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 no affection at all for the pleasures of this world. He harbors desires only for the higher realms, i.e. the abode of God and for the form of God. He also wishes the same for whoever associates with him.”

Maharaj explained that such a saint works only for eternal bliss, never for bodily comforts. He then asked:

“With what understanding can a spiritual aspirant acquire the virtues of such a Satpurush? And what understanding causes such virtues not to be acquired?”

The Swamis discussed how these qualities are not virtues described but are seen today in the Satpurush, His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj.

One swami explained:

“Shriji Maharaj mentioned that he only has the bliss of God. So, you see that in Mahant Swami Maharaj because he does Prapti no vichar (constant contemplation the attainment of God). He doesn’t only talk about it, but he also experiences it.”

Another shared a memory from 2019 in Sarangpur:

“Mahant Swami Maharaj wasn’t able to sleep at night. It was around 2:20 when he woke up, and instead of resting, he began writing letters of blessings to devotees. His mind and energy were absorbed only in God and in serving others.”

Such moments illustrated that the virtues described in the Vachanamrut are lived, not just spoken.

Key Lessons

From both Maharaj’s teaching and the Swamis’ reflections, three messages stand out:

• Detachment from the world: The Satpurush does not run after temporary pleasures.
• Affection for God: His heart beats only for God, and he cultivates the same in others.
• Living example: In Mahant Swami Maharaj, seekers can see the Vachanamrut come alive in daily practice.

Conclusion

The Mahesana gathering reminded us that spiritual growth is not an abstract pursuit. It is about satsang, association with the Satpurush, through which virtues naturally shape our own lives.

As Bhagwan Swaminarayan taught in Gadhada I-67, and as His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj continues to show us that the greatest fortune is to walk alongside one who is completely detached and desires nothing but God. In their company, we too learn to desire the eternal.

In your daily life, how can you strengthen your connection with the Satpurush, so that your heart too is drawn towards God?

Checkout the Vachanamrut text here (Gadhada Section 1-17): https://anirdesh.com/vachanamrut/index.php?format=en&vachno=67

Location: BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Mahesana (https://www.baps.org/Global-Network/India/Mahesana.aspx)