A Chapter of the Akshar-Purushottam Samhita

SATSANG DIKSHA
ENGLISH

A Shastra Explaining the Principles of

Agna and Upasana as Revealed by
Parabrahman Bhagwan Swaminarayan

Author
Pragat Brahmaswarup Mahant Swami Maharaj
 Shri Swaminarayano Vijayate

Bhagwan Swaminarayan and Aksharbrahman Gunatitanand Swami

(Shri Akshar-Purushottam Maharaj)
Brahmaswarup Bhagatji Maharaj Brahmaswarup Shastriji Maharaj

Brahmaswarup Yogiji Maharaj Brahmaswarup Pramukh Swami Maharaj

 A Chapter of the Akshar-Purushottam Samhita

SATSANG DIKSHA
A Shastra Explaining the Principles of
Agna and Upasana as Revealed by
Parabrahman Bhagwan Swaminarayan

Author:
Pragat Brahmaswarup
Mahant Swami Maharaj

Sanskrit Verses:
Mahamahopadhyay
Sadhu Bhadreshdas

English Translation:
BAPS Sadhus

Swaminarayan Aksharpith
Ahmedabad
 Publisher’s Note
Under the auspices of the Pramukh
Swami Maharaj Centenary Celebrations
(1921–2021), we take great pleasure and
pride in presenting the ‘Satsang Diksha’
shastra authored by Pragat Brahmaswarup
Mahant Swami Maharaj.
Bhagwan Swaminaryan nourished and
fostered the timeless traditions of
Hinduism through his contribution of a
unique, novel philosophy called Akshar-
Purushottam Darshan. In so doing, he
introduced a new spiritual pathway to
ultimate moksha for countless souls. In his
moral and spiritual teachings, called the
Shikshapatri and Vachanamrut, Bhagwan
viii Satsang Diksha

Swaminarayan provides a detailed guide

of spiritual sadhanas for the experience of
happiness through moral behaviour, social
dealings and knowledge. Both the shastras
include the essence of all the Hindu
shastras.
In the past two centuries, the Gunatit
gurus have continued the spiritual tradi-
tion and knowledge founded by Bhagwan
Swaminarayan, to inspire and bless count-
less aspirants with the experience of the
highest, divine bliss.
A concise form of all the spiritual
knowledge and sadhanas propagated by
Bhagwan Swaminarayan and the Gunatit
gurus is presented for all aspirants in the
‘Satsang Diksha’ shastra, authored and
Publisher’s Note ix

gifted by Pragat Brahmaswarup Mahant

Swami Maharaj (Swamishri).
He started writing this shastra on the
holy day of Vasant Panchmi, V.S. 2076 (30
January 2020) in Navsari, Gujarat, and
completed it on Hari Jayanti (2 April
2020). Swamishri wrote this shastra amidst
his unceasing and tireless vicharan, daily
satsang assemblies and events, personal
meetings with sadhus and devotees, and
the daily correspondence and administra-
tive responsibilities of the BAPS. Quite
often, Swamishri wrote till late at night or
during the early morning. Once Swa-
mishri had finished writing the shastra he
involved scholarly sadhus of the BAPS,
namely, Pujya Ishwarcharandas Swami,
x Satsang Diksha

Pujya Viveksagardas Swami, Pujya Atmas-

warupdas Swami, Pujya Anandswarupdas
Swami, Pujya Narayanmunidas Swami,
Pujya Bhadreshdas Swami and others, to
enrich its language, wherever it was re-
quired.
The ‘Satsang Diksha’ shastra is included
in the ‘Akshar-Purushottam Samhita’
shastra, which expounds the teachings of
Bhagwan Swaminarayan’s philosophy and
bhakti tradition in the Sanskrit language.
On Swamishri’s instruction the ‘Satsang
Diksha’ shastra was rendered into Sanskrit
by the Sanstha’s renowned scholar,
Mahamahopadhyay Bhadreshdas Swami.
Thereafter, Mahant Swami Maharaj
checked the Sanskrit translation with the
Publisher’s Note xi

original Gujarati verses and made the

necessary changes.
On the holy day of Guru Purnima (5
July 2020), in Nenpur, Gujarat, Mahant
Swami Maharaj performed the pujan
rituals of the ‘Satsang Diksha’ shastra and
dedicated it with profound devotion at
the lotus feet of Bhagwan Swaminarayan,
Aksharbrahman Gunatitanand Swami,
Brahmaswarup Bhagatji Maharaj, Brahma-
swarup Shastriji Maharaj, Brahmaswarup
Yogiji Maharaj and Brahmaswarup
Pramukh Swami Maharaj.
By gifting this shastra Swamishri has
blessed future generations with an
abridged version of the philosophy and
teachings of Bhagwan Swaminarayan and
xii Satsang Diksha

the Gunatit gurus. We offer our heartfelt

appreciation and reverence at his holy
feet. We anticipate that this shastra will
clarify and inspire one’s spiritual sadhanas
for attaining ultimate moksha.
We also take great joy in publishing an
English edition of ‘Satsang Diksha’, which
includes an English transliteration of the
Gujarati text and Sanskrit verses and an
English translation of the Gujarati text.

- Swaminarayan Aksharpith
 Foreword
‘Satsang Diksha’ is a shastra authored
in Gujarati by Pragat Brahmaswarup Ma-
hant Swami Maharaj, the sixth spiritual
successor of Bhagwan Swaminarayan. This
shastra presents the principles of āgnā and
upāsanā taught by Bhagwan Swami-
narayan. This shastra was rendered into
Sanskrit verses by Mahamahopadhyay
Bhadreshdas Swami. The ‘Satsang Diksha’
shastra is a part of the ‘Akshar-
Purushottam Samhita’ shastra, which ex-
tensively elaborates upon Bhagwan
Swaminarayan’s principle teachings and
perspectives of bhakti in a scholarly style.
The supreme Parabrahman Bhagwan
xiv Satsang Diksha

Swaminarayan came on earth (1781–1830

CE) out of his infinite compassion to liber-
ate countless souls. He established a divine
Satsang, revealing the eternal Vedic prin-
ciple of Akshar-Purushottam for the
purpose of attaining the highest moksha.
The Swaminarayan satsang is a unique
way of life in consonance with the eternal
Vedic principles of Akshar-Purushottam.
This unique way of life has been practised
by countless satsangis from the time of
Bhagwan Swaminarayan to the present.
For the spiritual nourishment and growth
of the Satsang Bhagwan Swaminarayan in-
spired an unceasing paramparā and legacy
of Aksharbrahman Gunatit gurus.
Āgnā and upāsanā are the two princi-
Foreword xv

ples of satsang taught by Bhagwan

Swaminarayan. He explained and elabo-
rated upon these two principles in his
divine discourses, compiled as the Vachan-
amrut. These two principles are also
reflected upon in the books, kirtans and
discourses by the paramhansas.
Aksharbrahman Gunatitanand Swami
discoursed about and consolidated the
supreme divinity of Bhagwan Swami-
narayan, spiritual sadhanas and principles
in the lives of innumerable sadhus and
devotees. Through his discourses
Brahmaswarup Bhagatji Maharaj
propagated that Gunatitanand Swami was
Aksharbrahman and Bhagwan Swami-
narayan was Parabrahman Purushottam.
xvi Satsang Diksha

Brahmaswarup Shastriji Maharaj tolerated

colossal hardships and opposition to
enshrine the principle of Akshar-
Purushottam taught by Bhagwan
Swaminarayan in the form of murtis in the
central shrines of shikharbaddh mandirs.
Brahmaswarup Yogiji Maharaj fostered
the Satsang with the nectar of samp,
suhradbhāv and ektā. He spearheaded and
established the BAPS children and youth
forums and Sunday satsang assemblies to
nourish the devotees with the principles
of āgnā and upāsanā. Brahmaswarup
Pramukh Swami Maharaj made Herculean
efforts to develop the BAPS into a global
organization. He inspired the writing of
shastras, consecrated 1,200 mandirs, gave
Foreword xvii

saffron dikshā to 1,000 youths and

performed socio-spiritual services for the
uplift of society.
Presently, the organization is helmed
by Pragat Brahmaswarup Mahant Swami
Maharaj, the sixth spiritual master in the
Gunatit guru tradition. Through his
leadership and blessings over 1,000 sadhus
and countless devotees are being
enlightened with the fundamental princi-
ples of satsang. His teachings of one God,
one guru and one principle, and the
cultivation of humility, harmony and
glory for all have engendered an atmos-
phere of divinity and love in the Satsang.
Since the time of Bhagwan
Swaminarayan the Sampraday has seen
xviii Satsang Diksha

the creation of shastras that nourish the

principles of āgnā and upāsanā among its
followers. Also, shastras related to
philosophy, spiritual sadhana, bhakti, dos
and don’ts and other aspects have helped
in disseminating and consolidating the
satsang way of life among devotees. To
summarize the teachings of all the shastras
of the Sampraday, Mahant Swami Maharaj
had long wished that a single shastra be
made. He thus discussed this with the
senior sadhus and accepted their request
in doing the sevā of writing such a shastra.
The shastra (‘Satsang Diksha’) includes
a wide range of essential topics: Bhagwan
Swaminarayan is Parabrahman Purush-
ottam Narayan, supreme, the all-doer, and
Foreword xix

always has a divine form and is always

manifest on earth; the Gunatit guru is Ak-
sharbrahman, the embodiment of Narayan
because he is eternally God-realized, and
the ideal for all spiritual aspirants to at-
tain the brāhmic state; and profound love
and ātmabuddhi for him are the essence of
all sadhanas. The highest principle of be-
coming aksharrup to offer humble
devotion to Purushottam is delineated in
this shastra. In addition, it includes con-
templation of certain thoughts as part of
one’s internal sadhana, namely, thoughts
about Parabrahman’s attainment (prāpti),
Bhagwan’s doership (kartā-hartā), Bhag-
wan’s pleasure (rājipo), ātmā, ephemeral
nature of the world, mahimā through asso-
xx Satsang Diksha

ciation, perceiving others’ virtues, divya-

bhāv and introspection.
‘Satsang Diksha’ also encompasses as-
pects like abstaining from discouraging
talks, not looking at others’ faults and sid-
ing (paksh) with devotees. It also includes
the purpose of establishing mandirs and
the various bhakti rituals like doing dar-
shan and others. This shastra also includes
the daily practices for devotees like obey-
ing niyam-dharma, having good behaviour,
attending the weekly satsang sabhā, doing
personal daily puja and ghar sabhā, per-
forming ārti and other rituals before the
ghar mandir and doing daily mānsi.
The word dikshā, which is part of this
shastra’s title, means firm resolve, un-
Foreword xxi

shakeable faith and total sacrifice. The

message in this shastra is to resolve to per-
sonally consolidate the satsang principles
related to āgnā and upāsanā in one’s life,
and to attain firm faith in and totally ded-
icate oneself for the two principles.
‘Satsang Diksha’ contains the quintes-
sence of all that is to be understood and
practised in Satsang as propagated by
Bhagwan Swaminarayan and the Gunatit
guru parampārā and also all that is being
practised by countless devotees today.
On the sacred day of 5 July 2020,
Ashadh sud Purnima, V.S. 2076, Pragat
Brahmaswarup Mahant Swami Maharaj
performed the pujan rituals of this shastra
for the very first time and inaugurated it
xxii Satsang Diksha

in Nenpur, Gujarat. On this very day he

also instructed all sadhus and devotees to
read five verses every day.
As a tribute to Pramukh Swami Maha-
raj’s Centenary Celebrations, Pragat
Guruhari Mahant Swami Maharaj dedi-
cated this shastra, ‘Satsang Diksha’, at the
holy feet of Bhagwan Swaminarayan and
the Gunatit gurus.
Pragat Brahmaswarup Mahant Swami
Maharaj has truly blessed the entire
Satsang fellowship by writing this shastra
to reveal the satsang principles taught and
established by Bhagwan Swaminarayan
and the Gunatit gurus. We will forever re-
main indebted to him for his contribution
and grace.
Foreword xxiii

We acknowledge the efforts of Ma-

hamahopadhyay Bhadreshdas Swami for
translating the ‘Satsang Diksha’ into San-
skrit. Our sincere appreciations to
Aksharananddas Swami, Brahmasetudas
Swami, Dharmasetudas Swami, Amrutvi-
jaydas Swami, Vivekjivandas Swami and
Yogvivekdas Swami for translating it into
English.
May we truly attain the Swaminarayan
satsang dikshā by daily reading, contem-
plating on and repeating the verses.

Sadhu Ishwarcharandas
5 July 2020
Guru Purnima, V.S. 2076
Ahmedabad
 Pronunciation Guide
Sanskrit Transliteration
In Sanskrit, a word is pronounced ex-
actly as it is written.
● Consonants to be pronounced similar

to English sounds.
● The last ‘a’ in a word is always pro-

nounced as a short ‘a’.

● Vowel sounds can be short (denoted by

a i u) or long (denoted by ā ī ū).

● The symbols used with certain letters (a,

i, u, t, d, n) are explained below.

Pronunciation Guide xxvii

Vowel Written as Pronounced

short a a As in but, hut

long a [aa] ā As in bat, car
short i i As in bit, fit
long i [ee] ī As in beet, feet
short u u As in foot, put
long u [oo] ū As in boot, moon

● The letters t, d, n may be pronounced in

different ways.
● Sounds pronounced by touching the
tongue to the roof of the mouth are de-
noted by a dot under the letter (ṭ, ḍ, ṇ).
● Dental sounds (pronounced by touching
xxviii Satsang Diksha

the tongue against the teeth), are denot-

ed by a normal letter without any
symbols [t, d, n].

Gujarati Transliteration
● For Gujarati words, only the ‘short a’

and ‘long a’ (ā) vowel sounds have been

differentiated.
● No diacritics have been used for proper

nouns.

The meanings of the Gujarati words re-

tained in the English translation text are
collated in the Glossary.
 H Shri Swaminarayano VijayateH

Satsang Diksha

Swaminarayan Bhagwan etle ke sākshāt

Akshar-Purushottam Maharaj sarvane
param shānti, ānand ane sukh arpe. (1)
Swāminārāyaṇah sākshād
Akshara-Purushottamaha;
Sarvebhyah paramām shāntim
ānandam sukham arpayet. 1
May Swaminarayan Bhagwan, who is
Akshar-Purushottam Maharaj himself,1
bestow ultimate peace, bliss and happiness
on all. (1)
1. Here, Swaminarayan Bhagwan and Akshar-
Purushottam Maharaj are synonyms and refer to the one
supreme entity – Parabrahman, Paramatma.
2 Satsang Diksha

Ā deh muktinu sādhan chhe, keval bhognu

sādhan nathi. Durlabh ane nāshvant evo ā
deh vāramvār malto nathi. (2)
Deho’yam sādhanam mukter
na bhoga-mātra-sādhanam;
Durlabho nashvarash-chā’yam
vāram-vāram na labhyate. 2
This body is a means for moksha, not
merely a means for indulgence [in sense
pleasures]. Rare and perishable, this body
is not repeatedly attained. (2)
Laukik vyavahār to dehnā nirvāh māte
chhe. Te ā manushya janmanu param
lakshya nathi. (3)
Laukiko vyavahāras-tu
deha-nirvāha-hetukaha;
Satsang Diksha 3

Naiva sa paramam lakshyam

asya manushya-janmanaha. 3
Personal and family activities are [only]
for the sustenance of the body. They are
not the ultimate objective of this human
birth. (3)
Sarva doshone tālvā, brahma-sthitine
pāmvā ane Bhagwanni bhakti karvā ā deh
malyo chhe. Ā badhu satsang karvāthi
avashya prāpta thāy chhe. Āthi
mumukshuoe sadāy satsang karvo. (4–5)
Nāshāya sarva-doshāṇām
brahma-sthiter avāptaye;
Kartum Bhagavato bhaktim
asya dehasya lambhanam. 4
4 Satsang Diksha

Sarvam idam hi satsangāl-

labhyate nishchitam janaihi;
Atah sadaiva satsangah
karaṇīyo mumukshubhihi. 5
This body has been received to eradicate
all flaws, attain the brāhmic state and offer
devotion to Bhagwan. All this is certainly
attained by practising satsang.2 Therefore,
mumukshus should always practise satsang.
(4–5)
Tethi Parabrahma Swaminarayane ā lokmā
sākshāt avtarine ā divya satsangni sthāpnā
kari. (6)
Satsangah sthāpitas-tasmād
divyo’yam Parabrahmaṇā;
2. See verses 8–9 for a definition of ‘satsang.’
Satsang Diksha 5

Swāminārāyaṇeneha
sākshād evā’vatīrya cha. 6
For this reason, Parabrahman Swami-
narayan himself manifested in this world
and established this divine Satsang. (6)
Ā satsangnu jnān mumukshuone thāy evā
shubh āshaythi ‘Satsang Diksha’ e nāmnu
shāstra rachvāmā āve chhe. (7)
Satsangasyā’sya vignānam
mumukshūṇām bhaved iti;
Shāstram Satsanga-Dīksheti
shubhā’shayād virachyate. 7
The shastra titled ‘Satsang Diksha’ has
been composed with the pure intent that
mumukshus acquire the knowledge of this
satsang. (7)
6 Satsang Diksha

Satya evā ātmāno sang karvo, satya evā

Paramatmano sang karvo, satya evā
guruno sang karvo ane sach-chhāstrano
sang karvo e satsangnu sāchu lakshan
jānvu. Āvo divya satsang karnārā manushya
sukhi thāy chhe. (8–9)
Satyasya svātmanah sangah
satyasya Paramātmanaha;
Satyasya cha guroh sangah
sach-chhāstrāṇām tathaiva cha. 8
Vignātavyam idam satyam
satsangasya hi lakshaṇam;
Kurvan-nevam vidham divyam
satsangam syāt sukhī janaha. 9
One should know that the true meaning
of satsang is to associate with the ātmā,
Satsang Diksha 7

which is true; to associate with

Paramatma, who is true; to associate with
the guru, who is true; and to associate
with true shastras. One who practises this
divine satsang becomes blissful. (8–9)
Dikshā etle dradh sankalp, shraddhāe
sahit evo achal nishchay, samyak samarpan,
priti-purvak nishthā, vrat ane dradh
āshro. (10)
Dīksheti draḍha-sankalpah
sa-shraddham nishchayo’chalaha;
Samyak samarpaṇam prītyā
nishṭhā vratam draḍhāshrayaha. 10
‘Diksha’ means firm resolve, unwavering
conviction coupled with faith, absolute
8 Satsang Diksha

dedication, loving faith, observances and

firm refuge. (10)
Ā shāstramā Parabrahma Sahajanand
Paramwatmae darshāvel āgnā tathā
upāsanāni paddhatine spasht rite janāvi
chhe. (11)
Shāstre’smin gnāpitā spashṭam
āgnopāsana-paddhatihi;
Paramātma-Parabrahma-
Sahajānanda-darshitā. 11
The methods of āgnā and upāsanā
revealed by Parabrahman Sahajanand
Paramatma are clearly expressed in this
shastra. (11)
Purusho tathā strio sarve satsangnā
adhikāri chhe, sarve sukhnā adhikāri chhe
Satsang Diksha 9

ane sarve brahmavidyānā adhikāri chhe. (12)

Satsangā’dhikrutah sarve
sarve sukhā’dhi-kāriṇaha;
Sarve’rhā brahmavidyāyām
nāryash-chaiva narās-tathā. 12
All males and females are entitled to
satsang, all are entitled to happiness and
all are entitled to brahmavidyā. (12)
Satsangmā ling-bhedthi nyun-ādhikpanu
na ja samajvu. Badhā pot-potāni
maryādāmā rahi bhakti vade muktine
pāmi shake chhe. (13)
Naiva nyūnādhikatvam syāt
satsange linga-bhedataha;
Sva-sva-maryādayā sarve
bhaktyā muktim samāpnuyuhu. 13
10 Satsang Diksha

In Satsang, superiority or inferiority

should never be understood to be based
on gender. All can attain moksha through
devotion while observing the dharma pre-
scribed for them. (13)
Sarva varnanā sarva strio tathā sarva
purusho sadāy satsang, brahmavidyā ane
mokshanā adhikāri chhe. Varnanā ādhāre
kyārey nyun-ādhikbhāv na karvo. Sarva
janoe potānā varnanu mān tyajine paraspar
sevā karvi. Jātie karine koi mahān
nathi ane koi nyun pan nathi. Tethi nāt-
jātne laine klesh na karvo ne sukhe satsang
karvo. (14–16)
Sarva-varṇa-gatāh sarvā
nāryah sarve narās-tathā;
Satsang Diksha 11

Satsange brahmavidyāyām
mokshe sadā’dhikāriṇaha. 14
Na nyūnā’dhikatā kāryā
varṇā’dhāreṇa karhichit;
Tyaktvā sva-varṇa-mānam cha
sevā kāryā mithah samaihi. 15
Jātyā naiva mahān ko’pi
naiva nyūnas-tathā yataha;
Jātyā klesho na kartavyah
sukham satsangam ācharet. 16
All men and women of all castes are for-
ever entitled to satsang, brahmavidyā and
moksha. Do not attribute notions of supe-
riority and inferiority based on varna. All
persons should shun their ego based on
their caste and serve one another. No one
12 Satsang Diksha

is superior and no one is inferior by birth.

