Author: BAPS Volunteers
When ego rises, God responds: Lessons from Gunatitanand Swami
You know, we often underestimate the quiet ones—the meek, the shy, the humble. But we must pause and think twice before mistreating someone just because they seem weak. Because what we don’t see is that God often stands with them more than we realize. Gunatitanand Swami reminds us powerfully: hurting the meek will not be tolerated by God. Why? Because God is the destroyer of vanity. He doesn’t ignore injustice—He confronts it. And sometimes, He manifests through the most unlikely individuals to do it. The humble may not raise their voice. They may not fight back. But their pain—silent as [Read More…]
Though joys & sorrows come uncalled, With courage firm, we will not fall…
Rising Above Life’s Dualities Beyond Pleasure and Pain In life’s ebb and flow, joy and sorrow visit us like passing seasons. Yet, the enlightened soul remains steady through both. This timeless teaching—captured beautifully in Muktanand Swami’s verse “Harijan thaine, han varadh, sukh dukh manma nav dharie”—reminds us that to live as God’s own is to transcend the pull of worldly opposites. “As God’s own, let us not hold near honor or loss, or joy or fear.Though joys and sorrows come uncalled, with courage firm, we will not fall.” True bhakti (devotion) does not waver when comfort disappears. For the one [Read More…]
The Power of Courage, Faith, and Choice: Lessons from the Vachanamrut
When the Mind Feels Trapped Have you ever felt stuck in a habit—one that seems to quietly run your life?Maybe it’s the endless scrolling that swallows your evenings, the anger that flashes before you can control it, or the small compromises that eat away at your peace. We’ve all been there—wondering, “Is this just how I am? Can I ever really change?” It’s tempting to believe that our weaknesses are part of our nature or even our destiny. But Bhagwan Swaminarayan gives us a revolutionary insight: “Addictions and destructive patterns are not the result of destiny, but of habit. And [Read More…]
The Strength of Quietly Stepping Back: A Memorable Moment with Mahant Swami Maharaj
A Quiet Evening, A Profound Lesson It was the evening of May 14, 2018, in Bangalore’s Jalaram Mandir—a day that would leave behind not just memories, but meaning. At the humble invitation of the temple trustees, Mahant Swami Maharaj arrived, greeted everyone with warmth, and with quiet reverence, offered a garland to Jalaram Bapa. He picked up the aarti thali himself and began the sacred ritual. The temple hall was filled with the soft flicker of lamps and the melody of devotion. Yet, within moments, Swamishri’s act took an even more beautiful turn. After a few rotations of the flame, [Read More…]
One who holds such firmness dear, Will never live in pain or fear…
The Essence of Firm Faith Devotion That Does Not Falter There comes a moment in every seeker’s journey when life tests the strength of their devotion. Muktanand Swami, through his profound verse, teaches that true love for God is not measured in ease or comfort—but in the unshaken loyalty that endures loss, pain, and trial. “Though body and wealth may pass away,A true devotee will never sway.” For a Haribhakta—one who belongs fully to Bhagwan—faith is not conditional. Even when health fades, wealth disappears, or relationships change, their bond with God remains constant. Muktanand Swami compares this steadfastness to the [Read More…]
Singing the Glory of God: The Deeper Meaning Behind Hari Gun Gata
In the vibrant tradition of the Swaminarayan Sampraday, kirtan bhakti—devotional singing—holds a sacred place. Far more than a melodic performance, it is an act of spiritual elevation, a way of expressing the soul’s yearning for God. Among the many devotional songs that inspire reflection and devotion, the kirtan Hari Gun Gatha stands out as both a lyrical and spiritual masterpiece. A Kirtan of Legacy and Devotion Hari Gun Gata is the first of four parts, a Chosar, composed by the great saint-poet Muktanand Swami. These kirtans are not mere songs; they are revelations that flow from deep spiritual realization and heartfelt love for God. Singing Hari Gun Gatais akin to [Read More…]
A servant of God’s servants instead
The Beauty of Letting Go and Holding On Surrendering Ego, Embracing Grace Every spiritual journey begins with a choice—what to let go of, and what to hold on to. Muktanand Swami, in his timeless verse, reminds us that the path to true devotion is paved with humility and courage. “Casting off all pride, to Shyam we cling,With steadfast heart, to His side we swing.Let public shame and tear be gone —Let love for sadhus lead us on.” To walk the path of bhakti means to shed the ego’s constant need for approval and recognition. It calls us to stand firm [Read More…]
Dust thrown with scorn at day’s sunlight, Falls back onto the one with spite…
Keeping the Heart Focused on Hari The Purity of Divine Remembrance In the spiritual journey, the direction of our thoughts determines the destination of our soul. Muktanand Swami, in this deeply reflective verse, teaches that a devotee’s heart must remain filled only with thoughts of Bhagwan — free from negativity, bitterness, or judgment toward others. “While singing the virtues of Hari divine,Let no thought of the wicked in our hearts entwine.With every breath and every beat,Let His sacred form our memory greet…” When our minds are fully absorbed in Bhagwan’s glory, there is no room left for resentment. Each breath [Read More…]
The sadhu is the only true boat…
The Sadhu: The Living Vessel That Leads to Liberation The Only True Boat Across the Worldly Ocean In this world of constant change—where joy and sorrow rise and fall like waves—how can a soul find lasting peace? Brahmanand Swami, one of Bhagwan Swaminarayan’s foremost paramhansas, answers this question in his timeless composition: “Sadhu soi nav sansarme” — “The sadhu is the only true boat across the ocean of worldly life.” “The sadhu is the only true boat…” This simple yet profound truth captures the very heart of the Swaminarayan tradition. A true sadhu is not merely a teacher or renunciant—he [Read More…]
Millions Alone Or Two Aligned?: Lessons from Gunatitanand Swami
Rethinking Strength: Beyond Numbers and Appearances We live in a world that often measures strength by size. The bigger the crowd, the louder the voice; the larger the team, the greater the influence. But Gunatitanand Swami—a divine saint and the first spiritual successor of Bhagwan Swaminarayan—offers a strikingly different insight. He explained that true power doesn’t lie in numbers, but in unity of purpose. “If just two individuals share the same inclination—if their hearts and minds are one—they can accomplish more than hundreds of thousands who lack harmony.” This wisdom cuts across every dimension of life: families, communities, nations, and [Read More…]