Shlok 10

Therefore, you all, My followers, shall always follow the precepts of this Shikshapatri with care and caution, and with love and sincerity's.

They should follow the Shikshapatri vigilantly and never idly or sluggishly.  Sanatsujat explains:

Pramadam Yai Mrutyumaham Bravimitathapramadamrutvam Bravimi                               |
Pramadadvo Hrasuraha Parabhavanpramadadvai Brahman Bhutahi Devahaha            ||

‘I declare that neglect or disregard (Pramad) is a means to death (Mrutyumaham).  Consequently vigilance or high regard (Apramad) is a means to immortality (Amrutvam).  From Pramad, a demon (Asura) derives his wicked or evil nature (Parabhav) and from Apramad, Devas (gods) derive their godlike nature (Brahmanbhav).’   Therefore, man through Pramad becomes an Asura with evil qualities and through Apramad becomes a Deva with godly qualities.

Lord Farnindeya has said, ‘Those who adopt faith and devotion towards me are enveloped with the supreme knowledge and are thus propelled towards spirituality and salvation.’  Shatanand adds, Mahasukhapraptutsahena - enthusiasm and unshaken chivalry reward a person with great happiness.  Therefore we must all, with dedication consider and obey the laws of conduct in this Shikshapatri.

This Shloka concludes the introduction to the Shikshapatri.  In this final Shloka, He asks that all his disciples love and cherish the Shikshapatri and to follow the commandments with great regard.  We should all follow the Shikshapatri with the intention of pleasing the Lord and do so because we genuinely want to.  All too often, this sort of mentality is not adopted.  They may do such things as they feel obliged to do so - it is considered ‘the norm’ or it is expected off them.  We are often brought up to do certain things and to even think a certain way by parents.  Although I do not disagree with this philosophy, I do feel that certain changes need to be made. We are almost programmed to act a certain way that may not be voluntary which I believe to be due to a lack of knowledge.  If proper knowledge was given and absorbed, then I think all of us would become better Satsangis.

This knowledge will awaken love for God that is almost certainly deficient in our newer generations.  Love for God and love of performing actions (Pooja, Seva etc.) as sanctioned by our Rishis will derive spiritual pleasure and the grace of the Almighty.  Love is very strong and assuredly it will strengthen our devotion and invigorate our duty to the Sampradai.  This should inevitably consolidate our adherence to the commandments of the Shikshapatri.

Finally, we must never violate any of the commandments of the Shikshapatri.  This I feel is of importance.  We must do our very best to uphold every single commandment.  Many people pick and choose out of the Shikshapatri (as if it’s some sort of Pic ‘n’ Mix), commandments which they feel are necessary for them.  Well, I’m afraid all are necessary!

This Shikshapatri is the very incarnation of Lord Swaminarayan.  To violate or disregard any one Shloka is to disregard Lord Swaminarayan himself.  We must not walk such a path of disrespect and dishonor.

Now Lord Swaminarayan begins the main body of the Shikshapatri.  The first part of which is directed to all Satsangis of all classes and castes.  He begins Samanya (ordinary) Dharma duties by first and foremost glorifying the great Dharma of Ahimsa (non-violence)