Tag: Bhagwan Swaminarayan
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…]
Lyrical Reflections: Without a doubt, attain Akshardham adored
Devotion is not a mere sentiment—it is a path of resilience and surrender. In the powerful bhajan Karie Raji Ghanshyam Re, the revered poet-saint Nishkulanand Swami emphasizes the essence of true devotion: aligning oneself completely with the will of God. Just as a disciplined seeker abandons distractions to focus on the ultimate goal, a true devotee dedicates their life to pleasing the Lord. The bhajan begins with a call to make God the center of one’s existence. Pleasing Him is not just an act of worship; it is the key to fulfillment. Everything else in life falls into place when [Read More…]
The Power of Self-Reflection: Lessons from the Vachanamrut
“The jiva looks at objects externally, but it does not look at its own self.” – Gadhada Section 1, Number 20. The jiva (soul) constantly looks outward, seeking material objects and judging others, yet it rarely turns inward to examine itself. Bhagwan Swaminarayan calls this ignorance. True wisdom begins with self-awareness. How often do we pause and reflect on our own thoughts, actions, and purpose? We search for answers in the external world, but the real clarity lies within us. When we take the time to understand ourselves, we unlock the wisdom we have been seeking all along. Let’s pause, reflect, and embark on the journey [Read More…]
The Power of Faith and Courage
In the Swaminarayan tradition, the kirtans composed by Brahmanand Swami, such as Harijan Sacha Re, Tekna Mele Re, Jo Hoy Himmat Re, and Pet Katari Re, are powerful hymns that inspire courage and devotion. These kirtans were written during a time when being a Swaminarayan devotee was fraught with challenges. Kings like Vajesinh Darbar of Bhavnagar opposed Bhagwan Swaminarayan, punishing devotees like Rupabhai, who endured immense suffering for their faith. To uplift the morale of these devotees, Bhagwan Swaminarayan instructed Brahmanand Swami to compose these kirtans, which emphasize inner courage and unwavering faith in God. The Essence of Courage The [Read More…]
Transforming Jealousy into Growth: Lessons from the Vachanamrut
Jealousy—it’s a feeling we all encounter. It creeps in when we see someone else’s success, virtues, or accomplishments. But Bhagwan Swaminarayan offers us a profound way to deal with it: transform jealousy into an opportunity for personal growth. In Gadhada Section 1, Number 4, He says, “One should imbibe the virtues of the person towards whom one is jealous.” Instead of letting jealousy fester into resentment, we can use it as a mirror to reflect on ourselves. What is it about this person that evokes envy? Is it their discipline, kindness, or resilience? Focus on learning from them, adapting their [Read More…]
Journey from Ignorance to Enlightenment
Spiritual wisdom has a timeless appeal, and one such reservoir of profound teachings is the Vachanamrut, a collection of discourses by Bhagwan Swaminarayan. In a recent episode of the podcast Satsang Conversations, a panel of spiritual leaders and seekers came together to unpack the layered wisdom of Vachanamrut Gadhada Section 1 – 20. The discussion took place in the serene setting of the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in London, UK, and was guided by Pujya Paramtattva Swami, Pujya Tyagratna Swami, and a devoted participant, Sandeepbhai and Yogmurtibhai The Ignorant of the Ignorant The podcast began with the central question of [Read More…]
Choosing Light Over Darkness: Lessons from the Vachanamrut
A Fistful of Sand: The Power of Positivity and Self-Reflection Imagine standing on a sunlit beach, the warm sand under your feet. You gather a fistful of sand and hurl it toward the sun, only to find it falling back into your eyes. This vivid imagery, used by Bhagwan Swaminarayan, captures a profound truth about human behavior. When we insult or demean others, we are not harming them—we are harming ourselves. Just as the sun’s radiance remains unaffected by the thrown sand, a person’s true light and worth remain untouched by negativity. The act of criticism or insult is like [Read More…]
The Importance of Wisdom