10. The Birth of Shri Swaminarayan Divine Mission

If medium is the message, Shri Swaminarayan Divine Mission is the abode of divine bliss, from which clear stream of Muktaraj's eternal love continues to flow towards all those who want to quench their spiritual thirst. His mission is his message.

In January, 1967, Muktaraj shifted his home from Taliyani Pole, Saraspur to Sarvamangal Society. In this housing colony, houses were being alloted by what we call ''lucky draw''. Our Muktaraj was allotted House No. 1 by the system of 'draw'. And one may interprete this ordinary incident, involving an element of 'chance' as divine decree ! The day since he occupied this new house in 'Sarvamangal' society, his thoughts turned to launching of an activity which he fondly called ''Sarvajivahitavaha' or ''Omni - Benificial'' and all-inclusive spiritual organisation. His idea took the concrete shape in the form of Shri Swaminarayan Divine Mission, Ahmedabad.

Soon after his voluntary retirement from teaching in 1977, instead of resting, he dicided to expand his school-room to tear the darkness of ignorance and illumine the minds of people with light divine. Zealous, beneficent, loving but firm, Pujya Shri Narayanbhai decided to upraise the masses and chart the course of their life to lead them on to the way of God. He wanted to continue his work as a teacher with a desire to sublimate the souls of all those who wanted to join his spiritual school. Without making dreams his master or indulging in the luxury of great thoughts, he went to Swminarayan temple, Kalupur to seek divine guidance. As soon as he entered 'Rangamahol', Maharaj appeared before him and blessed him. The Lord Himself suggested the name of the institution. Maharaj, using His divine script wrote down 'Shri Swaminarayan Divine Misssion' and sanctified it with his 'seal' and 'singature'.

With this divine assent and heart overflowing with joy, Muktaraj founded the 'Divine Mission' on the auspicious day of 'Vijayadashmi' October 8, 1981. Muktaraj was the first donor. A man who had decided to donate his entire life chose to donate money to inspire others to make others follow him, no matter how much one offered. His action prompted others and soon people came forward to donate without his asking. He had simply pointed to the path of duty. Each and every donor, the donor of cash, the donor of love, the donor of time, the donor of work and labour donors from every walk of life, the humble and the poor, the illiterate and the highly educated professionals, the rich and the leaders in different fields were all attracted by the humanitarian and spiritual activities of the mission. They were all received by this Master, the living manifestation of the divine spirit of Maharaj with love and all of them realized endless joy under his guidance. His mission became their mission and they turned it into 'Omni wish-fulfiller' and 'Omni-benificial' spiritual home under the guidance of Muktaraj. It may be discribed as 'Sadavrata' an institution committed to the spiritual welfare of society.

Aims and Objectives

While founding the 'Mission', Muktaraj had prepared a master-plan containing lofty goals and ideal aims that whould direct and govern its activities. He had taken care of every detail and envisaged every problem that could- hamper the smooth functioning of the Mission. With total dedication to the cause of the spiritual development of the society in the light of Lord Shri Swaminarayan's teaching, he swung into action. Character building, attainment spiritual goals, communion with God and ultimate salvation through selfless service of mankind were the objectives to be achieved by the Mission.

Aims

With a view to translating the omni-beneficient teaching of Lord Shri Swaminarayan into action for the spiritual and material welfare of mankind :

a] We try to provide financial assistance to the needy without any bias to one's caste or creed. We will be guided by our ideal of 'Seva-Sadavrata' in all our activities.

b] To establish, manage and run health-centres and hospitals and provide financial aid to institutions and organizations taking care of health and hygiene.

c] To construct, maintain and manage temple, monuments and spiritual centres commemorating great spiritual leaders to spread the message of universal peace, love and brotherhood leading to religious harmony.

d] To encourage and support creative activities aimed at educating people through art and literature.

e] To establish and run libraries, research centres and museums and assist individuals and institutions involved in such spiritual-cultural activities.

f] To strive to achieve harmony and amity in our society by publishing books on culture and philosophy that will make man perfect and lead him to spiritual heights.

Likewise :

1] To undertake and organize activities aimed at strengthening the moral fibre of the society and improve the standard of living.

2] To launch programmes aimed at spreading the spirit of universal brotherhood, amity and peace. To strive to remove discord and prejudices because heaven is harmony.

