Tag: Wisdom
Letting go of what fades…: Lessons from Gunatitanand Swami
We spend much of life chasing possessions, status, and the perfect image in the mirror—only to watch each trophy slip through our grasp. Cars rust, phones become obsolete, careers plateau, and bodies age; everything the senses cling to arrives with an expiration date. Gunatitanand Swami’s reminder that “all of creation is perishable” asks us to pause and see reality as it is, not as the glossy ads and social feeds portray it. Simply recognizing impermanence, however, doesn’t automatically free us from its pull; the mind still whispers that one more purchase, promotion, or compliment will finally seal the deal. That [Read More…]
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…]
He cares not for one’s form or clan, But seeks devotion’s steady hand…
In the vast expanse of the soul’s journey, true devotion blooms not through pedigree or pilgrimage but through the simple act of turning one’s heart toward Shyām Sundar, the dark-hued Lord whose only measure of worth is the sincerity of our love. No caste, color, or lineage can bind the seeker who comes with a pure intention, for it is not name or race that wins His grace, but the steady beat of an open, yearning heart. Love of this caliber cannot be bought or brokered; it flourishes only in the fertile soil of humility. Imagine a merchant’s scales forever [Read More…]
Inner Richness is Humility, not Pride: Lessons from the Vachanamrut
Ego is perhaps the subtlest barrier on our spiritual journey: it can insinuate itself even into the most noble of virtues—devotion, renunciation, knowledge, or disciplined vows—turning them from ladders into stumbling blocks. The moment we find ourselves thinking, “I am more devoted,” or “I understand better,” pride has taken root and humility slips away. A timeless Sanskrit proverb captures this beautifully: “The branches of a tree laden with fruit bend downward, just as virtuous persons bow humbly, but dry wood and fools never bend.” In this image, the heaviest branches are those most fruitful, bowing under the abundance they bear; [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…]
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…]
Finding True Strength in Humility: Lessons from the Vachanamrut
There’s a quiet struggle that often hides behind pride — the restless fire of superiority. A person who sees themselves as above others may appear confident on the outside, but deep within, they remain uneasy, day and night. Like a half-burnt log, they smoulder constantly — not quite at peace, never fully at rest. This feeling isn’t strength. It’s a burden. We may mistake superiority for confidence. But true confidence doesn’t need to prove itself. It doesn’t demand to be the loudest voice in the room or insist on being right all the time. On the contrary, the need to [Read More…]
The illusion of Desire: Lessons from Gunatitanand Swami
Have you ever tried to catch your own shadow? No matter how fast you run or how cleverly you try to corner it, it always slips away—just out of reach. Gunatitanand Swami beautifully reveals a profound truth through this simple metaphor: a shadow cannot be caught. In the same way, material desires are endless. No matter how much we acquire—wealth, recognition, success—there’s always something more to want. Just when we think we’ve found fulfillment, the next desire emerges. Like chasing a shadow, the pursuit never ends. Modern life often convinces us that happiness lies just around the corner—once we get [Read More…]
Letting go of what fades…: Lessons from Gunatitanand Swami