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Swaminarayan- Shikshapatri

What is Shikshapatri?

It is an Epistle of Precepts, written by Lord Swaminarayan. He has comprehensively covered in 212 verses the duties of householders, Sadhus, Brahmacharis, women, widows, Acharyas and their wives. His philosophy, the way of worship, and the main attributes of Bhagwat Dharma comprising of Dharma, Jnana, Vairagya, and Bhakti are very clearly explained. In short, He has covered the codes of various Smritis and Srutis. An implicit observance of these precepts would bring a complete harmony in life.

SHIKSHAPATRI

1. I medidate in My heart on Shree Krishna, Brindavan's gay divine player on whose left is Radha and in whose bosom dwells Lakshmi

2. I, Sahajanand Swami, write this Shikshapatri from Vrittalaya to all My followers residing far and wide.

3 - 6. Ayodhyaprasad and Raghuvir, the respective sons of My brothers Rampratap and Ichharam, born of Dharmadev, the Brahmacharins headed by Mukundanand, householders such as Mayaram Bhatt and others who are My followers; married women and husbands alive or dead and all saints such as Muktanand and others may all accept My benedictions, benefactors of Swadharma as prescribed by the scriptures, and the happy remembrances sanctified by the name of Shri Narayan.

7. All should listen with due attention to the benefits latent in this Shikshapatri which is the redeemer of all.

8 - 9. My followers who shall observe strictly the rules of ethics (e.g. non-injury, etc.) as prescribed by the scriptures shall derive happiness here and hereafter; and those who wantonly transgress them and behave wilfully shall suffer great distress here and in the life hereafter.

10. Hence it is incumbent upon My disciples to follow scrupulously the commandments of this Shikshapatri in both letter and spirit and never transgress them.

Code of Conduct in General for Disciples of All Classes (Verses 11-48)

11. None of My followers shall ever kill any creature whatsoever; nor shall they intentionally kill even small insects such as lice, bugs, etc.

12. None shall kill animals such as goats, etc. even for the purpose of performing sacrifices or for propitiating a deity; for non-violence in itself is avowedly held as the highest ethical code.

13. None shall ever commit homicide for any object, be it for women, wealth or even a kingdom.

14. None shall, in a fit of anger or in repetance of some sin, ever commit suicide by means of poison or strangulation or a headlong plunge in a well even in a place of pilgrimage.

15. None shall ever eat flesh, be it the remnant of offerings in a sacrifice; none shall drink liquor, or any intoxicating beverage even if it has been offered to the deities.

16. None shall mutilate with a weapon or the like, any part of his body or that of others as punishment for misdeeds committed either by oneself or by others, in a state of excitement.

17. None shall steal even for benevolent purposes nor shall take things like fuel, flowers, etc. without the consent of their owners.

18. None of My followers - male or female shall commit adultery or practice gambling and similar vices; and they shall abstain from drinking and inhaling intoxicants such as bhang, tobacco, snuff, etc.

19. Except at Jagannathpuri, none shall eat or drink anything that is served by persons unacceptable under the caste system, even if it is the remnant of Prasad (consecrated food) offered to Shree Krishna.

20. None shall ever level false charges against anyone, for the purpose of promoting self-interest nor shall he ever abuse anyone.

21. None shall ever vilify Gods, places of pilgrimage, Brahmins, chaste women, saints and Vedas nor shall he listen to such talks.

22. None shall accept an offering made to a deity to whom flesh and wine are offered, and before whom goats, and the like beasts are sacrificed.

23. My followers, should they happen to pass by temples of Shiv or of other deities, shall bow down with due reverence to the idols therein.

24. None of My followers shall violate the code of Varnashram Dharma and shall never accept any code of behaviour other than sanctioned by the scriptures.

25. None shall ever listen to even religious discourses from a person whose preachings might lead one to fall from God's devotion and one's duty.

26. None shall ever utter truth which may cause one's own humiliation or of others. They shall give up the company of ungrateful persons. In social affairs, they shall never accept bribes from anyone.

