Swaminarayan Bhashyam: Difference between revisions
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'''Vachanamrut Article Re-Write'''{{Hindu scriptures}}The Vachanamrut (IAST: ''Vacanāmṛta,'' lit. "immortalising ambrosia in the form of words") is a sacred Hindu text comprised of 273 religious discourses delivered by [[Swaminarayan]] from 1819 to 1829 CE and is considered the principal theological text within the [[Swaminarayan Sampradaya|Swaminarayan Sampradaya.]]<ref name=":0" />{{Rp|6}} Compiled by four of his senior disciples, Swaminarayan edited and approved the scripture, which followers regard as the words of God and thus the most precise interpretation of the Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita, and other authoritative Hindu texts.<ref name=":0" />{{Rp|13-14, 45}}<ref name=":1" />{{Rp|173}} In the Vachanamrut, Swaminarayan describes the [[Akshar-Purushottam Darshan]] and the necessity of the Aksharbrahman guru to attain moksha, a spiritual state characterized by eternal bliss and devotion to God.<ref name=":5" />{{Rp|31}}<ref name=":0" />{{Rp|47}} This scripture is read by followers regularly and discourses are conducted daily in temples around the world.<ref>{{Cite book|last=Brear|first=Douglas|url=https://www.worldcat.org/oclc/34984234|title=Transmission of a Swaminarayan Hindu scripture in the British East Midlands|publisher=Columbia University Press|year=1996|isbn=0-231-10779-X|editor-last=Williams|editor-first=Raymond Brady|edition=Columbia University Press ed|location=New York|pages=|oclc=34984234}}</ref>{{Rp|21-27}} |
'''Vachanamrut Article Re-Write'''{{Hindu scriptures}}The Vachanamrut (IAST: ''Vacanāmṛta,'' lit. "immortalising ambrosia in the form of words") is a sacred Hindu text comprised of 273 religious discourses delivered by [[Swaminarayan]] from 1819 to 1829 CE and is considered the principal theological text within the [[Swaminarayan Sampradaya|Swaminarayan Sampradaya.]]<ref name=":0" />{{Rp|6}} Compiled by four of his senior disciples, Swaminarayan edited and approved the scripture, which followers regard as the words of God and thus the most precise interpretation of the Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita, and other authoritative Hindu texts.<ref name=":0" />{{Rp|13-14, 45}}<ref name=":1" />{{Rp|173}} In the Vachanamrut, Swaminarayan describes the [[Akshar-Purushottam Darshan]] and the necessity of the Aksharbrahman guru to attain moksha, a spiritual state characterized by eternal bliss and devotion to God.<ref name=":5">{{Cite book|last=Brahmadarśanadāsa|first=Sadhu|url=https://www.worldcat.org/oclc/953775498|title=Invaluable scriptures of Brahmavidya: Vachanamrut and Swamini Vato|publisher=|others=Swaminarayan Aksharpith|year=|isbn=978-81-7526-686-5|edition=1st edition|location=Ahmedabad|pages=|oclc=953775498}}</ref>{{Rp|31}}<ref name=":0" />{{Rp|47}} This scripture is read by followers regularly and discourses are conducted daily in temples around the world.<ref>{{Cite book|last=Brear|first=Douglas|url=https://www.worldcat.org/oclc/34984234|title=Transmission of a Swaminarayan Hindu scripture in the British East Midlands|publisher=Columbia University Press|year=1996|isbn=0-231-10779-X|editor-last=Williams|editor-first=Raymond Brady|edition=Columbia University Press ed|location=New York|pages=|oclc=34984234}}</ref>{{Rp|21-27}} |
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== Etymology == |
== Etymology == |
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=== History and creation === |
=== History and creation === |
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The compilers of the Vachanamrut began documenting and editing Swaminarayan’s discourses in 1819 CE and collected about 2,000 sermons over ten years. At Swaminarayan’s instruction, to keep the text at a manageable size without excessive repetition, they selected a total of 262 sermons. An additional 11 are accepted as canonical by the Ahmedabad diocese, totaling 273.<ref name=":2" />{{Rp|58}}<ref name=":7" />{{Rp|61}} |
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[[File:Manuscript.jpg|left|thumb|Vachanamrut manuscript]] |
