The Power of Patient Faith: A Memorable Moment with Mahant Swami Maharaj
In the quiet village of Bijal, a young man named Vitthalbhai Rathva chose a path not often taken—one of silent strength and unwavering faith. His home was far from spiritual: meat was a staple at every meal, and prayer had no place. Yet, without complaint or confrontation, Vitthalbhai committed to a personal journey of devotion. For three years, he drew water from the river, cooked his own meals, and upheld his spiritual discipline in an environment that offered no support. He never raised his voice or demanded change. Instead, he led with quiet love. In 1997, he took a simple [Read More…]
The fool died while alive…
There’s a kind of death that happens long before the body breathes its last — a spiritual death brought on by a life lived in ignorance and misdirection. The verse “Bhajyo nahi Bhagwan murakh jivata maryo” strikes at this very core, describing the fool who never turned to God and thus died while still alive. Life, when lived without spiritual awareness or purpose, becomes hollow no matter how busy or full it appears on the surface. Driven by greed, many chase wealth and pleasure without a second thought for the consequences. The soul grows numb as one commits sin just [Read More…]
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…
In life’s ever-shifting tides of joy and sorrow, the true devotee remains anchored not in emotions, but in unwavering faith. The Gujarati verse, beautifully translated above, speaks to the heart of spiritual resilience. It opens with a call to identify ourselves as Harijans—those who belong to God. Such a soul does not cling to honor or fear disgrace, nor does it waver under the weight of suffering or pleasure. Instead, it carries the courage to endure, unshaken by life’s extremes. The poet Muktanand draws from revered examples to illuminate this truth. Consider Kadaraj, who in the midst of suffering, maintained [Read More…]
The Power of Courage, Faith, and Choice: Lessons from the Vachanamrut
Have you ever felt stuck in a habit, wondering if you’ll ever truly break free? Maybe it’s the endless scrolling that eats away your time, the bursts of anger you wish you could take back, or the ways you try to numb stress that only lead to more regret. It’s easy to believe that this is just how we are—part of our nature or even our fate. But Bhagwan Swaminarayan offers us a powerful and liberating perspective: addictions and destructive patterns are not the result of destiny, but of habit. And habits, unlike fate, can be changed. With courage, unwavering [Read More…]
The Strength of Quietly Stepping Back: A Memorable Moment with Mahant Swami Maharaj
On the evening of May 14th, 2018, at the humble invitation of trustees, Mahant Swami Maharaj visited Bangalore’s Jalaram Mandir. Upon arrival, he warmly greeted each devotee and gently offered a garland to the revered Jalaram Bapa. With humility, he began the aarti himself, gracefully initiating this sacred ritual. Yet, as effortlessly as he stepped forward, he quietly handed the aarti thali to a trustee, encouraging others to lead the worship. One by one, trustees approached, their devotion illuminated by the glow of the flame. With each trustee who stepped forward, Swamishri subtly moved back, first one step, then another, [Read More…]
One who holds such firmness dear, Will never live in pain or fear…
True devotion transcends the fleeting nature of wealth and the fragility of the body. A genuine devotee remains unshaken, even as worldly attachments fade away. Just as a faithful wife abandons all worldly ties to walk the path of loyalty with her husband, so too does a true devotee surrender wholeheartedly to God, undistracted by material concerns. Consider the example of Prahlad, who did not waver in his devotion despite facing immense opposition from his own father. He chose spiritual truth over blood ties, anchoring his heart to the feet of God with unbreakable resolve. Similarly, Harishchandra, the king renowned [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…]
A servant of God’s servants instead
In our spiritual journey, there comes a moment when we are called to lay aside our ego and worldly pride, and wholeheartedly attach our hearts to the divine. This timeless wisdom, echoed in the words of saints like Muktanand, invites us to cast off our concern for public opinion and fully embrace the company of the righteous—those saintly souls whose presence uplifts and transforms. When we surround ourselves with true sadhus, we begin to shed the inner turmoil born of desire and attachment. Their purity helps calm the storms within, leading our minds to rest at the feet of Mohan—another [Read More…]
Dust thrown with scorn at day’s sunlight, Falls back onto the one with spite…
In the sacred verses penned by Muktanand Swami, we find not just poetry, but a roadmap for spiritual living. His bhajan begins with a gentle yet firm instruction: while singing the divine virtues of Hari (God), let not a single thought of the wicked take root in our hearts. The world may swirl with distractions and negativity, but the true devotee guards their inner sanctuary, allowing only the sacred form of God to dwell there. Every breath, every heartbeat becomes an offering of remembrance—a steady rhythm of devotion. Muktanand then speaks to the irony of the world: those who sincerely [Read More…]
The Power of Patient Faith: A Memorable Moment with Mahant Swami Maharaj