Sermon-8
On the day of Kartak Sud 11th, the 1st Vachanamrt of Gadhada First Chapter was being read in the assembly in the temple of Narayanapur. In it there is reference about a place of pilgimage. Bapasri recited the mantra ‘Anya ksetre krtam papam…’ (the sin committed at other places can be washed out in a pilgrimage centre; but the sin committed in a pilgrimage centre cannot be washed out) and said, “This place is a pilgrimage centre. After coming over here if one finds fault in Maharaj and in the assembly of Anadi muktas, then it is to be considered to be a sin committed in a pilgrimage centre; and it is not erasable by any means whatsoever. The one, who does not know this, finds fault and then he is gone. Anadi Mukta Sadguru Sri Gopalanand Swami has a reach to Murti and is able to make others reach in Murti; and he sports in Murti. Though such great he was, when he became ill, two sadhus had to support him to help him walk; and when he came at the threshold of the door, he stopped. A sadhu ironicllay told him, ‘Swami, why do your legs not move? You talk about Aksardham and beyond it, you talk about remaining engrossed in Murti, you transport many devotees in Murti; but you are so unable that you cannot move your legs.’”
A mukta invites illness for the ultimate liberation of innumerable jivas. When he is healthy, he would fetch water by himself and would not allow others to do it. By inviting illness, he accepts service rendered by others. Therefore, illness of a mukta is beneficial for others. Others do not know that he is engrossed in Murti, so they think about his illness. In my case during this year, it happened the same way about illness. If a mukta does not invite illness, how can devotees get opportunity to serve him? It is for this purpose that a mukta invites illness. This body is subject to illness; but if greatness of a mukta is understood, liberation of many devotees can be accomplished. Dhanjibhai insisted much to take me his home, but I could not go because of illness.” Swami Isvarcharanadasji said to Bapasri, “For you, this body does not exist.” Bapasri said, “It is to be understood thus only. Maharaj and muktas are always divine. Sriji Maharaj arranged chorasi at Amdavad. Then to avoid holding thoughts about that activity He stayed in the wood of rayan trees near village Ganes Dholaka. Which is preferable- to organise festivals and celebrations or to draw our vrttis inward as Maharaj did?” Swami Isvarcharanadasji said, “Celebrations are meant for the good of ordinary aspirants. Only an anadi mukta can take us to Murti; whereas celebrations distract our vrttis.”
Swami Kesavpriyadasji asked, “Who will take wretched, passionate, and mumuksu in Murti?” Bapasri said, “Anadi muktas will take them. Anadi Mukta Sadguru Sri Gopalanand Swami climbed the temple of Gadhada and had a sankalpa how the destruction takes place. No sooner did he think than the trees and buildings started falling. So Swami stopped his sankalpa soon. Such capable he was. If jiva gets attached to such mukta, he will take it into Murti. || 8 ||