Swamini Vato

The Swamini Vato is a set of quotes and sayings written by Gunatitanand Swami. It is regarded as a highly important scripture in the Swaminarayan denomination of the Hindu religion. It was documented in the mid 19th century, while Gunatitanand Swami was respectively known as the Mahant of Junagadh Mandir for 40 years. [citebook|title=An Introduction to Swaminarayan Hinduism|author=Raymond Brady Williams|publisher= Cambridge University Press|year= 2001|pages=190|id=ISBN 052165422X]

Biography

Aksharmurti Gunatitanand Swami was born in Bhadra, Gujarat, India, in October 17, 1785 (Sharad Punam). Originally named Mulji, as a child, he was engaged in the devotion of god at an early age. He was soon dubbed the name Gunatitanand Swami by Purna Purushottam Swaminarayan Bhagwan.

Inspiration

Soon after becoming Mahant of Junagadh Mandir, Gunatitanand Swami asked Lord Swaminarayan a simple question;"Of these four things, which is greatest; The service of others (seva), Deattachment from body (acting as atma), meditating, or speaking of the supremacy of God (katha)?"Maharaj replied, stating that speaking of the supremacy of God was the greatest doing. It was after this answer that Gunatitanand Swami began constantly speaking of the glory of God. These talks soon become the Swamini Vato.

Philosophy

Through the talks of the Swamini Vato, Gunatitanand Swami was able to capture advice for every aspect of life and beyond. His talks ranged from the glory of God, and how to gain spiritual knowledge, to even how to attain peace and happiness. He even encompasses the value of human life itself.

Quotes

Peace"Wilful practice of worship and devotional songs will not yield peace at heart. Peace comes from doing God's and His sadhu's will. Peace lies in singing the glories of God and His sadhu in human form. Vyasji practised austere penances, composed many scriptures and still remained a stranger to peace. Then, at Sage Narad's suggestion, he composed the famous Shrimad Bhagwatam. There he sang of the excellencies of God and His sadhus, and that brought him the highest peace.We have the comforting company of God and His sadhu but we haven't recognised them fully. This causes a binding attachment to the pleasures of the senses and wilfulness leading to disobedience and ignorance. This triad does not allow us to experience peace.There are two ways in which we can ensure peace within so that fires of turmoil do not rage in the heart: first, we should worship God; second, we should believe Him to be the all-doer. With this faith, we must accept whatever comes, happiness or misery, for God is never inimical to His own servant; whatever He does will promote nothing but happiness.An antidote for the troubled mind is to know the inescapable, relentless and destructive rush of Time; to ponder on the misery attending the twin events of birth and death; to dwell on the glory and greatness of God; to realise that, excepting God, none can help us and that the soul is separate from the three bodies - sthula, sukshma and karana.What should be done when chaos within assails one? Chant the name of God, "Swaminarayan, Swaminarayan." This will drive away the chaos."

Meditaion"While telling the beads of a rosary with profound concentration one attains a state of blissful meditation. Otherwise, the mind wanders in worldly pleasures.God is the all-knower. And one should be singularly devoted to Him.Devotion towards the manifest form of God - the sadhu before you - leads one unto the Supreme.A spiritual aspirant is aware that 'I am a devotee of God; I must always keep the association of a genuine sadhu, but the coveted state of constant communion with God is the ultimate achievement'."

Compilation

As Gunatitanand Swami gave these inspiring lectures, faithful devotees where there day and night to take notes on his talks. These devotees consisted of Swami Jaga Bhakta, Thakkar Naran Pradhan, Harishankarbhai Raval, Sadguru Balmukunddas Swami, Sadashankar Amarji and many others. The notes were later studied by Achintyanand Brahmachari, after being asked by Gunatitanand Swami to continue giving discourses on these topics. At this point, the Swamini Vato was officially dubbed a scripture.

First Publishing

The Swamini Vato were first published by Balmukund Swami. This first edition consisted of five chapters.

Second Publishing

Soon after the first edition, published by Balmukund Swami, a second edition was published by the great devotee Krishnaji Ada.

Third Publishing

Recently, a third edition of the Swamini Vato has been published by the BAPS sanstha, a socio-spiritual organization based on the belief of Gunatitanand Swami as Akshar, God’s divine abode.

References

External links

*http://www.swaminarayan.org/scriptures/swaminivato
*http://www.baps.org/yogijimaharaj/life/13.htm
*http://www.swaminarayan.org/scriptures/swaminivato/gems.htm
*http://www.swaminarayan.org/publications/books/images/swaminivato.gif