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SHRI
SHRI 108 SHRI SWAMI
ADVAIT ANAND JI MAHARAJ
(Hindi
Quote)
Humble
salutations are offered hundreds of crores of times at
the tender and sacred lotus feet of 'Shri Paramhansa
Dayal Ji', Who appeared as the first Preceptor. Once and
again I bow at His feet. He assumed the Divine Appearance
to show us the path of 'Bhakti'. At the sight of His
Divine Form, the devotees felt overjoyed. He has shown
the easy path of devotion to God. At a time when thick
darkness of illusion and attachment was prevailing all
round, Shri Paramhansa Dayal Ji appeared like the sun to
dispel it.
BIRTH
The
Indian horizon was covered by a new colour of happiness. The
hearts of all the people became full of joy. The air started
giving out fragrance in all the four directions. None knew
as to wherefrom so much enthusiasm had come into being. But
who know that God was going to reincarnate Himself in the
form of a Great Saint to lighten the burden of the earth and
to minister the message of awakening to the people who were
asleep since long in the darkness of illusion and
attachment. A supernatural light appeared in His home at the
time of His birth. It was, incidentally, the auspicious day
of 'Ram Naumi', on which, Shri Paramhansa Dayal Ji, Shri
Swami Advait Anand Ji Maharaj, was born to kindle the light
of the knowledge of 'Bhakti' in humanity. He was born in
1846 A.D. or 1903 Bikrami on Sunday in Pukh, Nakshatra,
Sukarma Yoga at Chhapra town of the District Saran in Bihar
Province, in a high Pathak Brahmin family. He was a
reincarnation in its true sense. His father, Shri Tulsi Das
Ji, was highly noble hearted and a benefactor of the people.
When the people asked him to celebrate the birth of his
Divine Child, he replied, "What is the speciality of
celebrating His birth in our home, when the birth of Lord
Rama is already being celebrated throughout India with great
gusto."
Thus
this great festival of Ram Naumi, besides being the birthday
of Shri Ram Chandra Ji, the reincarnation of Treta Yuga,
also became the sacred birthday of the reincarnation of
Kali-Yuga, who had responded to the call of time. His
father, accordingly gave Him the names of Ram Rup and Ram
Narayana. Out of affection he also used to call Him Ram
Yaad. It came out to be perfectly correct as His name was
symbolic to His virtues.
Happiness
prevailed all around the home on His birth. But His father
could not last longer, for the Divine Child was deprived of
His mother's protection when He was hardly nine months old.
If His father was happy on one hand on His birth, he felt
grieved over the death of his wife on the other hand.
Strange indeed are the phenomena of Nature:--
(Hindi
Quote)
If
Nature grants happiness to someone, it also afflicts him
with sorrow at the same time. Where the drums are beaten
in happiness at one time, dirges are also sung there, on
another occasion.
Now
His father got worried about bringing up the motherless
child. He had numerous followers, disciples and faithful
friends. Of them all, he had special affection for one, Lala
Narhar Pershad Ji Kayastha (Shrivastava). Shri Shrivastava
lived in Naya Bazaar and practised Law. Both Shrivastava and
his wife had great regard for the Sadhus. They also had
great faith in the father of Shri Paramhansa Dayal Ji, who
was their guide in matters of religion. As luck would have
it, the only son of this couple who was six months older
than Shri- Swami Advait Anand Ji had died a month before the
death of Pandit Tulsi Das's wife., The couple was extremely
grieved over the death of their son. After the death of His
mother, Shri Paramhansa Dayal Ji was entrusted by His father
to the care of this grieved couple, i-e., Lala Narhar
Pershad and his wife, who brought Him up with great
affection. They always gave Him full parental love so that
He may not find an occasion to miss His parents. Thus,
having been born in a Pathak Brahmin family, He was
nourished on a Kayastha mother's milk. Shrivastava and his
wife spent every moment of their life in attending upon Him,
so to say, in bringing up the Divine Child, Who was Himself
the creator and sustainer of the entire world. Although a
reincarnation of God, He was acting like a human being from
the worldly point of view.
He
was only nine years old, when one day it was mentioned in
the Satsanga (Spiritual discourse) that mostly the Sadhus
develop such supernatural powers that by taking a 'gutka' (a
magic ball) into their mouth they could fly in the air
alongwith their gross physical bodies. Someone then
observed: 'Oh ! Gutka etc. is not needed. One develops the
power of flying only with the help one one's will-power or
the control of one's breath'.
On
hearing this, Shri Paramhansa Dayal Ji gave a serious
thought to it that He should also make an effort to fly, so
that He may reach where He liked in a moment. Obviously, He
had no knowledge about any rules of this practice, nor did
He ask anyone about it. He would sit, control His breath and
think that He would fly. Of course , to keep the body under
control was very essential. And lo ! after a few days of
this practice, He started flying upto the roof of the
ground-floor. A few days later, when Lala Narhar Pershad and
some other relatives saw Him doing that, they ran to catch
Him- On their shouting He came down. They threatened Him,
frightened Him and asked as to what He meant by such a
practice. They told Him that the result of that practice
could be very harmful; because He, some day will fly very
high and fell down. He might break His hands- and feet.
Moreover, it was just possible it may cost Him His life
even. But He did not abandon this practice even after being
admonished. On Lalaji's bringing home to Him the futility of
such practices, He of course, thought to Himself, that
achievement of such Occult Powers should be kept a secret,
as their revelation would only minimise their effect. He,
therefore, continued His practices incognito for some time.
However, after a few months, He abandoned this practice
gradually, when He realised the hollowness of such
practices. His own brilliant Self acted as a Master to guide
Him to such conclusions as well as to other thoughts of
Spiritual Knowledge.
It
may be mentioned here that His father, Pandit Tulsi Das, had
long before His birth, been initiated into spiritual
knowledge by a Saint of very high order commonly named as
'Paramhansa Kedarghat Kashiwale', who often used to visit
their house. Occasionally the latter also visited Lala
Narhar Pershad's house, the latter being a faithful disciple
of his own disciple (Pandit Tulsi Das Ji). In 1860 A.D.,
when Shri Paramhansa Dayal Ji was fourteen years old, Lala
Narhar Pershad Ji also died. After Lala Ji's death, till
Lala Ji's wife was alive, the said Saint continued to visit
that house. He (Paramhansa Kedarghat Kashiwale) used to
address Shri Swami Advait Anand Ji very affectionately by a
pet name 'Hapu Baba'. The latter was formally initiated on
an auspicious day into spiritual knowledge by this very
Great Soul.
After
the death of Lala Narhar Pershad Ji, once, when Shri
Paramhansa Ji Kedarghat Kashiwale came to His house, Shri
Paramhansa Dayal Ji disclosed His inner-most desire to him
that He did not intend to lead a house-holder's life, and
wanted to become a Sadhu. He sought Paramhansa Ji's guidance
in that connection. Shri Paramhansa Ji replied, "Bhai Hapu;
in this world whatever is done according to propriety of
conduct is good. Your period of celibacy is about to end.
Therefore get married. There-after enter the Semi Sannyas
(Van-Parastha) stage and then that of a full sannyasin. Why
do you think of becoming a Sadhu just now ? Become an ideal
householder and serve the downtrodden." Hapu Baba replied,
"What you say is quite correct, Sir ! I have no hatred for a
house-hold life. But whatever I have experienced and thought
of it, revealed that it has no significance at all.
Attachment leads to utmost miseries and life without
devotion to God is a mere waste."
Here
He recited a persian couplet in support of His
argument:-
(Hindi
Quote)
If
you seek God and this mean world both at the same times,
it will be not only fantasy, but also an impossibility
and madness. In other words, if someone thinks that he
may continue to indulge in worldly pleasures and realise
God as well, he should, better drive this thought from
mind, as this is absolutely impossible.
(Hindi
quote)
The
days spent without remembrance of God are all gone
wasted.
The
snare of attachment is a complicate one. So long as you are
not caught in it, so much the good. But once you are snared
by it, it becomes difficult to free yourself. It is recorded
in Shri Ramayana:-
(Hindi
quote)
Shri
Ram Chandra Ji tells Shri Lakshmana that as on the advent
of winter season a ruler, an ascetic, a businessman and a
beggar, all pursuing their own work, so a bachelor, a
householder,. a van-parasthi and a recluse leave their
pursuits of life on acquiring devotion to God.
It
means that whenever one develops aversion to the world,
one can pursue the life of a Sadhu by renouncing
everything. There is nothing to bar his way. He further
said, "the day one develops an aptitude for renunciation,
that very, moment one should become a 'Sannyasin'. Who
knows as to when this determination may get interrupted.