3] To organize conferences to bring all religious and warring groups on a common platform and help them establish a true religion of man aimed at spiritual and social welfare of mankind through the language of love and noble deeds.

The Mission through constructive programmes and spiritual activities aims at total development of human society to enable it to be worthy of receiving divine bliss through communion with God.

Activities

Let us have a glimpse of the multifarious munificent activities launched by the Mission with the blessings of Muktaraj, whose divine spirit continues to guide us.

Spiritual Activities : Gnan-Dhyan-Upasana Kendra : 'Spiritual Centre.' Devotees regularly meet at this centre and perform meditation, arti-dhun, sing devotional songs, arrange spiritual discourses and reaffirm their faith in God and His brahmanised Anadimuktas. Muktaraj used to address a special congregation on the last sunday of every month. This enabled the devotees to come together and exchange their views and get spiritual guidance from one another. Muktaraj always encouraged youngsters and children to bring out their latent skills and develop their aptitudes. The meeting always concluded with an inspiring discourse by Muktaraj, himself, who intuitively grasped the questions that arose in the minds of the devotees and answered them before they were actually raised. All problems were automatically resolved, all doubts were cleared and each one returned home richly rewarded with his blessings and words of wisdom. Each one felt elevated, raised to spiritual heights. He would cover almost all aspects of spiritual life and explain in the language of the masses the most complex concepts and tenets of religion which included : dharma (duty), gnan (knowledge and wisdom), Vairagya (renunciation), bhakti (devotion), dhyana (meditation), swarupa (God is ever Manifest or Pragat), chintan (contemplation), upasana (understanding that God is always Sakar = one with form and attributes). He would teach the art of living as revealed in Vachanamrut, Bapashrini Vato and other scriptures. He would touch upon the importance of 'gnana' (knowledge), gambhirya (discernment and seriousness), dharma shuddhi (purity of means and methods), Vahivat Shuddhi (purity of conduct). His style was simple, his thoughts were clear, and his approach was warm and even friendly touching the hearts of the audiences. He offered them elixir and send them home in good spirits. His magnetic personality and his stimulating words kept his listeners glued to their seats. Muktaraj remained the star-attraction of the Sunday meetings- his 'darshan' and his inspirational talks drew people from every corner and every walk of life. The devotees would request him to offer special prayers for their sick or departed ones. Muktaraj too would readily pray for the sick and the departed ones and thus invoke God's power for the recovery and eternal peace and request Shreeji Maharaj to bestow His grace upon the worried and the bereaved families. The entire congregation would join him in his prayers.

The congregation, in accordance with the principles of male-female discipline was divided into two separate groups of devotees. We have two separate rooms with beautiful idols of Maharaj in each room. When women are offering prayers, men will not enter and when men are offering prayers, women will not go to offer their prayers. As the number of devotees increased, Muktaraj got a new and bigger hall constructed. On 27-2-1997, he invited the elderly saint Sadguru Shri Harjivandasji of Saraspur temple and they jointly installed beautiful images of God for men and women. Muktaraj conducted the installation ceremony, performed arti and blessed the congregation saying: ''Those who will offer prayer, sing devotional songs and attend religious discourses here will receive eternal happiness, peace and prosperity, serenity and salvation. Sincere prayers offerred to these images will be answered and Maharaj will fulfill all your dreams and aspirations.'' The congregation bathed in the spiritual showers that came in the form of the Muktaraj's life-giving words. The prayer hall has portraits of Bapashri and other contemporary saints to inspire the devotees By worshipping greatness passing by, we ourselves become great. Muktaraj extended the activities of the Mission by guiding groups of devotees at Chhatri sthan Baladiya, Saraspur, Punsari, Zundal, Jarvala, Rampura, Manipura, Halvad, Dhrangadhra, Karannagar and other places where all religious festivals, Samaiyas, Brahma Yagnas and other activities are being organised with diligence and devotion.

