Divya Swarth
If someone was told that in order to attain the ultimate goal of life he has to be purely selfish, that person may well become outraged. Is there anyone who enjoys being called selfish, or told that all they care about is their own self-interest? How can such an accusation possibly be true?
In Bhakti Dham, Mangarh during the month of January, 1992, Jagadguru Shri Kripaluji Maharaj axiomatically explained during an eight-day lecture series that this is not only absolutely correct, but completely natural. He elaborated on a single line from one of his philosophical songs or padas from Prema Ras Madira (3.58): dhanya soi joi svartha pachichana, “Only he is truly blessed in this world, who realises where his true self-interest lies.”
Shri Maharajji commences the discussion by revealing the true meaning of the words “sva” or self and “artha” or interest, before proceeding with the goal of the individual soul and the one and only true relative of that soul. From here, he presents an amazing exposition on the means to attain God that ultimately leads to the door of devotional practice, or bhakti yoga. The depth of his explanation of bhakti is stunning, both in its intricacy and simplicity. The undeniable supremacy of bhakti is proven and shown to be the only path available to everyone.
Delving deeper, Shri Maharajji then expounds on the order in bhakti, the different kinds of bhakti and its most important form, before discussing what is needed to foster its growth; even touching on some critical practical aspects of its application.
Divya Swarth presents the transcripts of all eight discourses for application by any sincere spiritual aspirant. In the words of Shri Maharajji: “The true wisdom and discrimination lies in the fulfilment of our self-interest. When each individual cares about his or her own well-being, it amounts to everyone’s welfare.”