was invited, he said “I neither see sky nor the tree, I see only the eye of the bird”.  Dronacharya commanded “Shoot!”. and Arjun shot bird’s eye in the very first shot. Arjun’s attentional control is an executive function that helps him choose what he pays attention to. He was just focused on his goal while others were just looking around. 

Do you know who was the charioteer of Arjun and who was the charioteer of Karna in the Mahabharat war???

many of you will know Arjun’s, it was Shree Krishna himself and for Karna, it was Shalya king of Madra region. One of the meanings of Shalya in Sanskrit is doubts and Karna means ears, it means Arjun was driven by god himself and Karna was driven by doubts, the one whose ears are driven by doubts has a very rare chance of winning. and that Shalya too became the reason for Karna’s death. In the last time of Karna when the wheel of the chariot got stuck in the mud, Shalya refused to get down to take the wheel out. so, Karna had no option other than to take it out by himself. while he was struggling for it Arjun shot an arrow and Karna died. It is not just coincidence but it is a clear sign that to get desired results our chariot should be followed by God, not by doubts.

Lesson to be Learned

Arjun’s life story emphasizes the importance of a parent’s role in helping their children develop a strong moral character. Arjun’s character tells us to stick to our goal. If we go to see things other than our goal, we will lose our way. so, be focused on our target.

And another lesson is that trust is important but, on whom is more important. Arjun put his life in the hands of Shri Krishna, but Karna could not do it. so, we can teach our children by this example what is the impact and importance of a true guide and how much it is important to surrender yourself to a true Guru and god.

Karna

Karna’s story in Mahabharat offers several insights, both positive and negative. Karna was born to Kunti before her marriage to Pandu. Due to societal norms and Kunti’s fear of rejection, Karna was abandoned by her in a basket and was later found and raised by a charioteer named Adhirath. Karna grew up with a strong sense of identity and determination to succeed in life, but he always felt like an outsider due to his low social status. He was skilled in archery and earned the respect of Duryodhan, who made him the king of Anga.

Despite being raised by a charioteer, Karna grew up to be a skilled warrior and a man of great character, known for his generosity, courage, and loyalty.

Karna used to think that he would take revenge for the atrocities done to him by supporting the unrighteousness of Duryodhan and time would call him a hero……!!

It could have been true but unfortunately, it didn’t happen because the side which Karna chose to be was wrong.

After knowing the fact that he is the eldest brother of Pandavas, If Karna had given his support to Pandavas then definitely his fame would have been different today because due to the eldest of Pandavas and he would have been leading the war and all credit of winning the war will go to him which Arjun had.

Lesson to be learned

Karna was undoubtedly a hero and an unmatched warrior of that era but the bravery Karna got used for the enmity of Duryodhan with the Pandavas. From an example of Karna’s life, we can teach our children that we definitely should fight for our rights, but must not be tempted by those who don’t have ethics and we should never support unrighteousness.

Remember one thing from the example of Karna’s life that gives challenges to everyone, but in times of challenges taking the help of bad people like Duryodhan, will be the reason for lifetime slavery and defeat.

Duryodhan

Duryodhan was the eldest son of King Dhritarashtra and the leader of the Kauravas. He was known for his cunning nature and ambition, as well as his jealousy and arrogance, which ultimately led to his downfall.

 He was jealous of his cousins, the Pandavas, due to their popularity and talents, and felt like they were a threat to his claim to the royal crown. Duryodhan’s life story highlights the lack of values such as integrity, humility, and empathy. Duryodhan was an example of an uncultured and unethical upbringing, as he was raised in a culture that valued power and ambition above all else. He was not taught the importance of honesty, fairness, and compassion, which led him to his downfall.

 He manipulated and exploited his relationships with various people to get what he wanted, such as his friendship with Karna and his use of the game of dice to rob the Pandavas of their kingdom. 

from a young age, Duryodhan was jealous of his cousins. He was envious of Yudhishthir’s popularity and the love he received from his father and the people of the kingdom. Duryodhan’s jealousy turned to hatred when Yudhishthir was appointed as the heir to the throne over him.

Duryodhan became determined to destroy the Pandavas and claim the throne for himself. He used every means possible to undermine and humiliate the Pandavas.

Despite the warnings of Shree Krishna Duryodhan remained blinded by his ambition and desire for power. He refused to negotiate with the Pandavas or compromise in any way, even when it was clear that his actions were leading to a disastrous war, his ego was preventing him from doing so.

The war between the Kauravas (led by Duryodhan) and the Pandavas (led by Yudhishthir) was brutal and costly, resulting in the deaths of thousands of soldiers and heroes on both sides. In the end, Duryodhan’s arrogance and foolishness led to his defeat. 

Lesson to be learned

King Dhritarashtra’s favouritism towards his eldest son Duryodhan caused a lot of problems. Duryodhan became arrogant and full of ego because of his father. As a parent, it is essential to teach children the value of every relationship and their feelings, rather than focusing solely on their own desires and needs. Children must learn to accept failure and disappointment, rather than seeking to win at all costs. 

Furthermore, parents must be mindful of the influence of their own behaviour on their children. Just as Dhritarashtra had a lifelong desire for the throne, similarly Duryodhan also ran after the throne throughout his life. If a parent’s behaviour prioritizes power and success over morality and kindness, then their children are also likely to follow the same. 

Conclusion

Overall, the experiences and actions of Arjun, Karna and Duryodhan teach us valuable lessons about focus, ambition, leadership, loyalty, surrendering and duty. Their stories show us the importance of making the right choices, even in difficult situations, and the consequences of our actions. Mahabharat teaches us that parenting is a crucial responsibility that should not be taken lightly. 

Lastly, we request every parent who is reading this….

Ask yourself what are you doing…???

What are you making of your children…???

Whether you are making them Duryodhan by giving them all the comforts and crown in their hands or are you making them achieve their own crown by fighting with difficulties like Arjun…..????????

Every year on the 15th of August, India comes alive with vibrant celebrations, patriotic fervour, and a deep sense of gratitude as it commemorates its hard-fought independence from British colonial rule. This day, etched in history as a symbol of freedom, represents the culmination of decades of relentless struggle, unwavering determination, and the sacrifices of countless heroes. As we gather to honour India’s Independence Day, it’s an opportune moment to reflect on the nation’s journey, its achievements, challenges, and the values that bind its diverse population.

The Historical Prelude

To fully appreciate the significance of India’s Independence Day, one must delve into the annals of history and understand the magnitude of British colonialism’s impact. For nearly 200 years, India suffered under the weight of imperial rule, enduring economic exploitation, cultural subjugation, and the denial of fundamental human rights. The scars of this era ran deep, but they also stoked the flames of resistance that would ultimately lead to the dawn of a new era.

Pioneers of Change

At the forefront of India’s fight for freedom stood a remarkable array of visionary leaders, each contributing their unique approaches and philosophies to the cause. Mahatma Gandhi’s philosophy of nonviolent resistance ignited a fire in the hearts of millions, mobilizing them in the pursuit of swaraj, or self-rule. His iconic Salt March and the civil disobedience campaigns exemplified the potent force of peaceful protest.

Jawaharlal Nehru, a staunch advocate of modernity and social justice, envisioned a free India that would embrace scientific advancement and equitable opportunities. Sardar Patel, the “Iron Man of India,” played a pivotal role in uniting the diverse princely states to form a united nation. Subhas Chandra Bose, with his fervent patriotism, formed the Indian National Army to challenge the British from outside its borders.

The Path to Independence

India’s journey to independence was fraught with trials and tribulations, marked by countless acts of defiance and sacrifice. The Jallianwala Bagh massacre, the Quit India Movement, the Round Table Conferences, and the immense bravery of freedom fighters often in anonymity, all played a part in shaping the destiny of the nation. The year 1947 witnessed the historic moment when India’s tryst with destiny was realized, as it stood at the crossroads of partition, marking the birth of India and Pakistan.

Unity in Diversity

The days surrounding independence and partition were undeniably tumultuous. Communal tensions resulted in tragic violence and mass displacement. Yet, amidst this turmoil, India demonstrated its remarkable unity. The nation’s commitment to secularism, as enshrined in its Constitution, allowed it to preserve its cultural diversity while forging ahead as one united entity. This unity remains a cornerstone of India’s strength and resilience.

The Building Blocks of Progress

Over the decades, India achieved significant milestones. The Green Revolution brought agricultural self-sufficiency, while space missions like Chandrayaan and Mangalyaan showcased India’s technological prowess. The economic reforms of the 1990s unleashed the nation’s entrepreneurial spirit, leading to impressive growth and global recognition. India’s soft power, exemplified by its rich cultural heritage, cinema, and literature, further solidified its position on the global stage.

Challenges on the Horizon

While celebrating India’s achievements, it’s crucial to acknowledge the challenges that persist. Poverty, inequality, environmental degradation, and the need for quality education and healthcare continue to be pressing concerns. Inclusive development remains a goal to be pursued vigorously, ensuring that the benefits of progress reach every corner of the nation and every segment of society.

Conclusion

As India unfurls the tricolour flag on its Independence Day, it is a moment of collective reflection and recommitment. The journey from colonial subjugation to sovereign nationhood is a testament to the resilience of the Indian spirit. The sacrifices of the past have paved the way for a future filled with potential and promise.

Independence Day is more than a day of festivities; it’s a reminder of the sacrifices made, the values upheld, and the unyielding pursuit of a better tomorrow. As the national anthem resonates across the country, it serves as a call to uphold the principles of democracy, unity, and progress. India’s journey is far from over, but as long as its people stand united, there’s no challenge too great, and no dream too ambitious.

It’s a day to honour the past, celebrate the present, and envision a brighter future for India. As we raise our flags and hearts in unison, let’s renew our commitment to a united, prosperous, and inclusive India. Jai Hind!

That is ours, but it is not. That is not ours, but it is [may seem like ours….. LIFE].

Being amidst of crowd, remaining unaffected and natural, requires Consciousness and God’s Grace.

