Tag: Goshti
Surrendering to God…
What does true surrender look like in a world obsessed with performance and results? In this episode of Satsang Conversations, we travel to the BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir near Atlanta, Georgia to explore the life and legacy of Premanand Swami—a poet-saint whose music, humility, and complete sharaṇāgati (surrender) to Bhagwan Swaminarayan continue to guide seekers today. A Life Tuned to Obedience Abandoned as an infant and raised by a kind couple, the young Nijbodhanand (later known as Premanand Swami) first met Bhagwan Swaminarayan in Jetpur and again in Gadhada. Captivated by the divine aura of Maharaj, he stayed—and obeyed. Maharaj instructed [Read More…]
Enjoying God’s Bliss
Acquiring the Virtues of the Satpurush – Reflections from Mahesana Introduction At the BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir in Mahesana, Mahant Swami Maharaj’s Sevak Sants 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 – Mahant Swami Maharaj. Shriji Maharaj’s Question On 21 March 1820, Bhagwan Swaminarayan sat in Dada Khachar’s darbār, surrounded by sadhus and devotees. He described the [Read More…]
Negative Influence in Satsang; Not Uttering Discouraging Words
The Power of Your Words: Eliminating Spiritual Negativity In our spiritual journeys, we often focus on grand philosophies, deep meditation, and complex rituals. Yet, sometimes the most profound transformations begin with something as simple as the words we choose to speak. Within the sacred fellowship of satsang, our speech can either build a fortress of faith or silently corrode its very foundations. This is the urgent, timeless message Shriji Maharaj delivered in the Vachanamrut Gadhada I-17, a discourse that serves as both a diagnosis and a cure for a subtle spiritual ailment. The Paradox of Negativity in Satsang A Cheerful [Read More…]
Singing the Glory of God: The Deeper Meaning Behind Hari Gun Gata
In the vibrant tradition 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…]
Finding Freedom from Swabhāvs…
In the serene training grounds of Sarangpur, a profound conversation unfolds—one that reaches across centuries to answer a very modern question: Why, despite our best intentions, do we remain trapped by our own negative tendencies? The answer, found in a concise yet powerful scripture, offers nothing less than a transformative path to inner peace. The Core Problem: It’s Not the Symptom, It’s the Disease We often believe our unhappiness is caused by external circumstances—a missed promotion, a harsh word from a colleague, or a friend’s success that overshadows our own. We focus on these surface-level symptoms, pouring our energy into [Read More…]
Mastering your Influences
The Company You Keep: How Your Associations Shape Your Spiritual Destiny In the spiritual journey, we often wonder what determines our path. Is it our past karma? Divine grace? Or something more within our control? The ancient wisdom of the Vachanamrut reveals a profound truth about what truly shapes our spiritual destiny. The Eight Factors That Influence Your Life Shriji Maharaj identifies eight key factors that actively influence our present reality: Desh (place), Kaal (time), Kriya (actions), Sang (company), Mantra (words), Shastra (scriptures), Diksha (initiation), and Dhyan (thoughts). These aren’t abstract concepts but practical elements we encounter daily. Your Present [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 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…]
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…]
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…]