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SWAMISHRI’S VICHARAN October-November 2010

1. Swamishri blesses a satsang assembly in . 2. Devotees enjoy Swamishri’s darshan and blessings, Junagadh. 3. Swamishri showers flower petals to sanctify the accounts books of the devotees during Chopda Pujan, Gondal (5 November). 4. Annakut offered to Shri Ghanshyam Maharaj, Gondal (6 November). 5. Swamishri blesses the Prabhodini Ekadashi assembly, Rajkot (21 November). 6. Swamishri performs arti of the Hathadi (Vegetables) Annakut, Rajkot (21 November). January 2011, Vol. 34 No. 1 CONTENTS

Brahmaswarup Annakut, Gondal

Swaminarayan History 28 BAPS Raisan Tops Gita Chanting 4 Jiva Khachar Schemes Against Dada Competition, Ahmedabad Khachar 29 Inaugural Lecture at BAPS Shri protects Dada Khachar... Research Institute, New Delhi 4 Brãhmi Sthiti : Part 1 29 Lt. Governor General of Delhi Visits Arjuna in the Eyes of Akshardham and BAPS Swaminarayan Shri Krishna analyzes Arjuna’s state of mind... Vidyamandir, Raisan Divine Discourses 30 World Diabetes Day Celebrated At 11 Snapshot of Society Swaminarayan Akshardham, New Swamishri advises on correcting the Delhi ills of society... 30 Annual Regional Kishore-Kishori Shibirs, Sarangpur On Life 31 Worldwide , Annakut and New 13 Principles of Satsang: Year Celebrations Samp, Suhradbhav and Ekta Yogiji Maharaj leads by example... Website: www.baps.org E-mail: [email protected] 17 Two Chambers Within Us... Choosing between and evil... Founder: HDH Pramukh Maharaj, Editor: Sadhu Swayamprakashdas, Vicharan Contributors: Sadhu Vivekjivandas, Sadhu Amrutvijaydas, 22 ’s Vicharan Designer: Sadhu Shrijiswarupdas Published & Printed by: Swaminarayan Aksharpith, Shahibaug, Ahmedabad–380 004. . BAPS News Subscription Rates 28 Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s 90th Outside India (By Air Mail) India Rupees Pounds uS Dollars rupees Birthday Celebrations, Anand and 1 Year 500 6 10 60 Chansad 2 Years 1000 12 20 110 3 Years 1500 18 30 160

January 2011 u Swaminarayan Bliss 3 Swaminarayan History: Translation: Sadhu Vivekjivandas Jiva Khachar Schemes Against Dada Khachar During Shri Hari’s stay in Gadhada Dada Khachar faced an ominous challenge...

fter the Fuldol ed recovering. In the next few days celebration in Gadhada his fatal illness had totally disap- ABrahmanand Swami peared. fell in. Slowly his illness became Every day, Shri Hari listened to grave. Shri Hari made special the Shrimad Bhagvat read by Pragji arrangements for his treatment and Dave. Maharaj had also initiated care. Harji Thakkar, who was Dada the rebuilding of two rooms in the Khachar’s financial manager, felt east-facing part of Dada Khachar’s that ’s illness darbar. For the construction work had turned chronic and terminal. Maharaj had called Gangaram He became worried. He shared Suthar from Mansa and Harkha his anxieties with Dada Khachar Suthar of Unava. Devraj, the mason and his sisters. They all prayed and requested from Gondal, was already serving in Gadhada. Maharaj to make him well. Shri Hari declared, The birthday celebration of Maharaj in 1820 “Dada, Brahmanand Swami’s lifespan is nearly was celebrated in Gadhpur. Thereafter Maharaj over; he will shortly pass away and go to dham.” instructed Nityanand Swami and Chaitanyanand Maharaj’s reply shocked all and subsequently Swami to leave for Surat and inspire all with an air of gloom descended upon them. Dada satsang. Khachar beseeched, “Maharaj, it is in your Once Maharaj told a parshad to call Dada hands to make Brahmanand Swami well. So Khachar to come to him immediately. At that time many have been inspired into Satsang through a barber was shaving Dada Khachar’s beard. It him. Do not take him away to your abode so was half done when the parshad called. Dada got soon.” up instantly and tied a cloth over his face. When Maharaj explained, “Dada, with regards to Shri Hari saw him, he asked, “Dada, what were Swami’s lifespan, time will do its duty. However, you doing?” if you all wish to extend it, contribute a part of “Maharaj, I was getting a shave. On your your lifespan to him.” call I came here immediately. What are your The women devotees readily agreed. Some instructions?” offered two years, five years, and others a Maharaj smiled at his obedience. Then his eyes month or few weeks. In all it added up to twelve moistened with tears of joy, “Dada, you should years. Shri Hari was pleased with their concern have come after your shave was over. There was for Brahmanand Swami and assured, “To no urgency.” honour your feelings, I will allow Swami to live “Maharaj, that would have delayed my coming further.” and you would have had to wait unnecessarily,” By Maharaj’s wish Brahmanand Swami start- Dada Khachar replied humbly.

4 Swaminarayan Bliss u January 2011 Shri Hari looked at , heart he cherishes only your divine form. So how Brahmanand Swami, Shukmuni Swami and can he have worries about other things! Where others and praised, “Did you see Dada’s alacrity there is God there are no desires, and where there in conforming to my words?” are desires, God does not reside. Maharaj, since “Maharaj, there is nothing in his heart other he cares for you, you worry about and care for than your divine form,” Muktanand Swami him.” commended. Shri Hari listened patiently to Muktanand “And that is why I have to take care of him, Swami’s eulogy. Maharaj throbbed with joy his family, his land and his assets.” at Dada’s and devotion. Muktanand Dada was still standing with folded hands. Swami continued, “In the Mahabharat war when He was awaiting Maharaj’s instruction. Bhishma announced his pledge to kill Arjun the next day, there was turmoil and fear in the Pandav MAHARAJ imparts THE ROYAL DUTIES camp. Even Shri Krishna was worried. He went TO DADA KHACHAR to Arjun’s tent to reassure and embolden him. Maharaj spoke to him, “Dada, do you know However on seeing Arjun in deep sleep, he was that Jiva Khachar is on the verge of playing a dirty amazed. He woke Arjun up. On seeing Krishna, trick on you. He wants to confiscate your home Arjun sat up surprised, “My Lord, what brings and land and take charge. Furthermore, he wishes you here at this hour?” Shri Krishna asked him, to throw you out and reduce you to a tramp.” “Have you heard Bhishma’s terrible pledge? The “Maharaj, I am simply unaware of it. I cannot entire Pandav camp is paralysed with fear for believe that Jiva Bapu would do this,” Dada your life, so how can you sleep?” Arjun simply replied innocently. smiled and uttered, “My Lord, because you are “Look Dada, you are a king,” Maharaj began awake!” with a strict tone. “It is your duty as a king to Shri Hari replied, “I understand. So it means protect your people. For that you have to learn that worrying for Dada is on my head?” the lessons of kingship. Become proficient in “Yes Maharaj. You have been caring and solving problems and situations through the worrying for him on all occasions!” Muktanand four means of sama (peace), dama (suppression), Swami reaffirmed. bheda (division) and danda (punishment). You “Swami, now hear me seriously. Jiva Khachar have to deploy observers and secret agents who has gathered 2,000 men for war. He has also can inform you about what’s happening in your fortified his army with Arab soldiers from kingdom. On the contrary, you are aloof and Bhavnagar. Tomorrow they will arrive here absorbed in bhajan, believing nothing untoward and attack. They may conquer Dada’s share of is happening in your kingdom. But you must Gadhada village.” As Maharaj spoke, his voice understand and shrewdly execute the duties of trembled with anxiety. a king.” Dada Khachar was still standing with folded DADA’S SUGARCANE FARM IS SET AFIRE hands and eyes cast downwards. Seeing him Meghji and Hasan, who looked after Dada thus Shri Hari reproached him further, “If you Khachar’s farm, came running frantically to the lose your kingdom you’ll be ruined. Then where darbar. “Maharaj, something unexpected has will you go, and what will you eat? Have you happened. The sugarcane farm in Lakshmivadi ever thought about that?” has been torched by someone. We have just Dada Khachar still stood mutedly. Gently come from there. There’s a raging fire rapidly Muktanand Swami interrupted, “Maharaj, in his consuming Dada’s farm.”

January 2011 u Swaminarayan Bliss 5 Shri Hari turned red with anger. He stood courage. Go and show them your might. Jai up instantly, thumping his left palm with Swaminarayan!” the fist of his right hand. Maharaj spoke in Everyone chorused the jai aloud. Satchidan- exasperation, “I’ll have to teach Jiva Khachar and Swami armed himself with a plough and a lesson by showing him the awesome form of joined the Kathis for the fight. Other sadhus took Narsinh avatar. All these years my recognition up batons and staffs. Maharaj told his sadhus, of Jiva Bapu’s services to me had restrained me “You have the lustre and power of celibacy, from giving him fitting replies to all his schemes and devotion. The opponents are characterless against Dada Khachar. But today what has and lifeless because of their addictions to liquor, occured is the last straw! All the merits of his ganja and marijuana.” Shri Hari cheered them services have been destroyed due to his aversion for the big battle. The brave Kathis opened the for a great devotee like Dada Khachar.” In the giant door of Dada’s premise. The Arab soldiers meantime, Sombai, Jiva Khachar of Sarangpur, were ready to fire their rifles, but on pulling the Somla Khachar and other parshads arrived and trigger nothing happened. The Kathis fired their informed, “Maharaj, Jiva Khachar’s army is now rifles and wounded the opponents. Chaos swept outside our door. They are shouting slogans and through the opponents’ rank. They all started run- banging their hands on the door. Tell us what ning helter-skelter. Satchidanand Swami pursued we should do now!” them with his giant plough. The opponents were Shri Hari changed into saffron clothes and simply dazed to see the Swami, who was over six armed himself with a sword and shield. He told feet tall, brandishing a big plough. The opponents Dada Khachar, “You go to Sarangpur now. I will were left in disarray. Some ran away, some hid take care of the problem.” themselves, and the majority surrendered. Dada argued, “It is a kshatriya’s duty to fight When the Kathis returned, Shri Hari showered and not run away. A true kshatriya fervently waits his joy upon them for their victory. Maharaj to be of service on occasions of war, and you tell enquired, “What happened to the enemy?” me to go away to Sarangpur!” “Not one could oppose us because their Maharaj explained, “Dada, whatever I say rifles did not fire. We attacked fiercely, and their to you now is your duty. Just obey me and go forces buckled under our onslaught,” Somla to Sarangpur with a couple of parshads as your Khachar narrated the scene. Shri Hari observed bodyguards.” that not one of his Kathis or sadhus was injured. With no other alternative, Dada Khachar He asked, “You don’t have a single wound or obeyed Shri Hari’s command. He left for scratch!” Somla Khachar explained, “Maharaj, Sarangpur with a heavy heart, walking away with Bhaguji bravely wielding his sword no one from the imminent attack on his house and the dared to fight.” criticisms from his critics. Shri Hari smiled and stated, “That’s fine. But, Maharaj came out of his room ready to clash even if we had lost 200 people for Dada’s sake, it with the enemy. Somla Khachar checked Shri would have been worth it.” All the Kathis knew Hari, “There is no need for you to join the fray. that by Shri Hari’s grace none of them had lost We ask you to simply bless us and leave the rest their lives or suffered a scratch. Once everything to us.” calmed down in Gadhada Maharaj recalled Dada Shri Hari replied, “Somla Khachar, you are all Khachar. u (Contd. next issue) my instruments. I will protect Dada’s property From Gujarati text of through you all. You have my blessings. Bhagwan Swaminarayan The enemy will be routed by your skills and by H.T. Dave

