Tag: Bhagwan Swaminarayan
Finding true Fulfillment beyond Validation: Lessons from the Vachanamrut
There’s a subtle chain that often goes unnoticed in the pursuit of success — the need to be admired. It hides behind ambition, it dresses up as drive, and sometimes, it even disguises itself as self-improvement. But beneath it all, it’s vanity — a craving for validation, a thirst for recognition, a constant measuring of our worth against others. Vanity isn’t just about appearances. It’s not limited to how we look or how others perceive our style. It goes deeper. It’s the desire to impress, the itch to be acknowledged, the silent question that asks, “Do I matter more now?” [Read More…]
Lyrical Reflections: For the realized soul, all grief has flown…
In a world dominated by appearances, expectations, and endless cravings, the teachings of the great poet-saints of India offer not just solace but awakening. Muktanand Swami, a beloved paramhansa of Bhagwan Swaminarayan, was one such spiritual luminary. His bhajans are not mere verses—they are the lived wisdom of one who had tasted the Divine. In this reflective composition, Muktanand Swami speaks of the anubhavi, the realized soul, and paints a portrait of what it means to live from within rather than react to the world outside. “Anubhavine apda antarthi bhagi re…”For the realized soul, sorrow no longer holds sway. Why? [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…]
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…]
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…]
Lyrical Reflections: The Sant is the Greatest Benefactor, in this World……
True love for God is not born out of mere words but from the presence of a soul who has realized the divine. When such a saint walks among us, he does not simply guide—he transforms. The weight of delusion, which binds us to fleeting desires and falsehoods, is lifted by his wisdom. His words do not just teach; they awaken. He is the beacon that reveals the truth hidden beneath the illusions of this world. Compassion is the mark of the divine. A true saint does not see differences—his mercy flows to all, embracing every soul in its warmth. [Read More…]
Speak Courageously: Lessons from the Vachanamrut
The power of words is undeniable. They can uplift or tear down, inspire or discourage. But true courage in speech isn’t about volume—it’s about belief. The belief that every person has infinite potential to grow, evolve, and become better. Speaking courageously means using our words to encourage, motivate, and ignite hope—both in ourselves and in those around us. It’s about fostering resilience, pushing forward despite challenges, and refusing to let negativity dictate our reality. On the other hand, cowardice in speech doesn’t mean speaking softly; it’s speaking in a way that demotivates, drains energy, and spreads hopelessness. It’s the voice [Read More…]
The Importance of Wisdom
In a recent episode of Satsang Conversations, the discussion took listeners on a deep and introspective journey through the teachings of Bhagwan Swaminarayan in Vachanamrut Gadhada Section 1, Number 16. Hosted at the serene BAPS Mandir in Houston, Texas, the episode featured a dialogue with Swami Bhaktivardhandas and other devotees, reflecting on the profound message of wisdom (Vivek) outlined in this Vachanamrut. Understanding Wisdom: The Power of Self-Reflection The conversation began with an exploration of how wisdom is defined in Vachanamrut Gadhada I-16. Bhagwan Swaminarayan explains that a true devotee, one who possesses wisdom, has the ability to distinguish between [Read More…]
Power of Repentance: Lessons from the Vachanamrut
“If a person has performed the prescribed atonement, then whoever still considers him a sinner should himself be known as a sinner.” – Gadhada Section 1, Number 10 We all make mistakes, but Bhagwan Swaminarayan emphasizes the power of repentance. When a person has performed the prescribed atonement, they should no longer be seen as a sinner. Holding onto their past and continuing to judge them makes us the real sinners. Forgiveness and acceptance are divine qualities. True wisdom lies in freeing ourselves from judgment and seeing others through the lens of compassion. When we embrace this mindset, we cultivate inner peace and uplift [Read More…]