Prasang 97

Your Shoes, My Head

On August 13, 2016, when Pramukh Swami Maharaj passed away, the entire world’s attention turned to Mahant Swami Maharaj. As the new leader of BAPS and the spiritual guide of millions of devotees, the weight of immense responsibility now rested upon his shoulders. Yet, Swamishri remained completely detached from this burden. His speech, behavior, and actions were as humble and simple as those of any other swami in the organization. His unwavering stability and saintliness stood out to everyone.

During this time, while Swamishri was in Sārangpur, a devotee lightheartedly remarked to him: “Pramukh Swami Maharaj entrusted you with this responsibility. Just as Swamibapa traveled extensively, so have you. Just as he pleased both swamis and devotees, so have you. We have witnessed both of these qualities in you. But there’s one thing we have yet to see—whether the divine glory and powers that Pramukh Swami possessed have manifested in you.”

In response, Mahant Swami Maharaj firmly stated: “If you ever find even the slightest flaw in my observance of the five vows, then you can place your shoes upon my head (act of showing the ultimate dishonor)! But as for divine powers and miracles, I have no understanding of them.”

Who else can say with such unshakable confidence that, after over five decades of monastic life, they have never wavered even slightly in their spiritual vows? For a Sant of such immaculate purity, Shriji Maharaj states in Vachanāmrut Gadhadā III-26, “He is staunch in his observance of the five religious vows; and believing himself to be brahmarup, he worships Purushottam Bhagwān. Such a Sant should not be thought of as a human being, nor should he be thought of as a deity, because such behavior is not possible for either humans or deities. Indeed, even though that Sant appears to be human, he is still worthy of being worshipped on par with God.”

How fortunate are we to have the association of such a Sant, who is truly worthy of being served like Bhagwān.