Therefore, one should not quarrel based
on caste or class and should joyfully prac-
tise satsang. (14–16)
Gruhastha tathā tyāgi sarve mokshanā
adhikāri chhe. Temā nyun-ādhikbhāv
nathi, kāran ke gruhastha ke tyāgi badhā
Bhagwannā bhakto chhe. (17)
Sarve’dhikāriṇo mokshe
gruhiṇas-tyāgino’pi cha;
Na nyūnā’dhikatā tatra
sarve bhaktā yatah Prabhoho. 17
Householders and renunciants are all
entitled to moksha. Between them neither
is inferior or superior, because house-
Satsang Diksha 13

holders and renunciants are all devotees

of Bhagwan. (17)
Swaminarayan Bhagwanne vishe ananya,
dradh ane param bhakti māte āshray-
dikshā mantra grahan kari satsang prāpta
karvo. (18)
Swāminārāyaṇe’nanya-
draḍha-parama-bhaktaye;
Gruhītvā’shraya-dīkshāyā
mantram satsangam āpnuyāt. 18
To offer singular, resolute and supreme
devotion to Bhagwan Swaminarayan, one
should receive the Ashray Diksha Mantra3
and affiliate with the Satsang. (18)
3. ‘Ashray Diksha Mantra’ refers to a specific mantra recited
when one first takes refuge in Satsang.
14 Satsang Diksha

Āshray-dikshā mantra ā pramāne chhe:

Dhanyo’smi purna-kāmo’smi
nishpāpo nirbhayah sukhi;
Akshara-guru-yogena
Swaminārāyan-āshrayat. (19)
Āshraya-dīkshā-mantrash-chaivam vidhaha:
Dhanyo’smi pūrṇakāmo’smi
nishpāpo nirbhayah sukhī;
Akshara-guru-yogena
Swāminārāyaṇā’shrayāt. 19
The Ashray Diksha Mantra is as follows:
Dhanyo’smi purna-kāmo’smi
nishpāpo nirbhayah sukhi;
Akshara-guru-yogena
Swaminārāyan-āshrayat.4 (19)
4. This mantra should be recited as written. The meaning 
Satsang Diksha 15

Mumukshu potānā ātmāni mukti māte

Sahajanand Shri Hari tathā Akshar-
brahma-swarup Gunatit guruno pritie ka-
rine āshro kare. (20)
Āshrayet Sahajānandam
Harim Brahmā’ksharam tathā;
Guṇātītam gurum prītyā
mumukshuh svātma-muktaye. 20
For the moksha of one’s ātmā, a mumukshu
should lovingly take refuge of Sahajanand
Shri Hari and the Aksharbrahman Guna-
tit guru.5 (20)
of this mantra is as follows: “Having taken refuge in
Swaminarayan Bhagwan through the association of the
Aksharbrahman guru, I am blessed, I am fulfilled, I am
without sins, I am fearless and I am blissful.”
5. ‘Gunatit guru’ refers to the Aksharbrahman guru, who is
beyond māyā.
16 Satsang Diksha

Satsangno āshro kari sadāy kanthne vishe

kāshthni bevdi mālā dhāran karvi tathā
satsangnā niyamo dhāran karvā. (21)
Kāshṭha-jām dvi-guṇām mālām
kaṇṭhe sadaiva dhārayet;
Satsangam hi samāshritya
satsanga-niyamāns-tathā. 21
Upon taking the refuge of satsang, one
should always wear a double-stranded
wooden kanthi around the neck and
accept the niyams of satsang. (21)
Ā sansārmā brahmaswarup guru vinā
jivanmā brahmavidyāno tattve karine
sākshātkār na thai shake. (22)
Gurum Brahmaswarūpam tu
vinā na sambhaved bhave;
Satsang Diksha 17

Tattvato brahmavidyāyāh
sākshātkāro hi jīvane. 22
In this world, brahmavidyā cannot be
fully realized in life without the Brahma-
swarup guru.6 (22)
Aksharbrahma guru vinā Paramatmano
uttam nirvikalp nishchay na thai shake
tathā potānā ātmāne vishe brahmabhāv
pan prāpta na thai shake. (23)
Nottamo nirvikalpash-cha
nishchayah Paramātmanaha;
Na svātma-brahma-bhāvo’pi
Brahmā’ksharam gurum vinā. 23
Without the Aksharbrahman guru,

6. ‘Brahmaswarup guru’ refers to the Aksharbrahman guru.

18 Satsang Diksha

supreme, unwavering conviction (nishchay)

in Paramatma cannot be attained and
one’s ātmā also cannot acquire brahmabhāv.
(23)
Brahmaswarup guru vinā yathārth bhakti
pan na thai shake, param ānandni prāpti
na thāy ane trividh tāpno nāsh pan na
thāy. (24)
Naivā’pi tattvato bhaktih
paramānanda-prāpaṇam;
Nā’pi trividha-tāpānām
nāsho Brahma-gurum vinā. 24
Without the Brahmaswarup guru, perfect
devotion also cannot be offered, ultimate
bliss cannot be attained and the three
Satsang Diksha 19

types of misery7 also cannot be eradicated.

(24)
Āthi sarva arthni siddhi kare tathā Para-
matmano anubhav karāve tevā pratyaksh
Aksharbrahma guruno āshro sadāy karvo.
(25)
Atah samāshrayen-nityam
pratyaksham Aksharam gurum;
Sarva-siddhi-karam divyam
Paramātmā’nubhāvakam. 25
Therefore, one should always take the
refuge of the manifest Aksharbrahman
guru, who enables one to attain all objec-
tives and experience Paramatma. (25)
7. The three types of misery are those that stem from other
beings, the deities and personal shortcomings.
20 Satsang Diksha

Sarva satsangioe sarve dur-vyasanono

sadāy tyag karvo. Kāran ke vyasan anek
rogonu tathā dukhonu kāran bane chhe.
(26)
Sarvam dur-vyasanam tyājyam
sarvaih satsangibhih sadā;
Aneka-roga-dukhānām
kāraṇam vyasanam yataha. 26
All satsangis should always renounce all
harmful addictions, as addictions cause
numerous illnesses and miseries. (26)
Surā, bhāng tathā tamāku ityādi je je
padārtho mādak hoy te kyārey khāvā ke
pivā nahi tathā dhumrapānno pan tyāg
karvo. (27)
Satsang Diksha 21

Surā-bhangā-tamālādi
yad yad bhaveddhi mādakam;
Tad bhakshayet piben-naiva
dhūmra-pānam api tyajet. 27
One should never consume intoxicating
substances, such as alcohol, bhang and
tobacco. One should also refrain from
smoking. (27)
Sarve stri tathā purushoe sarva prakārnā
jugārno tathā vyabhichārno tyāg karvo.
(28)
Pari-tyājyam sadā dyūtam
sarvaih sarva-prakārakam;
Tyaktavyo vyabhichārash-cha
nārībhih purushais-tathā. 28
All women and men should never engage
22 Satsang Diksha

in any form of gambling or adultery. (28)

Satsangi janoe kyārey māns, māchhli, indā
tathā dungli, lasan, hing na khāvā. (29)
Mānsam matsyam tathā’ṇḍāni
bhakshayeyur na karhichit;
Palāṇḍum lashunam hingu
na cha satsangino janāhā. 29
Satsangis should never eat meat, fish, eggs,
onions, garlic or hing. (29)
Pāni tathā dudh ityādi peya padārtho
gālelā grahan karvā. Je khādya vastu tathā
pinā ashuddh hoy te kyārey grahan na
karvā. (30)
Pātavyam gālitam peyam
jalam dugdhādikam tathā;
Satsang Diksha 23

Khādyam pānam ashuddham yad

grahṇīyād vastu tan-nahi. 30
One should consume water, milk and
other drinkable items [only] after they
have been filtered. Food items and bever-
ages that are forbidden should never be
consumed. (30)
Satsangioe chori kyārey na karvi.
Dharmane arthe pan chori kyārey na
karvi. (31)
Chauryam na karhichit kāryam
satsangam āshritair janaihi;
Dharmārtham api no kāryam
chora-kāryam tu karhichit. 31
Satsangis should never steal. Even for the
24 Satsang Diksha

sake of dharma, one should never commit

theft. (31)
Pushpa, falo jevi vastu pan tenā dhanini
parvāngi vagar na levi. Parvāngi vagar levu
te sukshma chori kahevay chhe. (32)
Naivā’nya-svāmikam grāhyam
tad-anugnām vinā svayam;
Pushpa-falādyapi vastu
sūkshma-chauryam tad uchyate. 32
One should never take even objects such
as flowers or fruits without the consent of
their owners. Taking without consent is a
subtle form of theft. (32)
Kyārey manushya, pashu, pakshi, tathā
mākad ādik koi pan jiva-jantuoni hinsā na
Satsang Diksha 25

karvi. Ahinsā param dharma chhe, hinsā

adharma chhe em Shruti-Smruti-ādi
shāstromā spasht kahevāmā āvyu chhe.
(33–34)
Manushyāṇām pashūnām vā
matkuṇādesh-cha pakshiṇām;
Keshānchij-jīva-jantūnām
hinsā kāryā na karhichit. 33
Ahinsā paramo dharmo
hinsā tvadharma-rūpiṇī;
Shruti-smrutyādi-shāstreshu
sfuṭam evam prakīrtitam. 34
One should never kill humans, animals,
birds and bugs or other insects and
creatures. The Shrutis, Smrutis and other
sacred texts clearly describe non-violence
26 Satsang Diksha

as the highest dharma and violence as

adharma. (33–34)
Satsangioe yagnane arthe pan bakrā vagere
nirdosh prānioni hinsā kyārey na ja karvi.
(35)
Yāgārtham apyajādīnām
nirdoshāṇām hi prāṇinām;
Hinsanam naiva kartavyam
satsangibhih kadāchana. 35
Even for a yagna, satsangis should never
harm goats or any other innocent animals.
(35)
Yāgādi karvānā thāy tyāre Sampradaynā
siddhāntne anusarine hinsā rahit ja karvā.
(36)
Satsang Diksha 27

Yāgādike cha kartavye

siddhāntam sāmpradāyikam;
Anusrutya hi kartavyam
hinsā-rahitam eva tat. 36
When yagnas are held, they should only be
conducted without harming any beings
and according to the Sampraday’s princi-
ples. (36)
Yagnano shesh ganine ke pachhi devtānā
naivedya rupe pan satsangioe kyārey māns
na ja khāvu. (37)
Matvā’pi yagna-shesham cha
vā’pi deva-niveditam;
Mānsam kadāpi bhakshyam na
satsangam āshritair janaihi. 37
Satsangis should never eat meat, even if it
28 Satsang Diksha

is considered to be the remnant of a yagna

or sanctified by the deities. (37)
Koinu tādan kyārey na karvu. Apshabdo
kahevā, apmān karvu ityādi koipan prakāre
sukshma hinsā pan na karvi. (38)
Kasyā’pi tāḍanam naiva
karaṇīyam kadāchana;
Apa-shabdā’pamānādi
sūkshma-hinsā’pi naiva cha. 38
One should never strike another person.
One should not swear, insult or commit
other forms of subtle harm or injury. (38)
Dhan, sattā, kirti, stri, purush ityādini
prāptine arthe tathā mān, irshā ke krodhe
karine pan hinsā na karvi. (39)
Satsang Diksha 29

Sattā-kīrti-dhana-dravya-
strī-purushādikā’ptaye;
Mānershyā-krodhatash-chā’pi
hinsām naiva samācharet. 39
One should not commit violence to attain
wealth, power, prestige or [to fulfil one’s
desire] for a man or woman or anything
else. Also, one should not commit vio-
lence out of ego, jealousy or anger. (39)
Mane karine, vachane karine ke karme
karine hinsā karvāthi tenāmā rahelā
Swaminarayan Bhagwan dukhāy chhe. (40)
Manasā vachasā vā’pi
karmaṇā hinsane krute;
Tat-sthito dukhyate nūnam
Swāminārāyaṇo arihi. 40
30 Satsang Diksha

Inflicting mental, verbal or physical vio-

lence pains Swaminarayan Bhagwan, who
resides within that person. (40)
Ātmahatyā karvi te pan hinsā ja chhe.
Āthi padtu mukvu, gale tupo khāvo, jher
khāvu ityādi koi rite ātmahatyā kyārey na
karvi. (41)
Ātma-ghāto’pi hinsaiva
na kāryo’tah kadāchana;
Patana-gala-bandhādyair
visha-bhakshādibhis-tathā. 41
Suicide is also a form of violence.
Therefore, never commit suicide by falling
from heights, hanging oneself, consuming
poison or any other means. (41)
Satsang Diksha 31

Dukh, lajjā, bhay, krodh tathā rog ityādi

āpattine kārane, ke pachhi dharmane
arthe pan koie potāni ke anyani hatyā na
karvi. (42)
Dukha-lajjā-bhaya-krodha-
rogādyāpatti kāraṇāt;
Dharmā’rtham api kashchiddhi
hanyān-na svam na vā param. 42
No one should kill oneself or others out of
grief, shame, fear, anger or due to illness
and other adversities, not even for the
sake of dharma. (42)
Mumukshue tirthne vishe pan ātmahatyā
na ja karvi. Moksha ke punya pāmvāni
bhāvnāthi pan tirthne vishe āpghāt na ja
karvo. (43)
32 Satsang Diksha

Tīrthe’pi naiva kartavya

ātma-ghāto mumukshubhihi;
Naivā’pi moksha-puṇyāpti
bhāvāt kāryah sa tatra cha. 43
A mumukshu should never commit suicide
even at a place of pilgrimage. One should
never commit suicide at pilgrimage places
even with the hope of attaining moksha or
merits. (43)
Bhagwan sarva-kartā chhe, dayālu chhe,
sarvanu rakshan karnārā chhe ane e ja sadā
mārā sarve sankatonā tālnārā chhe. (44)
Bhagavān sarva-kartā’sti
dayāluh sarva-rakshakaha;
Sa eva nāshakah sarva-
sankaṭānām sadā mama. 44
Satsang Diksha 33

Bhagwan is the all-doer, compassionate

and the protector of all; at all times, he
alone is the resolver of all my adversities.
(44)
Bhagwan je kare te sadāy sārā māte hoy.
Temni ichchhā e ja māru prārabdha chhe.
Teo ja mārā tārak chhe. (45)
Bhagavān kurute yaddhi
hitārtham eva tat sadā;
Prārabdham me tad ichchhaiva
sa eva tārako mama. 45
Whatever Bhagwan does is always benefi-
cial. His wish alone is my prārabdh. He
alone is my liberator. (45)
Mārā vighno, pāp, dosh tathā durguno
avashya nāsh pāmshe. Hu avashya shānti,
34 Satsang Diksha

param ānand ane sukh pāmish. (46)

Nūnam nankshyanti me vighnāh
pāpa-doshāsh-cha dur-guṇāhā;
Nūnam prāpsyāmyaham shāntim
ānandam paramam sukham. 46
My hindrances, sins, flaws and bad quali-
ties will certainly be destroyed. I will sure-
ly attain peace, supreme bliss and
happiness. (46)
Kāran ke mane sākshāt Akshar-
Purushottam Maharaj malyā chhe. Temnā
bale hu jarur dukhne tari jaish. (47)
Yato mām militah sākshād
Akshara-Purushottamaha;
Nishchayena tarishyāmi
dukha-jātam hi tad balāt. 47
Satsang Diksha 35

This is because I have attained the

manifest form of Akshar-Purushottam
Maharaj. With his strength, I will surely
overcome misery. (47)
Ā rite vichārnu bal rākhi āshrit bhakta
kyārey himmat na hāre ane Bhagwannā
bale ānandmā rahe. (48)
Vichāryaivam balam rakshed
nā’shrito nirbalo bhavet;
Ānandito bhaven-nityam
Bhagavad bala vaibhavāt. 48
With the strength of such thoughts, a
devotee who has taken refuge never loses
courage and remains joyous due to the
strength of Bhagwan. (48)
Shāstramā tathā lokmā nishedh karyo hoy
36 Satsang Diksha

tevā sthānone vishe kyārey thukvu nahi

tathā mal-mutrādi na karvu. (49)
Shṭhīvanam mala-mūtrādi-
visarjanam sthaleshu cha;
Shāstra-loka-nishiddheshu
na kartavyam kadāchana. 49
One should never spit, urinate or defae-
cate in places prohibited by the shastras
and society. (49)
Bāhya ane āntarik em sarva prakārni shud-
dhinu pālan karvu. Shri Harine shuddhi
priya chhe ane shuddhivālā manushyani
upar teo prasanna thāy chhe. (50)
Shuddhih sarvavidhā pālyā
bāhyā chā’bhyantarā sadā;
Satsang Diksha 37

Shuddhi-priyah prasīdech-cha
shuddhi-mati jane arihi. 50
One should observe all forms of external
and internal purity. Shri Hari8 loves
purity and is pleased with those who are
pure. (50)
Satsangioe sadā surya ugyā purve jāgvu.
Tyār bād snānādik kari shuddh vastro
dhāran karvā. (51)
Satsangibhih praboddhavyam
pūrvam sūryodayāt sadā;
Tatah snānādikam krutvā
dhartavyam shuddha vastrakam. 51
Satsangis should always wake up before
sunrise. After bathing and other morning
8. ‘Shri Hari’ is another name for Bhagwan Swaminarayan.
38 Satsang Diksha

routines, they should put on clean clothes.

(51)
Tyār bād purva dishāmā athvā uttar
dishāmā mukh rākhi, shuddh āsan upar
besi nitya-pujā karvi. (52)
Pūrvasyām uttarasyām vā
dishi krutvā mukham tataha;
Shuddhā’sanopavishṭah san-
nitya-pūjām samācharet. 52
Thereafter, one should sit on a clean āsan
and perform personal daily puja facing
east or north. (52)
Swaminarayan mantrano jāp kartā tathā
gurunu smaran kartā kartā bhālne vishe
Bhagwanni pujāthi prasādi-bhut thayelā
chandan vade urdhva-pundra tilak karvu
Satsang Diksha 39

ane kumkum vade chāndlo karvo tathā

chhāti ane banne bhujāo par chandanthi
tilak-chāndlo karvo. (53–54)
Prabhu-pūjopa-yuktena
chandanenordhva puṇḍrakam;
Bhāle hi tilakam kuryāt
kumkumena cha chandrakam. 53
Urasi hastayosh-chandram
tilakam chandanena cha;
Swāminārāyaṇam mantram
japan kuryād gurum smaran. 54
While chanting the Swaminarayan mantra
and remembering the guru, apply a U-
shaped tilak made from chandan that has
been sanctified by having been offered to
Bhagwan and a kumkum chandlo to the
40 Satsang Diksha

forehead. One should also apply a tilak-

chandlo of chandan to the chest and both
arms. (53–54)
Strioe Bhagwan tathā gurunu smaran
kartā bhālne vishe keval kumkumno
chāndlo karvo. Tilak na karvu. (55)
Kevalam chandrakah strībhih
kartavyas-tilakam na hi;
Kumkuma dravyato bhāle
smarantībhir arim gurum. 55
While remembering Bhagwan and the
guru, women should imprint only a kum-
kum chandlo to their foreheads. They
should not apply a tilak. (55)
Tyār bād satsangne āshrit bhakte pujānā
Satsang Diksha 41

adhikār māte Bhagwannā pratāpnu

chintvan kartā kartā ātmavichār karvo.
Prasann chitte ane bhaktibhāv-purvak
‘Aksharam aham Purushottam-dāsosmi’ e
pavitra mantranu uchchāran karvu.
Potānā ātmāne vishe Aksharbrahmani
vibhāvnā karvi ane shānt thai, ekāgra
chitte mānsi pujā karvi. (56–58)
Tatah pūjā’dhikārāya
bhaktah satsangam āshritaha;
Kuryād ātma-vichāram cha
pratāpam chintayan arehe. 56
Aksharam-aham ityevam
bhaktyā prasanna chetasā;
Purushottama dāso’smi
mantram etam vadech-chhuchim. 57
42 Satsang Diksha

Aksharabrahma rūpatvam
svasyā’tmani vibhāvayet;
Kuryāch-cha mānasīm pūjām
shānta ekāgra chetasā. 58
Thereafter, to gain the privilege to
perform puja, a devotee who has taken the
refuge of satsang should meditate on their
ātmā while contemplating upon the glory
of Bhagwan. The sacred mantra
‘Aksharam-aham Purushottam-dāso’smi’9
should be recited with joy and devotion.
One should identify one’s ātmā with
Aksharbrahman and perform mānsi puja
with a calm and focused mind. (56–58)
9. This mantra should be recited as written. The meaning of
this mantra is as follows: “I am akshar, a servant of
Purushottam.”
Satsang Diksha 43

