16/01/2022
*Final Message of Paramhans Parivrajakacharya Shreemad Vasudevanand Saraswati Swami Maharaj [1854-1914].*
In the morning of the day of his scheduled departure, after the daily discourse, Shri Maharaj addressed the assembly as follows:
Today I wish to convey to you the essence of all that I have been preaching all my life through my discourses and writings. The primary objective of human life is to obtain liberation (from the recurring cycles of birth and death). To this end, one should carry out one’s religious obligations as ordained by the scriptures, consistent with his Varna and Ashram. This will lead to the steadiness of mind so essential for the next step viz. study (Shravan), contemplation (Manan) and meditation (Nididhyasan) of Vedanta (conclusion of Vedas). Emphasis should be on the study i.e. the listening to discourses by detached and realized persons. This will diminish the temptation of mind. (The resultant) righteous (Sattvic) tendency is alone conducive to the spiritual ascent of man.
To cultivate Sattvic nature, diet has to be wholesome (Hit), measured (Mit) and pure (Medhya). The signs of Sattvic nature are:
- Firm faith in one’s religion,
- Meticulous observance of religious conducts viz.
Snaan (bath)
Sandhya (prayer)
Dev Puja (worship)
Five major Yadnyas (sacrifices)
Atithti Satkar (honor to the guest)
Service to Gomata(Cow)
Sincere attendance of Katha, Keertan, Bhajans, Puran etc.
Soft and kind speech
Refraining from harming anyone in any way
Service and obedience to parents (for men), and to husband, in-laws (for women) and other elders
One may pursue any means for livelihood viz. business, agriculture or service. However, one should never abandon the conduct ordained by Vedas and obedience to the Guru. Observance of one’s religious duties only purifies mind. Only purified mind gets established in Upasana (progress towards God), which in turn is the only source of peace of mind. Only a peaceful mind is capable of self-knowledge which is the sole means of liberation.”
Shri Maharaj further exemplified the seven grounds (levels) of knowledge and concluded that,
"This is a brief summary. One who follows this advice will finally attain complete happiness."
*:- Reference P.P.VASUDEVANAND SARASWATI (TEMBE) SWAMI MAHARAJ , A compact biography By Dr. Vasudeo Deshmukh.*