In life’s ever-shifting tides of joy and sorrow, the true devotee remains anchored not in emotions, but in unwavering faith. The Gujarati verse, beautifully translated above, speaks to the heart of spiritual resilience. It opens with a call to identify ourselves as Harijans—those who belong to God. Such a soul does not cling to honor or fear disgrace, nor does it waver under the weight of suffering or pleasure. Instead, it carries the courage to endure, unshaken by life’s extremes.
The poet Muktanand draws from revered examples to illuminate this truth. Consider Kadaraj, who in the midst of suffering, maintained equanimity. His mind did not grasp onto joy or despair—and in that balance, he found divine favor. Likewise, Devaki and Vasudev, the earthly parents of Lord Krishna, endured years of imprisonment. Though their situation was dire, their faith did not falter, and they remained patient vessels of God’s will.
Then there are the Pandavas, beloved of Lord Krishna, who despite their close bond with the divine, were not spared adversity. Exiled and wandering the forests, they walked hand in hand with hardship, but never walked alone—for God was with them. Their journey reminds us that trials are not signs of abandonment, but invitations to walk closer with the divine.
Muktanand concludes by urging us to transcend the dualities of life—joy and grief, gain and loss—and fix our minds firmly on God. It is in this singleness of devotion that true peace is found. In a world constantly demanding our emotional reactions, this verse is a quiet yet powerful reminder: real strength lies not in avoiding suffering, but in meeting it with a heart centered in God.
| Verse | Translation |
| Harijan thaine, han varadh, sukh dukh manma nav dharie; Talya na tale, ghat sathe ghadiya himmat nav harie… | As God’s own, let us not hold near Honor or loss, or joy or fear. Though joys and sorrows come uncalled, With courage firm, we will not fall. |
| Juo Kadraj maha dukhiya ka’vya, te sukhdukh manma nav lavya; Tyare Mohanna manma bhavya… 1 | See Kadaraj, through trials deep, Held firm his mind in pain or peace. He let not joy nor sorrow stay— And so pleased God in every way. |
| Juo Vasudev Devki bandh rahya, bahu kale bandhan dur thaya; Hari putra toy maha dukh sahya…2 | See Devaki and Vasudev bound, In prison walls, for years abound. Though parents of the Lord above, They bore great pain with patient love. |
| Juo Pandav Harine ati pyara, jethi pal ek Nath na rahe nyara; Te van bhatkya lai sang dara…3 | See the Pandavs-so dear to God, With whom He walked each path they trod. Yet, forced, they roamed the forests wide, With queen and kin along their side. |
| Em samji harakh shok tajie, thai ekmana Prabhune bhajie; Kahe Muktanand Harine rajie…4 | So joy and grief we must unwind, And worship God with one firm mind. Muktanand says-with hearts made free, Let’s live in ways that bring Him glee. |
Introduction on Paramhansa (Text): https://www.baps.org/About-BAPS/TheFounder%E2%80%93BhagwanSwaminarayan/Legacy/Disciples/Paramhansas.aspx
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