One can properly do only one work at a time. One should,
therefore, go ahead with the implementation of one's such
desire, lest one might lose both due to
indecision."
On
hearing this Paramhansa Ji replied, "Bhai ! to become a
Sadhu is to burden oneself with lot of responsibilities.
Your view that after becoming a Sadhu, there will be an end
to worries, is not correct; because, besides all other
things, the main worry is always about food and clothes.
These are the bare necessities for all." Here, Shri Swami
Advait Anand Ji replied, "One can eat anything to appease
one's hunger, such as the leaves of the trees, flowers and
fruits. Besides, God has created hundreds of kinds of
greenery and various types of grains. One can easily live on
them. It is not necessary that one should get only sweet
puddings, and other tasty things to eat. Can't one live on
the leaves and fruits of wild trees ? In whatever way we
wish to sustain this body, we can. As regards the place and
source of eatables, one will surely get, whatever and
wherever one is destined to get:-
(Hindi
quote)
One's
destiny was cast before one's body was born. Oh Tulsi !
it is strange that one's heart does not feel
contented.
Shri
Paramhansa Ji of Kedarghat replied: "It is not easy to be
convinced. However, the biggest factor is one's 'Sanskaras'
or destiny." Hapu Baba said, "I have disclosed my
conviction. Now as regards destiny, it appears to have been
confirmed by that also, because my own parents are already
dead. I have no desire for wife and children. What else is
left to be fulfilled by the destiny now ? You are the knower
of everything. Kindly give a thought to it, because, from
the circumstances that the Nature has created, it appears
that Nature has made my body for some special purpose. It is
said:-
(Hindi
quote)
One
thinks and acts in accordance with one's own destiny.
Since destiny is all powerful; whatever one is destined
to become in future, one's thoughts in childhood are
moulded in that very pattern.
Thus
His thoughts had already been cast in the mould of some high
purpose, which was calling Him.
On
hearing His pure sentimental high thoughts, Shri Paramhansa
of Kedarghat became quiet, reflected for some time and then
replied: "Bhai Hapu ! If this is your view, then you may act
accordingly. However, you must pay heed to one thing, that
Lala Narhar Pershad and his wife have brought you up like
their own son. Now that Lala Ji is no more, his wife has no
support but you. Therefore it is your duty to serve her.
After her death you may act as you wish. According to the
instruction, already imparted continue meditating and
progressing in your inward journey. Do not disclose this
view of yours to Lala Ji's wife, as she would be I
intolerably to hear this in her old age."
It
has been truly said that when Great souls assume human form
to fulfil special missions, the signs of their individual
greatness become visible in the shades of their childhood.
What a beautiful reply Hapu Baba gave ! The glamour of
'Maya' which could not entrap the Great saints and Mahatmas
in their childhood, why should it not then be eager to
become the dust of their sacred feet ?
In
reality Shri Paramhansa Ji of Kedarghat was testing Him
according to the age-old traditions of Guru-disciple
relationship, and Shri Paramhansa Dayal Ji came out fully
successful in that test.
After
that Shri Paramhansa Ji gave him some special instructions.
The rule of initiation by the Guru, was thus complied with.
Since then He started acting on the instructions of His
spiritual preceptor, Shri Paramhansa Ji of
Kedarghat.
In
1863 A. D. when He was hardly seventeen, Lala Ji's wife also
breathed her last. After attending to her funeral and other
allied ceremonies, He disclosed His inner desire to the
people around, as per instructions of His spiritual Master.
He inwardly decided that since God, the Almighty, had freed
Him from the worldly ties, He need not look towards the
worldly affairs any more.
There
was no legal heir to the property of His parents and that of
Lala Ji. He left all that to the care of God and started
towards the town of Buxar from Chhapra. On reaching Buxar He
took a bath in the sacred Ganges and left all the clothes,
which he was wearing, there, wearing only a loin cloth round
His waist. He decided to go to the forest of Akbarpur from
Buxar. On His way He stayed at village Nauhatta for two
days. From there, He again moved further and gave up the
loin cloth also. Thus He started living stark naked. An Urdu
poet has said:-
(Hindi
quote)
There
is no better garment than the naked body in this world.
It is that garment, whose front and back need no
checking.
From
here He went to Taluthu via Derighat. That place was very
beautiful and attractive because of thick forests and
mountains. He liked the place very much, and lived there in
seclusion for about six years. He did not get any monastery
or cottage built there, rather lived a naked and free life,
so much so, that He did not keep any water-pot even with
Him. During this period of 'Tapasya' (Yogic practices), He
observed complete silence. There were many wild animals,
such as tigers, panthers, bears, wolves etc. in that forest,
and He happened to see them very frequently. Due to the life
of renunciation He had no fear from them. He lived only on
wild fruits and sometimes He had to go hungry also. Because
of His aversion for the world, He never liked to beg
anything from anybody.
One
day He saw His spiritual Master in dream, who told Him, that
moving about would be better than residing at one place. At
dawn He left that place and reached Dumraon Via Chaugain,
Nava Nagar and Derighat. There He wore loin-covering of Bhoj
patra (a type of forest leaf) and stayed for about two or
three months. He used to sit near the Thakur Ji's temple on
the Maharaja's tank, occasionally visiting the Nandan Van.
Then he moved from there also.
While
starting from Dumraon, He thought, that to stay for more
than three days at a place was not proper, He moved towards
Patna Via Maharaj Ganj, Aara, Dinapur and Bankipur. At Patna
He often stayed with Lala Jay Parkash Lal, who was a great
Sat-Sangi and a devotee of God. Lala Ji paid full attention
to His needs and service. He liked that place much as that
was situated on the bank of sacred Ganges. He therefore
roamed about for nearly four years in that area. He used to
eat only dry bread or gram. From there He used to visit Moti
Hari, Sonpur, Harihar and the ravines of the Ganges. Having
covered the Southern area on the bank of the Ganges, He went
to Betia State in the North Via Ballia, Ghazipur and Saran.
During His wanderings, He got opportunities to meet great
Yogis, Saints and Faqirs. He often held fruitful spiritual
discussions with them. Due to renunciation deeply rooted in
His mind, He had developed aversion for the worldly
affairs.
After
wandering for full sixteen years, from 1863 to 1879 A.D,
when Shri Paramhansa Dayal Ji reached Betia State, He
thought that if He could find a place outside the city area,
where He could freely ease Himself, that would be an ideal
place for His stay. In response to this desire He got
inwardly an order from His Master to move towards Kathiawar
and Dwarka. Accordingly walking all the distance, He moved
towards Ayodhya and then reached Mathura. There He came
across a great saint who met Him very affectionately and
said, "Paramhansa Ram Yaad ! Welcome to you." He felt
ecstatic to meet him, because he too seemed to be a fully
realised soul. In this way, He continued to enjoy His visits
to various places of Brij Bhumi such as Nandgaon, Gokul,
Mathura and Vrinda Van. He stayed there for several months
and then proceeded to Jaipur on foot. After staying there
for some time, He went to Sambhar. From Sambhar onward He
visited several places of pilgrimage, such as Devabani,
Ajmer and Pushkar Ji etc. Then He became eager to meet the
great saint of Brij Bhumi once again and therefore came back
to Mathura.
He
casually searched for that great saint at Mathura, but could
not find any trace of him. One day, wrapped in his thoughts,
He slept near Kailash Ghat and saw the saint in dream, who
said "Why do you search for me ? Realise your own self. Are
we in any way different ?" After this the saint disappeared.
The thoughts of devotion and love filled His heart. Often in
ecstasy, He sang the following song composed by
Him:-
(Hindi
quote)
Shri
Sadguru Dev Paramhansa Dayal Ji has made it clear in this
Bhajan (hymn) that only the Master, the beloved of the
devotees, is the male person; all the rest are females.
Accepting the Master as the husband and making one's self
worthy of acceptance by her Lord through prayer, worship
and ninefold devotion is called 'Madhurya Bhakti.'
Remembering the Lord, as if a devoted wife yearns for her
husband, is the theme of this Bhajan. She devotedly
addresses her Lord thus:-
"Oh
Lord ! the Master of my life ! Having adorned myself with
keen devotion to God, I wish to be Thy dearest
beloved-Thy Maharani (Crown Queen)."
"The
parting of my hair on the head will be filled with
Sindoor (vermilion) of Truth. My eyes will wear thick
Kajal (antimony) of noble deeds. My concentration on Thee
in between my two eye-brows will be my Mang Tika (an
ornament worn on the forehead by women) . Thus,
beautifying myself with these adornments, I will be able
to please Thee-my Lord.
