The sadhu is the only true boat…

The Sadhu: The Living Vessel That Leads to Liberation

The Only True Boat Across the Worldly Ocean

In this world of constant change—where joy and sorrow rise and fall like waves—how can a soul find lasting peace? Brahmanand Swami, one of Bhagwan Swaminarayan’s foremost paramhansas, answers this question in his timeless composition: “Sadhu soi nav sansarme” — “The sadhu is the only true boat across the ocean of worldly life.”

“The sadhu is the only true boat…”

This simple yet profound truth captures the very heart of the Swaminarayan tradition. A true sadhu is not merely a teacher or renunciant—he is the living bridge between the human soul and the Divine. Rooted in detachment, filled with compassion, and devoted entirely to Bhagwan, he becomes the means by which souls cross from bondage to liberation.

The Hallmarks of a True Sadhu

Unwavering Love for the Manifest God

“He offers love to God manifest,
and has no love for the worldly rest.”

The first quality of a true sadhu is unbroken attachment to Pragat Bhagwan—God manifest on earth. His heart is one-pointed; it beats only for the Lord. Neither wealth nor worldly relationships attract him, for he has tasted a love deeper than all others.

In the BAPS context, we see this embodied in our lineage of Gurus—Gunatitanand Swami, Bhagatji Maharaj, Shastriji Maharaj, Yogiji Maharaj, Pramukh Swami Maharaj, and Mahant Swami Maharaj. Each has lived for one purpose: to please Swaminarayan Bhagwan by serving His devotees and upholding His truth.

Their devotion is not abstract—it is practical, disciplined, and expressed through service, compassion, and humility. Such unwavering love is the foundation of spiritual greatness.

Freedom from Illusion and Worldly Allure

“He sees the world as a fleeting show,
And knows in it lies pain and woe.”

A sadhu recognizes that the material world, though dazzling, is ultimately transient. Wealth, fame, comfort—all fade with time. But devotion to God is eternal. This clear understanding frees him from the pull of maya (illusion).

“Beyond all gunas, he sings God’s praise;
In the world’s win-loss, he has no craze.”

The true sadhu transcends the three gunas—sattva, rajas, and tamas. Neither success nor failure affects his peace. Whether praised or criticized, he remains steady, singing only the virtues of God.

In the company of such a sadhu, even our own restless minds begin to quiet. His example teaches us how to live in the world without being bound by it—how to work, serve, and love while remaining spiritually free.

The Saint’s Spiritual State: Still as Brahman, Devoted to Parabrahman

Perfect Balance Between Detachment and Devotion

“Like Brahman still, to God he prays,
Unmoved by passion’s tempting waves.”

This verse beautifully captures the essence of the Akshar–Purushottam philosophy revealed by Bhagwan Swaminarayan. The ideal sadhu is like Brahman—steady, pure, and free from all worldly desires—yet he worships Parabrahman, the Supreme God, with deep love and humility.

This balance between transcendence and devotion defines the Gunatit Satpurush—the living embodiment of Aksharbrahm. His life reflects perfect steadiness and absolute surrender.

In our era, His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj exemplifies this state. Peaceful, selfless, and ever God-conscious, he demonstrates what it means to live beyond ego and emotion while radiating divine love to all.

True Wisdom: Knowing the Eternal from the Temporary

“Brahmanand says: that saint is wise,
Who knows what fades and what will rise.”

Wisdom, Brahmanand Swami explains, lies not in intellectual learning but in discernment—knowing what is fleeting and what is everlasting. The wise sadhu invests his heart only in what endures: Bhagwan and the joy of serving Him.

Such understanding frees him from anxiety. He does not chase worldly pleasures, for he knows their shelf life. Instead, his every breath becomes an offering of love and gratitude to God.

The Sadhu’s Role in a Devotee’s Life

The Guide Who Lifts Us Beyond the World

The sadhu’s role is not merely to instruct—it is to elevate. Through his presence and guidance, the seeker’s heart is purified, faith is strengthened, and attachment to the material world dissolves.

The true sadhu is like a compass in a stormy sea. He does not remove the storms of life, but he helps us steer through them with faith and peace. His words illuminate the path; his example gives us courage to walk it.

Our Part: Boarding the Boat with Faith

The boat exists—the question is, are we ready to board it?

To truly benefit from the sadhu’s grace, we must approach with humility, faith, and obedience. It means letting go of our ego, trusting his guidance even when it challenges our comfort, and striving to live as he teaches.

When we do, his purity begins to purify us. His strength becomes our strength. And his devotion to Bhagwan becomes the spark that ignites our own.

Verse	Translation
Sadhu soi nav sansarme………	The sadhu is the only true boat…
Pragat praman Hari pad priti, nahi ashak dhan narme… 1	He offers love to God manifest, and has no love for the worldly rest;
Mayakrut so satya na manat, janat dukh parivarme; Gunatit rahi Harigun gavat, chinta nahi jit harme…2	He sees the world as a fleeting show, And knows in it lies pain and woe; Beyond all gunas, he sings God’s praise; In the world’s win-loss, he has no craze.
Brahma hoy Parabrahma upāsat, bahat na vishay vikarme; Brahmanand sant soi sacha, samjat sar asarme… 3	Like Brahman still, to God he prays, Unmoved by passion’s tempting waves; Brahmanand says: that saint is wise, Who knows what fades and what will rise.

Balihari mai aise santki… (Audio): https://app.aksharamrutam.in/hU3rnYdrDiGB8Q9M6

Introduction on Paramhansa (Text): https://www.baps.org/About-BAPS/TheFounder%E2%80%93BhagwanSwaminarayan/Legacy/Disciples/Paramhansas.aspx

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