Tag: Mahant Swami Maharaj
Accepting Humility just from a Pair of Sandals : A Memorable Moment with Mahant Swami Maharaj
In a world wired for self‑promotion, success often looks like follower counts, luxury labels, and receiving deference from others. Yet on a quiet evening in Ahmedabad, Mahant Swami Maharaj demonstrated that true greatness is found not in the spotlight but in where we choose to bow. On September 4, 2018, he stepped out for a simple stroll through the mandir’s corridors. As he passed the kitchen, he noticed a neat row of sandals—thread‑bare kolhapuris and worn rubber slippers belonging to resident sadhus. They were unremarkable to most eyes, but they halted him in his tracks. Folding his hands, he lowered his head in full [Read More…]
Finding True Value: A Memorable Moment with Mahant Swami Maharaj
In a world driven by the allure of the latest gadget, the trendiest outfit, and the next big purchase, it’s all too easy to lose sight of what really matters. We chase after material comforts, hoping they’ll fill the void inside us, only to discover that the emptiness remains. Yet, hidden in the life of Mahant Swami Maharaj is a quiet counterpoint to this relentless pursuit—a story of humility, devotion, and unwavering simplicity that offers a profound lesson for us all. The Tale of a Two-Anna Rosary On November 21, 2016, during his daily cheshta—a ritual of devotion—Pujya Mahant Swami [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…]
Seeing Extraordinary in Every Soul: A Memorable Moment with Mahant Swami Maharaj
March 16, 2019. Navsari, Gujarat. The evening celebration had just concluded. Mahant Swami Maharaj, having blessed the assembly, quietly made his way to the car waiting to take him back to the Sant Ashram. As the vehicle gently pulled away, his gaze caught something that made him pause. There they were—lined up with innocent smiles and hopeful eyes—a group of young boys, patiently waiting for one last glimpse of their beloved Guru. A sevak sant, noticing Swamishri’s glance, leaned forward and explained, “Swami, these are the boys who performed for you tonight.” Instantly, Swamishri’s eyes welled up with love. These [Read More…]
Beyond Words, Beyond Time: Meeting Mahant Swami Maharaj
Humans are driven by feelings. Long after words have faded, after moments have passed, what lingers is how we felt—how someone made us feel. This is not an account of events. It is not a collection of stories or incidents. This is something far more delicate, far more elusive. This is a reflection on a feeling. A humble, feeble attempt to put into words what can only truly be experienced by the heart. Not just any feeling, but the feeling of meeting Mahant Swami Maharaj. Before you read further, I invite you to pause the whirlwind of your life. Detach [Read More…]
A Lesson of Love and Respect: A Memorable Moment with Mahant Swami Maharaj
On the evening of October 9, 2016, in Bhavnagar, Gujarat, the sun had dipped low, casting soft golden hues over the BAPS campus. The air was calm, the atmosphere reverent. Mahant Swami Maharaj, having completed his evening engagements, began his walk back to his room. As he stepped onto the metal bridge connecting the Sabha Hall to the Pradakshina path, a familiar scene unfolded. Devotees—many of whom had stood there countless times before—waited eagerly for his darshan. Their eyes shimmered with devotion. Their hands folded with hope. Their hearts beat with silent prayers. Swamishri paused. He didn’t glance briefly and [Read More…]
Simple Act of Kindness: A Memorable Moment with Mahant Swami Maharaj
In the quiet town of Sarangpur, Gujarat, on a seemingly ordinary morning—April 9, 2019—something extraordinary unfolded. It wasn’t marked by ceremony or grand proclamation. It was a small moment, easily missed by most. But for one man, it became unforgettable. Every morning, as Mahant Swami Maharaj stepped out of Sarvasva, his residence, he would make his way down the familiar stairs facing the Sapodilla orchard. And like clockwork, at the same spot, stood a security guard. There were no long conversations, no elaborate exchanges—just a smile, a nod, a small greeting. Yet, in that simple act, there was warmth. Recognition. [Read More…]
Unshakable Devotion: A Memorable Moment with Mahant Swami Maharaj
They say true commitment isn’t measured by comfort—it’s revealed in challenge. In September 1997, at the age of 64, Mahant Swami Maharaj embarked on a journey that would push the very edges of human endurance. Not just a journey of miles—but of meaning. In the span of just four days, he traveled over 30,000 kilometers across continents. On September 3rd, he flew from London to Mumbai. The very next night, he departed for Singapore. There was no pause, no time to recover. From Singapore, he continued straight on to Sydney, Australia, arriving on the morning of the 5th. For most, [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…]
True Greatness Lies in Humility: A Memorable Moment with Mahant Swami Maharaj
They say the truest measure of a person is not in how high they rise, but in how deeply they serve. On November 5th, 2016, in the spiritual town of Gondal, Gujarat, Mahant Swami Maharaj once again exemplified what it means to lead with humility. After completing his morning puja, Swamishri made his way to the Sant Ashram. The air was calm, filled with the quiet reverence that often follows him. Amidst the morning stillness, a cheerful devotee stepped forward. Full of enthusiasm and pride, he introduced himself:“Swami, I am Shri Krishna Pandya. I have received the Best Teacher Presidential [Read More…]
Accepting Humility just from a Pair of Sandals : A Memorable Moment with Mahant Swami Maharaj