Sadavrat : Free Mission : The Sadavrat or Free-Mission aims at helping the needy without any bias of caste, class, race or religion. It is guided by the principle of altruism, the well-being and happiness of others. Under this scheme we at the mission are offering tuition fees, texts books, writing material to students who cannot afford them. Financial aid, food, clothes, medicine etc are also being provided to the weaker sections of the society. We are receiving generous donations and aid from the devotees who want to bring hope and cheer in the lives of their less fortunate brothers and sisters. There are instances of the recepients of the aid becoming donors when they earned enough to support others. The charity they received was not just charity but God's favour in disguise because no human effort without God's grace can turn a pauper into a prince. Again only God's grace can turn a receiver into a donor. This shows how faith in God can bring chances and changes. Our charity is extended to other similar institutions and organizations wedded to the cause of the poor and the needy. We offer aid to orphanages, schools for the disabled and old battered temples in need of renovation. The flow of donations and aid is getting wider and fuller by the blessings and foresight and planning of Muktaraj. We may describe this wing of the mission a 'wish-fulfilling' tree.

Publications : A teacher at heart, Muktaraj always emphasised the importance of good books in the character building and an easy means to realize God. With a view to teaching people the grammar of right living and how to attain communion with God, he undertook the responsibility of publishing great and good books. So far the Mission has published 35 important inspirational books and this one will be the 36th. Our publication : Life of Abjibapashri has received 'Award for Excellence in Publication from the Federation of Indian Publishers. This speaks volumes for the quality of our publication team. Our other publications have been received well by readers. The logo showing the holy feet of Lord Shri Swaminarayan, its interpretation, 'Dedication to Bapashri' and 'We Believe' are Muktaraj's own creations.

(1) Logo or Symbol :

Every work published by Shri Swaminarayan Divine Mission carries the symbol depicting the lotus feet of Supreme Lord Shri Swaminarayan. The image of the feet shows Sixteen luminous signs which stand for different attributes and attitudes of our Lord. One who simply thinks of this symbol is automatically inspired to imbibe the redeeming qualities of God.

(2) Dedication :

Every published work is dedicated to Anadimuktaraj Shri Abjibapashri. This is being done as an act of gratitude to the preceptor of preceptors for explaning to us the mystery of God's manifest form and teaching us how to worship Him with irrevocable knowledge of God in human form. These publications are tokens of our love and sense of gratitude offered to a brahmanised saint, a divine teacher who helped us foster genuine love for God. This will keep intact the bond between the spiritual aspirants (Sadhak) and the preceptor and keep the flame of love and devotion for ever burning in our hearts. Dedication is an offering of our devotaion which by Bapashri's divine grace will continue to grow stronger with the passage of time.

(3) Sampadkiya Vishesh : (We Believe)

This Preface helps the reader understand the chief objective to be achieved by publishing this inspirational series of books.

Every book, published by the mission carries a beautiful picture of Supreme Lord Shri Bhagwan Swaminarayan to remind the reader that no work should be begun without invoking the blessing of our God. It is His power alone then can help us accomplish our desired goal. You will also find a picture of ever inspiring Bapashri, the spiritual heir of Maharaj.

Some drops of Essence

To encourage and satisfy the curiosity of our readers here are reviews of our publications :

1] Sarvopari Bhagvan Shri Swaminarayan and The World Religion

In response to a suggestion made by Acharya Shri Tejendraprasadji of Narnarayanadev Gadi, Ahmedabad and a committee of scholars and saints, Muktaraj Shri Narayanbhai had written an article, entitled : 'Supreme Lord Shri Swaminarayan and the World Religion' for a special number of the magazine : 'Bhagwan Swaminarayan'. The article contained a brief survey of the life and works of Shreeji Maharaj and a critique of Swaminarayan Dharma as a world religion. Later on Muktaraj expanded this article into a book and published it under the same title. He undertook this project to remove misconceptions about Swaminarayan philosophy and its founder and make people understand and accept rationally the ways of God to secure eternal bliss. through the worship of his manifest form. This short but not small booklet will convince the reader that here is a religion with universal implication and not a narrow sect.

2] Anadimuktaraj Abjibapashri

This booklet offers us a glimpse of Anadi Mahamuktaraj Shri Abjibapashri who possessed all the attributes of Shreeji Maharaj and who dwelt on this earth by the exercise of Maharaj's will to remove ignorance and redeem the souls. This booklet helps us identify the divine qualities of an Anadimukta and understand the spiritual state of Anadimukta.

3] Shri Hari Prarthana (Prayer)

This booklet treasures immortal hymn celebrating the divine attributes and actions of Shreeji Maharaj. It also teaches us how to attain His bliss and establish rapport with God through 'Upasana - prayer and worship with 'dasabhava' - sense of subservience. This was composed by Shreeji Maharaj's contemporary saint His Eminence Anadimukta Sadguru Shri Nityananda Swami.

