UPASANA
What does upasana mean?
To become aksharrup and offer devotion to Purushottam with the understanding that He is the master and we are His servants.
What is our upasana? Also name the Vachanamrut reference.
“To identify one’s jivatma with Brahma and worship Parabrahma with a master-servant relationship.” — Gadhada II-3
What is the goal of our life?
To become aksharrup and join with Bhagwan while removing the obstacles of identification with the body and harmful association. — Prakaran 4, Vat 99
According to Shlok 96, who is manifest Parabrahma Purushottam?
Aksharadhipati Bhagwan Swaminarayan is manifest Paramatma, Parabrahma and Purushottam Hari.
Who firmly insisted that Shriji Maharaj must be described as supreme?
Nityanand Swami. He remained firm in his understanding even after being excluded for seven days.
What are the five eternal entities?
Jiva, Ishwar, Maya, Brahma and Parabrahma.
Which Vachanamrut describes Bhagwan Swaminarayan as supreme?
Gadhada III-38.
Which three practices please Bhagwan Swaminarayan?
Obeying Bhagwan’s agna, understanding the true form of the Sant, and understanding the true form of Bhagwan. — Prakaran 1, Vat 165
What does Shlok 98 teach?
Gunatitanand Swami is the eternal Aksharbrahma, and the Aksharbrahma Gunatit guru parampara remains present today.
How did Shitaldas develop firm conviction in Shriji Maharaj’s supremacy?
In samadhi, Shriji Maharaj manifested in infinite forms, while no one else could do so.
Which two things are needed to attain Akshardham?
Upasana and agna are the two means to attain Akshardham.
Which Vachanamrut describes Bhagwan Swaminarayan as having a divine form?
Gadhada III-32.
What is the true form of our atma?
I am not the body. I am atma, brahma and Akshar, and the manifest Parabrahma Purushottam eternally resides within me. — Prakaran 1, Vat 341
According to Shlok 100, what are the three foundations of our unity?
One Ishtadev, one Guru and one siddhant.
To whom did Maharaj ask, “What do you understand us to be?” and in what situation?
Mulji Brahmachari, when Maharaj left alone to protect the devotees from the Suba of Visnagar.
What are the four forms of Aksharbrahma?
1. Akshardham, the divine abode of Bhagwan; 2. Bhagwan’s personal attendant in that abode; 3. Chidakash, which pervades everything; 4. The manifest Guru on earth.
Which Vachanamrut describes Bhagwan Swaminarayan as the all-doer?
Gadhada II-21.
How great is the association of the Satpurush?
Nothing is greater than attaining a relationship with Bhagwan and His Sadhu, and nothing is worse than perceiving the Sadhu as human. — Prakaran 3, Vat 36
According to Shlok 108, how should we relate to the Aksharbrahma Guru?
Develop firm love and atmabuddhi for him, perceive Bhagwan as manifest through him, and serve and meditate upon him with devotion.
After declaring Himself the worshipped Purushottam of the true Sadguru, whom did Maharaj identify as Mul Akshar?
Gunatitanand Swami, during the “Jaha Sadguru Khele Vasant” prasang.
Why is the manifest Satpurush necessary?
To establish conviction in Bhagwan, make the jiva brahmarup, allow us to experience the bliss of the manifest form of Bhagwan, and grant moksha.
How is ekantik dharma attained?
Through association with Bhagwan’s Ekantik Sadhu, Bhagwat Dharma is strengthened and the gateway to moksha is opened. — Gadhada I-54
Why is following the Satpurush’s agna supreme?
Doing as the Sant says is nirgun and supreme; acting according to one’s own wishes is sagun and inferior. — Prakaran 2, Vat 57
According to Shlok 152, how should we understand the past, present and future?
Whatever has happened, is happening or will happen occurs by Bhagwan Swaminarayan’s wish and is ultimately for my benefit.
Whom did Maharaj appoint as the mahant of Junagadh, and what did He tell Kunvarji Dave?
He appointed Gunatitanand Swami and told Kunvarji Dave that Gunatitanand Swami is Akshardham and should be served continuously.