Living Divine

A Lesson of Love and Respect: A Memorable Moment with Mahant Swami Maharaj

Estimated read time 3 min read

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…]

Living Divine

Simple Act of Kindness: A Memorable Moment with Mahant Swami Maharaj

Estimated read time 3 min read

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…]

The Satsang Life

Finding True Strength in Humility: Lessons from the Vachanamrut

Estimated read time 2 min read

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…]

Satsang Conversations

The illusion of Desire: Lessons from Gunatitanand Swami

Estimated read time 2 min read

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…]

Living Divine

True Greatness Lies in Humility: A Memorable Moment with Mahant Swami Maharaj

Estimated read time 2 min read

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…]

The Satsang Life

Revered Female devotees known for their deep devotion and unwavering faith…

Estimated read time 7 min read

Introduction Throughout Hindu history, several remarkable women have exemplified the power of unwavering devotion, wisdom, and spiritual surrender. Whether through selfless service, divine love, or profound knowledge, these women have left an indelible mark on Hindu spirituality. Each of these women, in their unique way, exemplifies the heights that devotion, love, and wisdom can reach, inspiring generations to walk the path of spiritual enlightenment. Shabari Shabari was a tribal woman who lived in the forests of the Dandakaranya region. From a young age, she had an intense longing to serve the divine. She left her home and sought refuge in [Read More…]

Satsang Conversations

The Importance of Wisdom

Estimated read time 6 min read

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 Satsang Life

The Power of Words: Lessons from Gunatitanand Swami

Estimated read time 2 min read

In our day-to-day lives, the words we choose carry a weight that we often overlook. Every interaction, every conversation, holds the potential to uplift or to harm. Gunatitanand Swami, the first spiritual successor of Bhagwan Swaminarayan, shared a profound insight on this subject in Swamini Vat, Section 5, Number 163: “Speak truthful, beneficial, and affectionate words, and speak without contempt, but do not speak with insistence.” This simple guidance is a reminder of the impact that our words can have on others and on ourselves. Words, when spoken truthfully and with kindness, have the power to heal and uplift. Gunatitanand [Read More…]