What is Vachnamrut?

"Vachanamrut" is the scripture that encapsulates the teachings and discourses of Bhagwan Swaminarayan. This scripture, akin to an elixir of wisdom, transcends the boundaries of time and space, bestowing salvation upon the entire Bharatkhand (Indian subcontinent), numerous deities, humans, and various other living being. The profound essence of all scriptures finds its embodiment in the words of Bhagwan Swaminarayan. These teaching are tangibly simple, heart-penetrating, and capable of enlightening individuals, helping them recognize the true self within.They often elucidate intricacy concepts by relatable examples from daily life in an effortless manner. Thus, the Amrutvachan (divine utterances) has been compiled by devoted saints and Haribhaktos. Shriji Maharaj himself authenticated this collection as the 'Vachanamrut'.

When was the Vachanamrut composed?

According to Vikram Samvat calendar, the composition of the Vachanamrut commenced on the fourth day of the bright fortnight in the month of Magshar, 1876. (Magshar Sudi Chaturthi)

The Origin of the Vachanamrut

The origin of the Vachanamrut is rooted in the visionary insight of Bhagwan Swaminarayan himself. In a pivotal moment captured within Vachanamrut Gadhada Madhya 58, Shriji Maharaj reveals, "The scripture that affirms the tenets of one's own tradition and substantiates one's own faith is only the prime scripture which validates their sect. Saying this, Shriji Maharaj told Muktanand Swami, “You should perform the discourses and scriptures in regard to your own sect and God, until you remain in this body, and this is my command to you.”

This momentous utterance set in motion of compilation. Hence, all his discourses was meticulously recorded. His sermons encapsulates the quintessence of all other scriptures. Thus, it became imperative to compile these declarations into a scripture to perpetuate the teachings for ages to come. Due to this command, an enormous efforts was initiated by eminent sants to compile these precious teachings.

The five eminent scholar’s sants joins to craft a compilation into a comprehensive scripture. In order to make them universally accessible and relevant among all types of society and individual as a whole. This scripture, which the saints dedicated at the divine feet of Shriji Maharaj in the year 1877 BC, is mentioned in 7^th Vachanamrut of Loya.

Beyond its scholarly significance, the Vachanamrut serves as a beacon for seekers traversing the labyrinth of existence. It encapsulates the quintessence of eternal principles - Dharma, gyan, vairagya, bhakti, understanding of God’s and self-form - providing solace to the seeker and answers to the curious. It provides straightforward explanations to complex questions. When one stands at the crossroads of life, grappling with dilemmas, the Vachanamrut beckons. Opening it with prayer, He senses ambrosial in words of Vachanamrut, which not only address those questions but also provide solutions to them. 

Who are the authors of the "Vachanamrut"?

The authors of the "Vachanamrut" are five prominent Sadgurus: Sadguru Gopalanand Swami, Sadguru Muktanand Swami, Sadguru Nityanand Swami, Sadguru Brahmanand Swami, and Sadguru Shukanand Swami. They have composed the "Vachanamrut".

What is the excellence of the "Vachanamrut"?

The roots of Hindu spiritual scriptures is emanates from Sanskrit. Hence, reading and comprehending these texts can prove to be challenging for a seeker in a natural manner. Sanskrit is not an everyday language that is commonly used in casual conversations and daily communications. Thus, many times scholar becomes Con artist and misinterpret the tenets of scriptures.

Meanwhile, the scriptures in Gujarati poetic format, might leave challenge for lay man to decipher these intricacies.

The scripture "Vachanamrut" caters the popularity due to its simple and easy Gujarati, written in prose system. This design allows even the uninitiated to engage with it, grasping its essence through reading or simply listening, one can easily delve into its abstract. 

In the scripture 'Vachanamrut', Shriji Maharaj has imparted the unparalleled essence of spiritual experiences. This text does not contain complex or convoluted words to confuse the reader. Instead of elaborating linguistic expressions to attract scholars, he presented the wisdom of his comprehensive teachings. Thus, Shriji Maharaj called as a global orator. However, he has directed the fundamental principles, the core mysteries of spirituality and unveil the experiential insights.