Keep on chasing, materialistic pleasure at the cost of Inner Peace, noticing it not, become a normal journey. Residing in the Lap of Nature, aware that, this place once visited by Divine Shree Swaminarayan, adds additional grace for Shree Swaminarayan Gurukul International School Mysore

Silence and music of Nature like Wind and Rain, Naturally Nature’s movements soothe one’s Mind and Heart. As we know, Nature can Heal and time can change anything. You can see the evolution in Human’s Cognitive Ability.

LIFE – limited Time and Energy.
Though, we do Anything or Don’t, Though, we are Active or Inactive – Time keeps on ticking away – Adamant, Punctual and, Stable.

Gurukul is known for Learning, Respect, Punctual, & above all “Devotion”

If a Sportsperson devotes himself to his sports he can accomplish in his Passion.

By Bhakti Marg, channelized by Swamijis at Shree Swaminarayan Gurukul, this Devotion of Exuberance Contagiously penetrating the Mind & Heart of Gurukulites…

The Investiture Ceremony, as was conducted at Gurukul, made acquaintance to students about Election, Sense of Responsibility, Spirit of Service, and Democracy.

International Yoga Day, in which children actively participated, got an awareness that our roots are, in our culture. For instance, the yoga-like practice was first mentioned in the ancient Hindu text known as “RIGVEDA”. Dhanvanthri is regarded as the father of Ayurveda.

Charaka Samhita, Charaka describes different diseases, features, causes & remedies.

One Portal, how it can be enough to mention all the previous lessons, incidents and developments which, centuries ago took place and now moving forward. I tried my best using the privilege of penning this blog.

Teacher Transforms Students’ Life. Seeing and seeing vivid sorts of students. One common thing, I like to share is that when earthly human’s self-respect gets respected it reciprocates in multiple folds.

Swamiji’s grace of presence, the ambience of the school and, the role of Gurukul Teachers keenly Influence and enhance the hidden true spirit of learning in students and moving ahead in the path of “SANSKAR”

India, Unity in Diversity. As we all from different walks of life, learning from each other, we move ahead.!

Thanking You.

In the tapestry of life, each individual thread is woven with actions that create the patterns of destiny. The concept of karma, deeply rooted in various spiritual philosophies, reveals that our deeds, whether good or bad, have profound repercussions on our lives. The fascinating interplay between actions and outcomes is illustrated through the stories of three individuals whose lives were shaped by their karmic choices.

The King Dhritarashtra: A Tale of Suffering and Redemption.

In the grand kingdom of Hastinapur, reigned the mighty King Dhritarashtra, blessed with wealth and a hundred sons. His kingdom was intertwined with great warriors like Bhishma, Dronacharya, and Karna, guided by Vidura’s wisdom and his own son, Duryodhana. His life was marked by grief for his lost sons who were killed in the battle of Kurukshetra. Haunted by guilt and regret, he sought solace in the forest. His past karmas, stemming from a cruel act in a previous life, brought him suffering and pain. The burning of a hundred baby birds in the distant past manifested as the painful loss of his own sons, a karmic debt he couldn’t escape.

Osama Bin Laden: The Shadow of Terror Unveiled

From a wealthy family, Osama Bin Laden’s life took a dark turn as he masterminded global terror attacks, including the infamous World Trade Center tragedy. His past karmas, stained by the blood of thousands, led him down a path of destruction. Ultimately, justice caught up with him as he met his end at the hands of U.S. special forces, his body becoming prey for fish and sharks. The karmic fruits of his heinous actions were inescapable, serving as a stark reminder that our deeds have far-reaching consequences.

Bahauddin: A Journey from Poverty to Power

Bahauddin, known as Bawla, was a poor woodcutter collecting firewood to make ends meet. Through an act of selfless service, he donated firewood to provide warmth to Pujya Krupanand Swami, leading to blessings that transformed his life. His past karmas, rooted in compassion and kindness, paved the way for him to become the Prime Minister of Junagadh. Bawla’s story serves as an inspiring testament to the power of noble deeds and the potential for positive change through karma.

Understanding Karma’s Impact

Our deeds decide our destiny. Good deeds (punya karma) generate long-lasting happiness and opportunities, on the other hand, bad deeds (paap karma) cause temporary happiness followed by prolonged unhappiness and difficulties.

The law of karma operates on three distinct levels – physical, mental, and spiritual. Bad physical karma can result in imprisonment and violence, while bad mental karma brings guilt, inner conflict, and anxiety. On a spiritual plane, bad karma can create disharmony and erode values. Bad deeds weaken us holistically, affecting our well-being on multiple levels. Conversely, good physical karma promotes health and excels academically through a better grasp and retention of knowledge. Good mental karma manifests peace of mind, increased focus and concentration and lastly, good spiritual karma conjures inner fulfilment with a deep-rooted connection with saints, scripture and God.

Reaping What You Sow: The Unavoidable Fruits of Karma

Just as seeds planted in fertile soil eventually bear fruit, so do our actions. The Markandeya Purana emphasizes that all deeds, whether virtuous or sinful, yield consequences in this life or the next. The idea is clear – we cannot escape the fruits of our karma. Every action has a reaction, and this universal law remains unwavering.

Finding Sanctuary from Bad Karma.

Is there a way to shield ourselves from the repercussions of bad karma? The answer lies in connecting with Saints and seeking their guidance. By engaging in Satsang and forging attachments with Saints, we can navigate the complex web of karma with greater clarity. Through their wisdom, we can find solace and guidance, enabling us to make better choices and break free from the cycle of negative actions.

Conclusion: Navigating the Seas of Destiny

The stories of King Dhritarashtra, Osama Bin Laden, and Bahauddin illuminate the profound influence of karma on our lives. Our deeds, whether virtuous or sinful, shape the course of our destinies. As we journey through life, let us strive to be mindful of our actions, understanding that each choice we make has the potential to create ripples of joy or sorrow. By cultivating a life rooted in virtuous deeds, guided by the wisdom of Saints, we can chart a path toward lasting happiness and spiritual growth. Remember, the tapestry of your life is woven by the threads of your karma – may it be deeply connected with the Saints.

In the past few years, the celebration method of birthdays and anniversaries has been influenced by the Western celebration method – cutting fancy cakes, giving expensive birthday gifts and throwing a lavish-themed party. There are very few who believe in celebrating with simplicity. 

Birthday Celebration in Hindu Culture

The culture that we have been bestowed by our ancestors is near to becoming entirely faded. The Hindu population is on the verge of forgetting the real essence of celebrating birthdays. That is why this article is only focused on the true Hindu way of celebrating birthdays.

Firstly In our Hinduism Birthday doesn’t necessarily lie on the same day as in the English calendar because, unlike the English one, the Hindu Birthday is celebrated according to ‘tithi’ (day according to the Hindu lunar calendar). The birthday in accordance with the tithi is said to be more accurately aligned with the real birthday than the English Birthday. According to Hindu mythology, such a birthday is also regarded to be more spiritual than the English one.

We definitely should be a role models to our society which needs to curb its unruly obsession with money and showcasing wealth.

There is an incident with Sudha Murthy, wife of Narayan Murthy the founder and CEO of Infosys. It is about how she taught his son Rohan to celebrate his birthday with morality and showcased how money shouldn’t change ethics and ancient values at all.

While talking about how to raise kids with values, she spoke about this incident when her son wanted to host a birthday party in a five-star hotel when he was young. But, how she refused to give him permission shows what all parents need to seek inspiration from. 

Sharing the incident, she mentioned how her son Rohan went to one of his friend’s birthday parties in a five-star hotel and wanted to do the same for him. While explaining to Rohan why he can’t throw a party, she mentioned: “How much will it cost? assume 1000 rupees per person and you call 50 people, it will cost 50,000 right??”

She said to Rohan “There is a person who used to drive our car. He has two children. They are as bright as you are. Their school fees, are probably Rs. 10,000. If you give Rs. 20,000 to them, they can go to a better school, my son.”

She explained to her son that the amount he would spend on a lavish party could help to provide better education to many impoverished children including their own driver’s children. That is the best parenting lesson ever.

She further added “For your birthday, I am not denying you to celebrate. I will buy you a Samosa and Frooti. More than that, I don’t think you should spend because what you are doing is wrong, according to me. Those two children will not go to school, whereas you spend Rs. 50,000.”

In the times, when many parents tend to buy their kids expensive clothes, gadgets and toys, what she said next is what every parent needs to tell their kids.

 “Look, my child, Let us not think we are too great or some superior personality to all others. we are ordinary. Just because your father has money or I have money, you are not extraordinary or superior.”

This one incident Rohan remembered for whole his life, he never forgets this. When he was in Cornell, he wrote an email to me, and I have that email even today. He wrote, “Every mother looks after her child. But I am proud my mother looked after someone’s children too.”

Sudha Murthy has raised her kids with the importance of sharing wealth with others and being sensitive to the needs of those less fortunate people. she also taught that money you are using for one-time party can be life-changing for someone too. so, use it wisely.

The differences between Indian and Western Celebrations 

So, does this mean that modern Western ways of celebrating one’s birthday are not a welcome addition to our already diverse culture? Well no! However, many subtle differences pop up between our traditional methods and modern ways. Simple examples, such as lighting candles and diyas on one’s birthday as opposed to blowing off candles on birthday cakes. It is believed that blowing off the light means cutting short life and diminishing success. On the one hand, cakes are cut using knives. However, many traditional religions and cultures are averse to the idea of using any sharp object to celebrate birthdays.

What do you think is better,  to cut a cake and use it as makeup on someone’s face or is it better that the cake can satisfy the hunger of a poor person for a while?

While this part of the birthday party remains more or less the same, different traditions and cultures have added other fun and religious additions to the ceremony. In this post, we walk you through some of the top birthday party traditions that are unique to India.

1)– Starting the Day with the Blessings of saints, Parents, Grandparents and all elders of the family.

2) – The Temple Visit is a common practice to be performed in India on auspicious days like birthdays, anniversaries, Diwali and New Year. Even some of them also perform special Pooja or offer thaal to god and have prasadi of that thaal with family and friends.

3) – Feeding cows and the poor also is a ritual for getting the blessings of God on special days.

4) – Fruit distribution or food distribution in hospitals or to needy ones.

5) – donating clothes or blankets to the poor, orphans and beggars.