27. None shall keep the company of thieves or vicious persons, addicts, heretics, those inclined to sexual indulgence and alchemists.

28. Likewise, none shall associate himself with anyone who hankers after women and wealth and practises sinful acts under the guise of hypocritical devotion or false wisdom.

29. None shall ever listen to or give credence to scriptures skilfully contrived to deny the existence of Shri Krishna and His incarnations.

30. None shall ever drink unfiltered water or milk, or shall bathe with contaminated water.

31. My disciples shall never take medicines which are mixed with liquor, meat or those which are prescribed by a physician whose conduct is not known to them.

32. None shall allow bodily excretions or filth to fall in places where such nuisance is prohibited by either the scriptures or a public authority.

33. None shall enter or pass through private passages or put up in a place without its owner's permission.

34. None of my male devotees shall listen to discourses given by a woman nor shall enter into an argument with women, kings or their courtiers.

35. None shall insult preceptors, superiors, persons of higher social status, learned men and those who are armed.

36. Duties relating to Dharma should be performed forthwith, while duties relating to social affairs should be performed after due deliberation. The learned should impart their learning to others and should constantly keep the company of saints.

37. None shall approach a Guru or a deity or a king empty handed. None shall commit a breach of trust or indulge in self-praise.

38. None of My followers shall put on such garment which is likely to be obscene by exposing any part of the body to view.

39. None shall practise devotion to Shree Krishna while disregarding religious tenets nor shall he give up the worship of Shree Krishna for fear of calumny by the ignorant.

40. All male and female devotees coming to the temples of Shree Krishna for darshan either daily or on days of religious festivals shall keep themselves aloof from the opposite sex.

41. All My Brahmin, Kshatriya, and Vaishya followers (Dvija, i.e., twiceborn, as they are called) initiated into the devotion of Shree Krishna by a spiritual master, shall always wear a double kanthi of Tulsi beads round the neck and shall put an upright Tilak mark on their forehead, chest and both the arms.

42. The Tilak shall be made of Gopichandan stick or of consecrated sandal paste mixed with saffron and Kumkum that has been offered to Lord Krishna.

43. In the center of the Tilak a round mark be made of Gopichandan or Kumkum, which has duly been offered to Radha and Laxmi.

44. Sat-Shudra devotees of Shree Krishna who observe Dharma should also wear a Kanthi and imprint the Tilak mark like the Dvijas.

45. Devotees belonging to the lower strata of society should weara double Kanthi of sandal beads and put only a round Kumkum mark on their forehead.

46. None of My Brahmin devotees shall ever give up the family traditions of imprinting Tripundra and wearing Rudraksha-Mala.

47. The Vedas proclaim Narayan and Shiv as one and as Brahmaswarup and therefore, they should be known accordingly.

48. In ordinary calamities My followers should never fall back upon permitted relaxations which are reserved by the scriptures for sheer exigencies.

Rituals of Daily Worship to be observed by Followers (Verses 49-60)

49. All my disciples shall awake before sunrise and after medidating on Shree Krishna shall proceed to discharge their bowels.

50. They should then sit at one place and brush their teeth, then bathe with clean water and then put on a clean pair of clothes, duly washed and untouched.

51. They should then sit on an undefiled Asana (mat) in seclusion, facing either east or north, and perform Achamanam (sipping water before religious ceremonies).

52. All my male disciples shall then put Tilak on their forehead and a round Kumkum mark as aforesaid, married women should make only a round mark of Kumkum on their forehead.

53. Widows shall not put on Tilak or the round Kumkum mark. All my devotees shall offer mental worship to Shree Krishna.

54. They shall then reverently bow down to the images of Radha and Krishna and chant the holy name of the Lord in accordance with their usual and normal procedures, only after which they should start their daily routines.

55. Those devotees who lead a consecrated life like that of King Ambrish shall also follow the same rituals as described above.

56. They shall worship Shree Krishna's idol made of either stone or metal or Shaligram with offerings procurable within one's own means; and then chant His holy name.

