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.
With his eyes gently closed and his heart absorbed in divine remembrance, Swamishri sat in complete peace. Those who noticed stood still—not out of surprise, but in awe.
That single, silent act became a sermon without words.
“True humility does not announce itself. It doesn’t seek validation or comfort. It just is—effortless, quiet, and deeply powerful.”
The Quiet Power of Humility
Greatness That Doesn’t Need a Stage
In an age obsessed with visibility—where success is measured by who stands tallest—Swamishri’s decision to sit on the floor was a countercultural message.
He reminded everyone that humility is not weakness; it is strength under perfect control.
“True greatness lies in thinking high, walking soft, and sitting low.”
Pramukh Swami Maharaj often said, “Ego is the root of all unhappiness.”
Mahant Swami continues that same tradition—not through lectures, but through living example. For him, every act, no matter how small, reflects the inner truth that we are servants, not masters.
The Saint’s Natural State
To the divine, humility is not a practiced virtue—it’s a natural expression of purity.
Swamishri didn’t choose the floor because he wanted to “appear” humble; he sat there because that is where his heart already rests—at the feet of God and His devotees.
The Contrast: The World and the Saint
When Ego Seeks Height, Love Sits Low
In today’s world, we chase platforms—higher chairs, louder voices, grander introductions. But the saints of the Swaminarayan tradition have always shown a different way.
They remind us that the higher one’s inner stature, the lower one naturally sits.
This paradox is the beauty of spirituality: as the ego dissolves, love expands.
“Humility doesn’t lower you—it lifts others.”
When Mahant Swami sat on the floor that day, every eye in the room instinctively lowered in respect. Yet, in truth, he had elevated everyone—because genuine humility makes others feel seen, valued, and embraced.
Carrying the Lesson Forward
Sitting Low in Daily Life
Swamishri’s act in Edison wasn’t meant to remain a memory—it was a message. Each of us can bring that spirit into our lives.
To “sit low” in daily life means:
- To listen more than we speak.
- To serve without seeking credit.
- To give comfort rather than expect it.
When we practice this, our relationships soften, our minds calm, and our connection to God deepens.
“Humility is not about where you sit, but how you see.”
When we see ourselves as servants of God and His devotees, every space becomes sacred, every act becomes seva.
To know more about Mahant Swami Maharaj: https://www.baps.org/About-BAPS/TheFounder%E2%80%93BhagwanSwaminarayan/TheSpiritualLineage-TheGuruParampara/Mahant-Swami-Maharaj.aspx
Mahant Swami Maharaj: An Introductory Film on the Spiritual Leader of BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7s1OeBc3lHw&t=9s
BAPS Website: https://www.baps.org/
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