So, which of these traditions do you practice at your home? Do you have any other special birthday traditions? Share with us in the comments below.

Thank you

Jai Shree Swaminarayan.

The following article paves the way to all the obstacles of the modern world and gives a clue to the enormous ideas of the Indian Gurukul system that our country had during the Vedic period. References are made and quotations are highlighted. While writing this article all the details and authenticity are taken into consideration.

Objectives

This small piece of writing is written with a deliberation that youngsters and children of the nation should be aware of the Guru Shishya tradition, and the Gurukul system of our past. To bring awareness about our wounded civilization and the effects of the Western education system. This article acknowledges the English language as well.

A lot of us have been invariably asked if Indian education is a burden or an opportunity! The question is plausible since India has had many obstacles from its inception. Though education in India is rapidly growing and being implemented to reach the zenith, despite the postmodern era, the values and wisdom of the country are also being dismantled. It is precisely applicable that youngsters should know the values and morals of our nation.

Great Philosopher Max Muller had this to say once “If someone asks me where the values and education are deeply routed, I should point to India”

Having taken his quote we can understand how even Western eyes have passed their eyes toward Indian education. India has had a great education system from the Vedic system, no wonder it has produced great masters intellectuals, and scholars. If one says he is into Indian education, he is undoubtedly enlightened. While Westerners have taken many ideas and philosophical concepts of education, it is undoubtedly true it is a boon to get an education in our Country.

Despite colonial discourse, India has been put under scrutiny to decode its wisdom and thoughts. While the narratives are made, our people tend to switch toward the stupendous intellect of the land. It is important to hold the culture of the nation, says Homi K Bhabha,

“Culture is important and to locate the culture one should read extensively and intensively”

Our youngsters and children are ignorant about our past. The essentials of education are put forth. We know it is impossible to see Guru Shishya tradition in the twenty-first century, still, we have our great teachers of the Vedic period, and records are kept for our future. Among them, Shree Swaminarayan Gurukul is rigorously pushing youngsters and children towards success and obtaining the values of our nation. The proliferation of Western education is not only putting challenges on our kids but bringing their values down too.

Rudyard Kipling, the poet and coloniser says, “East is east and West is west, and they shall never meet each other”

Kipling understood our future kids very well. He perceived that despite the relentless struggle to obey another culture, they would never be successful.

Conclusion

We are towards the next era, and it is our sole responsibility to hold if the future of our country is gone astray. We shall uphold the sovereignty of the nation through the ancient wisdom, and scholarship that India has ever produced.

About the Writer: Mr Mahesh Nayak teaches English at Shree Swaminarayan Gurukul International School, Mysore. He has published several books, research articles, journals, and magazines. He is a reader and scholar at the University of Mysore. He is an expert in the domains of Literature, Philosophy, linguistics and Humanities.

Can you imagine “Shreemad Bhagwad Gita” without “Shree Krishna“??????

I think “No, it won’t be possible”.

Likewise, the Gurukuls of Free India can’t be imagined without Shastriji Maharaj. His service to Gurukul was exemplary as well as his vision too. because he had a vision of the future how humanity will go in vain, and how the dark side of every person will rapidly grow more than the bright side. how a person will be attracted to sinful activities, rather than good activities. so, to save us from these all, he has given his life to Gurukul.

His service to mankind and humanity was unmatchable before he established Gurukul but, after he established Gurukul, He made the whole society and humanity indebted to him. And that debt is such that even you, me and our future generations also will be unable to repay it.

He was a real-life statue of religious life as his name denotes “Dharmajivan das“. Not only this but he was very cautious about other saints and students of Gurukul that he never allowed them to be deficient in the Dharma, but also encouraged his saint, devotees and students to follow the rituals of our holy scriptures. 

The Birth of Gurukul

The idea of Gurukul came to his mind when he was doing a 53-day long pilgrimage of Badrinarayan and Kedarnath in the Himalayas by walking.

During that journey, a sage was teaching verses of Raghuvansh to some children in a Parnakuti (A hut made of leaves) in Rudraprayag. Seeing that, he decided to create a “Gurukul” to instil the virtues of Indian culture in the children of the rising generation through education.

Shastriji Maharaj came back to Gujarat with the intention of reviving the ancient Gurukul system and he made प्रवर्तनीया सद्‌विद्या भुवि यत्सुकृतं महत्‌  his life mantra. 

In 1948, with rising independence, he started “Shri Swaminarayan Gurukul Rajkot Sansthan” with 7 students in a rented house in Rajkot, Gujarat. And that too without asking a penny from anyone. He had a firm belief that Gurukul is the work of Bhagwan Swaminarayan, and he will definitely fulfil it. Why should I ask for money from others rather than God himself?

Shastriji Maharaj, The great man who continuously served Satsang and the nation without wasting even a single moment of his 31,643 days of life, lived a holy spiritual life of 86 years, 7 months and 18 days.

On February 5th, 1988, Friday night at 9:36 PM, his immortal soul left this mortal world.

What if Shastriji Maharaj Never existed?

What if Shastriji Maharaj Never existed ????, what would be different if he hadn’t started Gurukul????

Vidya & Sadvidya

Firstly, if Shastriji Maharaj hadn’t existed then this army of more than 1,50,000+ well-educated, well-mannered, well-cultured and sanskari students would not have existed. they might be well educated but may not be well mannered, well cultured and Sanskari. I mean to say that they can get an education in other well-known institutions, but they won’t get spiritual education and training in behaviour there. 

If a person has multiple qualifications and degrees but he doesn’t have a sense of how to act with his aged parents or any other elderly person, then his degree is just a bunch of paper. Here I mean to say that he has Vidya (education), not Sadvidya (manners & morals). 

An uneducated, but well-mannered person is greater than an educated but rude person. like terrorists, killers, rapists or thieves. They may be well qualified, but it doesn’t mean that they can’t do These kinds of things. There are so many examples of educated people doing sinful activities. They all lack sadvidya not vidya. 

Brahmavidya

The Spiritual Development of the child is very challenging stuff. Shastriji Maharaj was well aware of parents’ worries regarding the spiritual development of their children. In Gurukul, morning Puja, yoga, spiritual assembly and getting ancient knowledge of Indian culture are part of daily activities, which one can’t get in other institutions. so, this also won’t be possible without Shastriji Maharaj.

Good Parents of the future.

Good parenting is not a course to be studied, but it is time taking stuff. Having love and mutual understanding between parents and children is a must for good parenting. if a parent is well mannered, cultured and sanskari then there is more chance of their children to be like them. so, Gurukul is not just for the well-being of their students, but it is a must for the well-being of the next generation too.

To stay away from the influence

In Gurukul, every student has deep knowledge about our ancient scriptures, meditation, an incarnation of God, our culture and our great history, whereas other students are deeply attracted to worldly objects, they don’t have any connection with god or spirituality. 

Today’s generation who are out of Gurukul, have very less knowledge of our spiritual scriptures or even we can say they have less interest. One of the most important pieces of evidence of ignorance towards one’s own culture is that there are plenty of Sanskrit scriptures of our Hinduism, which are still waiting to be translated. That’s another thing that they are busy studying English, French, Spanish etc. They all will be well familiar with Bollywood or Hollywood actor’s choices, likes and dislikes but they don’t have knowledge of our own god’s incarnation. This is just because of their interest developed in school. so, for this all we need to thank Shastriji Maharaj and his saints who are engaged day and night in saving the culture of India.

‘Rule-Follower’ to ‘Trend-Setter’

Once Shastriji Maharaj was in Rishikesh his age was about 85, because of the cold one saint gave him hand gloves and socks to wear. Shastriji Maharaj told that “I am a saint, let me be like a saint, we cannot use stitched clothes.”

A devotee said “Swamiji, our scriptures also allow us to be a little less firm towards rules after the age of 80. “

Swamiji said ”Till the age of 80 I was following rules for me but now I am following for you and other saints.  If I wear these today then they won’t hesitate to wear a jacket.”

so, if Shastriji Maharaj wasn’t there then who would give us lessons with his own example?

Service of mankind till his last breath

There were many saints who were only children of their parents, and then also gave permission to become saints and serve society because those parents were well aware of his work and intention. They had deep faith that their child will be a great saint and servant of society till his last breath like Shastriji Maharaj. 

Developing the faith of devotees 

We Indians have numerous festivals and cultural occasions. These all were celebrated with saints and devotees just to emotionally unite them with God as well as with each other. Shastriji Maharaj was at the root to start this trend in Gurukul. he used to say that If a person remembers all this in his last time, then God himself comes to take him to his abode and our effort to do all this is worthwhile. so, without him, this trend of celebration wouldn’t be possible.

Saints to serve society.

Because of Shastriji Maharaj today, there are more than 275 saints who left women and money for their entire life. Most of them eat just once a day and have a vast knowledge of the scriptures. they don’t have property or any bank balance. They all are just serving God and God’s devotees for their betterment. without Shastriji Maharaj there won’t be his disciples whose life is bright and exemplary like these saints.  

Travelling in old age.

Shastriji Maharaj was always determined to recognize God in others. For this reason, he was travelling in his old age. He was the first one to travel abroad for the sake of satsang from the Swaminarayan sect and that too by following every principle given by Bhagwan Swaminarayan.  He remained active till his last breath to give the benefit of Satsang to the devotees. He definitely had paved his way to Akshardham for himself, but for all the devotees and students associated with him, he was always concerned that Akshardham should not be left behind for them too. That is why Shastriji Maharaj used to travel a lot just for the sake of devotees. and to respect the devotion of the devotees he goes wherever devotees call him. Whether it was a small village or a smart City, a leaf hut or a lavish house he never denied coming.

The solution to parenting problems.

Nowadays there are so many parents who complain that their children don’t listen to them, they don’t have respect towards them, constantly using mobile phones and watching TV and many more like these. The best solution is in Swaminarayan Gurukul, just keep your child in Gurukul and rest leave it to them. Because here in Gurukul all aspects of transformation are covered with Vidya, Sadvidya and Brahmavidya. In the hostel life of Gurukul, they all will be away from social media and here teachers and Swamiji will teach them life-changing lessons which other schools can not give. In a few months, students’ lives will be full of discipline, devotion and dedication.  