Bhagwan ane brahmaswarup guru ja mok-

sha-dātā chhe. Temnā ja dhyān tathā mān-
si pujā karvā. (59)
Harir Brahma-gurush-chaiva
bhavato moksha-dāyakau;
Tayor eva hi kartavyam
dhyānam mānasa-pūjanam. 59
Only Bhagwan and the Brahmaswarup
guru can bestow moksha. Therefore, one
should only meditate upon them and per-
form their mānsi puja. (59)
Tyār bād pavitra vastra upar chitra-pra-
timāonu sāri rite darshan thāy temā bhak-
tibhāv-purvak sthāpan karvu. (60)
Sthāpayech-chitra-mūrtīsh-cha
shuchi vastropari tataha;
44 Satsang Diksha

Darshanam syād yathā samyak

tathā hi bhakti-bhāvataha. 60
Thereafter, devoutly place the pictorial
murtis on a clean cloth in a way that one
can easily do their darshan. (60)
Temā madhyamā Akshar tathā
Purushottamni murti padhrāvavi etle ke
Gunatitanand Swami tathā temnāthi par
evā Maharajne padhrāvavā. (61)
Madhye tu sthāpayet tatra
hyakshara-Purushottamau;
Swāminam hi Guṇātītam
Mahārājam cha tat param. 61
In the centre, one should arrange the
murtis of Akshar and Purushottam, that is,
Gunatitanand Swami and the one who
Satsang Diksha 45

transcends him, [Shriji] Maharaj. (61)

Tyār bād Pramukh Swami Maharaj
paryant pratyek guruoni murtio
padhrāvavi tathā pote pratyaksh sevyā hoy
te guruoni murtio padhrāvavi. (62)
Pramukha-Swāmi paryantam
pratyeka guru-mūrtayaha;
Prasthāpyāh sevitānām cha
pratyaksham mūrtayah svayam. 62
One should then place the murtis of each
guru up to Pramukh Swami Maharaj and
the murtis of the gurus whom one has per-
sonally served. (62)
Tyār bād āhvān shlok boline Maharaj tathā
guruonu āhvān karvu. Be hāth jodi
dāsbhāve namaskār karvā. (63)
46 Satsang Diksha

Āhvāna-shlokam uchchārya
Harim cha gurum āhvayet;
Hastau baddhvā namaskāram
kuryāddhi dāsa-bhāvataha. 63
Thereafter, one should invite [Shriji] Ma-
haraj and the gurus by reciting the Ahvan
Mantra.10 One should bow with folded
hands and with dāsbhāv. (63)
Āhvān mantra ā pramāne chhe:
Uttishtha Sahajānanda
Shri-Hare Purushottama;
Gunātitā’kshara brahmann-
uttishtha krupayā guro.
Āgamyatām hi pujārtham
āgamyatām mad-ātmataha;
10. The Ahvan Mantra is a verse recited to invite Bhagwan
into one’s puja.
Satsang Diksha 47

Sānnidhyād darshanād divyāt

saubhāgyam vardhate mama.
(64–65)
Āhvāna-mantrash-chaivam vidhaha:
Uttishṭha Sahajānanda
Shrī-Hare Purushottama;
Guṇātītā’kshara Brahmann-
uttishṭha krupayā guro. 64
Āgamyatām hi pūjārtham
āgamyatām mad-ātmataha;
Sānnidhyād darshanād divyāt
saubhāgyam vardhate mama. 65
The Ahvan Mantra is as follows:
Uttishtha Sahajānanda
Shri-Hare Purushottama;
48 Satsang Diksha

Gunātitā’kshara brahmann-
uttishtha krupayā guro.
Āgamyatām hi pujārtham
āgamyatām mad-ātmataha;
Sānnidhyād darshanād divyāt
saubhāgyam vardhate mama.11
(64–65)
Tyār bād sthir chitte tathā mahimā sāthe
murtionā darshan kartā kartā Swami-
narayan mantrano jāp kartā mālā feravavi.
Tyār bād ek page ubhā rahi, hāth unchā
11. This mantra should be recited as written. The meaning of
this mantra is as follows:
“O Sahajanand Shri Hari! O Purushottam! O Akshar-
brahman Gunatit gurus! Please shower compassion [upon
me] and awaken. Please come forth from my ātmā, to
accept my puja. I become more blessed due to your divine
presence and darshan.”
Satsang Diksha 49

rākhi murtionā darshan kartā tapni mālā

feravavi. (66–67)
Mālām āvartayed mantram
Swāminārāyaṇam japan;
Mahimnā darshanam kurvan
mūrtīnām sthira-chetasā. 66
Eka-pādotthito bhūtvā
mālām āvartayet tataha;
Tapasa ūrdhva-hastah san
kurvāṇo mūrti-darshanam. 67
Thereafter, with mahimā and a steady mind,
one should perform mālā while chanting
the Swaminarayan mantra and having dar-
shan of the murtis. Afterwards, while con-
tinuing to do darshan of the murtis, one
should stand on one leg with arms raised
50 Satsang Diksha

and perform tapni mālā. (66–67)

Tyār bād sarvanā kendra samān ane vyāpak
evā Akshar-Purushottam Maharajne
sambhārtā pratimāoni pradakshinā
karvi. (68)
Tatah sanchintayan kuryād
Akshara-Purushottamam;
Vyāpakam sarva kendram cha
pratimānām pradakshiṇāhā. 68
One should then perform pradakshinās of
the murtis while contemplating upon Ak-
shar-Purushottam Maharaj, who is perva-
sive and the focus of all. (68)
Tyār bād dāsbhāve purushoe sāshtāng
dandvat pranām karvā ane strioe besine
panchāng pranām karvā. (69)
Satsang Diksha 51

Sāshṭāngā daṇḍavat kāryāh

praṇāmāh purushais-tataha;
Nārībhis-tūpavishyaiva
panchāngā dāsa-bhāvataha. 69
Thereafter, with dāsbhāv, males should
perform sāshtāng dandvat pranāms and fe-
males should sit and offer panchāng
pranāms. (69)
Koi bhaktano droh thayo hoy tenā nivā-
ranne arthe kshamāyāchnā-purvak prati-
din ek dandvat pranām adhik karvo. (70)
Praṇāmo daṇḍavach-chaikah
kshamā-yāchana-pūrvakam;
Bhakta-droha-nivārārtham
kāryo’dhiko hi pratyaham. 70
One should perform an additional dandvat
52 Satsang Diksha

pranām every day to seek forgiveness for

hurting or harbouring ill-will towards
another devotee. (70)
Tyār bād Swaminarayan mantrano jap
kartā shubh sankalponi purti māte divya-
bhāv ane bhaktie sahit prārthanā (dhun)
karvi. (71)
Divya-bhāvena bhaktyā cha
tad-anu prārthayej-japan;
Swāminārāyaṇam mantram
shubha-sankalpa-pūrtaye. 71
Then, to fulfil one’s noble wishes, one
should pray with divyabhāv and devotion
while chanting the Swaminarayan mantra
(dhun). (71)
Ā rite bhaktibhāve pujā karine punarā-
Satsang Diksha 53

gaman mantrathi Akshar-Purushottam

Maharajne potānā ātmāne vishe padhrā-
vavā. (72)
Bhaktitah pūjayitvaivam
Akshara-Purushottamam;
Punar-āgama-mantreṇa
prasthāpayen-nijātmani. 72
After devoutly performing puja in this
way, one should re-install Akshar-Purush-
ottam Maharaj within one’s ātmā by recit-
ing the Punaragaman Mantra.12 (72)
Punarāgaman mantra ā pramāne chhe:
Bhaktyaiva divya-bhāvena
pujā te sam-anushthitā,
12. ‘Punaragaman Mantra’ refers to the verse recited to
conclude one’s puja.
54 Satsang Diksha

Gachchhā’tha tvam mad-ātmānam

Akshara-Purushottama. (73)
Punar-āgamana-mantrash-chaivam vidhaha:
Bhaktyaiva divya-bhāvena
pūjā te samanushṭhitā;
Gachchhā’tha tvam mad-ātmānam
Akshara-Purushottama. 73
The Punaragaman Mantra is as follows:
Bhaktyaiva divya-bhāvena
pujā te sam-anushthitā,
Gachchhā’tha tvam mad-ātmānam
Akshara-Purushottama.13 (73)
13. This mantra should be recited as written. The meaning of
this mantra is as follows:
“O Purushottam Narayan together with Aksharbrahman! I
have performed your puja with devotion and divyabhāv.
Now, please reside within my ātmā.”
Satsang Diksha 55

Tyār bād satsangni dradhtā māte jemā

Shri Hari tathā gurunā updesho ane
ādesho samāyā hoy tevā shāstranu roj
vānchan karvu. (74)
Tatah satsanga-dārḍhyāya
shāstram paṭhyam cha pratyaham;
Ādeshāsh-chopadeshāsh-cha
yatra santi arer guroho. 74
To strengthen one’s satsang, one should
then daily read shastras that encompass
the teachings and instructions of Shri
Hari and the gurus. (74)
Tyār bād ādar ane namrabhāve bhaktone
pranām karvā. Ā rite pujā karine pachhi ja
potānā vyavahārnu kārya karvu. (75)
56 Satsang Diksha

Tad-anu praṇamed bhaktān

ādarān-namra-bhāvataha;
Evam pūjām samāpyaiva kuryāt
sva-vyāvahārikam. 75
Thereafter, one should bow to devotees
with reverence and humility. Only after
performing puja in this way should one
engage in one’s daily activities. (75)
Pujā karyā vinā jamvu nahi ne pāni vagere
pan na pivu. Pravāse gayā hoie to pan
pujāno tyāg na karvo. (76)
Bhojyam naiva na peyam vā
vinā pūjām jalādikam;
Pravāsa-gamane chā’pi
pūjām naiva pari-tyajet. 76
One should not eat food or even drink
Satsang Diksha 57

water or other liquids without performing

puja. One should not give up one’s puja
even during outings. (76)
Vruddhāvasthā, rogādi tathā anya āpattine
lidhe pote pujā karvā asamarth hoy tene
anya pāse te pujā karāvavi. (77)
Vārdhakyena cha rogādyair
anyā’paddhetunā tathā;
Pūjārtham asamarthash-chet
tadā’nyaih kārayet sa tām. 77
If one is incapable of doing puja because
of old age, illness or other difficulties, one
should have one’s puja performed by
another. (77)
Gharmā pratyek satsangie potāni svatan-
tra pujā rākhvi. Vali putra ke putrino
58 Satsang Diksha

janma thāy te divasthi ja santān māte pujā

lai levi. (78)
Svīyapūjā svatantrā tu
sarvai rakshyā gruhe pruthak;
Janmano divasād eva
pūjā grāhyā sva-santatehe. 78
Every satsangi in a household should keep
their own separate puja. Moreover, one
should acquire a puja for a child on the
same day that he or she is born. (78)
Nitya pratye bhakti, prārthanā tathā
satsang māte sarve satsangioe gharmā
sundar mandir sthāpvu. Temā bhakti-
bhāve vidhivat Akshar-Purushottam tathā
param-parāmā āvel Gunatit guruo padhrā-
vavā. (79–80)
Satsang Diksha 59

Bhakti-prārthana-satsanga-
hetunā prati-vāsaram;
Sundaram mandiram sthāpyam
sarvaih satsangibhir gruhe. 79
Prasthāpyau vidhivat tasminn-
Akshara-Purushottamau;
Guravash-cha Guṇātītā
bhaktyā paramparā-gatāhā. 80
All satsangis should place a beautiful man-
dir within their homes where they can
daily offer devotion, pray and practise
satsang. Within the mandir, one should
devoutly and ceremonially consecrate the
murtis of Akshar-Purushottam and the
Gunatit gurus of the tradition. (79–80)
60 Satsang Diksha

Sarve satsangi janoe prātah-kāle tathā

sānje ghar-mandirmā pratidin ārti karvi
ne sāthe stutinu gān karvu. (81)
Prātah prati-dinam sāyam
sarvaih satsangibhir janaihi;
Ārārtikyam vidhātavyam
sa-stuti gruha-mandire. 81
Every morning and evening, all satsangis
should perform the ārti and sing the stuti
before the ghar mandir. (81)
Ārti samaye chittne sthir kari bhaktie
sahit, tāli vagādtā ane uchch svare ‘Jay
Swaminarayan Jay Akshar-Purushottam...’
em ārtinu gān karvu. (82)
Uchchaih svarair Jaya Swāmi-
nārāyaṇeti bhaktitaha;
Satsang Diksha 61

Sa-tāli-vādanam geyam
sthireṇa chetasā tadā. 82
While performing the ārti, one should de-
voutly sing aloud the ārti ‘Jay Swami-
narayan, Jay Akshar-Purushottam…’ with
a steady mind and while clapping. (82)
Je rasoi banāvi hoy te mandirmā dharāvavi
ane prasādibhut thayel bhojan bhaktibhāv-
purvak prārthanā boline pachhi jamvu.
(83)
Yaiva rasavatī pakvā
mandire tām nivedayet;
Uchchārya prārthanam bhaktyā
tatah prasāditam jamet. 83
Offer whatever food has been prepared
[to the murtis] in the ghar mandir and after
62 Satsang Diksha

devoutly reciting prayers, eat the sancti-

fied meal. (83)
Bhagwanne arpan karyā vagar anna, fal ke
jalādi grahan na karvu. Jeni shuddhine
vishe shankā hoy tevā annādi Bhagwanne
na dharāvavā ane na jamvā. (84)
Haraye’narpya na grāhyam
anna-fala-jalādikam;
Shuddhau shankitam annādi
nā’dyānneshe nivedayet. 84
One should not consume foods, fruits,
water and other items without first offer-
ing them to Bhagwan. Foods and other
items that may be impure should not be
offered to Bhagwan nor should they be
eaten. (84)
Satsang Diksha 63

Ghar-mandirmā besine bhāve karine sthir

chitte kirtan, jap ke smruti vagere potāni
ruchi anusār karvu. (85)
Kīrtanam vā japam kuryāt
smrutyādi vā yathā-ruchi;
Gruha-mandiram āsthāya
bhāvatah sthira-chetasā. 85
While sitting in front of the ghar mandir,
one should, with devout feelings and con-
centration, sing kirtans, chant and engage
in smruti or other acts of devotion
according to one’s preferences. (85)
Gharnā sabhyoe bhegā thai roj ghar-sabhā
karvi ane temā bhajan, goshthi tathā
shāstronu vānchan ityādi karvu. (86)
64 Satsang Diksha

Sambhūya pratyaham kāryā

gruha-sabhā gruhasthitaihi;
Kartavyam bhajanam goshṭhih
shāstra-pāṭhādi tatra cha. 86
Family members should gather daily for
ghar sabhā and engage in bhajan, discus-
sions, scriptural reading and other devo-
tional activities. (86)
Shri Harie shuddh upāsanā-bhaktinā pos-
han ane rakshan māte mandir nirmān-rup
bhaktinu pravartan karyu. Ane Bhagwan-
ni jemaj temnā uttam bhakta evā
Aksharbrahmani Bhagwanni sāthe sevā
karvā māte āgnā kari. (87–88)
Shuddhopāsana-bhaktim hi
poshayitum cha rakshitum;
Satsang Diksha 65

Bhaktim mandira-nirmāṇa-
rūpām prāvartayaddharihi. 87
Tathaivā’gnāpayām āsa
sevārtham Hariṇā saha;
Tasya chottama-bhaktasya
tasyevaivā’ksharasya cha. 88
Shri Hari inspired the creation of mandirs
as a form of devotion to foster and pro-
tect pure upāsanā and bhakti. He instruct-
ed that, along with Bhagwan, one should
also serve his supreme devotee, Akshar-
brahman, in the very same manner that
one serves Bhagwan. (87–88)
Aksharbrahma Bhagwannā uttam bhakta
chhe, kāran ke teo nitya māyāpar chhe ane
66 Satsang Diksha

nitya Bhagwanni sevāmā ramamān hoy

chhe. (89)
Vartata uttamo bhakto
Brahma Bhagavato’ksharam;
Nityam māyā-param nityam
ari-sevāratam yataha. 89
Aksharbrahman is Bhagwan’s supreme
devotee because he eternally transcends
māyā and is forever engrossed in
Bhagwan’s service. (89)
Te āgnāne anusarine sarvanu kalyān thāy
te hetuthi divya mandironu nirmān bhak-
tibhāvthi karvāmā āve chhe ane tenā
madhya khandmā Purushottam Bhagwan-
ni murtini sāthe Aksharbrahmani murti
pan vidhivat sthāpvāmā āve chhe. (90-91)
Satsang Diksha 67

Mandirāṇām hi nirmāṇam
tad-āgnām-anusrutya cha;
Divyānām kriyate bhaktyā
sarva-kalyāṇa-hetunā. 90
Purushottama-mūrtyā tad-
madhya-khaṇḍe yathā-vidhi;
Sahitam sthāpyate mūrtir
Aksharasyā’pi Brahmaṇaha. 91
To fulfil this ordinance and to grant mok-
sha to all, divine mandirs are devoutly
constructed and the murti of Aksharbrah-
man is also ceremoniously consecrated
with Purushottam Bhagwan in the central
shrines [of these mandirs]. (90–91)
Ej rite ghar ādi sthalone vishe karelā man-
diromā pan madhyamā hammeshā Akshar-
68 Satsang Diksha

brahma sahit Purushottam Bhagwanne

prasthāpit karvāmā āve chhe. (92)
Evam eva gruhādyeshu
kruteshu mandireshvapi;
Madhye prasthāpyate nityam
sā’ksharah Purushottamaha. 92
Similarly, Aksharbrahman and Purushot-
tam Bhagwan are also always consecrated
in the central shrines of mandirs in homes
and other places. (92)
Sarve satsangioe savāre, sānje athvā potānā
anukul samaye pratidin bhaktie karine
samipe āvel mandire darshane javu. (93)
Prātah sāyam yathā-kālam
sarva-satsangibhir janaihi;
Satsang Diksha 69

Nikaṭam mandiram gamyam

bhaktyā darshāya pratyaham. 93
Daily, in the morning, evening or at
another convenient time, all satsangis
should devoutly go to a nearby mandir for
darshan. (93)
Sarve satsangi nar-nārioe sadāy je rite
potānā dharmani rakshā thāy te ja rite
vastro dhārvā. (94)
Yathā sva-dharma-rakshā syāt
tathaiva vastra-dhāraṇam;
Satsangi-nara-nārībhih
karaṇīyam hi sarvadā. 94
All satsangi men and women should al-
ways dress in a manner that safeguards
their dharma. (94)
70 Satsang Diksha

Satsangni dradhtā māte dar athvādiye

samip āvel mandirmā ke mandalmā sabhā
bharvā javu. (95)
Satsanga-draḍhatārtham hi
sabhārtham antike sthitam;
Gantavyam prati-saptāham
mandiram vā’pi maṇḍalam. 95
To strengthen one’s satsang, one should
attend the weekly assemblies held at a
nearby mandir or centre. (95)
Aksharādhipati Swaminarayan Bhagwan
sākshāt Paramatma Parabrahma Purush-
ottam Hari chhe. (96)
Swāminārāyaṇah sākshād-
Aksharādhipatir-Harihi;
Satsang Diksha 71

Paramātmā Parabrahma
Bhagavān Purushottamaha. 96
Swaminarayan Bhagwan, the sovereign of
Akshar, is the manifest form of Paramatma
Parabrahman Purushottam Hari. (96)
E ekaj āpnā sadā param upāsya ishtadev
chhe. Temni ja ananya bhāve sadā bhakti
karvi. (97)
Sa ekah paramopāsya
ishṭa-devo hi nah sadā;
Tasyaiva sarvadā bhaktih
kartavyā’nanya-bhāvataha. 97
He alone is forever our ishtadev worthy of
supreme upāsanā. One should always offer
singular devotion to him only. (97)
72 Satsang Diksha

Gunatitanand Swami sākshāt sanātan

Aksharbrahma chhe. E Aksharbrahmani
paramparā āje pan virājmān chhe. (98)
Sākshād Brahmā’ksharam Swāmī
Guṇātītah sanātanam;
Tasya paramparā’dyā’pi
Brahmā’ksharasya rājate. 98
Gunatitanand Swami is the manifest form
of the eternal Aksharbrahman. This
Aksharbrahman paramparā is manifest
even today. (98)
Sampradaymā Gunatitanand Swamithi
ārambhāyel guru paramparāmā āvel
pragat Aksharbrahma e ekaj āpnā guru
chhe. (99)
Satsang Diksha 73

Guṇātīta-samārabdha-
paramparā-pratishṭhitaha;
Prakaṭā’kshara-brahmaikah
sampradāye’sti no guruhu. 99
In the Sampraday’s tradition of gurus that
began with Gunatitanand Swami, only the
present form of Aksharbrahman is our
guru. (99)
Āpnā ishtadev ekaj chhe, guru ekaj chhe
ane siddhānt pan ekaj chhe em āpni sadā
ektā chhe. (100)
Eka eveshṭa-devo nah
eka eva gurus-tathā;
Ekash-chaivā’pi siddhānta
evam nah ekatā sadā. 100
74 Satsang Diksha

Our ishtadev is the same, our guru is the

same and our siddhānt is also the same –
thus, we are always united. (100)
Brahmavidyā-rup, vaidik ane sanātan evā
divya Akshar-Purushottam siddhāntne
jānvo. (101)
Siddhāntam suvijānīyād
Akshara-Purushottamam;
Brahmavidyātmakam divyam
vaidikam cha sanātanam. 101
One should know [and realize] the divine
Akshar-Purushottam siddhānt, which is
Vedic, eternal and the form of brahma-
vidyā. (101)
Jiva, ishwar, māyā, Aksharbrahma tathā
Parabrahma e pānch tattvo sadāy bhinna
Satsang Diksha 75

chhe, nitya chhe, satya chhe em mumuk-

shuoe jānvu – em svayam Swaminarayan
Bhagwane spasht siddhānt karyo chhe.
(102–103)
Jīvas-tatheshvarash-chaiva
māyā brahmā’ksharam tathā;
Parabrahmeti tattvāni
bhinnāni pancha sarvadā. 102
Nityān yatha cha satyāni
vigneyāni mumukshubhihi;
Swāminārāyaṇenaivam
siddhāntitam svayam sfuṭam. 103
Mumukshus should realize that the five en-
tities – jiva, ishwar, māyā, Aksharbrahman
and Parabrahman – are forever distinct,
eternal and true. Swaminarayan Bhagwan
76 Satsang Diksha

himself established this clear siddhānt.