57. And then, they shall read hymns or a religious text as suited to their ability, and those who are not acquainted with Sanskrit may sing a song in praise and adoration of Shree Krishna.

58. They shall then offer food to God and take Prasad only from the offered dish. Thus, in a spirit of supreme love and dedication, they should serve Shree Krishna.

59. Those devotees who lead a consecrated life are known as Nirgun as all their deeds are purified by virtue of their constant and devout contact with the Lord who is ever Nirgun.

60. Those votaries shall never drink water or eat roots, fruits or the like without offering the same to Shree Krishna.

Ethics of conduct (Verses 61-92)

61. My devotees disabled by old age or by other adversity shall hand over to some other devotee the idols of Shree Krishna which they may be worshipping and shall medidate on the Lord to the best of their ability.

62. My devotees shall worship only those images of the Lord that are given by an Acharya or installed by him. Only obeisance should be offered to other images.

63. All My followers shall go to the temple every evening and there shall sing loudly songs in praise of Lord Krishna, the beloved of Radha.

64. They shall read and listen to narrations from the life of the Lord with utmost reverence and, on festival days, they shall sing songs extolling Shree Krishna to the accompaniment of musical instruments.

65. All My devotees shall invariably follow the course prescribed above, and shall also study religious works in Sanskrit and vernacular to the best of their knowledge.

66. A man must be thoughtfully assigned a work for which he is best suited, but never otherwise.

67. One who has engaged servants should take proper care, according to his means, of their food and clothing.

68. A virtuous person should be suitably respected and addressed, taking into consideration the prevailing customs, circumstances, and place, but should never be treated otherwise.

69. A preceptor, a king, an elder, a renunciate, a learned one, and an ascetic - all these should be duly honoured by polite words on their arrival and by rising up and bowing to them.

70. None shall sit in a posture with one foot placed on the thigh or with both the knees bound with a cloth-strap in the presence of a preceptor, an idol of God or a king or in an assembly.

71. My disciples shall never enter into a futile debate with the Acharya and shall respect him and serve him, according to their means, with money, clothes and the like.

72. On hearing of the arrival of the Acharya, My disciples shall proceed to the outskirts of the town to receive him with respect; and on his departure from their town or village, they shall accompany him up to the outskirts to bid him farewell.

73. My devotees shall desist from those acts which are contrary to the scriptural tenets, however much rewarding they may be, for verily, Dharma alone yields all desired objects.

74. My disciples shall never uphold any ignoble deed which may have been performed by the great persons of the past. They should emulate their noble deeds only.

75. My disciples shall not disclose secrets of others. Those deserving of merit should be accorded appropriate respect. But in no case should the bounds of decency be ignored in observing a false decorum of equality.

76. During the four months of the monsoon, My devotees shall take up additional religious duties and those who are physically weak shall take them up at least during the month of Shravan.

77-78. Recitation or listening attentively to the sacred narratives from the life of the Lord, singing hymns in His praise, adoration and worship of the idol of God, chanting His holy name or His Mantra, and reading the stotras, performance of Pradkshina (circumambulations) and falling prostate (Sashtang Dandvat Pranam) before the Lord's idol are the eight additional duties held as the most befitting for the devotees. Any one of them may be devoutly observed as an additional duty during the monsoon.

79. All my disciples shall fast on Ekadashi as also on Janmashtami and Shivratri days and celebrate these festivals with great reverence.

80. On the days of fast, My disciples shall not sleep during the day because it nullifies the Vrat (vow of austerity) just as it is nullified by a conjugal act.

81-82. The exponent of Vaishnavism Shri Vithalji, the son of Shri Vallabhacharya, has prescribed the days of Vratas. My disciples shall observe these Vratas, and perform the festivals accordingly; they should adopt the religious practices of adoration and worship of the Lord as laid down by Shri Vithalnathji.

83. They shall go on pilgrimage to the sacred places, chief amongst these being Dwarka and there perform proper rites and be charitable and compassionate to the poor according to their means.