Solution of 21^st century problems.

In present days, The main problems of society are bad addiction, depression, overuse of social media, a short-tempered mind, loss of Hindu culture and westernization. Gurukul has a cure for all these problems. Gurukul teaches every child the value of Vedik Hindu culture and every student has to adopt it in day-to-day life. Gurukul builds such moral values within them that they don’t feel depressed or they don’t get any bad addiction. In every student, Gurukul develops love and respect towards our own culture because of this Westernization won’t affect them.     So, Gurukul is the best solution for the above-said problem.

Powerful, valueful and moralful leader for the world.

Today there would be hardly a few countries where you won’t find Gurukul students. wherever he may, A Gurukul student never compromises with cultural values, morality and ethics. In every country, Gurukul students are leading in their field and giving their best. Gurukul has not just created devotees, but has created so many doctors, engineers, scientists, pilots and businessmen. They all are performing their respective duties with a clear thought in their mind that whatever I am doing, because of me Gurukul or the saint of Gurukul should not have to lower their heads. Gurukul has taught them to give their 100% to their respective role. And that too without compromising moral and ethical values. 

Propagation of original Vedic tradition and devotion.

Shastriji Maharaj started many Vedic traditions which were about to die and the real way of a particular devotion. He has taught us the original way of how to do Meditation, chanting, fasting, morning Pooja, dandvat, purascharana of a scripture, mantralekhan, Akhand dhun and jap yagya. he was the first to introduce many of these devotions. Without him, no one would give us these all.

Under his blessings, many of devotion have created records that won’t be breakable in future.

Initiative to foster spirituality.

Shastriji Maharaj was the first who started a special pilgrimage train. He has constructed many temples and renovated many temples too. He did many Katha, parayan and yagyas to encourage the devotion of devotees. He has done yagya for 21 days continuously, this record is still intact.

Presenting Swaminarayan to the world.

From the Swaminarayan sect, Shastriji Maharaj was the first to travel out of India and introduce Bhagwan Swaminarayan to the world. He has travelled to the US, UK and many African countries to introduce Swaminarayan to non-Indian people. On his first visit to Latin America, by seeing the life of Shastriji Maharaj, approx 400 devotees accepted vartman diksha and 250 families gave up non-veg food for the rest of their life. Just because of Shastriji Maharaj today many non-Indian families are following every ritual of Sanatan dharma. 

Saint of values and principles.

As shastriji maharaj was a man of principles, his every saint is also a die-hard follower of principles. As shastriji Maharaj never asked for money from devotees, his successor and all his saints also never asked for money or any other favour from anyone. His every saint is full of devotion, detachment, selflessness and knowledge. The standard of life and dedication made by shastriji Maharaj is inspiring many saints and devotees to follow.

Introduced Swaminarayan to millions.

Where ever shastriji Maharaj went he just introduced Bhagwan Swaminarayan to them, He never mentioned himself to people. Because of him, so many people started to follow the way of morality, the way of god. Before they connected to shastriji Maharaj many of them were involved in unethical and sinful activities. They left it all on the words of shastriji Maharaj and paved their way to Akshardham. So, just because of shastriji Maharaj millions of people became eligible to get into the Akshardham. If Shastriji Maharaj didn’t exist then they all would be roaming in the cycle of birth and death.

If not of Gurukul then whose???

Imagine if there was no Gurukul then what would the children who were studying in Gurukul be? Where would they be? Will they get Indian cultural values, knowledge and sanskar in other schools like Gurukul?

with 100% conviction I can say no, they won’t get it. 

Nowadays in the newspaper, we all are reading about how at a tender age kids are taking drugs, drinking alcohol and committing much bigger crimes than this which can’t be mentioned here.

Fortunately, all Gurukul students who have studied here are very far away from all these sinful activities. 

If they had not belonged to Gurukul, they would have either been of these sins or unethical activities.

Gurukul is for whom??

Shastriji Maharaj used to mention Gurukul on so many occasions and said, ‘You have not yet understood Gurukul completely. Have I done this Gurukul only to educate boys? This Gurukul had to be done because there are no places to study anywhere else in society. It is not only our duty to educate these boys, but we also insist that they recognize God. By installing the rites of Satsang in these young children, we mould them as virtuous human beings. so that they will be useful to society in the future. Today, there is a huge lack of honest and dedicated people in society, so we have set up a man-making factory called gurukul.’

Shastriji Maharaj chanted 11,00,00,000+ chants of Swaminarayan Mahamantra by himself. 

These are a few more activities that cannot be done without Shastriji Maharaj.

Devotion by Students & Devotees

• 97,05,17,249 Mantrajaap by students & devotees
• 17,00,00,00,000 Mantrajaap in online app
• 24,60,42,725 Mantralekhan
• 1,04,49,100 Dandvats
• 66,23,753 Pradakshina
• 13,50,002 Janmangal Path
• And counting…

Social Welfare By Shastriji Maharaj

• 40,24,107 patients served in Rajkot Hospital free of cost
• 25,42,000 spiritual books printed.
• 5,00,000+ shikshapatri of different languages distributed.
• 3,41,161 patients served in 925 free check-up camps.
• 1,49,69,123 bottles of blood collection from 385 blood donation camps.
• 5,08,287 cattle served in cattle camps of 506 villages.
• And counting…

• It would not have been possible for millions of people to worship Swaminarayan without him
• Millions of people who became tobacco and alcohol addiction free through him would still be addicted.
• Thousands of boys could not have been educated for just one rupee per day.
• Millions of people would not turn from the path of sin to the path of righteousness and good deeds.
• The message of Shikshapatri would not reach the world.
• Our ancient yagya tradition would not have been given new life.
• There would have been no supporters during heavy rains or droughts for many poor people.
• During earthquakes or other natural calamities, the Stomach of millions would not have been filled.
• And many other such favours that cannot be counted.

Conclusion 

If Shastriji Maharaj hadn’t come on this earth then there would be no one who had vision like him. We might have good educational institutions but we won’t have institutions of sanskar, which give more preference to cultural values and morality than just simple book education.

Let us pray in the pious feet of Bhagwan Swaminarayan that as he filled the life of Shastriji Maharaj with the colours of unshakeable faith and moral life values, so should fill ours.

But The Ramayan is a scripture that holds true even today. What was right thousands of years ago is still right from Ramayan’s point of view and what was wrong then is still wrong today.

Ram Rajya was the best at that time and it is still the best, that’s why we imagine making our country Ram Rajya.

Ram was the ideal and obedient son of that time and even today also every parent wishes their son to be like ram.

Sitaji was faithful and loyal to Ram at that time and even today all fathers wish their daughter to be like her and every man wants their wife to be like her.

Bharat, Laxman and Shatrughan were obedient to Ram, Ram’s order was everything to them, even today everyone wants brothers like them.

Hanumanji was the best servant of his time, who did lifelong service of Shree Ram and till date there is still no best servant like him.

so, In this blog we will go into details of a few characters of Ramayan and we will see how each character has given justice to their respective role and Immortalized their character in the history of mankind. They all have proven that if there is an extreme of any relationship, it must be them.

The characters in the Ramayan may have been about gods and legends, but they were also people who faced challenges and dealt with problems just like us. Sometimes they made the right decision and sometimes they didn’t. But there are lessons to be learned from all these stories. Each time you tell your child the story about one of these legends, ask him what he learned from it. This will help him not only take interest in our culture and traditions but also respect them.

Shree Ram: 

Shree Ram was an obedient son of king Dashrath, who gave up his entire kingdom and went to the forest for hard fourteen years without thinking even for a moment just because of his father’s promise to his stepmother kaikeyi. That too at such a time when his coronation is to take place the next morning and he gets to wander in the forest instead.

He could have easily refused to go because the king had given a promise to his wife and not to Shree Ram, what does his promise have to do with Ram. Being the eldest son, Shree Ram was due to succeed his father as king. But Ram did not even utter a word on this because he wanted to teach us that, humiliating your own father and doing according to your own wish is not a sign of an ideal son. not only this but He did not even bear a grudge against his stepmother Kaikeyi.

Maarich (the demon who has inguise as deer while kidnapping sitaji), even though being man of ravan, he declares Ram, embodiment of Dharma while speaking to Ravan

रामो विग्रहवान् धर्मः साधुः सत्य पराक्रमः |
राजा सर्वस्य लोकस्य देवानाम् इव वासवः ||

(Valmiki Ramayan 3-37-13)

“Ram is the embodiment of Dharma, he is an equable person with truthfulness as his valor, and as with Indra to all gods he is the king of the entire world”. (Valmiki Ramayan 3-37-13)

Lord Ram is known for his devotion to righteousness and dharma. Even Ravan’s men cannot stop himself from praising Ram. Because Ram was indeed a living form of Dharma. He was a great leader who was loved and respected by his people. To live life like him, one should strive to always do what is right, even if it is difficult or unpopular. One should also be a good leader who cares for and serves their kingdom or community.

Lesson to be learned: 

Respect your parents and elders. Be polite to everyone. Follow Dharma, no matter what circumstances may. As parents, we must teach our children to respect and honor the elders of the family. Lord Rama exemplifies the virtues of the ideal son and his actions can serve as a valuable lesson to our children.

Laxman: 

Laxman was Shree Ram’s loyal brother who always supported and protected him. Laxman also joined Shree Ram and Sitaji in exile, although he was not given any order from his father like Shree Ram had. He joined them just to serve Shree Ram and Sitaji because they were in the place of Father and mother to Laxman. He took it as a chance of serving, not a chance of enjoying his power and freedom. Many of you will be surprised to know that in fourteen years of exile, Laxman never slept for a moment. He was eager  to serve and protect Shree Ram and Sitaji for all the day and all the night.  

He is known for his unwavering devotion and service to his brother. To live life like him, one should be loyal and supportive of their loved ones. One should also be willing to put loved one’s needs before their own and serve them with love and compassion. Laxman, as an uncle, played a significant role in the upbringing of Luv and Kush too. He taught them how to be disciplined and obedient, and how to live a life of selflessness and service. To be a good parent like Laxman, one should be a role model and provide guidance to their children.