[[File:Manuscript.jpg|left|thumb|Vachanamrut manuscript]] |
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During Swaminarayan’s life, events were dated using the Ashadhi Vikram Samvat system, a lunisolar calendar.<ref name=":6">{{Cite book|last=Sahajānanda, Swami, 1781-1830.|first=|url=https://www.worldcat.org/oclc/820357402|title=The Vachanāmrut: spiritual discourses of Bhagwān Swāminārāyan|publisher=|others=Bochasanvasi Shri Aksharpurushottama Sanstha.|year=|isbn=978-81-7526-431-1|edition=2nd|location=Ahmedabad|pages=|oclc=820357402}}</ref><ref name=":13" />{{Rp|86}} In order to convert from the Ashadhi calendar to the Gregorian calendar, a panchang (pañcāṅg, or ephemeris) or mathematical algorithms can be used.<ref name=":13" />{{Rp|86}} The first discourse occurred on 21 November 1819, and the last discourse occurred on 25 July 1829 - both in Gadhada.<ref name=":6" /> Along with the date, each sermon contains additional historical information, like location, description of Swaminarayan’s attire, and attendees in the assembly.<ref name=":5" />{{Rp|31}}<ref name=":7" />{{Rp|187}} Regarding the details present in the Vachanamrut, Professor of Comparative Religion at Harvard, John Carmen notes that every discourse is precisely dated which nullifies a Western misunderstanding that India lacks a sense of history.<ref name=":8">{{Cite book|title=New dimensions in Vedanta philosophy|last=Carman|first=John|publisher=Swaminarayan Mudran Mandir|year=1981|isbn=|volume=1|location=Amdavad}}</ref> {{Rp|207}} |
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| ⚫ | In Loya 7, the 115th discourse which took place on 8 December 1820, Nityanand Swami presented Swaminarayan with the text for his review and approval. It states that Swaminarayan was "extremely please" witht the manuscript. This documentation of approval further supports its authenticity. <ref name=":2" />{{Rp|58}}<ref name=":6" /><ref name=":10" />{{Rp|17}} |
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<blockquote>“In this book [The Vachanamrut], however, every discourse is precisely dated. This is a chapter of religious history which one might say is in the full light of day as far as our knowledge of history is concerned. It is a common Western misunderstanding of India that there is no sense of history in India. I think that in what you hold dear as a community and what is called the guruparampara, the succession of the gurus, one sees that special sense of history which is important for the religious people in India.”<ref name=":8">{{Cite book|title=New dimensions in Vedanta philosophy|last=Carman|first=John|publisher=Swaminarayan Mudran Mandir|year=1981|isbn=|volume=1|location=Amdavad}}</ref>{{Rp|207}}</blockquote> |
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| ⚫ | In Loya 7, the 115th discourse which took place on December |
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== Structure == |
== Structure == |
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An additional section, accepted by the Ahmedabad diocese, includes discourses from Amdavad, Ashlali, and Jetalpur. Within each section, each Vachanamrut is arranged chronologically and numbered.<ref name=":9">Paramtattvadas, Sadhu. "Educational Insight: Akshar-Purushottam School of Vedanta" ''Hinduism Today,'' 2019</ref> The original manuscripts had no titles, and individual Vachanamruts were referred to only by their section and number. The titles for the individual discourses currently used in the [[Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha|BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha]]'s editions of the Vachanamrut were composed by [[Gunatitanand Swami]] and the sadhus of the Junagadh mandir as a mnemonic.<ref name=":2" />{{Rp|84}}<ref name=":1" />{{Rp|188}} The version published by Swaminarayan Aksharpith of the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha is a letter-to-letter printed version of the original manuscript published in 1928 under the auspices of Acharya Shripatiprasad of the [[Laxmi Narayan Dev Gadi|Vartal diocese]].<ref name=":0" />{{Rp|13n39}}[[File:Places of the Vachanamrut - Gujarat Map.png|left|thumb|Map of Gujarat showing the cities where the Vachanamrut was recorded]]<br /> |
