Bhagatji Maharaj's Devotees

Our Satsang is filled with rich examples of character and value-based living hailing all the way from Shriji Maharaj's time until now. Let's take a look at some example from Bhagatji Maharaj's time with the upcoming sabha presentation in kishore/kishori sabha.

Step 1: Synthesize the simple statement. Here are a few we created. We are leaning towards presenting the first since our target audience and our sabha could really use a boost in the commitment department.

• Our only barrier to connecting with the Satpurush is commitment.
• The strength of a true devotee cannot be matched.
• The Satpurush meets us more than halfway if we try to reach him.

Step 2: Start with the shakeup. Any one of these examples will wake people up - a good way to start.

• Hitting Rock Bottom: Let's face it - whenever we hear of the prasangs of great devotees of our Satsang, we can only feel helpless and inferior in the presence of such shining examples. Hearing their tales only serves to expose our own vulnerabilities to ourselves, which of course we don't so like, so we often tune out and rationalize away the essence of these devotees' existence. However, we can turn to the life of J.K. Rowling; in her 2008 Commencement Speech given at Harvard University, she narrates the story of her life and offers a powerful insight in what she had learned, “Why do I talk about the benefits of failure? Simply because failure meant a stripping away of the inessential. I stopped pretending to myself that I was anything other than what I was, and began to direct all my energy into finishing the only work that mattered to me. Had I really succeeded at anything else, I might never have found the determination to succeed in the one arena I believed I truly belonged. I was set free, because my greatest fear had been realized, and I was still alive, and I still had a daughter whom I adored, and I had an old typewriter and a big idea. And so rock bottom became the solid foundation on which I rebuilt my life.” This example can introduce the idea that seeing our faults can help us focus on improving them - as long as we are committed to this. 
• David Blaine: Finding his true strength is what David Blaine does for a living; listen to how he trained his body to survive without oxygen for a record-breaking 17 minutes, defying even what the doctors considered healthy. These devotees also had true strength.

• Saving the Ship: In Act 2 of This American Life episode, we come to learn of two individuals who piece together a sunken ship. While one provided the know-how, the other did the actual labor. We synergize with the Satpurush in a similar manner as he provides us with the knowledge to meet him halfway. (Note: We took inspiration from the Titanic example in the syllabus; using this example to start off the presentation would best be achieved by detailing how the original ship sunk and how it was recovered by efforts of these two men.)

Step 3: Support the simple statement with stories filled with vivid details (concrete) and validity (credibility). For the stories below, we chose to link back to our second simple statement, "The Satpurush meets us more than halfway if we try to reach him." These prasangs will be brand new for many kishoris and kishores, so a greater emphasis on storytelling will hold everyone's attention.

• Girdharbhai: A keen interest in offering bhakti can go one of two ways. Either the individual stagnates with succumbing to the infatuation of his/her spiritual ability or they grow closer to God & His Ekantik Bhakta. Girdharbhai was obviously of the latter, and Shriji Maharaj Himself took notice to help him realize the pragat form of God. However, Girdharbhai doubted God's words which any devotee does at some point or another, yet his intent brimmed with sincerity which beckoned Shriji Maharaj to once again help him on his path to finding the Ekantik Bhakta. Again, if our intent is true, then God & His Ekantik Bhakta will forever appreciate it and go out of their way to help us out.
• Bechar Bhagat: He went to Pragji Bhakta to get a shirt stitched, and Pragji Bhakta offered him the chance to awaken his inner strength of Satsang. However simple this encounter may appear to be, we fail to realize that even merely stumbling into the Satpurush's company is enough for him to open the door for us. Again, iwe unknowingly ask the Satpurush for help in a genuine sense, he will reciprocate that sincerity through steering us to the right path. (For more information about Bechar Bhagat, check out this post.)
• Balmukund Swami: When Bhagatji Maharaj arrived in Junagadh, the Nagar devotees understood his eminence as Gunatitanand Swami's prime devotee. Thus, devotees and sadhus like Balmukund Swami felt humbled in his presence and expressed that same sentiment to those that came into contact with them, like Dr. Umiyashankar. Upon first look, we may not see how the Satpurush met this devotee halfway, especially since he questioned Bhagatji Maharaj's status, but would he have even come to understand Bhagatji Maharaj's mahima if he never lay eyes on him at all? Let's think about it - the Satpurush travels to quench our spiritual thirst and to awaken that thirst in those who have a sincere intent. As Balmukund Swami was of a learned nature, those who claimed him as their guru, like Dr. Umiyashanker, would have imbued such sadhutaa in their lives as well from associating with him. Thus, Bhagatji Maharaj's visit enabled these peripheral devotees to gain a better chance at seeking to understand him.

Just as the Satpurush will meet us halfway (and even more), let's strive to put forth that genuine effort into making this presentation powerful. If we too meet our audience halfway, they too will meet us all the way in loaning us their keen interest.

Paint Like Your Blind

We are all going to celebrate Hari Jayanti this week. What sticky analogy can even hold a candle to this great day? We think playing together and painting blindly. Let us explain.

This week we brainstormed about how a three year-old would celebrate Shriji Maharaj's life and most responses consisted of fun, intellectual, and joyous memorabilia for baby Ghanshyam Maharaj's friends.