नाहं जानाम‌ि केयूरे, नाहं जानाम‌ि कुण्डले।
नूपुरे त्वभ‌िजानाम‌ि न‌ित्यं पादाभ‌िवन्दनात्।।

(Valmiki Ramayan 4.6.22-23)

O Lord, I neither know the bracelets of mother Sita, nor do I recognize her ear rings. I only recognize the anklets that used to be at her feet. Because when I worship the feet of mother Sita my vision is always at her feet.(Valmiki Ramayan 4.6.22-23)

This was the reply of Laxman when Shree Ram showed him the ornaments of Mother Sita. Laxman didn’t know about other ornaments than anklet. he recognized anklets only Because Laksman used to bow down to Ram and sitaji’s feet daily but he had never seen sitaji’s face or body. When he worships sitaji’s feet, his eyes always remain at Her feet and that is why he recognizes only the anklets. This is the vision of Laxman’s dignity. The one who, despite living with her for life, did not even look at the face of his brother’s wife. 

Hearing these words of Laxman, tears started flowing from Shree Ram’s eyes and he hugged Laxman with pride towards his act of dignity.

In our sanatan dharma sister-in-law has been given the place of mother and it has also been told that brother-in-law is like the son to sister-in-law. Lakshman and Sitaji also follow this ideal and whenever Shree Ram gave any order against Mother Sita, then Lakshman countered Shree Ram by taking the side of Sitaji  like a son.

Lesson to be learned:

Dignity of a relationship is not only about knowledge of right and wrong but, it should be in conduct too. Lakshman proved it with the Purity of his mind and his daily activities. We also make our child learn this lesson of dignity of lakshman and make them understand the value of every relationship. 

Bharat:

 Bharat was Shree Ram’s younger brother who refused to become king in Ram’s absence and instead took care of his duties until Ram’s return from exile . 

While Kaikeyi was implementing her plan to expel Shree Ram from the kingdom and to make Bharat the king of ayodhya, Bharat was away at his maternal uncle’s house. Upon his return he found that he was crowned king, his stepbrother Ram was gone in the forest and his grief-stricken father was dead. Bharat was in a state of shock. After finishing the last ritual of his father, Bharat rushed to the Chitrakoot forest where Ram was staying, fell at his feet and begged him to return to the kingdom.He said to ram that he doesn’t need to fulfill his promise now because their father is no more . But Ram declined, saying he had to fulfill the wishes of his late father. He asked Bharat to return to the kingdom and rule it but Bharat had no wish to do so. He knew the kingdom belonged to Ram. 

गतिं खर इवास्वस्य तारक्षस्येव पत्रिण: ।
अनुगंतुं न शक्तिमे गतिं तव महीपते ।। 

(Valmiki Ramayan 3.105.6)

O lord of the earth! as a Donkey cannot follow the speed of a horse and a bird can not follow pace of Tarkshya (eagle/Garuda), likewise, I do not have the capability to follow you.(Valmiki Ramayan 3.105.6)

Here in this shloka of Ramayan, Bharat is requesting shree Ram to come back to ayodhya and become king to serve his kingdom. Bharat  wants to convey to Shree Ram that he is not eligible to be king. Bharat says to Ram that if the wish of their father is his priority then let Bharat wear saffron clothes and be in forest for fourteen years but Ram would have to go to ayodhya and he must be king for the sake of ayodhya’s people.

Bharat did all this because he never had interest in becoming king. Actually, he definitely had a chance to become king because of his mother But his sanskar and devotion to his brother were preventing him from doing all this. He has never imagined himself as king,he has just imagined him as servant of Ram and ayodhya.

Even after much effort, Ram did not back down from his words, then Bharat asked Shree Ram to give him his Paduka (sandals or slippers) and he placed them on the royal throne in Shree Ram’s honor until he returned from his exile.

It would’ve been easy for Bharat to simply accept the kingdom as his own. But Bharat never even considered it. He knew a grave injustice had been meted out to his stepbrother Ram and he did not stand for it. After Shree Ram refused to return, he could have proclaimed himself king until the exile was over. Instead, he placed Shree Ram’s sandals on the throne to let everyone know who the real king of Ayodhya was. 

Lesson to be learned:

From the character of Bharat we should learn the value of sacrifice. If Bharat has accepted to become king, the whole world will curse him like kaikeyi. We should make our children understand that they too will face many material temptations in their lives. From Bharat, they can learn sacrifice and understand that doing what is right is more important than being lured by unfair offers.

Luv Kush: 

Luv and Kush were Lord Ram’s sons who were brave and courageous warriors. Luv and Kush were taught different skills by sage Vishwamitra and sitaji. 

ददौ सहप्रमं काकुत्स्थो बालयोर्वै पृथक् पृथक् ।
दियामानं सुवर्णं तु नागृह्णीतां कुशीलवौ॥
उच्चतुश्च महात्मानौ किमनेनेति विस्मितौ ॥
वन्येन फलमूलेन निरतौ वनवासिनौ ।
सुवर्णेन हिरण्येन किं करिष्यावहे वने ॥

(Valmiki Ramayan 7.94.19-21)

After getting permission, Bharat started giving different gold coins to both the boys. Kush and Luv did not accept the given gold coins. Both those great minded brothers say in amazement that What is the need of this money. We are forest dwellers. We used to love wild fruit and roots. What will we do by taking gold-silver to the forest? (Valmiki Ramayan 7.94.19-21)

These were the words of Luv-kush when Shree Ram offered 18000 Gold coins to each of them in return for singing the life story of Shree Ram in the assembly of ayodhya. It was the teachings of sitaji and sage valmiki which led them to this answer. They said they are singing just to please Prabhu Shree Ram and people of ayodhya, they are expecting nothing in return. But in present days there are many so called preachers who used to take lakhs for preaching.

While there was ashwamegh yagya going on in ayodhya, they kept horse of ashwamegh yagya, despite knowing that if they kept it with them they would have to fight with many great warriors of that time, they didn’t step back. 

No one dared step in the way of the mighty horse, no one dared stop shree Ram, but these tiny warriors did it. Battle lines were drawn and the mighty king who could defeat the demon army of Ravan with a bunch of monkeys fighting with sticks, could not beat the two small kids with weapons and trained soldiers. They fought very bravely with every opponent who came forward to take back the horse.

Luv and Kush were courageous and disciplined warriors who always put their duty first . Without support from their father they learnt so well that all members of shree ram’s family and  every citizen of ayodhya feel very proud after knowing that they are the real successor of Raghukul and besides this They also respected and loved their father, shree Ram and his family. After Shree Ram went back from this earth they also ruled like Shree Ram, every citizen of ayodhya was very happy. They accurately followed what Ram, Sita and sage Valmiki taught them. They both were well aware of the importance of upholding dharma and fulfilling their duties as prince.

and above all these, When they came to know that their father was a king and till now they were wandering in the forest, they did not utter a word against Prabhu Shri Ram and happily accepted their destiny and obayed Shree Ram for the rest of their life.

Lesson to be learned:

From the life of Luv Kush, we get this lesson that the teachings of our mother, father and guru should never go in vain. Their every word should be a command for us. No matter what problem we face or how big our opponents may, we should face our problem with courage.

Conclusion 

To live life like Shree Ram, Laxman, Bharat, and Luv-Kush, one should strive to do what is right, be loyal and supportive of loved ones, be responsible and committed to duties, and be brave and courageous in the face of challenges.

Shree Ram, Laxman, Bharat and Luv-Kush provide valuable lessons on parenting. To be a good parent like them, one should lead by example, not just saying or teaching it to their children, but they also should implement it in their life and then they should provide guidance and resources to children. Every parent should take on the responsibility of raising their children with love and care, and need to teach their children the importance of respect, discipline, courage and duty towards elders.

After reading this title many of you will think that this topic is absolutely related to them because Nowadays levels of patience and self-control are decreasing very fastly among new age kids and youngsters compared to a mature aged person. Many situations are triggering the problems of anger and aggressiveness in people due to their job, career, family issues and money supply.  We all want that every work should be done according to what we think and that too immediately. If this does not happen then the demon of anger overpowers us and the situation will be out of control.

The ability to manage your anger and remain calm under pressure has a direct link to your performance. I think controlling anger causing events keeps the brain more alert and you perform better when you are alert no matter in which field you are, either it will be study or it may be a job.

Those under the control of anger have been proclaimed by Bhagavad Gita to be of demoniac nature, and the ones free from anger are stated to be of divine nature. Sri Krishna has, in fact, declared anger to be one of the three gates of hell in 21st shloka of 16th chapter.

त्रिविधं नरकस्येदं द्वारं नाशनमात्मन: |
काम: क्रोधस्तथा लोभस्तस्मादेतत्त्रयं त्यजेत् ||

There are three gates leading to the hell of self-destruction for the soul—lust, anger, and greed. Therefore, one should abandon all three.(16.21).

Not only the causes and effects, Bhagavad Gita has also discussed the ways of conquering the anger. Instead of dealing only with the symptoms, it has stressed upon curbing the root cause of anger, which is stated to be the lust. Anger arises out of lust and constrains man to indulge in evil deeds. Anger can thus be controlled by shunning lust.

Unless one brings his likes and dislikes under control, it is not possible to conquer anger. A slave of his likes and dislikes is a slave of his emotions. The real freedom lies in not getting overly attached to or woefully bound by any object, activity or situation.

How to Control Anger??

Anger can be a powerful and destructive force, but it can also be harnessed for positive change. Anger is a natural emotion that can arise in response to a variety of situations, but it can also become a destructive force if left unchecked. Uncontrolled anger can lead to strained relationships, lost opportunities and even physical harm to oneself or others. There are a few techniques for controlling anger and turning it into a positive force.

Identify the Triggers

The first step in controlling anger is to identify what triggers it. This can be anything from a specific person or situation to an internal thought or feeling. Once you know what sets you off, you can start to develop strategies for managing your reactions.

Practice Relaxation Techniques

Relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing, meditation or yoga, can help you calm down when you feel yourself becoming angry. These techniques can help you focus on the present moment, rather than dwelling on past events or worrying about the future.

