Tag: Gunatitanand Swami
God’s Compassion: Lessons from Gunatitanand Swami
“God does not look at the faults of the Jivas. If a Jiva prays to God and says, ‘I am at fault’, then God forgives him of his flaws.” Swamini Vat Section 1, Number 77. In life, we all make mistakes. As human beings (Jivas), we are bound to have flaws, yet God does not judge us solely based on them. Instead, His love is infinite, and His grace is ever-present. When we sincerely acknowledge our faults and turn to God in prayer, He does not turn us away. Instead, He embraces us with compassion, forgives our shortcomings, and gives us the [Read More…]
Overcoming Complacency: Lessons from Gunatitanand Swami
“Complacency can be overcome if we are vigilant or if someone punishes us.” (1/93)Complacency sneaks in when we grow too comfortable in our routines. It whispers that we’re doing just fine, even when we’re coasting on autopilot. But the truth is, growth stops the moment we stop pushing ourselves. The antidote? Vigilance and constructive feedback. Staying mindful of our habits prevents us from slipping into stagnation. Self-awareness helps us recognize when we’re becoming too relaxed, but sometimes, we need an outside perspective. A mentor, a friend, or even a harsh reality check can shake us out of our comfort zone [Read More…]
Ignorance and Suffering: Lessons from Gunatitanand Swami
“There are two miseries in this world, the lack of food and clothing, or that they cannot be digested or used. Apart from these, all miseries are due to ignorance.” Swamini Vat Section 2, Number 71. There are two true miseries in this world: the lack of food and clothing or the inability to use and digest them. These are fundamental needs, essential for survival. Beyond these, most sufferings arise from ignorance. Misunderstandings, unnecessary worries, and emotional burdens are often the result of a lack of awareness. When we fail to see things clearly, we create struggles that could have been avoided. [Read More…]
Avoid Judging Others: Lessons from Gunatitanand Swami
“Serve according to one’s own faith, but never do disservice. What is that disservice? To perceive faults in others.” Swamini Vat Section 2, Number 132 Service is a reflection of our faith and devotion. It is not just about actions but the intent behind them. True service comes from humility, not superiority. One of the greatest disservices we can do is to perceive faults in others. When we judge, we shift our focus from serving to criticizing. This weakens our spirit and derails our purpose. Instead, let’s cultivate a mindset of upliftment. Service is about love, kindness, and devotion. When we let go of judgment, [Read More…]
Mastering the Mind: Lessons from Gunatitanand Swami
“Some are controlled by the mind, while some control the mind.” – Gunatitanand Swami (Swamini Vat 4.119) This powerful statement serves as a daily reminder to introspect: Are we allowing our mind to dictate our actions, or are we guiding it with discipline and wisdom? The mind is a constant force—either a master that leads us astray or a servant that empowers us. When unchecked, it can drag us toward distractions, impulses, and fleeting desires. But when disciplined with wisdom and spiritual insight, it becomes a tool for clarity, purpose, and true inner freedom. Mastery over the mind is not [Read More…]
The Power of Words: Lessons from Gunatitanand Swami
In our day-to-day lives, the words we choose carry a weight that we often overlook. Every interaction, every conversation, holds the potential to uplift or to harm. Gunatitanand Swami, the first spiritual successor of Bhagwan Swaminarayan, shared a profound insight on this subject in Swamini Vat, Section 5, Number 163: “Speak truthful, beneficial, and affectionate words, and speak without contempt, but do not speak with insistence.” This simple guidance is a reminder of the impact that our words can have on others and on ourselves. Words, when spoken truthfully and with kindness, have the power to heal and uplift. Gunatitanand [Read More…]