n idol of renunciation – Swamiji Shri Ramsukhdasji Maharaj
“Oh God ! I do not forget you. “
— Swamiji Shri Ramsukhdasji Maharaj
Swami Ramsukhdasji Maharaj was born in a small village “Maadpura” in the Nagore district of Rajasthan in Vikram Samvat 1960 (1904 A.D.) in the Vedic calendar month of Falgun. In the young age of just 4 years, his mother made him an ascetic (Saadhu). Fulfilling the completely renunciate duties of an ascetic, he stayed on this earth for an age of approximately 102 years and throughout his life, he went from village-to-village and city-to-city and kept pouring the nectar of satsang.
He lived his life on “Bhiksha” and continued his “ Mansa-Vacha-Karma” (duty towards humankind ) till his last days without hoping to get any thing in return.
Prime objective of his life was to deliver the divine messages of Gita to people for the welfare of them. He stayed away from tasks such as being photographed, getting his feet touched, making disciples, accepting gifts or donations, accumulating money or things etc., building ashrams (monasteries), making cults etc., So neither he establish any personal relationship with any person, organization, cult, monastery etc., nor did he appoint anyone as his disciple, propagator, or successor.
He discovered many revolutionary, novel, and remarkable methods and spread them across the masses through his discourses and articles. Without insisting upon any opinion, argument, cult etc., he propagated only that which was his own experience. He explained the deep, complicated and the most eminent subjects of the spiritual path to the common man in an extremely simple manner, so that an average literate man too can easily understand them and can apply them in his life.
‘Sadhak-Sanjivani’ an unprecedented commentary on Shrimad Bhagavad Gita by Swamiji be an outstanding gift to the world. He also authored several unparalleled texts such as ‘Gita-Darpan’, ‘GitaPrabodhani’, ‘Sadhan-Sudha-Sindhu’ etc. The lessons from the books, leave an immutable, irrevocable impression on the readers, as these are not dependent on just scholarly writings, but are based on experience rather than learning.
This glorious personage of the world disappeared on July 3rd, 2005 (Aashadh Krishna 12, Vikram Samvat 2062) on the banks of Ganga, Gita Bhavan, Swargashram(Rishikesh).
A HUMBLE REQUEST (A Will) By Swami Ramsukhdas ji
It is only due to the extreme grace of Almighty God that the soul acquires a human body. Its only purpose is attaining God. But, after obtaining this body, human being tends to forget his original purpose and gets firmly attached to the body and starts believing in bodily pleasures as being ultimate. By giving power and importance to the body, he starts relating to it and hence is so attracted to it that its name too becomes dear to him. Of all the bodily pleasures, the most menial is respect-seeking. To attain this, he also indulges in vices like falsehood, cunningness and dishonesty. Due to the love for his body, he desires its praise and compliments from others. He desires to seek self praise through-out his life and wishes that after his death, his name and fame remains eternal. He tends to forget that the name given to this body for worldly convenience does not have any existence whatsoever after the body perishes. In light of this, body worshipping, respect-seeking and eternity of name is of least importance. But due to widespread inner desire for bodily respect and eternity of name and fame, humans behave in such a manner, not only with himself and his near and dear ones, but also with those who are the knowledgeable and thus following the righteous path shown by the esteemed scholars and the scriptures trying to attain their ultimate goal of being one with the Almighty. What more can be said when the body of such an enlightened one dies, but in order to continue their remembrance, their body is captured in pictures and with all the pomp and decorations (garlands etc.) the body is taken to the cremation ground. In order to immortalize the mortal name, they erect edifices like structures in the form of memorials. In addition to this, they write exaggerated and one-sided incidents of the deceased being and publish them in the form of biographies and remembrances. On one side, they call themselves followers of that enlightened one and on the other do exactly the thing that he deterred in life!
The essence of belief is immortal. Hence, the belief must be on the principle and worlds of such enlightened one and not on mortal body or name. There is only desire and not belief in the mortal body and name. But such misdeeds happen only when desires take the garb of beliefs. Hence, giving undue importance to mortal bodies and in deterring to worship and praise that eternal, immortal, divine and immaculate Almighty Being not only makes our life useless but it also is a great ditching of self.