(102–103)
Temā Akshar ane Purushottam e be sadāy
māyāthi par chhe ane jivo tathā ishwaroni
mukti temnā yogthi thāy chhe. (104)
Teshu māyā-parau nityam
Akshara-Purushottamau;
Jīvānām-īshvarāṇām cha
muktis-tad-yogato bhavet. 104
Among these entities, Akshar and Purush-
ottam are the two who are eternally be-
yond māyā. Jivas and ishwars attain moksha
by associating with them. (104)
Paramatma Parabrahma sadā Akshar-
brahmathi par chhe ane Aksharbrahma
pan te Paramatmani nitya dāsbhāve sevā
Satsang Diksha 77

kare chhe. (105)

Paramātmā Parabrahma
param Brahmā’ksharāt sadā;
Brahmā’pi sevate tam cha
dāsa-bhāvena sarvadā. 105
Paramatma Parabrahman is forever
superior to Aksharbrahman. Furthermore,
even Aksharbrahman eternally serves
Paramatma with dāsbhāv. (105)
Bhagwan sadāy sarva-kartā, sākār, sarvo-
pari chhe ane mumukshuoni mukti māte
hammeshā pragat rahe chhe. (106)
Sarva-kartā cha sākārah
sarvopari sadā Harihi;
Mumukshūṇām vimokshāya
prakaṭo vartate sadā. 106
78 Satsang Diksha

Bhagwan is eternally the all-doer, with

form, and supreme; he always remains
manifest for the moksha of mumukshus.
(106)
Aksharbrahma-swarup guru dvārā
Bhagwan potānā sakal aishvaryo sahit,
paramānand arptā thakā sadāy pragat rahe
chhe. (107)
Brahmā’kshara-guru-dvārā
Bhagavān prakaṭah sadā;
Sahitah sakalaishvaryaih
paramā’nandam arpayan. 107
Through the Aksharbrahman guru, Bhag-
wan always remains present with all of his
divinity and bestows utmost bliss. (107)
Aksharbrahma gurune vishe dradh priti
Satsang Diksha 79

ane ātmabuddhi karvi. Temne vishe

pratyaksh Bhagwanno bhāv lavine bhaktie
karine temni sevā tathā dhyān karvā. (108)
Prītih kāryā’tma-buddhish-cha
Brahmā’kshare gurau draḍhā;
Pratyaksha-Bhagavad-bhāvāt
sevyo dhyeyah sa bhaktitaha. 108
One should foster intense love and
ātmabuddhi for the Aksharbrahman guru.
Believing the guru as the manifest form of
Bhagwan, one should serve him and
meditate upon him with devotion. (108)
Swaminarayan mantra divya, alaukik ane
shubh mantra chhe. Swayam Shri Harie ā
mantra āpyo chhe. Sarva bhaktoe teno jap
karvo. Ā mantramā ‘Swami’ shabdathi
80 Satsang Diksha

Aksharbrahmane samajvā ane ‘Narayan’

shabdathi te Aksharbrahmathi par evā
Purushottamne samajvā. (109–110)
Swāminārāyaṇo mantro
divyash-chā’laukikah shubhaha;
Japyo’yam sakalair bhaktair
datto’yam ariṇā svayam. 109
Aksharam Brahma vigneyam
mantre Swāmīti shabdataha;
Nārāyaṇeti shabdena
tat-parah Purushottamaha. 110
The ‘Swaminarayan’ mantra is divine,
beyond this world and auspicious. Shri
Hari himself bestowed this mantra. All
devotees should chant it. In this mantra,
understand that ‘Swami’ refers to
Satsang Diksha 81

Aksharbrahman, and ‘Narayan’ refers to

Purushottam, who is superior to
Aksharbrahman. (109–110)
Ā siddhānt Bhagwan Swaminarayane ā
lokmā prabodhyo. Gunatit guruoe tenu
digantmā pravartan karyu. Shastriji
Maharaje tene murtimān karyo. Guruonā
jivan-charitra-granthomā teni punah
dradhtā karāvavāmā āvi. Ā siddhāntne
guruhari Pramukh Swami Maharaje
potānā hastāksharthi lakhi sthir karyo.
Sākshāt guruharinā prasangthi ā siddhānt
jivanmā prāpta kari shakay chhe. Te ā
sanātan muktiprad siddhāntne ja divya
‘Akshar-Purushottam Darshan’ kahevāmā
āve chhe. (111–114)
82 Satsang Diksha

Swāminārāyaṇeneha
siddhānto’yam prabodhitaha;
Gurubhish-cha Guṇātītair
digante’yam pravartitaha. 111
Yagnapurushadāsena
sthāpito mūrti-mattayā;
Guru-charitra-grantheshu
punar ayam draḍhāyitaha. 112
Pramukha-guruṇā yo’yam
svīyā’ksharaih sthirī-krutaha;
Sākshād guroh prasangena
labhyate’yam hi jīvane. 113
Ayam eva sa siddhānto
mukti-pradah sanātanaha;
Uchyate darshanam divyam
Akshara-Purushottamam. 114
Satsang Diksha 83

Bhagwan Swaminarayan revealed this

siddhānt in this world. The Gunatit gurus
spread it throughout the world. Shastriji
Maharaj enshrined it in the form of murtis.
It was reaffirmed in the jivancharitra texts
of the gurus. This siddhānt was
securely established by guruhari
Pramukh Swami Maharaj in his own
handwriting. This siddhānt may be
imbibed in one’s life through the
association of the manifest guruhari. It is
this eternal and moksha-bestowing
siddhānt that is known as the divine
‘Akshar-Purushottam Darshan’. (111–114)
Avā param divya siddhāntnu chintvan
kartā kartā nishthāthi ane ānand-utsāh-
purvak satsang karvo. (115)
84 Satsang Diksha

Siddhāntam paramam divyam

etādrusham vichintayan;
Satsangam nishṭhayā kuryād
ānandotsāha-pūrvakam. 115
While reflecting on such a supremely
divine siddhānt, one should engage in
satsang with conviction, joy and
enthusiasm. (115)
Tran dehthi vilakshan evā potānā ātmāne
vishe brahmarupni vibhāvnā kari sadaiva
Parabrahmani upāsanā karvi. (116)
Nijā’tmānam brahmarūpam
deha-traya-vilakshaṇam;
Vibhāvyopāsanam kāryam
sadaiva Parabrahmaṇaha. 116
Identify one’s ātmā, which is distinct from
Satsang Diksha 85

the three bodies, as brahmarup and always

offer upāsanā to Parabrahman. (116)
Aksharādhipati Paramatmani bhakti sadā
dharme sahit karvi. Kyārey dharme rahit
bhakti na karvi. (117)
Aksharādhipater bhaktim
sa-dharmām ācharet sadā;
Dharmeṇa rahitām naiva
bhaktim kuryāt kadāchana. 117
One should offer devotion to Paramatma,
the sovereign of Akshar, while always
upholding dharma. One should never
perform bhakti without dharma. (117)
Bhaktinu ke jnānnu ālamban laine ke koi
parvanu ālamban laine pan manushyae
adharmanu āchran na karvu. (118)
86 Satsang Diksha

Bhaktim vā gnānam ālambya

naivā’dharmam charej-janaha;
Api parva-vishesham vā’
lambya nā’dharmam ācharet. 118
One should not behave immorally even
under the pretext of devotion, wisdom or
festivals. (118)
Parvane vishe pan bhāng, dāru vagerenu
pān karvu, jugār vagere ramvu, gālo bolvi
ityādi na karvu. (119)
Bhangā-surādi-pānam vā
dyūtādi-krīḍanam tathā;
Gāli-dānādikam naiva
parvasvapi samācharet. 119
Even during festivities, one should abstain
from bhang, alcohol and other such sub-
Satsang Diksha 87

stances, as well as gambling, swearing and

other such activities. (119)
Parabrahma tathā Aksharbrahma sivāy
anyatra priti na hovi te vairāgya chhe. Te
bhaktinu sahāyak ang chhe. (120)
Parasmād Brahmaṇo’nyasmin-
naksharād Brahmaṇas-tathā;
Prītyabhāvo hi vairāgyam
angam bhakteh sahāyakam. 120
Vairāgya is to not have love for anything
or anyone other than Parabrahman and
Aksharbrahman. It serves to support
bhakti. (120)
Nindā, lajjā, bhay ke mushkelione lidhe
kyārey satsang, Swaminarayan Bhagwan,
88 Satsang Diksha

temni bhakti ane guruno tyāg na karvo.

(121)
Nindā-lajjā-bhayā’padbhyah
satsangam na pari-tyajet;
Swāminārāyaṇam Devam
tad-bhaktim karhichid gurum. 121
When faced with criticism, shame, fear or
difficulty, one should never abandon
satsang, Swaminarayan Bhagwan, devo-
tion towards him, or the guru. (121)
Bhagwan ane bhaktoni sevā shuddhbhāve,
mārā motā bhāgya chhe em mānine potānā
moksha māte karvi. (122)
Sevā Haresh-cha bhaktānām
kartavyā shuddha-bhāvataha;
Satsang Diksha 89

Mahad-bhāgyam mamāstīti
matvā sva-moksha-hetunā. 122
One should serve Bhagwan and his devo-
tees with pure intentions, believing it to
be one’s great fortune and with the goal of
attaining one’s moksha. (122)
Satsang ane bhajan vinā vyarth kāl
nirgamvo nahi. Ālas tathā pramād
vagereno hammeshā parityāg karvo. (123)
Neyo na vyarthatām kālah
satsangam bhajanam vinā;
Ālasyam cha pramādādi
pari-tyājyam hi sarvadā. 123
One should not let time pass wastefully
without satsang or devotion. One should
90 Satsang Diksha

always give up laziness and negligence.

(123)
Bhajan kartā kartā kriyā karvi. Āgnā
anusāre karvi. Ām karvāthi kriyānu
bandhan na thāy, kriyāno bhār na lage ane
kriyānu mān na āve. (124)
Kuryāddhi bhajanam kurvan
kriyā āgnā’nusārataha;
Kriyā-bandhah kriyā-bhārah
kriyāmānas-tato na hi. 124
One should perform tasks while engaging
in devotion and according to āgnā. By
doing so, one will not become attached to
one’s actions, be burdened by them or
develop ego because of them. (124)
Sevā, kathā, smaran, dhyān, pathanādi
Satsang Diksha 91

tathā bhagvat-kirtan vagerethi samayne

sufal karvo. (125)
Sevayā kathayā smrutyā
dhyānena paṭhanādibhihi;
Sufalam samayam kuryād
Bhagavat-kīrtanādibhihi. 125
One should fruitfully use time by
performing sevā, listening to discourses,
smruti, meditating, studying, singing
kirtans of Bhagwan and engaging in other
such activities. (125)
Satsangno āshro potānā durgunone tālvā,
sadgunone prāpta karvā ane potānā param
kalyān māte karvo. (126)
Sva-dur-guṇān apā-kartum
sam-prāptum sad-guṇāns-tathā;
92 Satsang Diksha

Satsangā’shrayaṇam kāryam
svasya parama-muktaye. 126
One should take the refuge of satsang to
rid oneself of flaws, acquire virtues and
attain ultimate moksha. (126)
Swaminarayan Bhagwan tathā Gunatit
guruoni prasannatā prāpta karvā sadā
satsangno āshro karvo. (127)
Prasannatām samāvāptum
Swāminārāyaṇa-Prabhoho;
Guṇātīta-gurūṇām cha
satsangam āshrayet sadā. 127
One should forever take the refuge of
satsang to attain the pleasure of Swami-
narayan Bhagwan and the Gunatit gurus.
(127)
Satsang Diksha 93

Aho! Āpanne Akshar ane Purushottam

banne ahi ja malyā chhe. Temni prāptinā
kefthi satsangnā ānandne sadāy mānvo.
(128)
Aho ihaiva nah prāptāv-
Akshara-Purushottamau;
Tat-prāpti-gauravān-nityam
satsang-ānandam āpnuyāt. 128
O! We have attained both Akshar and
Purushottam here [in this life]. With the
joy of having attained them, one should
always relish the bliss of satsang. (128)
Sevā, bhakti, kathā, dhyān, tap tathā yātrā
ityādi sādhan karie te māne karine,
dambhe karine, irshāe karine, spardhāe
karine, dveshe karine ke pachhi laukik
94 Satsang Diksha

falni ichchhāthi na ja karvu. Parantu

shraddhāe sahit, shuddhbhāvthi ane
Bhagwanne rāji karvāni bhāvnāthi
karvu. (129–130)
Sevā-bhakti-kathā-dhyāna-
tapo-yātrādi sādhanam;
Mānato dambhato naiva
kāryam naivershyayā tathā. 129
Spardhayā dveshato naiva
na laukika-falechchhayā;
Shraddhayā shuddha-bhāvena
kāryam prasannatā-dhiyā. 130
One should never perform sevā, devotion,
discourses, meditation, austerities, pil-
grimages and other endeavours out of
vanity, pretence, jealousy, competition,
Satsang Diksha 95

enmity or for the attainment of worldly

fruits. However, they should be performed
with faith, pure intentions and the wish
to please Bhagwan. (129–130)
Bhagwan tathā gurune vishe manushyabhāv
na jovo. Kāran ke Akshar ane Purushottam
banne māyāthi par chhe, divya chhe. (131)
Drashyo na mānusho bhāvo
Bhagavati tathā gurau;
Māyā-parau yato divyāv-
Akshara-Purushottamau. 131
One should not perceive human traits in
Bhagwan or the guru, since both Akshar
and Purushottam are beyond māyā and di-
vine. (131)
96 Satsang Diksha

Bhagwan tathā gurune vishe vishvās dradh

karvo, nirbaltāno tyāg karvo, dhiraj rākhvi
tathā Bhagwannu bal rākhvu. (132)
Vishvāsah su-draḍhī-kāryo
Bhagavati tathā gurau;
Nirbalatvam pari-tyājyam
dhāryam dhairyam arer balam. 132
One should develop firm faith in Bhag-
wan and the guru, renounce feebleness,
have patience and derive strength from
Bhagwan. (132)
Swaminarayan Bhagwannā lilā-charitronu
shravan, kathan, vānchan, manan tathā
nididhyāsan karvu. (133)
Kāryam līlā-charitrāṇām
Swāminārāyaṇa-Prabhoho;
Satsang Diksha 97

Shravaṇam kathanam pāṭho

mananam nidi-dhyāsanam. 133
One should listen to, recite, read, reflect
upon and repeatedly recall the incidents
of Swaminarayan Bhagwan. (133)
Mumukshuoe pratyaksh Aksharbrahma
guruno prasang sadā param priti ane
divyabhāvthi karvo. (134)
Prasangah parayā prītyā
Brahmā’kshara-guroh sadā;
Kartavyo divya-bhāvena
pratyakshasya mumukshubhihi. 134
Mumukshus should always associate with
the manifest Aksharbrahman guru with
supreme love and divyabhāv. (134)
98 Satsang Diksha

Aksharbrahma-swarup gurune vishe dradh

priti e ja brāhmi sthiti tathā Bhagwannā
sākshātkārne pāmvānu sādhan chhe. (135)
Brahmā’kshare gurau prītir
draḍhaivā’sti hi sādhanam;
Brahma-sthiteh pari-prāpteh
sākshāt-kārasya cha Prabhoho. 135
Intense affection for the Aksharbrahman
guru is the only means to attaining the
brāhmic state and realizing Bhagwan. (135)
Aksharbrahma gurunā guno ātmasāt karvā
māte tathā Parabrahmani anubhuti māte
Aksharbrahma gurunā prasangonu sadāy
manan karvu. (136)
Brahma-guṇa-samāvāptyai
Parabrahmā’nubhūtaye;
Satsang Diksha 99

Brahma-guroh prasangānām
kartavyam mananam sadā. 136
To imbibe the virtues of the Aksharbrah-
man guru and to experience Parabrahman,
one should always reflect on the incidents
of the Aksharbrahman guru. (136)
Man-karma-vachane guruharinu sadā
sevan karvu ane temne vishe pratyaksh
Narayan-swarupni bhāvnā karvi. (137)
Manasā karmaṇā vāchā
sevyo Guruharih sadā;
Kartavyā tatra pratyaksha-
Nārāyaṇa-svarūpa-dhīhi. 137
One should associate with one’s guruhari
through thought, word and deed and
should realize him as ‘Narayanswarup’ –
100 Satsang Diksha

the manifest form of Narayan [Parabrah-

man]. (137)
Satsangie kyārey bal-rahit vāt sāmbhalvi
nahi ane karvi pan nahi. Hammeshā bal
bhareli vāto karvi. (138)
Shruṇuyān-na vaden-nā’pi
vārtām hīnām balena cha;
Bala-pūrṇām sadā kuryād
vārtām satsangam āsthitaha. 138
A satsangi should never listen to or speak
discouraging words. One should always
speak encouraging words. (138)
Preme karine tathā ādar thaki Brahma ane
Parabrahmanā mahimāni tathā temnā
sambandh-vālānā mahimāni vāto nirantar
karvi. (139)
Satsang Diksha 101

Vārtā kāryā mahimno hi

Brahma-Parama-brahmaṇoho;
Tat-sambandha-vatām chā’pi
sa-sneham ādarāt sadā. 139
With affection and reverence, one should
continuously speak of the glory of Brahman
and Parabrahman and the greatness of
those who are associated with them. (139)
Mumukshue satsangione vishe suhrad-
bhāv, divyabhāv tathā brahmabhāv rākhvā.
(140)
Satsangishu suhrad-bhāvo
divya-bhāvas-tathaiva cha;
Aksharabrahma-bhāvash-cha
vidhātavyo mumukshuṇā. 140
102 Satsang Diksha

Mumukshus should keep suhradbhāv, divya-

bhāv and brahmabhāv toward satsangis. (140)
Paramatma Parabrahma Swaminarayan
Bhagwan, Aksharbrahma-swarup Gunatit
guru, temne āpelā divya siddhānt tathā
temnā āshrit bhaktono viveke karine sadāy
paksh rakhvo. (141–142)
Paramātma-Parabrahma-
Swāminārāyaṇa-Prabhoho;
Brahmā’kshara-svarūpasya
Guṇātīta-guros-tathā. 141
Tad-arpitasya divyasya
siddhāntasya cha sarvadā;
Bhaktānām tach-chhritānām cha
paksho grāhyo vivekataha. 142
With discretion, one should always keep
Satsang Diksha 103

the paksh of Paramatma Parabrahman

Swaminarayan Bhagwan, the Aksharbrah-
man Gunatit guru, the divine siddhānt
they have imparted and the devotees who
have sought their refuge. (141–142)
Bhagwan ane brahmaswarup guruni
āgnānu sadāy pālan karvu. Temni anuvrutti
jānine tene dradhpane anusarvu.
Temni āgnā ālas vagere mukine pālvi, tarat
pālvi; sadā ānand, utsāh ane mahimā sāthe
temne rāji karvānā bhāvthi pālvi. (143–
144)
Āgnām Bhagavato nityam
Brahma-gurosh-cha pālayet;
Gnātvā tad-anuvruttim cha
tām evā’nusared draḍham. 143
104 Satsang Diksha

