Never abandon Dharma and the divine under any circumstances: Shri Hari Chaitanya Mahaprabhu

JAMMU/RAJOURI (DALHORI): Premavatar, visionary spiritual master, Peethadhishwar of Shri Hari Kripa Peeth and internationally renowned saint Swami Shri Hari Chaitanya Puri Ji Maharaj, while addressing thousands of devotees gathered here, emphasised that one must always follow the path of Dharma and never abandon Dharma or the Divine under any circumstances.

He said that Dharma does not teach a person to renounce his or her duties and responsibilities; rather, it teaches one to give up attachment to the fruits of actions, thereby freeing oneself from the bondage of karma. While fulfilling worldly responsibilities, a person can simultaneously progress on the spiritual path. Dharma, he said, serves as a unique bridge between the worldly and the transcendental dimensions of life. By establishing a beautiful harmony between Karma, Bhakti and Jnana, a person can make life divine, ideal and disciplined.

Swami Ji said that Indian culture gives the message of integrating action, devotion and knowledge. Instead of merely saying that “work is worship,” one should understand that work can become worship when performed with awareness, wisdom and devotion. An action performed without thought and discernment may ultimately lead to regret, guilt and embarrassment. When knowledge and devotion are beautifully integrated with action, every deed can become worthy of being called worship, enriching the beauty of life and enabling a person to experience the true happiness and inner bliss for which humanity often strives.

He called upon people to establish a unique harmony between hard work and faith.

The revered saint further said that no person becomes great merely by virtue of appearance, wealth, family lineage or birth; true greatness comes through one’s actions. If greatness were determined by lineage, Ravana would have been considered the greatest; if physical appearance alone determined greatness, personalities such as Ashtavakra, Lord Ganesha and Socrates could never have attained greatness. He urged everyone to perform noble deeds while remaining humble and never considering oneself superior to others.

He stressed the importance of humility, simplicity, restraint and dignity in life. One should strive to do such good work that people not only remember them but remember them with affection and respect. Some people remain alive even after death through their noble deeds, while some, despite being alive, live a life devoid of purpose.

He appealed to devotees not to insult or hurt anyone and to carefully reflect upon whatever they see, hear or read. One should refrain from using sharp words or sarcastic remarks that hurt another person's self-respect or disturb love, unity and harmony. Hearts should be generous and broad, he said, because while the human mind has become increasingly expansive, the human heart is unfortunately becoming narrower.

Swami Ji observed that there should be no place for arrogance or ego. He said that those who can turn an enemy into a friend are greater than those who merely defeat an enemy. He encouraged people to remain firm in their resolve and continue making sincere efforts toward their goals without giving up midway.

Explaining the importance of maintaining sweetness in relationships, he said that life is like a process of churning, in which one may find not only nectar but also poison. The poison should neither be thrown outward nor allowed to enter the heart; it should be contained within oneself. If the remembrance of the Lord remains in the heart, even poison can transform into “Vishram”—a state of peace and rest. With Ram within and restraint above, what could have become destructive can instead become a source of peace.

Expressing concern over growing intolerance in society, he said that people today often lack the patience to listen to views different from their own. He cautioned against individuals who spread poisonous words and create conflict between others while themselves remaining protected from its consequences. Society needs greater tolerance, understanding, love and mutual respect.

He further said that when a person makes sincere efforts with determination, God also comes forward to assist such a person. The truly great individual, he said, is one who follows the path of truth with firm determination.

His eloquent and deeply spiritual discourse left thousands of devotees spellbound and emotionally overwhelmed. The entire atmosphere became devotional as the gathering reverberated with chants of “Shri Guru Maharaj Ki Jai,” “Kaman Ke Kanhaiya Ki Jai,” and “Lathi Wale Bhaiyya Ki Jai.”

Before reaching the venue, Swami Shri Hari Chaitanya Puri Ji Maharaj received a grand and unprecedented welcome at various places in Akhnoor and Rajouri, where large numbers of devotees gathered to greet him with floral garlands, showers of flowers and traditional aarti. The atmosphere resonated with devotional chants of “Shri Guru Maharaj,” “Kaman Ke Kanhaiya,” and “Lathi Wale Bhaiyya.”