Tag: Wisdom
Sometimes Love Means Breaking Your Own Limits: A Memorable Moment with Mahant Swami Maharaj
When Comfort Meets Compassion On a quiet February morning in 2020, in the city of Anand, India, something profound unfolded. Mahant Swami Maharaj—the spiritual guide for millions—was unwell, nursing a persistent cough. His doctor had been clear: no exposure to the cold, no outdoor darshan.That morning, Swamishri followed the advice dutifully, performing his morning prayers within a glass cabin, wrapped in a woollen cap. But outside, hundreds of devotees had gathered—some travelling hours just for a glimpse. When his attendant gently reminded him of the doctor’s orders, Swamishri paused. Then, softly but firmly, he stepped out into the biting winter [Read More…]
Dust thrown with scorn at day’s sunlight, Falls back onto the one with spite…
Keeping the Heart Focused on Hari The Purity of Divine Remembrance In the spiritual journey, the direction of our thoughts determines the destination of our soul. Muktanand Swami, in this deeply reflective verse, teaches that a devotee’s heart must remain filled only with thoughts of Bhagwan — free from negativity, bitterness, or judgment toward others. “While singing the virtues of Hari divine,Let no thought of the wicked in our hearts entwine.With every breath and every beat,Let His sacred form our memory greet…” When our minds are fully absorbed in Bhagwan’s glory, there is no room left for resentment. Each breath [Read More…]
Engaging in Spiritual Dialogue: Lessons from the Vachanamrut
The Noise Around Us—and the Voice Within Every day, our senses are flooded with a constant stream of sound—notifications, conversations, commentaries, and advertisements. Much of it entertains, but little of it truly nourishes. Amid this ocean of noise, Bhagwan Swaminarayan offers a timeless remedy: “Lend your ears to the discourses of Purushottam Narayan (God) with shraddhā (faith) and prīti (love).” These are not ordinary words; they are divine vibrations—sounds that have the power to calm the restless mind, steady our focus, and dissolve cravings for worldly pleasure. In an age where attention has become fragmented, Bhagwan’s teaching calls us to [Read More…]
Letting go of what fades…: Lessons from Gunatitanand Swami
The Illusion of Permanence When What We Chase Keeps Slipping Away We spend so much of life collecting—possessions, recognition, followers, and moments of fleeting success. Yet each treasure eventually fades. Cars rust, phones become outdated, careers stall, and even the reflection in the mirror changes with the seasons. Gunatitanand Swami’s timeless reminder pierces this illusion: “All of creation is perishable.” This simple truth is not meant to depress us but to awaken us. Everything we see, own, and admire carries an invisible expiry date. Still, the mind whispers, “Just one more purchase, one more achievement, one more compliment…”—as though the [Read More…]
Accepting Humility just from a Pair of Sandals : A Memorable Moment with Mahant Swami Maharaj
A Quiet Evening, A Powerful Gesture When Reverence Stopped the World for a Moment September 4, 2018 – Ahmedabad. The evening was calm as Guruhari Mahant Swami Maharaj stepped out for a simple walk through the mandir’s corridors. But a few steps later, something extraordinary unfolded in the most ordinary of places. As he passed by the kitchen, Swamishri noticed a neatly arranged line of sandals belonging to sadhus—simple, worn, and unremarkable to most. Yet in that humble row of footwear, he saw holiness. Without hesitation, he paused, folded his hands, and bowed his head in full pranam. “Here was [Read More…]
He cares not for one’s form or clan, But seeks devotion’s steady hand…
Love—the Language God Listens To Beyond Name, Race, or Ritual Muktanand Swami begins this exquisite composition with a truth that unites all seekers across time: God is won not by status or scholarship, but by love. “The dark-hued Lord, so full of grace,Is won by love—not name or race.He cares not for one’s form or clan,But seeks devotion’s steady hand.” In every era and every culture, humans have tried to approach God through action, intellect, and austerity. Yet Muktanand Swami—one of Bhagwan Swaminarayan’s foremost paramhansas—reminds us that love (prem bhakti) is the truest path to His heart. God is not [Read More…]
Inner Richness is Humility, not Pride: Lessons from the Vachanamrut
The Quiet Enemy Within Ego doesn’t always roar. Sometimes, it whispers through our virtues, disguising itself as devotion, knowledge, or discipline. Bhagwan Swaminarayan’s teachings remind us that ego isn’t only about arrogance or pride in worldly success—it can also seep into our spiritual pursuits. Whether we take pride in our bhakti (devotion), vairagya (detachment), or dharma (righteous conduct), the sense of “I” can quietly take root. “I do not like ego—whether it arises from one’s virtues of bhakti, renunciation, understanding, or observance of vows.” These words pierce through the spiritual façade that ego often hides behind. Even noble qualities lose [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…]
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…]
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…]