Knowledge
is my armlet round the arm (Bazoo Ban ) and implicit
faith in Thee will be the Tikka of that armlet. Pure
understanding will be the shining "Nath" (nose-ring
).
There
will be a beautiful dot on my chin. I will wear the
bangles of contentment, and will find an everlasting
abode in my Lord's heart.
I
shall wear the Kangan (bangle ) of mercy round my wrist
and banglets of peace and hansli (an ornament of the
neck) of righteousness round my neck. Anahad Shabad
(Divine Melody within) will be my Karana-phul (ear-ring).
Having absorbed myself in this sweet melody and
forgetting vices including lust, I shall be lost in real
bliss and pleasure.
My
choli (a blouse) will be to link my attention always with
my Master in order to protect myself from harmful vices
of dirty illusion. I shall wear the Saree of right
understanding. My inner eye will be opened by the
wonderful sights of Sahaj Samadhi (Meditation). By making
the heart my skirt, I will keep my Lord very
happy.
'Ram
Yaad', who is the beloved of the Lord alone, will surely
deceive the co-wife, illusion. (Ram Yaad is the old name
of Shri Paramhans Dayal Ji, the first Spiritual Master).
Shri Paramhansa Dayal Ji says: Having adorned myself thus
in this dress and ornaments I shall be able to deceive my
rival, illusion. And then having secured the Lord and,
thus, becoming Suhagin (a married woman whose husband is
alive), ever living with the basic virtues of the Lord, I
will be able to wash off the dirt of ego and
ignorance."
By
writing this devotional hymn He has shown that He was
carrying the luster of divine light in every part of His
body. As has been said:-
(Hindi
quote)
Oh
my God ! All the openings of my body, it appears, have
become mirrors. In whichever direction I cast glance, I
behold Thy divine appearance. Every particle of this
creation, in my view, is hiding Thine presence. In each
and every particle I behold Thee.
He
gave similar instructions to His disciples with regard to
Surat-Shabad-Yoga, as represented in the above hymn, and as
directed by the revered Saint Shri Kabir Sahib:-
(Hindi
quote)
Oh
Kabir ! Why are you sleeping ? Awake, awake and awake
now. Unite yourself with that source from which you have
been separated.
Without
its being united with the Divine Melody conscious remains
blind. How can it find its way ? Being unable to get an
access to the inner melody it stumbles again and
again.
Even
if the Spiritual Master lives at a distance of lacs of
miles, the disciple should direct his conscious towards
Him. Let it ride the Shabda and continue its journey
within with every breath.
Attention
will never be concentrated, unless it is united the Shabad
(inner musical sound and Nam). Numerous sounds of the world
may grant it a momentary comfort, but cannot bestow eternal
peace on it. The peculiar restlessness of the conscious will
continue till it is united with the 'Nam' (Shabad), bestowed
upon by the Master by His own grace.
The
conscious, separated from the Shabad, groans in pain. The
worldlings want to comfort it by offering the worldly
material pleasures, but like a child separated from its
mother, it cannot be silenced by any other means.
In
the path of Guru-Bhakti, the relationship between the lover
and the beloved is deep, the path is difficult and thorny to
tread, because the strings of love are very very
tender.
In
order to please the Master, it is essential that the devotee
should adorn his conscious with the ornaments of love and
spiritual fervour. He should adorn it so tastefully and the
make-up of its every part should be such that the moment it
goes before its Lord, the Master should look at it
graciously. Keeping this sacred sentiment in view and
decorating the conscious allegorically with the ornaments of
Bhakti, He composed the above resplendent hymn.
One
night He saw His Master in dream, Who said to Him, "Once you
had thought of settling at a place for meditation, but now
that you have decided to proceed to Dwarka; go to Dwarka Via
Jaipur." Thus in 1884 A.D. He went to Jaipur again. He
stayed there at the temple of Shri Jaggan Nath Ji. From
there He went to the house of Lala Mahabir Prasad, who took
Him to the 'Haveli' of Darogha, (Superintendent) Ram Chandra
Ji. There He met Shri Swami Anandpuri Ji Maharaj. Spiritual
discussion took place between them. Shri Swami Anandpuri Ji
of his own accord, told Him several ways of meditation,
which He already knew. But according to the instruction of
His Master, Shri Paramhansa of Kedar Ghat, He never
disclosed those methods of meditation to anybody.
When
Shri Swami Anandpuri Ji grew 90 years of age, his disciples
marked that Shri Swami Ji's affection for Shri Paramhansa
Dayal Ji was great. One of them, Lala Mahabir Prasad Ji,
prayed to Shri Swami Anandpuri Ji one day: "Maharaj ! Who
will be Your successor" At that time Shri Swami Ji wrote in
Urdu on a paper: "Accept Paramhansa Ram Yaad." At that time
Shri Paramhansa Dayal Ji was out to some place nearby. When
the end of Shri Swami Anandpuri Ji was near, he sent for
Shri Paramhansa Dayal Ji to Jaipur. After Shri Swami
Anandpuri Ji expired, Darogha Ram Chandra and other
disciples of the late Shri Swami Ji, put a costly Doshala
(fine woollen cloth) round Shri Paramhansa Dayal Ji as a
mark of succession. But He however, being of independent
nature, seldom liked to stick to one place. Therefore, He
entrusted the service of Shri Swami Ji's Ashram to a his
prominent disciples, and got Himself free. On the insistence
of the disciples, He said, "I have taken Sannyasa to
meditate and devote Myself to the service of humanity at
large. I do not wish to stick to one place." Thus He left
that place for Dwarka.
Just
as Mahatma Buddha, Mahavir Swami and similar other Great
Souls, after purifying themselves through severe
austerities, had transformed themselves into pure luminous
gold which had been purified in a crucible, intuitionally
inspired to comfort the troubled hearts of one and all; and
with a view to helping others, carried the message of right
understanding and Spiritual knowledge to the suffering
humanity: even so the time for the fulfilment of that great
mission, for which Shri Swami Paramhansa Dayal Ji had come
to this world, had now driven nearer. Having been inspired
by His inner Self He had undergone the practices of 'Bhakti'
and 'Yoga' continuously for eighteen years, and having
roamed about in the states of Bihar, U.P., C.P. and
Rajasthan as a wandering ascetic, He now set about to make
the people taste the Divine nectar of 'NAM'.
While
living in the forests for eighteen years, Shri Paramhansa
Dayal Ji had realised His Self through Surat-Sabad-Yoga. The
hardships, which He experienced for eighteen years, are
beyond any description. Many seasons came, splashed their
colours and disappeared. But he was interested in any one of
them. He bore winter, summer , hailstorms and sand-storms on
His delicate body ungrudgingly. Being absorbed in Bhakti,
Shri Paramhansa Dayal Ji was interested only in attaining
the highest objective, and strengthened the foundations of
the school of Bhakti by His own practices.
He
did all that and a lot more, to uplift the despicable people
of 'Kali-Yuga'. The edifice of Bhakti and devotion, whose
foundations He had laid, was afterwards built by His
followers as instructed by Him, and that structure is
actually before us today. He laid down such an easy path,
that even the most ordinary human being could uplift himself
by following that. He strengthened the principles of
Guru--Bhakti. This Guru-Bhakti is the main principle and the
aim of this spiritual school.
From
Dwarka He returned to Jaipur again. There He exhibited a
miraculous way of ego-destruction and uplift of others, at
which the people were very much astonished. He was staying
at the residence of Lala Hazari Mal. A Faqir shouted from
below "I am hungry. Let me have something to eat and drink."
Lala Ji's younger son, Gurbakhsh took bread and water
downstairs and offered that to him. After taking the meals
and drinking the water, the faqir asked the young boy to
hand over the water-pot, which he carried, to him. On the
boy's refusal, he threatened to burn him to ashes. The boy
replied that if he burnt him down, his Guru Ji would bring
him back to life. At that time, Shri Paramhansa Dayal Ji
seeing that the child had stayed downstairs for a much
longer time, called him back. The boy replied that the faqir
was demanding the water-pot from him. He called the faqir
and the boy upstairs and wanted to know the facts. He then
said to the faqir that the water-pot could be given to him
only with the permission of the parents of the boy. As
regards the burning of the boy to ashes, He made the boy
stand in front of him and asked the faqir to burn him down.
The faqir got much agitated and began to mutter something on
his hand, but nothing happened. At this Shri Paramhansa
Dayal Ji said that now He would recite some Mantra. The
faqir, on hearing His impressive voice and on seeing the
splendour of his divine figure, fell at His feet and
apologised. At this, by way of admonishing him, Shri
Paramhansa Dayal Ji said, "It never behoves a Sadhu to
exhibit his ego. He should better collect the wealth of
Bhakti by making persistent efforts and should not waste
that earning in getting agitated over such petty things. Ego
empties the whole treasure of Bhakti. There is a constant
need to safeguard one's Bhakti against, it." On hearing
this, the faqir expressed his regret once again and went
away in a happy mood.