 Thus, the Vachanamrut dispels the futile debates and arguments about the core mysteries of spirituality among all scriptures. The prime purpose of composing Vachnamrut in easy-to-grasp formats, is to enlighten the life of aspirants, ensuring that language never becomes an impediment. 

In the assembly of Shriji Maharaj, not only the urban elites but also the rural folks participated. Catering to such diverse audiences, Shriji Maharaj elucidated philosophical discussions in replete with illustrative analogies, even for those less well-versed. Within this scripture, they employed an extensive array of common, mythological, and foundational examples, as a references. Indeed being the art-of-literature, similes, metaphors, allegories, idiomatic expressions, conventional usages, and dialectical arguments, were elaborated adroitly and succinctly in Vachanamrut. In consequence, the reader is shielded from experiencing barrenness.

Shriji Maharaj, particularly explained familial, societal, and practical examples, incidents, and events within his discourse to elucidate the intricate aspects of the spiritual path.This approach by Shriji Maharaj serve as a catalyst for the aspirant's to experience the profound tenets of spirituality.

The catechism style of Vachanamrut is a unique feature. This style serves as a distinctive attribute that imparts the fruits of the spiritual path and avoid boredom. It creates a series of strong dialogue for discussion. Furthermore, this genreisn't just informative but fills with knowledge, pleasure and deep interest in a particular subject. 

Through this style, Shriji Maharaj has rendered excellent qualities like fostering introspection and contemplation in ones’ own inner world.Within the realm of the spirituality, the catechism approach has quench the one’s mindset.The resultant effect manifests as a refinement of the seeker's spiritual journey, accentuating its quality and hastening its excellence.In essence, this style serves as a beacon in the spiritual path, guiding seekers through various obstacles, thereby leading them towards a remarkable elevation. Shriji Maharaj has also provided lucid answers to untrammelled issues of aspirant, offering practical solutions and remedies. This facilitates the seeker in attaining a last state of spiritual pursuits.Within the "Vachanamrut" scripture, Shriji Maharaj expounds the intricate meanings of diverse subjects related to the spiritual path. This conviction perpetually reinforces everyone's faith, instils strength for spiritual progression, offers solutions to circumvent obstacles, and stag an aspirant in the form of Bhagwan Swaminarayan.

All the discourses of Vachnamrut precisely define the year, month, date, time and seasons. It contains the accurate reference to the place of discourses; describe the adornment of Bhagwan Swaminarayan; remarked the presence of attendants and also mentioned the names of sants and devotees involved in the discussion. In many tradition their scriptures lack this art of accuracy. Thus,one can smoothly dive in the historic world of Bhagwan Swaminarayan’s era through this Vachanamrut.

The initial paragraph serves as a preamble to focus the reader's attention. The compiler’s art of dating and scribing, recalls the ever-present form of Bhagwan Swaminarayan in readers' mind. Any question arising in a human life its solution is not excluded from this Vachanamrut scripture. 

Total discourses  

What is ‘Rahshyarth Pradipika Tika Sah Vachanamrut’?

In the spiritual path, many scriptures are written in the Devanagari script and Sanskrit language. In comparison, the "Vachanamrut" scriptures are written in the Gujarati language in prose format for easier reading and understanding. However, since the "Vachanamrut" represents Shriji Maharaj's teachings, although it can be easy to read and understood in Gujarati, but it is hard to decipher its deeper secrets and principles. When and where did Shriji Maharaj utter which word in the "Vachanamrut"? Why and what is the true secrets? Many such mysteries cannot be easily understood by ordinary individuals. Therefore, to unravel all these mysteries and to present a clear understanding of the supreme knowledge contained in the scriptures, Shriji Maharaj's resolution resulted in the manifestation of Abjibapashri. He resolved all these mysteries through commentary in question answers format. Sadguru Ishwarcharandasji Swami noted it in the form of "Rahasyarth Pradeepika Tika".(elucidation of Vachanamrut – a guide over Vachanamrut)

'Tika' means not criticism, but explanation. Who are we, to criticise Shriji Maharaj's Vachanamrut? Thinking beyond these arguments and being neutral, one should ponder that this extra explanation (tika) reveals the true nature of Shriji Maharaj. it fulfills the purpose of Shriji Maharaj's manifestation in this universe; fosters the true upasna and the state of Anadimukta, which is incomparable and purely experiential knowledge. Moreover, reading such a 'Tika' will lead to the attainment of knowledge, understanding, and experience of Anadimukta status.

