Prasang 87
Not Even the Weight of a Pebble
In 2003, the construction of Swaminarayan Akshardham in Delhi was in full swing. The land stretched for acres, covered with mountains of stones, symbolizing the immensity of the project.
In this context, Pujya Brahmavihari Swami once remarked to Pramukh Swami Maharaj, “Swami! Even if these stones were given as a gift to someone, they would be overwhelmed because how is one to manage such a vast and complex project? Whereas you are handling everything with such worry-free mind and yet in such an organized manner.”
Swamishri calmly smiled and replied, “There are so many stones here, yet I don’t feel even a pebble’s weight on my chest. Because I am not the one doing anything. Bhagwān Swaminarayan and Guru Yogiji Maharaj arrange everything. It all happens by their will.”
Swamishri possessed the extraordinary ability to make mountains of responsibility feel lighter than a pebble—by believing that Bhagwān is the true doer. This belief kept him completely free from worries.
Swamishri didn’t just say “Bhagwān and Guru do everything” as a formality. It was an absolute conviction deeply rooted in his being. He found it difficult to even listen to any words contradicting this truth.
After the completion of Akshardham, swamis naturally praised him, saying, “Swami, you have accomplished an extraordinary feat.” But Swamishri immediately rejected this notion and explained to everyone, “Everything was done by Bhagwān and Guru.”
The swamis, however, knew that he was the one who had tirelessly worked to bring this grand vision to life. So, they remained steadfast in their praise. One day, while alone in the bathroom, Swamishri was overheard saying to himself, “I am trying so hard to make people understand that Bhagwān is the doer, and I do nothing. But why don’t they understand that and accept it?”
The sevak swami, who heard this, was left astonished. What was even more surprising was that Swamishri’s eyes welled up with tears, feeling pained that people credited him for what was truly Bhagwān’s work. One can offer all honors to Bhagwān in public, but to feel guilt in private for even unintentionally receiving credit—that is true humility and devotion!
Sadguru Santvallabh Swami, a senior swami from Shastriji Maharaj’s time, used to say, “If anyone were to sit in Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s position for even one day, managing the responsibilities of this organization, they would go insane!” Yet, in the midst of such an overwhelming workload, Swamishri remained lighthearted and at peace.
On September 4, 1994, in London, someone asked him, “Swami, with so many responsibilities, how do you stay so fresh and energetic?”
Swamishri humbly replied, “I do everything as per Bhagwān’s āgnā. I don’t take anything upon myself. Without the feeling of ‘I am doing this,’ one remains absorbed in Bhagwān and Guru. If something is gained—Bhagwān’s wish. If something is lost—Bhagwān’s wish. When you accept this, there is no burden, only peace.”
Pramukh Swami Maharaj, who accomplished unparalleled feats, lived by one unwavering principle: “Guru and Bhagwān alone are the doer and giver. What are we to claim?” His life teaches us how to transform massive mental burdens into something as insignificant as a pebble.
The key is simple, “Bhagwān is the doer, and whatever happens is for my good.” When we genuinely believe this, we will experience peace, and through us, others will find peace as well.