One
day a faqir, dressed in very costly and gaudy dress, came to
Him. He (Paramhansa Dayal Ji) said, "What is this ? Is this
the way to dress yourself ?" Saying this, He affectionately
took off the former's coat and cap and made him wear a long
chola (Kurta). The faqir began to dance out of ecstasy. Some
one remarked "What a grace you have poured upon him !" He
replied, "To return one's deposit and to favour one with
something is not unjust". In other words, He showed that to
bring an astrayed one, on the right path, was His
duty.
He
was eager to kindle a flame of spiritual knowledge in every
heart. With this end in view He travelled from place to
place. He carried the message of Sahaj Yoga, Bhakti and
service unto humanity to one and all. He tried His level
best to spread the light of this flame to every corner of
India. His great successors took utmost care to fulfil this
desire of His. Consequently the light of this eternal flame
started shining not only in the four corners of India, but
also in foreign countries. In this way, after disseminating
this spiritual knowledge in Agra, U.P. and Madhaya Pradesh,
he again reached Jaipur.
This
time Shri Paramhansa Dayal Ji stayed at Jaipur continuously
for a considerable time. He started the work of spiritual
preachings and of uplifting the people there. Although the
'Mat' was established later on, yet the work of spiritual
preaching had its start at Jaipur. The number of followers
there was quite large. On the persistent insistence of His
followers and devotees He had agreed to stay there to
benefit them spiritually. His nectarean spiritual preachings
made the people happy. With His beautiful physical body,
highly radiant face and divine appearance, whenever He
preached spirituality, the whole nature listened to Him with
rapt attention; the sound of the 'Jaikaras' echoed in all
the directions and even the gods and goddesses desired to
bow to Him and seek His protection. His voice was sweet and
melodious. His whole life, being full of renunciation and
severe spiritual practices, was highly impressive. It was
for this reason that all the sincere and good people felt
attracted towards Him. He had one special virtue also that
He treated each devotee according to his nature. There was
no discrimination between the high and low and the rich and
the poor. He only looked to their sincere love and
devotion.
One
day Shri Paramhansa Dayal Ji and Mahant Rameshwar Das Ji
were returning to Jaipur from Moti Dongri. On the way, a
potter was going with his donkeys. On seeing Shri Paramhansa
Dayal Ji, he requested Him to sanctify his house, to which
He agreed. There was no bedding in his house. He spread an
old and torn sheet of cloth for Shri Paramhansa Dayal Ji to
sit, and reverently placed two big barley chapatis (loaves)
on His hands and filled an earthen pot with 'chhachh'
(butter-milk). He ate chapatis and drank the chhachh with
much joy. He gave a small loaf of bread to Mahant Ji also.
Since Mahant Ji thought himself to be superior in caste, he
did not eat it and put it aside.
On
reaching home, Mahant Ji talked about it to his mother and
said that Shri Paramhansa Dayal Ji must be in trouble that
day, as He had eaten much there. His mother replied that to
talk much about the faqirs was not proper, but he did not
listen. He said to Shri Paramhansa Dayal Ji, "You hardly
take one chhattank (60 grams) rice at home, how did you eat
such big barley chapatis and drank that much chhachh today
?" Shri Paramhansa Dayal Ji smilingly replied, "Moved by the
reverence offered by him, I had to do that. Please recall as
to with what affection and humility he invited and served
Me. Had I refused his hospitality, he might have thought
that the Sadhus go to the rich people only to eat dry fruits
and sweets, and do not like to grace the poor. Thus the
affection in him would have been suppressed. You have seen
yourself the affection with which he offered the meal. In
such a situation, what to speak of eatables, even if there
be poison one should not shun it." Thus Shri Paramhansa
Dayal Ji showed that the Great Souls care for love and not
for the wealth. Whosoever called the Lord with love and
faith, owned Him. God always abides by the wishes of His
devotees. Since then, the potter devoted his entire life to
the service of the Saints.
Shri
Paramhansa Dayal's life was an embodiment of renunciation
and severe practices. He was extremely kind by temperament.
Once during the winter season, a Jagirdar covered Shri
Paramhansa Dayal Ji with a very costly fine shawl from
Kabul. The Jagirdar was still standing there that a faqir,
shivering with cold, came and said, "Baba ! I am feeling
very cold. Kindly give me something to wear." Shri
Paramhansa Dayal Ji put off His own chola (a long tunic-like
shirt), gave it to him and asked, "Anything more" ? The
faqir replied that he needed something more to cover with.
At this, the former gave the same woollen shawl and asked:
'Now what ?'. The faqir replied that he had nothing to cover
his head. Shri Paramhansa Dayal Ji took off his own cap and
gave to the faqir. The faqir again prayed that his legs had
no covering. Taking off His 'dothi' Shri Paramhansa Dayal Ji
gave it to the faqir and sat only covered with a 'langoti'
(loin-cloth ). He again asked, "Kindly tell me if you need
anything more ?" The faqir said, "That is all" and went away
happily. Of the devotees who were present there, some ran to
their houses. One brought a chola for Him and another a
dhoti. Thus many cholas and dhoties got collected there. He
said, "See, renunciation is its own reward ! By renouncing
one chola and one dhoti, so many of them have been brought
here. A renouncer needs not asking for anything. He
renounces and the Nature helps automatically."
Once
Shri Paramhansa Dayal Ji intended to go to Sambhar for the
spiritual uplift of the people there. Accompanied by a few
devotees, He reached Jaipur Railway Station at about 4 or 5
P.M. to catch the train. There were many people on the
platform. The reason was, that the viceroy was about to
arrive. Shaminanas had been pitched there to receive him.
Roads had been sprinkled with water. Welcome gates had been
erected and decorated on the platform and other places. On
one side of the platform a beautiful woollen carpet had been
spread and a special chair had been placed on the carpet for
the viceroy.
Just
then, the Master arrived at the platform with a few of His
devotees. Daroga Ram Chandra Ji, who was a gazetted officer
then and a devoted disciple of His, was also waiting on the
platform for the reception of the viceroy. When he saw Him
coming towards the platform, he at once arranged to get a
chair and a carpet, which was spread at a short distance
from the chair reserved for the viceroy, and placing the
chair there requested Him to take His seat. Daroga Ji, along
with other devotees sat at His feet. The other officers and
members of the railway staff were surprised to see Daroga
Ji, a gazetted officer and holder of a high rank, seated in
that way. The special train carrying the viceroy was about
to arrive, but Daroga Ji was fully engrossed in listening to
the nectarean sermons of the Master and also in beholding
His Holy Darshans. All the spectators were simply attracted
to behold His exceptionally graceful refulgent
personality.
The
special train steamed into the platform at the appointed
time. Instructed by Shri Paramhansa Dayal Ji, Daroga Ji went
to arrange for the reception of the viceroy who, when
stepped at the platform, stood aghast to see a great
refulgent soul-Shri Param Hansa Dayal Ji Maharaj, seated in
the chair just in front of him. On being asked about this
great personality, Daroga Ji reverentially informed the
viceroy about His eminence as a perfect realized soul in the
garb of an ordinary saint. The viceroy reverently bowed low
to the Master and admiringly said "He is really a superb,
fully realized divine personality." He (the viceroy) then
took his seat in the chair meant for him.
All
the people there were surprised to see that although they
had gathered there to welcome the viceroy, the viceroy
himself bowed to and praised the Master in the presence of
all of them. Only he can recognise the Divine flame, who is
blessed by the saints.
After
the viceroy's departure, the train bound for Kishangarh
arrived and Shri Paramhansa Dayal Ji boarded that train for
Sambhar.
There
was a government establishment for the preparation of salt
at Sambhar lake in Jaipur State in those days. In that salt
Deptt., Dewan Bhagwan Das of Teri town in Kohat Distt.
(N.W.F.P.) was working as a clerk. Dewan Sahib was inclined
to the company of Sadhus and loved to hear their Sat-Sanga
(Spiritual Preachings). Wherever he heard of the arrival of
Sadhus or their Sat-Sanga, he used to go there running and
benefit himself by their teachings. He very much believed in
the following saying of a Muslim faqir:-
(Hindi
quote)
Seek
the company of the saints with fondness. Do not delay
your going there when you find such an opportunity. Go
there hastily and with full love, even if you have to go
headlong.
