Shreeji Maharaj has said in the 19th Vachanamritam of Vadtal, "Whenever the soul is fortunate to be born as a human being in Bharat Khand, incarnations of God or His saints are sure to be found moving on the earth." We are extremely fortunate to have been brought up under the auspices of such a saint. Reverend Shastriji Maharaj Shri Dharmajivandasji Swami came in our life as a true saint and authorised representative of Almighty Bhagwan Shree Swaminarayan on this sacred soil of Saurashra. He did not come to enjoy normal human life. He never chose to appease his physical self. No bonding howsoever strong could limit him for sensual pleasure. He cultivated various virtues in his life, living with the great saints, broke the bondings and departed on his own terms. This person revolutionized the educational system and kicked off a tradition which we will cherish for years! This book, which is translation of Gujarati edition, describes his life journey which is full of rises and tides. An unswerving personality emerges in 41 chapters in a unique way. His single mindedness, simple living style and saintly sacrifices mesmerize anyone and everyone! The book in my view has two parts. In the first part the child Arjan rises from the dust of Taravada village to righteousness and enlightenment in company of brahmnistha saints. His detachment from worldly desires, right from birth was something very astonishing. He was never found to nurture ambition of normal human dreams. When a pious soul of Arjan finds company of saints like Rev. Balmukunddasji Swami, his real self emerges out and gradually leads to sanyas. The book nicely depicts the heart rending sufferings he underwent on choosing the path of renunciation. The ruthless suppression from his family members couldn't deride the mumukshu Arjan and it couldn't budge the great soul even an inch from his life mission. Second part of the book from chapter 10 onwards, reveals Arjan Bhagat's (parshad) total dedication and commitment to the path he chose willfully. His early years as a saint after attaining Bhagavati Dixa (formal embracement of sanyas) demonstrates how intense his detachment was. Intense desire to study as a young saint brings forth his attributes as a scholar. Firm faith in Sampradaya rules and traditions, strict obeyance of prevailing norms and complete abstinence in personal life earned him blessings from stalwart saints like sadhu Narayandasji Swami and many many others. He embarked upon extensive tourage on foot in rural areas and thereby strengthened the roots of Swaminarayan sect in Gir region, which was his notable contribution during those difficult days. Fearlessness was his one of the deeply appreciated virtues among fellow as well as senior saints. His vision in renovating the old temples in rural and semi urban areas was considered a visionary step. Acceptability among the rural illiterate devotees and attaining their support for temple renovations was a praiseworthy task. Other equally challenging tasks during headship of Shri Swaminarayan Temple - Junagadh, speak volumes of his administrative capability and unwavering commitment. However, the best was yet to come! His quick decision taking strength and adventurism on sound faith and pragmatism generated heat, as usual, among envious colleagues. But how long can a glittering diamond be covered just to prevent it from radiating? Rev. Swamiji was a different stuff altogether! He had vision, he had strength, he had commitment and finally he had the ultimate will to incur wrath and risk from anyone, as long as he was convinced with the righteousness of the task on hand. So, he had to depart for a cause! He did it to make a way, which has now become a guiding lighthouse for generations to come!! Birth of Gurukul tradition in modern India was his, perhaps one of the greatest contributions not only to the Swaminarayan sect but to the entire world. Blending religion and virtuous teaching with the formal education and thereby amalgamating the values of Vidya, Sadvidya and Brahmvidya in Gurukul system is a sagacity entirely to his credit. Preferring Chaitanya Rosary (young boys) to Tulsi rosary (wooden rosary)-a decision that changed millions of lives for all-round betterment was quite a step, not many can contemplate ! Numerous occasions and plethora of activities in Gurukul with now complete freedom to execute own ideas showed how great he was! He never missed the aim and mission of his life and still broke many barriers of hostility to everybody's surprise! He triumphed as a saint, as a dedicated soldier of the Sampradaya, as a social reformer, as an innovator and finally as a uncommon human being. Never compromising on values and principles was his very nature. No allurement howsoever big could budge him from his chosen path. Not a single blot on his 87 year long, most eventful life was not a mean achievement. Finally he left for Akshardham with expression full contentment of life. Centuries to come will follow his footsteps! My salute to our sculptor, the bravo saint !! Jay Swaminarayan.
