Category: Lyrical Reflections
This human birth is rare and dear…
This human birth is precious beyond words—a divine gift not easily won again. The scriptures and sages remind us: we will not get this chance again so easily. And yet, how often we squander it in pride, distractions, and the endless pursuit of worldly success. Our ego, our status, our name—these may win us respect in society, but they hold no weight on the spiritual scale. Instead, we are urged to drop the facade and turn our hearts to God. Without that turn, we risk falling into the cycle of endless rebirths—an exhausting spiral of suffering and confusion. Life, as [Read More…]
God is your greatest ally…
In the journey of life, we often lean on many—family, friends, mentors, companions—but as the wise have always said, God is our only true ally. No one else, however close, truly belongs to us in the deepest sense. The Vedas and Puranas—the ancient spiritual texts—clearly advise us to engage in the remembrance and service of the Divine. Yet many of us, caught in the haze of ego or laziness, dismiss this path. We sit idle, distracted, without direction or honest purpose, even as time slips away. Our attachments in this world—parents, spouse, children, friends—while dear and loving, cannot accompany us [Read More…]
The fool died while alive…
There’s a kind of death that happens long before the body breathes its last — a spiritual death brought on by a life lived in ignorance and misdirection. The verse “Bhajyo nahi Bhagwan murakh jivata maryo” strikes at this very core, describing the fool who never turned to God and thus died while still alive. Life, when lived without spiritual awareness or purpose, becomes hollow no matter how busy or full it appears on the surface. Driven by greed, many chase wealth and pleasure without a second thought for the consequences. The soul grows numb as one commits sin just [Read More…]
Though joys & sorrows come uncalled, With courage firm, we will not fall…
Rising Above Life’s Dualities Beyond Pleasure and Pain In life’s ebb and flow, joy and sorrow visit us like passing seasons. Yet, the enlightened soul remains steady through both. This timeless teaching—captured beautifully in Muktanand Swami’s verse “Harijan thaine, han varadh, sukh dukh manma nav dharie”—reminds us that to live as God’s own is to transcend the pull of worldly opposites. “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.” True bhakti (devotion) does not waver when comfort disappears. For the one [Read More…]
One who holds such firmness dear, Will never live in pain or fear…
The Essence of Firm Faith Devotion That Does Not Falter There comes a moment in every seeker’s journey when life tests the strength of their devotion. Muktanand Swami, through his profound verse, teaches that true love for God is not measured in ease or comfort—but in the unshaken loyalty that endures loss, pain, and trial. “Though body and wealth may pass away,A true devotee will never sway.” For a Haribhakta—one who belongs fully to Bhagwan—faith is not conditional. Even when health fades, wealth disappears, or relationships change, their bond with God remains constant. Muktanand Swami compares this steadfastness to the [Read More…]
A servant of God’s servants instead
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 [Read More…]
Dust thrown with scorn at day’s sunlight, Falls back onto the one with spite…
Keeping the Heart Focused on Hari The Purity of Divine Remembrance In the spiritual journey, the direction of our thoughts determines the destination of our soul. Muktanand Swami, in this deeply reflective verse, teaches that a devotee’s heart must remain filled only with thoughts of Bhagwan — free from negativity, bitterness, or judgment toward others. “While singing the virtues of Hari divine,Let no thought of the wicked in our hearts entwine.With every breath and every beat,Let His sacred form our memory greet…” When our minds are fully absorbed in Bhagwan’s glory, there is no room left for resentment. Each breath [Read More…]
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 [Read More…]
A love for God that will not unwind…
The Servant of God: A Source of Peace and Courage Finding Comfort in God’s Devotees In a world full of uncertainty and fear, Brahmanand Swami offers a simple yet profound remedy: love the servants of God. He writes, “Love the servant of God, sincere…The servant of God always brings peace,And makes all fear of death to cease.” The Haridas—one who lives to serve Bhagwan—becomes a source of calmness and courage for all who associate with him. His very presence radiates faith and tranquility. In his company, our hearts grow lighter, and even life’s greatest fears—pain, loss, and death—begin to lose [Read More…]
Drink deeply from his pour – He serves God’s glory— the nectar of evermore
The Power of Holy Association Finding Refuge in the Saint’s Company In our search for peace and purpose, we often turn to temporary comforts—possessions, relationships, achievements—but they rarely satisfy the heart for long. Brahmanand Swami reminds us of a far more enduring source of joy: the company of a true saint. “With such a sant do bond…No lust, no pride, no wrath within –Seek his refuge, find peace therein.” The saint’s heart is pure—free from lust, anger, greed, pride, and attachment. By seeking refuge in such a soul, we find shelter from the storms of our own mind. Just as [Read More…]