Premanand Ji Maharaj Satsang: Why True Devotion Means Seeking Saints, Not Miracles

A powerful satsang message from Premanand Ji Maharaj on choosing spiritual growth over miracles.

A satsang full of feeling and fervor, Shri Premanand Ji Maharaj spoke eloquently in Radha Keli Kunj, Vrindavan, on the growing spiritual misunderstanding: people visiting saints for miracles and material benefits instead of seeking inner transformation.He reminded one that saints awaken consciousness, purify the heart, and guide the soul toward divine love, which is the true essence of Sanatangyan and bhakti.

Understanding the True Role of Saints in the Path of Devotion

In his gentle yet profound manner, Shri Premanand Ji Maharaj expressed concern over a rising trend in today’s society. Maharaj Ji explained that a sadhu is approached for simple and quick solutions, such as, problems, and obstacles in the life of an individual; e.g., health, family, employment, and other worldly desires. However, and as is, the sadhu is not a problem-solver, and has no miracles to offer, for, the sadhu is a huge reservoir of inner Sanatangyan, wisdom, and inner purity. 

He narrated a simple incident: a man once approached him complaining of severe back pain and asked for divine intervention. Maharaj Ji lovingly replied, “Go to a doctor.” While this reply was simple on the surface, deep spiritual meaning lay embedded in it: a saint's grace works on consciousness, not the physical body.

This realization fits squarely with the following teaching from the Bhagavad Gita:

“न हि ज्ञानेन सदृशं पवित्रमिह विद्यते।”

 “There is nothing in this world as purifying as true knowledge.”

 This knowledge is what a saint gives — not magical cures.

A True Seeker Comes to Give, Not to Receive

Shri Premanand Ji Maharaj emphasized one of the core principles of devotion:

The person who approaches a saint to ask for something is not a seeker, but a trader.

Real devotion starts when a devotee approaches the saint with love, surrender, and service. Maharaj Ji pointed out that saints are like bridges that connect the devotee to the Divine. But this bridge can be crossed only with purity of intention and selfless dedication.

This teaching mirrors the wisdom of the shashtra, as expressed in the Bhakti tradition:

“भक्तिर्भगवति अखिलेषु हितप्रदा।”

 “True devotion benefits all and flows without selfish desire.”

Such devotion emerges from Sanatangyan, selflessness, and inner transformation.

Saints Purify the Mind, Not One’s Fate

Premanand Ji Maharaj emphasized that saints are not miracle-workers. Their presence changes consciousness, not destiny. Many of the devotees expected immediate solutions, but lovingly Maharaj Ji explained what saints really give: wisdom—strength to face life patiently and with balance.

He explained that the real blessings of a saint are vivek and dhairya. With those, a seeker becomes strong, centered, and spiritually mature.

A guiding Sanskrit quote from the Upanishads fits this message perfectly:

“श्रद्धावाँ लभते ज्ञानम्।”

Translation: “The one with faith obtains true knowledge.” (Bhagavad Gita 4.39)

This is the essence of sanatangyan — wisdom arises in the heart that is filled with devotion, not demands.

Chanting and Seva: The Simplest Path to Spiritual Growth

In satsang, Maharaj Ji accorded importance to the practice of Naam Japa, saying it is the easiest path in Kali Yuga. Repeating the divine names like Radhe Radhe or Hare Ram cleanses the mind and connects the devotee with divine remembrance.

The chanting must be coupled with selfless service—whether to saints, nature, animals, or society. However, even then Maharaj Ji gently warned that not even seva is to be done with expectation. Only then does it purify the soul.

The shashtra affirm this truth:

“भव भयनाशनं नामा।”

 Translation: “The Divine Name destroys all fears of worldly existence.” (Vedic text – Hari Bhakti Vilas)

Desire: The Greatest Obstacle

Maharaj Ji identified desire as the major obstacle in devotion. As long as demands control the heart, devotion remains incomplete. He referenced the example of Meera, who asked nothing of Krishna except love. It was this unconditional devotion that made her beloved to the Divine.

The shashtra says:

“निष्काम कर्म योगः शान्तिदायकः।”

“Desireless action leads to peace.”

Discretion, Patience, and Accepting the Saint as Guru

Premanand Ji taught that real blessings are wisdom, balance, and patience—not sudden wealth or miraculous outcomes. When a devotee accepts the saint as a guru, follows the path with sincerity, and transforms behavior, true progress begins.

Saints don’t change destiny; they change consciousness.

“चित्तस्य शुद्धये कर्म।”

“Action is meant for purification of the mind.”

 (Shashtra teaching)

A purified mind naturally aligns with divine grace.

As explained by Premanand Ji Maharaj, true devotion is not about expecting miracles, but it embraces Sanatangyan, surrender, and inner purification. Approaching a sadhu with faith and humility and a desire to transform ourselves, the real blessings of wisdom, patience, and divine love bloom automatically within us.