4] Jana Mangal Namavali

Shreeji's contemporary, His Eminence, Anadimukta Sadguru Shri Shatananda Muni has composed this hymn which enlists 108 names of Maharaj revealing His divine, redemptive attributes. This Jana Mangal Stotra (Hymn) if recited with deep devotion brings peace, prosperity, fame, divine favour and helps the devotee attain salvation. It can work miracles. This miraculous work has been translated into Gujarati to enable the devotees who have no knowledge of Sanskrit. No body should be excluded from its recitaion.

5] Shikshapatri

Lord Swaminarayan Himself composed 'Shikshapatri' containing the code of conduct and moral and religious duties for His disciples and devotees. This booklet also contains a Gujarati translation of 'Shri Harikrishna Mahimashtak' (Eight Devotional verses) composed by Shreeji's contemporary saint, Param Yogivarya Anadimukta Sadguru Shri Gopalananda Swami. This book includes Jana Mangal Namavali, modes and methods of performing different Manasi Pooja [meditation] and description of the Lord's attributes.

6] Anadimuktaraj Sadguru Shri Gopalanand Swami-ni-Vato

 (Tales of wisdom)

Anadi Mahamuktaraj Sadguru Shri Gopalananda Swami's brief life-sketch and the moral tales packed with wit and wisdom leading the seekers on to the spiritual path are an important aid to the realization of God. This book presents the tales with necessary annotations and explanations and classification according to themes and subjects.

7] Divya Gnanamrut

This is a collection of inspirational thoughts and utterances of Anadi Mahamuktaraj Shri Abjibapashri. It also contains his views on the life of Shreeji Maharaj and His Muktas re-affirming their divinity and their spiritual glory. One can easily master the art of establishing unbroken rapport with the luminous form of God.

8] Life of Anadimuktaraj Param Pujya Shri Somchandbhai Jivrajbhai Mehta - Preaching Through Letters

Known as ''Walking Brahma Yagna'' in the Satsang fellowship, the dearest disciple of Anadimukta Bapashri and a recepient of Shreeji Maharaj's choicest blessings, Anadimukta, Param Pujya Somchandbhai was a 'Karma Yogi'. His life and his sayings were as important and inspiring as those of other God-realized Saints. This book is a colletion of his gems of spiritual wisdom and letters providing spiritual guidance to devotees. This book inspires the readers to act without egoism or desire for reward- the surest means to earn the pleasure and favour of God.

9] Olkhya Ena Ahobhagya - Vatsalyamurti Sadguruo

Compassionate Preceptors : Blessed are they who know them.

Justifying the title : Blessed are they who know them, this book contains the lives of Sadguru Shri Ishvarcharandasji and Sadguru Shri Vrundavandasji; the two great seers who were dearest to Bapashri and spiritually nearest to the heart of Shreeji Maharaj. Their lives have special significance these days when there is darkness all around. They reveal the qualities of love and devotion and teach us to master the art of living a meaningful spiritual life.

10] Tales of wisdom by Gnanacharya Anadimukta Sadguruvarya Shri Vrundavandasji

Here is an inspiring collection of the most memorable tales narrated by Sadguru Swami Shri Vrundavandasji. The book contains immense store of his tips that will make one's spiritual journey easier and attainment of communion with God faster and surer.

11] Kirtan Madhuri

Shreeji Maharaj's contemporary 'Nand-Sant' poets have made our lives richer by offering us immortal devotional songs. They were music-makers in the real sense of the term. These songs carry the vision of God in His Manifest form. Here poerty is combined with spiritual passion. One can sing them all the way to Eternal Brahman- Lord Shri Swaminarayan. Bhakti is said to be the easiest way to God. This book will satisfy the seekers as well as the lovers of pure poetry. The book contains the occasion of the poem as well as its interpretation.

12] The Unforgettable Tales of Anadimuktaraj Sadguru Shri Tadrupanand Swami

This book is a rare collection of tales told by Swami Shri Tadrupanandji who was a disciple of Shreeji Maharaj's contemporary poet-saint Brahmanand Swami. It covers the period when our Lord Shri Swaminarayan visited Muli and its surrouding area. The incidents depicting the redemptive actions and attributes of Shreeji Maharaj and His preaching will inspire the reader to contemplate deeply and arouse in him desires for divine visions of God. This will enkindle 'prembhakti' in the heart of the reader and make him worship God with knowledge of His glory.

