The Moment That Moved a Guru
A Glimpse into True Devotion
January 2nd, 2023 — Bal Din (Children’s Day) — was a day of joy and celebration in Ahmedabad, India. As thousands gathered for the occasion, Mahant Swami Maharaj, the spiritual leader of BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha, made his way back to his residence in a golf cart after the festivities. Along the path, devotees lined up, offering folded hands and smiles. But what caught his attention was not the crowd — it was a small group of volunteers and sadhus standing quietly in the background.
A Leader’s Blessing
His attendant sadhu mentioned, “Swami, they’ve been here all day, standing in the heat, dust, and blazing sun, ensuring everything runs smoothly.”
At that moment, Swamishri’s eyes lit up. His response was simple, yet deeply profound:
“Dhanya chhe — they are blessed.”
Those few words captured the essence of seva — selfless service — as seen through the eyes of a spiritual master.
The Heart of Seva: Serving as an Offering
Beyond Duty — A Devotion
For Mahant Swami Maharaj, it was never about managing logistics or organizing crowds. What he saw was devotion expressed through action. Every volunteer, every sadhu, every unseen hand working quietly was performing bhakti through seva — transforming ordinary tasks into extraordinary offerings to God.
“Even one such day of service is worth it. These sadhus and volunteers have been doing it every day.”
To Swamishri, service was not work; it was worship in motion. In the Swaminarayan tradition, seva is one of the purest ways to express love for God — not through grand gestures, but through humble, consistent acts that uplift others.
The Spiritual Lens of Gratitude
What made this moment sacred was not the act itself but the awareness with which it was performed. When Swamishri witnessed seva, he saw divine beauty in human effort — a reflection of Bhagwan’s presence in every devotee who served without expectation.
The Unseen Heroes Among Us
Recognizing the Silent Servants
In every mandir, event, or satsang, there are countless individuals who ensure everything runs smoothly — the ones arranging shoes, managing traffic, cleaning, or preparing food. Their names may never be announced from the stage, but their contribution sustains the entire spiritual ecosystem.
Swamishri’s recognition of these individuals teaches us something profound: to notice the unnoticed.
“This week, notice the unseen people who make your life smoother. Thank them, value them, and ensure you let them know.”
Cultivating Gratitude as a Spiritual Practice
True spirituality is not confined to meditation or prayer alone. It manifests in how we treat others — in our awareness of gratitude for those who serve silently. Expressing “thank you” is not just politeness; it’s an acknowledgment of divinity in action.
Living Seva Daily
Turning the Ordinary into the Sacred
When we serve with sincerity, even the simplest actions — sweeping the floor, organizing chairs, or guiding traffic — become acts of devotion. Seva aligns our hearts with God’s will, dissolves ego, and replaces it with humility.
Walking in the Footsteps of the Saints
The sadhus and devotees who inspired Mahant Swami Maharaj remind us that spirituality is not only about inner reflection but also outer contribution. To serve with love is to live what Swamishri teaches daily — In the joy of others lies our own.
To know more about Mahant Swami Maharaj: https://www.baps.org/About-BAPS/TheFounder%E2%80%93BhagwanSwaminarayan/TheSpiritualLineage-TheGuruParampara/Mahant-Swami-Maharaj.aspx
Mahant Swami Maharaj: An Introductory Film on the Spiritual Leader of BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7s1OeBc3lHw&t=9s
BAPS Website: https://www.baps.org/
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