Tad-āgnām pālayet sadya

ālasyādi vihāya cha;
Sānandotsāha-māhātmyam
tat-prasāda-dhiyā sadā. 144
One should always obey the commands of
Bhagwan and the Brahmaswarup guru.
One should realize their inner wishes and
firmly abide by them. Their instructions
should be followed without laziness,
immediately, and always with joy, enthusi-
asm, mahimā and an eagerness to please
them. (143–144)
Pratidin sthir chitte antardrashti karvi ke
hu ā lokmā shu karvā avyo chhu? Ane shu
kari rahyo chhu? (145)
Satsang Diksha 105

Antar-drashṭish-cha kartavyā
pratyaham sthira-chetasā;
Kim kartum āgato’smīha
kim kurve’ham iheti cha. 145
With a composed mind, one should
introspect every day: “What have I come
to accomplish in this world and what am I
doing?” (145)
‘Aksharrup thaine hu Purushottamni
bhakti karu’ em potānā lakshyanu chintan
ālas rākhyā vagar roj karvu. (146)
Samprāpyā’kshara-rūpatvam
bhajeyam Purushottamam;
Pratyaham chintayed evam
svīya-lakshyam atandritaha. 146
106 Satsang Diksha

“Having attained oneness with Akshar, I

offer devotion to Purushottam.” In this
manner, one should reflect on one’s goal
each day without laziness. (146)
Ā Swaminarayan Bhagwan sarva-kartā-
hartā chhe, sarvopari chhe, niyāmak chhe.
Teo mane ahi pratyaksh malyā chhe. Āthi
ja hu dhanya chhu, param bhāgyashāli
chhu, krutārth chhu, nishank chhu, nish-
chint chhu ane sadā sukhi chhu. (147–148)
Kartā’yam sarva-hartā’yam
sarvopari niyāmakaha;
Pratyaksham iha labdho me
Swāminārāyaṇo arihi. 147
Ata evā’smi dhanyo’ham
parama-bhāgyavān aham;
Satsang Diksha 107

Krutārthash-chaiva nihshanko
nishchinto’smi sadā sukhī. 148
Swaminarayan Bhagwan is the all-doer,14
supreme entity and controller. I have his
association here in person. For this very
reason, I am joyous, greatly fortunate, ful-
filled, without doubts and worries, and
forever blissful. (147–148)
Ā rite Paramatmani divya prāptinu,
mahimānu tathā temni prasannatānu
chintan darroj sthir chitte karvu. (149)
Evam prāpter mahimnash-cha
pratyaham pari-chintanam;
Prabhoh prasannatāyāsh-cha
kāryam sthireṇa chetasā. 149
14. Creator, sustainer and destroyer.
108 Satsang Diksha

In this way, with a composed mind, one

should reflect daily on one’s divine
attainment of Paramatma, his greatness
and [attaining] his pleasure. (149)
Potānā ātmāne tran deh, tran avasthā
tathā tran gunthi judo samji teni Akshar-
brahma sāthe ektāni vibhāvnā pratidin
karvi. (150)
Deha-traya-tryavasthāto
gnātvā bhedam guṇa-trayāt;
Svātmano Brahmaṇaikatvam
prati-dinam vibhāvayet. 150
Realizing one’s ātmā to be distinct from
the three bodies,15 the three states,16 and
15. Three bodies: sthul (gross), sukshma (subtle) and kāran (causal).
16. Three states: jāgrat (waking), swapna (dream) and sushupti
(deep sleep).
Satsang Diksha 109

the three qualities,17 one should every day

believe oneself as being one with Akshar-
brahman. (150)
Darroj jagatnā nāshvant-panānu
anusandhān karvu ane potānā ātmāni
nityatā tathā sachchidānand-panānu
chintvan karvu. (151)
Pratyaham anusandheyā
jagato nāsha-shīlatā;
Svātmano nityatā chintyā
sach-chid-ānanda-rūpatā. 151
Daily, one should reflect on the imperma-
nent nature of the world and on one’s
ātmā as eternal and sachchidānand. (151)
17. Three qualities: sattvagun, rajogun and tamogun – the three
qualities of māyā.
110 Satsang Diksha

Je thai gayu chhe, thai rahyu chhe ane je

kai āgal thashe te badhu ja Swaminarayan
Bhagwanni ichchhāthi mārā hit māte ja
chhe em mānvu. (152)
Bhūtam yach-cha bhavad yach-cha
yad-evā’gre bhavishyati;
Sarvam tan me hitāyaiva
Swāminārāyaṇechchhayā. 152
One should understand that all which has
happened, which is happening, and which
will happen is solely due to Swaminarayan
Bhagwan’s will and only for my benefit.
(152)
Swaminarayan Bhagwan tathā brahma-
swarup gurune pratidin vishvās ane
bhaktibhāvthi prārthanā karvi. (153)
Satsang Diksha 111

Prārthanam pratyaham kuryād

vishvāsa-bhakti-bhāvataha;
Guror Brahmaswarūpasya
Swāminārāyaṇa-Prabhoho. 153
One should daily pray to Swaminarayan
Bhagwan and the Brahmaswarup guru
with faith and devotion. (153)
Mān, irshā, kām, krodh ityādi doshono
āveg āve tyāre ‘Hu Akshar chhu,
Purushottamno dās chhu’ em shānt mane
chintvan karvu. (154)
Mānershyā-kāma-krodhādi-
doshā’vego bhavet tadā;
Aksharam-aham ityādi
shānta-manā vichintayet. 154
112 Satsang Diksha

When one experiences impulses of ego-

tism, jealousy, lust, anger, and other base
instincts, one should calmly reflect: ‘I am
akshar; I am a servant of Purushottam.’
(154)
Ane sarva doshonu nivāran karnārā
sākshāt Swaminarayan Bhagwan sadaiv
māri sāthe chhe em bal rākhvu. (155)
Mayā saha sadaivā’sti
sarva-dosha-nivārakaha;
Swāminārāyaṇah sākshād
evam balam cha dhārayet. 155
Also, one should remain strong in the be-
lief that Swaminarayan Bhagwan himself,
who is the destroyer of all base instincts,
is always with me. (155)
Satsang Diksha 113

Swadharmanu sadā pālan karvu.

Pardharmano tyāg karvo. Bhagwan ane
guruni āgnānu pālan karvu te swadharma
chhe. Temni āgnāno tyāg kari potānā
mannu dhāryu karvāmā āve tene viveki
mumukshue pardharma jānvo. (156–157)
Sva-dharmam pālayen-nityam
para-dharmam pari-tyajet;
Sva-dharmo Bhagavad-gurvor
āgnāyāh pari-pālanam. 156
Tad-āgnām yat pari-tyajya
kriyate sva-mano-dhrutam;
Para-dharmah sa vigneyo
vivekibhir mumukshubhihi. 157
One should always observe swadharma and
renounce pardharma. Swadharma means to
114 Satsang Diksha

observe the commands of Bhagwan and

the guru. The wise mumukshu should
realize that pardharma is disregarding
their instructions and acting wilfully.
(156–157)
Je karma fal āpe tevu hoy tem chhatā
bhaktimā bādh kartu hoy, satsangnā
niyamthi viruddh hoy tathā je ācharvāthi
dharmano lop thato hoy tevā karmanu
āchran na karvu. (158)
Satsanga-niyamād yaddhi
viruddham dharma-lopakam;
Fala-dam api nā’charyam
bhaved yad bhakti-bādhakam. 158
One should avoid even [apparently] bene-
ficial actions that impede devotion, trans-
Satsang Diksha 115

gress the niyams of satsang or cause one to

lapse from dharma. (158)
Vaye karine, jnāne karine ke gune karine
je motā hoy temnu ādar thaki pranām
tathā madhurvachanādike karine yatho-
chit sanmān karvu. (159)
Ādareṇa praṇāmaish-cha
madhura-vachanādibhihi;
Yatho-chitam hi sanmānyā
vruddhā gnāna-vayo-guṇaihi. 159
One should offer appropriate respect to
those who are senior in age, possess
greater wisdom or are more virtuous by
bowing reverently, using polite speech and
expressing other forms of regard. (159)
116 Satsang Diksha

Vidvāno, vadilo tathā adhyāpakone sadā

ādar āpvo. Sārā vachan ādi kriyāo dvārā
potāni shakti pramāne temno satkār
karvo. (160)
Sadaivā’daraṇīyā hi
vidvad-varishṭha-shikshakāhā;
Yathā-shakti cha sat-kāryāh
sādhu-vādādi-karmaṇā. 160
One should always respect the learned,
seniors and teachers. According to one’s
capacity, one should honour them with
good words and other such deeds. (160)
Vyaktinā guna tathā kārya ādine anusāre
tenu sambodhan karvu. Yathā-shakti tene
sārā kāryomā protsāhan āpvu. (161)
Satsang Diksha 117

Jana-sambodhanam kuryād
yathā-kārya-guṇādikam;
Samvardhayet tad-utsāham
yathā-shakti su-karmasu. 161
One should address each individual
according to their virtues, achievements
and other merits. One should encourage
them in noble works according to their
abilities. (161)
Satya, hit ane priya vāni bolvi. Koi
manushyani upar kyārey mithyā apvādnu
āropan na karvu. (162)
Satyām vaded hitām chaiva
vaded vāṇīm priyām tathā;
Mithyā’ropyo’pavādo na
kasminsh-chit karhichij-jane. 162
118 Satsang Diksha

One should speak words which are true,

beneficial and loving. One should never
falsely accuse any individual. (162)
Apshabdothi yukta, sāmbhalnārne dukh
kare tevi, nindya, kathor ane dvesh bhareli
kutsit vāni na bolvi. (163)
Na vadet kutsitām vācham
apa-shabda-kalankitām;
Shrotru-dukha-karīm nindyām
kaṭhorām dvesha-garbhiṇīm. 163
One should never utter unpleasant speech
that is offensive, hurts its listener and is
defamatory, harsh or hateful. (163)
Asatya kyārey na bolvu. Hit kare tevu
satya bolvu. Anyanu ahit kare tevu satya
pan na bolvu. (164)
Satsang Diksha 119

Asatyam na vadet kvāpi

vadet satyam hitā’vaham;
Satyam api vaden-naiva
yat syād anyā’hitā’vaham. 164
One should never speak untruth. One
should express truth that is beneficial, but
not utter even truth that may harm oth-
ers. (164)
Kyārey koinā avgun ke doshni vāt na karvi.
Em karvāthi ashānti thāy ane Bhagwan
tathā guruno kurājipo thāy. (165)
Anyā’vaguṇa-doshādi-
vārtām kadā’pi nochcharet;
Tathā krute tvashāntih syād
aprītish-cha arer guroho. 165
One should never speak of another’s draw-
120 Satsang Diksha

backs or flaws. Doing so causes unrest and

results in the displeasure of Bhagwan and
the guru. (165)
Atyant āvashyak hoy to parishuddh
bhāvnāthi adhikrut vyaktine satya
kahevāmā dosh nathi. (166)
Atyantā’vashyake nūnam
pari-shuddhena bhāvataha;
Satya-proktau na doshah syād
adhikāra-vatām puraha. 166
If extremely necessary, it is acceptable to
convey the truth with pure intent to an
authorized person. (166)
Jene karine anyanu ahit thāy, tene dukh
thāy ke klesh vadhe tevā āchār ke vichār
kyārey na karvā. (167)
Satsang Diksha 121

Āchāro vā vichāro vā
tādruk kāryo na karhichit;
Anyeshām ahitam dukham
yena syāt klesha-vardhanam. 167
One should never act or think in a way
that is hurtful or damaging to others or
that increases conflict. (167)
Suhradaybhāv rākhi bhaktonā shubh
gunone sambhārvā. Temno avgun na levo
ane koi rite droh na karvo. (168)
Suhrad-bhāvena bhaktānām
shubha-guṇa-gaṇān smaret;
Na grāhyo’vaguṇas-teshām
drohah kāryo na sarvathā. 168
With suhradaybhāv, recollect the virtues of
devotees. One should never view their
122 Satsang Diksha

flaws or offend them in any way. (168)

Sukhmā chhaki na javu ane dukhmā udveg
na pāmvo. Kāran ke badhu Swaminarayan
Bhagwanni ichchhāthi pravarte chhe.
(169)
Sukhe noch-chhrunkhalo bhūyād
dukhe nodvegam āpnuyāt;
Swāminārāyaṇechchhātah
sarvam pravartate yataha. 169
In happy times do not get carried away
and in unhappy times do not become
discouraged, since everything occurs by
Swaminarayan Bhagwan’s wish. (169)
Kyārey pan koini sāthe vivād ke kalaha na
ja karvo. Hammeshā vivekthi vartvu ane
shānti rākhvi. (170)
Satsang Diksha 123

Vivādah kalaho vā’pi

naiva kāryah kadāchana;
Vartitavyam vivekena
rakshyā shāntish-cha sarvadā. 170
One should never argue or quarrel with
anyone. One should always be well-
mannered and remain calm. (170)
Koi pan manushye potānā vachan, vartan,
vichār tathā lakhānmā kathortā kyārey na
rākhvi. (171)
Vachane vartane kvāpi
vichāre lekhane tathā;
Kaṭhoratām bhajen-naiva
janah ko’pi kadāchana. 171
One should never be harsh in speech,
action, thought or writing. (171)
124 Satsang Diksha

Gruhastha satsangie matā-pitāni sevā

karvi. Pratidin temnā charanomā
namaskār karvā. (172)
Sevām mātuh pituh kuryād
gruhī satsangam āshritaha;
Prati-dinam namaskāram
tat-pādeshu nivedayet. 172
Householder satsangis should serve their
mother and father. They should bow to
their feet every day. (172)
Vahue sasrāni sevā pitā-tulya gani ane
sāsuni sevā mātā-tulya gani karvi. Sāsu-
sasrāe pan putra-vadhunu potāni putrini
jem pālan karvu. (173)
Shvashurah pitruvat sevyo
vadhvā shvashrūsh-cha mātruvat;
Satsang Diksha 125

Sva-putrīvat snushā pālyā

shvashrvā’pi shvashureṇa cha. 173
A wife should serve her father-in-law as
her own father and mother-in-law as her
own mother. A father- and mother-in-law
should care for their daughter-in-law as
they would for their own daughter. (173)
Gruhasthoe dikrā-dikrionu satsang,
shikshan vagerethi sāri rite poshan karvu.
Anya sambandhioni potāni shakti
pramāne bhāvthi sevā karvi. (174)
Sampālyāh putra-putryash-cha
satsanga-shikshaṇādinā;
Anye sambandhinah sevyā
yathā-shakti cha bhāvataha. 174
126 Satsang Diksha

Householders should diligently nurture

their sons and daughters through satsang,
education and other activities. They
should affectionately care for their other
relatives according to their means. (174)
Gharmā madhur vāni bolvi. Kadvi vānino
tyāg karvo ane malin āshaythi koine pidā
na pahonchādvi. (175)
Gruhe hi madhurām vāṇīm
vaded vācham tyajet kaṭum;
Kam api pīḍitam naiva
prakuryād malinā’shayāt. 175
One should speak pleasantly at home. One
should renounce bitter speech and not
harm others with malicious intent. (175)
Gruhasthoe potānā gharmā bhegā mali
Satsang Diksha 127

ānande bhojan karvu ane ghare padhārelā

atithini potāni shakti pramāne sambhāvnā
karvi. (176)
Militvā bhojanam kāryam
gruhasthaih sva-gruhe mudā;
Atithir hi yathā-shakti
sambhāvya āgato gruham. 176
Householders should joyously eat meals
together at home and provide hospitality
to guests according to their means. (176)
Maran ādi prasangomā vishesh bhajan-
kirtan karvu, kathā karvi, Akshar-
Purushottam Maharajnu smaran karvu.
(177)
Maraṇādi-prasangeshu
kathā-bhajana-kīrtanam;
128 Satsang Diksha

Kāryam visheshatah smāryo

hyakshara-Purushottamaha. 177
In the event of a death or other sad
occasions, one should perform additional
acts of devotion, sing kirtans, engage in
discourses and remember Akshar-
Purushottam Maharaj. (177)
Dikri ke dikrā evā potānā santānone
satsangnā divya siddhānto, sārā āchrano
ane sadguno vade sadā sanskār āpvā. (178)
Putrī-putrātmikā svasya
sanskāryā santatih sadā;
Satsanga-divya-siddhāntaih
sad-āchāraish-cha sadguṇaihi. 178
One should always impart sanskārs to
one’s sons and daughters by teaching them
Satsang Diksha 129

the divine principles of satsang, good con-

duct and virtues. (178)
Santān jyāre garbhmā hoy tyārthi ja tene
satsang sambandhi shāstronu vānchan
vagere karine sanskār āpvā ane Akshar-
Purushottam Maharajne vishe nishthā
purvi. (179)
Satsanga-shāstra-pāṭhādyair
garbha-sthām eva santatim;
Sanskuryāt pūrayen-nishṭhām
Akshara-Purushottame. 179
From when a child is in the womb, one
should instil sanskārs and conviction in
Akshar-Purushottam Maharaj by reading
the sacred texts of satsang and through
other [noble] acts. (179)
130 Satsang Diksha

Purusho kyārey kudrushtie karine strione

na jue. Te ja rite strio pan kudrushtie
karine purushone na jue. (180)
Kudrashṭyā purushair naiva
striyo drashyāh kadāchana;
Evam eva kudrashṭyā cha
strībhir drashyā na pūrushāhā. 180
Men should never look at women with a
wrong intent. In the same manner, wom-
en should also never look at men with
wrong intent. (180)
Gruhasthāshrammā rahyā evā purushoe
potāni patni sivāy anya strio sāthe āpatkāl
vinā kyay pan ekāntmā na rahevu. (181)
Svīya-patnītarābhis-tu
rahasi vasanam saha;
Satsang Diksha 131

Āpat-kālam vinā kvāpi

na kuryur gruhiṇo narāhā. 181
Except in emergency situations, married
men should never remain alone anywhere
with women other than their wife. (181)
Te ja rite strioe pan potānā pati sivāy anya
purusho sāthe āpatkāl vinā ekāntmā na
rahevu. (182)
Tathaiva na hi nāryo’pi
tishṭheyuh sva-patītaraihi;
Purushaih sākam-ekānte
hyāpatti-samayam vinā. 182
Similarly, [married] women should never
remain alone with men other than their
husband, except in emergency situations.
(182)
132 Satsang Diksha

Purushe samip sambandh vināni strino

sparsha na karvo. Te ja rite strie potāne
samip sambandh vinānā anya purushno
sparsh na karvo. (183)
Narah samīpa-sambandha-
hīnām striyam sprushen-na hi;
Naiva sprushet tathā nārī
tādrusham purushāntaram. 183
A male should not touch a female who is
not closely related; however, he may re-
spectfully touch one who is closely relat-
ed. Similarly, a female should not touch a
male who is not closely related; however,
she may respectfully touch one who is
closely related. (183)
Āpatkāl prāpta thatā anyani rakshā māte
Satsang Diksha 133

sparsh karvāmā dosh nathi. Parantu jo

āpatkāl na hoy to sadāy niyamonu pālan
karvu. (184)
Āpat-kāle’nya-rakshārtham
sparshe dosho na vidyate;
Anyathā niyamāh pālyā
anāpattau tu sarvadā. 184
In emergency situations, it is not a fault to
touch others to protect or save them.
However, if there is no emergency, then
always obey the niyams. (184)
Dharma ane sanskārono nāsh kare evā
ashlil drashyo jemā āvtā hoy tevā nātako
ke chal-chitro vagere kyārey na jovā. (185)
Ashlīlam yatra drashyam syād
dharma-sanskāra-nāshakam;
134 Satsang Diksha

Nāṭaka-chala-chitrādi
tan-na pashyet kadāchana. 185
One should never view dramas, films or
other media that contain obscene scenes
which destroy one’s dharma and sanskārs.
(185)
Satsangi-janoe je manushya vyasani, nirlajj
tathā vyabhichāri hoy teno sang na karvo.
(186)
Manushyo vyasanī yah syād
nirlajjo vyabhichāravān;
Tasya sango na kartavyah
satsangam-āshritair-janaihi. 186
Satsangis should not associate with people
who have addictions, are shameless or are
adulterous. (186)
Satsang Diksha 135

Strioe potānā dharmani rakshā māte

chāritryahin strino sang na karvo ane
dradhpane niyamonu pālan karvu. (187)
Sangash-chāritrya-hīnāyāh
karaṇīyo na hi striyāhā;
Strībhih sva-dharma-rakshārtham
pālyāsh-cha niyamā draḍham. 187
To protect one’s dharma, female devotees
should not associate with immoral women
and should firmly abide by the niyams.
(187)
Jene karine kām-vāsanā vruddhi pāme tevi
vāto ke gito na sāmbhalvā, pustako na
vānchvā tathā tevā drushyo na jovā. (188)
Na tādruk-chhruṇuyād vācham
gītam grantham paṭhenna cha;
136 Satsang Diksha