6 Swaminarayan Bliss u January 2011 Bhagavad Gita: Gujarati Text: Sadhu Bhadreshdas; Translation: Sadhu Paramvivekdas

Br ã h m i St h i t i Yo g a : Pa r t 1 Arjuna in the Eyes of Krishna

(Recap: Arjuna was overcome with emotion on seeing his relatives in the opposition. His body became weak, his bow dropped out of his hand, his mind became agitated, and he decided not to fight. Overcome with grief, he sat down at the back of the chariot. This is where the first adhyãy concluded. We will now take a look at what happened thereafter in the second adhyãy.)

n the outset of the second adhyãy, Sanjaya says to Dhritarãshtra, ÒÌ¢ ÌÍæ ·ë¤ÂØæçßcÅUןæéÂê‡ææü·é¤Üðÿæ‡æ×÷Ð çßáè΋Ìç×΢ ßæ€Ø×éßæ¿ ×ÏéâêÎÙÑHÓ – ‘Tam tathã O krupayãvishtamashrupoornãkulekshanam, visheedantamidam vãkyamuvãcha madhusoodanaha.’ – ‘Madhusudan Shri Krishna said the following words to Arjuna who was overcome with infatuation, in remorse, and whose disturbed eyes were filled with tears’ (Gita 2.1). This was Parth (Arjuna) in the eyes of Krishna. This is an example of the depth that vision can grasp. While these events were taking place, many would have had the chance to see Arjuna in this difficult situation, but no one would have been able to grasp as much as Shri Krishna Bhagwan did. Arjuna was crying, and almost everyone would have noticed this. Furthermore, he was in remorse. Only a few of the more thoughtful people would have realized this. But Shri Krishna Bhagwan could see even further. Shri Krishna Bhagwan noticed three things about Arjuna: (1) ‘ashrupoornãkulekshanam’ – he was crying, (2) ‘visheedantam’ – he was in remorse and (3) ‘krupayãvishtam’ – he was overcome with infatuation. Along with his tearful eyes and remorse, he could also see Arjuna’s infatuation – as if a

January 2011 u Swaminarayan Bliss 7 complete picture of Arjuna, both internally and in our hearts. This results in expressions such as externally, was clear in Krishna’s eyes. laughter, dance, singing, lamentation or crying in From a philosophical point of view, Shri the physical body. Thus the subtle body performs Krishna’s ability to perceive Arjuna’s state is a unique role with the physical body. astonishing and awe-inspiring. The philosophical of Sanatan Hindu give a The Kãran Sharir: clear description of the jiva in its bound state. The Causal Body Whenever a jiva which is bound by maya attains The causal body is the cause of all misery. a human or other birth, it is associated with the It is this causal body that is the cause of the three bodies of maya. These three bodies are the repeated births and deaths of the jiva. Maya, sthul sharir – the gross body, the sukshma sharir – experienced in the form of base instincts such the subtle body, and the kãran sharir – the causal as lust, anger, greed, infatuation, etc. is the body. causal body of the jiva. This maya has possessed To understand the philosophical depth of the the jiva in the form of the causal body since Bhagavad Gita, let us briefly acquaint ourselves time eternal. It is from this causal body that with these three bodies. the subtle and gross bodies are shaped. One’s thoughts follow one’s instincts. And one’s The Sthul Sharir: actions follow their thoughts. In this way, the The Physical Body causal body plays a special role in every aspect The sthul sharir means our physical body made of our lives, and is the cause of all our misery up of the five gross elements. We can physically and worldly attachments (bandhan). Therefore, experience this body, touch it, see it and describe to free ourselves from worldly misery and its form and colour. We can see its actions, such the bondage of births and deaths, we should as sitting, speaking, laughing or even crying. We first understand the root of all of this, i.e., we can measure its height and weight. must know the causal body; and then we must separate ourselves from it. The Sukshma Sharir: Here, in the Bhagavad Gita, Shri Krishna The Subtle Body Bhagwan has observed all three of Arjuna’s Our subtle body is comprised of the mana, sharirs: (1) ‘ashrupoornãkulekshanam’ means one buddhi, chitt and ahamkãr. Sukshma means subtle. whose disturbed eyes are filled with tears. These As opposed to the physical body, we cannot see words describe Arjuna’s physical body, (2) this subtle body with our naked eyes. Its form ‘visheedantam’ means in remorse. These words and colour cannot be described. Nevertheless, describe his subtle body and (3) ‘krupayãvishtam’ the subtle body is much more powerful than the means he is overcome with infatuation. This physical body and influences it. Whatever we depicts his causal body. think, good or bad, whatever decisions we make, Truly, Shri Krishna Bhagwan is not just an whatever contemplation we do, is all done using expert physician, nor is he just a psychiatrist, but the subtle body. he also plays the further role of being a spiritual This subtle body has a unique relationship doctor. Arjuna is sick, spiritually sick. Crying is with the physical body. For example, whatever a physical symptom of this disease. But no one good or bad we think, whatever we decide, cries without reason. Arjuna is crying due to the whatever we contemplate on, resultantly inspires remorse in his mind and this remorse is a subtle the physical body to act accordingly. As a result symptom of his disease. Shri Krishna Bhagwan of this, we experience emotions of joy or misery has pinpointed the reason for this remorse too, it

8 Swaminarayan Bliss u January 2011 is his infatuation. This infatuation It is for this reason that Shri is the main cause of his disease. It Krishna Bhagwan has now decided is this infatuation that is expressed to give the infatuated Parth the as remorse and tearful eyes. spiritual remedy of becoming Thus, Shri Krishna Bhagwan One who becomes brahmarup. has not just picked up on the We should put ourselves in disease, but has also realized the brahmarup attains Parth’s situation for a moment. cause of the disease. Shri Krishna happiness, he never Parth is Pruthã’s son, Arjuna. Parth then thinks over the cure. grieves and never also means one who is born from has any worldly the earth. All of mankind is born Foresight of a Happy ‘ from the earth. We are miserable, expectations. Parth Gita 18.54 in an infatuated state and in The trait of a good and true remorse. We are crying and are doctor is that as well as seeing the prevailing disheartened. Along with Arjuna, we too should miserable state of the patient, he can also visualize take a sip of this remedy of becoming brahmarup. his future. This future is engraved with a healthy Thus, in order for Parth to attain this ultimate and happy life. Even though Arjuna is crying spiritual’ state of becoming brahmarup, Shri in remorse, seized by infatuation, in the Gita, Krishna commences giving him the necessary could Shri Krishna have envisioned his future in course one treatment after another. Of that, the which he saw a healthy and happy Arjuna? This first treatment is a dose of courage. question is answered in the last adhyãy of the Gita. Shloka 54 of the 18th adhyãy gives us a glimpse of How has this come of you, Arjuna? that vision. The words are ÒÕýræïÖêÌÑ Âýâ‹Ùæˆ×æ Ù àæô¿çÌ Ù Shri Krishna Bhagwan said to Arjuna, ·¤æ¾÷UÿæçÌÐÓ – ‘Brahmabhootaha prasannãtmã na shochati Ò·é¤ÌSˆßæ ·¤à×Üç×΢ çßá×ð â×éÂçSÍÌ×÷Ð ¥ÙæØüÁécÅU×÷ ¥Sß‚Øü×÷ na kãnkshati’ – ‘One who becomes brahmarup ¥·¤èíÌ·¤ÚU×÷ ¥ÁéüÙHÓ – ‘Kutastvã kashmalamidam attains happiness, he never grieves and never has vishame samupasthitam, anãryajushtam asvargyam any worldly expectations.’ akeertikaram Arjuna’ – ‘O Arjuna! No great man To become brahmarup means to become like would do such actions. Moreover, such actions Aksharbrahman, to become free of the influences would not help one attain heaven, such actions of maya, to become gunãtit. Anyone who wants would not even give one fame. How have to be free of the pains of despair, who wants to these tainted actions come of you at such an experience happiness, must become brahmarup. inappropriate time’ (Gita 2.2). Parth is seized by infatuation, and hence in Shri Krishna Bhagwan himself is expressing despair, in remorse and crying. But, if his ãtmã his astonishment to Arjuna. Arjuna means one attains the brahmic state (brahmabhotaha), imbibes who has a pure, clean antahkaran. How did the qualities of Aksharbrahman, becomes free of this taint enter such an antahkaran. Even more the influences of maya and becomes gunãtit, he astonishing than this is that the very action will immediately be entitled to the boon of being that Arjuna believed to be the best action, was ‘prasannãtmã’ – happy. He attains the level of ‘na really something that great men would not do shochati na kãnkshati’, that is, never grieves and (anãryajushtam). Arjuna had felt that if I fight I never has any worldly expectations, and thus no will not attain heaven, and with this thought he longer has any reason to cry. Not only that, ÒÙñÙæ¢ had decided not to fight. But, in fact, this very ÂýæŒØ çß×ésïçÌÓ – ‘Nainãm prãpya vimuhyati’ – ‘he will decision was one that would not lead to heaven never again be infatuated’. (asvargyam). Arjuna felt that the war would lead