84. My devotees shall hold the five deities, viz., Vishnu, Shiv, Ganpati, Parvati, and Aditya in great reverence.

85. In the event of affliction caused by an evil spirit, recourse should be taken to the chantingof Narayan Kavach or the Hanuman Stotram; but in no case invocation of any inferior deity be resorted to.

86. During the solar and lunar eclipses, My devotees shall forthwith suspend all their usual activities and be ready in an undefiled state to chant Krishna's name or His Mantra.

87. When the eclipse is over, they should bathe with their clothes on. The householders shall give alms according to their means and the ascetics shall worship God.

88. All our devotees of the four castes shall observe Sutak (a period of ten days, following the birth or death of a family member during which all religious rites are suspended) in conformity with the scriptures.

89. My Brahmin devotees shall cultivate the qualities of tranquility, self-restraint, forbearance, contentment and other such virtues. The Kshatriyas shall cultivate valour, fortitude and similar qualities.

90. The Vaishya class shall take to agriculture, trade, money-lending and like pursuits; and those of the Shudra class shall serve the above named three Varnas.

91. The twice-born (Dvijas) shall perform the sixteen purifactory rites, as also the daily rituals and obsequies (Shradha) at the proper time, according to the conventions and the means available.

92. One shall expiate for one's sins, whether small or great, done knowingly or otherwise, according to one's ability.

Authentic Scriptures (Verses 93-102)

93-95. The four Vedas, Vedanta Sutras by Vyas, Shrimad Bhagvat, Shri Vishnu Sahasra Nama from Mahabharata, Shri Bhagvat Geeta, the Code of Ethics enunciated by Shri Vidhurji (Vidurnity), Shri Vasudeva Mahatmya from the Vishnu Khand of Skand Purana and Yajnavalkya Smriti, are the chief amongst all religious scriptures and I hold these eight scriptures as authoritative and of special significance.

96. All My disciples who earnestly desire their own welfare shall listen to all these eight scriptures. My Brahmin devotees shall study these scriptures, and teach and narrate them to others.

97. Amongst the aforesaid eight treatises, the Mitakshara commentary on Yajnavalkya Smriti should be held by My followers as the guiding authority in determining matter of usage, mutual dealings, code for expiation and Nitya Naimittik Karmas.

98. The Fifth and Tenth Skandas of Shreemad Bhagvat Purana should be regarded as supreme for acquiring the knowledge of the glory and greatness of Shree Krishna.

99. The Tenth and the Fifth Skandas of Shreemad Bhagvat Purana and the Yajnavalkya Smriti are authoritative treaties on Bhakti Yoga and Dharma respectively.

100. Shri Bashya on Shariraka Sutras and the Bashya on Bhagvat Geeta both by Shri Ramanujacharya are accepted by me as authoritative for acquiring comprehensive knowledge of philosophy.

101-102. Quotations from these scriptures which describe the transcendant glory of Shree Krishna and give a superlatively elegant exposition of Dharma-Bhakti and Vairagya should be regarded as fundamental truths compared to various other quotations which just describe either the glory of Shree Krishna or the various forms of Dharma, Bhakti and Vairagya. The quintessence of these scriptures is devotion to God along with observance of Dharma.

Faith and Philosophy (Verses 103-122)

103. Dharma is the ethical code prescribed by Shrutis and Smritis. Deep devotion to Shree Krishna with a fully developed awareness of His grandeur, constitutes the concept of Bhakti.

104. Non-attachment to all objects of the senses except to Shree Krishna is Vairagya. Comprehensive knowledge of Jiva, Maya, and Ishwar is Jnana.

105. Jiva which is very subtle resides in the heart. It is chidrupa and by virtue of its sentiency or sense of feeling, it pervades the entire body. It is unpierceable, indivisible and eternal.

106. Maya is trigunatmika, i.e., full of Sattva, Rajas and Tamas qualities, full of darkness and is the Shakti (power) of Shree Krishna, responsible for creating attachment to the body and its relations.

107. As Jiva resides in the heart, Paramatma resides in Jiva by virtue of His Antaryami Shakti (omniscience). He is independent and is the giver of benefits and consequences to all according to their karmas.