Shri
Paramhansa Dayal Ji arrived in Sambhar town, which is
situated on the bank of Sambhar Lake. When Dewan Sahib heard
that a realized Saint had come to that town and that He was
delivering spiritual discourses (Satsang) regularly, at once
went to see Him and to listen His Sat-Sanga. Due to
Sanskaras (impressions) of previous births and the
temperament in the present life, Dewan Sahib felt much
attracted towards Him and also developed faith in Him. Dewan
Bhagwandas had a deep rooted desire working in his mind
since long that he should be promoted to the rank of an
inspector in the same department where he was then serving
as a clerk. When he presented himself before the Master, the
latter casually asked about his means of livelihood. He
replied that he was a clerk in the salt deptt. Shri
Paramhansa Maharaj Ji, of His own wish, remarked: "You will
become a superintendent of this deptt." This benediction
came true after sometime.
Dewan
Bhagwandas got himself initiated in the path of Bhakti and
became a regular disciple of Shri Paramhansa Dayal Ji. After
some time, he prayed to the latter to visit his birth place
Teri, to sanctify it. Shri Paramhansa Dayal Ji said, " I
will surely go there but after some time."
As
stated above, Shri Paramhansa Dayal Ji never liked to stick
one place. He was a wandering monk. He proved the truth of
this quatrain (chaupai) of Bal-Kanda in the Ramayana
literally:--
(Hindi
quote)
Company
of the saints is blissful. They are like a mobile
pilgrimage of 'Prayagraja' As in 'Prayagraja', there is a
confluence of the three rivers-the Ganges, the Yamuna and
the Saraswati, a similar confluence exists in Their
Sat-Sanga also. The love for Bhakti in their preachings
is like the flow of the Ganges, the spiritual knowledge
imparted by them is like the Saraswati and the
discrimination of right and wrong action is like the flow
of Yamuna.
The
saints have demarcated the pilgrim places into three types:
(i) Local, (ii) Mobile and (iii) self-realisation. The local
pilgrimage is that where the saints or Great Reincarnations
appear and build some Ashrama or a 'Sarovar' (a lake). On
reaching there the thoughts of a human being become pure
automatically. The dust particles of the lotus feet of the
Great Souls purify the atmosphere of such places. As one
feels warmth near the fire and cold near the water, so the
vicinity of the saints naturally gives peace, pleasure and
happiness.
The
second category is that of the mobile pilgrimages. When the
saints move from place to place to uplift the people, they
are called mobile pilgrimages. Lucky people come to see them
from far and near and benefit themselves by their spiritual
discourses. This mobile pilgrimage enables the people to
wash the dirt and dross of their mind by having a dip in the
flow of the holy sermons of the saints.
The
third pilgrimage is that of self-realisation. When the
saints bestow upon the people protected by them, the
technique of spiritual advancement and of transforming their
centrifugal attention to centripetal, thus meditating at the
third eye focus, the aspirants' inward travel towards their
cherished goal is called the pilgrimage of self-realisation.
As there is a confluence of three rivers at 'Prayagraja', so
also there is a confluence of three veins namely 'Ira',
'Pingla' and 'Sushamna' within. The saints alone can explain
the significance of this confluence. Who-so-ever bathes in
this holy 'Prayag' or so to say, learns the art of
self-realisation, becomes dear and near to God .
Shri
Paramhansa Dayal Ji was the confluence of all these three
pilgrimages. He established the local pilgrimage by building
a Sant Ashram at Teri. Being a wandering monk, He covered
Bihar, U.P., Orrisa, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and N.W.F.P.
to teach 'Sahajyoga' and 'Bhakti' to the people there and
thus assumed the form of a mobile pilgrimage for them. Those
who came to seek His protection sincerely were blessed by
Him and filled with such spirit of renunciation that they
did not like to involve themselves in worldly affairs even
for a moment. Thousands of devotees who realised themselves,
became embodiment of happiness. Among them was the second
Master of the Advait Mat Shri Swami Swarup Anand Ji Maharaj.
The latter exhibited a wonderful aptness in understanding
and accepting each and every wish and direction of Shri
Paramhansa Dayal Ji, and underwent all privations,
severities and adopted them in His life. That is why Shri
Paramhansa Dayal Ji made Him His own image. Besides, the
Third Master of the Mat, Shri Swami Vairag Anand Ji Maharaj,
also faithfully followed into His footsteps. Their
biographies are given in the pages to follow.
As
already mentioned in the foregoing pages, Shri Paramhansa
Dayal Ji went to the town of Teri (N.W.F.P.), the birth
place of Diwan Bhagwan Das, in 1904 A.D., at his request. It
was at this sacred place that this 'Mat' was actually
founded and that place became the first great centre of
Sat-Sanga. It was at this Satsanga centre that the basic
principles of the 'Mat' were established and developed.
Along with all this, it was that celebrated place, where the
second Master of the Mat, Shri Swami Sarup Anand Ji Maharaj,
was born and where the two Great Souls, Shri Paramhansa
Dayal Ji, the first Master and the second Master met each
other. In fact, the first Master had gone there to meet His
great disciple, Shri Swami Swarup Anand Ji Maharaj, Who was
His own image. Dewan Sahib's request was only a
medium.
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Page
60-79
Meeting
of Shri Paramhansa Dayal Ji
with the Second Master
The
Second Master was born at Teri. From the very childhood He
was of introspective nature and remained ever immersed in
His own thoughts. While a child, He would go and sit in the
mountain caves to meditate and enjoy the pleasure of
self-realisation. By birth He was a reincarnation. In 1904
A. D., Shri Paramhansa Dayal Ji, the first Master, came to
Teri at the request of Dewan Bhagwan Das, and started
flowing the sacred stream of spiritual preachings regularly.
When He (the Second Master) came to know of the advent of
that Perfect Saint there, the sentiments of Bhakti, which
were already surging in His heart, got inundated and He came
to see Him. As He (the Second Master) came and bowed to Him
(the first Master), Shri Paramhansa Dayal Ji said, "Oh,
dear, So you have come ! I came here only for your sake."
The second Master bowed again and got Himself initiated by
Him. He moulded His life according to the directions of His
Guru and devoted Himself fully to the service of His Master,
like a married woman who knows none else but her husband.
The detailed description of the life of this Great Soul has
been given in another chapter.
The
saints and Great Souls do mysterious deeds, of their own
accord whose significance is beyond the comprehension of a
person of average common-sense. Once when Shri Paramhansa
Dayal Ji was delivering spiritual discourse at Teri, He
thought of testing as to what type of Bhakti and love there
was in the heart of the devotees, who had gathered there.
After the Satsanga was over, He asked every devotee to ask
for whatever he desired. Some aspired after concentration of
mind and some desired to the inner musical sounds (Anahad
Shabad). In this every one expressed his desire. Shri
Paramhansa Dayal Ji also gave instructions accordingly. In
the end He looked at a person, who was sitting very quietly
in a corner. Addressing him He said, "Well gentleman ! what
do you want ?" The person recited the following persian
couplets :--
(Hindi
quote)
"Oh
Lord ! I do not want any wealth, status and worldly fame
from Thee. I do not ask for any medicine from Thee for my
pain and ailment. Every one in the world wishes to get
his worldly desire fulfilled by Thee, but, oh my Master !
I want Thee alone from Thee, and nothing
else."
Then
Shri Paramhansa Dayal Ji smilingly threw a benevolent glance
at him and said, "Really, this should be the only desire of
a devotee treading the path of spirituality. A true devotee
should harbour, only such sentiments in his mind, and every
one is invariably rewarded according to the sentiments he
holds." Listening to these ambrosial words and absorbing
within him the refulgent figure of Shri Paramhansa Dayal Ji
Maharaj; that devotee experienced a Divine Light within and
having been thus bIessed, he began to freely sing the
praises of the Master.
It
means, that a real devotee should abandon all worldly
desires. In fact understanding the real and deep
significance of human life, he asks from the Lord Him alone,
because when the Lord belongs to him, the servants of the
Lord-the psychic powers, automatically surrender themselves
at his feet. Illusion (Maya) is the slave of her Lord. On
the contrary, if you ask for Maya, it never becomes yours.
It deceives you in the end. In simple words the true devotee
is he, who does not desire anything from the Lord but Him.
The saints and Great Souls are compassionate by nature. They
fulfil every one's desire by their very grace. It depends on
the intensity of devotional sentiments of the seeker as to
what he should get. He will get what he deserves. The above
mentioned devotee gave a very beautiful reply indeed, when
he prayed: '"Except Thee, I need nothing."
The
heart, where the Sadguru resides, remains deficient of
nothing. Meditation, concentration, the media to attain them
and self discipline all get merged into that. Therefore, it
is always imperative for the seeker to ask for the Lord
Himself from the Lord, and nothing else.