January 2011 u Swaminarayan Bliss 9 to dishonour and thus wanted to stay away from mã sma gamaha), Shri Krishna attacks his inner the war, but in reality staying away from the war weakness and encourages him. would be the cause of dishonour (akeertikaram). In Explaining the reason for Arjuna to abandon this way, it is astonishing that the thoughts and his cowardice, Shri Krishna Bhagwan says, ‘ÙñÌÌ÷ decisions of someone like Arjuna are wandering ˆßçØ ©UÂÂlÌð’ – ‘Naitat tvayi upapadyate’ – ‘O Arjuna! in the completely opposite direction at such a This does not befit you.’ crucial time. This is what brings these words to Here, Shri Krishna was reminding him of Shri Krishna’s lips. his valour, awakening his pride and making Having said this, Shri Krishna says an him aware of his role. It was as though Krishna important thing. was hinting at his true form: O Arjuna! Who are you? To whom do you belong? Think about Arise Arjuna your responsibility. Think about your abilities. O Ò€ÜñŽØ¢ ×æ S× »×Ñ ÂæÍü ÙñÌžßÄØéÂÂlÌðÐ ÿæé¼ý¢ NUÎØÎõÕüËØ¢ Parth! You are an extremely powerful and brave ˆØ€ÌßôçžæcÆU ÂÚ¢UÌÂHÓ – ‘Klaibyam mã sma gamaha warrior. When you were born, there was a divine Partha Naitattvayyupapadyate, Kshudram utterance saying that you will be the foremost of hrudayadaurbalyam tyaktavottishtha Paramtapa’ – all warriors. Moreover, remember your bravery, ‘O Pruthã’s son, Arjuna! Don’t become impotent. you single-handedly defeated everyone on the This does not befit you. O one who is terrifying battlefield showing your expertise in weaponry. to the enemy, stop being weak-hearted and arise’ You defeated Indra during the Khandavdah (Gita 2.3). incident. You saved Drona from an Klaibyam means impotence, lack of strength. alligator. You have attained all these honours Just like it is useless to expect the fruit of progeny and more. Therefore, O Arjuna! This does not from an impotent person, similarly, even though befit you (naitattvayi upapadyate). Arjuna felt his decisions were appropriate, as far Moreover, O Parth! To forget one’s duty and as Shri Krishna was concerned, they were useless be controlled by one’s emotions is an inferior and unfruitful. Actually, Arjuna and weakness level of weakness of the heart. Therefore, O one are two things that cannot be imagined together. who terrifies foes! Forsake this inferior weakness He did not in the slightest lack physical strength. and arise to perform your duty. He was not at all scared of the enemy. He was The address, ‘one who terrifies foes’ opens intelligent. He was very skilled in war tactics. Yet up a new perspective for us. Shri Krishna does his weakness was due to something different. not address the crying disheartened Arjuna He had become subject to a weak heart. He had as a crybaby or coward. Even though Arjuna collapsed from within. He had been struck with may be crying at the time, Shri Krishna can disease caused by the fear of imagined sins and simultaneously see his true strength. This is an unrighteousness. Thus he had forgotten his duty. ideal example of how to help the fallen back to Shri Krishna Bhagwan knew Arjuna’s duty very their feet. well. He also knew that physical strength and Thus Krishna first gave Parth a dose of valour, intellectual ability were not sufficient for one to and we will see what he gave thereafter in the fulfil one’s duty; for that one needs inner courage next article. u as well. Without inner courage, physical strength and intellectual ability are of no use. Arjuna was in the same situation. Weakness had suddenly taken a grasp on him. That is why in this shloka, telling him to discard his impotence (Klaibyam

10 Swaminarayan Bliss u January 2011 Divine Discourses: Translation: Sadhu Amrutvijaydas

Snapshot of Society On 4 February 2000, Swamishri left Jambusar, near Bharuch, and during the day travelled to eight villages before arriving at night in Atladra. In one of the villages, Nahaar, he performed the - pratishtha of the new BAPS mandir and therafter, blessing the devotees, Swamishri described the troubled state of society and emphasized the essential role of mandirs in helping to sustain spiritual and moral practices. The following is an extract of his thought-provoking blessings...

hen mandirs of God are built, the mind, leading to corruption, violence, people question their need. dishonesty, addictions and other bad habits. WBut when bars, gambling dens, Undiscriminating people don’t seem to mind cinemas and other such places are built people allowing such images into their homes. However, do not object. These places degrade morals, yet there are those who object or are disinterested people accept them. when photos of God are kept. But photos of For inner peace it is necessary to know our God will sustain our culture and morals. Before, dharma, our culture, and who were Bhagwan shastras such as the Gita, Bhagvat, , , Bhagwan Krishna and Bhagwan Ramayan, Mahabharat, , Swaminarayan and the good virtues they taught. and others were kept in the home. Technology has led to outer development, Nowadays they have, to a large extent, been but from its abuses it has corrupted our inner replaced by vulgar books. This results in quarrels, values. loose behaviour in the home and in society, and TV, cinema and other things show vulgar addictions. So, the more we do to preserve our pictures and talks. Even in many books and culture and traditions, the more we will benefit. magazines there are vulgar photos. They pollute We are losing our true wealth. Dharma is our

January 2011 u Swaminarayan Bliss 11 true wealth. By allowing vulgarity in the home, Ravan and others terrorized society and the only problems arise. So, much thought is needed avatars manifested on earth to defeat them and about this. remove adharma. Duryodhan and the Kauravs If one remembers God, he will look after us. were intent on destroying, but Krishna sided Bhagwan Swaminarayan manifest on this earth with the Pandavs and defeated them. and taught such values. He insisted that we So, if we seek the refuge of God then we will develop a good character. Good character means be protected from the evil surroundings. If we do observing dharma, honesty, compassion, ahimsa, not remain alert, then our children will be affected brahmacharya, service to others, and abstaining adversely. Today, parents find it difficult to from addictions. All teach that a life of discipline their children. They are not aware of what pure character and free from addictions leads to is happening at school: are the children studying happiness. sincerely or indulging in immoral behaviour? Living by such good values prevents wasting Parents are so engrossed in their own work, of money, and from these savings much good they have no time for ; not even at home. work can be done for oneself, one’s family and In the home one should at least have a murti of one’s country. Mandirs give good inspiration, God. Whoever one has faith in, pray, offer worship, and so we will benefit. There is also a need for read shastras and go to the mandir for darshan. If schools and hospitals; our Sanstha has also built parents do not practice such dharma, their children and runs them. But, today, we see that after will not either. Today’s social environment is finishing studies at school or college, students such that even those of good character become have little training in character and values. Even bad. Time and money are lost in bad habits and many parents do not give such education at home. addictions. So, the greater the practice of satsang, In schools and colleges, teaching of dharma is the greater the peace you will experience. prohibited, so what will children learn? There Even in weddings and other social functions, are so many vulgar activities and much loose dharma should be practiced – do not indulge in behaviour in schools and colleges everywhere. meat eating or drinking alcohol. All these things In the past we had the gurukul system. are from another culture. They studied and did not entertain any vulgar In Bhagwan Swaminarayan’s time, people thoughts. In addition to the academic subjects, used to sacrifice goats, and other animals in the gurus taught them how to live a pure life: yagnas. But he introduced non-violent yagnas, ‘Satyam Vada’ – ‘Speak the truth’, ‘Matrudevo bha- without killing of animals. He demonstrated the va, Pitrudevo bhava’ – ‘Respect your mother and benefits of such non-violent yagnas and taught father like ’. With such noble values, they people to lead a pure and pious life. graduated and then served society. Society, then, All these talks are sustained by our shastras, was based on dharma and service to others. To- mandirs and sadhus. If we live with faith and day, books and newspapers write about violence, trust in them, then our children will also live loose behaviour and vulgar thoughts. These evil accordingly. ideas corrupt our good character and so disturb Yogiji Maharaj had this foresight many years our inner peace. ago. So, he founded the bal, kishore and yuvak Bhagwan Rama, Bhagwan Krishna and other mandals. They have spread now throughout the avatars manifest on earth in different eras to world. They teach good values to the children, remove adharma and establish dharma. “Yadã teenagers and youths and inspire faith in dharma. yadã hi dharmasya glãnirbhavati Bhãrata…” Living by these principles will bring true inner Kans, Dantvakra, Shishupal, Hiranyakashipu, happiness. u

12 Swaminarayan Bliss u January 2011 On Life: Sadhu Aksharananddas Principles of Satsang: Samp, Suhradbhav and Ekta

recent well-known survey revealed in its advertisement. This message has caused that the English, Welsh and Scottish it to not only double its production in the last Apeople in England eat individually ten years, but also to continue dominating the ten kilogrammes of chocolate every year. Their market. It is the only message in the corporate cravings for the mouth-watering, cacao tree world that, since its inception in 1937, has never derivative amounts to the consumption of about had to change. four billion kilogrammes of chocolate each year. Marketing strategists have revealed that One can imagine the elation felt by the dentists so long as this message, “Have a break, have a of the region. Kitkat,” lives in the minds of Amongst all of these chocolates that are people, its sales will continue consumed, the survey revealed that KitKat is to dominate the chocolate the most eaten around the world. Fourteen industry and bring water of that red-wrapper, two-barred chocolate and smiles to mouths. that we’ve come to love during our maturing However, the day that it years, are eaten every second. Not only dies, KitKat will die. that, but it is known as the ‘happy drug’. Researchers have found that whenever there is an economic depression in the country, sales of KitKat have surprisingly gone up. The reason behind this success is the lure of its simple, yet effective marketing. Its catchy phrase consisting of the six simple yet potent words: “Have a break, have a Kitkat,” is familiar to many and brings to mind the rhythmic tune to which it is almost continuously recited