108. That Paramatma - Shree Krishna who is Supreme, Parabrahman, Bhagwan or Purushottam and who is the cause of all manifestations is the Lord of us all. He is to be worshipped for final redemption.

109. Where His manifested form is associated with Radha, the dual form is known as Radha-Krishna and when in company with Laxmi as Laxmi-Narayan.

110. When associated with Arjun He is called Nar-Narayan. And so He is to be known by various other names when He is with Balbhadra and other devotees.

111. At times, Radha and other devotees (Laxmi, Arjuna, etc.) are by the side of Shree Krishna. But at times when, out of sheer devotion they are absorbed in His being, Shree Krishna shall be considered alone.

112. Hence, these forms of Shree Krishna should not be mistaken as separate forms. When He is described as possessing four, eight or a thousand arms He is said to assume these forms by His free will. But in reality He always has two arms.

113. All human beings on this earth shall worship Him knowing that there is no other way for ultimate redemption than devotion to Him.

114. It follows, therefore, that erudition, knowledge, and such other virtues of learned persons have their fruition if they are devoted to God and are associated with realised saints; for without devotion and Satsang even the learned would degenerate.

115. Lord Krishna, His incarnations and His idols alone are to be medidated upon, but a human being or a deva even though he may be a devotee or knower of Brahman shall never be resorted to as an object of medidation.

116. Identifying one's self with Brahman, separate from the three bodies, one should always offer devotion to Shree Krishna.

117. My devotees shall listen with full reverence to the Tenth Skand of Shrimad Bhagvat daily or at least once in a year, the learned shall read it daily or once a year.

118. My devotees shall perform the Purascharan (108 readings) ceremony of the Tenth Skand of Shrimad Bhagvat or Vishnu Sahasranama in a holy place; for such a performance helps one to attain all desired objects.

119. In the event of any man-made or nature-inflicted calamity or sickness, one shall try to take precautions to save one's self and others; but none should behave otherwise.

120. Internal dealings, ceremonies for expiation of sins and prevalent modes shall always be made adaptable to place, time, age, means, caste, ability, etc.

121. The creed of our philosophy is qualified non-dualism-Vishishtadvait- and Golok Dham is the desired abode for souls who, in the released state, assuming Brahmabhav, serve Lord Krishna. This is ultimate Mukti (redemption).

122. These are the duties specified by Me and common for all My male and female disciples. I now specify the special duties to be performed by My disciples of different  grade, class, ashram and sex.

Special Duties (Verses 123-202)

123. The Acharyas, the sons of My elder and younger brothers shall never preach to females, other than those of their own kindred.

124. They shall never touch or talk to females not closely related to them; nor shall they be cruel to any living being or accept money from others as deposis in their charge.

125. They shall never stand as surety for others in their general dealings; they shall subsist on alms to tide over periods of difficulty but shall never incur debts.

126. They should never sell foodgrains offered to them as alms by their followers. However, old cereals may be exchanged for new and such an  exchange does not amount to sale.

127. They shall perform a special ceremony on the fourth day of the bright half of the month of Bhadrapad which is the birthday of Ganapati. Again on the 14th day of the dark half of Ashwin month, they should perform a similar ceremony for propitiating Hanuman.

128. The Acharyas, viz. Ayodhyaprasad and Raghuvirji, appointed by Me as the religious heads of My disciples, shall initiate the male aspirants into our holy order and Fellowship.

129. They (Acharyas) shall inspire the disciples to follow the respective tenets of the sect. They shall respect the saints and shall study the scriptures in a spirit of reverence.

130. They shall perform the necessary rites of worship and devotion to Laxmi Narayan and other idols installed by Me in large temples.

131. Anyone who enters the temple with a desire to have food shall be so served and treated hospitably according to the means available.

132. A Patshala (school) for teaching Sanskrit should be established and a learned preceptor should be appointed there in to impart the knowledge of Sadvidya, for , verily, propogation of the spiritual lore is an act of great benediction.

