Author: BAPS Volunteers
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
A Night in Bharuch It was 1989 in the riverside town of Bharuch. The grand celebrations for Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s birthday had just ended. The night had been filled with devotion—bhajans, garlands, lights, and the joy of thousands of devotees gathered in love and reverence. By the time the festivities quieted, it was 1 a.m. The grounds were still, the mandap half-lit by fading bulbs. Among the last to leave were Mahant Swami Maharaj and another sadhu, returning after completing their late-night decorative seva. They were exhausted, their bodies heavy from a long day of serving. But as they passed [Read More…]
This human birth is rare and dear…
This human birth is precious beyond words—a divine gift not easily won again. The scriptures and sages remind us: we will not get this chance again so easily. And yet, how often we squander it in pride, distractions, and the endless pursuit of worldly success. Our ego, our status, our name—these may win us respect in society, but they hold no weight on the spiritual scale. Instead, we are urged to drop the facade and turn our hearts to God. Without that turn, we risk falling into the cycle of endless rebirths—an exhausting spiral of suffering and confusion. Life, as [Read More…]
From Life to Scripture: Lessons from Gunatitanand Swami
More Than Words on a Page We often open the scriptures seeking peace, clarity, and truth. The verses of the Vachanamrut, the insights of the Swamini Vato, or the timeless wisdom of the Bhagavad Gita — these texts are our guides in the journey of life. But pause for a moment and ask: Where did these scriptures come from? Who breathed life into these divine words? Gunatitanand Swami once revealed a profound insight: “The scriptures are the effect; the great sadhu is their cause.” The Cause Behind the Scripture The Sadhu as the Fountain of Wisdom Every sacred book begins [Read More…]
A Moment of True Humility: A Memorable Moment with Mahant Swami Maharaj
A Sacred Moment in Edison It was September 13, 2017, in Edison, USA—a serene morning filled with devotion and grace. Mahant Swami Maharaj had just completed the murti-pratishtha of Ghanshyam Maharaj, a sacred and joyous milestone for devotees around the world. The rituals were over, and the air buzzed with energy as volunteers prepared the annakut, arranging offerings with loving care. In the midst of this bustle, Swamishri quietly walked toward the gathering area and, without a word, sat down on the carpeted floor. There was no chair.But there was also no hesitation, no discomfort, and no sign of expectation. [Read More…]
God is your greatest ally…
In the journey of life, we often lean on many—family, friends, mentors, companions—but as the wise have always said, God is our only true ally. No one else, however close, truly belongs to us in the deepest sense. The Vedas and Puranas—the ancient spiritual texts—clearly advise us to engage in the remembrance and service of the Divine. Yet many of us, caught in the haze of ego or laziness, dismiss this path. We sit idle, distracted, without direction or honest purpose, even as time slips away. Our attachments in this world—parents, spouse, children, friends—while dear and loving, cannot accompany us [Read More…]
Negative Influence in Satsang; Not Uttering Discouraging Words
The Power of Your Words: Eliminating Spiritual Negativity In our spiritual journeys, we often focus on grand philosophies, deep meditation, and complex rituals. Yet, sometimes the most profound transformations begin with something as simple as the words we choose to speak. Within the sacred fellowship of satsang, our speech can either build a fortress of faith or silently corrode its very foundations. This is the urgent, timeless message Shriji Maharaj delivered in the Vachanamrut Gadhada I-17, a discourse that serves as both a diagnosis and a cure for a subtle spiritual ailment. The Paradox of Negativity in Satsang A Cheerful [Read More…]
Effort Grace, and the Journey to Liberation: Lessons from the Vachanamrut
The Ship of Grace: Why Willpower Alone Isn’t Enough The Power—and the Limit—of Willpower We all admire willpower. It wakes us up early, drives us toward our goals, and keeps us pushing through challenges. The world celebrates self-discipline as the secret to success. But pause for a moment—can willpower alone lead us to peace, fulfillment, or liberation? Bhagwan Swaminarayan offers a humbling reminder: “A person seeking liberation through effort alone, without relying on God’s grace, is like a swimmer trying to cross the ocean.” Imagine trying to swim across the vast sea—no boat, no map, no rest. You might make [Read More…]
The Power of Patient Faith: A Memorable Moment with Mahant Swami Maharaj
A Journey That Began Alone In the quiet, unassuming village of Bijal, a young man named Vitthalbhai Rathva made a decision that would shape not only his life, but the destiny of countless others.His home environment was far from spiritual—meat at every meal, addictions in the house, and no space for prayer or devotion. Yet Vitthalbhai did not argue, demand change, or preach. Instead, he chose the harder path: to walk the journey alone, with God as his only companion. Choosing Devotion Over Comfort He drew water daily from the river, cooked his own meals, and upheld every spiritual discipline [Read More…]
The fool died while alive…
There’s a kind of death that happens long before the body breathes its last — a spiritual death brought on by a life lived in ignorance and misdirection. The verse “Bhajyo nahi Bhagwan murakh jivata maryo” strikes at this very core, describing the fool who never turned to God and thus died while still alive. Life, when lived without spiritual awareness or purpose, becomes hollow no matter how busy or full it appears on the surface. Driven by greed, many chase wealth and pleasure without a second thought for the consequences. The soul grows numb as one commits sin just [Read More…]