Brahmaswarup Yogiji Maharaj

Brahmaswarup Yogiji Maharaj defined true saintliness in one word - ‘Tolerate.’ This profound statement was not mere philosophy but a reflection of his own experiences and hardships. Yogiji Maharaj tolerated unimaginable suffering throughout his life, yet his face never lost its divine bliss. It seemed as if he took on the world’s sorrow, but it still radiated boundless joy.

Among the seven swamis who left Junāgadh Mandir with the blessings of Swami Krishnacharandas, Swami Vignāndās was the leader. Yogiji Maharaj spent 17 years serving under Vignāndās Swami. However, their personalities were very different:

• The guru was short-tempered; the disciple was infinitely patient.

• The guru was rigid and stubborn; the disciple was ever accommodating.

• The guru was intolerant; the disciple was tolerant beyond measure.

Yogiji Maharaj’s humility and patience (saintliness) frustrated Vignāndās Swami, leading to many instances of cruelty and mistreatment. Yet, Yogiji Maharaj never complained nor allowed a single negative thought against his guru.

Once, after serving food to all the swamis, Yogiji Maharaj sat down for his meal in the mandir’s bhandār (kitchen storeroom). His habit was to sit humbly, his head bowed between his knees, mix his food with water, and eat quickly. Just as he prepared to eat, Vignāndās Swami stormed in, overcome with anger. Without warning, he picked up a pair of sānsi (tongs) lying nearby and pinched Yogiji Maharaj’s right calf with full force.

Yogiji Maharaj’s legs were thin and frail, and the calf muscle was barely covered with flesh. The harsh grip tore through his skin, pulling both flesh and blood with it. Blood streamed down, but Yogiji Maharaj did not utter a single cry. As if nothing had happened, he stood up to apologize - but his leg collapsed beneath him due to extreme pain.

Vignāndās Swami coldly walked away, leaving Yogiji Maharaj bleeding and collapsed. Other devotees bandaged the wound, but the scar remained for a lifetime - a permanent mark of immense suffering.

In Sokhdā, Vignāndās Swami’s cruelty went even further. He pushed Yogiji Maharaj off the open balcony of the mandir, sending him crashing down 14-15 feet into the courtyard. A fall from such a height could have been fatal, but by the grace of Bhagwān Swaminarayan, Yogiji Maharaj miraculously survived.

On another occasion, a Darbār (a well-respected person) donated food items to the mandir but forgot to provide ghee. When the king found out there was no ghee for his meal (since he was expecting some as he thought he had brought to the mandir), he became upset and left in frustration. Vignāndās Swami, without a second thought, grabbed a burning log from the stove and mercilessly beat Yogiji Maharaj with it. His entire body was bruised, and his chest bore deep red welts. The beating was so severe that Yogiji Maharaj lost consciousness. Yet, after exhausting his anger, Vignāndās Swami added further punishment - he made Yogiji Maharaj fast as a form of atonement!

Despite enduring such unimaginable suffering, Yogiji Maharaj never spoke ill of his guru. Instead, he would say: “If my Guru scolds me, it helps me progress! If my Guru is pleased, I can move forward!”

Would any of us be able to live even a single day with someone like Vignāndās Swami? Yet, Yogiji Maharaj endured it for 17 long years without losing his smile, peace, or devotion. If we reflect on his endurance and tolerance, do our struggles in life or Satsang still seem unbearable? His life teaches us that true saintliness is not seeking comfort but enduring everything with a smile.