Category: Satsang Conversations
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…]
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…]
Negative Influence in Satsang; Not Uttering Discouraging Words
In Gadhada Section 1-17, titled Negative Influence in Satsang, Not Uttering, Discouraging Words, we are reminded that even the opening paragraph of the Vachanamrut holds deep significance. Often overlooked as mere scene-setting, these lines—describing the date, attire, and environment—actually establish the historicity and authenticity of the discourse. They transport the reader into the very moment Maharaj spoke, grounding the teaching in a specific place and time. Scholars have noted that the inclusion of exact dates and locations adds credibility, showing these are not imagined accounts but lived spiritual moments. Beyond historical importance, the title itself serves as a thematic guide [Read More…]
Singing the Glory of God: The Deeper Meaning Behind Hari Gun Gata
In the vibrant tapestry 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…]
Finding Freedom from Swabhāvs…
The most recent episode of Satsang Conversations whisks us to the Sant Talim Kendra in Sarangpur, Gujarat, where a circle of sādhu-students reflect on Vachanamrut Gadhadā II-7, “A Poor Man.” Though the passage is short, its message is disarmingly practical: our inborn swabhāvs – habits such as anger, stubbornness, jealousy or ego – are the hidden disease that keeps us from tasting lasting peace. The cure, Shriji Maharaj explains, begins with vairāgya (detachment), but for most of us it flowers through one very concrete discipline: atiśay sevā – stepping beyond comfort to serve the Satpurush and his Satsang. The sadhus [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 the Spiritual Battle
This week on Satsang Conversations, we journeyed to the BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi to unpack a particularly resonant section of the Vachanamrut: Gadhada 1-70, aptly titled “Kakabhai’s Question.” This episode delved into the internal struggles we all face and how, with faith and right action, we can find a state of “befikr” (carefreeness) amidst life’s chaos. A Timeless Setting, a Timeless Question: Just like the conversations held by Bhagwan Swaminarayan centuries ago, our discussion unfolded in an environment where individuals from diverse backgrounds could openly explore profound questions. Kakabhai’s simple yet powerful inquiry resonated deeply: “Deep within one’s [Read More…]
The illusion of Desire: Lessons from Gunatitanand Swami
Have you ever tried to catch your own shadow? No matter how fast you run or how cleverly you try to corner it, it always slips away—just out of reach. Gunatitanand Swami beautifully reveals a profound truth through this simple metaphor: a shadow cannot be caught. In the same way, material desires are endless. No matter how much we acquire—wealth, recognition, success—there’s always something more to want. Just when we think we’ve found fulfillment, the next desire emerges. Like chasing a shadow, the pursuit never ends. Modern life often convinces us that happiness lies just around the corner—once we get [Read More…]
The Power of Forgiveness: Lessons from the Vachanamrut
Forgiveness is a strength, not a weakness. The life of Nelson Mandela exemplifies this truth. Despite enduring 27 years of imprisonment, facing relentless suffering and harsh conditions, Mandela emerged from captivity not with anger, but with an incredible sense of forgiveness. As he once said, “As I walked out the door toward the gate that would lead to my freedom, I knew if I didn’t leave my bitterness and hatred behind, I’d still be in prison.” Mandela’s release and subsequent rise to power as South Africa’s first black president was not just a political victory; it was a triumph of [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…]
Enjoying God’s Bliss