Author: BAPS Volunteers
Speak Courageously: Lessons from the Vachanamrut
The power of words is undeniable. They can uplift or tear down, inspire or discourage. But true courage in speech isn’t about volume—it’s about belief. The belief that every person has infinite potential to grow, evolve, and become better. Speaking courageously means using our words to encourage, motivate, and ignite hope—both in ourselves and in those around us. It’s about fostering resilience, pushing forward despite challenges, and refusing to let negativity dictate our reality. On the other hand, cowardice in speech doesn’t mean speaking softly; it’s speaking in a way that demotivates, drains energy, and spreads hopelessness. It’s the voice [Read More…]
A Lesson in Selfless Service: A Memorable Moment with Mahant Swami Maharaj
Picture yourself cruising on a plane, thousands of feet above the ground. The air is cold, the journey feels long, and comfort becomes a priority. But for Mahant Swami Maharaj, every moment is an opportunity to serve. Before leaving India, a devotee made a simple request—“When you’re away, will you remember us? Maybe write us a letter?” It was casual, but for Mahant Swami Maharaj, it was important. Hours later, high above the clouds, he picked up a pen and paper. But the plane was freezing, and soon his fingers became stiff. Writing became painful, and his assistant gently suggested [Read More…]
Lyrical Reflections: Commune with the Sant, Night and Day…
Pride is a heavy burden that clouds our hearts, keeping us from experiencing the purest form of love. In our journey towards spiritual awakening, we must let go of our ego and fully embrace the wisdom of enlightened souls. As the verse beautifully expresses, merely sipping from the cup of saintly words is not enough—we must drink deeply and wholeheartedly, allowing their essence to transform us. The path to true joy begins with sincerity. Deceit and pretense only create distance between us and divine grace. To experience the bliss of spiritual love, we must cleanse our hearts of all falsehoods [Read More…]
Revered Female devotees known for their deep devotion and unwavering faith…
Introduction Throughout Hindu history, several remarkable women have exemplified the power of unwavering devotion, wisdom, and spiritual surrender. Whether through selfless service, divine love, or profound knowledge, these women have left an indelible mark on Hindu spirituality. Each of these women, in their unique way, exemplifies the heights that devotion, love, and wisdom can reach, inspiring generations to walk the path of spiritual enlightenment. Shabari Shabari was a tribal woman who lived in the forests of the Dandakaranya region. From a young age, she had an intense longing to serve the divine. She left her home and sought refuge in [Read More…]
Overcoming Complacency: Lessons from Gunatitanand Swami
“Complacency can be overcome if we are vigilant or if someone punishes us.” (1/93)Complacency sneaks in when we grow too comfortable in our routines. It whispers that we’re doing just fine, even when we’re coasting on autopilot. But the truth is, growth stops the moment we stop pushing ourselves. The antidote? Vigilance and constructive feedback. Staying mindful of our habits prevents us from slipping into stagnation. Self-awareness helps us recognize when we’re becoming too relaxed, but sometimes, we need an outside perspective. A mentor, a friend, or even a harsh reality check can shake us out of our comfort zone [Read More…]
A True Example of Selflessness: A Memorable Moment with Mahant Swami Maharaj
June 3rd, 2019, Sarangpur. The air buzzed with celebration and joy. Thousands had gathered for the grand opening of the Youth Convention, with Mahant Swami Maharaj at the heart of it all. As his golf cart approached, the cheers, the music, and the applause filled the atmosphere. In a moment like this, anyone might be carried away by the grandeur. But not Mahant Swami Maharaj. Amidst all the excitement, his focus shifted to something that others overlooked—four young volunteers walking barefoot on the hot ground. With genuine concern, he softly asked, Are they feeling hot? While others celebrated, he noticed [Read More…]
The Importance of Wisdom
In a recent episode of Satsang Conversations, the discussion took listeners on a deep and introspective journey through the teachings of Bhagwan Swaminarayan in Vachanamrut Gadhada Section 1, Number 16. Hosted at the serene BAPS Mandir in Houston, Texas, the episode featured a dialogue with Swami Bhaktivardhandas and other devotees, reflecting on the profound message of wisdom (Vivek) outlined in this Vachanamrut. Understanding Wisdom: The Power of Self-Reflection The conversation began with an exploration of how wisdom is defined in Vachanamrut Gadhada I-16. Bhagwan Swaminarayan explains that a true devotee, one who possesses wisdom, has the ability to distinguish between [Read More…]
Power of Repentance: Lessons from the Vachanamrut
“If a person has performed the prescribed atonement, then whoever still considers him a sinner should himself be known as a sinner.” – Gadhada Section 1, Number 10 We all make mistakes, but Bhagwan Swaminarayan emphasizes the power of repentance. When a person has performed the prescribed atonement, they should no longer be seen as a sinner. Holding onto their past and continuing to judge them makes us the real sinners. Forgiveness and acceptance are divine qualities. True wisdom lies in freeing ourselves from judgment and seeing others through the lens of compassion. When we embrace this mindset, we cultivate inner peace and uplift [Read More…]
Extraordinary Memory & Compassion: A Memorable Moment with Mahant Swami Maharaj
On October 23, 2016, Mahant Swami Maharaj visited Jamnagar. During his visit, he met Vijaybhai Nanani and, with a gentle smile, said just two words: “100 children.” The santos nearby were surprised. What could Swamiji mean? Curious, they turned to Vijaybhai, and an incredible memory resurfaced. Vijaybhai recalled an event from 1985 at a gathering in Nenpur. As a 16- or 17-year-old, he had asked Mahant Swami Maharaj to bless him so that 100 children would attend his Bal Sabha. Over three decades later, Swamiji still remembered that simple yet heartfelt wish. This was not just an extraordinary display of [Read More…]
Lyrical Reflections: No fortune like forbearance
Patience is the greatest fortune. In his profound verses, the revered poet-saint Nishkulanand Swami reveals the unmatched value of forbearance. No treasure surpasses patience, especially in the face of hardship. The hymn urges seekers to embrace endurance, recognizing it as the key to true strength. The verse begins with a striking truth: Forbearance is wealth. In difficult times, patience is the greatest support. The poet reminds us that no treasure compares to perseverance—those who cultivate it never truly suffer. Through powerful imagery, Nishkulanand Swami illustrates the resilience of the steadfast. The patient endure even grave grief without uttering words of [Read More…]
Speak Courageously: Lessons from the Vachanamrut