Those whom we term as Mahatma – the enlightened one – are Mahatma because of their total renouncement of the bodily pleasures and not because of their attachment to it. They consider this body as excretory matter. Hence, showering respect over Mahatma’s body is like respecting excretory matter! Is this right? If someone says that just like we worship God’s photograph, what s wrong in worshipping a Mahatma’s photograph? Then saying this is also not apt because God’s body is divine and immortal, while that of that of Mahatama is made of destructible and perishable matters that we call “panch-tattva”. God is Omnipresent, hence He is there – present in the photographs also. But omnipresence (other than body) of Mahatma is due to omnipresence of the God Himself. God encompasses all the Mahatmas; hence worship of God includes worshipping of all the Mahatmas. Hindrance shall be created in worship of God if the body and photographs of Mahatmas are worshipped and this is strictly against the very principles of Mahatmas. A Mahatma has come to this world to guide the people to God and not towards himself. The one who guides the people to himself (for worship) is anti-god. In fact, a Mahatma is never limited to a body.
Actual biography is the one which depicts factual matters, meaning which puts forth the good and bad facts (virtues and vices) of life in a most truthful ways. Only the person himself can know the factual incidents of his life. Others shall only derive estimates about it as per their own intellect and this is often not true. The biographies that are written nowadays, more so hides the faults and vices and depicts only unwarranted virtues. Hence they are actually not the factual, complete and real depiction. In fact, where can we find a better biographical character sketch of any other, than Marayada Purshottam Sri Ram? Hence, his biography and character sketch must be heard and read and our life must be molded and lived in accordance with it. We must try and live our life in accordance with advice and principles of those whom we consider as Mahatma.
After thinking on the points mentioned earlier, I would like to humbly make a request to all my acquainted Saints and good people. I have made the points on a personal level, meaning that I have prohibited my photographs, pictures, memorials, biographies etc. The sole purpose of this article is to clearly state as to what shall be your duties towards this body at the time when I have become physically unfit and my body had finally rested.
(1) When this body becomes unfit to move around and in the opinion of doctors has no chance of revival, then it is to be taken to the shores of Holy Ganga. Do not use any medications at such time; make use of only waters of Holy Ganga and Tulsi. During such period, uninterrupted chant God’s name and praises and let the Holy Scriptures like Srimad Bhagavadgita , Shri VishnushahastraNaam, Sri RamcharitaManas etc. be read and heard.
(2) When the body is dead, use only Gopichandan and Tulsimala, not flowers, scents or Gulal etc. The body that is dead should be carried in mere cloth as per the saintly traditions and not on the Vaikunthi made of wood etc.
The way that I have been prohibiting in my living days the feet touching, dandvat pranam, parikrama, garlanding, chanting of my name etc., similarly, after my body’s dies, consider feet touching, dandvat pranaam, parikrama, garlanding, chanting my name etc, as prohibited.
I altogether condemn taking photographs of this body in its living, dead or last rites state.
(3) In the event of its death in some other place or village, it is my hearty wish that my body be kept on a vehicle and brought to the shores of Holy Ganga and its last rites be done there. In case due to some unavoidable reasons, it is not possible to do so, then, in that city or village where the body became lifeless, in that same village towards the forest or a pathway that leads out of the city where cows etc. rest, there in the presence of the sun (during day time) the last rites must be completed.
When this body becomes still, there should be no waiting for anyone. After the last rites only devotional songs and loud chanting of the Lord’s name, Divine Name repetition (Naam Japa) etc. alone should be done, and the last rites must be completed with absolute simplicity.
(4) During the last rites, all the utilitarian goods (clothes, shoes etc.) should all be burnt with this body and the “avashishth” things (books, kamadalu etc) should not be kept in prayer room or in the form of remembrance at all. Rather these must be put to use “saamanya.”
(5) The place where this body’s last rites are done, nothing should be created there in the form of a memorial, to that extent that I even object to you placing stones etc. in that spot. As the place was before the last rites, it should once again be the same after last rites. After the last rites, the ashes and all other “avashishth” things should be offered into Gangaji.
Neither “goushaala” (cow protection shed), school, “chikitsaalaya” etc or any service organization must not be formed in my memory. While the body was living too I have not encouraged and built any structures, buildings etc. for me, and for this I have not inspired anyone either to do so. If any individual, anywhere, shows a building as being created due to an inspiration from me, then consider that to be entirely false.
(6) After this body becomes still, let there be no “satrahavin”, festival or a celebration etc., and during those days let there be no sweets etc. Just as the sages and ascetics have been bringing “bhikshaa” in front of me so far, in the same way they should continue to do so. If good householder out of their own will bring “bhikshaa” daily meals, then that very same “bhikshaa” should be accepted, in which there are no sweets. If some ascetic and good families come from out-of-town then in the arrangements and preparation of their food, let there be no sweets, rather their meals too, should be ordinary.