Practice Empathy

Empathy involves putting yourself in someone else’s shoes and trying to understand their perspective. When you’re angry, it can be easy to focus solely on your own feelings and needs. Practicing empathy can help you see things from the other person’s point of view and find common ground.

Take a Break

Sometimes, the best way to control anger is to simply take a break. This can involve stepping away from the situation or engaging in a relaxing activity. This can give you time to cool down and approach the situation with a clear head.

Don’t hold a Grudge

Forgiveness is a powerful tool. If you allow anger and other negative feelings to crowd out positive feelings, you might find yourself swallowed up by your own bitterness or sense of injustice. Forgiving someone who angered you might help you both learn from the situation and strengthen your relationship.

Seek Professional Help

If you find that your anger is becoming a persistent problem that is affecting your relationships or quality of life, it may be time to seek professional help. A therapist can help you identify the root causes of your anger and develop strategies for managing it in a healthy way.

By considering these all, you can learn to control your anger and turn it into a positive force for growth and change. Remember, controlling your anger can lead to a happier, healthier life for you and those around you.

A Lesson from Ratan Tata.

We need to learn a lesson from Ratan Tata on how to overcome anger and carve out a successful path for yourself.

 Ratan Tata, is known for revolutionizing the automobile sector in India, with the introduction of Tata Indica in the 1990s. But back in the day, what was essentially seen as a landmark achievement didn’t yield the desired results. 

It was Ratan Tata’s dream project, but the car failed to make its mark in the market. Due to the poor sales, Tata Motors decided to sell the car division.

In 1999, Ratan Tata decided to sell its car business to Ford. Ratan Tata along with his team flew to Detroit and met the chairman of Ford, Bill Ford. In a meeting that lasted three hours, Ratan Tata apparently felt humiliating treatment. Bill had told them that they knew nothing about cars and they shouldn’t have started the car division. He even went as far as saying that Ford was doing Tata a favor by buying his car division.

At that time, Ratan Tata was feeling very angry and disappointed, but anyhow he drank a bitter sip of anger and left detroit. After coming back to India, Ratan Tata decided not to sell the car division. He put all his focus on Tata Motors and worked even harder. 

Failure is the greatest motivation, and Success is the greatest revenge. 

The tables turned nine years later, and Ratan Tata grabbed that moment. After the humiliation in the US in 1999, the clock turned a full circle and Tata got his chance back to take revenge with ford. Ford was on the verge of bankruptcy after the 2008 global financial meltdown. By taking over the auto company’s iconic Jaguar- Land Rover brands for $2.3 billion Ratan Tata took sweet revenge. 

Ford chairman Bill Ford thanked Ratan Tata, saying “you are doing us a big favor by buying JLR.” Not only did Tata buy JLR, but they turned it into one of their most successful  ventures. 

Within a few years of the buyout, JLR made a dramatic turnaround and is the mainstay of Tata Motors’s finances. Jaguar and Land Rovers are one of the most successful selling cars of Tata Motors.

 So, in this way Ratan Tata controlled his anger and created a golden future for himself, his company and all the employees of his company. If Ratan Tata had lost control of his anger at that time and had taken a contrary decision, he would never have been as successful as he is today.

A Lesson from Swami Vivekananda.

The story of Swami Vivekananda, a spiritual leader and philosopher who played a key role in introducing Hinduism and Yoga to the western world, is also an example of controlling anger.

During his youth, Swami Vivekananda was known for his fiery and impulsive temperament. However, through years of meditation and self-discipline, he was able to transform his anger into a force for positive change.

One incident that exemplifies Swami Vivekananda’s control over his anger occurred during his visit to the United States in 1896.

In the United States, once  a Christian asked a question to Swami Vivekananda with the intention to mock Swami Vivekananda and to prove that christianity is much better than Hinduism. He pointed towards a pile of books which were placed in such a way that the Bhagavad Githa was placed at the bottom of the pile, followed by other religious books and the Bible was placed at the top of the pile.

He questioned Swami, “Do you like the way books are arranged?”

Swami Vivekananda replied, “I sure do. The books are very organized and arranged neatly. The ones on the top stand firmly because the foundation is exceedingly strong.”

That man was annoyed to see this, he wasn’t expecting this answer. If we were in Swami Vivekananda’s place, we would have got angry seeing this, but very coolly he gave him a befitting reply and increased the importance of our Bhagavad Gita in the mind of the public over there. 

Again, During a lecture in New York, a heckler in the audience began to insult and make disruptive comments.

Rather than responding with anger or aggression, Swami Vivekananda remained calm and composed, and he continued his lecture without interruption. Later, when asked how he was able to maintain his composure in the face of such provocation, he replied, “I saw God in that man, and I could not strike him.”

Through his ability to see the divine in all beings, Swami Vivekananda was able to control his anger and respond with compassion and understanding. This incident serves as a powerful example of how we can transform our anger into a force for positive change by cultivating empathy and compassion for others.

Conclusion 

So, In the heat of the moment, it’s easy to say something but to have self  control for a few minutes can save from damaging both sides. Remember, getting angry is not going to fix anything or it won’t make you feel better (may actually make you feel worse).

If you don’t control your anger, your Life will be filled with frustration, pain, loss, and the unpredictable actions of others. Controlling your angry responses can keep your surroundings near and dear to you.

श्रवणं कीर्तनं विष्णोः स्मरणं पादसेवनम्।
अर्चनं वन्दनं दास्यं सख्यमात्मनिवेदनम् ॥

The first devotion in Navadha bhakti is Shravan. It means listening to the divine discourse, Katha, Kirtan, or anything which leads our attention toward the supreme power god. What we hear with our ears enters our hearts, and then we speak the same. If we will listen well, only good will come out of our mouths.

These are the few main benefits of listening to the Katha-

• Purification of conscience

• Exclusive devotion

• Love for devotees

• Desire less attitude 

Desire Less Attitude

If the Katha is told and heard honestly, then there will be no desire to get anything from this materialistic world for both the teller and the listener.

If we are sitting to hear Katha, then first decide that we are not sitting here for entertainment or passing our time but, we are sitting for salvation.

Katha is a mirror that reflects our inner side which usually we don’t present to everyone. A mirror in which we can know how far we have reached on the path of salvation, the normal mirror only shows the colour of the outer form, and the Katha shows the inner feelings or who we are.

Purification of Conscience 

Satsang or Katha is like a broom, sweeping dust from time to time makes everything clean, the same way sweeping your mind with Satsang regularly can keep your mind clear.

If we go out somewhere for a few days and on coming back, we see that when we went there all the windows and doors were closed, yet how did the dust come?

Similarly, if someone closes the doors of Satsang, dirt, and dust get accumulated inside him too.

so, listening to Katha every day is a must.

Exclusive Devotion 

When we keep hearing about someone, then hearing about him, again and again, will create a love for him automatically.

In the same way, when we listen to Katha again and again, our devotion automatically awakens at the feet of God. Just like a person who is greedy for money, will never forget the money. the full day he will be thinking about money only. Likewise, listening to Katha regularly can be supportive to remember god. 

Love for the Devotees

By listening to the Katha, our attitude toward the devotee of God also changes, they also seem dear to us like God.

Katha will develop not only love but it will also create kindness and politeness towards all creatures on this earth.

Story of Prahlad 

Now, let me tell you a story of how Katha can change a demon clan’s child to one of the best devotees of the whole of mankind whose bhakti and faith example is given even today also. Prahlad the son of Hiranyakashipu was in the womb of his mother kayadhu. Indra kidnaps her, but he encountered Naradji, who persuaded him to release Kayadhu. Naradji took her to his ashram and instructed her to worship Bhagwan Vishnu. During her pregnancy, Naradji read scriptures describing Bhagwan Vishnu’s Lila charitras to her. The child in her womb, Prahlad, became absorbed in the devotion of Bhagwan Vishnu.

After Prahlad was born, Hiranyakashipu made several attempts to kill him because of his unflinching faith in Bhagwan Vishnu. Prahlad tried explaining the importance of performing devotion and worshiping God, but his father, evil in nature, could not understand the glory of God. Hiranyakashipu made several attempts to kill his son but none of them were successful.

Once, Prahlad was explaining the glory of the omnipresent God to his father Hiranyakashipu. He asked, “is your Vishnu present in everything?“ Prahlad reaffirmed that Bhagwan is everywhere. Hiranyakashipu asked, “Does your Vishnu reside in this pillar?“ Prahlad said with confidence “yes, he is” From the pillar, Bhagwan Vishnu manifested in the form of Narsingh Bhagwan, whose upper body was of a lion and lower body was of a man. Narsingh Bhagwan killed Hiranyakashipu and saved his beloved little Bhakta Prahlad. Narsingh Bhagwan gave Prahlad his blessings and crowned him as the king. so, this is the power of listening Katha. Even a demon kid who listens to Katha from his mother’s womb can become a great devotee, then why can’t we?? 

What to do?

Are we going to suffer as much as Prahlad had to if we do Satsang???, I think none of our parents would say no to taking the name of god. Then, why do we have trouble listening to Katha every day, having Satsang, and chanting the name of The Power of Satsang Shreeji Maharaj?

Piece of Coal to a Valuable Diamond.

At the time when Gunatitanand Swamiji was Mahant of Junagadh, many inquisitive from different parts of India were coming for Satsang and to listen to Swamiji’s Katha. Among them, Lodhika Darbar Abhaysinghji and Jinabhai, Darbar Amra khachar of Gadhada, Darbar Vagha khachar of Sarangpur, Shivalalbhai Seth of Botad, Lalabhai and Arjanbhai of Upleta, Kalyanbhai of Vanthali, Nathubhai Patel of Kariyani and many devotees spend their life with regular Satsang of Swamiji. even there were Muslims also coming. The famous Nawab Saheb of Junagadh and his Wazir Saheb also used to listen to Swamishri’s Katha frequently. Nawab Gajefarkhanji of Manavadar had specially invited Swamiji to build a temple in Manavadar and gave his livelihood to the temple. 

like this, many people were coming especially for Swamiji’s Satsang and they became brahmarup and got Akshardham.

