3/24/2011 12:00:00 AM
NO COPROMISE IN NIYAMS
24 March, Sarangpur
A satsangi youth became engaged to a non-satsangi girl. The girl gradually started practicing a few rules and traditions of the Swaminarayan Sampradaya. But the girl declared her wish to have biscuits containing eggs in the ingredients served on their wedding day. In spite of explaining to her that it would not be right, she remained resolute. She said that it was her long cherished wish to do so on that day.
The youth came to Swamishri with the issue. Sympathizing with her he told Swamishri, “To make her inclined towards satsang and not displease her, I feel that I should fulfil her wish.”
Swamishri interjected, “If she is displeased then let her be so, but you should not compromise on our niyams. One should never take meat [or eggs]. The girl has given up eating onions and garlic on your word, then where is the problem in giving this up too?”
The youth argued, “I feel if I allow her to do this, rather than refuse her, then there will be no further hitches for her in accepting satsang.”
Swamishri replied categorically, “You feel the need to marry her, then does she not also feel the same for you? You pressured your parents to allow you to marry her and thus fulfil her wish. Then can’t she agree with you in this matter? You must tell her that they [biscuits with eggs] cannot be served. I will pray that God inspires her mind to give up her resolve. Is it proper to eat in this manner [by breaking rules] or to follow the disciplines of Satsang? God is pleased when one abides by his moral rules.”
The youth left with a resolve to follow the satsang disciplines.
Sarangpur