Special Duties for the Wives of the Acharyas (Verses 133-134)

133. The wives of the Acharyas, Ayodhyaprasad and Raghuvirji, with the permission of their husbands shall preach to females only and shall initiate them into Krishna Mantra.

134. They shall also never touch, talk to, or even show their faces to the males other than those who are closely related to them.

Special Duties for Householders (Verses 135-156)

135. Our male householder disciples shall not under any circumstances associate themselves with widows who are not closely related to them.

136. They shall not remain in private company with either their mother, sister, or daughter of young age, except in the strictest emergency. They shall never give away their wives to anyone.

137. My disciples shall not keep contact with a woman who has been associated with a King in any way.

138. According to their means, My devotees shall entertain and serve guests with food and shall perform, in a proper way, the sacrificial rites and oblations to ancestors.

139. My disciples shall serve their parents, preceptors and ailing persons till they live, to the best of their ability.

140. They shall take up such vocation as may be suited to their Varna and Ashram and according to their ability. The farmes shall not castrate their bulls.

141.  My disciples shall store food grains according to their means and save money for their future requirements. Those who own cattle shall store the necessary fodder.

142. My disciples shall keep cows and other animals only if they can afford to take sufficient care of them and maintain them with grass, water, etc. Otherwise, they should abstain from keeping them.

143. My disciples shall not enter into business transactions (either for purchase of land or for lending money) with even their sons or friends except by a written document.

144. My disciples shall enter into a written understanding with a witness attesting his signature thereto, for the amount that may be required to be paid on marriages either of their own or of others, but should never rely on oral understanding only.

145. My disciples shall regulate their expenses according to their income and must never indulge in extravagant expenses, for, expenses incurred in excess of income invite misery.

146. My disciples shall keep legible and regular accounts of their income and expenditure written daily in their own hand.

147. My disciples shall give in donation one tenth of their income or food grains, if that be their agricultural income, in the service of Lord Krishna. Those with insufficient means shall donate one-twentieth of their income, either in kind or money.

148. Regular obeservance of Ekadashi Vrat or other special Vratas shall be considered fulfilled, only when the necessary concluding rites are performed according to the scriptures. Then only will the Vratas yield the desired results.

149. In the month of Shravan, they shall worship or engage the services of pious Brahmin devotees to worship Shiv with Bilva-patras and the likes.

150. My disciples shall never borrow money from the Acharyas or from the treasury of the temples; nor shall they take utensils, ornaments or clothes for their use from the temples.

151. My disciples who visit the temples or approach the saints or preceptors for Darshan shall never eat food served by outsiders either in the temples or enroute. For, such a deed deprives one of the fruits of righteous actions.

152. My disciples shall pay wages either in money or in kind regularly to the labourers hired by them and at the rates agreed with them. They shall never conceal the debt that may be redeemed by them. They shall never suppress their own lineage and the details of their daughter's (marriage) - Kanyadaan. They shall never have dealings with the wicked.

153-154. In the event of a famine or harassment from an enemy or tyranny of the king, which is likely to harm one's prestige or wealth or even one's own life, My discreet followers in such circumstances shall quit that place at once, even if it be their native place, and should migrate somewhere else, where there is no such harassment.

155. My disciples of means shall perform Ahimsaka Yajnas for propitiating Vishnu and should feed Brahmins and ascetics on the day following Ekadashi fast or on religious days in pilgrimage places.

156. My disciples of means shall celebrate the religious festivals in temples with great pomp and enthusiasm and shall give alms to the deserving Brahmins.

Special Duties for the Rulers (Verses 157-158)

157. My disciples of the royal families shall, in conformity with the scriptures, extend full protection to their subjects and treat them as their own children. They shall righteously consolidate religious tenets over the area within their command.

158. My ruler-disciples should be fully aware of the seven different constituents for successfully governing the state, the four expedients necessary for a victorious conquest of the enemy state, the six diplomatic qualities, and the important places to send the spies. They should also instinctively know persons well versed in social affairs and the people who deserve punishment and those who do not by their personal attributes.

