In the time of a crippling famine, a destitute devotee of Bhagwan Swaminarayan named Sagram Vaghri kicked dust upon a silver anklet he saw in the dessert. When his wife saw his action, she claimed Sagram need not fear that she would be tempted to steal the anklet and exclaimed: “Why did you cover dust with dust? I see another’s possession as dust!”
Such was the height of integrity which Bhagwan Swaminarayan inspired in his devotees.
This quality is depicted through painting on a popaddum.
After a youth convention in New York, the youth gathered around Swamishri to take a foto. Some sadhus thought it would be nice if Swamishri wore chakhdis (wooden sandals) for the photo. On hearing the request, Swamishri said, “But I do not wear chakhdis everyday! Why should I show off and deceive when I do not wear it every day!”
Such was the integrity of Swamishri.
This quality is depicted using a sweet made of sesame seed and sugar.
In 2002, Swamishri was handed the very copy of the Swaminarayan Bal Prakash, a childrens monthly publication. Swamishri was asked to write the place where he was from so that his copies could be delivered to him, and Swamishri wrote “Akshardham”.
The Atma is independent, immeasurable, imperishable, and eternal. The Bhagvad Gita describes the characteristics of the atma in the following shlokhs:
Only the material body is perishable; the embodied soul within is indestructible, immeasurable, and eternal. (2.18)
For truly, the soul neither kills nor can it be killed. (2.19)
The soul is neither born, nor does it ever die; nor having once existed, does it ever cease to be. The soul is without birth, eternal, immortal, and ageless. It is not destroyed when the body is destroyed. (2.20)
Weapons cannot shred the soul, nor can fire burn it. Water cannot wet it, nor can the wind dry it. (2.23)
Chhotabhai had great affection for Shantilal (Swamishri’s childhood name). One day, Chhotabhai arranged a feast for all the children. The young Shantilal politely but firmly refused to eat the meal stating that he was observing the fast of Ekadashi. Chhotabhai tried to persuade him to partake in the feast, but Shantilal did not flinch. Due to everyone’s insistence, tears welled up in Shantilal’s eyes. Those tears deeply touched Chhotabhai. He arranged for foods conducive to the fast, for Shantilal.