13] Letters of Param Pujya Shri Somchandbhai

We have already refered to volume No. 8 which contains the sermons delivered by Anadimukta Param Pujya Somchandbhai. In response to the request made by some devotees we have brought out a seperate book which carries letters from Somchandbhai to his disciples. These letters contain philosophy in the most intimate and simple language.

14] 'Kirtanavali' composed by Shri Ayodhyaprasadji Maharaj :

Shreeji Maharaj's heir and head of the Narnarayan Gadi, Ahmedabad, Param Pujya Dharma Dhurandhar Shri Ayodhyaprasadji's life and devotional songs written by him are unique and inimitable. His songs dripping with love divine can even today drench the dovotees with devotional rain. Mere reading of this book can arouse love for God in the hearts of the devotees.

15] Shikshapatri Rahasyasar Part-I

Sadguru Muniswami has written a lucid and simple commentary on certain select verses from Shikshapatri. This spiritual guide should be a part of our 'nitya patha-pooja'. It's a rare divine gift to us from one of our learned preceptors.

16] Vachanamrutam

'Vachanamrutam' as the title suggests is the nectar of discourses coming directly from the holy lips of Supreme Lord Shri Swaminarayan. It is in the form of answers to the questions raised by saints and devotees in divine assemblies addressed by Maharaj at different places. It is a unique volume explaining the doctrine of Swaminarayan philosophy. Those Muktas who had personally received His divine grace call it ''Sarvopari Vedashastra''- the exhaustive and complete book of spiritual knowledge. Anadi Mahamuktaraj Shri Abjibapashri has written a commentary on this scripture. It is called 'Rahasyartha Pradipika'. Bapashri has simplified the deep spiritual concepts for the benefit of common men in this volume. It is an expositon of the most intricate topic like 'atmatatva, paramatmatatva, various chaitanya states, difference between 'sakar' and 'nirakar' as well as 'Saguna' and 'nirguna' modes of worship. Although it deals with metaphysics, religion and ethics, the clarity and simplicity of style makes it a gospel and its essential message reaches directly to the heart of the reader. This timeless spiritual guide can take place of the preceptor. For the convenience of the readers, we have published it in two attractive volumes.

17] Vachanamrutam Dhyanadi Adhyayan

This is a reader's guide to Vachanamrutam written by Anadi Muktaraj Sadguru Shri Muniswami Shri Keshavpriyadasji. It contains the divine vision and views of Shreeji and sections from Bapashri-ni-Vato.

18] Avatar - Avtari Bheda Nirupan

Here is a scholarly work by Sadguru Shri Muniswami Shri Keshavpriyadasji explaining the subtle distinction between Avtar and Avtari - Incarnation and the Godhead of Incarnations. The knowledge of this essential distiction between the two i. e. the cause and effect will enable the devotees to worship God with proper understanding 'Upasana' and 'Nishchay' - firm faith in God.

19] 'Adhyatma gnana' by Anadimukta Shri Abjibapashri

Anadi Muktaraj Param Pujya Shri Somchandbhai has compiled and summarised Shri Abjibapashri's views on the essence of Shreeji Maharaj's nature as the manifest God. All discerning devotees shall realize how one drop ink can contain an ocean of spiritual thoughts.

20] Shikshapatri Rahasyartha

This great work in two parts, written by Sadguru Shri Purani Shri Keshavpriyadasji Swami is a learned commentary on Shreeji Maharaj's Shikshapatri -a book of precepts which prescribe the duties and virtues. It makes explicit what is implicit in the text. This book will enable the reader to lead a moral life in accordance with precepts of the religion.

21] Life of Anadi Mahamuktaraj Shri Abjibapashri

This spiritual biography written by Anadi Muktaraj Param Pujya Shri Somchandbhai will help people recognise the divine attributes of Shri Abjibapashri who had manifested himself on earth by the exercise of Shreeji's will. It will help the seekers understand the divinity present in the spiritual state of Anadimukta. Like Maharaj, His spiritual successors or the Anadimuktas maintain divine menifestation for the benefit of the believers. This work has received the Best Publication Award. For the convenience of the readers it has been printed in two handy volumes.