Perhaps the toddlers have the right idea - perhaps sabha should consist of sheer celebration of Maharaj's life and Pragat Guruhari Swamishri, of Akshar Purushottam Upasana and our mandirs, and of life as we have come to know it.

Have you seen toddlers play? They are full of focus, in the moment, and never just doing something just to do it. Oh, they mean to do it all right with full intention. And when you tell them they will play with Ghanshyam, they get very excited. Why are they able to not question their innate understanding?

This week, we also got to see a video of a remarkable Turkish artist who was born without eyes. The Discovery Channel followed Esref's feats, where he was able to outdo the accomplishments of Italian Renaissance master Filippo Brunelleschi. Esref is able to draw a geometrical optical linear perspective in perfect form, considered a near-impossible feat, without ever laying eyes on the building. How is Esref able to tap into his innate knowledge of past births and lives to paint so well?



When we start seeing Maharaj as Purna Purushottam Narayan and Pramukh Swami Maharaj as Mul Akshar Brahman, what do we do? When we learn about upasana and aagna, how does this change our actions?

Toddlers see and they do what they do best - play. Esref sees and does what he does best - paint. People who are writers, they write. People with a Porsche, well they drive...preferably on smooth highways. People with smart phones, they use their phones for way more than just making a phone call. People who understand the true value of what they have make full use of the opportunity.

On Hari Jayanti we take time to think about what we have. We think that maybe bhakti is our play, maybe bhakti is our paint, maybe bhakti is making a sticky talk - these are small steps to making use of the opportunity we have been blessed with.

Swamini Vaat 18 - 1
On Satsang:
“God has said, ‘I am not as pleased by austerities, sacrifices, yoga, observances of vows, donations, and other endeavors as I am by Satsang.’ What is that Satsang? ‘To fold one’s hands before the great God-realized Sãdhu and to do as he says.’”

Literally, Oneness is Sweet!

Here's a find submitted to us by a fellow reader whose katha-listening habits helped her dig this one example out.

The topic of Akshar is referred to in different ways, but the adjectives used to describe Akshar are very similar to those used to describe Purushottam. How do we intellectually differentiate between the two?

P. Brahmavihari Swami sheds light on this during his Kath Upanishad parayan. He asks the question of what different mithai taste like ("how do penda taste? sweet. How does gulab jambu taste? sweet. How does jalebi taste? Sweet.). Although the adjectives used to describe these items is the same (i.e. sweet), by tasting them, we each have personal favorites (I'll take my sister's cheesecake over jalebi anyday). We can tell the difference due to our personal experience.

[Similarly], his point is that... only through personal experience can one articulate the difference between Akshar and Purushottam. Maharaj did so for us in the Vachanamrit and other scriptures; Gunatitanand Swami articulated these characteristics in his Vatu and Swamishri lives these characteristics today. By studying these characteristics and imbibing them, or even meditating upon these characteristics, we can achieve the state of becoming 'brahmarup'. His example was super sticky and I'll never forget it. Pass it on :)

It's hard to forget an example so mouth-watering as this one making it an unexpected asset in our presentation toolbox.

Again, we laud our readers for keeping up with our posts and sharing their feedback, and we encourage it. It's like dessert - who can pass it up?

Current Example of Oneness

It seems as we think about oneness, Swamibapa decided to show us an example of oneness.

The following link is a picture story that clearly shows that the quality that Shastriji Maharaj had for Maharaj and his guru, Swamishri has for Shastriji Maharaj.

Bhakti Without Expectations: The Tale of the Seal

Sunday is just around the corner, and before the presentation panic mode activates, we have yet another example that we can perhaps squeeze into our presentations.

National Geographic photographer Paul Nicklen had an unusual encounter with a leopard seal while out photographing Antarctic wildlife. Watch him recount his story below.

The link? Just as the seal continued to try to feed Paul for four days, it did so without expectation. It was trying to provide for Paul regardless of receiving something in return. That principle encompasses the bhakti of Akshar, namely Gunatitanand Swami.

Another way this video could be used is in explaining the nurturing relationship of our guru and how relentless he is in taking care of us. I mean, the seal kept up its attempts for four days!

Talk about Mother Nature.

Coke, Soda, Pop, or Cold Drink?

Where you grew up really influences what you call a refreshing aerated beverage. The following map was created using crowdsourcing to discover what the majority of people say when offering a drink. There is a site dedicated to this with really interesting information. We find it fascinating (maybe too much so) that sugar water can be so universal, have so many different labels, and cause such passion in so many people.

During the month of January Yuva syllabus is exploring the basics of Akshar. We thought a great unexpected way to start such a talk would be to poll everyone and see how they would label sugar water in a can - Soda? Pop? Coke? Cold Drink? - depending on where your audience grew up any of these may come up as an answer. You can show this infographic to show that the same thing can be called multiple names - but it is essentially one entity. A great way to introduce Akshar - one entity with two different forms - sakar and nirakar. Moreover the sakar form has several different names: Gunatitanand Swami, Bhagatji Maharaj, Shastriji Mahraj, Yogiji Maharaj, and Pramkh Swami Maharaj. In this case it is not where you grew up, but when you grew up that determines what name you associate Akshar with. Try starting sabha with this idea and you will notice at least for the next ten minutes more people paying attention to your next point.