Prasang 98

Forever a Servant

On October 2, 2016, in Nadiād, during Mahant Swami Maharaj’s lunch, students residing in the hostel gathered for his darshan. As the meal concluded, the youths approached Swamishri and said, “Swami! Today, we want to recreate a historic moment.”

They then sang a Qawwali that had once been presented before Pramukh Swami Maharaj. The lyrics were: “The sun asks, the moon asks, the stars shining in the sky ask… Who is Pramukh Swami? Who is Mahant Swami?”

After completing the devotional song, the students asked Swamishri, “Swami! When this Qawwali was sung before Pramukh Swami Maharaj, he described himself by saying, ‘Pramukh Swami is a Sant, a devotee of Bhagwān Swaminarayan, and a disciple of Yogiji Maharaj.’ So today, Swami, we request you to reveal who Mahant Swami is.”

The entire audience waited eagerly. A microphone was placed before Swamishri, and without a moment’s hesitation, he replied, “Dās nā dās” (A servant of a servant). This profound moment of humility and servitude was etched in everyone’s hearts.

For a Satpurush, servitude is not a learned virtue but an inherent way of life. Despite being the guru to millions, he does not see himself as a guru. Despite being Aksharbrahma incarnate, he has no hesitation in bowing at the feet of devotees. Swamishri firmly believes: “Everyone is greater than me, and I am the lowest.” Through his thoughts, words, and actions, he constantly inspires us to cultivate the same spirit of selfless servitude in Satsang. Mahant Swami Maharaj often says: “Dāsbhāv – The Expressway to Akshardham.” If our Guru chooses to be dās nā dās, then as disciples, should we not strive to be dās as well?