An additional section, accepted by the Ahmedabad diocese, includes discourses from Amdavad, Ashlali, and Jetalpur. Within each section, each Vachanamrut is arranged chronologically and numbered.<ref name=":9">Paramtattvadas, Sadhu. "Educational Insight: Akshar-Purushottam School of Vedanta" ''Hinduism Today,'' 2019</ref> The original manuscripts had no titles, and individual Vachanamruts were referred to only by their section and number. The titles for the individual discourses currently used in the [[Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha|BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha]]'s editions of the Vachanamrut were composed by [[Gunatitanand Swami]] and the sadhus of the Junagadh mandir as a mnemonic.<ref name=":2" />{{Rp|84}}<ref name=":1" />{{Rp|188}} The version published by Swaminarayan Aksharpith of the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha is a letter-to-letter printed version of the original manuscript published in 1928 under the auspices of Acharya Shripatiprasad of the [[Laxmi Narayan Dev Gadi|Vartal diocese]].<ref name=":0" />{{Rp|13n39}}[[File:Places of the Vachanamrut - Gujarat Map.png|left|thumb|Map of Gujarat showing the cities where the Vachanamrut was recorded]]<br /> |
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=== Introductory paragraph === |
=== Introductory paragraph === |
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One of the compilers, Muktanand Swami, was instructed by Swaminarayan to include the precise date of each discourse and names of who asked questions in the assembly.<ref name=":0" />{{Rp|14}}<ref>Swami Prasadanand, ''Sadguru Prasadanand Swamini Vato'' (Ahmedabad: Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Kalupur, 1995), p. 208</ref> The beginning of each Vachanamrut starts with an opening paragraph that describes in detail the location, date, and time of the discourse. It also notes the setting and atmosphere of the assembly and mentions the audience seated. Furthermore, Swaminarayan himself is described with intricate detail with mention to the color and style of his clothes and adornments. Occasionally, the seat upon which Swaminarayan is seated and the direction in which he is facing is detailed.<ref name=":8" /><ref name=":9" /><ref>{{Cite book|url=https://www.worldcat.org/oclc/948338914|title=Swaminarayan and British Contacts in Gujarat in the 1820s|last=Paramtattvadas|first=Sadhu|date=2016|publisher=Oxford University Press|year=2016|isbn=978-0-19-908657-3|editor-last=Williams|editor-first=Raymond Brady|edition=1st ed|location=New Delhi, India|pages=58-93|oclc=948338914|editor-last2=Trivedi|editor-first2=Yogi}}</ref> |
One of the compilers, Muktanand Swami, was instructed by Swaminarayan to include the precise date of each discourse and names of who asked questions in the assembly.<ref name=":0" />{{Rp|14}}<ref>Swami Prasadanand, ''Sadguru Prasadanand Swamini Vato'' (Ahmedabad: Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Kalupur, 1995), p. 208</ref> The beginning of each Vachanamrut starts with an opening paragraph that describes in detail the location, date, and time of the discourse. It also notes the setting and atmosphere of the assembly and mentions the audience seated. Furthermore, Swaminarayan himself is described with intricate detail with mention to the color and style of his clothes and adornments. Occasionally, the seat upon which Swaminarayan is seated and the direction in which he is facing is detailed.<ref name=":8" /><ref name=":9" /><ref name=":13">{{Cite book|url=https://www.worldcat.org/oclc/948338914|title=Swaminarayan and British Contacts in Gujarat in the 1820s|last=Paramtattvadas|first=Sadhu|date=2016|publisher=Oxford University Press|year=2016|isbn=978-0-19-908657-3|editor-last=Williams|editor-first=Raymond Brady|edition=1st ed|location=New Delhi, India|pages=58-93|oclc=948338914|editor-last2=Trivedi|editor-first2=Yogi}}</ref> |
