Swamiji said …
” This world, ‘जगत’, is much like a mysterious forest through which we must traverse carefully, avoiding the lurking dangers and pitfalls, to reach the Supreme One, ‘जगदीश’, finally. The ‘jagat” is God’s unique, beautiful creation and we cannot travel through it with our eyes closed. We must look at the spectacular sights, appreciate its amazing wonders and enjoy the visions and colours that the world has to show us, Yet, we must be careful not to lose sight of the ultimate goal…to merge with the Creator of this जगत…’Humare ‘जगदीश’ se’. We must remember that we are only travellers in this forest, and that in the process of enjoying the fruits and shade that it offers us during our journey, we must not forget to thank God for providing us with all that He blesses us with during this lifetime.”
” The Preserver of the world, Lord Vishnu भगवान विष्णु, ‘ humare ‘jagdish’ is depicted wearing a golden crown, beautiful jewels and clothes, alongwith His consort, Goddess Lakshmi, next to ‘Him’, while ‘He’ addresses various issues that need to be solved by ‘Him’. ‘He’ is shown as ‘The One’ surrounded by wealth and opulence.This depiction might contradict the common belief associated with ‘spirituality’, as is known to us, where wealth is often viewed as a source of ‘sin’; a dangerous distraction for those on the path of enlightenment.”
” Yet, Lord Vishnu is ‘One’ of the three Supreme deities; ‘He’ being the one who maintains the world – जो दुनिया का
संचालन करते हैं। He is responsible for ensuring that ‘adharma’ does not raise its vicious, ugly head anywhere in the world. So, why is ‘He’ then depicted in riches, surrounded by comfort and abundance, enjoying the world around him? The underlying message must be understood clearly.”
” Lord Vishnu might be surrounded by the glitter of gold, but he has no affinity or attachment for it. In his ‘राम अवतार’ ‘He’ renounces the world ; its material comforts and pleasures, without any hesitation; without turning back to see the ‘objects’ of attachment that were being left behind by ‘ Him’ when ‘He’ leaves the palace, to lead a life in exile for fourteen years! ‘Swayam ‘Jagdish ji’, ‘ Mahadev’ ki aradhana karte hain, manushya yoni mein, ‘jagat’ mein rehte huey !’ On his return from Lanka, while His attire changes on being crowned the King, His attitude does not change. Thus, he does not let worldly pleasures have any sway or hold over him. He ‘appears’ to enjoy them when they are available, but does not crave for them in their absence.”
“Similar must be the case with us. ‘Jis tarah se ‘jagat’ mein rehte huey, ‘Ram avatar’ rup mein Vishnu ji, apne ‘jagdish’ ko nahi bhuley, usi tarah hummey bhi jagat mein rehte huey, apne ‘jagdish’ mein leen rehna hai.’ A busy, prosperous life should in no way bring about any change in the emotions, feelings and connection that we should nurture for our Creator – ‘ Humare paalan haare, humare ‘Jagdish ji ‘ ke liye !” And, it is here that we need to pause , and , honestly ask ourselves – ‘Have we succeeded in maintaining a balance, as we have evolved with time, between ‘ Jagdish ‘ and ‘Jagat’ ?’ Very often, most of us being house holders, involved as we are in attending to our worldly tasks, find ourselves bending backwards to find the few minutes needed to bow our head in gratitude, to praise Him, to thank Him for every little blessing that comes our way. Does the inexplicable attraction for the ‘jagat’ tilt the balance more towards it, thereby, increasing the distance between ‘Jagdish’ and us ? Aren’t we being unfair to ‘Him’ by forgetting ‘Him’ and immersing ourselves completely in worldly affairs? Isn’t such an uncaring attitude unbecoming of us? “
“A spiritual guide, a ‘Guru’ makes us understand that there is nothing wrong in doing well in life and progressing in a fair and honest manner. But, He will undoubtedly warn us on seeing us heading towards an abyss, filled with lust and desire, on a never-ending quest for wealth. Using unfair means to lay our hands on ill- gotten wealth, neglecting one’s duties towards his family, conniving against others to gain wealth will without any doubt be frowned upon and checked by Him ! If ‘His’ blessings can enable His devotees to create a name for themselves and leave an indelible mark ‘jagat’ mein’ by excelling in their chosen field, He has the right to check them on seeing them enjoy their worldly success and pleasures unabashedly, but, fail to thank God in helping them attain that level. He consciously draws their attention towards God by saying…’ Hummey ‘jagdish’ ko hamesha yaad karna chahiye !”
” At the same time, a self realised ‘guru’, will dutifully acquaint His devotees with His enlightening words…’Jagdish’ ki rah mein ‘jagat’ ki keemat kuch nahi hai ! Jab hum ‘jagdish’ ki rah par chalte hain toh, ‘jagat’ apne aap humare peeche aataa hai!’ “
Dedicated to Swamiji Ajay Jain ji 