15.1 In the Samvat year 1882, on Posh vad 11 [3rd February 1826], Swãmi Shree Sahajãnandji Mahãrãj was sitting on a mattress with a cylindrical pillow that had been placed on a platform under the neem tree in front of the mandir of Shree Lakshmi-Nãrãyan in Vadtãl. He was wearing a dagli and a survãl made of kinkhãb. A rich, orange shelu with wide, golden edges had been tied around His head, and another orange shelu with very wide, golden edges rested upon His shoulder. In addition to this, a decorated umbrella with a golden, egg-shaped top-piece had been placed above Him. A sabhã of munis, as well as haribhaktas from various places, had gathered before Him.
15.2 Then, Shobhã-Rãm Shãstri asked a question: “Mahãrãj, there are two types of jeevs: religious and demonic. Have they always been like this since eternity, or have they become like this due to association?”
15.3 Shreeji Mahãrãj replied, “In the beginning, during the period of destruction, both types of jeevs, religious and demonic, are absorbed within Mãyã. Then, when the universe is created, both types of jeevs emerge, each with their own nature. There are also ordinary jeevs who become religious or demonic due to association with religious or demonic jeevs. Also, there are some religious and demonic jeevs who gradually develop such a nature due to the karmas they perform.
15.4 “However, the main cause of such religious and demonic natures is the grace or the fury of a sat-purush. For example, Jay and Vijay were pãrshads of Bhagvãn, but since they insulted the religious Sanakãdik, they attained a demonic nature. On the other hand, Prahlãdji was a demon, but since he absorbed the preaching of Nãradji, he was known as a renowned bhakta of Bhagvãn. Therefore, whomever the fury of a sat-purush falls upon, that jeev becomes demonic; and whomever a sat-purush is pleased upon, that jeev becomes religious. There is no other reason for becoming religious or demonic. Therefore, a person who desires to attain kalyãn should by no means criticise Bhagvãn or His bhaktas. Instead, he should do only whatever pleases Bhagvãn and His bhaktas.”
End of Vachanãmrut Vadtãl || 15 || 215 ||