Ahmedabad, 21 August 1976. A question-answer session was held with Swamishri during the yuvak assembly.
Q. How can youths decrease their worldly desires?
Swamishri: If one has true affection for the Satpurush then one will not do what displeases him. In that way, desires will decrease.
Q. For just a one-day celebration, why spend lakhs of rupees for accommodation?
Swamishri: In one day, the atma can find peace. In one day, one’s life work can be realized. The spiritual benefits are immense. If the arrangements are good, people appreciate it and progress spiritually. It is to encourage people to tread on the spiritual path.
Q. From ill-gotten wealth, if one donates to God, is it purified?
Swamishri: One should not have such an attitude. If one has made a mistake, atone for it. But to do it purposefully is not right.
Q. Purushottam Narayan is supreme, so why does he make us observe fasts and austerities?
Swamishri: We do not like to live in a dirty home, similarly if our antahkaran is not pure, then joy is not experienced. So, to purify us and make God the prime focus of our life, Maharaj specifies fasts and austerities. If you want to go abroad, you need a valid passport. Similarly, if one’s antahkaran is pure, then one attains God’s abode.
Q. Gunatitanand Swami sat Bhagatji Maharaj in dhyan for nine days and he became God-realized. Why is this not done by the succeeding gurus?
Swamishri: The Satpurush does not act as we may think. Shastriji Maharaj engaged people in construction and manual work and guided them to the brahmic state. When the manifest (pragat) Satpurush is kept at the forefront one has attained the elevated spiritual state.
Q. When someone lapses in observing the five vartmans, what can we do to avoid taking abhav-avgun? Do satsangis have a responsibility in that?
Swamishri: Do not harass one who lapses in observing the five vartmans. If one has a rapport with them then one can tell them, otherwise do not keep their company. Do not spread any talks about their misdeeds. Bhagwan will give them the appropriate fruits of their actions. We are not responsible for them. Everybody is liable to make mistakes.
We are here [in satsang] to become pure. If you focus on this, there will be no problems.
Q. In the Vachanamrut it is said that a gangrenous body part should be amputated. What does this mean?
Swamishri: This work should be handed over to the Satpurush. A doctor does his work. He operates, gives medicine and makes others well. Similarly, the Satpurush does what he has to; it is not our role. It is beyond our jurisdiction. It is the duty of devotees to do in a way that reflects positively on the Satpurush.
Q. Before Shriji Maharaj’s manifestation was atyantik kalyan (ultimate liberation) possible?
Swamishri: Not in this brahmand. But it was in the other brahmands.
Q. What is your most memorable occasion with Shastriji Maharaj?
Swamishri: All occasions with Bhagwan and his Sant are joyous. (Then Swamishri laughed and revealed.) The most memorable occasion is when he made me a sadhu.