January 2011 u Swaminarayan Bliss 13 Similarly, about 230 years ago, Shriji Maharaj thousands of fish and ocean life from around the came to this earth with certain messages. They word to represent the rich diversity of our world. carried this through its growing Surprisingly, the aquarium also housed many pains, resulted in its spectacular growth, and sharks – carnivores that eat other fish. When a formed its bedrock and identity. One can also say, guide was questioned, “You have sharks in this that so long as these principles live in the minds aquarium, but don’t these sharks attack the other of its devotees, this Sampradaya will continue to fish?” The guide gave an intriguing answer, flourish. “These predators are fed regularly!” Among the many messages that Shriji Maharaj There’s a similarity between sharks and revealed, the principles of dharma, jnan, vairagya, humans. We work and live together with each , swarupnishtha, and samp, suhrudbhav and other and seem to have unity with one another. ekta are messages that lie at its foundation. These However, just as there can be unity in disparity, lay the foundation of this Sampradaya. Of these there can be disparity in what seems like unity. principles we will focus our attention on samp, Unity lasts as long as we are fed, that is, given suhrudbhav, and ekta in this article. our share of respect, praise and appreciation, The message of samp is not new to us. We among other things. Although we may live, have heard of the tremendous power generated work and even fight alongside with each other, by working together. Breaking one arrow as the potential to attack one another and to lose our opposed to a bundle, the force of a falling droplet integrity remains. It is circumstance that brings of water compared to a stone-cutting waterfall, out the predator in us. When our food becomes and the strength of a piece of string and many compromised, when we lose the bread and butter pieces wound together are all analogies used that makes us tick, we begin feeding. to demonstrate nature’s lesson of samp. Even The real-life TV show, Survivor, which several history has attested to the significance of such years ago topped the charts for many months, power to accomplish seemingly impossible goals. bears testament to the birth of this aggressive Everything from Gandhi’s proclaimed salt march nature of normal people when placed in to the French bourgeoisie’s revolution against its abnormal circumstances. In the show, a group of aristocratic government was consequent of the people were placed on an island or some remote power of working together. location and asked to perform certain tasks. However, is working together enough? The Among the many activities, every night all of the same people who walked besides each other members of the group would gather to present on their march towards revolution in countless the work that they had accomplished, express nations were later found at one another’s throats. their successes and grievances, and vote for one Sometimes we equate unity with simply being or of the members of the team to be removed. The working together; but, this is not the case. Samp, person who received the most votes was asked suhrudbhav, and ekta require something more. The to leave the show, and in effect lost his chance to 1998 World Expo in Portugal serves as a reminder cash in on the winning prize. After the show ran that samp is not as simple as we often believe. The its course, the last remaining person would be theme of the exposition was “Our Heritage of the hailed as the survivor and was generously gifted Future.” In its preparation, a new complex was by the producers of the show. constructed in Lisbon to house vivid exhibits of The interesting part of the show, however, the world. It was an exhibition of the wonderful was to notice the transformation that each person innovations, contributions and peculiarities underwent as the show progressed. At intervals of the world. In the centre of the complex, a the participants of the team were interviewed large aquarium was constructed consisting of and asked questions about the status of their

14 Swaminarayan Bliss u January 2011 task and what they felt about the people that sadhus. The chilled ras and soft rotlis were more they were working with. During the beginning than a welcome break from the sweltering midday of the series, everyone looked forward to helping heat. After everyone had finished their meal, each other, praised one another, was polite and Jnanjivandas and two other sadhus sat down to quickly formed close ties. eat. There was only enough ras left for the three However, as the days progressed and of them. Just as they were about to begin, three participants began to be voted off the show, the devotees, Kuberbhai from Bhavnagar, Nanubhai animalistic instinct kicked in. What once seemed Sheth, and Narayanbhai Mistry peeked in to see like camaraderie was quickly lost. People began if there was still anything left to eat. Jnanjivandas slandering, small groups or alliances developed, sensed their disappointment. He immediately participants hindered the completion of each got up, ushered them to sit down, and fed the other’s tasks, and some even dared to covertly devotees his share of ras. To stay hungry to feed destroy in the middle of the night what others another requires one to let go of one’s desires – a had worked on during the day. sacrifice of the mind. After several episodes of this TV show, many noticed that this did not happen just once, but To Play the Blame Game with over and over again. The people, tasks and Different Rules location would change, but the results were the In 1937 (V.S. 1993), the times were tough same – unity broke down and everything short in Gondal. Insufficient food meant having to of all-out-war began to erupt. travel in the sweltering Indian sun to extra Samp, suhrudbhav and ekta rises above merely homes, neighbourhoods and villages to beg working and being together. It’s about being for food to have something to eat for dinner. able to work with each other when feeding has As a result, wasting anything was a sure way become scarce and the opportunity to attack is of getting rebuked; and it was understandable, the easy option. It requires something more since things that we take for granted, were only fundamental than a simple outward expression the realities of dreams. Ghee, purified butter, of social harmony. Having samp, suhrudbhav and was a precious commodity at the time, and as ekta is about having our intentions, values and a result, it was kept under the safest conditions attitudes in sync with others around us. This to ensure that it lasted. Once, in the kitchen, requires one to sacrifice personal desires, extend Sadhu Baldevcharandas accidently tipped over a one’s heart to others and feel their emotions, jarful of ghee. Just then Nirgun Swami walked and to become a servant of servants. These same by. Baldevcharandas stood in horror. With both sentiments are captured by Yogiji Maharaj’s hands outstretched he tried to speak in defense, words when he identifies the following features but nothing came out. Nirgun Swami unable to of samp, suhrudbhav and ekta. bear the wasted ghee began reprimanding the sadhu for his carelessness. Yogiji Maharaj saw all Staying Hungry to Feed Another of this unfolding, and stepped in, “I spilled the Yogiji Maharaj was in Dangra in 1918 (V.S. ghee when I accidently kicked it with my feet. It’s 1974) to celebrate the consecration of the mandir’s not the sadhu’s fault.” Nirgun Swami turned to . Although it was a small village, on this face him and vented, “Then you should be careful day the streets were bustling with excitement. when you walk!” Yogiji Maharaj had taken the Thousands of devotees had come to take part blame for something he hadn’t done. To take the in the ceremonies that lasted throughout the blame on behalf of another requires one to extend morning. Noon came, and with it lunch prepared one’s heart and feel another’s emotions. and then served by Sadhu Jnanjivandas and other

January 2011 u Swaminarayan Bliss 15 To Become a Servant of Servants Yogiji Maharaj chose the path less travelled. When Yogiji Maharaj was in Dar-es-Salaam His unity lasted even when his share of respect, in 1959, many youths travelled with him. praise, and appreciation, among other things, Throughout the day, they listened to katha, did not. performed Swami’s seva, which involved among How does one develop such virtues? How other things, helping in the kitchen. They also sat does one extend one’s purpose, heart and mind with Swami and other sadhus to have discussions to others? Yogiji Maharaj’s answer follows. (goshthi) and memorize kirtans and shlokas that Yogiji Maharaj himself selected. Every day was To Place an Infinite Value in the a shibir, and their leader was Yogiji Maharaj Virtue of Association himself. He personally took interest in each and In 1965 Yogiji Maharaj was in Gondal. One every one of them and ensured that they made afternoon, Gunvantbhai came to Yogiji Maharaj. the most of being with him. Yogiji Maharaj was He was visually distraught and seemed like he their mother, father, brother and guru – he taught needed to get something off of his chest. He and cared for them in the most unimaginable marched his way to Yogiji Maharaj and began ways. He taught not only by instruction, but also to reveal the cause of his frustration, “Bapa, by example. this youth doesn’t do any seva, and loiters in the Once, many youths had soaked their clothes in mandir. If that wasn’t enough, he’s got a filthy the bathroom. They had thought that they would habit of lighting a cigarrette when no one is wash them later in the evening when they had looking.” Before he could finish, Yogiji Maharaj some free time on their hands. Swami happened interrupted, “Have you had ’s to walk by and saw the soaked clothes. Under darshan?” Gunvantbhai was caught off guard, pretense for going to the bathroom, Swami went “No?” Swami explained, “He’s seen Shastriji in and locked the door from the inside. He knew Maharaj… You should understand his greatness.” that if anyone found out about what he was going Gunvantbhai shook off his distress, fell at Yogiji to do, they would try everything in their means to Maharaj’s feet and asked for forgiveness. Swami stop him. Swami then began to wash the youths’ smiled and assured him, “Don’t worry, you will soaked clothes. Several youths quickly gathered develop samp, suhrudbhav and ekta.” outside the door and began pleading to Swami to Such a seemingly small virtue, if it could stop. They were travelling with him to serve him, even be called that, as having seen Shastriji not to be served by him. Nevertheless, Swami Maharaj was enough. The secret to samp is to washed the entire pile of clothes and taught the understand another’s greatness. Greatness comes youths an important life lesson. As guru serving in many shapes and sizes. However, the virtue his disciples, Yogiji Maharaj demonstrated the which Yogiji Maharaj gave significance to was identity of purpose between the two – to be a independent; and as a result, unsusceptible to not servant of servants. only situation and change, but also of the person Yogiji Maharaj’s purpose, heart and mind, it was attributed to. Understanding the virtue and as a result, his actions, were all tuned to of association with a Gunatit Guru (sambandh understanding and serving others. The Rig Veda no mahima) is what renders a unity of purpose, reaffirms this missing piece when it states ina heart and mind between individuals; and hence, , “Let our purpose, heart, and mind be makes samp ineffaceable by circumstance. This is the same and let us perform our tasks together.”1 the supreme value that Yogiji Maharaj organized Unity based on this principle doesn’t change with his life around. This is samp, suhrudabhav and ekta circumstance. Although the opportunity arose, in its truest form. u 1 . Rig Veda 10.191.4

16 Swaminarayan Bliss u January 2011 Spirituality: Gujarati: Mahant Swami, Swaminarayan Prakash, Sept. 2010; Translation: Sadhu Vivekjivandas Two Chambers Within Us… In one chamber lies evil and in the other resides God. Which chamber do we want to open?

n every one of us there lies virtues and faults. Humans have both faith and no faith. When we get the company of a God-realized person the good in us Iblossoms forth. Our earth contains a variety of minerals and elements like zinc, copper, nitrate, chloride and also unwanted waste. Trees absorb whatever that is good from the soil. Similarly, an association with the Gunatit Satpurush brings out whatever good that lies in us. He awakens our faith. Since his personality is divine the qualities

