“In the joy of others lies our own, In the progress of others rests our own, In the good of others abides our own, know this to be the key to peace and happiness”
~ Pramukh Swami
“Eating a dry millet bread earned honestly brings peace, instead of earning abundantly through dishonest means.”
~ Pramukh Swami
“Without character and morality as the first step, no one can attain God.”
~ Pramukh Swami
During his tour of a village called Marwar, Muktanand Swami (one of Swaminarayan Bhagwan’s foremost sadhus) met a brahmin who offered food to make food for the group of sadhus. Having not eaten for 3 days, Muktanand Swami accepted the gracious offer. When they received the food, the sadhu’s sensed the slightest scent of ghee. The sadhus were dejected as they were not allowed to eat food with any taste in it. Muktanand Swami realised that the sadhus were close to starving and so requested that all of the sadhus eat the food and that he would bear any consequence for them having broken their vow. Swaminarayan Bhagwan praised Muktanand Swami’s decision as he had saved the lives of the sadhus despite it being at his own expense.
Swamishri left for Makrana by train on 11 August 1965. Swamishris stay in Makrana was filled with many difficulties such as insufficient medical facilities, meagre accommodation and bland food. During his stay in Makrana, Pragat Bhagat, who was also accompanying Swamishri, fell ill. Pragat Bharat was young and broke into tears. The sevaks lost hope completely. Swamishri pressed a soaked cloth on Pragat Bhagat’s head and consoled Pragat Bhagat. Swamishri then began reminiscing about the past and the hardships Shastriji Maharaj faced. The sevak felt at ease upon hearing Swamishri’s soothing words. By evening, he was completely healthy.