Pashyen-na tādrusham drashyam

yasmāt kāma-vivardhanam. 188
One should not listen to talks or songs,
read books or view scenes that increase
one’s lustful desires. (188)
Dhan, dravya tathā jamin ādinā len-denmā
hammeshā likhit karvu, sākshie sahit
karvu ityādi niyamo avashyapane pālvā.
(189)
Dhana-dravya-dharādīnām
sadā’dāna-pradānayoho;
Niyamā lekha-sākshyādeh
pālanīyā avashyataha. 189
Transactions of wealth, possessions, land
and other assets should always be con-
ducted in writing, in the presence of a
Satsang Diksha 137

witness and by definitely following other

such niyams. (189)
Sarva āshrit janoe potānā sambandhio
sāthe pan vyavahār prasange likhit karvu
ityādi niyamo pālvā. (190)
Prasange vyavahārasya
sambandhibhir api svakaihi;
Lekhādi-niyamāh pālyāh
sakalair āshritair janaihi. 190
All devotees should conduct their social
dealings with even their relatives in writ-
ing and by following other such niyams.
(190)
Satsangioe kyārey durjan sāthe vyavahār
na karvo ane dinjanne vishe dayāvān
thavu. (191)
138 Satsang Diksha

Na kāryo vyavahārash-cha
dushṭair janaih saha kvachit;
Dīna-janeshu bhāvyam cha
satsangibhir dayā’nvitaihi. 191
Satsangis should never engage in dealings
with immoral persons and should be com-
passionate towards those who are meek
and disadvantaged. (191)
Laukik kārya kyārey vichārya vagar tatkāl
na karvu parantu fal vagereno vichār
karine vivek-purvak karvu. (192)
Laukikam tvavichāryaiva
sahasā karma nā’charet;
Falādikam vichāryaiva
vivekena tad ācharet. 192
Worldly deeds should never be performed
Satsang Diksha 139

in haste without due deliberation. They

should, however, be performed with due
judgment, after reflecting on their conse-
quences and other such considerations.
(192)
Koi pan manushye kyārey lānch na levi.
Dhanno vyarth vyay na karvo. Potāni
āvakne anusāre dhanno vyay karvo. (193)
Lunchā kadāpi na grāhyā
kaishchid api janair iha;
Naiva kāryo vyayo vyarthah
kāryah svā’yā’nusārataha. 193
No one should ever accept bribes. Wealth
should not be spent wastefully. One
should spend according to one’s income.
(193)
140 Satsang Diksha

Prashāsannā niyamone anusari hammeshā

potānā āvak ane kharchni nondh vyavasthit
karvi. (194)
Kartavyam lekhanam samyak
svasyā’yasya vyayasya cha;
Niyamān anusrutyaiva
prashāsana-krutān sadā. 194
One should always accurately keep ac-
counts of one’s income and expenditure in
accordance with government laws. (194)
Potāne prāpta thati āvakmāthi potāni
shakti pramāne dasmo ke vismo bhāg
Swaminarayan Bhagwanni sevā-
prasannatā māte arpan karvo. (195)
Svā’yāddhi dashamo bhāgo
vinsho’thavā sva-shaktitaha;
Satsang Diksha 141

Arpyah sevā-prasādārtham
Swāminārāyaṇa-Prabhoho. 195
According to one’s means, one should give
one-tenth or one-twentieth of one’s in-
come in Swaminarayan Bhagwan’s service
and to attain his blessings. (195)
Gruhastha potānā upyogne anusāre tathā
samay-shakti anusār anāj, dravya ke
dhanādino sangrah kare. (196)
Svopayogā’nusāreṇa
prakuryāt sangraham gruhī;
Anna-dravya-dhanādīnām
kāla-shaktyanusārataha. 196
Householders should save provisions,
money and other possessions according to
142 Satsang Diksha

their needs, circumstances and means.

(196)
Pālelā pashu-pakshi vagereni anna, fal, jal
ityādi vade yathā-shakti uchit sambhāvnā
karvi. (197)
Anna-falādibhish-chaiva
yathā-shakti jalādibhihi;
Pālitāh pashu-pakshyādyāh
sambhāvyā hi yathochitam. 197
According to one’s means, one should
provide suitable food, fruits, water and
other sustenance for one’s domesticated
animals and birds. (197)
Dhan, dravya ke bhumi vagereni len-den-
mā vishvās-ghāt tathā kapat na karvā. (198)
Satsang Diksha 143

Dhana-dravya-dharādīnām
pradānā’dānayoh punaha;
Vishvāsa-hananam naiva
kāryam na kapaṭam tathā. 198
One should not betray the trust of or
deceive others in transactions involving
wealth, objects, land or other commodities.
(198)
Karmachārione jetlu dhan ādi āpvānu
vachan āpyu hoy te vachan pramāne te
dhan ādi āpvu pan kyārey ochhu na āpvu.
(199)
Pradātum karma-kāribhyah
pratignātam dhanādikam;
Yathā-vācham pradeyam tad
nonam deyam kadāchana. 199
144 Satsang Diksha

One should pay employees the amount of

money or other forms of remuneration
agreed upon, but should never give less.
(199)
Satsangie vishvās-ghāt na karvo. Āpelu
vachan pālvu. Pratignānu ullanghan na
karvu. (200)
Naiva vishvāsa-ghātam hi
kuryāt satsangam āshritaha;
Pālayed vachanam dattam
pratignātam na langhayet. 200
A satsangi should not commit betrayal.
One should uphold one’s promise. A
pledge should not be broken. (200)
Sushāsan māte avashya-pane joie te
dharmone prashāsake pālvā. Lokonu
Satsang Diksha 145

bharan-poshan karvu. Sanskāroni rakshā

karvi. Sarveno abhyuday thāy te māte
swāsthya, shikshan, sanrakshan, vijli, anāj,
jal vagere dvārā sāri rite vyavasthā
karvi. (201–202)
Prashāstā pālayed dharmān-
niyatā ye sushāsane;
Lokānām bharaṇam pushṭim
kuryāt sanskāra-rakshaṇam. 201
Svāsthya-shikshaṇa-samrakshā-
vidyud-anna-jalādikaihi;
Su-vyavasthā vidhātavyā
sarvā’bhyudaya-hetunā. 202
Rulers should follow dharma that is nec-
essary to govern well. They should provide
for the people, foster their growth and
146 Satsang Diksha

safeguard sanskārs. They should suitably

arrange services for health, education, de-
fence, electricity, food, water and other
resources for the benefit of all. (201–202)
Koi pan manushyanā guna, sāmarthya,
ruchi vagere jānine; vichār kari tenā māte
uchit evā kāryomā tene jodvo. (203)
Guṇa-sāmarthya-ruchyādi
viditvaiva janasya tu;
Tad-uchiteshu kāryeshu
yojanīyo vichārya saha. 203
A person should be assigned suitable tasks
after knowing and considering their
qualities, abilities, inclinations and other
such factors. (203)
Satsang Diksha 147

Je deshne vishe Bhagwanni bhakti thai

shake tathā potānā dharmanu pālan thai
shake tevā deshne vishe sukhe nivās
karvo. (204)
Shakyā Bhagavato yatra
bhaktih sva-dharma-pālanam;
Tasmin deshe nivāso hi
karaṇīyah sukhena cha. 204
One should happily reside in a country
where one can worship Bhagwan and
observe one’s dharma. (204)
Vidyā, dhan ādini prāpti māte deshāntarmā
jāy tyāre tyā pan ādarthi satsang karvo ane
niyamonu pālan karvu. (205)
Vidyā-dhanādikam prāptum
deshāntaram gate’pi cha;
148 Satsang Diksha

Satsangam ādarāt tatra

kuryān-niyama-pālanam. 205
A person who migrates elsewhere for
educational, economic or other gains
should continue to reverently practise
satsang and observe niyams. (205)
Je deshmā pote rahetā hoy te deshnā
prashāsanne sammat niyamonu sarva rite
pālan karvu. (206)
Yad-deshe hi sva-vāsah syāt
tad-desha-niyamāsh-cha ye;
Sarvathā pālanīyāste
tat-prashāsana-sammatāha. 206
In the country one resides, one should
observe the prescribed laws of that coun-
try in every way. (206)
Satsang Diksha 149

Jyāre desh-kālādinu viprit-panu thai āve

tyāre dhiraj rākhi Akshar-Purushottam
Maharajnu ānand sāthe antarmā bhajan
karvu. (207)
Sanjāte desha-kālāder
vaiparītye tu dhairyataha;
Antar-bhajeta sānandam
Akshara-Purushottamam. 207
During adverse times, one should keep
patience and joyously worship Akshar-
Purushottam Maharaj within. (207)
Pote je sthānmā rahetā hoy te sthale
āpatkāl āvi pade tyāre te deshno tyāg kari
anya deshne vishe sukhe nivās karvo. (208)
Āpat-kāle tu samprāpte
svīya-vāsa-sthale tadā;
150 Satsang Diksha

Tam desham hi pari-tyajya

stheyam deshāntare sukham. 208
If unfavourable circumstances arise where
one lives, one should leave that place and
live happily elsewhere. (208)
Nānā bālako tathā bālikāoe bālpanthi ja
vidyā prāpta karvi. Durāchār, kusang ane
vyasanono tyāg karvo. (209)
Kāryam bālaish-cha bālābhir
bālyād vidyā’bhi-prāpaṇam;
Durāchārah kusangash-cha
tyājyāni vyasanāni cha. 209
Young boys and girls should acquire edu-
cation from childhood. They should avoid
inappropriate behaviour, bad company
and addictions. (209)
Satsang Diksha 151

Vidyārthie potāno abhyās sthir chitte,

utsāhthi ane ādar thaki karvo. Samayne
vyarth karmomā bagādvo nahi. (210)
Utsāhād ādarāt kuryāt
svā’bhyāsam sthira-chetasā;
Vyarthatām na nayet kālam
vidyārthī vyartha-karmasu. 210
Students should study with concentration,
enthusiasm and respect. They should not
waste their time in useless activities. (210)
Bālpanthi ja sevā, vinamratā vagere dradh
karvā. Kyārey nirbal na thavu ane bhay na
pāmvo. (211)
Bālyād eva draḍhī-kuryāt
sevā-vinamratādikam;
152 Satsang Diksha

Nirbalatām bhayam chā’pi

naiva gachchhet kadāchana. 211
From childhood, one should strengthen
the virtues of sevā, humility and other vir-
tues. One should never lose courage or be
fearful. (211)
Bālpanthi ja satsang, bhakti ane prārthanā
karvā. Pratidin pujā karvi tathā mātā-
pitāne panchāng pranām karvā. (212)
Bālyād eva hi satsangam
kuryād bhaktim cha prārthanām;
Kāryā prati-dinam pūjā
pitroh panchānga-vandanā. 212
From childhood, one should practise
satsang, offer devotion and pray. One
should daily perform puja and offer
Satsang Diksha 153

panchāng pranāms to one’s mother and

father. (212)
Kumār tathā yuvān avasthāmā vishesh
sayam pālvo. Shaktino nāsh kare evā
ayogya sparsh, drashya vagereno tyāg
karvo. (213)
Vishesha-sayamah pālyah
kaumārye yauvane tathā;
Ayogya-sparsha-drashyādyās-
tyājyāh shakti-vināshakāhā. 213
During adolescence and early adulthood,
one should exercise greater self-control
and refrain from improper physical
contact, sights and other activities that
destroy one’s energies [physical, mental
and spiritual]. (213)
154 Satsang Diksha

Sārā falne āpe tevu, unnati kare tevu ane

uchit hoy tevu ja sāhas karvu. Je keval
potānā mannu ane lokonu ranjan kare
tevu sāhas na karvu. (214)
Sat-falonnāyakam kuryād
uchitam eva sāhasam;
Na kuryāt kevalam yaddhi
sva-mano-loka-ranjakam. 214
One should only undertake ventures that
are appropriate and lead to good out-
comes and development. However, one
should not engage in ventures that merely
entertain one’s mind or gratify others.
(214)
Potāne avashya karvānā udyamne vishe
kyārey ālas na karvi. Bhagwanne vishe
Satsang Diksha 155

shraddhā ane priti karvi. Pratidin pujā

karvi ane satsang karvo. (215)
Niyatodyama-kartavye
nā’lasyam āpnuyāt kvachit;
Shraddhām prītim Harau kuryāt
pūjām satsangam anvaham. 215
One should never be lazy in undertaking
one’s important tasks. One should have
faith in and love towards Bhagwan. One
should daily perform puja and do satsang.
(215)
Ā lokmā sang balvān chhe. Jevo sang hoy
tevu jivan bane. Āthi sārā manushyono
sang karvo. Kusangno sarvathā tyāg
karvo. (216)
156 Satsang Diksha

Sango’tra balavāl-loke
yathā-sangam hi jīvanam;
Satām sangam atah kuryāt
kusangam sarvathā tyajet. 216
In this world, the company one keeps has
great influence. The type of association
moulds one’s life accordingly. Therefore,
one should always keep the company of
virtuous people and totally shun bad com-
pany. (216)
Je manushya kāmāsakta, krutaghni, lokone
chhetarnār, pākhandi tathā kapti hoy teno
sang tyajvo. (217)
Kāmā’sakto bhaved yo hi
krutaghno loka-vanchakaha;
Satsang Diksha 157

Pākhaṇḍī kapaṭī yash-cha

tasya sangam pari-tyajet. 217
One should renounce the company of
those who are lustful, ungrateful, dishon-
est, hypocritical or deceitful. (217)
Je manushya Bhagwan ane temnā
avatāronu khandan karto hoy,
Paramatmani upāsanānu khandan karto
hoy ane sākār Bhagwanne nirākār mānto
hoy teno sang na karvo. Tevā grantho na
vānchvā. (218–219)
Hares-tad-avatārāṇām
khaṇḍanam vidadhāti yaha;
Upāsteh khaṇḍanam yash-cha
kurute Paramātmanaha. 218
158 Satsang Diksha

Sākrutikam Parabrahma
manute yo nirākruti;
Tasya sango na kartavyas-
tādrug-granthān paṭhen-na hi. 219
One should not associate with those who
deny Bhagwan and his incarnations,
disapprove of upāsanā to Paramatma or
believe Bhagwan, who eternally possesses
a form, to be formless. Do not read such
texts. (218–219)
Je manushya mandir ane Bhagwanni
murtionu khandan karto hoy, satya-ahinsā
ādi dharmonu khandan karto hoy tenā
sangno tyāg karvo. (220)
Khaṇḍanam mandirāṇām yo
mūrtīnām kurute Harehe;
Satsang Diksha 159

Satyā’hinsādi-dharmāṇām
tasya sangam pari-tyajet. 220
One should renounce the company of
those who decry mandirs and Bhagwan’s
murtis or denounce truth, non-violence
and other such righteous conduct. (220)
Je manushya guru-sharanāgatino virodh
karto hoy, vaidik shāstronu khandan karto
hoy, bhaktimārgno virodh karto hoy teno
sang na karvo. (221)
Gurvāshraya-virodhī yo
vaidika-shāstra-khaṇḍakaha;
Bhakti-mārga-virodhī syāt
tasya sangam na chā’charet. 221
One should not associate with those who
oppose taking refuge in a guru, Vedic texts
160 Satsang Diksha

or the path of bhakti. (221)

Koi manushya lokmā vyavahārik kāryomā
buddhivālo hoy athvā shāstromā pārangat
pan hoy, tem chhatā pan jo te bhaktie
rahit hoy to teno sang na karvo. (222)
Buddhimān api loke syād
vyāvahārika-karmasu;
Na sevyo bhakti-hīnash-chech-
chhāstra-pārangato’pi vā. 222
One should avoid the company of a
person who is devoid of devotion, even if
such a person is intelligent in worldly ac-
tivities or learned in the shastras. (222)
Ādhyātmik vishayomā shraddhāno ja
tiraskār kari je manushya keval tarkne ja
āgal karto hoy teno sang na karvo. (223)
Satsang Diksha 161

Shraddhām eva tiras-krutya

hyādhyātmikeshu kevalam;
Puras-karoti yas-tarkam
tat-sangam ācharen-na hi. 223
One should not associate with those who
ridicule faith in spiritual matters and
promote logic alone. (223)
Mumukshu haribhaktoe satsangmā rahelā
kusangne pan jānvo ane kyārey teno sang
na karvo. (224)
Satsange’pi kusango yo
gneyah so’pi mumukshubhihi;
Tat-sangash-cha na kartavyo
haribhaktaih kadāchana. 224
Mumukshu devotees should also recognize
kusang within satsang and should never
162 Satsang Diksha

associate with it. (224)

Je manushya pratyaksh Bhagwanmā ane
gurumā manushyabhāv joto hoy ane
niyam pālvāmā shithil hoy teno sang na
karvo. (225)
Harau gurau cha pratyakshe
manushya-bhāva-darshanaha;
Shithilo niyame yash-cha
na tasya sangam ācharet. 225
One should avoid the company of those
who are lax in observing niyams or see
human traits in the manifest form of
Bhagwan or the guru. (225)
Je manushya bhaktomā dosh jonār, avgun-
ni ja vāto karnār, manasvi ane gurudrohi
hoy teno sang na karvo. (226)
Satsang Diksha 163

Bhakteshu dosha-drashṭih syād

avaguṇaika-bhāshakaha;
Manasvī yo guru-drohī na
cha tat-sangam ācharet. 226
One should avoid the company of those
who perceive drawbacks in devotees,
speak only ill of others, are wilful or
disobey the guru. (226)
Je manushya satkārya, sach-chhāstra tathā
satsangni nindā karto hoy teno sang na
karvo. (227)
Sat-kārya-nindako yash-cha
sach-chhāstra-nindako janaha;
Satsanga-nindako yash-cha
tat-sangam ācharen-na hi. 227
164 Satsang Diksha

One should not associate with those who

defame noble works, sacred texts or
satsang. (227)
Jeni vāto sāmbhalvāthi Bhagwan, guru
tathā satsangne vishe nishthā talti hoy
teno sang tyajvo. (228)
Vachanānām shruter yasya
nishṭhāyā bhanjanam bhavet;
Gurau Harau cha satsange
tasya sangam pari-tyajet. 228
One should shun the company of those
whose words weaken one’s conviction in
Bhagwan, the guru or satsang. (228)
Jene Akshar-Purushottamne vishe dradh
nishthā hoy, dradh bhakti hoy ane je viveki
hoy teno sang ādar thaki karvo. (229)
Satsang Diksha 165

Bhaved yo draḍha-nishṭhāvān
Akshara-Purushottame;
Draḍha-bhaktir vivekī cha
kuryāt tat-sangam ādarāt. 229
One should respectfully associate with a
person who has firm devotion and convic-
tion in Akshar-Purushottam and who is
discerning. (229)
Bhagwan tathā gurunā vākyomā jene
sanshay na hoy, je vishvāsu hoy, buddhimān
hoy teno sang ādar thaki karvo. (230)
Harer gurosh-cha vākyeshu
shankā yasya na vidyate;
Vishvāsur buddhimān yash-cha
kuryāt tat-sangam ādarāt. 230
166 Satsang Diksha

One should respectfully associate with

those who do not doubt the words of
Bhagwan or the guru, and are trustworthy
and wise. (230)
Āgnā pālvāmā je sadāy utsāh sāthe tatpar
hoy, dradh hoy; je nirmāni tathā saral hoy
teno sang ādar thaki karvo. (231)
Āgnāyāh pālane nityam
sotsāham tat-paro draḍhaha;
Nirmānaha saralo yash-cha
kuryāt tat-sangam ādarāt. 231
One should respectfully associate with
those who always eagerly follow com-
mands with enthusiasm and determina-
tion, and are humble and cooperative.
(231)
Satsang Diksha 167

Bhagwan ane gurunā divya tathā manushya

charitromā je sneh-purvak divyatānu
darshan karto hoy teno sang ādar thaki
karvo. (232)
Harer gurosh-charitreshu
divyeshu mānusheshu yaha;
Sa-sneham divyatā-darshī
kuryāt tat-sangam ādarāt. 232
One should respectfully associate with
those who lovingly see divinity in both the
divine and human-like actions of Bhag-
wan and the guru. (232)
Satsangmā je manushya anyanā guno
grahan karvāmā tatpar hoy, durgunoni vāt
na karto hoy, suhradbhāv-vālo hoy teno
sang ādar thaki karvo. (233)
168 Satsang Diksha

Tat-paro’nya-guṇa-grāhe
vimukho dur-guṇoktitaha;
Suhrad-bhāvī cha satsange
kuryāt tat-sangam ādarāt. 233
One should respectfully associate with
those in satsang who eagerly imbibe the
virtues of others, never speak about others’
flaws and keep suhradbhāv. (233)
Jenā āchār tathā vichārne vishe guruharine
rāji karvānu ekmātra lakshya hoy teno
sang ādar thaki karvo. (234)
Lakshyam yasyaika-mātram syād
Guruhari-prasannatā;
Āchāre’pi vichāre’pi
kuryāt tat-sangam ādarāt. 234
Satsang Diksha 169