22] Samagra Jivan-no-Yoga (Yoga for Entire Life)

Here is a work that helps us achieve 'Union with God'. It is written by Anadi Muktaraj Param Pujya Shri Narayanbhai. It is a short spiritual guide to reach Parbrahman through the observance of 'Panch Vartamanas' prescribed by Supreme Lord Shri Swaminarayan. Yoga means to unite, and union means to be one with God. This book teaches us the art of attaining unbroken communion with the Murti of Maharaj and experience His eternal bliss. The study of this book is necessary not only to realize God in life but also for the development of the individuals as well as the society. It will soothe the troubled hearts and bring happiness and peace wherever there is pain and discord.

23] Anadi Mahamuktaraj Shri Abjibapashri-nu-Jivanvrutant (Life-sketch of Shri Abjibapashri)

This is a biographical sketch of Shri Abjibapashri who had manifested himself on earth by the exercise of God's will. It has been written by Anadi Muktaraj Param Pujya Shri Muniswami Shri Keshavpriyadasji. It will help the seekers recognise the qualities of Anadimukta and inspire them to withdraw their senses from the external world of appearances and establish unbroken rapport with God.

24] Supreme Lord Shri Swaminarayan and the World Religion

This is an English version of Anadimuktaraj Param Pujya Shri Narayanbhai's book in Gujarati, entitled : 'Bhagvan Shri Swaminarayan and Vishvadharma'.

25] Yoga For Entire Life

Translation in English of Anadimuktaraj Param Pujya Shri Narayanbhai's book in Gujarati: 'Samgra Jivan-no-Yoga'.

26] Let Us Breathe the Fragrance Divine : 'Divya Saurabh Anubhaviye'

A beautiful collection of inspirational gems of Shri Abjibapashri in Gujarati and English. Anadimukta Param Pujya Shri Narayanbhai used his spiritual discrimination in selecting these verbal gems for the benefit of the seekers. The translation is not literal but it conveys effectively the spirit and fragrance of Bapashri's language of heart.

27] Bapashri-ni-Vato-nu-Chintan

Anadimukta Sheth Shri Baldevdas Parikh had written a scholarly Preface to Bapashri-ni-Vato. This Preface can be called a Prologue as it is in the form of an exposition that offers and explains the themes of the discourses. Anadimukta Param Pujya Shri Narayanbhai has taken great pains in editing Shri Baldevdas Parikh's interpretations. The book can be used as a guide to make a way through the maze of conflicting philosophical opinions and theories.

28] Shreeji Sammat Vishishtadvaita Siddhant Sagar

This scholarly work written by Shastri Shri Dharmaswarupdasji explains the philosophy of Lord Swaminarayan. The Lord Himself described it as Vishishtadvaita. It means that only Parabrahman or God is self-existant, the rest exist only in and through God i.e. Shreeji Maharaj. This book will help the reader understand the philosophical position of Swaminarayanism and affirm his faith in God, he worships.

29] Shreeji Prasad

Shri Ramanlal Soni a great man of letters, has used his art of story telling in presenting Lord Swaminarayan's 'Shikshapatri' to the readers. The prescriptive verses have been faithfully related to incidents that take place in our daily life. The moral codes prescribed by our Lord have been given a concrete form of an interesting, convincing story. Anadimuktaraj Param Pujya Shri Narayanbhai has given this work a new shape and added his own experiences to the explanations given by Shri Soni. This is an exciting and inspiring book for young and old.

30] Kutchna Karunamurti Sant Shri Abjibapa

This short but inspiring life-story of Anadi Mahamuktaraj Abjibapashri, written by his beloved disciple Anadimuktaraj Param Pujya Shri Narayanbhai throws light on Bapashri- leading a life of an ascetic householder. The book tells us how a householder while performing his daily chores and conducting worldly affairs can remain in the state of perfect yoga - the highest spiritual state. We can understand how no bounds can bind an Anadimukta. Shri Narayanbhai's personal experience, his lucid style, his short and simple sentences and choice of words make the work not only interesting but authentic.

31] Rasbas Hoi Rahi Rasiya Sang   [A collection of Kirtans and Verses]

This is a collection of devotional songs composed by the Nandsant Poets who were Shreeji Maharaj's contemporaries. Pujya Shri Narayanbhai has selected and edited these songs which will inspire the devotees to understand the sum total of what Lord Swaminarayan stands for and how to establish an unbroken communion with His Divine Form. It will lead to the rise of 'paraprem' and 'parabhakti' in the hearts of the devotees.