The
Great Souls are the Masters of Spiritual powers. They are
embodiments of all virtues and are reincarnations by birth.
They do not acquire spiritual knowledge from anyone. They
only come to give. Even then, from worldly point of view
they live and work in the same manner as they want others to
do. Thus Shri Paramhansa Dayal Ji, although a reincarnation
Himself, presented an ideal to the people as to how to
achieve the goal of life. He used to say:-
(Hindi
quote)
Explanation:--
(Hindi
quote)
We
have learnt the sense of respect and entertainment from the
earth. This means that earth has limitless power of
endurance to bear sufferings. It produces all types of food
and vegetation to feed the people of the whole world.
Someone digs well into it, others build houses on it. All
get all types of comfort from it. Yet it says nothing-good
or bad, to anyone. You may grow orchards on the earth or sow
thorns, it places no hindrance. In other words earth
respects all alike. Some one has said:-
(Hindi
quote)
The
earth and the forests are immune to the digging and cutting
processes respectively; and so are the saints to abuses and
harsh words. None else is so much tolerant as the saints.
Therefore the saints and the great souls advise the seekers
to be tolerant like earth. They wish them to be so humble as
neither to speak any harsh word nor entertain any evil
thought towards anybody. The earth imparts this teaching,
which the Great Souls imbibe in themselves and ask the
seekers to follow suit.
(Hindi
quote)
The
lesson of humility was imparted by the corpse. You may put
the dead body anywhere: burn it; bury it under ground or
make it flow in the stream; it is all the same for it.
Therefore, the seeker should take this lesson from the
corpse and surrender himself body and soul to the Master and
should gladly carry out the instructions of 'Sadguru.' He
should have that much humility in his heart, thoughts and
conduct, that he may always conduct himself most humbly in
the service of others, because there alone lies his welfare.
Whosoever considered himself low, benefited himself the
most. Saint Sahajo Bai ji has said:-
(Hindi
quote)
Head,
ears and nose all are at the top of the body. Oh' Sahajo !
all the people worship the feet, because they are low. The
dust of the feet and its wash is considered as most sacred.
Saint Kabir has also said:--
(Hindi
quote)
Naturally
water always flows downward and stays at the lower level. It
does not stop at the higher level. One has to bend low to
drink water. Thus, whosoever becomes humble gets everything.
Fruit-laden branches always bend downward. Humility is the
harbinger of all the virtues.
(Hindi
quote)
The
highest virtue of generosity or broadmindedness is found in
the clouds. The clouds rain everywhere selflessly. The
barren, fertile, unproductive, highly productive,
mountainous, rocky lands, plains, lakes, streams and
rivulets are all equal for the clouds. The clouds rain on
all of them alike without any selfish end in view. Another
remarkable virtue of the clouds is that they carry the
saltish water from the ocean and pour sweet water in the
shape of rain. Therefore, the seeker should learn from the
clouds to be selfless in rendering service to
others:-
(Hindi
quote)
Exert
your utmost to be munificant. Be beneficent to others, so
that you may realise the aim of your life. Do good to
others, unmindful of how the others behave towards you. Do a
good turn and forget it. Do not entertain a desire to excel
others.
(Hindi
quote)
Night
covers the vices of all. The criminal may commit crime, the
thief may indulge in theft and any one else may do whatever
he likes; but the darkness of the night hides all. The
Nature, of course, arranges to repay the good or bad deeds
in their own coin!-
(Hindi
quote)
Who
says that the tyrant is not punished and the virtuous is not
rewarded ? All reap the harvest of whatever they sow. But
the night teaches us that one should not disclose the vices
of others. Therefore, the seeker should have such a broad
mind and sober temperament that he should ignore the faults
of others, as it is not proper to recount them. One should
rather look at one's own faults:-
(Hindi
quote)
Generally
we laugh at others' faults; but do not look at our own which
are innumerable. When one looks into oneself, one finds as
to how many vices are there. Therefore, one should worry
about reforming one's own self.
(Hindi
quote)
Fire
has taught us contentment. As the fuel thrown into the fire
is reduced to ashes and whatever is put into it is consumed
by it, similarly a human being should lead a life of
contentment. One should be contented with whatever one
gets-be it a coarse and dry bread or a buttered one, and
ever remain happily busy in remembering God. Having kindled
the fire of knowledge one should throw the fuel of desire,
greed and restlessness of mind into it, so that they might
be burnt to ashes and one may be saved from the wheel of
eighty four lacs. Whatever one is destined to get, one will
surely get, but if one goes on multiplying one's wants, one
will only continue to be miserable.
(Hindi
quote)
Wherever
one goes, one is destined to reap the fruit of his past
deeds, and that he must get; because he carries with him his
destiny preserved in the lines of his palm. Desire does not
let one remain contented with one's destiny. That is why,
one always feels miserable, as if happiness is not for him.
If one remains contented with one's lot, one would see how
peaceful this life is. Hence, the seeker should always feel
contented with his destiny and engage himself in remembering
God, so that he may become an embodiment of
happiness.
(Hindi
quote)
Air
has taught us the lesson of freedom by giving us the message
of living freely. It implies to the freedom of the soul from
all its entanglements. When the soul is free from all ties,
one attains salvation. Man's attention is caught in the
meshes of lust, anger, greed attachment and ego. The air
gives him the message to keep his conscious free from these
vices. But the question is 'how to get freedom ?'
(Hindi
quote)
If
a man in bondage meets his like, how can he be freed ? The
solution is that he should serve a free soul, so that he may
be freed by him in a moment. The human being is bound by the
ties of illusion and attachment. He can be relieved of his
mental agony, psychological ailments and inner disturbance
only by the grace of the Great Souls of the times, Who are
themselves free; otherwise one is not potent enough to free
oneself from these ties. The Great Souls, who lead people to
the path of Bhakti always say that Bhakti leads to freedom.
One can therefore become free by following this path. It
means that one can be free from all the ties if one seeks
protection of the perfect Sadguru.
(Hindi
quote)
We
learnt the lesson of sympathy from the tree. The Great Souls
have included the tree in the category of those, who render
selfless service unto others. Tree, tank, cloud` and the
saints come to this world to benefit others. They do only
good to the people. A poet of Punjab has said about the
tree.
(Hindi
quote)
A
tree is better than a man, because it gets planted
automatically. Against pelting of stones, it gives
fruits. It makes no discrimination while providing shade.
But a man, who eats and wears well, usually forgets the
name of God. Tell me oh 'Gwala' ! while alive or dead,
have you been of any service to anyone ?
The
idea is that in forests trees grow without any one's effort.
At some places they are planted also. While describing their
special qualities, the poet says that when the branches are
laden with fruit, they bend downward. People pelt them with
stones, but they give sweet and tasty fruits in return.
Cottages are made of the leaves of the trees, which are also
used as manure. The wood of the tree is used in buildings
and for domestic purposes, such as making of tables, chairs,
cots and also as fuel. Another poet has further amplified
that a human being makes use of wood right from birth to
death. After birth the cradle for the child: then after some
years sports material for play and takhti (clean wooden
plank) to write upon; in youth sofa, table and chair: in old
age stick for support and after death the cremation of the
body, all are made and done out of and with the help of
wood. Thus, from birth to death one needs wood. Wood here
means tree.
Though
it makes the human life comfortable, but the tree has no
selfish ends in view. It never forbids anyone whether one
cuts it with axe or saws it with big sharp steel blades. A
person of any caste may come to seek its shade it provides
the same to all equally, without any discrimination between
high and low. So a seeker should mould his life into the
service of others like the tree. It has been
said:-
(Hindi
quote)
To
return good for good is the customary conduct of the
world. But to do good in return for evil is the work of a
very few, and tree belongs to this category.
(Hindi
quote)
The
lesson of justice was learnt from the scale. It is evident
that the scale does justice to every one. Just as with the
variance in the weight of the commodity, the pan of the
scale moves up and down (that is, it feels agitated);
similarly every person should visualize his own soul as
those of others. This means that you should not do that
which you do not wish others to do with you. To consider
others lower than one's own self is, in fact, to lower
oneself:-
(Hindi
quote)
Don't
do unto others what you would not like others to do unto
you.
(Hindi
quote)
The
moon has taught us to treat all alike The moon gives light
and coolness alike to every body, and a human being should
learn a lesson from it to always talk sweetly to others, and
impress others by his conduct in a way that they may ever
remember him. Just as the stray men are guided by the moon
light, similarly by your guidance, others should take to the
right path. If the seeker wishes to realise his aim, he
should behave towards all alike and selflessly. It is only
then that he would be able to reach his goal.