Now I will tell you how Gunatitanand Swami’s single Katha can change a piece of coal into a valuable diamond.

Once Swami was passing through the forest with a few saints and devotees, and they came across some dacoits with guns. They were a troop of Valera Varu. One of the devotees told Swamiji how cruel he is and how he robs every village and every marriage procession. 

Swamiji told Valera “Please, be seated beside me, I wanted to talk to you.“ he sat there and patiently he was listening to Swamiji. After a few talks with Valera, Swamiji asked him why he is doing all this sinful, immoral, and unethical work. He told the story of how his mother left him when he was four years old, how his stepmother threw him out of their house and didn’t give him anything from his father’s property.

Swamiji asked him to be patient and not to indulge in violence. Swamiji gave him mala and told him to recite Swaminarayan mahamantra for seven days constantly and gave him blessings that he would get his part of the properties back within seven days. But Valera could not even count seven. So Swami tied seven knots in a string of kediya(coat) and told him to untie one knot every day at sunrise Swamiji blessed Valera and moved on. Then exactly on the seventh day Mamiya Varu (father of Valera Varu) called Valera his home and said, “please forgive me, I have done injustice to you I wanted to give you more property than you deserve.“

Valera realized that all is happening as a result of Swamiji’s blessings, his father asked him to follow the rules of their community and told him to be at his ancestral village Mansa to manage all his business and wealth.” but Valera made it clear to his father that “I got this all because Gunatitanand Swamiji and I have surrendered to Bhagwan Shree Swaminarayan and I am going Junagadh to have Satsang of Gunatitanand Swamiji.“

Another glorious example of the ecstatic love towards Satsang and Katha was exhibited by King Parikshit when he was at the point of his death.

Although he was king of the whole world, he left it all to do Satsang from a true saint named Shukdevji. he appointed his son Janamejaya as king. he left his kingdom, his family, the people of his kingdom, and all the glory he has for the sake of listening to Katha.

He got a curse from Sage Shringi and he knew that he had only seven days left, on the seventh day the king of snake Takshak would come and bite him and he would die. 

So, he thought about how to make optimum use of those seven days to improve this life and the life after death.

He set to listen to Katha until his last breath.

Likewise, we also should have regular Katha Shravan and Satsang of Divine saints of Bhagwan Shree Hari.

Selfless service enhances life. Sacrifice and service are the two great ideals of India which are very less seen in western countries. 

The Seed of Service 

When the opportunity for service comes, one must sow the seed of service like a conscious farmer. The seed definitely grows after getting time and rain of blessings by god or saints.

 All the plants in the world have originated and grown from seeds only. Likewise, every single service will have a huge impact at the end of our life. 

Trees give oxygen to the whole world. Likewise, a person’s service can be fruitful not just for him but the whole world can be benefited by him. 

No seed, no tree, no oxygen and no life. Similarly, if there is no service then there is no spirituality, devotion, joy and exuberance of life. 

Service is the basis of spirituality. Any building stands on the base only, if there is no base, then there is no building, in the same way, if there is no service, there is no devotion and no happiness.

Only those are alive who live to serve others. Service is a human quality and the fruit of selfless service is bliss. This is the reason why all the religions of the world have given utmost importance to the services. our scriptures have said that God blesses with prosperity those who serve saints, weak and poor. 

There are many types of service. Like serving someone physically, giving the right thoughts to a person and giving him knowledge of the right duties and serving with money to a needy person etc.

Selfless Service of Hanuman 

  There is no penance and sacrifice like service. Hanumanji is the symbol of desireless service and surrender. He was not much conscious about himself but, he had a great interest to serve Bhagwan Shree Ram. Without expecting anything back, he had given his whole life to Shree Ram. As a result, Shree Ram resides in his heart forever and even today we are remembering Hanumanji for his Surrendering to Shree Ram and living life as Shree Ram’s wished.

After Bhagwan Shree Ram’s coronation – he gives gifts to each of the monkeys. But nothing is given to Hanumanji. 

Sitaji says to Ram “give something to this Hanuman too”

Shree Ram says “What shall I give to Hanuman? Hanuman’s favour cannot be repaid by me. Hanuman has made me his debtor.“

So, This is the power of hanumanji’s nishkam seva, That even god himself has to be a debtor of his devotee.

If we believe that God resides in everyone and everything then any service is the service of almighty God only.

 There is an absence of selfishness in nishkam seva. The sense of service stems from saints, family, elders and observing society. There are very few people in whom the spirit of service is by his mother’s lap. This is the biggest sanskar. Selfless work done for others is service. Doing something and expecting in return is not seva, It is trade or barter. In so many scriptures it is said that ” to  serve saints, parents, teachers and guests is the worship of God.” There is no greater austerity than serving saints and parents. 

Blessings of Adbhutanand Swami

Now, I will give you an example of how a single service without expectation, can make your life blissful,

How a master showers on his true disciple, 

How a blessing  turns into a literal truth,

How the blessings of a true saint make you stand beside God.

 This incident is about Adbhutanand swami (who got bhagwati diksha by Bhagwan Shree Swaminarayan himself) and Purani Gopinathdasji Swami (guru of our Shastriji Maharaj Dharmajivandasji Swami).

 At that time Adbhutanand Swami’s age was hundred years, swami was sleeping and Gopinathdasji swami was doing foot massage (when Adbhutanand swami was young some opponent of Swaminarayan Bhagwan gave him poison in food. The poison didn’t work, but because of that, he used to have a fever after that. And foot massage brought relief to him, and he used to sleep well because of the massage).

Swamiji always used to tell a person who was doing massage to settle down after a few minutes of massage, but today he got good sleep.

 In the early morning when Adbhutanand swami woke up, he saw that Gopinathdasji swami was still doing massage.

 Seeing this, Swamiji was very pleased with his disciple. And he said “you’re still here, why haven’t you gone“

 Gopinathdasji swami replied ” you were sleeping well and I didn’t like to disturb your sleep, that’s why I was doing massage “

Adbhutanand swami put his both hands on Swamiji’s head and said that “There will be no scholar like you in the whole Swaminarayan Sampraday. Your Katha and Satsang will benefit millions of people, You will be the reason for the devotion of millions. your name in history will be written in golden words. Not only this, when your last time will come, Swaminarayan Bhagwan will tell you prior that when he will come and take you to his divine abode Akshardham.“

So, this much our Guru parampara is generous, that few hours of nishkam seva can give you fame, knowledge, power, happiness and bright life. Not only bright life but, more valuable than life, the Akshardham too.

This is how making someone else’s life comfortable by sacrificing one’s own comfort can get You lifelong devotion and pleasure.

Service is not dependent on age. Small children are also seen contributing with their little hands in the service. like, a small squirrel was helping to build ram setu, even her service was also noticed by shree ram

 It shouldn’t be shown off of service but, In a way, it is also correct. When someone tells a hundred people that he did good work. Even if ten people out of those hundred he conveys his message to do good, that show-off also becomes good service.

The value of each and every rupee deposited in the piggy bank will emerge as a huge amount after a few years. Likewise, good work done with devotion becomes manifold when it is engaged in the service of god. 

Service paves the way to liberation. Every small service matters, if a person doesn’t know what is ved-vedant, Upanishad or Purana but he knows cleaning the floor of a temple and he does cleaning his whole life then this one characteristic will lead his life towards salvation. One constant service is enough to reach him at Akshardham.

While crossing the river Ganga, Mother Sitaji gave a gold ring to the khewat (boatman) as a rent to drop them on the other side of the river, then the boatman said to Shree Ram “No, I won’t take any charge from you. You came to the riverbank, I took you to the other side, and now you have to help me to cross this ocean of infinite birth and death. My whole life I have taken money in exchange for putting people from this end to that end. I won’t take money from you, but I will take a promise from you, you be my boatman take me out from this worldly ocean.” This desireless service wins Shree Ram’s heart and Shree ram gives him salvation after his death and while going back to Ayodhya from Lanka, Shree ram landed Pushpak viman specially to meet and greet that boatman.

Nishkam Sevak Uka Khachar 

Uka Khachar and his wife used to clean the road till the Ghela river every day. They used to remove all the stones, thorns and garbage lying on the road. They did it very early in the morning before saints and devotees woke up and got ready to bathe in the Ghela River.

One day a dog spoiled the stage of satsang where Bhagwan Swaminarayan used to preach daily. All devotees and Saints who came to listen to Swaminarayan Bhagwan were just looking at it and condemning the dog. But no one cared to clean it. Later, Uka Khachar came from river Ghela, he had just taken a bath a few minutes before and without a word, he cleaned it thoroughly using fresh water. He then went back to the Ghela River to take bath and came back for Swaminarayan Bhagwan’s Darshan.

Upon his arrival, Swaminarayan Bhagwan asked him “Uka Khachar, what happened? Why are you late? Don’t you know that I don’t like latecomers?” 

Swaminarayan Bhagwan being omniscient, he was well aware of everything but just to give a lesson to other devotees, he was pretending as if he did not know anything.

Uka Khachar was standing quietly. Other devotees, those who have seen all things, narrated the whole incident. Swaminarayan Bhagwan was very happy and praised Uka Khachar. As a reward, Bhagwan gave the prints of his pious feet on the chest of Uka Khachar.

Even Bhagwan Shree Swaminarayan has mentioned Uka Khachar  in Gadhada Madhya’s 25th Vachanamrut that “One who has become an addict of serving Me and My devotees like Uka Khachar, will get rid of even the most vitiated desires that may erupt from within one’s heart.“

So, this is how uka khachar was having an addiction of doing seva of Bhagwan Swaminarayan and his saints, Due to which he won the hearts of all.

Nishkam Seva means that we should not desire anything in return for doing something. Even if we want something, it should be just that Swaminarayan Bhagwan may accept our service and be happy with us.

Moral

So, this is how nishkam sevak can be benefited with much better things than he might have thought. One nishkam seva will give pleasure to one who accepts And one who is giving too.

Where there is the desire after serving, there will be no devotion. True devotees do not want anything from God but offer their all.

Let’s take a vow of selfless service from today itself. Whether a service would be small or big, someone notices it or not, we will do our best with devotion and dedication and we will try our best to please Bhagwan Swaminarayan and his saints with selfless service and we will be the most eligible candidates to be in Akshardham.

