Lyrical Reflections: This world, so vast in form & play Is just a mirage that fades one day…
In a world consumed by desire and distractions, the wisdom of saints like Muktanand Swami shines like a lighthouse for the lost. His poetic verses aren’t just devotional songs—they are roadmaps guiding us back to our inner truth. In this beautiful bhajan, he opens a window into the life of the jivanmukta, the realized soul, and reminds us of the false identities we cling to. “Anubhavi anandma, Brahmarasna bhogi re…”The realized soul is steeped in bliss—not the temporary happiness born of material fulfillment, but the profound, unshakeable joy of being united with the Divine. Such a soul may walk among [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…]
True Greatness Lies in Humility: A Memorable Moment with Mahant Swami Maharaj
They say the truest measure of a person is not in how high they rise, but in how deeply they serve. On November 5th, 2016, in the spiritual town of Gondal, Gujarat, Mahant Swami Maharaj once again exemplified what it means to lead with humility. After completing his morning puja, Swamishri made his way to the Sant Ashram. The air was calm, filled with the quiet reverence that often follows him. Amidst the morning stillness, a cheerful devotee stepped forward. Full of enthusiasm and pride, he introduced himself:“Swami, I am Shri Krishna Pandya. I have received the Best Teacher Presidential [Read More…]
Lyrical Reflections: Your life is wasting away, without worship…
Life often feels like a relentless pursuit of desires and fleeting pleasures. We get so absorbed in the superficial glitter of the world that we fail to acknowledge the deeper reality of our existence. Brahmanand Swami’s bhajan powerfully reveals this truth and offers a sobering reminder of the ignorance that clouds our vision. As we journey through life, we remain trapped in illusions, foolishly believing that worldly pleasures will bring us lasting happiness. Yet, as Brahmanand Swami points out, death approaches relentlessly, a truth we choose to ignore. This ignorance blinds us to the higher purpose of life, leading us [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 True Meaning of Giving: A Memorable Moment with Mahant Swami Maharaj
The truest measure of greatness is humility. This powerful principle was brought to life on May 14th, 2019, during a Diksha ceremony in Surat. The occasion was significant, but what made it truly remarkable was a simple yet profound act of reverence by Mahant Swami Maharaj, offering a lesson in humility that continues to resonate. During the ceremony, the Santos presented Swamishri with a very unique shawl. This was no ordinary shawl; it was adorned with the images of all the students from the training assembly. As the Santos prepared to drape Swamishri with this special shawl, he immediately stopped [Read More…]
Lyrical Reflections: Worshipping Hari brings true joy, understand O mind…
True love for God is not just an ideal to be spoken of; it is a reality that blossoms in the presence of a soul who has transcended the illusions of this world. The saint who has realized the divine does not merely guide; he transforms. His presence alone ignites the flame of pure love for God within the hearts of those who seek truth. It is this pure love that dispels delusions no other could conquer, lifting the veil of ignorance that binds us to fleeting desires and falsehoods. Compassion is the truest mark of the divine. A soul [Read More…]
God’s Compassion: Lessons from Gunatitanand Swami
“God does not look at the faults of the Jivas. If a Jiva prays to God and says, ‘I am at fault’, then God forgives him of his flaws.” Swamini Vat Section 1, Number 77. In life, we all make mistakes. As human beings (Jivas), we are bound to have flaws, yet God does not judge us solely based on them. Instead, His love is infinite, and His grace is ever-present. When we sincerely acknowledge our faults and turn to God in prayer, He does not turn us away. Instead, He embraces us with compassion, forgives our shortcomings, and gives us the [Read More…]
The True Meaning of Giving: A Memorable Moment with Mahant Swami Maharaj
October 5th, 2016, Nadiad, Gujarat. As Mahant Swami Maharaj walked toward the morning aarti, the joyful voices of hostel students filled the air—“Narayan Hare Sachidanand Prabhu!” This ancient chant carries deep tradition, often heard during Makar Sankranti, when those in need humbly ask for alms. But that morning, the students playfully directed it toward Swamishri, asking, “Swamishri, what will you give us?” With a gentle smile, he replied, “My whole self.” Simple words, yet deeply profound. A guru is more than just a teacher—he is a living example of sacrifice. Not the kind of sacrifice where one simply gives something [Read More…]