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=== Style of discourse === |
=== Style of discourse === |
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Revision as of 04:54, 10 February 2020
Vachanamrut Article Re-Write
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The Vachanamrut (IAST: Vacanāmṛta, lit. "immortalising ambrosia in the form of words") is a sacred Hindu text comprised of 273 religious discourses delivered by Swaminarayan from 1819 to 1829 CE and is considered the principal theological text within the Swaminarayan Sampradaya.[1]: 6 Compiled by four of his senior disciples, Swaminarayan edited and approved the scripture, which followers regard as the words of God and thus the most precise interpretation of the Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita, and other authoritative Hindu texts.[1]: 13–14, 45 [2]: 173 In the Vachanamrut, Swaminarayan describes the Akshar-Purushottam Darshan and the necessity of the Aksharbrahman guru to attain moksha, a spiritual state characterized by eternal bliss and devotion to God.[3]: 31 [1]: 47 This scripture is read by followers regularly and discourses are conducted daily in temples around the world.[4]: 21–27
Etymology
The name given to the collection of Swaminarayan’s sermons is “Vachanamrut,” a compound word derived from two Gujarati words: vachan (vacana), meaning “words,” and amrut (amṛta), meaning “immortalizing nectar.”[5]: 73 Thus, Vachanamrut translates to “immortalizing ambrosia in the form of words.”[1]: 14 Each individual discourse within the collection is also called a Vachanamrut.[1]: 14
Development of the scripture
Authorship
The Vachanamrut is a chronological anthology of 273 religious discourses delivered by Swaminarayan towards the end of his life, between 1819 and 1829 CE.[2]: 173 [1]: 13 Although the Vachanamrut is received in text form, it is revered in the tradition because of Swaminarayan's spoken words captured within it.[1]: 46
Four of his senior disciples, Gopalanand Swami (Gopālānda Svāmī), Muktanand Swami (Muktānanda Svāmī), Nityanand Swami (Nityānanda Svāmī), and Shukanand Swami (Śukānanda Svāmī), documented and compiled the discourses.[1]: 14 The Ahmedabad diocese within the Swaminarayan Sampradaya accepts Brahmanand Swami (Brahmānanda Svāmī) as a fifth editor.[2]: 187 [5]: 49 The compilers' scholarly aptitude, literary and poetic expertise, and transparency contribute to the merits of the Vachanamrut.[6]: 17
Language
The compilers wrote the text in Gujarati, the vernacular of the region in which Swaminarayan delivered his discourses.[2]: 173 [7]: 187 Although Swaminarayan was from a Hindi-speaking region of present-day Uttar-Pradesh, he adopted the Gujarati language for his followers.[8]: 45 In 1859, a front-ranking Gujarati monthly quoted specimens from the Vachamarut showing how Swaminarayan raised the standard of Gujarati prose.[8]: 45 [9]: 36–37
The Vachanamrut has also been translated from Gujarati to other languages, like English, Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, and Marathi.[6]: 21 Brahmanand Swami translated the Vachanamrut to the Vraj language.[10]: 55 The Shri Harivakyasudhasindhu (Śrī Harivākyasudhāsindhu) is the Sanskrit adaptation by Shatanand Muni (Śatānanda Muni).[10]: 58–59
History and creation
The compilers of the Vachanamrut began documenting and editing Swaminarayan’s discourses in 1819 CE and collected about 2,000 sermons over ten years. At Swaminarayan’s instruction, to keep the text at a manageable size without excessive repetition, they selected a total of 262 sermons. An additional 11 are accepted as canonical by the Ahmedabad diocese, totaling 273.[5]: 58 [7]: 61
During Swaminarayan’s life, events were dated using the Ashadhi Vikram Samvat system, a lunisolar calendar.[11][12]: 86 In order to convert from the Ashadhi calendar to the Gregorian calendar, a panchang (pañcāṅg, or ephemeris) or mathematical algorithms can be used.[12]: 86 The first discourse occurred on 21 November 1819, and the last discourse occurred on 25 July 1829 - both in Gadhada.[11] Along with the date, each sermon contains additional historical information, like location, description of Swaminarayan’s attire, and attendees in the assembly.[3]: 31 [7]: 187 Regarding the details present in the Vachanamrut, Professor of Comparative Religion at Harvard, John Carmen notes that every discourse is precisely dated which nullifies a Western misunderstanding that India lacks a sense of history.[13] : 207