17 Swaminarayan Bliss u October 2010 January 2011 u Swaminarayan Bliss 17 of faith, trust, love for God, etc. come forth from Rajkot. After travelling for about five kilometres within us. Our virtues manifest according to the Yogiji Maharaj remembered and expressed his type of person we keep company of. If he is a wish to return and sanctify the devotee’s farm. crook or a morally perverted person then the bad Sanatan Swami, who was accompanying Yogiji surfaces from within us. The calculation is very Maharaj, replied that the devotee must have clear. forgotten about it, so there was no need to go. The lyrics of a kirtan say, “There are two But Yogiji Maharaj insisted that they go. So the chambers within us. In one resides God and in entourage returned to Dhuava and arrived at the other lies evil.” The analogy is wonderful, the farm. The farm had been ploughed, so there and needless to say a reality. In all of us there were clods of mud. I was with Yogiji Maharaj as lies two chambers. When we get the association a parshad (wearing white clothes). Yogiji Maharaj of the Satpurush he opens for us the door held my hand for support and walked on the in which God resides. And if we bump into clods of mud to the opposite end of the farm. someone who is corrupt, then he opens the Along the way there were two mango trees. other door from which evil steps out. In fact the Yogiji Maharaj patted them with his hands and door of evil is always open! Evil does not allow revealed, “Both of them have been performing its door to remain closed. On the contrary, evil austerities since 10,000 years.” I felt that Swami shuts the door of God for us! But when we meet had specially come to bless the two mango trees. the God-realized Satpurush our story becomes It was not possible to know the true answer. different. Imagine, after 10,000 years of austerity they We have got such a Satpurush in the form got the association of a God-realized person. of Pramukh Swami Maharaj. We have his Similarly, our affiliation with the Satpurush association after innumerable births and to some in Satsang is not a coincidence. Partly after extent by virtue of our past merits. Bhagwan acquiring so much merits (punya) we have got Swaminarayan reveals so in Vachanamrut, his association. However by the grace of God Gadhada II 2. Whoever is in Satsang, no matter and the Satpurush we have forgotten all that. If how small he may be, his atma is not small. Yogiji we were able to remember our past we would Maharaj used to address children, “You are not not be able to do satsang. We would breathe small. You are akshar and the rest that is in you with arrogance, “Oh, I am of this calibre, and I is dehbhav.” This is the perspective we have to have so much merits!” We can derive the benefit develop in us. of doing satsang when we remain humble. Once, Yogiji Maharaj arrived in the village It is difficult for those who are overwise to of Dhuava near Jamnagar. He was invited by a tread the path of spirituality. Yogiji Maharaj devotee to perform the ground-breaking said that one should listen to satsang discourses for the construction of his new home. The strange with the attitude that one is spiritually ignorant. thing was that there was no Brahmin to conduct Once one has eaten a stomach-full what can one the ritual. So Yogiji Maharaj himself conducted eat when visiting the kitchen? It doesn’t matter and performed the ritual by singing the shlokas, that the food items are superb, one will not feel “Mahãdhyãnãbhyãsam…” Once this was over the like having even a little. Similarly, when one devotee told Yogiji Maharaj to sanctify his farm. feels “I know everything” then one’s ability to Swami told him, “We will go there in the evening learn further comes to an end. That is why God and from there we will proceed to Rajkot.” In the has blocked our past altogether. It is indeed a evening everyone forgot about the visit to the blessing in disguise. However, one thing is clear farm. Yogiji Maharaj’s car was heading towards that after the accumulation of merits of so many

18 Swaminarayan Bliss u January 2011 past births we have had the association of Yogiji worldly goals in life. Eric was a blind man who Maharaj and Pramukh Swami Maharaj, who are climbed Mt. Everest. First he resolved to scale God-realized persons. Mt. Everest, then he practiced, and finally he Sometimes when we mull we feel that if we succeeded. He put in incredible effort. I had were to amass the punya of this universe we read of a mountain climber who practiced by would not get the opportunity of this association. hanging on his finger placed in a hole ona Bhagwan Swaminarayan had so wished and that mountain for three hours. He did this because is why we have had this spiritual association. It is if he slipped in the Himalayas, he could hold his wish and resolution, otherwise our spiritual on and survive with his finger firmly attached merits would fall way short in attaining him. He to the crevice. Why so much effort? Because said that he is realized through divine grace and he knew that climbing the Himalayas was not not through sadhanas alone, and that we have small play. So he put himself through immense had his association through the former. rigours and tests. After having attained him, what remains to be The reason why Yogiji Maharaj discoursed done now? We have to preserve him only in our about tolerating difficulties was that we have hearts. All our activities, like working, business, to reach all the way to Akshardham. Sometimes farming or whatever should be external. Whereas God tests us. Bhagwan Swaminarayan resided within, we should have God and his realized in Dada Khachar’s darbar for 25 years. At one Sadhu. There should be nothing else within us time there was not a single grain of food left in but them. Dada’s house. Still Dada Khachar did not flinch When one is sitting in a boat it is alright when in his faith and neither did he complain to Shriji the boat is in water. But what if there is water Maharaj. Some devotees informed Maharaj, and inside the boat? Similarly, one may go anywhere Dada stood humbly before him asking for more in the world, but the world should not get inside trials! oneself. Within oneself there should be only two Like Dada Khachar did, we would not pray things – God and his realized Sadhu. Inside, one for tests to come our way, but at least when they should have Pramukh Swami. This is all that is to do come we should not evade them. In fact, we be done. And that is true refuge. should remain strong, be patient and cultivate In his prayer at Mahelav Yogiji Maharaj said, a conviction that whatever God does is for our “O Shastriji Maharaj, may we always remain good. But we often reason, to the contrary, how steadfast in the trials you put us through, and others will see us and think about us. But let them may you bless us with virtues so that we may think and say whatever they want. We should remain at your feet.” When we are in Satsang is think only about what God will say to us. Either it so that we are at his feet? We need to introspect we please God, or others. We will not be able to on this. Firm refuge means having total faith. If please both. one has absolute faith only then is one’s refuge To please God and his realized Sadhu we genuine. Till one is deficient in trust or faith, and have to bear the trials that come our way. Yogiji in spite of bowing down at their feet, one’s refuge Maharaj revealed another way to please God is mere ostentation. A true aspirant nourishes the and the Satpurush: it is called suhradaybhav – the feelings of what Yogiji Maharaj prayed, “May we spirit of friendship. In his prayer at Mahelav always remain steadfast in the trials you put us Yogiji Maharaj said, “O Shastriji Maharaj may through, and may you bless us with virtues so we maintain suhradaybhav with your devotees.” that we can remain at your feet.” Yogiji Maharaj repeatedly said this for over People make so much effort to achieve their twenty years. Not a single day passed without

January 2011 u Swaminarayan Bliss 19 him uttering this. It was Yogiji Maharaj, a great in anyone. Even if someone was naïve and a person, who said this. Shastriji Maharaj praised moron he had never found fault in him. These him, saying, “There is no sadhu like Jogi (Yogiji words of his reflect the spiritual height he had Maharaj) in countless universes. Vyasji has attained. He did not live as a recluse in a jungle, written about the 64 virtues of a true Sadhu. If nor in seclusion, but in the midst of thousands of Vyasji had forgotten to write any other virtues people. Hundreds of people met him daily with one would find them in Jogi.” Before his earthly questions and problems. Some even confessed departure Shastriji Maharaj said, “ is me, their moral failings to him and asked him for and I am Yogi.” atonements. Despite all this Yogiji Maharaj never So, such an esteemed person like Yogiji viewed them as sinful and faulty. This is truly Maharaj had given us this wisdom. He was not astonishing. And in our case, we get mired in an ordinary sadhu, but one who was a guide taking faults of others by merely hearsay. We then and master of brahmavidya. In colleges we find falsely brand someone, and whoever we meet we professors who are chartered accountants describe their faults. This is a wrong sadhana! It and have PhDs, and doctors who have FRCS is human nature to do what one is not supposed degrees. Similarly, Yogiji Maharaj was a to practice as one’s sadhana, and to disregard or master in the subject of brahmavidya. He was reject what one is supposed to do. not merely a professor of brahmavidya, but one The emphasis on not finding faults is not so who had realized it. He was himself! in other and shastras as much as These were his words. One should understand it is in Satsang. Bhagwan Swaminarayan has their importance and abide by them in one’s stressed strongly in 60 about sadhana. not taking faults of others. He says that he On the spiritual path we see how aspirants got irritated upon anyone who came to talk of endeavour in so many ways to attain God. a sadhu’s or a devotee’s faults. He sometimes A devotee in Mumbai performed various ignored, disrespected and even reproached the sadhanas out of keen interest. Once on hearing informer. of another sadhana he went to Assam to learn When someone tells us to meditate in solitude it. On returning, he described his experience for one hour, we can understand that to be saying that he was shut up in a dark room for sadhana. But not seeing faults in others is not fifteen days. Only a dish of food was provided perceived by us to be a form of sadhana – in fact daily at appropriate times. He was prohibited to it is the greatest of all sadhanas. Perceive the come out at all and was told to simply meditate greatness of others and understand their glory. inside. At the end of it he got so fed up that Only then will one advance on the spiritual path. he realized that there is nothing greater than This is most necessary and important. Satsang. If we were to ask ourselves, “For whom do we There is sadhana in Satsang too. Yogiji come to Satsang? Is it for ourselves or for others? Maharaj showed it to be suhradaybhav towards Is it for our own or for that of others?” God’s devotees, and not to find faults in sadhus Needless to say it is clear that there is no point and devotees. Some find this command of not in seeing faults of others. Suppose that beneath seeing others’ faults as a type of punishment. But an alphonso mango tree there lies a ripe mango it is not so, it is a sadhana. Just try it. You will and around it some stones, dry bones, leaves, realize the devotees’ greatness (mahima). and a little further away one sees the faeces of a Yogiji Maharaj once revealed that in his 50 dog. Our eyes register all these things, but what years of satsang he had never perceived faults will we pick up? Obviously the mango. We will

