Lord Swaminarayan distinguishes his two types of disciples - Vaishnav Satsangis and Vaishavottam Atmanivedis. The first are considered as ordinary devotees of Vishnu where as the second kind are much more advanced and dedicated in their devotion. The next six Shlokas discuss the duties of these great persons.
Shree Hari mentions Raja Ambarisha, one of the great kings of the illustrious Surya Vamsa (solar dynasty) as an example of an Atmanivedi Bhakta. An Atmanivedi Bhakta is one who surrenders his all unto god. He lives in accordance with God’s wishes and never strays from the path of devotion. He is never self-absorbed and so always strives to better the lives of others. Such was Ambarisha Raja’s devotion and faith. His greatness is sung in Shrimad Bhagwat’s 9th Skanda.
‘Ambarisha renounced all riches. He found livelihood to be a means to darkness and so lived like an ascetic in the jungle - renouncing all worldly pleasure. He uplifted his mind, speech and action by meditating upon God, singing his glorious name and serving him devoutly.’
Raja Ambarisha would use his eyes for Darshan of God, his arms to embrace the Lord’s devotees, his nose to smell the sandalwood or Tulsi smeared on the Lord’s lotus feet, his tongue to partake only in Prashaad offered to God, his feet to wander through places of pilgrimage and his head to bow before the Lord’s feet. Such was the devotion of Ambarisha who’s desire was merely to serve other Bhaktas of the Lord. In this way he had no desires of his own.
Ambarisha would live in accordance with the wishes of Brahmins, residing at the banks of the River Saraswati. There, he would perform Yagnas, inviting great Rishis such as Gautama, Vashishta and others. He would sing and listen to God’s glory. He had no desire for heavenly bliss - he simply wished to serve the Lord and his Bhaktas in any way possible.
He lived renouncing his kingdom, wealth and family - his all, in order that his devotion would stay pure and firm. It is this example set by Ambarisha that we must aspire to. This is the purest of devotion and it is this Bhakti Yoga that pleased the Lord and earned him pride of place in the Lord’s heart.