In Loya 7, the 115th discourse which took place on 8 December 1820, Nityanand Swami presented Swaminarayan with the text for his review and approval. It states that Swaminarayan was "extremely please" witht the manuscript. This documentation of approval further supports its authenticity. [5]: 58 [11][6]: 17
Structure
Preface
Before the Vachanamruts, a section called the partharo (parthāro), or preface, provides a detailed account of Swaminarayan’s activities, association with devotees, and minute details about his physical body.[5]: 50
Title
The Vachanamrut is divided into sections based on the location in which the discourses were delivered. The sections are ordered chronologically and titled as follows:
- Gadhada 1
- Sarangpur
- Kariyani
- Loya
- Panchala
- Gadhada 2
- Vartal
- Amdavad
- Gadhada 3
An additional section, accepted by the Ahmedabad diocese, includes discourses from Amdavad, Ashlali, and Jetalpur. Within each section, each Vachanamrut is arranged chronologically and numbered.[14] The original manuscripts had no titles, and individual Vachanamruts were referred to only by their section and number. The titles for the individual discourses currently used in the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha's editions of the Vachanamrut were composed by Gunatitanand Swami and the sadhus of the Junagadh mandir as a mnemonic.[5]: 84 [2]: 188 The version published by Swaminarayan Aksharpith of the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha is a letter-to-letter printed version of the original manuscript published in 1928 under the auspices of Acharya Shripatiprasad of the Vartal diocese.[1]: 13n39
Introductory paragraph
One of the compilers, Muktanand Swami, was instructed by Swaminarayan to include the precise date of each discourse and names of who asked questions in the assembly.[1]: 14 [15] The beginning of each Vachanamrut starts with an opening paragraph that describes in detail the location, date, and time of the discourse. It also notes the setting and atmosphere of the assembly and mentions the audience seated. Furthermore, Swaminarayan himself is described with intricate detail with mention to the color and style of his clothes and adornments. Occasionally, the seat upon which Swaminarayan is seated and the direction in which he is facing is detailed.[13][14][12]
Style of discourse
Like the ancient Greek Sophists and the Buddha, Swaminarayan introduced the dialogue form in mass gatherings, allowing the listeners to raise questions and arguments.[8]: 46 The style of discourse is highly pedantic, with most in the form of a question-and-answer session similar to the Upanishads in which dialogues occur between the guru and pupils.[7][pg#][16] In his sermons, Swaminarayan is respectful in correcting the misunderstandings of the audience, tactfully acknowledging their views while providing his answer with etiquette.[17] These sermons were not restricted to any social group or gender. The discourses were highly inclusive as monks, scholars, peasants, craftsmen, and women were all present in the assemblies and all actively participated in the dialogue.[18]: 49 [5][pg#]
Content
In the Vachanamrut, Swaminarayan outlines his theology and its ultimate goal, moksha, a spiritual state characterized by eternal bliss and devotion to God.[1]: 272–84
Theology
The essence of Vedic corpus and Hindu texts
Swaminarayan states in Gadhada II-28 and other Vachanamruts that his teachings reflect the fundamentals he identified from various authoritative Hindu scriptures, like the Vedas, Upanishads, and Bhagavad-Gita.[1]: 47–9 [19]: 244
Akshar-Purushottam Darshan
Link to Akshar Purushottam Darshan (Not sure how to configure the template)
Ontology