20 Swaminarayan Bliss u January 2011 not rest our eyes on other things. Isn’t that right and follow the prescribed diet. In so doing, you judgement between good and bad. If someone become healthy again. Similarly, seeing virtues asks where we got the mango from, we would in others is like medicine on the spiritual path. say beneath the tree. But we will not name the You become healthy. But when you see faults, other things around the mango. Likewise, in then the medicine becomes poison. The greatest Satsang, we will see both virtues (gunas) and loss in seeing others’ faults is that you will be faults (avgunas), but what should we take? Only unable to realize the true form of God and the the virtues of others. Satpurush. When we see faeces, we spit on them with When a person takes aim with a rifle he has to disgust or simply turn away. Then why do we close one eye and squint the other. Thereafter the take others’ faults that are akin to faeces? When goal is accomplished. If both the eyes are open, we go to buy mangoes, do we put dog faeces in the bullet will go elsewhere. Likewise, one should our shopping bag? Then why do we reject the have the Satpurush as one’s goal and also focus virtues of others and focus upon their faults? on one’s own inner self. Then one will not see The human mind, like a computer, is such faults in others. Bhagatji Maharaj never focused that on seeing the slightest fault of others it his sight on others; he saw only Gunatitanand erases their virtues altogether. Then the person’s Swami. And thus he perceived virtues in others faults only are projected on the screen. Since long and never bothered about the trash. man has this perverse inclination. And that is In conclusion, let us recap. There are two why a person will always see the faults in others chambers within everyone. In one resides God, first. Later, whenever he remembers that person, in the other, evil. When one falls into the habit the first thing that pops up in his mind is his or of seeing faults in others, it means that one is her faults. He will never see the virtues of that walking inside the chamber of evil. Thus the person. This is the biggest hindrance on the path inner chamber of evil will remain open, and the of spiritual sadhana. In fact we should look at chamber of God will remain closed. Subsequently, our own faults. Getting habituated in observing evil will become strong and robust. However, others’ faults is the biggest obstacle on the path when one looks at others’ virtues it means one of spiritual progress. is inside the chamber of God. Then the chamber Bhagwan Swaminarayan says in of evil will get shut. The result will be peace, and Vachanamrut, Gadhada III 8 that the biggest nothing but peace. There will be peace in this life obstacles on the spiritual path for a devotee are and thereafter. that: (1) he does not look at his own faults, (2) Which chamber would one want to keep he mentally disassociates himself from a devotee open? After having the company of the Gunatit of God and (3) he behaves in a flippant manner Satpurush do you still want to chose the chamber with devotees. of evil? The choice is purely individual… has revealed, “When God graces, u only then does one realize one’s (inner) faults.” This means realizing our own faults and not seeing the faults of others is God’s grace. See only the virtues in others. Do not find faults. This principle will appear again and again on the path of spiritual sadhana. A doctor states that you have a certain illness and therefore you’ll have to take this medicine

January 2011 u Swaminarayan Bliss 21 Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s Vicharan October to November 2010 Sarangpur, Junagadh, Gondal, Rajkot, Bochasan

Swamishri, senior sadhus and devotees during yagna of Guru Swamishri displays a radish before sadhus Parampara murtis, Gondal and devotees, Rajkot • 1-7 Oct: Sarangpur worldly works, but along with them one must • 8 Oct: Sarangpur, Junagadh consolidate spirituality in life. This gives one • 9-17 Oct: Junagadh inner strength.” • 18 Oct: Junagadh, Gondal • 19 Oct-10 Nov.: Gondal 4, Monday, Sarangpur • 11–17 Nov.: Rajkot Swamishri performed the murti-pratishtha • 18 Nov.: Rajkot, Bochasan of murtis for BAPS hari mandirs in • 19-30 Nov.: Bochasan Mombasa (Kenya), Karjan and a suburb of Mahesana. OCTOBER 1, Sunday, Sarangpur; Bal-Yuva Din 10, Sunday, Junagadh; Bal-Kishore Din To celebrate Bal Din BAPS children performed During Swamishri’s stay in Junagadh chil- traditional dances during Swamishri’s morning dren and youths briefly celebrated various fes- . Children also narrated incidents from the tivals each day on the mandir premises when life of Ghanshyam Maharaj and performed a Swamishri came for Thakorji’s darshan. They drama on Kalidatta, the demon who tried to kill celebrated Shivratri, Yogi Jayanti, Guru Purnima, Ghanshyam. Raksha Bandhan, Janmashtmi, Ganesh Chatur- In the evening satsang assembly youths of the thi, Vijaya Dashmi, Chopda Pujan, Diwali and Youth Training Centre presented aspects of their Swamishri’s birthday. training programme through drama, speech and Today, in Swamishri’s puja, BAPS children dance. Finally, Swamishri blessed the assembly, sang kirtans, performed a traditional dance, appreciating the presentations by children and delivered a speech and recitation of shlokas from youth. He said, “Character is of importance the 15th Chapter of the Bhagvad Gita. in life. In spite of having very good education In the evening assembly kishores presented when one does not have character one cannot dramas on ‘’ and ‘Ten Fools’. Thereafter achieve true success. One must accomplish one’s Swamishri was honoured with garlands. In

22 Swaminarayan Bliss u January 2011 Sharad Purnima 226th Birthday Celebration of Aksharbrahman Friday, 22 October 2010 Gondal

The 226th birthday celebration of Gunati- by Gurukul children), ‘Satsang Darshan, tanand Swami was celebrated on the mandir Part 108’ (DVD of Bhadra Pratishtha grounds. The mandir, Akshar Dwar, office Mahotsav), ‘Bhagwan Swaminarayan – complex, guesthouse and the facade of as- A Divine Story’ (Audio CD in Hindi) and sembly hall were decorated with colourful ‘108 Prasangs’ in Kannad language. lights. Swamishri was seated in the centre of • Balaks and kishores performed a traditional the mandir pradakshina, and the senior sadhus dance and guests were seated below on the podium • Swamishri was honoured with garlands outside . A performance stage was by senior sadhus set up in front. Two huge LED screens were ar- • Swamishri’s blessings. ranged to facilitate darshan for all. Swamishri blessed the huge assembly of The celebration assembly included speeches 19,000 devotees, “Whenever we come to Gon- by senior sadhus, five artis, a drama, a dance dal we get darshan of Akshar Deri, Maharaj’s and Swamishri’s blessings. The programme darshan, and we experience divinity all around. was as follows: Akshar Deri is divine. It fulfils the wishes of • ‘Shriji Maharaj and Gondal’ speech by all. We are also reminded of Yogiji Maharaj, his Brahmadarshan Swami bliss, his discourses and his works. The memo- • ‘Gunatitanand Swami Spread the Glory rial shrines of Gunatitanand Swami and Yo- of Bhagwan Swaminarayan’ by Shrihari giji Maharaj are present here. Shastriji Maharaj Swami built this mandir. It is because of their divinity • ‘Bhagatji Maharaj’s Unique Mission’ by that we experience joy and happiness. Siddheshwar Swami “Shastriji Maharaj spread the glory of • Arti Akshar according to the Vachanamrut. He • ‘Shastriji Maharaj’s Unparalleled Work himself had understood it and internalized it of Establishing Akshar-Purushottam in his life. He did not spread the knowledge Maharaj’ by Tyagvallabh Swami of Akshar-Purushottam to gain personal • Drama: Pratishtha of Bochasan Mandir fame, but so that if others understood it they • Arti would become brahmarup and attain his divine • ‘Yogiji Maharaj Encouraged Divyabhav abode. and Suhradbhav’ by Ishwarcharan “Yogiji Maharaj chanted dhun in Akshar Swami Deri and prayed for the growth of Satsang, • ‘Swamishri’s Unparalleled Works’ by mandirs and sadhus.” Atmaswarup Swami The celebration assembly concluded at • Arti 10.00 p.m. All the devotees were given prasad • ‘God’s Doership’ by Mahant Swami of dhudh-pauva. • Swamishri inaugurated publications of Swaminarayan Aksharpith: ‘Shobhe Shri Ghanshyam’ (CD of bhajans sung

January 2011 u Swaminarayan Bliss 23 conclusion, Swamishri blessed the assembly our and festivity. Senior sadhus performed pujan saying, “Junagadh is a land of enlightened rishis. of Harikrishna Maharaj and the devotees hon- Bhagwan Swaminarayan came here as Nilkanth oured him. Varni. Gunatitanand Swami was appointed as the Mahant of the Mandir and he and his sadhus 24, Sunday, Gondal, Bal-Kishore Din toured the region to spread the knowledge of In the evening assembly, BAPS children per- Akshar and Purushottam.” Swamishri also formed a drama, ‘Don’t Forget Your Parents’. explained that our true form is atma, and as long Then Ghanshyamcharan Swami addressed par- as we believe ourselves to be the body we will ents about instilling values in children. Then experience misery and pain. The Gunatit Sadhu kishores enacted a drama ‘A Priceless Boon’. Fi- is the doorway to moksha. nally, Swamishri blessed the assembly, “Yogi Bapa wished and established bal mandals and 15, Friday, Junagadh yuvak mandals so that children and youths be Swamishri performed the murti-pratishtha nourished with values, excel in studies and grow rituals of arti and pujan of the murtis of Akshar- up to be very good volunteers, businessmen and Purushottam Maharaj, -Krishna Dev, officers. But today the educational curriculum is Shiv-Parvatiji, -Ram, Hanumanji, Ganapatiji such that students become troublesome and agi- and Guru Parampara for the BAPS hari mandir tative. When values like non-stealing, morality, in Jamala, Mahesana district. celibacy and non-addictions are introduced from a very young age, they stay till the end of one’s 17, Sunday, Junagadh; Vijaya Dashmi life. And that is why we have bal sabha, kishore With the blessings of Swamishri senior sadhus sabha and satsang sabha.” performed the foundation-stone laying ceremony of a shikharbaddh mandir at the birthplace of Yogiji 30, Saturday, Gondal; Conference of Gurukul Maharaj in Dhari. Swamishri was in Junagadh Alumuni and blessed the devotees gathered for the The annual gathering of past students who function by phone, “Today, the foundation-stone studied at the BAPS Gurukul in Gondal was laying ceremony has been performed by Mahant held on the mandir grounds. More than 1,200 Swami, Kothari Swami, Tyagvallabh Swami, ex-students attended. The assembly commenced Ishwarcharan Swami and Viveksagar Swami. I with reminiscences from past students. A drama, have prayed that God makes you all happier in ‘Dream’, was enacted by the Gurukul boys. Then life and grants you moksha for having offered seva Mahant Swami gave awards to outstanding for the birthplace of Yogiji Maharaj.” students of the Gurukul. This was followed by In the evening satsang assembly in Junagadh a traditional dance and offering of garlands to Viveksagar Swami, Tyagvallabh Swami and Swamishri. Another drama, ‘From Darkness to Ghanshyamcharan Swami addressed the gather- Light’, was performed by students of the Gurukul. ing of 10,000 devotees. Swamishri was honoured Finally, Swamishri emphasized in his blessings with garlands. Then the youths of BAPS Chhatra- about the need for values and understanding the laya, Junagadh, performed a traditional dance. glory of Yogiji Maharaj. Thereafter Swami blessed the evening assembly, eulogizing the saintliness of Gunatitanand Swa- November mi and Yogiji Maharaj. At 7.30 p.m. Swamishri’s 2, Tuesday, Gondal Harikrishna Maharaj was brought in a decorated Today the murti-pratishtha yagna for the palanquin into the assembly hall with great hon- consecration of the marble murtis of Bhagatji

