In the Shikshapatri, Lord Swaminarayan defines the meaning of dharma as abiding by the rules and regulations of “Sadaachaar” (good, correct, respectful behaviour). Lord Swaminarayan says that this is the true meaning of dharma, religion.
In the Shikshapatri, Lord Swaminarayan defines the meaning of dharma as abiding by the rules and regulations of “Sadaachaar” (good, correct, respectful behaviour). Lord Swaminarayan says that this is the true meaning of dharma, religion.
But how do we know what is good, correct and respectful behaviour?
Shree Nirgunanandji Brahmchari says
Dharma dharma jan sahoo kahe, pan dharma ma gano marma che; Pragat prabhu naa vachan paade, tej param dharma che
People define dharma in many ways. But true dharma,
is to obey the commands of pragat prabhu (Lord Swaminarayan)
Shree Swaminarayan Bhagwan is ever present at Shree Swaminarayan Gadi. Through the Acharya of Shree Swaminarayan Gadi, Lord Swaminarayan is eternally giving darshan upon the earth. Lord Swaminarayan says in the Vachanamrut that without the pratyaksha sharan (shelter) of the Lord, moksha (salvation) cannot be attained.
Jeevanpran Shree Muktajeevan Swamibapa has versed
Moksha naa daataa Shree Hari,
Ka Hari naa Mukta sukhkaari,
Pragat prabhu veenaa bhai,
Koyee reete moksha nava thaay.
The bestower of salvation is either the Lord Himself,
or the Muktas of the Lord. Without them,
moksha cannot be achieved.
Lord Swaminarayan is pragat and pratyaksha at Shree Swaminarayan Gadi. Thus, only at Shree Swaminarayan Gadi can there be aatyantik moksha and only here can you find param dharma. It is through the Acharya of Shree Swaminarayan Gadi that the guidance to distinguish dharma from adharma will be attained.
This section describes the true dharma, the religious principles of Lord Swaminarayan.