This
shows how much spiritual inspiration is conveyed in His
every saying !
Shri
Paramhansa Dayal Ji enjoins: "Oh, seeker ! every inanimate
object of the world teaches you a lesson, which you should
put in action. I myself have acted accordingly and it is
only then that I have been able to achieve My object. The
Great Souls have always been treading and will continue to
tread this very path. Doing good unto others, impartiality,
just conduct, and truth are their main props of life, by
sticking to which they attain the status of Great Saints.
Good demeanour is the very pith of life, and is the only
means of achieving one's aim. Adopt this path to easily
reach your goal."
Once
He went to Gopal Nagar from Agra to convoy His spiritual
message. All the men and women of that place came to attend
His spiritual discourses, and got inspired with pure
sentiments of love and devotion unto Him. It is beyond the
scope of pen to describe the enthusiastic emotions with
which the disciples and Satsangis greeted their Preceptor.
The spectacle was so much heart captivating as if Heaven had
descended on earth. The restless minds of the people got
peace by listening to His nectarean discourse. A wealthy man
of that town, Seth Kirori Mal was present in the Satsanga.
As was his name, so was his wealth. He had an old mother at
home, who was unable to attend the Satsanga. Seth Ji made a
request to the Master, "Shri Maharaj Ji ! kindly sanctify my
house also by the touch of your feet." Impressed by his
faith and humility He granted his request. When He went to
his house, Seth Ji made a seat for Him in his mother's room.
While sitting there He looked so graceful, that even the
gods in heaven would have been put to shame. He edified that
'Sadguru' and His 'Shabad' (NAM) are the only true
benefactors of a human being. Nothing else in this world can
remain sincere to him for ever. Sincere repetition of Shabad
and meditation alone can enable him to attain the real
bliss. 'NAM' cleans all the dirt of the mind, gathered since
numerous births:-
(Hindi
quote)
'NAM'
is like a philosopher's stone and the human mind is like
rusted iron. The moment the mind comes into contact with
'NAM', it is relieved of all its dross; just as the rusted
iron turns into pure and glittering gold by a single touch
of the philosopher's stone. Thus purified, the mind is in no
time freed of the ties of attachment. 'NAM', when contacted,
enraptures the conscious and a wonderful happiness enwraps
the mind.
Nothing
of this world can accompany one after death, so much so that
even one's body is also left behind. But the 'NAM', bestowed
upon by the Sadguru, and its sincere and constant practice
ever abides with man. Thus, Shri Paramhansa Dayal Ji
continued to deliver His discourse for a sufficient time.
After the Satsanga was over, everyone in the family
requested for initiation. Moved by their love and faith He
initiated all of them into the technique of Bhakti.
Enraptured by the glorious face of the Master and by being
impressed by the true 'NAM' Seth Ji's old mother felt
overjoyed and her attention 'Surat' got absorbed in 'NAM'.
When her attention was fully united with the 'Shabad', she
started witnessing the scenes of 'Sach Khand' (Higher realms
of spirituality).
When
her attention returned to this mundane world after seeing
the scenes of the soul's real abode, she expressed extreme
sense of gratitude towards Him and said, "How fortunate we
all are that you, the Master of the 'Khandas' (all the
worlds) have blessed our house with your visit. I can
realize that all the supernatural powers are at your beck
and call and all the gods and goddesses are anxious to serve
you." Seth Ji then requested "Oh, Lord ! this room, in which
you are sitting, is now yours. It is our innermost desire
that we may daily worship you and meditate upon you here."
The Master happily granted their request.
Shri
Paramhansa Dayal Ji after a short discourse, left for some
other place. Three days after that, Seth Ji's mother expired
suddenly. This brought a great shock to Seth Ji and he was
lost in innumerable imaginations.
Absorbed
in his pensive mood, as he was, Seth ji in his dream at
night saw Shri Paramhansa Dayal Ji seated in a royal throne
(Singhasana) embedded with jewels and precious stones. Even
the light of hundreds of suns, put together, stood no
comparison to the Master's refulgent form. Near that
lustrous throne squat Seth Ji's mother at the feet of Shri
Paramhansa Dayal Ji Maharaj. There, Seth Ji very
respectfully prayed, "Oh Lord ! My mother is seated under
the protection of Your lotus feet, while I am bemoaning her
loss." Shri Maharaj Ji sympathisingly replied, "Seth Ji,
Your mother was a highly realised soul. Just with the
initiation of 'NAM' her conscious (Surat) immediately
reached Brahmanda. She had attached her conscious to the
unfailing love of 'Sadguru', and according to her pure
thoughts and actions (Karmas), she has been given this
exalted place."
Seth
Ji disclosed his dream to all the people. All of them felt
very happy and grateful. They began to appreciate their own
destiny and shouted Jaikaras (slogans of victory) of Shri
Paramhansa Dayal Ji.
After
some days, Shri Paramhansa Dayal Ji went to Ram Nagar. There
a devotee, named Chaudhri Prem Chand, requested, "Shri
Paramhansa Dayal Ji ! I have been doing good deeds since
long. I worship and meditate for four hours a day and have
been on pilgrimage to all the four corners of the country.
Even then I have not attained peace of mind." On hearing
this Shri Paramhansa Dayal Ji smilingly replied, "The
restlessness of the mind can be removed only by the grace of
the Sadguru of His own times and by acting and meditating on
His teachings. There is no other method to calm the mind.
Unless the mind learns to concentrate, one cannot experience
real peace. When nothing in this world gathers weight or
gains importance unless it is shaped by an expert, then how
can this age-old fickle and impure mind become pure without
seeking the protection at the lotus feet of the perfect
Sadguru. You may study lot of the Granthas; but you will be
able to understand their real import and act upon them only
when you have acquired the guidance of the perfect Master of
the times. He alone knows the import of the Vedas. Can a
patient of today be prescribed medicine by a vaid (doctor)
who lived thousand years ago ?" At this the Chaudhri fell at
the feet of Shri Paramhansa Dayal Ji. The moment his
forehead touched the dust of His lotus feet, his intellect
was enlightened and his attention was attracted by the
graceful image of Shri Paramhansa Dayal Ji. The Master put
His affectionate hand on Chaudhri's head and at his request,
initiated him.
When
Chaudhri Prem Chand meditated on the 'NAM' initiated by the
Sadguru, and turned his conscious inward, he saw spiritual
visions. He went to the place, where he used to go for
Satsanga earlier. All those present there were surprised to
see him in his ecstatic moods.
There
was in his eyes a peculiar brilliance and in his heart a
peculiar ecstasy. All of them eagerly enquired of him as to
what had happened.
He
replied, "I wish to be sacrificed at the feet of Sadguru Dev
Ji, Who has shown to the forsaken man like me, my own home;
has turned my conscious inward by freeing it from the ties
of attachment and has taught me the technique of 'NAM' which
has given me real peace and has made me absorbed in
meditation." Thus in ecstasy, he began to sing the praises
of Shri Paramhansa Dayal Ji Maharaj. Listening to his
experiences, other people also developed faith in Him, and
alongwith Chaudhri Prem Chand, they too came to have the
'Holy Darshan' of the Master.
All
of them prayed to Shri Paramhansa Dayal ji: "Oh, Great Lord
! Kindly stay here for a few days and gratify us by Your
Darshan and spiritual preachings." Keeping in view their
utmost faith and devotion Shri Paramhansa Dayal Ji granted
their request.
One
day Shri Paramhansa Dayal Ji explained in the course of
Satsanga, "The real benefactor of the soul in this world is
Sadguru alone. The rest of the worldly relations have no
love and sympathy for the soul. They are related to the body
alone. As the co-travellers meet on the way and depart, so
are the relations of the human being with his dear and near
ones in the world." He continued His dialect on this subject
for a couple of days.
The
third day Chaudhri Prem Chand had a fall while walking on
the road and died. Then all the Satsangis began to talk
among themselves that he (Ch. Prem Chand) used to say that
he had seen his real home and that Shri Paramhansa Dayal Ji
had shown him the same, but how is it that he died an
unusual and untimely death ?
At
night, Lala Nirmal Das Ji, the head of the Satsangis, dreamt
that Shri Paramhansa Dayal Ji was sitting in the midst of
thousands of devotees in 'Sach Khand' on a shining throne.