Special Duties for Married Women (Verses 159-162)

159. The female followers shall serve their husbands, be they blind or ailing or poor or impotent in the manner in which they worship and serve God; and under no circumstances shall they speak harshly to them.

160. They shall not under any circumstances develop contact with any young, handsome or virtuous man.

161. Devout wives shall not dress in a manner as to expose their breasts, navel or thighs and thus attract the attention of males. They should never move about without their saris on; and shall never go to vulgar shows. Again ,they shall never maintain relations with lustful and debauch women or courtesans.

162. Women whose husbands are away from town shall not decorate themselves with rich garments or ornaments, shall not visit another's house and shall abstain from gossip and frivolity.

Special Duties for Widows (Verses 163-172)

163. Widows shall serve God with the same fidelity with which they served their husbands and shall always remain under the authority of their father or son, but shall never behave freely.

164. They shall abstain from the touch of any male who may not be their nearest relative. During their youth, they shall avoid contact or conversation with anyone who may not be their nearest relative, except in unavoidable circumstances.

165. If they casually touch a suckling child, it is not a sin just as it is not a sin to touch an animal. Similarly, touching or talking with an old man in unavoidable circumstances also does not confer a sin.

166. Widow-disciples should not learn anything from people who are not related to them. They shall emaciate their bodies by self strictures, fasts and Vratas.

167. Widows shall not give anything in charity if the funds available with them are barely sufficient for their subsistence. Funds in excess thereof may be given in charity.

168. Widow-disciples shall eat only once a day and shall sleep on the floor. They shall never watch animals in coition.

169. Widow-disciples shall never dress as married women or as renounced women do, nor shall they dress in a manner unbecoming of the traditions of the place they live in or of their family customs.

170. They shall always avoid the company or touch of a woman who advocates abortion; nor shall they indulge in a speaking about or listening to amorous talks about males.

171. Young widows shall never keep the secluded company of young men, even if they are closely related to them except under unforeseen exigencies.

172. They shall never take part in the Holi festival; neither shall they dress in rich and transparent garments made of golden fabrics.

173. Women shall never take bath with their clothes off. They shall never conceal their periodical menses.

174. During the period of menses they shall avoid touching anybody or even clothes for three days. They shall enjoy the usual rites on the fourth day after taking their bath.

Special Rules of Conduct for Brahmin-Sadhus (Verses 175-185)

175. The Naishthik Brahmacharis who have to observe eight-fold celibacy shall avoid contact or talk with females; neither shall they intentionally look at them.

176. They shall never indulge in talks about women or listen to the same; neither shall they ever go for a bath in such places where females generally move or stay.

177. They shall not touch or look at pictures of females or of their statues made of either wood or metal; except those of goddesses.

178. These Brahmacharis shall not draw pictures of females nor shall they touch garments worn by a woman nor look intentionally at animals in coition.

179. They shall neither touch, speak, nor look at a man in the attire of a female; neither shall they ever preach, talk or sing devotional songs to females.

180. They shall not obey the order of even their preceptors if such orders tend to dislodge them from their vows of celibacy. They shall ever lead a steadfast, contented and humble life.

181. They shall instantly stop a woman who deliberately makes advances towards them by reasoning with her or, if necessary, by reprimanding her.

182. Nevertheless, at such times when the life of a woman or their own is at stake, they should protect their life as also the life of the woman by talking to her or even by touching her.

183. They shall not massage their bodies with oil; neither shall they arm themselves or put on clothes which incite fear. They shall conquer their desire for palatable food.

184. They shall not take meals from a Brahmin's house where the meals are served by a woman. But where meals are served by males, they can go to such houses for food.

185. They shall study the Vedas and other scriptures and serve their preceptors. They shall avoid the company of effeminate males just as they shall avoid the company of women.

Special Duties for Brahmin Disciples (Verses 186-187)

186. My Brahmin disciples shall never drink water taken out of a well by a leather pail; neither shall they ever eat onions, garlic, etc.

