12 August 2003 (V.S. 2059, Shravan sud 15) Tuesday, Nadiad, Bharuch; Rakshabandhan
In the morning, over 4,000 devotees gathered for the Rakshabandhan festival.
Swamishri blessed the assembly, "We have the shelter of Maharaj and have attained Shastriji Maharaj and Yogiji Maharaj. They will protect us physically and spiritually. Spiritually they protect from lust, anger and other base instincts and desires... By observing their commands and offering devotion one attains peace in this world and the next. By offering devotion to God protection is attained. This becomes our last birth. One becomes brahmarup, free of all desires and ekantik."
At 5.20 p.m. Swamishri left for Bharuch, arriving there at 7.20 p.m.
In the evening welcome assembly, the Rakshabandhan festival was celebrated. Swamishri said in his blessings, "Our true protection is provided by God. Protection by others removes bodily and financial difficulties but God and His holy Sadhu protect us by freeing us from the cycle of births and deaths."
Swamishri during the flag hoisting ceremony on Independence Day
15 August 2003 (V.S. 2059, Shravan vad 3) Friday, Bharuch; Independence Day
Today was India's Independence Day. Before his morning puja, Swamishri performed the traditional flag-raising ceremony. Then he blessed the devotees with a special Independence Day message.
16 August 2003 (V.S. 2059, Shravan vad 4) Saturday, Bharuch
A young trader approached Swamishri and asked, "At this (young) age should one perform meditation, puja and read scriptures?" Swamishri replied, "Spare 30 minutes daily." Again the young shopkeeper asked, "Is it necessary at this (young) age?" Swamishri reinforced, "It should specially be done at this age. Whatever you do at a young age will be of use to you in old age. Along with your business you should also do this."