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Purifying the Intellect: Aligning with Bhagwan’s Will for Spiritual Growth
Published On: February 14, 2026
, Updated on : February 18, 2026
In Vachanamrut Gadhada Middle Chapter 45, Bhagwan Swaminarayan explains the necessity of detaching the jivatma (soul) from the limitations of the mind (mann) & buddhi (intellect). He emphasizes that true spiritual progress requires aligning one’s consciousness with divine wisdom, rather than being led by personal reasoning.
This concept holds immense practical relevance in modern life. By purifying the intellect, devotees can remove mental obstacles & experience peace, devotion, & clarity in their spiritual journey.
The intellect (buddhi) plays a key role in decision-making & reasoning, but when influenced by maya (illusion), it creates confusion, doubt, & attachment. Bhagwan Swaminarayan teaches that over-reliance on one’s own intellect without surrendering to divine guidance leads to spiritual stagnation.
| Aspect | Intellect (Buddhi) | Soul (Jivatma) |
| Nature | Illuminates when it attains knowledge | Eternally self-illuminated |
| Function | Analyzes, decides, & remembers | Pure awareness |
| Decision Making | Influenced by worldly desires | Free from desires, only observes |
| Awareness | Limited & fluctuating | Constant & unwavering |
This distinction is essential to understand that thoughts & emotions are not one’s true self.
To purify the intellect, Bhagwan Swaminarayan prescribes strict adherence to the Shikshapatri & Panch Vartman. These divine guidelines serve as a moral & spiritual compass, preventing the mind from being influenced by maya.
The intellect tends to justify desires & seeks validation for personal opinions. However, Bhagwan Swaminarayan warns that one must not rely solely on their own reasoning, as it can be misleading due to ego & attachment.
A purified intellect is an instrument of Bhagwan’s guidance. Instead of making self-driven decisions, a devotee should seek clarity through:
When an individual aligns their thoughts, actions, & decisions with Bhagwan’s will, their intellect becomes refined & spiritually attuned.
Many individuals attempt to rationalize spiritual experiences or seek logical proof for divine matters. This excessive reliance on reasoning weakens their connection with Bhagwan.
Key dangers of over-relying on intellect:
✔️ Overthinking spirituality – constant questioning instead of experiencing divine bliss.
✔️ Modifying spiritual teachings – changing Bhagwan’s commands to suit personal preferences.
✔️ Comparing spiritual progress – focusing on others instead of personal devotion.
To avoid this, Bhagwan Swaminarayan teaches that faith transcends logic. Even when divine truths seem beyond intellectual grasp, obedience & surrender lead to liberation.
A devotee must mold their intellect according to divine principles rather than personal convenience. This requires discipline, effort, & self-control.
Practical Steps to Align with Bhagwan’s Will:
✔️ Daily reading of Swaminarayan scriptures (Vachanamrut, Shikshapatri, Bhaktachintamani)
✔️ Regular association with Santos & spiritually enlightened devotees
✔️ Chanting Bhagwan’s name & engaging in bhakti
✔️ Self-discipline in thoughts, words, & actions
✔️ Avoiding negative influences that distract from Dharma & bhakti
Many Santos & devotees have achieved spiritual greatness by completely surrendering their intellect to Bhagwan. By choosing faith over reasoning, they attained unwavering bliss.
True liberation (moksha) is not attained through intellectual knowledge but through:
✅ Surrender – Letting go of ego & self-driven reasoning.
✅ Obedience – Following Bhagwan’s commands without modification.
✅ Faith – Trusting in Bhagwan’s divine wisdom rather than personal intellect.By recognizing the intellect as a tool rather than an identity, devotees can prevent doubt, confusion, & mental distractions. A purified intellect becomes a gateway to Bhagwan, leading to peace, devotion, & ultimate liberation.