One Glance That Changed a Life: A Memorable Moment with Mahant Swami Maharaj
In the quiet village of Lavarpur, near Gandhinagar, lived Rakeshbhai Patel — a man whose life had been chained by addiction for more than three decades. Alcohol and tobacco had slowly consumed him, draining not just his health but also his wealth, his land, and nearly his family. His addiction ran so deep that even his son, Karan, began walking the same painful path. Rakeshbhai believed there was no turning back — that this was just how life would be. But destiny had a different plan. In 2022, Rakeshbhai visited the Pramukh Swami Maharaj Centenary Festival in Ahmedabad. He didn’t [Read More…]
The Joy of Meeting the Divine…
Āj Ānand Mārā Urmā – By Sadguru Nishkulanand Swami The Joy of Meeting the Divine Today my heart is filled with joy,I have attained the treasure rare;Though countless trials cannot win Hari,I have met Him standing there… There are moments in life when the heart overflows with divine bliss—when all the struggles, the prayers, and the patience culminate in the sweet realization of His presence. Such joy cannot be measured, only felt, deep within the soul. He nourished me with food and jest,He met with me again, again;With love and care He gave me joy,A bliss beyond the speech of [Read More…]
The Priceless Gifts of Life: Lessons from Gunatitanand Swami
We live in a world that’s always chasing upgrades. A newer phone, a faster car, and so much more. In the process, it’s easy to forget the things we already have, things that money can’t buy. That’s such a given to all of us! But Gunatitanand Swami reminds us of this truth, “No amount of money can buy eyes, ears, or other sense organs, yet God has given them to us freely. Still, the jiva (soul) remains ungrateful.” Every morning we wake with miracles all around us. Sight, sound, breath, and a beating heart. All of these come without effort, [Read More…]
A Love That Endures Pain: A Memorable Moment with Mahant Swami Maharaj
Would you endure pain every single day, just to bring comfort to others? On 1 February 2020, in Navsari, His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj showed what true selflessness looks like. His schedule was filled with back-to-back personal meetings. Even though he had arrived earlier than expected, time slipped away as countless people waited for his blessings. One by one, they approached him. And one by one, he gently placed his hand upon each head, offering them blessings and peace. A simple gesture, yet filled with so much warmth and love. This is what those devotees traveled miles to receive. But [Read More…]
Mahant Swami Maharaj’s Silent Lesson on Simplicity: A Memorable Moment with Mahant Swami Maharaj
In a palace of gold and grandeur, where every corner whispered luxury, a quiet yet profound lesson unfolded. On 17 February 2020, Mahant Swami Maharaj arrived at the famous Lakshmi Vilas Palace in Vadodara, warmly welcomed by the royal family. The atmosphere was filled with reverence and tradition, and after the formal welcome ceremony, the host offered him a refreshing glass of sharbat—thoughtfully prepared, perfect for his health. But as Mahant Swami Maharaj reached for the drink, something gave him pause. It wasn’t the sharbat. It was the glass. The vessel in which it had been served was no ordinary [Read More…]
The Traits of a True Sant…
Verse Translation Narad aise sache santki riti… Narada, hear the marks of the true,Thus is the Sant revealed to you. Jehi suni sadhu parat pichhanat, jinko mam pad priti… He holds deep love for my holy feet, In him alone my presence is sweet. Khat vikar jit anagh anandi, mere vachanme vasa;Brahmadik kshar jani jagatki, chhodat sab vidh asha… The six vile passions he has subdued, Sinless, blissful, in virtue imbued.He knows that creations will decay,So worldly hopes he casts away. Akshar pad janat Avinashi, tehi madhya mukta apara;Panchvishay tyagi sab samrath, karat kalka chara…. He knows Akshar’s eternal domain,Where [Read More…]
Sometimes Love Means Breaking Your Own Limits: A Memorable Moment with Mahant Swami Maharaj
When Comfort Meets Compassion On a quiet February morning in 2020, in the city of Anand, India, something profound unfolded. Mahant Swami Maharaj—the spiritual guide for millions—was unwell, nursing a persistent cough. His doctor had been clear: no exposure to the cold, no outdoor darshan.That morning, Swamishri followed the advice dutifully, performing his morning prayers within a glass cabin, wrapped in a woollen cap. But outside, hundreds of devotees had gathered—some travelling hours just for a glimpse. When his attendant gently reminded him of the doctor’s orders, Swamishri paused. Then, softly but firmly, he stepped out into the biting winter [Read More…]
Enjoying God’s Bliss
Acquiring the Virtues of the Satpurush – Reflections from Mahesana Introduction At the BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir in Mahesana, Mahant Swami Maharaj’s Sevak Sants 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 – Mahant Swami Maharaj. Shriji Maharaj’s Question On 21 March 1820, Bhagwan Swaminarayan sat in Dada Khachar’s darbār, surrounded by sadhus and devotees. He described the [Read More…]
The Sant, Dearer Than All…
Verse Translation Narad mere santse adhik na koi…… Narada, there is none above,My Sant alone is the one I love. Mam ur sant aru mai santan ur, vas karu sthir hoi… The Sant resides within my heart, and I within his stay;In him I dwell eternally, unmoved in every way. Kamala mero karat upasan, man chapalta dhoi;Yadyapi vas diyo mai ur par, santan sam nahi soi… Lakshmi bows in worship to me, her pride and unrest cast aside;Yet though she rests upon my chest, the Sant in my heart does abide. Bhuko bhar haru santan hit, karu chhaya kar doi;Jo [Read More…]
Mahant Swami Maharaj’s Silent Lesson in Tolerance: A Memorable Moment with Mahant Swami Maharaj
On June 25, 2019, Mahant Swami Maharaj was in Ahmedabad. On this day he demonstrated what true tolerance looks like. Not through words, but through observance. While having his lunch, his attendant, Sadhu Vinaypriya Swami, noticed a strange crunching sound as Swami ate his broccoli. Concerned, he quickly removed the remaining pieces and asked, “Swami, was there dirt in the broccoli?” Swami calmly nodded, “In every bite.” Surprised, the attendant said, “Then why didn’t you say anything? I would have removed it immediately!” But Mahant Swami Maharaj remained at ease. And in that simple choice, he taught us what tolerance [Read More…]