Swaminarayan explains that there are five eternal existential entities: jiva (jīva), ishwar (iśvara), maya (māyā), Aksharbrahman (Akṣarabrahman, also Akshara, Akṣara, or Brahman), Parabrahman (or Puruṣottama) in Gadhada I-7.[1]: 69 [19]: 244
A critical aspect of the ontological entities presented by Swaminarayan is the interpretation and description of Akshar.[19]: 245 [20]: 157 Shankara, Ramanuja, and others shift the meaning of Akshar to either Supreme Being (God), jada-prakruti, or mukta atma whereas Swaminarayan explains Akshar is a distinct reality with four different forms, including Parabrahman’s abode and the Aksharbrahman guru.[1]: 158 [20]: 156, 165–9 [21]: 131
In Gadhada I-63, Swaminarayan describes the prominence and vastness of Akshar relative to other entities[19]: 198 to emphasize the need to understand Akshar first before one can understand God (Parabrahman) perfectly and completely.[20]: 162
Dynamics of spiritual life
Swaminarayan explains the ultimate goal of his theology is moksha, the release from the ignorance borne of maya and the cycle of births and deaths[1]: 274 to attain infinite bliss through endless devotion to God.[1]: 277 Moksha can occur at the time of death[1]: 277 or while alive through the association of the Aksharbrahman guru.[1]: 282, 303–4 [19]: 239–40
In Gadhada III-39, Swaminarayan describes maya as self-identification with the physical body[1]: 273 , which also encompasses material possessions and personal talents.[1]: 273 To overcome this ignorance, Swaminarayan explains in Gadhada II-20 that an individual must become brahmarup (brahmarūp),[1]: 275 an elevated state attained after developing the qualities of Aksharbrahman.[19]: 247 The distinction between the jiva (i.e. individual) and Aksharbrahman is not lost in this higher state.[1]: 277 [19]: 247 While an individual can persevere for this state, only through God’s grace can it be attained.[1]: 286
To become eligible for this grace, Swaminarayan defines the four-fold practice of ekantik dharma (ekāntik dharma) in Sarangpur 11: dharma (dharma; adherence to codes of conduct)[22]: 126 , gnan (jñāna; knowledge of the atman),[7]: 117 vairagya (vairāgya; detachment from worldly pleasure), and bhakti (bhakti; devotion coupled with understanding of God’s greatness).[1]: 287 [19]: 247 Ekantik dharma is perfected through associating with the Aksharbrahman guru, which Swaminarayan explains includes following the guru’s commands,[11]: 174, 485 , reflecting upon his virtues,[11]: 112–3 and offering worship to him[11]: 184, 536–7 .[1]: 293–304 [19]: 247
In summary, Swaminarayan’s philosophy, as described in the Vachanamrut, states the jiva needs the guidance of the Aksharbrahman guru to transcend maya and become brahmarup to reside in the service of Parabrahman.[1]: 303–4 [19]: 246
Role in the Swaminarayan Sampradaya
Engaging with the text
Interpreting the text
References
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z Paramtattvadas, Sadhu. An introduction to Swaminarayan Hindu theology. Cambridge, United Kingdom. ISBN 978-1-107-15867-2. OCLC 964861190.
- ^ a b c d e Aksharananddas, Sadhu; Bhadreshdas, Sadhu (2016). Williams, Raymond Brady; Trivedi, Yogi (eds.). Swaminarayan’s Brahmajnana as Aksarabrahma-Parabrahma-Darsanam (1st ed ed.). New Delhi, India: Oxford University Press. ISBN 978-0-19-908657-3. OCLC 948338914.
{{cite book}}:|edition=has extra text (help) - ^ a b Brahmadarśanadāsa, Sadhu. Invaluable scriptures of Brahmavidya: Vachanamrut and Swamini Vato. Swaminarayan Aksharpith (1st edition ed.). Ahmedabad. ISBN 978-81-7526-686-5. OCLC 953775498.
{{cite book}}:|edition=has extra text (help) - ^ Brear, Douglas (1996). Williams, Raymond Brady (ed.). Transmission of a Swaminarayan Hindu scripture in the British East Midlands (Columbia University Press ed ed.). New York: Columbia University Press. ISBN 0-231-10779-X. OCLC 34984234.
{{cite book}}:|edition=has extra text (help) - ^ a b c d e f g Mukundcharandas, Sadhu (2004). Vachanamrut handbook: insights into Bhagwan Swaminarayan's teachings. Amdavad, Gujarat, India: Swaminarayan Aksharpith. ISBN 81-7526-263-X. OCLC 297207255.