Thank you

Jay Swaminarayan

Let me answer your confusion here. It’s a failure story of successful people which inspires us more. 

If you ask me how, here’s an answer- success stories will let you know about their great work, but failure will let you know about the mistakes they did and learning from other’s mistakes is a quality of a smart person. Therefore, reading failure stories is also important.

“Failure” a word, under which millions and billions people have buried from the creation of the universe to till date.

Failure is a part of life, not the end of life. It is not the opposite of success, but it is a part of success. We just need to learn from that mistake which led us to failure.

It happens to everyone at some point of life and the one who overcomes it, is truly successful. For one success, a hundred failures is acceptable, Unless the same mistake twice should not be the reason behind failure.

tell me,

Who is the biggest animal in the jungle???

Elephant, right??

Who is the cleverest animal in the jungle??

fox, right??

Who is the fastest animal in the jungle???

Cheetah, right??

Who is the tallest animal in the jungle??

giraffe , right??

Did you see the name of lion anywhere in these names.???

No, Still the lion is the king of the jungle. why?? 

Because he is the king because of his courage, because of his daring. He fails to find his prey every seven out of ten times. Even if he has to starve for 10-15 days, he will never eat grass. Every time the lion falls, He rises again to find a new victim. After failure of getting his prey he neither get depressed nor he think for suicide like today’s generation, because he has unshakeable faith on his power and enough belief that whoever may his prey, he can’t free himself from his claws and jaws.

A lion can think and act like this, then why can’t we???? we surely should think about it.

The Failure of a Successful.

This is a real incident of a man who has shaken the lives of many so-called wise and wealthy people. There was a boy from Bangalore, who was very brilliant. In all standards he was first. He always scored 100% marks in science.

 Now such boys generally become engineers or doctors. so he also opted for engineering and got selected in IIT CHENNAI. He did B Tech. from there. Then he went to the USA for further studies from there. He completed his further studies from there. He did his M Tech. and then There he did MBA from University of California.

 It is obvious that he always topped there too. Now after studying so much, He gets a good job there. He Started working there. He got a multi-million dollar package. He got so much wealth that he had purchased a five bedroom house. He had three luxurious cars in his garage. Then He  married a very beautiful girl. 

Now we can not imagine a more ideal life in today’s time, especially for an Indian. After being educated he became an engineer, settled in America. He had a High paying job, a good lavish house, a beautiful loyal wife, and three cute children. What more can a man ask for in his life? They were having all the luxury one can think of. They were having Happiness, Happiness and only Happiness…… 

So what future do you see for that engineer boy?????? 

Everything looks fine, but no, two years ago on same date he committed suicide there in America. Not only did his life end, but before he shot a bullet on his head, he shot first his sweet mother, then to his all three cute children one by one and then his beautiful wife with two bullets……

What went wrong???

Where did the mistake happen???

After all, what happened????

Before taking this step he discussed with all his family members. Then wrote a long suicide note and justified his this step and even wrote that this was the best way to overcome from these circumstances…..

His case and that suicide note have been studied by the California Institute of Clinical Psychology. what went wrong and what was the reason for this failure.

When the police interrogated their neighbors after this incident, one of them said that, “In my 70 years of life, I have never seen such a loving family, he never talked in a loud voice to his wife, he was loving his kids so much, he was a very kind nature person. Even I am also curious to know how did this happened, how did he got the courage to shoot??”

“FALLING DOWN IS A FATE, BUT STAYING DOWN IS A CHOICE.”

It so happened that he lost his job in the economic recession of America after COVID. He sat vacant for many days and he kept looking for jobs. 

He kept on reducing his salary even then also he did not get any job. At a point of time, he was unable to pay installment of that five-bedroom house. He was ready to sell that house, but unfortunately there was no one to buy it. Then the time came when he was about to come on the road because his house was about to be sealed by the bank. Some days he worked on a petrol pump to get bread for six of them. He tolerated all this for a whole year and then finally committed suicide “happily” not only this but his family also agreed for it “happily“.

Yes, he has written in suicide note that……. “We all are very “happy” that now everything will be alright. All the troubles will end because we will end.”

That Experts who were studying this case, have concluded one sentence summary of 853 pages case study like this ” This man was programmed for success, but he was not trained, how to handle failure”.

Let’s take a look at his life from the beginning. He was very smart in studies, always came first. I know many parents wants their son or daughter to be the same, their child should always come first. There should not be any mistake with them. If they make a mistake, parents will act as if they have committed a big sin.

He was consistently first in his class. so he never had tested how it feels to come second or third. Not even failed in any subject. He never lost his race of study. In short, he never had an experience of failure in his life. If he had experienced failure when he was a kid, He might be alive today. 

His life never taught him that even after falling one can get up. Life does not end after falling.

Since such children are a bit more educated, these people get less chance to play in mud or muddy water, to roam freely without parents, to have fights and settlements with their friends, winning or losing bicycle races etc. they only had one work after finishing their study of a subject, is studying another subject. 

When he was in school, he was under the burden of constantly coming first in class. After he finished his schooling, the burden of engineering college fell on the poor man. When he came out from there, he did MBA. And while he was still studying, he got a job with a high salary. Now, a high salary is a big responsibility with a big target. 

So, the car of his life was going in fifth gear and with full speed, suddenly he found a speed breaker where he just needed to decrease the speed, needed a pause for some time. If he had passed 2-3 years of hardship with courage, then the road would be bigger and better for his further destination. But unfortunately, he didn’t….

This world is very harsh and so is life too. It takes different exams on every step of life. life sets its own separate question paper and all questions come in that are out of the syllabus.

life doesn’t care about the degree and mark sheet. It doesn’t matter how many marks you get in your exams. It is all about how you tackle every hurdle of your life-long marathon.

Let Them Stand by Themselves. 

Once upon a time the summer camp was organized in school. Parents were coming to drop off the kids. Many children used to come in Mercedes, Audi and BMW.

There was a boy. It must have been somewhere between 9-10 years old who suddenly started crying loudly. That child fell down and got a slight injury on his forehead. He was crying because he saw blood on his hand while he touched his forehead. 

 After some time his father came. His father was screaming Like crazy.” My child has a head injury. You guys haven’t taken him to the hospital or called a doctor for him. It’s a case of head injury. you guys don’t work properly. you are careless. How did this happen to a child? What if something happens to him? It was such a big accident. May God not do like this to anyone.” 

Then he went to a neurology hospital. There that boy’s father was talking about CT Scan, brain hemorrhage and even Plastic surgery would be required to do.

But finally the doctors of that hospital put a BANDAID and said ” Don’t take too much tension. There is nothing to worry about, it’s just a little scratch.” and sent them Home.

So,This is how parents spoil their children. What do the parents of today’s generation want to make of their children ??

when will these spoon fed children be able to bear the struggles of life??

Whether you teach a kid the value of winning or not, you must teach him what it feels to lose, what it feels to fail. Actually a brilliant kid will never fail in studies. But, he may not be as brilliant at sports, don’t force them to study every time, let them go in the sports field. let them play on the ground, let their knees scratch, let them have cuts and wounds, let them hurt, let them feel the pain, they also should know Apart from studies, what other difficulties they may face. There he will know how to win and what is the pain of loss.

The Grand Edifice of Success is Built on the Foundation of Failure.

There is verse in the Kathopanishad, 

उत्तिष्ठत जाग्रत प्राप्य वरान्निबोधत।
क्षुरस्य धारा निशिता दुरत्यया दुर्गं पथस्तत्कवयो वदन्ति ॥(3.14)

“Arise, awake, find out the great man and learn from them; this road is as difficult as walking on sharp edges of razor ,and going another side” say the sages.

No matter how wealthy you are, bad times can come anytime. Teach your children to live in minimal necessity, teach them to lose and after losing, teach them to stand up for victory.

You may have a lot of money and you always travel by flight or you never travel without a four wheeler, but give your child the experience of sleeper class or general class of a train or even some time tell them to travel by an autorickshaw. Some time force them to Sleep on the ground or sleep without an air conditioner. Teach them that Sometimes life can be lived with limited resources too. life is not over if they lose. They will also know that sometimes you will have to accept defeat, we are not the best, there is someone better than us.

They Didn’t Fail, They Learned

Some examples of failure stories of successful people.

1) he left his home at a young age, he sold tea at railway station, he was embroiled in one of the most blood-bathed controversies in the country. When he stood in the election, all other parties were against him and eager to defeat him. Later he became CM of a state, PM of a country and one of the most powerful leaders of the world.

This person is our honorable prime minister Narendra Modi.

2) He was fired from a Missouri newspaper for not being creative enough. but, today His cartoon creation company is generating $30 billion in revenue a year. 

This person is Walt Disney.

3) He has seen poverty from very near, he was selling goods while studying. At the age of 16, he worked at a gas station. He worked as a clerk also, but later he became the first Indian entrepreneur who has listed his company under Forbes 500. And today his next generation is the richest in India.

This person is Dhirubhai Ambani.

4) He didn’t study for more than 5 years throughout his whole life because of poverty, lost eight elections, failed twice in business, lost his mother, and later his fiancé. He paid the debt for 17 years. He was in bed for six months after a total nervous breakdown. and finally he became the most eminent and greatest president in the history of the United States.

This person is Abraham Lincoln.

5) He was raised by adoptive parents. He got fired from the company he created after an altercation with the board of directors. He went on pilgrimage to India, after returning he sold his minibus, started a tech company in his garage. And today his company sells the highest number of mobile phones in the world.  When he died in 2011, his net worth was $10.2 billion.

This person is the former CEO of Apple Inc, Steve Jobs.

These are a few well known examples of people who learned from their mistakes and grew from failure to super success. 

Conclusion.

Don’t make your children so soft from the beginning. Until a certain age pampering is ok, but if you do it  for life long, then the result will be very dangerous. Train them to tolerate the shocks of this cruel world. They will be thankful to you.

Don’t serve them on a golden plate, with a silver spoon, let them struggle, let them fail and rise again.

Give your children the training to survive in this dangerous jungle from now itself.