32] Nitya Niyam

This book composed by Anadi Muktaraj Param Pujya Shri Narayanbhai can be used as a key to different modes and methods of performing 'pooja'. It will help the devotees to organise their spiritual time-table and develop irrevocable bond of love with the image of Maharaj. Pujya Shri Narayanbhai has arranged chronologically 'arti, manasi pooja and its modes, stutipath, nitya niyam, verses related to 'Svabhavik cheshta, godi-na-pado' etc. The book carries the greatest gift from Shreeji Maharaj - His Letter explaining His Supremity to His devotees. We are the beneficiaries of this rare divine gift.

33] Divya Darshan

Here is a rare collection of paintings drawn by the great spiritual painter Shri Laljibhai Soni of Bhuj. Shri Laljibhai Soni has been recognized by all art lovers in India as one of the greatest painters of our time. Shri Laljibhai has poured his love and devotion into his art and created a series of paintings depicting important events in the life of Bapashri from his birth to his return to Dhama. The man who inspired Shri Laljibhai was our Muktaraj Shri Narayanbhai. Laljibhai's pictures with explanation in Gujarati and English are available in a book form. Mere 'darshan' of these oil paintings will arouse spiritual disire in your heart and will make you feel richly rewarded.

34] Stotram - Hymns

This title contains hymns in praise of our Lord Shri Swaminarayan. You will find Purushottam Kavach, Jana Mangal Stotra, Jana Mangal Namavali in it. This book offers you a very potent divine 'mantra' written by Anadi Muktaraj Sadguru Shri Gopalananda Swami. The 'mantra' possess the power to turn adversity into prosperity. Life is not a bed of roses, there is little that is ours; success and failure, sickness and health; hope and frustration are all there in our life. In the hour of need or crisis, instead of turning to lesser Gods, we should turn to Lord Swaminarayan and seek His help and win His pleasure by reciting these hymns and 'mantras' composed by His contemporary saints: Sadguru Shri Shatananda Muni, Sadguru Shri Gopalananda Swami and other God-realized saints and Anadimuktas. You will get divine protection and the purity off your 'upasana' too shall remain intact.

35] Pujya Shri Narayanbhai

You will find here a brief life-sketch of Anadimuktaraj Param Pujya Narayanbhai, the founder president of Shri Swaminarayan Divine Mission. This little book will reveal his spiritual prowess, his rare qualities of compassion and urge to lead his followers on to the way of God. A humble teacher Shri Narayanbhai is revered today as Anadimukta or Muktaraj. His life and some of his quotable quotes will inspire the readers to follow his light and attain complete yoga-union with God.

Library

A library is universe in itself. With a view to opening the window of knowledge for the book-lovers, Muktaraj has established a rich library. It houses a reading room and provides special facilities to the scholars who may want to do research. You can find books on almost all religions of the world for comparative study. This comparative study will convince you that Swaminarayan Dharma is a world religion and it is the best and most liberal of all religions. It fights narrow secterian and divisive forces and fosters unity, harmony, peace and universal brotherhood.

Each title was carefully chosen by Muktaraj himself. Only those constructive books which were helpful in the building of a healthy, moral society and honest God-fearing men found place in the library. Right from the purchase of books to their classification, registration, filing, cataloging and even dusting was done by Muktaraj. The library is a one man collection and each book was purchased from Muktaraj's own savings. It is his private collection, donated to the mission, which has become now 'Omni-Beneficial Library'.

You name any subject and you will find useful books on it. Besides books on Swaminarayan religion, you will find books on all the major religions of the world, school of philosophy, theology, history, education, science and technology, art and literature. Books and publications of Ramkrishna Mission, Chinmay Mission, Arvind Ashram, Shivanand Ashram and other international foundations can be read in this library. It is an immense collection of 25,000 books in Gujarati, Hindi, Sanskrit and English. With a view to tapping limitless resources in the realm of mind, character and spirit and help the readers choose the right path to attain oneness with God, Muktaraj built this library.

This is one of his many omni-beneficial activities which he had undertaken as a part of his earthly mission. He had come in this world at the command and by the exercise of Supreme Lord Shri Swaminarayan's divine will to fulfill His mission. This holy Ganga of his spiritual and humanitarian activities will quench the thirst of all for all time to come.