- ^ a b c Bhadreshdas, Dr. Sadhu (October 2019). "An introduction to Parabrahman Svāminārāyaṇa's Vacanāmṛta". The BAPS Swaminarayan Research Journal. 2: 11–23.
- ^ a b c d e Williams, Raymond Brady. An introduction to Swaminarayan Hinduism. ISBN 978-1-108-42114-0. OCLC 1089924172.
- ^ a b c Mehta, Makrand (2016). Williams, Raymond Brady; Trivedi (eds.). Sahajanand Swami's language and communication. Williams, Raymond Brady., Trivedi, Yogi. (1st ed ed.). New Delhi, India: Oxford University Press. ISBN 978-0-19-908657-3. OCLC 948338914.
{{cite book}}:|edition=has extra text (help)CS1 maint: date and year (link) - ^ Buddhiprakash, March 1859. Ahmedabad: Gujarat Vernacular Society
- ^ a b Dave, Jyotindra. Śri Harivākyasudhāsindhu of Srī Śatānanda Muni - a critical study with reference to the original structure of the philosophy of Lord Swāminārāyana as reflected in Vacanāmṛtam. 2006. The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, PhD dissertation.
- ^ a b c d e f Sahajānanda, Swami, 1781-1830. The Vachanāmrut: spiritual discourses of Bhagwān Swāminārāyan. Bochasanvasi Shri Aksharpurushottama Sanstha. (2nd ed.). Ahmedabad. ISBN 978-81-7526-431-1. OCLC 820357402.
{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link) - ^ a b c Paramtattvadas, Sadhu (2016). Williams, Raymond Brady; Trivedi, Yogi (eds.). Swaminarayan and British Contacts in Gujarat in the 1820s (1st ed ed.). New Delhi, India: Oxford University Press. pp. 58–93. ISBN 978-0-19-908657-3. OCLC 948338914.
{{cite book}}:|edition=has extra text (help)CS1 maint: date and year (link) - ^ a b Carman, John (1981). New dimensions in Vedanta philosophy. Vol. 1. Amdavad: Swaminarayan Mudran Mandir.
- ^ a b Paramtattvadas, Sadhu. "Educational Insight: Akshar-Purushottam School of Vedanta" Hinduism Today, 2019
- ^ Swami Prasadanand, Sadguru Prasadanand Swamini Vato (Ahmedabad: Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Kalupur, 1995), p. 208
- ^ Mukundcharandas, Sadhu. "The Vachanamrut- An Introduction (Part 1)". BAPS. Retrieved 2020-01-06.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ Mukundcharandas, Sadhu. "The Vachanamrut- An Introduction (Part 2)". BAPS. Retrieved 2020-01-06.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ Mallison, Francoise (2016). Williams, Raymond Brady; Trivedi, Yogi (eds.). Gujarati Socio-Religious Context of Swaminarayan Devotion and Doctrine (1st ed ed.). New Delhi, India: Oxford University Press. ISBN 978-0-19-908657-3. OCLC 948338914.
{{cite book}}:|edition=has extra text (help)CS1 maint: date and year (link) - ^ a b c d e f g h i j Kim, Hanna H. (2013-12-04), "Svāminārāyaṇa: Bhaktiyoga and the Akṣarabrahman Guru", Gurus of Modern Yoga, Oxford University Press, pp. 237–258, ISBN 978-0-19-993870-4, retrieved 2020-02-03
- ^ a b c Gadhia, Smit (2016-04-01), "Akshara and Its Four Forms in Swaminarayan's Doctrine", Swaminarayan Hinduism, Oxford University Press, pp. 156–171, ISBN 978-0-19-946374-9, retrieved 2020-02-06
- ^ Kim, Hanna H. (2013). "Devotional expressions in the Swaminarayan community". In Kumar, P. Pratap (ed.). Contemporary Hinduism. United Kingdom: Acumen Publishing Limited. pp. 126–37. ISBN 978-1-84465-690-5. OCLC 824353503.
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