Everyone goes through difficult times once in a while. And very often, it is hard to understand why certain things happen. Many times, we think long and hard to understand the things that happen and realize that they do not make sense. That is when we take comfort and find peace in knowing that Shriji Maharaj is sarva karta – the all-doer. This means that everything, good and bad, that happens is due to Maharaj’s wish. The following story shows this.

During Maharaj’s time, the paramhansas would travel from village to village, spreading Satsang and the message of Bhagwan Swaminarayan. Many people did not like this. They would throw stones at them and yell at them. Sometimes, they would beat them and drive them out of their village. Despite harsh treatment, the paramhansas continued to talk about Satsang in order to please Maharaj. They would smile in response to the beatings and wish only well of everyone they met. Their goal was to teach people about dharma and being good human beings.

Once, during their travels through Gujarat, Brahmanand Swami and Muktanand Swami came across a jealous bawa, who tied them to a pillar. The bawa told both of them, “I am going to cut off your ears and nose.” While he sharpened his knife, Brahmanand Swami said, “If he cuts off our ears and nose, people will think that we have done something wrong.”

Muktanand Swami explained, “Everything happens only by Maharaj’s wish.” With this thought, they awaited their fate.  In the meantime, a devotee by the name of Raghav Jat was passing by. He saw the worried look on the faces of the two sadhus and asked the bawa, “What are you doing?” The bawa told Raghav about his plan. Raghav Jat was a strong man, who demanded that the paramhansas be released immediately. The bawa was terrified and he immediately freed them.

Muktanand Swami and Brahmanand Swami remained firm in their belief that everything happens according to Maharaj’s will even through such a terrifying experience. We may never have to experience something this terrifying in our lives.  But things will happen that will make us feel sad, angry, confused, helpless or even scared. We may not be able to understand why bad or sad things happen. If we remember that Maharaj is sarva karta, like Muktanand Swami and Brahmanand Swami did, we can find the strength to face anything that may happen in our lives.