One should respectfully associate with a

person whose conduct and thoughts aim
solely to please the guru. (234)
Potāni shakti ane ruchi pramāne Sanskrit
tathā prakrut bhāshāmā potānā Sampra-
daynā granthonu pathan-pāthan karvu.
(235)
Sva-sampradāya-granthānām
yathā-shakti yathā-ruchi;
Sanskrute prākrute vā’pi
kuryāt paṭhana-pāṭhane. 235
One should study and teach the Sanskrit
or vernacular texts of one’s Sampraday ac-
cording to one’s abilities and preferences.
(235)
170 Satsang Diksha

Vachanamrut, Swamini Vato tathā Guna-

tit guruonā jivan-charitro nitye bhāvthi
vānchvā. (236)
Swāmi-vārtāh paṭhen-nityam
tathaiva Vachanāmrutam;
Guṇātīta-gurūṇām cha
charitam bhāvatah paṭhet. 236
One should daily read the Vachanamrut,
Swamini Vato and the jivancharitras of the
Gunatit gurus with adoration. (236)
Swaminarayan Bhagwan tathā Gunatit
guruonā updesh ane charitro satsangionu
jivan chhe. Tethi satsangie tenu shānt
chitte shravan, manan tathā nididhyāsan
mahimāe sahit, shraddhā-purvak tathā
bhaktithi roj karvu. (237–238)
Satsang Diksha 171

Upadeshāsh-charitrāṇi
Swāminārāyaṇa-Prabhoho;
Guṇātīta-gurūṇām cha
satsanginām hi jīvanam. 237
Atas-tach-chhravaṇam kuryād
mananam nidi-dhyāsanam;
Mahimnā shraddhayā bhaktyā
pratyaham shānta-chetasā. 238
The teachings and actions of Swami-
narayan Bhagwan and the Gunatit gurus
are the very life of satsangis. Therefore,
satsangis should, with a calm mind, listen
to, contemplate on and repeatedly recall
them daily with mahimā, faith and devo-
tion. (237–238)
Sampradaynā siddhāntomā bādh kare
172 Satsang Diksha

tathā sanshay utpann kare tevā vachano

vānchvā, sāmbhalvā ke manvā nahi. (239)
Sāmpradāyika-siddhānta-
bādhakaram hi yad vachaha;
Paṭhyam shravyam na mantavyam
sanshayotpādakam cha yat. 239
One should not read, listen to or believe
words that go against the Sampraday’s
principles or raise doubts. (239)
Swaminarayan Bhagwanne vishe hradaymā
parā-bhakti dradh karvā guruharinā
ādeshthi chāturmāsmā vrat karvu. (240)
Swāminārāyaṇe bhaktim
parām draḍhayitum hradi;
Guruhareh samādeshāch
chāturmāsye vratam charet. 240
Satsang Diksha 173

To reinforce profound devotion towards

Swaminarayan Bhagwan in one’s heart,
one should observe vows during chāturmās
according to the guru’s instructions. (240)
Temā chāndrāyan, upvās vagere tathā
mantra-jap, pradakshinā, kathā-shravan,
adhik dandvat pranām karvā ityādirupe
shraddhāe karine, priti-purvak ane
Bhagwanno rājipo prāpta karvā vishesh
bhaktinu āchran karvu. (241–242)
Chāndrāyaṇopavāsādir
mantra-japah pradakshiṇāhā;
Kathā-shrutir daṇḍavach-cha
praṇāmā adhikās-tadā. 241
Ityevam ādirūpeṇa
shraddhayā prīti-pūrvakam;
174 Satsang Diksha

Hari-prasannatām prāptum
visheshām bhaktim ācharet. 242
This includes observing chāndrāyan and
other fasts, as well as chanting the
[Swaminarayan] mantra, performing
pradakshinās, listening to spiritual dis-
courses, offering extra dandvat pranāms,
and additional devotion with faith, love
and the wish to please Bhagwan. (241–242)
Tyāre potāni ruchi tathā shakti pramāne
Sampradaynā shāstronu niyam-purvak
pathan-pāthan karvu. (243)
Sampradāyasya shāstrāṇām
paṭhanam pāṭhanam tadā;
Yathā-ruchi yathā-shakti
kuryād niyama-pūrvakam. 243
Satsang Diksha 175

During this time, one should also regular-

ly read and teach the Sampraday’s shastras
according to one’s preference and ability.
(243)
Bhagwanne vishe priti vadhārvā sāru sarve
satsangioe harsh ane ullāsthi bhaktibhāve
utsavo karvā. (244)
Sarvaih satsangibhih kāryāh
prītim vardhayitum arau;
Utsavā bhakti-bhāvena
harsheṇollāsatas-tathā. 244
To increase one’s love for Bhagwan, all
satsangis should celebrate festivals with
great joy and devotion. (244)
Bhagwan Swaminarayan tathā Akshar-
brahma guruonā janma-mahotsavo
176 Satsang Diksha

bhakti-bhāvthi hammeshā ujavavā. (245)

Janma-mahotsavā nityam
Swāminārāyaṇa-Prabhoho;
Brahmā’kshara-gurūṇām cha
kartavyā bhakti-bhāvataha. 245
The birth festivals of Bhagwan Swami-
narayan and the Aksharbrahman gurus
should always be celebrated with devo-
tion. (245)
Satsangi janoe Shri Hari tathā gurunā
vishisht prasangone divase yathā-shakti
parvotsavo karvā. (246)
Harer guror vishishṭānām
prasangānām dineshu cha;
Satsangibhir yathā-shakti
kāryāh parvotsavā janaihi. 246
Satsang Diksha 177

According to their means, satsangis should

celebrate festivals to commemorate the
special days related to Shri Hari and the
gurus. (246)
Parvotsavone vishe bhaktie karine savādya
kirtan karvu ane visheshe karine mahi-
māni vāto karvi. (247)
Sa-vādyam kīrtanam kāryam
parvotsaveshu bhaktitaha;
Mahimnash-cha kathā-vārtā
karaṇīyā visheshataha. 247
During festivals, satsangis should devoutly
sing kirtans to the accompaniment of in-
struments and especially discourse on the
glory [of God and guru]. (247)
Chaitra sud nomne divase Ramchandra
178 Satsang Diksha

Bhagwannu pujan karvu. Shravan vad

āthamne divase Krishna Bhagwannu pujan
karvu. (248)
Chaitra-shukla-navamyām hi
kāryam Shrī-Rāma-pūjanam;
Krishṇā’shṭamyām tu kartavyam
Shrāvaṇe Krishṇa-pūjanam. 248
On the day of Chaitra sud 9, one should
offer pujan to Ramchandra Bhagwan. On
the day of Shravan vad 8, one should offer
pujan to Krishna Bhagwan. (248)
Shivratrine vishe Shankar Bhagwannu
pujan karvu. Bhadarva sud chothne divase
Ganpatinu pujan karvu. (249)
Shiva-rātrau hi kartavyam
pūjanam Shankarasya cha;
Satsang Diksha 179

Gaṇesham Bhādra-shuklāyām
chaturthyām pūjayet tathā. 249
On Shivratri, one should offer pujan to
Shankar Bhagwan. On Bhadarva sud 4,
one should offer pujan to Ganpati. (249)
Aso vad chaudashne divas Hanumanjinu
pujan karvu. Mārge jatā koi mandir āve to
te devane bhāvthi pranām karvā. (250)
Mārutim Āshvine krushṇa-
chaturdashyām hi pūjayet;
Mārge mandira-samprāptau
tad-devam praṇamed hradā. 250
On Aso vad 14, one should offer pujan to
Hanumanji. One should devoutly bow to
the deities of any mandir that one comes
across. (250)
180 Satsang Diksha

Vishnu, Shankar, Parvati, Ganpati tathā

Surya e pānch devtā pujya-pane manvā.
(251)
Vishṇush-cha Shankarash-chaiva
Pārvatī cha Gajānanaha;
Dina-karash-cha panchaitā
mānyāh pūjyā hi devatāhā. 251
Vishnu, Shankar, Parvati, Ganpati and
Surya – these five deities should be
revered. (251)
Akshar-Purushottam Maharajne vishe
dradh nishthā rākhvi. Tem chhatā koi pan
anya devoni nindā na karvi. (252)
Pari-rakshed draḍhām nishṭhām
Akshara-Purushottame;
Satsang Diksha 181

Tathā’pi naiva kartavyam

devatā’ntara-nindanam. 252
One should have firm conviction in
Akshar-Purushottam Maharaj. However,
one should not disrespect any other deity.
(252)
Anya dharmo, sampradāyo ke temnā
anuyāyione vishe dvesh na karvo. Temni
nindā na karvi. Temne sadā ādar āpvo.
(253)
Dharmā vā sampradāyā vā
ye’nye tad-anuyāyinaha;
Na te dveshyā na te nindyā
ādartavyāsh-cha sarvadā. 253
One should not have contempt for other
religions, sampradāys or their followers.
182 Satsang Diksha

One should never criticize them and should

always treat them with respect. (253)
Mandiro, shāstro ane santoni kyārey nindā
na karvi. Potāni shakti pramāne temno
yathochit satkār karvo. (254)
Mandirāṇi cha shāstrāṇi
santas-tathā kadāchana;
Na nindyāste hi satkāryā
yathā-shakti yathochitam. 254
One should never disrespect mandirs,
shastras or sadhus. One should honour
them appropriately according to one’s ca-
pacity. (254)
Sayam, upvās ityādi je je tapnu āchran
karvu te to keval Bhagwanne rāji karvā
tathā bhakti māte ja karvu. (255)
Satsang Diksha 183

Sanyam-anopavāsādi
yad-yat-tapah samācharet;
Prasādāya Hares-tat tu
bhaktyartham eva kevalam. 255
Whichever acts of self-control, fasts and
other austerities are undertaken, they
should be performed only as bhakti and
with the intent to solely please Bhagwan.
(255)
Ekādashinu vrat sadāy param ādar thaki
karvu. Te divase nishiddh vastu kyārey na
jamvi. (256)
Ekādashyā vratam nityam
kartavyam param-ādarāt;
Tad-dine naiva bhoktavyam
nishiddham vastu karhichit. 256
184 Satsang Diksha

One should always observe the ekādashi

fast with utmost reverence. On this day,
prohibited items should never be con-
sumed. (256)
Upvāsne vishe divasni nidrāno prayat-
na-purvak tyāg karvo. Divase lidheli ni-
drāthi upvās-rupi tap nāsh pāme
chhe. (257)
Upavāse divā-nidrām
prayatnatah pari-tyajet;
Divasa-nidrayā nashyed
upavāsātmakam tapaha. 257
While fasting, one should endeavour to
give up sleep during daytime. Sleeping
during daytime destroys the merits earned
by the austerity of fasting. (257)
Satsang Diksha 185

Bhagwan Swaminarayane pote je sthānone

prasādi-bhut karyā chhe, Aksharbrahma-
swarup guruoe je sthānone prasādibhut
karyā chhe, te sthānoni yātrā karvāni
ichchhā hoy tene potāni shakti ane ruchi
pramāne karvi. (258–259)
Swāminārāyaṇeneha
svayam yaddhi prasāditam;
Gurubhish-chā’kshara-Brahma-
swarūpair yat prasāditam. 258
Teshām sthāna-visheshāṇām
yātrām kartum ya ichchhati;
Tad yātrām sa janah kuryād
yathā-shakti yathā-ruchi. 259
If one desires to go on a pilgrimage to the
places sanctified by Bhagwan Swami-
186 Satsang Diksha

narayan or the Aksharbrahman gurus, one

should do so according to one’s means and
preferences. (258–259)
Ayodhya, Mathura, Kashi, Kedarnath,
Badrinath tathā Rameshwar ityādi
tirthoni yātrāe potāni shakti ane ruchi
pramāne javu. (260)
Ayodhyām Mathurām Kāshīm
Kedāram Badarīm vrajet;
Rāmeshvarādi tīrtham cha
yathā-shakti yathā-ruchi. 260
One may go on a pilgrimage to Ayodhya,
Mathura, Kashi, Kedarnath, Badrinath,
Rameshwar and other sacred places ac-
cording to one’s means and preferences.
(260)
Satsang Diksha 187

Mandirmā āvel sau koie maryādānu pālan

avashya karvu. Mandirne vishe āvel pu-
rushoe strino sparsh na karvo tathā strioe
purushno sparsh na karvo. (261)
Maryādā pālanīyaiva
sarvair mandiram āgataihi;
Nāryo naiva naraih sprushyā
nārībhish-cha narās-tathā. 261
After arriving at the mandir, all should
certainly follow its disciplines. Males
should not touch females and females
should not touch males. (261)
Strio tathā purushoe hammeshā satsangnā
niyam anusār mandirne vishe vastro
pahervā. (262)
188 Satsang Diksha

Niyamam anusrutyaiva
satsangasya tu mandire;
Vastrāṇi pari-dheyāni
strībhih pumbhish-cha sarvadā. 262
At the mandir, males and females should
always dress according to the norms of
satsang. (262)
Bhaktajane Bhagwan ke gurunā darshane
kyārey khāli hāthe na javu. (263)
Gachchhed yadā darshanārtham
bhakta-jano Harer guroho;
Riktena pāṇinā naiva
gachchhet tadā kadāchana. 263
A devotee should never go empty-handed
for the darshan of Bhagwan or the
guru. (263)
Satsang Diksha 189

Sarve satsangioe surya ke chandranā

grahan kāle sarva kriyāono tyāg kari
Bhagwannu bhajan karvu. Te samaye
nidrā tathā bhojanno tyāg karine ek sthale
besine grahan purna thāy tyā sudhi
bhagvat-kirtanādi karvu. (264–265)
Āditya-chandrayor grāha-
kāle satsangibhih samaihi;
Pari-tyajya kriyāh sarvāh
kartavyam bhajanam arehe. 264
Nidrām cha bhojanam tyaktvā
tadaikatropavishya cha;
Kartavyam grāha-muktyantam
Bhagavat-kīrtanādikam. 265
During a solar or lunar eclipse, all satsang-
is should discontinue all activities and en-
190 Satsang Diksha

gage in Bhagwan’s bhajan. During that

time, one should not sleep or eat, but sit
in one place to sing kirtans dedicated to
Bhagwan and undertake other forms of
devotion until the eclipse is over. (264–
265)
Grahanni mukti thaye sarva janoe sa-
vastra snān karvu. Tyāgioe Bhagwanni
pujā karvi ane gruhasthoe dān karvu. (266)
Grāha-muktau sa-vastram hi
kāryam snānam samair janaihi;
Tyāgibhish-cha Harih pūjyo
deyam dānam gruhasthitaihi. 266
When the eclipse is over, all should bathe
and soak the clothes they are wearing.
Thereafter, renunciants should perform
Satsang Diksha 191

puja and householder devotees should give

donations. (266)
Janma-maranni sutak tathā shrāddh vagere
vidhio satsangni ritne anusari pālvi. (267)
Janmano maraṇasyā’pi
vidhayah sūtakādayaha;
Satsanga-rītim āshritya
pālyāh shrāddhā-dayas-tathā. 267
One should perform rituals related to
birth, death and shrāddh according to the
Satsang tradition. (267)
Koi ayogya āchran thai jay tyāre
Bhagwanne rāji karvā shuddh bhāve
prāyashchit karvu. (268)
Prāyash-chittam anushṭheyam
jāte tvayogya-vartane;
192 Satsang Diksha

Paramātma-prasādārtham
shuddhena bhāvatas-tadā. 268
If one has acted immorally, one should
piously atone to please Bhagwan. (268)
Āpat-kālmā ja āpad-dharma ācharvo. Alp
āpattine moti āpatti māni lai dharmano
tyāg na karvo. (269)
Āpat-kāle tu satyeva
hyāpado dharmam ācharet;
Alpāpattim mahāpattim
matvā dharmam na san-tyajet. 269
One should follow the rules described for
emergencies only in times of crisis. Do not
give up one’s dharma by considering mi-
nor difficulties to be major. (269)
Satsang Diksha 193

Kasht āpe tevi āpatti āvi pade tyāre

Bhagwannu bal rākhi je rite potāni tathā
anyani rakshā thāy tem karvu. (270)
Āpattau kashṭa-dāyām tu
rakshā svasya parasya cha;
Yathaiva syāt tathā kāryam
rakshatā Bhagavad-balam. 270
When agonizing calamities arise, one
should derive strength from Bhagwan and
act to protect oneself and others. (270)
Viveki manushye prānno nāsh thāy tevi
āpatti āvi pade tyāre gurunā ādeshone
anusarine prānni rakshā karvi ane sukhe
rahevu. (271)
Āpattau prāṇa-nāshinyām
prāptāyām tu vivekinā;
194 Satsang Diksha

Gurvādeshā’nusāreṇa
prāṇān rakshet sukham vaset. 271
When faced with circumstances that may
result in death, one who is wise should act
according to the guru’s teachings to pro-
tect one’s life and live peacefully. (271)
Sarve satsangi janoe satsangni rit pramāne,
gurunā adesh anusār, pari-shuddh bhāvthi
desh, kāl, avasthā tathā potāni shakti
pramāne āchār, vyavahār ane prāyashchit
karvā. (272–273)
Satsanga-rītim āshritya
gurvādeshā’nusārataha;
Pari-shuddhena bhāvena
sarvaih satsangibhir janaihi. 272
Satsang Diksha 195

Desham kālam avasthām cha

sva-shaktim anusrutya cha;
Āchāro vyavahārash-cha
prāyash-chittam vidhīyatām. 273
As per their prevailing location, time, age
and abilities, all satsangis should genuinely
act, atone and engage in dealings accord-
ing to the traditions of the Satsang and
the guru’s instructions. (272–273)
Dharma-niyam pālvāthi jivan unnat thāy
chhe ane anyane pan sadāchār pālvāni
prernā male chhe. (274)
Jīvanam unnatim yāti
dharma-niyama-pālanāt;
Anyashchā’pi sadāchāra-
pālane prerito bhavet. 274
196 Satsang Diksha

Observing dharma and niyams elevates the

quality of one’s life and also inspires oth-
ers to live righteously. (274)
Bhagwannā bhakte kyārey bhut, pret,
pishāch ādini bik na rākhvi. Āvi
āshankāono tyāg karine sukhe rahevu.
(275)
Bhūta-preta-pishāchāder
bhayam kadāpi nā’pnuyāt;
Īdruk shankāh pari-tyajya
haribhaktah sukham vaset. 275
Devotees of Bhagwan should never fear
evil spirits, such as bhuts, prets or pishāchas.
They should give up such apprehensions
and live happily. (275)
Satsang Diksha 197

Shubh tathā ashubh prasangone vishe

mahimāe sahit pavitra Sahajanand
Namavalino pāth karvo. (276)
Shubhā’shubha-prasangeshu
mahima-sahitam janaha;
Pavitrām Sahajānanda-
Nāmāvalim paṭhet tathā. 276
On auspicious and inauspicious occasions,
one should recite the sacred ‘Sahajanand
Namavali’ while understanding its glory.
(276)
Jeone satsangno āshray thayo chhe temnu
kāl, karma ke māyā kyārey anisht karvā
samarth thatā ja nathi. (277)
Kālo vā karma vā māyā
prabhaven-naiva karhichit;
198 Satsang Diksha

Anishṭa-karaṇe nūnam
satsangā’shraya-shālinām. 277
Kāl, karma and māyā can never harm
those who have taken refuge in satsang.
(277)
Satsangioe ayogya vishayo, vyasano tathā
vahemno sadāy tyāg karvo. (278)
Ayogya-vishayāsh-chaivam
ayogya-vyasanāni cha;
Āshankāh sampari-tyājyāh
satsangam āshritaih sadā. 278
Satsangis should always renounce inappro-
priate indulgence in the sense pleasures,
addictions and superstitions. (278)
Kāl, karma ādinu kartā-panu na mānvu.
Satsang Diksha 199

Akshar-Purushottam Maharajne sarva-

kartā manvā. (279)
Naiva manyeta kartrutvam
kāla-karmādikasya tu;
Manyeta sarva-kartāram
Akshara-Purushottamam. 279
Do not believe kāl, karma and other fac-
tors to be the doers. One should realize
Akshar-Purushottam Maharaj as the all-
doer. (279)
Vipatti āve tyāre dhiraj rākhvi, prārthanā
karvi, prayatna karvo ane Akshar-Purush-
ottam Maharajne vishe dradh vishvās ra-
khvo. (280)
Vipattishu dhared dhairyam
prārthanam yatnam ācharet;
200 Satsang Diksha

