On 4 February 1977, Pramukh Swami Maharaj was at the home of Shri Ghanshyambhai in Bangalore. During the evening assembly, there were many newcomers unfamiliar with Hindu Dharma. The following are some of the questions they asked.

Q: Who founded the Hindu Dharma?

PSM: Bhagwan. It is also known as Sanatan Dharma. It has no beginning or end.

Q: Other religions publicize more. Why is Hindu Dharma not promoted as much?

PSM: Hindu Dharma advocates restraint. It has a greater emphasis of underlying principles.

Q: What is the difference between karma and dharma? Which should be prioritized?

PSM: If dharma is observed, good karmas are performed, karmas based on dharma take one towards God.

Q: In today’s age, should you not relax the sadhus’ rules of celibacy?

PSM:  The core disciplines and principles must be preserved. If they are changed, no meaning remains to sadhu life.

Swamishri’s clear, confident and concise answers pleased the newcomers.

On 14 June 1977, yuvaks in London engaged in a question-answer session with Swamishri.

Q: In this materialistic country, by what means can we please God?

PSM: By observing their commands, God and his Sadhu are pleased.

Q: The Shikshapatri states that the jiva resides in the heart. So, if a heart transplant is performed, does the jiva change?

PSM: Each jiva is eternal. It cannot be cut or destroyed. There is no change in the jiva (i.e. it is not transferred).

Q: Each action is attributed to Shriji Maharaj’s wish. It is said for good actions, but what about in bad actions?

PSM: One does not think of consuming poison. Do you think of sitting near scorpions and snakes? No. So, God has given everyone a brain to think about the good and bad.

We have desires and so do wrong things. However, God does not wish that you do wrong things. Before you do wrong things, your inner voice will warn you, ‘This is not right.’ Your mind says ‘yes’, but your jiva says ‘no’.

Q: What is the straightforward path to worshipping God?

PSM: To obey God’s commands and offer worship is the straightforward path. Disobeying leads to miseries.

Q: Do the cycles of birth and death and Akshardham exist?

PSM: Have faith in the shastras. We have not seen those who have gone to the moon. Yet, because the scientists say so, we believe it. Similarly, the Gita, Bhagvat, Vachanamrut and other shastras are true. They do not contain untruths. Akshardham had been described by those who have seen it. If you keep trust and faith in them, you will also experience it.

Q: What is meant by ‘Akshardham while alive’?

PSM: Even now we are seated in Akshardham. Yogi Bapa was such a personality that in his presence, one becomes oblivious of the world. That is the bliss of Akshardham.

On 27 September 1977, Pramukh Swami Maharaj visited Stilwell Hall, Cleveland State University, Ohio, to attend the start of the new term for the religious studies students.

Q: What is the best path to liberation?

PSM: To associate with the manifest God and his Sadhu who are on earth.

Q: What is your opinion on Western spiritual leaders?

PSM: I respect everyone who practises the path of dharma and good conduct.

Q: Can women become pious and immersed in dharma?

PSM: Yes, they can.

Q: What is your mantra?

PSM: Swaminarayan.

Q: What does it mean?

PSM: To remember the ideal Gunatit devotee and God. It is our upasana (philosophical basis).