Who elucidated ‘Rahshyarth Pradipika Tika Sah Vachanamrut ‘?

Shriji Sankalpamurti Jivanpran Abjibapashri has provided a commentary called "Rahasyarth Pradeepika" on the Vachanamrut.

Who compiled ‘Rahshyarth Pradipika Tika Sah Vachanamrut ‘?

The reverend Anadimukta Sadguru Shri Ishwarcharandasji Swamishri compiled the commentary "Rahasyarth Pradeepika."

The origin

In the Vikram Samvat year 1962, in the village of Ramapur in Kutch, Muktaram Dhanbhai decided to organize a parayan from Chaitra Sud 1 to Chaitra Vad 2. They wrote a letter to Abjibapashri to come with Sadgurus for the recitation. Abjibapashri wrote a letter to the Sadgurus. When the letter was received, the Sadgurus arrived in Kutch.

After the completion of the parayan, Bapashri arrived in Vrushpur along with the Sadgurus. However, along the way, there was a single thought prevailing in the mind of Sadguru Ishwarswami. “if in the present time, Abjibapashri is conversing about the eternal bliss of Murti on a vast scale. If it is not documented, then what will happen to the future generations? With such thoughts in mind, they reach Vrushpur. At night, Sadguru Ishwarswami was contemplating on how to present these thoughts to Bapa. At that moment, Abjibapashri said from within, "Swami, you come here every year. Then there are deep question-answer sessions. But those discussions are not inscribed. If the list of those discussions is made, it will benefit countless souls."

Sadgurushri Ishwarswami overwhelmed. He said, "I feel very honored to receive your command. However, I am contemplating how to implement it." At that moment, Abjibapashri said, "Swami, start writing from now on. It's all pure parbhav . The future generations will benefit immensely."

And then, in Vikram Samvat 1962, from Vaishakh Vad Ekam, the work of inscribing divine stream of Shri Hari flowing through Bapashri has started. During this period, Shri Baldevbhai Sheth becomes a devotee. Sadguru Ishwarswami explained the glory of Abjibapashri and the great significance of his arrival.  Moreover, he told Baldevbhai Sheth that if the questions and answers on the Vachanamrut elucidated by Bapashri should be compiled as Rahasyarth Pradeepika Tika, then even ordinary people could easily understand it. He humbly requested Baldevbhai Sheth to seek Bapashri's approval and permission to publish the elucidated Vachanamrut . Then, in Vikram Samvat 1969, Bapashri visited with the Sadgurusat Barejdi Mill of Baldevbhai. Seeing Bapashri's immense joy, Baldevbhai Sheth quickly requested for permission to publish the elucidated Vachanamrut. At that moment, Abjibapashri said,

And, Bapashri said to the Sadguru, 'Where in the Vachanamrut, which topics, and for what reasons has Shreeji Maharaj expressed his views and principles? Only Anadimukta can decipher this. Your thought is too good.” Having said this, Bapashri sought permission and blessings to Sadgurushri to start the work of Rahasyarth Vachanamrut. Maharaj will be very pleased and overjoyed. Through this commentary, even ordinary people will be able to understand the profound secrets of the Vachanamrut. Thus, after approval, he began this monumental work in 1980 and continued it tirelessly for 18 years. And it results in two great scriptures: (1) Rahasyarth Vachanamrut (Elucidated Vachanamrut) and (2) Bapashrini Vato (Sermons of Bapashri).

(1) The original Vachanamruts are compiled in each paragraph these divisions, questions asked and Shreejimaharaj's benevolent statements are assigned numbers. If there is one question or benevolent statement, or if there are two, three, or more, regarding different subjects given by Shreejimaharaj, they are assigned separate consecutive numbers. (The number is assigned on the left side for the question and on the right side for the subject matter in the Vachanamrut.)