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, 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 [Read More…]
Negative Influence in Satsang; Not Uttering Discouraging Words
In Gadhada Section 1-17, “Negative Influence in Satsang, Not Uttering, Discouraging Words,” even the opening lines of the Vachanamrut carry meaning. What might seem like small details, such as the date, what Maharaj was wearing, or where he was seated, are actually important. They remind us that these were real moments, spoken by Maharaj at a specific time and place. The exact dates and settings show that these are not imagined stories but true and duly-noted experiences. Beyond the history, the title itself points to the main message. It reminds us of the impact that the words carry in satsang. [Read More…]
Singing the Glory of God: The Deeper Meaning Behind Hari Gun Gata
In the vibrant tapestry 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…
The most recent episode of Satsang Conversations whisks us to the Sant Talim Kendra in Sarangpur, Gujarat, where a circle of sādhu-students reflect on Vachanamrut Gadhadā II-7, “A Poor Man.” Though the passage is short, its message is disarmingly practical: our inborn swabhāvs – habits such as anger, stubbornness, jealousy or ego – are the hidden disease that keeps us from tasting lasting peace. The cure, Shriji Maharaj explains, begins with vairāgya (detachment), but for most of us it flowers through one very concrete discipline: atiśay sevā – stepping beyond comfort to serve the Satpurush and his Satsang. The sadhus [Read More…]
Mastering your Influences
This week on Satsang Conversations, we traveled virtually to the serene BAPS Mandir in Johannesburg, South Africa. Joined by Pujya Snehmuni Swami and Pujya Adarshmuni Swami, the discussion centered on a profound section of the Vachanamrut: Gadhada Section 1, Number 78. This Vachanamrut tackles a fundamental question about the forces that shape our lives: what holds more sway – our past actions (karma) or our present circumstances and choices? Maharaj’s Pivotal Question: Past Karma vs. Present Factors Shriji Maharaj, in his characteristic way of sparking deep thought, posed a question to the assembled swamis and devotees: Which influences our lives more [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…]
Surrendering to God…