(7) When this body becomes still, let there be no grief or a gathering for mourning etc., rather for seventeen days let there be “satsang”, singing the glories of the Lord and chanting of His divine name, and Divine Name repetition (bhagvat naam japa), recitation of Gita, recitation of Ramcharitramanas, reading of Saint’s divine speeches, reading of Srimad Bhagwat etc. Only spiritual undertakings “adhyaatmik krtya” must be carried on during this period. In Sanatana Hindu Sankriti (Hindu culture), during these days, these above “krtya” are considered to be main.
(8) When this body becomes still, on the seventeenth day or any other occasion if some gentleman wants to give money-clothes, etc or anything as a gift then it should not be taken, in other words, there should be no gifts accepted from anyone, of any kind whatsoever. If someone says that we donate a certain amount to the temple, than consider this sort of thing to be useless, you must object and oppose this person. If a person sends any gift from some other place, through anyone then it must not be accepted at all. Rather, refuse it entirely. Not only must no gifts be taken from anyone, but there should also be that alertness, that caution, to not give give sheets, rent money etc., to anyone.
When there is objection to taking or doing anything for seventeen days, then what to speak of annual events etc. These are all to be understood as something that I object to.
(9) When this body becomes still, anything related to this body, any incidents, “smaarika” remembrance etc must not be revealed in any form.
Lastly I humbly request all those saints and good family members that I have come in contact with, that those things that I have objected, they should not be done in any situation or circumstance. When this body becomes still, the actions and conduct that is opposed to what I have shared, or any form of arugments “vivaad”, opposition “virodh”, differences of opinion, fights, frivolous controversy “vitandaavaad” etc. by introducing an inexpressible state “avaachaneeya,” he should not become a sinner, or a partner in the sins. Rather with total steadfastness, love, simplicity and mutual trust, and relating without any deviousness, following the previous instructions, reciting and chanting the holy name of God, the final rites must be completed. Whenever and wherever there is an opportunity, the instructions provided with regards to this body should be followed by all those associated that are present at that time.
During my lifetime, through my body, speech, mind, knowingly, unknowingly, if any one experienced any kind of difficulty, then I humbly from my heart and profusely beg your forgiveness. It is my sincere hope, that you all will forgive me with much generosity.
Ram ……….. Ram ………. Ram …………
From “Ek Sant Ki Vasiyat” (page 12 – 13) by Swami Ramsukhdasji
Seeing what is essential in present times, I am sharing some of my thoughts. If someone in my name, appears to be bahaving against these principles and thoughts, then one must try to make every effort to prevent him from doing so.
When my diksha Guru left his mortal body in 1987 and when I completed all the religious rites, at that time I made a firm commitment that besides attaining knowledge of the essential Self, there is nothing else I want to do. I do not want to ask anyone for anything. I do not want to keep any money with me, nor want to touch it. I do not wish to go anywhere, on my own. Whoever would like to take me somewhere, may do so. After that, I came in contact with Shri Jayadayalji Goyandka of Gita Press. In my eyes, he was an enlightened soul, God Realized great soul. His influence and impact on my life was immense.
I am not affiliated with any individual, organization, ashram, etc. If due to some reason, there was a relationship, it was for that moment, and not forever. I am eternally a seeker of Truth, not of any individual.
I have forever been of the mindset that people instead of seeing something divine and special in me, or in any other individuals and becoming engaged with a particular person, should become engaged directly with God. I am totally and strongly against worship and puja of a person, an individual.
I have no place, spiritual organization or ashram. I do not have a seat (position) nor do I consider anyone my disciple, messenger, or one who is rightfully eligible to answer queries on my behalf. After this life, only my books will provide the direction and lead the path. Increasing awareness of Gita Press books, protection of cows (gau rakshaa) and association with holy company, Truth (satsang) has been my eternal aspiration.
I do not allow and am totally against taking my photograph, or touching my feet, or raising hands in praise and glory, or making someone wear holy beads. I do not give offering of food (prasad), bead necklace, scarf, clothes, blanket etc to anyone. I myself only sustain my body through food offered by others (bhikshaa).
For Satsang and other spiritual work, I object to the raising (accumulating) of funds (donations).
I do not give blessings or wish evil or give boon to anyone, nor do I understand and consider myself capable of doing such things.
