Standing up for something that you know in your heart is true, even when others do not, is very difficult. It is much easier to just agree with what the majority believes. Our gurus have set a perfect example of how to remain firm despite lack of support for the truth. They have always stood strong in their beliefs even if it meant facing the wrath and harassment of many others. Regardless of the consequences, nothing was as important as defending their beliefs.

In his attempt to spread the true greatness of his guru Gunatitanand Swami, Pragji Bhakta faced opposition from so many followers of the Swaminarayan faith. During that time, many people did not believe GunatitanandSwami to be the form of Akshardham. This is the principle Pragji Bhakta talked about day and night. This upset many influential sadhus and devotees who were against this principle. So, they decided to ban him from the Sampradaya. However, Pragji Bhakta’s faith was so strong that no one could stop him from talking about the glory of Gunatitanand Swami. Once, he was forced to leave the sampradaya, but his faith grew stronger and stronger by the day. Pragji Bhakta used to sit outside the tents of the sadhus in the blazing heat to hear their discourses and retire to rest only in the evening when they were over. In Ahmedabad, Pragji Bhakta would stay outside the mandir just to get a glimpse of Gunatitanand Swami. He would tell those around him, “Look! There goes Akshar.” There was nothing that could stop Pragji Bhakta from believing and expressing what he knew was the truth. And eventually his truth won out, he was taken back into the sampradaya and his knowledge has survived all the way to today.

So, the next time someone challenges our beliefs, remember the incidents from Bhagatji Maharaj’s life. By doing this, you will have the courage to clear up any confusions others may have.