Bhajeta draḍha-vishvāsam
Akshara-Purushottame. 280
In difficult times, one should remain
patient, offer prayers, persevere and
keep firm faith in Akshar-Purushottam
Maharaj. (280)
Tyāgāshram grahan karvāni ichchhā hoy
temne Aksharbrahma-swarup guru pāse
dikshā grahan karvi. Sarve tyāgioe sadā
ashta-prakāre brahmacharya pālvu. (281)
Tyāgā’shramechchhunā dīkshā
grāhyā Brahmā’ksharād guroho;
Brahma-charyam sadā sarvaih
pālyam tyāgibhir ashṭadhā. 281
Those who wish to join the sadhu āshram
should receive initiation from the Akshar-
Satsang Diksha 201

brahman guru. All sadhus should always

observe eight-fold brahmacharya. (281)
Tyāgioe dhanno tyāg karvo ane potānu ka-
rine rākhvu nahi. Dhanno sparsh pan na ja
karvo. (282)
Dhanam tu tyāgibhis-tyājyam
rakshyam svīyatayā na cha;
Sprushyam naivā’pi vittam cha
tyāgibhis-tu kadāchana. 282
Renunciants should renounce money and
should not keep it as their own. They
should not even touch money. (282)
Tyāgioe Akshar-Purushottam Maharajne
vishe priti vadhārvā sāru sadā nishkām-
panu, nirlobh-panu, nisswād-panu,
nissneh-panu, nirmān-panu tathā tyāginā
202 Satsang Diksha

anya guno dhāran karvā. (283–284)

Tyāgibhih prīti-vruddhyartham
Akshara-Purushottame;
Nishkāmatvam sadā dhāryam
nirlobhatvam sadaiva cha. 283
Nihsvādatvam sadā dhāryam
nihsnehatvam tathaiva cha;
Nirmānatvam sadā dhāryam
anye cha tyāgino guṇāhā. 284
To increase their love for Akshar-
Purushottam Maharaj, renunciants should
always imbibe the virtues of nishkām,
nirlobh, nissvād, nissneh, nirmān, and the
other ascetic qualities. (283–284)
Tyāgioe potānā ātmāni Brahma sangāthe
ektā prāpta karine divyabhāve sadāy
Satsang Diksha 203

Swaminarayan Bhagwanne bhajvā. (285)

Svā’tma-brahmaikatām prāpya
Swāminārāyaṇo Harihi;
Sarvadā bhajanīyo hi
tyāgibhir divyabhāvataha. 285
Renunciants should identify their ātmā
with Brahman and always offer devotion
to Swaminarayan Bhagwan with divya-
bhāv. (285)
Tyāg e keval tyāg ja nathi parantu ā tyāg to
bhaktimay chhe. Ā tyāg Akshar-
Purushottam Maharajne pāmvā māte
chhe. (286)
Tyāgo na kevalam tyāgas-
tyāgo bhakti-mayas-tvayam;
204 Satsang Diksha

Pari-tyāgo hyayam prāptum

Akshara-Purushottamam. 286
Renunciation is not merely self-denial; it
is also endowed with devotion. Such
renunciation is for attaining Akshar-
Purushottam Maharaj. (286)
Āgnā-upāsanā sambandhi ā siddhānto
sarva-jiva-hitāvaha chhe, dukh-vināshak
chhe ane param-sukhdāyak chhe. (287)
Āgnopāsana-siddhāntāh
sarva-jīva-hitāvahāhā;
Dukha-vināshakā ete
parama-sukha-dāyakāhā. 287
These principles of āgnā and upāsanā are
beneficial to all; they destroy misery and
bestow utmost bliss. (287)
Satsang Diksha 205

Ā shāstrane anusarine je jan shraddhā ane

pritithi potānā jivanmā āgnā-upāsanāni
dradhtā kare, te Bhagwanno rājipo prāpta
kari temni krupānu pātra thāy chhe.
Shāstromā kahelā brāhmi sthitine te jivtā
chhatā ja prāpta kare chhe. Ekāntik
dharma siddh kare chhe. Bhagwannā
shāshvat, divya evā Akshardhamne pāme
chhe, ātyantik mukti melve chhe ane sukh
prāpta kare chhe. (288–290)
Etachchhāstrānusāreṇa
yah prītyā shraddhayā janaha;
Āgnopāsanayor dārḍhyam
prakuryāt svasya jīvane. 288
Hareh prasannatām prāpya
tat-krupā-bhājano bhavet;
206 Satsang Diksha

Jīvan-neva sthitim brāhmīm

shāstroktām āpnuyāt sa cha. 289
Dharmaikāntika sansiddhim
āpnute divyam Aksharam;
Shāshvatam Bhagavad-dhāma
muktim ātyantikīm sukham. 290
Those who faithfully and lovingly
strengthen āgnā and upāsanā in their life
according to this shastra earn the pleasure
of Bhagwan and become a recipient of his
grace. While living, they attain the brāhmi
sthiti described in the shastras. They
master ekāntik dharma. They attain the
eternal and divine Akshardham of Bhag-
wan, ultimate moksha and bliss. (288–290)
Aksharbrahmanu sādharmya prāpta kari
Satsang Diksha 207

Purushottamni dāsbhāve bhakti karvi e

mukti manvāmā āvi chhe. (291)
Aksharabrahma-sādharmyam
samprāpya dāsa-bhāvataha;
Purushottama-bhaktir hi
muktir ātyantikī matā. 291
Attaining oneness with Aksharbrahman
and offering humble devotion to Purush-
ottam is considered to be mukti. (291)
Ā rite sankshepe karine ahi āgnā tathā up-
āsanānu varnan karyu. Teno vistār Sampr-
adaynā shāstro thaki jānvo. (292)
Sankshipyā’tra krutam hyevam
āgnopāsana-varṇanam;
Tad vistaram vijānīyāt
sāmpradāyika-shāstrataha. 292
208 Satsang Diksha

Here, in this way, āgnā and upāsanā have

been concisely described. One should ob-
tain further details from the Sampraday’s
shastras. (292)
Satsangi janoe pratidin ā ‘Satsang Diksha’
shāstrano ekāgrā chitte pāth karvo. Pāth
karvā asamarth hoy temne priti-purvak
tenu shravan karvu. Ane shraddhāthi te
rite ācharvā prayatna karvo. (293–294)
Etat-Satsanga-Dīksheti
shāstrasya prati-vāsaram;
Kāryah satsangibhih pāṭha
ekāgra-chetasā janaihi. 293
Paṭhane chā’samarthais-tu
shravyam tat prīti-pūrvakam;
Satsang Diksha 209

Ācharitum cha kartavyah

prayatnah shraddhayā tathā. 294
Satsangis should daily read this ‘Satsang
Diksha’ shastra with concentration. Those
who are unable to read should lovingly
listen to it. Moreover, all should faithfully
endeavour to practise it. (293–294)
Paramatma Parabrahma Swaminarayan
Bhagwane Akshar-Purushottam siddhānt-
ni sthāpnā kari ane Gunatit guruoe tenu
pravartan karyu. Te siddhānt anusār ā
shāstra rachyu chhe. (295–296)
Paramātmā Param Brahma
Swāminārāyaṇo Harihi;
Siddhāntam sthāpayāmāsa
hyakshara-Purushottamam. 295
210 Satsang Diksha

Guravash-cha Guṇātītāsh-
cha-krustasya pravartanam;
Virachitam idam shāstram
tat-siddhāntā’nusārataha. 296
The Akshar-Purushottam siddhānt was
established by Paramatma Parabrahman
Swaminarayan Bhagwan and spread by
the Gunatit gurus. This shastra is written
based on this siddhānt. (295–296)
Parabrahma dayālu Swaminarayan
Bhagwan krupāe karine ja mumukshuonā
moksha māte ā lokmā avtaryā. Sakal āshrit
bhaktonā yoga-kshemnu vahan karyu ane
ā lok tathā parlok em banne prakārnu
emne kalyān karyu. (297–298)
Satsang Diksha 211

Krupayaivā’vatīrṇo’tra
mumukshu-moksha-hetunā;
Parabrahma dayālur hi
Swāminārāyaṇo bhuvi. 297
Sakalā’shrita-bhaktānām
yoga-kshemau tathā’vahat;
Vyadhāt sa dvi-vidham shreya
āmushmikam tathaihikam. 298
To grant moksha to the mumukshus, the
compassionate Parabrahman Swami-
narayan Bhagwan manifested on this earth
out of sheer grace. For all devotees who
sought refuge he provided for their well-
being and prosperity. He benefited them
both in this world and beyond. (297–298)
212 Satsang Diksha

Sarvatra Paramatma Parabrahma Swami-

narayan Bhagwannā divya krupāshish sadā
varse. (299)
Sarvatraivā’bhivarshantu
sadā divyāh krupā’shishaha;
Paramātma-Parabrahma-
Swāminārāyaṇa-Prabhoho. 299
May the divine, compassionate blessings
of Paramatma Parabrahman Swami-
narayan Bhagwan always shower every-
where. (299)
Sarvenā sarva dukho, tran tāp, upadravo,
klesho, agnān, sanshayo tathā bhay vināsh
pāme. (300)
Sarveshām sarva-dukhāni
tāpa-trayam upadravāhā;
Satsang Diksha 213

Kleshās-tathā vinashyeyur
agnānam sanshayā bhayam. 300
May all grief, the three types of miseries,
calamities, distresses, ignorance, doubts
and fears of all be destroyed. (300)
Bhagwanni krupāthi sarve nirāmay
svāsthya, sukh, param shānti tathā param
kalyān pamo. (301)
Bhagavat-krupayā sarve
svāsthyam nirāmayam sukham;
Prāpnuvantu parām shāntim
kalyāṇam paramam tathā. 301
Through Bhagwan’s grace, may all attain
good health, happiness, utmost peace and
ultimate moksha. (301)
214 Satsang Diksha

Koi manushya koino droh tathā dvesh na

kare. Sarve sadāy paraspar ādar seve. (302)
Na kashchit kasyachit kuryād
droham dvesham tathā janaha;
Sevantām ādaram sarve
sarvadaiva parasparam. 302
May no one harm or hate others. May
everyone always respect each other. (302)
Akshar-Purushottamne vishe sarvane
dradh priti, nishthā, nishchay thāy ane
vishvās sadāy vruddhi pāme. (303)
Sarveshām jāyatām prītir
draḍhā nishṭhā cha nishchayaha;
Vishvāso vardhatām nityam
Akshara-Purushottame. 303
May everyone develop firm love, convic-
Satsang Diksha 215

tion and unwavering belief in Akshar-

Purushottam, and may everyone’s faith
forever flourish. (303)
Sarve bhakto dharma pālvāmā baliyā thāy
ane Sahajanand Paramatmani prasannatā
prāpta kare. (304)
Bhavantu balinah sarve
bhaktāsh-cha dharma-pālane;
Āpnuyuh Sahajānanda-
Parātmanah prasannatām. 304
May all devotees become resolute in
following dharma and attain the pleasure
of Sahajanand Paramatma. (304)
Sansār prashānt, dharmavān, sādhanāshil
tathā adhyātma-mārge chālnārā
manushyothi yukta thāy. (305)
216 Satsang Diksha

Prashāntair jāyatām yukto

manushyair dharma-shālibhihi;
Sansārah sādhanā-shīlair
adhyātma-mārga-sansthitaihi. 305
May the world be filled with people who
are peaceful, righteous and engrossed in
spiritual endeavours, and who tread the
path of spirituality. (305)
Sarva manushyomā paraspar ektā, suhrad-
bhāv, maitri, karunā, sahanshiltā tathā
sneh vruddhi pāme. (306)
Aikyam mithah suhrad-bhāvo
maitrī kāruṇyam eva cha;
Sahana-shīlatā snehah
sarva-janeshu vardhatām. 306
Satsang Diksha 217

May mutual unity, suhradbhāv, friendship,

compassion, tolerance and love flourish
among all people. (306)
Brahma tathā Parabrahmanā divya
sambandhe karine satsangne vishe sarvane
nirdoshbhāv tathā divyabhāvni dradhtā
thāy. (307)
Satsange divya-sambandhād
Brahmaṇah Parabrahmaṇaha;
Sarveshām jāyatām dārḍhyam
nirdosha-divya-bhāvayoho. 307
Through the divine association of Brah-
man and Parabrahman, may all strengthen
nirdoshbhāv and divyabhāv towards the
Satsang. (307)
218 Satsang Diksha

Sarva jano potānā ātmāne vishe Akshar-

ruptā prāpta kari Purushottam Saha-
janandni bhakti prāpta kare. (308)
Akshara-rūpatām sarve
samprāpya svātmani janāhā;
Prāpnuyuh Sahajānande
bhaktim hi Purushottame. 308
May all identify their ātmā as aksharrup
and offer devotion to Purushottam Saha-
janand. (308)
Vikram Samvat 2076na Magh shukla
panchmie ā shāstra lakhvāno ārambh kar-
yo ane Chaitra sud navmie Swaminarayan
Bhagwannā divya janma-mahotsave te
sampurna thayu. (309–310)
Satsang Diksha 219

Māghasya shukla-panchamyām
ārabdham asya lekhanam;
Pavitre vikramābde hi
rasarshi-kha-dvi-sanmite. 309
Chaitra-shukla-navamyām cha
Swāminārāyaṇa-Prabhoho;
Tach-cha sampūrṇatām prāptam
divya-janma-mahotsave. 310
The writing of this shastra began on
Magha (Maha) sud 5 [30 January 2020 CE]
of Vikram Samvat 2076 and was complet-
ed on Chaitra sud 9 [2 April 2020 CE], on
the divine birthday celebration of Swami-
narayan Bhagwan. (309–310)
Upāsya Parabrahma Sahajanand Shri Hari
tathā Mul Akshar Gunatitanand Swami,
220 Satsang Diksha

sākshād jnān-murti samā Bhagatji

Maharaj, satya siddhāntnā rakshak evā
Yagnapurushdasji (Shastriji Maharaj),
sadāy vātsalya bhinā ane ānandmay
brahma evā Yogiji Maharaj tathā vishva-
vandya ane vinamra evā guru Pramukh
Swami Maharajne ā shāstra-rupi anjali
Pramukh Swami Maharajna janma
shatabdi parve sānand bhaktibhāve arpan
karvāmā āve chhe. (311–314)
Upāsya-Sahajānanda-
Haraye Parabrahmaṇe;
Mūlā’kshara-Guṇātītā
nandāya Swāmine tathā. 311
Bhagatajī-Mahārāja-
sākshād-vignāna-mūrtaye;
Satsang Diksha 221

Yagnapurushadāsāya
satya-siddhānta-rakshiṇe. 312
Vātsalyā’rdrā’tmane nityam
ānanda-brahma-yogine;
Vishva-vandya-vinamrāya
gurave Pramukhāya cha. 313
Anjalih shāstra-rūpo’yam
sānandam bhakti-bhāvataha;
Arpyate Pramukha-Swāmi-
janma-shatābdi-parvaṇi. 314
On the occasion of Pramukh Swami Ma-
haraj’s birth centenary celebrations, this
shastra is being offered with joy and devo-
tion as a tribute to: (1) Parabrahman Saha-
janand Shri Hari – the focus of upāsanā,
(2) Mul Akshar Gunatitanand Swami, (3)
222 Satsang Diksha

Bhagatji Maharaj – the embodiment of

wisdom, (4) Yagnapurushdasji (Shastriji
Maharaj) – the protector of the true sid-
dhānt, (5) the forever affectionate and
blissful embodiment of Aksharbrahman,
Yogiji Maharaj and (6) Guru Pramukh
Swami Maharaj, who is humble and re-
vered throughout the world. (311–314)
Swaminarayan Bhagwan etle ke sākshāt
Akshar-Purushottam Maharaj sakal vish-
vamā param ānand-mangalne vistāre. (315)
Tanotu sakale vishve
paramānanda-mangalam;
Swāminārāyaṇah sākshād
Akshara-Purushottamaha. 315
Satsang Diksha 223

May Swaminarayan Bhagwan, who is

Akshar-Purushottam Maharaj himself,18
spread supreme bliss and auspiciousness
throughout the entire world. (315)

Iti Parabrahma-Swāminārāyaṇa­
prabodhitā’gnopāsana­siddhānta-nirūpakam
prakaṭa-Brahmaswarūpa-Shrī-
Mahanta-Swāmi­Mahārājaihi
sva-hastā’ksharair-Gurjara-bhāshayā
likhitam Mahāmahopādhyāyena
Sādhu-Bhadreshadāsena cha Sanskrita-
shlokeshu nibaddham Satsanga-Dīksheti
shāstram sampūrṇam.

18. Here, Swaminarayan Bhagwan and Akshar-Purushottam

Maharaj are synonyms and refer to the one supreme entity
– Parabrahman, Paramatma.
224 Satsang Diksha

Thus concludes this ‘Satsang Diksha’

shastra which explains the principles of
āgnā and upāsanā revealed by Parabrahman
Swaminarayan. It has been written by
Pragat Brahmaswarup Mahant Swami
Maharaj in Gujarati in his own
handwriting and rendered into Sanskrit
verses by Mahamahopadhyay Sadhu
Bhadreshdas.


 Glossary
adharma unrighteousness
āgnā a spiritual and moral ordinance
or command
aksharrup the state of oneness with Akshar-
brahman
ārtī devotional ritual: lighted wicks
are waved before deities while
singing verses of their glory
āsan piece of cloth that is used to sit on
āshram one of the four stages of life
ātmā soul
ātmabuddhi an intense emotional bond that
culminates in oneness
bhut an evil spirit
brahmabhāv state of oneness with the Akshar-
brahman guru; understanding
others as divine
226 Satsang Diksha

brahmarup the state of oneness with Akshar-

brahman
brahmavidyā the knowledge of Akshar and Pu-
rushottam
brāhmic state of oneness with Akshar-
brahman
chandan sandalwood
chāndlo a round mark that is usually ap-
plied to the forehead and may be
accompanied by a tilak
chāndrāyan a type of austerity that is based
on the phases of the moon
chāturmās a four-month period that in-
cludes the Indian monsoon sea-
son and other months, during
which extra spiritual observances
are undertaken
dāsbhāv the sentiment of obedient, rever-
ent and humble service
Glossary 227

divyabhāv understanding a person or an ob-

ject as divine
ekādashi a day of fast that occurs approxi-
mately once every fortnight
ekāntik dharma
a collective name for the four
virtues: dharma, jnān, vairāgya
and bhakti
ghar mandir a mandir in one’s home
ghar sabhā gathering of family members to
collectively engage in various
types of devotion and discourses
guruhari the Aksharbrahman guru
hing asafoetida, a spice
ishtadev chosen deity or object of worship
ishwar sentient being that carries out
tasks related to the creation, sus-
tenance and destruction of the
universe
228 Satsang Diksha

jiva an individual ātmā or soul

jivancharitra biography
kāl time
kanthi sanctified small wooden beads
stringed together and worn
around the neck as a symbol of
refuge in God and guru
kusang bad company and other forms of
negative influences
mahimā the understanding of greatness or
glory
mālā rosary, prayer beads
mānsi puja a form of mental worship
māyā one of the five eternal entities re-
vealed by Bhagwan Swaminaray-
an. It is identified as the cause of
ignorance
moksha ultimate liberation from the cycle
of births and deaths
Glossary 229

mumukshu genuine spiritual aspirant

murti sacred image
nirlobh vow of being free of greed
nirmān vow of humility
nishchay conviction, firm belief
nishkām vow of celibacy
nissneh vow of being free of attachment
to relatives and worldly objects
nissvād vow of being detached from the
desire for tasty foods
niyams vows
paksh to take sides with, support, advo-
cate and to protect
panchāng pranām
a type of prostration
paramparā tradition
pardharma not obeying the commands of
God and guru, but acting wilfully
pishāch an evil spirit
230 Satsang Diksha

pradakshinā circumambulation
prārabdh destiny, fate
pret an evil spirit
pujan a form of worship
sachchidānand understanding the ātmā as exis-
tent (sat/sach), sentient (chid) and
blissful (ānand)
sampradāys spiritual organizations
sanskārs moral or cultural values
sāshtāng dandvat pranām
prostration; also known as
dandvat pranām or dandvat
satsang association of the Satpurush
(Aksharbrahman)
satsangi one who practises satsang
sevā service
shrāddh commemorative rites for the de-
ceased
siddhānt a principle or teaching
Glossary 231

smruti remembrance or recollection of

God and guru
stuti prayer verses
sud bright half of a lunar month
suhradbhāv fraternity, kinship or fellowship;
also, suhradaybhāv
swadharma one’s duties
tapni mālā turning rosary while standing on
one leg with arms raised
tilak a religious mark applied to the
body, usually the forehead, arms
and chest
upāsanā faithful worship, philosophical
understanding
vad dark half of a lunar month
vairāgya detachment
varna caste, community
yagna a specific type of ritual offering
 Pragat Brahmaswarup
Mahant Swami Maharaj

‘Agna and upasana are two wings.

Do not let go of them.
Then Akshardham can be easily reached.
There is no doubt in that.’
- Aksharbrahman Shri Gunatitanand Swami