24 Swaminarayan Bliss u January 2011 diwali, annakut and new year’s day 5-7 November 2010, Gondal

Offering of annakut before Thakorji, Gondal 5, Friday, Gondal; Diwali and Chopda Pujan Every year Swamishri celebrates this festival in After Swamishri’s morning puja, Mr John Gondal. A grand feast of a variety of vegetarian Malcolm (who is writing a biography on Sir foods was arranged before the deities in the John Malcolm, the Governor of Bombay State mandir and Akshar Deri. Swamishri arrived who had met Bhagwan Swaminarayan) was in Akshar Deri at 11.00 a.m., sang a thal and honoured by Viveksagar Swami. performed arti. Thereafter Swamishri came to Swamishri also inaugurated new Thakorji in the mandir, where the students of publications by Swaminarayan Aksharpith: Gondal Gurukul had commenced singing thals. , An Introduction, Sanskrutinad, More than 150 devotees were seated beneath Smruti Toran (photo album of Yogiji Maharaj), the mandir dome before the deities and 250 Vachanamrut (MP3) and a small replica devotees and sadhus were seated in the mandir of Bhagwan Swaminarayan’s murti in pradakshina viewing the bhakti rituals on close Swaminarayan Akshardham, New Delhi. circuit TV. After singing five thals Swamishri At 6.10 p.m. Swamishri performed the performed and arti. Thereafter rituals of chopda pujan (pujan of accounts books Swamishri blessed all. of devotees) in front of the mandir. Thousands of devotees also participated in the rituals. 7, Sunday, Gondal; New Year’s Day Viveksagar Swami gave a discourse on the After darshan of Akshar Deri and importance of chopda pujan and honoured Thakorji Swamishri performed his morning Swamishri with a garland. Finally, Swamishri puja. Thousands of devotees had assembled blessed the assembly and personally showered for the New Year’s darshan and blessings. flowers and rice grains to sanctify the accounts Swamishri blessed all, saying, “We have all books. got the benefit of celebrating New Year’s Day in Akshar Deri. We also celebrated Diwali and 6, Saturday, Gondal; Annakut Festival Annakut here. This place is such that whoever Annually the annakut festival is celebrated comes here experiences joy. People come from in all Hindu mandirs throughout the world. India and abroad – this is the attraction that

January 2011 u Swaminarayan Bliss 25 Yogiji Maharaj has bestowed. We are indeed festivals often so that we do not forget God and very fortunate to be here. One’s base natures his Sadhu. We experience obstacles in life, but are dissolved by coming to such holy places. they are for our good; we develop more love Sometimes we feel, ‘What will happen to us? for God and remember him more. What will be our destiny?’ But Swami says that “I pray to Shriji Maharaj to bless you all, to we are blessed. give you inner strength and happiness in life.” “By having God and his holy Sadhus in Finally, Kothari Jnanprasad Swami the forefront of all our activities, we will get honoured Swamishri with a garland. happiness, peace and joy in life. We celebrate

Maharaj, Shastriji Maharaj, Yogiji Maharaj and Bhagatji Maharaj – Pujya Tyagvallabh Swami, Pramukh Swami Maharaj in the newly extended Shastriji Maharaj – Pujya Mahant Swami, Yogiji pradakshina of the mandir commenced. The Maharaj – Pujya Ishwarcharan Swami, Pramukh murtis of Hanumanji and Ganapatiji were also Swami Maharaj – Pujya Viveksagar Swami, to be re-consecrated in the newly built shrines of Hanumanji – Pujya Siddheshwar Swami and the extended mandir pradakshina in front. At 7.30 Ganapatiji – Pujya Ghanshyamcharan Swami. a.m. the Vedic rituals commenced in the presence Devotees who had offered their services for the of senior sadhus. In all there were 136 yagna occasion were seated in the mandir pradakshina. kunds and 7 main kunds with 1,354 devotees as Swamishri performed pujan and arti of the the yajmans (participants). murtis of Bhagatji Maharaj, Shastriji Maharaj, Swamishri arrived at the yagnashala at 8.40 Yogiji Maharaj, Hanumanji and Ganapatiji. a.m. Along with the murtis of Guru Parampara there were also the marble murtis of Akshar- 14, Sunday, Rajkot; Kishore Din Purushottam Maharaj and Guru Parampara The evening satsang assembly commenced (canvas paintings) for the BAPS hari mandir with Viveksagar Swami’s discourse on the in Amraivadi, Ahmedabad. On behalf of Harililamrut. Then the kishores performed a Swamishri, Mahant Swami, Tyagvallabh Swami, drama, ‘A Priceless Boon’, and a traditional Ishwarcharan Swami and Viveksagar Swami dance in Swamishri’s presence. After Swamishri performed the pujan rituals. Thereafter Swamishri was honoured with garlands he blessed the blessed the assembly, “This place is great because assembly, “The satsang in Rajkot is wonderful. Yogiji Maharaj loved it immensely and blessed This is because Yogi Bapa had visited this city countless devotees and bestowed bliss upon often and blessed all with spiritual knowledge them. Today we have gathered for the pratishtha and bliss. Shriji Maharaj met Sir John Malcolm of the murtis of the Guru Parampara. So many here and blessed him and the people of Rajkot. devotees and sadhus are eager and happy on this Also, Shastriji Maharaj studied here and occasion. We have performed a yagna as part of Yogiji Maharaj had great love for the devotees the pratishtha rituals.” of Rajkot. Formerly we had a small mandir in Rajkot, and today we have a wonderful hall. 3, Wednesday, Gondal; Guru Parampara “The youths gave a good performance due to Pratishtha Mahotsav their love for satsang. If one has wealth but no After the mangala arti in the morning, the character then there is no peace in life.” pratishtha rituals of the Guru Parampara murtis More than 12,000 devotees attended the commenced at the hands of senior sadhus: satsang assembly.

26 Swaminarayan Bliss u January 2011 Kartiki Punam Festival 21 November 2010, Bochasan

Drama performed by youths during Kartiki Punam Festival, Bochasan A grand annakut was arranged before the Tyagvallabh Swami deities in the mandir. Swamishri performed • Drama: Sacrifice arti in all three shrines. • Sacrifice, Base of the Sanstha’s Develop- The theme of this morning’s celebration ment: Kothari Swami assembly was ‘Shastriji Maharaj’s endeavours • Satpurush, Essence of the Sanstha’s De- in spreading the upasana of Akshar- velopment: Mahant Swami Purushottam’. The programme included: • Traditional Dance: youths • Traditional dance: youths of Gana • Swamishri’s blessings. mandal In his blessings Swamishri stressed upon • Glory of Festivals: Sarvamangal Swami the power of God as the main element in the • Unity, Sacrifice and Satpurush: Brahma- development and progress of BAPS. Swamishri vihari Swami also eulogized upon the life and work of • Development of BAPS on Principles: Shastriji Maharaj. Viveksagar Swami More than 20,000 devotees attended the • Unity, Base of the Sanstha’s Development: festival assembly.

17, Wednesday, Rajkot; Prabodhini Ekadashi also emphasized upon the doership of God. Fi- Prior to his morning puja Swamishri came nally, Swamishri picked up different vegetables for Thakorji’s darshan in the mandir. A grand in turn and showed them to the assembly. The annakut of fresh vegetables, fruits and nuts devotees were in raptures at Swamishri’s divine were arranged in all three shrines. Swamishri darshan. showered his blessings upon the sadhus and devotees for the devotional offerings to the 28, Sunday, Bochasan deities. On arriving in the assembly hall for his Swamishri performed the murti-pratishtha morning puja, an impressive vegetable market rituals of murtis for the BAPS hari mandir in had been set on stage. Rudel. u

Swamishri blessed the assembly, praising Gujarati text: Sadhu Priyadarshandas their devotion and love for satsang. Swamishri Translation: Sadhu Vivekjivandas

January 2011 u Swaminarayan Bliss 27 BAPSBAPS NEWSNEWS Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s 90t h Birthday Celebrations December 2010, Anand and Chansad

A scene from the drama Sant Param Hitkari, Anand Youths perform a traditional dance, Chansad

rom 1 to 13 December 2010, the tenth birthday celebration in the presence of Pujya Fanniversary of BAPS Swaminarayan Mahant Swami. Mandir, Anand, and Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s On 7 December 2010, over 17,000 90th birthday were celebrated with a series of devotees gathered in the small village illuminating, inspiring and entertaining events: of Chansad, Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s Viveksaagar Swami’s Harililamrut parayan, birthplace, to celebrate his 90th birthday and annual day presentation by APC, Vidyanagar, offer their respects on this auspicious day. ‘Jivishu Swamini Mate’ – a drama on the service, In the presence of Pujya Mahant Swami, the sacrifice, devotion and courage of the pioneering celebration assembly featured speeches by senior devotees of Anand, devotional bhajans by BAPS sadhus, bhajans, a drama, a dance and audio- sadhus and Sant Param Hitkari Part 2 – a 3-hour visual shows, all elaborating upon the inspiring drama depicting the life, work and saintly virtues assembly theme: ‘Karu Vandana, He Pramukhji of Pramukh Swami Maharaj. Tamari…’ – ‘O Pramukhji, I Bow to You…’. The festivities concluded on 13 December Also present in the celebration assembly were with over 25,000 attending Swamishri’s 90th local leaders and other dignitaries. u BAPS Raisan Tops Gita Chanting Competition 22 October 2010, Ahmedabad, India tudents of BAPS Vidyamandir, Raisan the famous . Swere among the over one thousand In the finals 11 students of BAPS Vidyamandir, students from different schools throughout Raisan, won awards in different age groups and Ahmedabad participating in the annual Bhagavad BAPS Vidyamandir, Raisan, received the best Geeta shloka chanting competition organized by participating school award. the Chinmaya Mission in Ahmedabad. This year We congratulate all the students and staff for the young students, from Standards 1 to 10 were their outstanding achievements. required to learn and chant the tenth adhyaya of u

