Author: BAPS Volunteers
Love’s path iswalked by sage & maid…
In the vast ocean of spiritual practices, there is one path that shines brighter than all—the path of prem bhakti, or love-filled devotion. The saint-poet Muktanand captures this truth beautifully in his verse, where he describes how divine love stirs the soul so deeply that even Lord Krishna, the Supreme Being, becomes enchanted. As love awakens in the heart of a true devotee, God responds not with distance, but with dance—becoming the joyful Natwar, dancing to the claps of the Vraj maidens. This simple yet profound imagery reminds us that the Divine is not remote or reserved, but rather responsive [Read More…]
Letting go of what fades…: Lessons from Gunatitanand Swami
We spend much of life chasing possessions, status, and the perfect image in the mirror—only to watch each trophy slip through our grasp. Cars rust, phones become obsolete, careers plateau, and bodies age; everything the senses cling to arrives with an expiration date. Gunatitanand Swami’s reminder that “all of creation is perishable” asks us to pause and see reality as it is, not as the glossy ads and social feeds portray it. Simply recognizing impermanence, however, doesn’t automatically free us from its pull; the mind still whispers that one more purchase, promotion, or compliment will finally seal the deal. That [Read More…]
Accepting Humility just from a Pair of Sandals : A Memorable Moment with Mahant Swami Maharaj
In a world wired for self‑promotion, success often looks like follower counts, luxury labels, and receiving deference from others. Yet on a quiet evening in Ahmedabad, Mahant Swami Maharaj demonstrated that true greatness is found not in the spotlight but in where we choose to bow. On September 4, 2018, he stepped out for a simple stroll through the mandir’s corridors. As he passed the kitchen, he noticed a neat row of sandals—thread‑bare kolhapuris and worn rubber slippers belonging to resident sadhus. They were unremarkable to most eyes, but they halted him in his tracks. Folding his hands, he lowered his head in full [Read More…]
He cares not for one’s form or clan, But seeks devotion’s steady hand…
In the vast expanse of the soul’s journey, true devotion blooms not through pedigree or pilgrimage but through the simple act of turning one’s heart toward Shyām Sundar, the dark-hued Lord whose only measure of worth is the sincerity of our love. No caste, color, or lineage can bind the seeker who comes with a pure intention, for it is not name or race that wins His grace, but the steady beat of an open, yearning heart. Love of this caliber cannot be bought or brokered; it flourishes only in the fertile soil of humility. Imagine a merchant’s scales forever [Read More…]
Inner Richness is Humility, not Pride: Lessons from the Vachanamrut
Ego is perhaps the subtlest barrier on our spiritual journey: it can insinuate itself even into the most noble of virtues—devotion, renunciation, knowledge, or disciplined vows—turning them from ladders into stumbling blocks. The moment we find ourselves thinking, “I am more devoted,” or “I understand better,” pride has taken root and humility slips away. A timeless Sanskrit proverb captures this beautifully: “The branches of a tree laden with fruit bend downward, just as virtuous persons bow humbly, but dry wood and fools never bend.” In this image, the heaviest branches are those most fruitful, bowing under the abundance they bear; [Read More…]
Finding True Value: A Memorable Moment with Mahant Swami Maharaj
In a world driven by the allure of the latest gadget, the trendiest outfit, and the next big purchase, it’s all too easy to lose sight of what really matters. We chase after material comforts, hoping they’ll fill the void inside us, only to discover that the emptiness remains. Yet, hidden in the life of Mahant Swami Maharaj is a quiet counterpoint to this relentless pursuit—a story of humility, devotion, and unwavering simplicity that offers a profound lesson for us all. The Tale of a Two-Anna Rosary On November 21, 2016, during his daily cheshta—a ritual of devotion—Pujya Mahant Swami [Read More…]
All who praise the Lord are raised…
In the ceaseless journey toward true freedom, Muktānand Swāmi’s teachings remind us that the simplest act—lifting our hearts in genuine remembrance of the Divine—can set in motion a profound transformation. When we sincerely chant or contemplate the Lord’s name, the heavy weight of ego and suffering slowly dissolves, revealing the radiant core of our being. This inner alchemy requires no grand ritual or lofty pedigree. Just as iron, when touched by a mystic catalyst, takes on the glow of gold, so our base instincts and limiting self-images transmute into pure love the moment we fix our attention on the Beloved. [Read More…]
Mastering your Influences
This week on Satsang Conversations, we traveled virtually to the serene BAPS Mandir in Johannesburg, South Africa. Joined by Pujya Snehmuni Swami and Pujya Adarshmuni Swami, the discussion centered on a profound section of the Vachanamrut: Gadhada Section 1, Number 78. This Vachanamrut tackles a fundamental question about the forces that shape our lives: what holds more sway – our past actions (karma) or our present circumstances and choices? Maharaj’s Pivotal Question: Past Karma vs. Present Factors Shriji Maharaj, in his characteristic way of sparking deep thought, posed a question to the assembled swamis and devotees: Which influences our lives more [Read More…]
Winning at Life: Lessons from Gunatitanand Swami
What if you could win at everything—and still lose at life? Gunatitanand Swami gives us a powerful reminder: You could spoil ten million tasks and still make progress in your liberation. And on the flip side, you could perfect ten million tasks—and still lose everything that actually matters. Think about that. We chase careers, promotions, wealth, reputation. We pour our energy into building lives that look successful from the outside. But if we lose sight of our soul’s purpose—liberation—what have we truly gained? Because real success isn’t about how much we accomplish. It’s about whether we’re moving closer to freedom [Read More…]
Seeing Extraordinary in Every Soul: A Memorable Moment with Mahant Swami Maharaj
March 16, 2019. Navsari, Gujarat. The evening celebration had just concluded. Mahant Swami Maharaj, having blessed the assembly, quietly made his way to the car waiting to take him back to the Sant Ashram. As the vehicle gently pulled away, his gaze caught something that made him pause. There they were—lined up with innocent smiles and hopeful eyes—a group of young boys, patiently waiting for one last glimpse of their beloved Guru. A sevak sant, noticing Swamishri’s glance, leaned forward and explained, “Swami, these are the boys who performed for you tonight.” Instantly, Swamishri’s eyes welled up with love. These [Read More…]
Love’s path iswalked by sage & maid…