Finding true Fulfillment beyond Validation: Lessons from the Vachanamrut
There’s a subtle chain that often goes unnoticed in the pursuit of success — the need to be admired. It hides behind ambition, it dresses up as drive, and sometimes, it even disguises itself as self-improvement. But beneath it all, it’s vanity — a craving for validation, a thirst for recognition, a constant measuring of our worth against others. Vanity isn’t just about appearances. It’s not limited to how we look or how others perceive our style. It goes deeper. It’s the desire to impress, the itch to be acknowledged, the silent question that asks, “Do I matter more now?” [Read More…]
A Lesson of Love and Respect: A Memorable Moment with Mahant Swami Maharaj
On the evening of October 9, 2016, in Bhavnagar, Gujarat, the sun had dipped low, casting soft golden hues over the BAPS campus. The air was calm, the atmosphere reverent. Mahant Swami Maharaj, having completed his evening engagements, began his walk back to his room. As he stepped onto the metal bridge connecting the Sabha Hall to the Pradakshina path, a familiar scene unfolded. Devotees—many of whom had stood there countless times before—waited eagerly for his darshan. Their eyes shimmered with devotion. Their hands folded with hope. Their hearts beat with silent prayers. Swamishri paused. He didn’t glance briefly and [Read More…]
Lyrical Reflections: The scent of a lion makes herds take flight…
In an age where clarity is clouded by chaos, and the eyes of the soul often remain shut amidst the noise of the world, the teachings of saints like Muktanand Swami shine like a silent lighthouse—guiding seekers inward, to the source of all light. This timeless composition from Muktanand Swami is not simply a devotional bhajan; it is a map of inner transformation. Through each verse, he sketches the contours of the anubhavi—the one who has realized. “Anubhavine antare rahe Ram vase re…”Within the realized, God remains,In all he does, His presence reigns. The anubhavi does not merely believe in [Read More…]
The light of truth, peace, and inner joy: Lessons from Gunatitanand Swami
What if someone told you that almost everything you’re chasing in life—you don’t actually need? Gunatitanand Swami put it simply and powerfully: there are only five things a human truly needs to live—food, water, clothing, sleep, and salt. That’s it. Everything else is optional. Think about that for a second. We spend so much of our lives chasing things we’re told we need—status, wealth, followers, fame, approval. But strip it all away, and we’re left with a profound truth: most of what consumes our thoughts, drains our energy, and steals our peace… are just wants, not needs. And when we [Read More…]
Simple Act of Kindness: A Memorable Moment with Mahant Swami Maharaj
In the quiet town of Sarangpur, Gujarat, on a seemingly ordinary morning—April 9, 2019—something extraordinary unfolded. It wasn’t marked by ceremony or grand proclamation. It was a small moment, easily missed by most. But for one man, it became unforgettable. Every morning, as Mahant Swami Maharaj stepped out of Sarvasva, his residence, he would make his way down the familiar stairs facing the Sapodilla orchard. And like clockwork, at the same spot, stood a security guard. There were no long conversations, no elaborate exchanges—just a smile, a nod, a small greeting. Yet, in that simple act, there was warmth. Recognition. [Read More…]
Lyrical Reflections: For the realized soul, all grief has flown…
In a world dominated by appearances, expectations, and endless cravings, the teachings of the great poet-saints of India offer not just solace but awakening. Muktanand Swami, a beloved paramhansa of Bhagwan Swaminarayan, was one such spiritual luminary. His bhajans are not mere verses—they are the lived wisdom of one who had tasted the Divine. In this reflective composition, Muktanand Swami speaks of the anubhavi, the realized soul, and paints a portrait of what it means to live from within rather than react to the world outside. “Anubhavine apda antarthi bhagi re…”For the realized soul, sorrow no longer holds sway. Why? [Read More…]
Finding True Strength in Humility: Lessons from the Vachanamrut
There’s a quiet struggle that often hides behind pride — the restless fire of superiority. A person who sees themselves as above others may appear confident on the outside, but deep within, they remain uneasy, day and night. Like a half-burnt log, they smoulder constantly — not quite at peace, never fully at rest. This feeling isn’t strength. It’s a burden. We may mistake superiority for confidence. But true confidence doesn’t need to prove itself. It doesn’t demand to be the loudest voice in the room or insist on being right all the time. On the contrary, the need to [Read More…]
Unshakable Devotion: A Memorable Moment with Mahant Swami Maharaj
They say true commitment isn’t measured by comfort—it’s revealed in challenge. In September 1997, at the age of 64, Mahant Swami Maharaj embarked on a journey that would push the very edges of human endurance. Not just a journey of miles—but of meaning. In the span of just four days, he traveled over 30,000 kilometers across continents. On September 3rd, he flew from London to Mumbai. The very next night, he departed for Singapore. There was no pause, no time to recover. From Singapore, he continued straight on to Sydney, Australia, arriving on the morning of the 5th. For most, [Read More…]
Lyrical Reflections: This world, so vast in form & play Is just a mirage that fades one day…
In a world consumed by desire and distractions, the wisdom of saints like Muktanand Swami shines like a lighthouse for the lost. His poetic verses aren’t just devotional songs—they are roadmaps guiding us back to our inner truth. In this beautiful bhajan, he opens a window into the life of the jivanmukta, the realized soul, and reminds us of the false identities we cling to. “Anubhavi anandma, Brahmarasna bhogi re…”The realized soul is steeped in bliss—not the temporary happiness born of material fulfillment, but the profound, unshakeable joy of being united with the Divine. Such a soul may walk among [Read More…]
Winning the Spiritual Battle
This week on Satsang Conversations, we journeyed to the BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi to unpack a particularly resonant section of the Vachanamrut: Gadhada 1-70, aptly titled “Kakabhai’s Question.” This episode delved into the internal struggles we all face and how, with faith and right action, we can find a state of “befikr” (carefreeness) amidst life’s chaos. A Timeless Setting, a Timeless Question: Just like the conversations held by Bhagwan Swaminarayan centuries ago, our discussion unfolded in an environment where individuals from diverse backgrounds could openly explore profound questions. Kakabhai’s simple yet powerful inquiry resonated deeply: “Deep within one’s [Read More…]