Author: BAPS Volunteers
Enjoying God’s Bliss
Acquiring the Virtues of the Satpurush – Reflections from Mahesana Introduction At the BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir in Mahesana, senior Swamis gathered for a special episode of Satsang Conversations. Their focus was a vital question raised in Vachanamrut Gadhada I-67: How can one acquire the virtues of the Satpurush? Through narration and an insightful discussion, the Swamis connected the historic words of Bhagwan Swaminarayan with the living example of His present successor. Shriji Maharaj’s Question On 21 March 1820, Bhagwan Swaminarayan sat in Dada Khachar’s darbār, surrounded by sadhus and devotees. He described the Satpurush: “There is a Satpurush who has [Read More…]
The Sant, Dearer Than All…
Verse Translation Narad mere santse adhik na koi…… Narada, there is none above,My Sant alone is the one I love. Mam ur sant aru mai santan ur, vas karu sthir hoi… The Sant resides within my heart, and I within his stay;In him I dwell eternally, unmoved in every way. Kamala mero karat upasan, man chapalta dhoi;Yadyapi vas diyo mai ur par, santan sam nahi soi… Lakshmi bows in worship to me, her pride and unrest cast aside;Yet though she rests upon my chest, the Sant in my heart does abide. Bhuko bhar haru santan hit, karu chhaya kar doi;Jo [Read More…]
Mahant Swami Maharaj’s Silent Lesson in Tolerance: A Memorable Moment with Mahant Swami Maharaj
On June 25, 2019, Mahant Swami Maharaj was in Ahmedabad. On this day he demonstrated what true tolerance looks like. Not through words, but through observance. While having his lunch, his attendant, Sadhu Vinaypriya Swami, noticed a strange crunching sound as Swami ate his broccoli. Concerned, he quickly removed the remaining pieces and asked, “Swami, was there dirt in the broccoli?” Swami calmly nodded, “In every bite.” Surprised, the attendant said, “Then why didn’t you say anything? I would have removed it immediately!” But Mahant Swami Maharaj remained at ease. And in that simple choice, he taught us what tolerance [Read More…]
The Sant Who Holds God in His Heart…
Verse Translation Narad aise sant sada mohe pyara…. Narada, such a Sant is dear to me, Loved forever, eternally. Jad chaitanku jani jatharath, rahat jagatse nyara… Knowing matter & spirit as they truly are,he dwells apart from the world-he stands afar. Gnan vairagya aru bhakti ke bhajan, janat sar asara;Brahmabhuvan lagi kal chavina, manat juth pasara… A vessel of knowledge, of bhakti, renunciation,He knows what is true and false in creation;All realms below Akshar he calls in vain,For time consumes them, none remain. Mere vachan achal ur rakhat, mam gun magan udara;Sab par moy jani ur dharat, mam pad prem [Read More…]
The Joy of True Selflessness: A Memorable Moment with Mahant Swami Maharaj
On 25th August 2018, Pujya Mahant Swami Maharaj demonstrated, in the most natural way, what it means to live selflessly. That morning, after taking just a small portion of his breakfast, Swamishri began sharing with the sadhus around him. From his own bowl, he offered blueberries to Bhaktavatsal Swami. Surprised, Bhaktavatsal Swami said, “Swami, you had quite a few blueberries today.” Atmaswarup Swami, who was also present, lovingly added, “Why don’t you complete the whole bowl?” Still, Bhaktavatsal Swami insisted, “Swami, you can eat more. These fruits are really healthy for you.” With a gentle smile that carried the wisdom [Read More…]
The Saint Who is Truly Dear…
Verse Translation Sant jan soi sada mohe bhave… That saint alone is dear to me,Whose heart is pure, whose soul is free. Deh indriya aru man adik ke, sangme nahi laptave Body, senses, and restless mind, In their embrace he is not entwined. Kam krodh aru lobh moh vash, hoy na man lalchave;Mero hi dhyan ratan mukh mero, so taji anya na jave Lust, anger, greed shall never sway;Delusion leads him not astray;On lips, in mind, my name will stay;From me he never turns away. Kshar Akshar aru Akshar parki, sab hi samaj ur lave;Sab gun puran param viveki, gun [Read More…]
The Power of Peaceful Response: A Memorable Moment with Mahant Swami Maharaj
In the days when Mahant Swami Maharaj was serving as the head of the BAPS Mandir in Mumbai, his daily routine was filled with countless responsibilities. As the Mahant, he cared for many sadhus and devotees, each with their own unique personalities and needs. Among them was one individual known for his difficult nature and strong dislike for a particular dish. One day, during a meal with the sadhus, this very dish was mistakenly served to him. Unable to control his anger, the man not only complained but went so far as to hurl the food in frustration. The plate [Read More…]
Worship God with heart that is true…
In this noisy and restless world, the most profound guidance often comes from the simplest truths: Find a true saint, and worship God with a sincere heart. The presence of a genuine Sant—a spiritually awakened soul—can change the entire course of one’s life. Their words carry weight, their wisdom shines light. When we place our trust in their guidance and bring God’s name into our daily actions, even the deepest sins of our past begin to dissolve—burning away like dry leaves in a fire of divine grace. But this journey is not just about rituals or words—it’s about awakening to [Read More…]
Seeing God in Everyone: Lessons from the Vachanamrut
What If We Saw God in Everyone? What would the world look like if we truly saw God in everyone?Not just in temples or sacred places, but in the everyday faces we encounter—the driver who cuts us off, the colleague who tests our patience, the stranger who asks for help, even the friend who betrayed us. Bhagwan Swaminarayan teaches that Bhagwan resides in all beings, to a greater or lesser degree, as their very cause and as antaryami—the inner controller. God is not confined to shrines or rituals. He is present in people—in their struggles, their stories, their strengths, and [Read More…]
The Silent Compassion of a Saint: A Memorable Moment with Mahant Swami Maharaj
In 1989, in the town of Bharuch, a grand celebration had just concluded. The occasion was the birthday of Pramukh Swami Maharaj, and the festivities had gone late into the night. By 1 a.m., the grounds had quieted. Mahant Swami, having just completed his decorative seva, was walking back with another sadhu—his body tired, his eyes heavy with sleep. But as they passed under the mandap, he noticed something that made him pause. A few volunteers, who had selflessly served all day, were now fast asleep on the cold ground, shivering in the chilly night. Without a word, Mahant Swami [Read More…]
Enjoying God’s Bliss