I give greater importance to Gangaji, the Sun or reverence / recitation of holy scriptures instead of my visitation and viewing (my darshan).
I have once and for all, entirely given-up the touching of Money and Women.
In those news-papers, magazines or written publications where there are advertisements printed, I object to my writings being published. Similiarly, in shops, places of trading, or in calendars pertaining to commercial business or any tools, materials created for the awareness of the businesses, there too, I object to my name being printed in any such publications or places. This however does not apply to the advertisement of Gita Press books.
During discourses, I have established a practice of women and men sitting separately. In my proximity and few feet in the surrounding areas, only men will sit. The seating arrangements for men, will be arranged by men and for women will be arranged by women. Only men should raise their hands, not women ! while praising the glories of God.
Of the three Yogas – Karma Yoga (Path of Action), Jnana Yoga (Path of Knowledge) and Bhakti Yoga (Path of Devotion), I consider Path of Devotion to be best of all, and I believe that it is only through eternal divine Love that man attains perfection.
He who says he is my disciple and considers himself to be blessed by me and gives discourses and seeks respect and recognition, who takes money from devotees, who keeps contact with women, who takes gifts or asks for things, he must be considered a deceitful person. He who accumulates money in my name, he incurs immense sin. That person’s sins are not eligible for forgiveness.
Ram …..Ram ….. Ram
From last discourse in Hindi by Swami Ramsukhdasji on June 29th, 2005 at Gita Bhavan, Swargashram, Rishikesh, India, where Swamiji last resided.
If there is no want, no desire of any sort, then Paramatma can be realized instantly, Self Realization can happen, perfection and complete fulfillment is attainable !
This is everyone’s experience that some desires are fulfilled and others are not. It is not a rule that all desires will be fulfilled. The fulfillment of all desires is not in our hands, but it is in our hands to give up desires. When no more wishes, no more desires remain, then you will be naturally situated in Paramatma . You will have the realization (experiential knowledge) of God. No wants, nothing to do, no place to go, no place to arrive, nothing to study, nothing to practice, that is all there is only these simple points. In just these few words, everything has been said entirely ! It is due to desiring something that we experience bondage in this world. On leaving these desires completely, once and for all, one becomes naturally, situated in Paramatma (God), who is present everywhere, in entirety.
In all your activities remain neutral and impartial. Have no attachment (likes)
and aversion (dislikes).
“Tulasi mamata Ram so, samtaah sab sansaar
Raag ne rosh ne dosh dukh, daas bhaye bhav paa.”
(Dohaavali 94)
There are actions and there are objects. Both these are in Nature (Prakriti ). While discontinuing relationship with objects and actions, rely on only Paramatma (God). Take refuge in only God, That is It. You are already naturally situated in God.
In a dream a mother’s child was lost. She was deeply distressed and grieving. But when she woke up from her sleep, she saw that her child is sleeping right next to her The point of this message is that wherever you are, there Paramatma (God) IS completely and entirely. Wherever you are, there itself be still !!
Discourse by Swami Ramsukhdasji, on June 30th, 2005, approximately 11 am at Gita Bhavan, Rishikesh, India
Question: Yesterday you said that have no wants. Leave desires and become silent, of these two, which one is more beneficial?
Swamiji : I am God’s, God is mine, I am no one else’s, and no one else is mine. Accept this. Being free of desires and being silent both these are the same. Let there be no desire at all, neither of sense enjoyments, nor of liberation, nor of love, nor of devotion, nor anything else.
Question : One is not to desire, but if some work needs to take place then?
Swamiji : Do the work with great enthusiasm, do it round the clock, but don’t have any want. Understand this point properly. Serve others, try to remove their sorrows, but in return do not want anything from them. Serve them, and then become silent. If working somewhere, take the wages, but do not desire anything.
The main point is that wherever you are, there itself is God. If you desire nothing, then you will be situated in only God. When all is God only, then what is there to desire? It is due to desiring the world, that we are in the world. When there is no desire, then we are situated in God
THE ORIGINAL LECTURE WAS DELIVERED IN HINDI.
Completely rid of attachment, idol of renunciation, Revered Swamiji Maharaj had especially instructed that no one may write his biography. Above said introduction has been written only to acquaint people with this great saint and thereby uplift them and benefit from his discourses.
Sant Nivas – Gita Bhawan 3, Rishikesh
Sant Nivas Swami Ramsukhdas ji , Gita Bhawan , Rishikesh