28 Swaminarayan Bliss u January 2011 Inaugural Lecture at BAPS Swaminarayan Research Institute Swaminarayan Akshardham, New Delhi 14 November 2010 he inaugural lecture at the recently traditional lighting of the lamp, Ms. Bhargava Topened BAPS Swaminarayan Research was honoured with flowers. Institute in Swaminarayan Akshardham, New In her presentation, Ms. Anju Bharagav Delhi, was held on 14 November 2010, with emphasized on seva in society through mandirs, support from the BAPS Women’s Wing in churches, mosques and other religious places of New Delhi. Titled ‘Social Services in Dharmic worship. Explaining the importance of rituals, she Dimensions’, the lecture was delivered by the said, “Many people feel rituals are unnecessary. chief guest, Ms. Anju Bhargava, founder of the Why should we have rituals? What is the meaning Hindu American Seva Charities (HASC) and a behind them? It is not mindless; it is actually member of President Obama’s Advisory Council mind-expansion. It is an inner journey [to] Sat- on Faith Based and Neighborhood partnership, a chit-anand, which is the Hindu goal of life.” Senior Vice President at Bank of America and a Then, during the question-answer session Principal Director at Global Synergy Associates. the chief speaker insightfully answered the The event was chaired by Ms. Nitaben Shah, audience’s questions and engaged in a healthy Director of State e-governance and senior discussion on society and spiritualism. BAPS Women’s Activities volunteer for the past The inaugural function concluded with an 30 years. After the opening Vedic and address by chairperson, Ms. Nitaben Shah. u Lt. Governor General of Delhi Visits Akshardham and BAPS Swaminarayan Vidyamandir, Raisan 4 December 2010, India n 4 December boosted their morale and O2010, Lt. Governor emphasized the necessity General of Delhi, Shri of a spiritual environment Tejendra Khanna, visited in educational institutions, the BAPS Swaminarayan since unless there is Vidyamandir at Raisan, inner and outer balance a near Gandhinagar. He was person’s life is disturbed welcomed in traditional and becomes unstable. style by children of the Before departing, he pre-primary section, who applied a tilak while expressed his best wishes for the success and chanting Vedic shlokas. progress of the school, staff and students. He visited all three sections of the school and Shri Tejendra Khanna also visited was extremely delighted by the enthusiasm of Swaminarayan Akshardham in Gandhinagar the school management, teachers and students. to see the recently opened Sat-Chit-Anand He also appreciated the extra-curricular watershow and was touched by the remarkable achievements by the students. presentation and its spiritual message. In an illuminating discourse with the u students of Standard 10 Shri Tejendra Khanna

January 2011 u Swaminarayan Bliss 29 World Diabetes Day Celebrated at Swaminarayan Akshardham, New Delhi 13 November 2010 n the evening Blue Fortnight and Oof 13 November president of Delhi Diabetic 2010, celebration of Forum, Dr Subhash World Diabetes Day, Wangnoo; Vice President India, commenced at of International Diabetes Swaminarayan Akshar- Federation, Ms. Anne dham in New Delhi, as Belton and other notable part of the largest ever corporate and medical campaign in the country to dignitaries. raise awareness on World Diabetes Day through The Blue Monument Lighting Challenge is a the Blue Monument Lighting Challenge. global movement in which 660 monuments in The lighting of Swaminarayan Akshardham nearly 72 countries have been lit so far. “It has kicked off India’s participation for the first time been happening in western countries for nearly in the Blue Monument Lighting Challenge, a a decade now. This is the first time we have call to illuminate iconic landmarks, monuments attempted something like this in India,” said Dr and buildings all over the world in the official Subhash Wangnoo. blue colour of World Diabetes Day. The kickoff ceremony culminated with the The inaugural ceremony was held in the Danish Ambassador illuminating Swaminarayan Swaminarayan Hall at Akshardham amidst a Akshardham in the blue colour with a press of large gathering of diabetic children and adults, a button and thus simultaneously bathing over charity groups, NGOs and national media, the 50 monuments and buildings across New Delhi, Heal Foundation, Project Hope, Ministry of including, India Gate, Qutub Minar, Red Fort, Health, Govt. of India and other organizations. Old Fort, National Museum and other landmarks Event attendees included the Danish of Delhi, with blue light. Ambassador to India, H.E. Freddy Svane and After the ceremony, 50 lanterns were lit in his family; Chair of the Canadian Diabetes the mandir courtyard and sent up into the night Association, Aileen Knip; Chairman of Diabetes sky. u Annual Regional Kishore-Kishori Shibirs Theme: Yuvano Jago 10 to 16 November 2010, Sarangpur uring the Diwali Vacation, kishores The eligibility criteria for the kishores and Dand kishoris from Surat and Bhavnagar kishoris to attend this shibir were as follows: (1) participated in the Annual Regional Kishore- Daily Puja, (2) Over 80% attendance in the weekly Kishori Shibirs held in Sarangpur. This year’s assembly and (3) Memorize Vachanamrut, theme for all the regional shibirs is ‘Yuvano Gadhada II 61 and Yogi Gita. Jago’ – ‘Arise Youths’. The kishores and kishoris arrived in Sarangpur First, from 9 to 13 November, around 2,600 for the shibir from 10 to 13 November, held in the kishores and kishoris from Surat attended the presence of Pujya Mahant Swami. shibir held in Sarangpur. The shibir topics were presented through

30 Swaminarayan Bliss u January 2011 Youths of Surat meditate during a shibir session Kishores from Bhavnagar participate in a game speeches by Mahant Swami and other Together with speeches by Mahant Swami and experienced sadhus, question-answer sessions, other experienced sadhus the shibir theme was interviews, seminars, debates, quizzes, skits, reinforced through question-answer sessions, dances, games and other involvement programs. audio-visual presentations, group discussion The topics covered included: Goal, Effort, sessions, debates, skits and involvement games. Kusang, Generation Gap, Niyam-Dharma, Topics presented included Vachanamrut, Brahmacharya: The Ornament of Youth: Hindu , Niyam-Dharma, Self Control, Dharma, and BAPS. Goal Attainment, Nitya Puja, Mansi Puja, Ideal Expressing the debt owed to their parents and Home, Respect for Parents, Understanding elders the kishores and kishoris wrote a letter to Parents, Swaminarayan Sampradaya and Hindu their parents appreciating what they have done Dharma. for them and pledging to serve them for life. The Before departing, the youngsters pledged to letters were then posted from Sarangpur to Surat perform daily puja, attend the weekly kishore on that day. assembly, bow daily to parents and develop firm Then, from 13 to 16 November 2010, around 640 faith in Bhagwan Swaminarayan. kishores and kishoris of Bhavnagar participated In all, the shibirs served to awaken the kishores in the Annual Regional Kishore-Kishori Shibir and kishoris to lead lives that will truly please held in Sarangpur. guru Pramukh Swami Maharaj. u Worldwide Diwali, Annakut and New Year Celebrations 5-7 November 2010 housands of devotees celebrated Diwali, first meal of the New Year to thank God for TAnnakut and the Hindu New Year at his providence over the past year and to seek BAPS centres throughout India, USA, UK, his blessings for the year ahead. Photographs Canada, Africa, -Pacific and the Middle East of annakuts offered at some BAPS mandirs are from Friday 5 to Sunday 7 November 2010. shown on the following pages. On Diwali, devotees participated in the On New Year’s Day devotees visited their traditional, auspicious Chopda Pujan ceremony local mandirs and resolved to live by the ideals in which accounts books for coming year are taught by Bhagwan Swaminarayan. sanctified. Pramukh Swami Maharaj was in Gondal for On the following day, Annakut was celebrated these celebrations and thousands of devotees with the devotional offering of hundreds of came there to seek his blessings during this freshly prepared vegetarian delicacies to the auspicious time. deities. It signifies the devout offering of the u

January 2011 u Swaminarayan Bliss 31 Surat, India Sarangpur, India

New Delhi, India

Rajkot, India Mumbai, India

32 Swaminarayan Bliss u January 2011 Ahmedabad, India Lenasia, South Africa

Sydney, Australia Melbourne, Australia

Atlanta, USA Houston, USA

January 2011 u Swaminarayan Bliss 33 London, UK

Toronto, Canada Chicago, USA

Edison, USA

34 Swaminarayan Bliss u January 2011 1 2

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SWAMISHRI’S 90TH BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS Mumbai and Anand

1. Swamishri bows at the feet of Shri Nilkanth Varni, Mumbai (13 December 2010). 2. Youths honour Swamishri on his birthday with a traditional dance, Mumbai (13 December 2010). 3. Devotees gathered in Anand for the Mandir Decennial and Swamishri’s birthday celebrations (1-13 December 2010). 4. Spiritual leaders pay tribute to Swamishri in a special assembly, Anand (1-13 December 2010). 5. Children and teenagers present a lively dance during the performance of Sant Param Hitkari Part-2, Anand. 1

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4 5 GOLDEN ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS OF BAPS MANDIR IN KAMPALA, UGANDA 1. The newly installed murtis in the BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir at Kampala. (Inset: BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir, Kampala, Uganda) 2-3. Senior sadhus perform the Vedic installation rituals. 4. Grand procession of the murtis through the streets of Kampala. 5. Youths present a traditional dance during the cultural programme.

Printed and Published by Sadhu Swayamprakashdas on behalf of Swaminarayan Aksharpith and Printed at Swaminarayan Mudran Mandir, Shahibaug Road, Ahmedabad - 380 004 and Published from Swaminarayan Aksharpith, Shahibaug Road, Ahmedabad - 380 004. Editor: Sadhu Swayamprakashdas.