187. They shall not take their meals without performing their daily rites, viz., Bathing, Sandhya Vandanam, Gayatri (chanting hymns to the Sun god), Vishnu Puja (worship of Vishnu) and the Vaishva Deva (offering rice to the god of Fire).

Special Rules of Conduct for Non-Brahmin Ascetics (Verses 188-202)

188. Our ascetics shall, like the Naishthik Brahmacharis, always avoid the eight-fold contact with women and persons of effeminate disposition and shall conquer base natures like lust, anger, avarice, etc.

189. They shall ever endevour to control their senses, particularly the sense of taste (Rasana). They shall never hoard money nor shall they ask others to do so on their behalf.

190. They shall never keep others' money as deposits. They shall cultivate patience. They shall never allow a female to tread in their place of residence.

191. Unless sheer exigencies so demand, our saints shall never go alone at night nor even during the day, except in the company of their fellow saints.

192. They shall never use a costly cloth or one which is dyed or printed gaudily and they shall never accept expensive shawls or other rich garments though offered willingly.

193. They shall not go to the house of any house-holder disciple except for begging food, or for holding a meeting of spiritual discourses. They shall spend their time in devotion and never waste their time in idle pursuits.

194. My saints shall go to such places for their meals where the meals are served only by males and females are totally out of sight.

195. If no such facilities are available, My saints shall beg cereals and cook for themselves, offer the food to God and then partake of it.

196. All my saints shall adopt the senile but profound codes of behaviour as were practised by Bharatiji, the son of Rishabhadev Bhagwan. Bharatji had led the life of an insane and illiterate Brahmin to avoid the alluring contacts of the world and its relations.

197. The Brahmacharis and the saints of this fold shall completely abstain from taking betel leaves, opium, tobacco, etc.

198. They shall not dine on certain ceremonial or purificatory occasions like those performed after the conception of a child, or on the eleventh and twelth days after the death of a person - the days on which the obituary rites are performed.

199. These saints, except when they are ill, shall not sleep during the day, neither shall they indulge in worldly talks nor hear them deliberately.

200. These saints and Naishthik Brahmacharis shall not sleep on a cot unless they are laid down with acute illness. They shall cultivate frank and upright manners amongst themselves.

201. They shall always bear the abuses and insults hurled upon them by the wicked and also their beatings. Such acts should always be forgiven and the persecutors blessed for a betterment in their life.

202. They shall not act as agents or spies; nor shall they indulge in backbiting or act as false witnesses. They shall shed attachment to their body as also their attachment to their relations.

203. I have thus narrated succinctly the duties - Dharma of the different classes of  My disciples. However, for further elaboration of their duties they should refer to the various scriptures of the Sampraday (Fellowship).

204. I have composed this Shikshapatri, the Epistle of Precepts, and have incorporated therein the quintessence of all the scriptures, the observance of which will yield the desired results.

205. Hence, all My disciples shall observe all the rules laid down in this Shikshapatri and shall never follow the whims of their lower instincts.

206. Those of My disciples who shall live in accordance with the precepts laid down here shall attain all the four desired objects (Dharma, Artha, Kama and Moksha) on earth.

207. And those of My disciples - male and female - who do not follow the tenets of this Shikshapatri are considered excommunicated from this Fellowship.

208. All My disciples shall as a rule read the Shikshapatri daily and those who cannot read it shall listen to its recital with great devotion.

209. If one does not find someone to read this Shikshapatri, one shall worship it daily, holding every word of it as the personified form of My own Divine Self.

210. This Shikshapatri should be given to those with spiritual leanings, but it shall never be given to those who are devoid of such spirituality.

211. I have written this Shikshapatri, which is the bestower of the highest bliss to all souls, on the fifth day (Vasant Panchami) of the bright half of the month of Magha in the Samvat Year 1882 (1826 A.D.)

212. May Lord Shree Krishna, the destroyer of all miseries of His devotees, the defender of Dharma and Bhakti and the giver of all cherished objects, spread His goodness and glory everywhere.

Jai Swaminarayan.

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