Vachanamrut Essence

Gadhadā I-56

1. Of the four types of devotees mentioned in the Gitā, a gnāni is the best because:

1. He behaves as brahmarup.
2. He thoroughly understands the greatness of God.
3. He has no desires except that of God.

2. If a devotee of God:

1. Exhibits gnān, vairāgya, and bhakti out of vanity:

1. That is a great flaw.
2. Just as a no water will come in a well when a stone-cutter strikes a stone and it sounds solid [sparks fly], similarly, he will not acquire any great virtues.
3. He sees God’s form residing in his heart with an expression of disgust.
4. If he has any virtues, they will diminish.
5. His vanity only serves to strengthen his belief of being the body.
6. The virtues of gnān, vairāgya and bhakti may make him appear virtuous superficially, but he does not have any inner-strength.

2. Exhibits gnān, vairāgya, and bhakti with humility:

1. Just as plentiful water will come in a well when a stone-cutter strikes a stone and it sounds hollow; similarly, he will acquire many great virtues.
2. God resides in his heart with a pleased expression.
3. His virtues grow more powerful.
4. He is the best.

3. Means to eradicating ego:

1. Physically: realising the greatness of God’s devotees, bowing down to them, and serving them menially.
2. Mentally: recognising thoughts of vanity when they arise in one’s heart and maintaining the force of thought.

4. Upāsanā:

1. Through the force of upāsanā, one attains countless types of greatness, highest state of enlightenment, and other powers.
2. One realises the distinction between ātmā and non-ātmā and develops vairāgya.
3. One should forsake dependence on the strength of other spiritual endeavours and rely on the strength of God’s upāsanā.
4. One should increase the strength of their upāsanā of God by practising satsang.
5. One who has firmness in upāsanā believes, “However a grave sinner a person may be, if he utters ‘Swaminarayan’ at the end of his life, he will attain God’s abode.”