Observing Tolerance and Niyams | Q & A with Mahant Swami Maharaj

Observing Tolerance and Niyams

On 27 March 2017, Mahant Swami Maharaj was asked three questions

in the evening satsang assembly in Lenasia, South Africa

Q.1. Pramukh Swami Maharaj has tolerated a lot of hardships. Please guide us as to how we can face difficult situations in our life.

A. Yogi Bapa had said that the guru becomes happy and showers his blessings upon those who tolerate. Pramukh Swami Maharaj had tolerated immensely all through his life. One remains happy by bearing with whatever conditions, situations and things that come one’s way. There is no end to having an attitude of demanding certain things. Yogi Bapa and Pramukh Swami Maharaj gave us lots of advice and understanding about tolerating others. By living accordingly one becomes happy, otherwise one will never have peace of mind. It is a great thing to tolerate. Though it is a little difficult, but one will become habituated once one walks on that path.

Q.2. We mostly follow niyams, but sometimes we lapse because we are not determined and strong. With what thought have you been able to follow them resolutely?

A. Yogi Bapa had consolidated in us that Shriji Maharaj is Bhagwan and Gunatitanand Swami is Aksharbrahman. By understanding these two things, one comes to understand the glory of how great God is and also how humble he is. Shriji Maharaj did seva of the sadhus in Loj. Yogi Bapa consolidated in us staunch faith in God and that material pleasures are worthless. He gave a direction to our thoughts so that we could start doing what we are really supposed to do. Our ultimate goal is to realize Shriji Maharaj. We should believe staunchly that God and his Sadhu are true. No matter how lowly we may be but we have to have resolute faith and observe niyams. One must make efforts to follow niyams. Then all things will follow. One must also have patience and trust and not rush in these matters. By having these thoughts everything else will follow. Have trust and faith that our spiritual goal will be realized. 

Q.3. What was it you saw in Pramukh Swami Maharaj that made you utter that he was a genuine sadhu?

A. Swami was without pretense and deception. He was simple and straightforward. He spoke frankly. He cleaned dishes on the day he was appointed as president of BAPS.