The Beauty of Letting Go and Holding On
Surrendering Ego, Embracing Grace
Every spiritual journey begins with a choice—what to let go of, and what to hold on to. Muktanand Swami, in his timeless verse, reminds us that the path to true devotion is paved with humility and courage.
“Casting off all pride, to Shyam we cling,
With steadfast heart, to His side we swing.
Let public shame and tear be gone —
Let love for sadhus lead us on.”
To walk the path of bhakti means to shed the ego’s constant need for approval and recognition. It calls us to stand firm in our devotion even when the world may not understand. A devotee anchored in satsang finds strength in surrender—no longer swayed by the opinions of others but guided by love for God and His saints.
The Transforming Power of Saintly Company
The Purity of Sadhu-Sang
“One who joins the sadhus true,
Is freed from passions that cloud the view.
His mind, detached from worldly snare,
Finds rest at Mohan’s feet in prayer.”
Association shapes our inner world. When we seek the company of true sadhus—those who live only for God—we begin to absorb their peace, their purity, and their joy. The heart that was once restless finds stability. The desires that once distracted us begin to fade.
In the presence of sadhus, the fire of worldly passion cools, and a new flame of divine love is lit. Their words guide us; their lives inspire us. This is why our scriptures and Gurus emphasize sadhu-sang as essential to spiritual progress.
Firm in Devotion, Free from Distraction
The Fruits of Single-Minded Worship
“By worshipping Hari, greatness is earned,
The pain of birth and death is spurned.”
When we worship Bhagwan with one-pointed devotion, our life gains a divine rhythm. Muktanand Swami assures us that such focus brings freedom—from sorrow, from confusion, from the endless cycle of birth and death.
Like the young devotee Dhruv, who sought God with unwavering resolve, we too can find our place at His feet when we make Him the center of our thoughts and actions.
“Like Dhruv & saints made firm through grace,
Who worshipped God with steadfast pace —
Their lives we hold in earnest view,
And serve our Lord with devotion true.”
To be firm in bhakti is not to be rigid, but to be deeply rooted—like a tree that stands tall through every storm because its roots reach deep into God’s love.
Guarding the Heart: The Discipline of Association
Choosing the Right Company
“From wicked company stay away,
Of others’ flaws we will not say.”
Muktanand Swami cautions us to be careful with whom we spend our time. Negative company can quietly erode faith, while noble company strengthens it.
The essence of this teaching is simple but profound: don’t let gossip, criticism, or worldly influence pull you away from your spiritual path. Instead, focus your thoughts on Hari, His sadhus, and His devotees.
Cultivating Humility and Service
“Muktanand says: be humbly led –
A servant of God’s servants instead.”
True greatness lies in humility. To see oneself as dasna das—a servant of God’s servants—is not weakness, but strength. It frees us from ego and aligns us with the very heart of devotion.
| Verse | Translation |
| Sarve man taji, Shamaliya sangathe man dradh bandhie; Taji loklajja, sadhujan sangathe priti sandhie… | Casting off all pride, to Shyam we cling, With steadfast heart, to His side we swing. Let public shame and tear be gone — Let love for sadhus lead us on. |
| Je sadhujan no sang kare, tena kamadik santap hare; Tenu man lai Mohan charane dhare…1 | One who joins the sadhus true, Is freed from passions that cloud the view. His mind, detached from worldly snare, Finds rest at Mohan’s feet in prayer. |
| Em Hari bhajta motap pame, tena janma-maran na dukh vame; Fari man na chade bije bhame…2 | By worshipping Hari, greatness is earned, The pain of birth and death is spurned. His mind no longer turns or roams — It seeks not other loves or homes. |
| Dhruv adi achal thaya Hari sevi, teni shikhaman man dhari levi; Bhakti pan karvi te jevi… 3 | Like Dhruv & saints made firm through grace, Who worshipped God with steadfast pace — Their lives we hold in earnest view, And serve our Lord with devotion true. |
| Durijanna sangthi dur rahie, harijanno avgun nav laie; Muktanand kahe dasna das thaie…4 | From wicked company stay away, Of others’ flaws we will not say. Muktanand says: be humbly led – A servant of God’s servants instead. |
Introduction on Paramhansa (Text): https://www.baps.org/About-BAPS/TheFounder%E2%80%93BhagwanSwaminarayan/Legacy/Disciples/Paramhansas.aspx
Follow our Socials: Instagram | Youtube | Tiktok | Telegram | Whatsapp | Spotify | Apple Podcast
+ There are no comments
Add yours