On both sides two devotees (one on each side) were swinging
'Chanwari' (a fly whisker) over Him. He saw Chaudhri Prem
Chand entering by the gate. When he came near, Shri
Paramhansa Dayal Ji smilingly said, "Oh, Prem Chand Ji ! So
you have come." He bowed at the feet of Shri Paramhansa
Dayal Ji and replied, "Yes, Lord." Shri Paramhansa Dayal Ji
then asked one of the devotees, who was swinging the
'Chanwari', to entrust that service to Chaudhri Prem Chand
and to take up some other service for himself. He complied
with the orders of Shri Paramhansa Dayal Ji.
When
Lala Nirmal Das woke up, he felt ecstatic on recollecting
the dream. On the second day he went to attend the Satsanga
and smilingly disclosed that he had seen with his own eyes
that Shri Paramhansa Dayal Ji was none other than Par-Bramha
and that He had reincarnated only to uplift the people in
the Kali-Yuga. On hearing the details of the dream the
doubts of the devotees were dispelled and they began to sing
the praises of Shri Paramhansa Dayal Ji with ever more
greater faith and affection. Then all the Satsangis prayed
to Shri Paramhansa Dayal Ji that they all be kindly
initiated in the true 'NAM'. Shri Paramhansa Dayal Ji
accordingly obliged them. After giving nectar-like spiritual
discourses there for some days, Shri Paramhansa Dayal Ji
arrived at Agra.
Wherever
the Satsang-Ashramas were established, Shri Paramhansa Dayal
Ji named them 'Krishana Dwaras.' From Agra, He proceeded to
Teri where He stayed for a long time. Teri was very chilly,
but He used to wear only a chola of muslin. Due to extreme
cold, symptoms of paralysis appeared on the right side of
His tender body on 11th February, 1915. Doctors were called
from Bannu, Kohat and other places, but they could do
nothing. He was Himself Par Brahma, the creator of the world
and the boatsman or the protector of all. How could the
paltry cold harm Him, when He had overcome utmost physical
strains in meditations from the very childhood ? Thus, the
disease had appeared on account of His own volition. One day
He told that the people thought that He was ill, but knew
little about its significance. It was a hidden secret, which
they were unable to understand.
In
fact, the hearts of the Great Saints are deeper than the
ocean, higher than the skies, and more forbearing than the
earth. By taking over the sufferings of the worldly people
on themselves, they lead them to the peaceful path of
'Bhakti'. Human intellect is incapable of understanding
these secrets. Before His advent, most of the people of
N.W.F.P. had forsaken the path of 'Bhakti' and were being
scorched in the fire of attachment and greed day and night.
By making the sacred stream of spiritual preachings flow, He
had bestowed peace on the troubled minds. Thus, after
undergoing many difficulties, He had completely changed the
plight of N.W.F.P. He proved the truth of the temperamental
virtues of the Great Saints, as described in a chaupai
(quartrain) of the Ramayana:-
(Hindi
quote)
The
conduct of the saints is beneficent like that of cotton.
Outwardly the cotton appears to be insipid, but its fruit is
full of virtues. The cotton grows in the field, and
undergoes the hardships of summer, winter and rainy seasons.
It transforms itself into cloth after suffering great
hardships of the process in order to cover others' naked
bodies. In the same way the Saints first resort to hard
spiritual practices and then undergo great worldly
sufferings to uplift the masses, being unmindful of their
faults. For this very reason they are worshipped the world
over.
From
Teri Shri Paramhansa Dayal Ji went to Agra on 13th October,
1915 and from there He went to Jaipur where He got an Ashram
built for Satsanga. Jaipur was made the main centre of
Satsanga for whole of Rajasthan. He brought about a
spiritual awakening in the people. Having shown the true
path, He brought the wayward humanity to the righteous path.
After some days, the residents of Teri came to bring Him
again to their town and He went there via Kohat.
While
Shri Paramhansa Dayal Ji was benefiting the people of Teri
by His nectarean preachings and spiritual discourses, His
fame had spread to the surrounding areas as well. One day
Pandit Bhagwan Das, a resident of Nauyab came to Teri to see
Him. Overpowered by the sentiments of devotion and
detachment, he requested with tears in his eyes: "Maharaj !
My redemption appears to be impossible. I have committed
indescribable abominable deeds. I have killed lacs of
animals and birds while hunting. What else I should submit !
Whenever I think of those deeds, I get disappointed." Shri
Paramhansa Dayal Ji consoled him and said, "Now do not worry
about the past; and commit yourself to meditation. You will
be surely redeemed. Look ! Valmiki was a 'Bhil'. What to
speak of animals, he killed lacs of human beings. Instead of
'Ram Ram' he recited 'Mara Mara'. Even then he came to be
known as a saint of such a high order that thousands of
years before the birth of Shri Ram Chandra Ji, he had
composed the Ramayana. Lord Rama's resort, Sita Ji served
him by fetching water for him. And look, You are a Brahmin
by birth. What doubt can there be about your salvation, if
you meditate regularly ? Lord Krishna has enjoined in the
Gita, "When Shudras and Vaishyas can get salvation, what
doubt can there be about your salvation, oh Arjuna, as you
are a Kashtriya ?"
Thus
Shri Paramhansa Dayal Ji advised Pandit Bhagwan Das Ji to do
'Bhajan Abhyasa' (meditation) and gradually everything would
be alright.
Bhagat
Sahib Chand Ji and Bhagat Dhani Ram Ji were two most
faithful devotees of Shri Paramhansa Dayal Ji. He was
extremely happy with Shri Sahib Chand's boundless faith,
affection and staunch devotion. Shri Sahib Chand, by His
grace, composed 'Aarti' and 'Stotra' in those days and
presented them to Him. He read them most carefully and
affectionately. The first couplet of the 'Aarti' read
as:-
"Parmarath
Hit Avtar Jagat Main,
Guru Ji Ne Hai Leena
Ham Jaise Moorkhan Ko Grih Darshan Deena."
Shri
Paramhansa Dayal Ji observed: "You have got the protection
of the perfect Saint Sadguru. Therefore, you are not foolish
(moorakh). You are fortunate. In place of 'Moorkhan',
therefore, you should write:
"Ham
Jaise Bhagyan Ko Grih Darshan Deena."
Thus
the changed text means: "Guru Ji has reincarnated Himself in
this world to redeem others or to arrange for others'
salvation. We are fortunate that He has appeared before us
in our own house."
Shri
Sahib Chand changed the couplet accordingly. Shri Paramhansa
Dayal Ji felt very happy on finding the imports of Bhakti
and uplift of others as well as the salient features of His
own Mat (system) incorporated in the 'Aarti' and 'Stotra.'
He observed: "This Aarti and Stotra will always be honoured
by the Mat." Accordingly these 'Aarti' and 'Stotra' are
being sung daily in the morning and evening in every house,
village, city and Ashrama of the devotees.
Page
78
AARTI
Aarti
is composed of two words: Aa+Rti. 'Aa' means from all sides
and 'Rti' means love. Put together, it means that all should
worship their Deity and sing His praises with full love and
affection. Deep spiritual sentiments are incorporated in
this Aarti and Stotra, which are being reproduced below
along with their meanings so that it may be easy for all the
devotees to understand them:-
(Hindi
quote)
Aum
Jai Shri Jag Taran, Swami Jai Shri Jag Taran
Shubh Mag Ke updeshak, Yam Tras Niwaran. Aum Jai Shri
......
(Hindi
quote)
Parmarath
Hit Avtar Jagat Main Guru Ji Ne Hai Leenah,
Mere Swami Ji Ne Hai Leenah,
Ham Jaise Bhagyan Ko, Grih Darshan Deenah. Aurn Jai
........
(Hindi
quote)
Kali
Kutil Jeev Nistaran Ko, Prabhu Sant Roop Dhar Ke,
Swami Sant Roop Dhar Ke,
Aatam Ko Darshawat, Mal Dhoye Hain Man Ke. Aum
Jai
(Hindi
quote)
Aap
Paap Tre Taap Gaye, Jo Guru Sharni Aaye,
Mere Swami Sharni Aaye,
Guru Ji Se Lal Amolak, Tis Jan Ne Paye. Aum Jai
........
(Hindi
quote)
Sahaj
Samadhi, Anahat Dhooni, Jap Ajpa Batlaye,
Swami Ajpa Batlaye
Pranayam Ki Lahrain, Mere Man Bhaye. Aum Jai
........
(Hindi
quote)
Hari
Krapa Kari Janam Diyo, Jag Maat Pita Duare,
Swami Maat Pita Duare,
Un Se Adhik Guru Ji Hain, Bhavnidhi Se Tare. Aum
Jai........
(Hindi
quote)
Tale
Ki Vastu Gagan Thherave, Guru Ke ShaLda Shar Se,
Swami Guru Ke Shabda Shar Se,
So Sura So Pura, Bal Men Veh Barte. Aum Jai
.........
Etc
...
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