| They should follow the Shikshapatri vigilantly and never
idly or sluggishly. Sanatsujat explains:
Pramadam Yai Mrutyumaham Bravimitathapramadamrutvam
Bravimi |
Pramadadvo Hrasuraha Parabhavanpramadadvai Brahman Bhutahi
Devahaha ||
‘I declare that neglect or disregard (Pramad)
is a means to death (Mrutyumaham). Consequently vigilance or high
regard (Apramad) is a means to immortality (Amrutvam). From
Pramad, a demon (Asura) derives his wicked or evil nature (Parabhav)
and from Apramad, Devas (gods) derive their godlike nature (Brahmanbhav).’
Therefore, man through Pramad becomes an Asura with evil qualities and through
Apramad becomes a Deva with godly qualities.
Lord
Farnindeya has said, ‘Those who adopt faith and devotion towards
me are enveloped with the supreme knowledge and are thus propelled towards
spirituality and salvation.’ Shatanand adds, Mahasukhapraptutsahena
- enthusiasm and unshaken chivalry reward a person with great happiness.
Therefore we must all, with dedication consider and obey the laws of conduct
in this Shikshapatri.
This Shloka concludes the introduction to the Shikshapatri.
In this final Shloka, He asks that all his disciples love and cherish the
Shikshapatri and to follow the commandments with great regard. We should
all follow the Shikshapatri with the intention of pleasing the Lord and do
so because we genuinely want to. All too often, this sort of mentality is
not adopted. They may do such things as they feel obliged to do so - it is
considered ‘the norm’ or it is expected off them. We are often brought
up to do certain things and to even think a certain way by parents. Although
I do not disagree with this philosophy, I do feel that certain changes need
to be made. We are almost programmed to act a certain way that may not be
voluntary which I believe to be due to a lack of knowledge. If proper knowledge
was given and absorbed, then I think all of us would become better Satsangis.
This knowledge will awaken love for God that is almost
certainly deficient in our newer generations. Love for God and love of performing
actions (Pooja, Seva etc.) as sanctioned by our Rishis will derive spiritual
pleasure and the grace of the Almighty. Love is very strong and assuredly
it will strengthen our devotion and invigorate our duty to the Sampradai.
This should inevitably consolidate our adherence to the commandments of the
Shikshapatri.
Finally, we must never violate any of the commandments
of the Shikshapatri. This I feel is of importance. We must do our very best
to uphold every single commandment. Many people pick and choose out of the
Shikshapatri (as if it’s some sort of Pic ‘n’ Mix), commandments which they
feel are necessary for them. Well, I’m afraid all are necessary!
This Shikshapatri is the very incarnation of Lord Swaminarayan.
To violate or disregard any one Shloka is to disregard Lord Swaminarayan himself.
We must not walk such a path of disrespect and dishonor.
Now Lord Swaminarayan begins the main body of the Shikshapatri.
The first part of which is directed to all Satsangis of all classes and castes.
He begins Samanya (ordinary) Dharma duties by
first and foremost glorifying the great Dharma of Ahimsa (non-violence) |
