By : Shantikumar J. Bhatt

Ekagrevin manasa pathrilekhaha Sahetukaha |

Avdharyo syamkhiliha sarvajivahithavaha  ||7||

Ye palayanthi manijaha sacchastraprathipadhithan |

Sadacharan sada the stra paratra cha mahasukhaha ||8||

Tanulanghyatra varthanthe ye tu svyram kubuddhyaha ||

 

All of them (My Satsangis) should contemplate on this Patrilekha with concentration of mind, as it is written with a purpose, i.e. the well-being of all beings …… (7)

All those persons who observe these rules of good conduct as prescribed by the authorized scriptures always attain utmost happiness in this world as well as in the other …… (8)

And those wicked persons who violate these rules and behave capriciously, suffer great distress in this world as well as in the other …… (9)

 

Q.        Why should Shikshapatri be contemplated with concentrated mind?

A.        When Shikshapatri is contemplated with concentrated mind, the subconscious mind is imprinted with all the best thoughts about restrictions, observances and guidelines.  All our behaviour is the result of such imprinted thoughts in the subconscious mind.  Such clear, permanent imprinting is possible only when the mind is fully concentrated.

 

Q.        Why is Shikshapatri called “Patri-lekha” here?

A.        “Patri” means a collection of letters.  Since Shikshapatri is a collection of different sections it is called “Patri’.  Lekha means a document i.e. anything written, relied upon to record or prove something, anything serving as a proof.  Shikshapatri thus means a measuring rod to evaluate your behaviour and devotion to Shree Hari.

 

Q.  Shikshapatri is written with a specific purpose. What is that specific purpose?

A.        The specific purpose is to do ultimate good to all beings.

 

Q.  How can Shikshapatri do good to all beings, apart from mankind?  Why?

A.        The welfare of mankind is closely related to aquatic animals, animals upon the earth, birds, insects, germs and to all the forms in which life exists.  When a person behaves according to the instructions of Shikshapatri, he helps to maintain ecological balance and keeps the world free from pollution and ‘green effect’.  Human life can prosper only when it is in harmony with the welfare of all beings.

 

Q.        How can authorized scriptures create the code of good behaviour?

A.        The authorized scriptures present the code of good conduct which has been followed by numerous persons over thousands of years in different parts of the world and their good results are properly observed, evaluated and recommended by sages through authorized scriptures

 

Q.        What is exactly meant by Sadachara (good conduct)?

A.        The word Sadachara etymologically means – all our behaviour that would please God. Sat-sad means God.  Achara means conduct.  Right, good conduct is that which gives maximum true happiness in this life and blissful eternal life in Akshardham.

 

Q.        What are the types of right conduct?

A.        The types of right conduct are described in authorized scriptures such as Shreemad Bhagwat thus :

 

RESTRICTIONS:         Non-violence, truth, honesty, dissociation from shameful conduct, avoiding undue acquisitions, belief in God, celibacy, silence, steadiness, forgiveness, fearlessness.

OBSERVANCES:         Cleanliness, Mantra-recitation, austerity, sacrifice, faith, hospitality, worshipping God, pilgrimage, desire for redemption, contentment, serving the spiritual teacher and following Pancha Vrataman.