"Satpurush-Mahant Swami Maharaj"

HH MAHANT SWAMI MAHARAJ

His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj is the sixth and current spiritual successor of Bhagwan Swaminarayan. He was ordained as a sadhu by Yogiji Maharaj in 1961 and named Swami Keshavjivandas. Soon after, he was appointed as the head (mahant) of the BAPS Swaminarayan mandir in Mumbai and its resident sadhus, and has since been respectfully known as ‘Mahant Swami’.

His outstanding virtues of austerity, devotion, humility and service earned him the innermost blessings of his gurus Yogiji Maharaj (18921971) and Pramukh Swami Maharaj (1921-2016).

Upon the passing of Pramukh Swami Maharaj in August 2016, and having been revealed by him as his spiritual successor, Mahant Swami Maharaj now presides as the current guru and spiritual guide of countless devotees, helming also the worldwide socio-spiritual activities of BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha. He travels throughout the world inspiring millions through his insightful discourses and saintly life.

His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj graced Neasden Temple from Tuesday 2 May to Thursday 8 June 2023 to bless the people of UK and Europe.

Gujarat Samachar

What is Hinduism for the world today? It is actually an ancient religion that has been practised since ancient times. More than 125 crore people in the world have made this eternal religion their chosen way of life and are following it. Actually, Hinduism or Sanatan Dharma is not a religion. It is truly a way of living, which cannot be defined in any way. My respected readers, in today's age there are many sects, ways of life and creeds that adopt our eternal system and values.

The motto of Sanatan Dharma has been derived from the Rigveda- ‘ ो

ु :’- which means- “let noble thoughts come to us from all directions”. Sanatan, a way of life based on eternal values, was not initiated by any particular person or at any particular day or time. Sanatan Dharma is constantly and endlessly changing, just as nature and human lifestyle change. Ideologically, there is no rigidity or fixed confinement, making it a constantly flowing, pure source of water. Our newspaper follows the same instrument of thought.

In this era, Bochasanvasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) has a prominent position in India and abroad. It is our good fortune that this sect was established as a result of the infusion of Sattva based on eternal values by Param Pujya Shastri Maharaj. After him we have the greatness of Yogi Baba, Pramukh Swami Maharaj and now Mahant Swami Maharaj to look up to. Be it the monism of Adi Guru Shankaracharya, the dualism of Madhav Acharya, the positivism of Mahamuni Charvak, the pluralism of Tirthankar Mahavir Swami or the middle path of Tathagata Buddha, everyone's ideas have been given a

THE EVER ETERNAL, SANATAN INSTRUMENT OF THOUGHT

CB Patel Publisher & Editor-in-Chief

great place in Sanatan Dharma. Every human being has been continuously finding and adopting his own values, as a result of which many sects are growing as the branches of a giant banyan tree of Sanatan Dharma.

Speaking of my good fortune, Pramukh Swami Maharaj introduced me to Pujya Mahant Swami, in 1981. I would like to humbly submit that very few people in Britain or abroad will be as lucky as I am to have the darshan of Param Pujya Shastri ji, Param Pujya Yogi ji Maharaj and Param Pujya Pramukh Swami Maharaj on the same day at Bochasan Temple. I am forever thankful for the opportunity to serve our family, even before the establishment of BAPS.

Taking our service further, all of us at Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar (ABPL) Publication, are humbled to publish a small volume covering the journey of Pujya Mahant Swami in Britain. It covers various aspects of His Holiness Mahant Swami's life, works, policy, way of life and friendliness, from which you will definitely gain something and be impressed for sure. He continues to contribute as generously today, as he did as a Mahant to the Swaminarayan Temple in Dadar, Mumbai, from the very beginning.

Pujya Mahant Swami speaks very little but his words have a special impact. He is like the CEO of a global corporate company whose single gesture equally inspires priests, Vishnu devotees, supporters and volunteers to join in on the good work. A great example of his leadership is the Yashkalagi Samana festival. For the first time in Britain, this wonderful event encompassing the entire Hindu culture, was celebrated on May 19, 2023. It brought communities together and led to the emergence of British

Hinduism. As a result of the genius of Param Pujya Mahant Swami and the whispers and conscientious efforts of BAPS saints and activists, leaders of all Hindu communities and sects gathered. It was as if, the rivers had united and churned in to form the Mahanadi. All were simply present, none too small or too big. All were followers of Sanatan Dharma and were proud of the high traditions and way of life in the dharma. These followers were respected for their values and witnessing all of them on one stage made me very emotional. This was an improbable achievement for BAPS.

Coming back to the magazine, a conscientious attempt has been made to provide information related to Param Pujya Mahant Swami along with other useful, informative and inspiring details that help lead a better life. The magazine has come together due to the meticulous work done by our Group Editor Maheshbhai Liloria and other colleagues. The magazine wouldn’t have come together without the amazing and unwavering support of our long-standing readers. I am proud to present this special and exclusive issue to all our readers. I humbly request you to read this vachan prasadi and meditate on it with all your heart. Our faith is that you will bless us by reading this Prasad and the pride of Sanatan Dharma will remain resolute.

Again, we salute and bow down to Param Pujya Mahant Swami, Swaminarayan Hindu Mission, Swaminarayan Mandir, Neasdon and Param Pujya Ishwar Charan Swami, Param Pujya Brahmavihari Swami, London-based Yogvivekdas Swami and senior priests from all over the world for involving us in the act of advancing our eternal culture.

BHAGWAN SWAMINARAYAN AND THE GURU PARAMPARA

Bhagwan Swaminarayan (1781-1830 CE) founded the Swaminarayan Sampradaya, a renowned Vaishnav Hindu tradition, at the beginning of the 19th century. Largely based in Gujarat, it has gradually flourished across many parts of India and various countries around the world. Bhagwan Swaminarayan – worshipped as the supreme God by countless people – revealed the Vedic theology of Akshar-Purushottam as the basis of the Sampradaya.

CHILDHOOD TEENAGE YEARS

Bhagwan Swaminarayan manifested on the auspicious day of Rama Navmi in Chhapaiya, near Ayodhya, in North India. Known as Ghanshyam in his childhood, he was pious, studious and virtuous; his divine aura brought peace and joy to all.

At the age of 11, Bhagwan Swaminarayan renounced his home and embarked on a 7year, 8,000-mile pilgrimage of India, during which he was known as Nilkanth. He walked barefoot throughout India and parts of Nepal, braving extremes of heat and cold and visiting many sacred sites.

Gujarat Samachar

hment and upliftment, de ual aspirants.

HIS HOLINESS MAHANNT SWAMI MAHARAJ countless spiritu

FOUNDED THE SWAMINARAYAN SAMPRADAYA

SPIRITUAL INSPIRATION

Aged 18, Nilkanth settled in the ashram of guru Ramanand Swami in Loj, Gujarat, and accepted initiation into the sadhu-fold. Renamed Sahajanand Swami, his life of discipline, devotion and dedicated service touched all. Before passing away, Ramanand Swami appointed the 20-year-old Sahajanand Swami in his place as the head of the fellowship. Sahajanand Swami then gave the ‘Swaminarayan’ mantra for his devotees to chant and thus came to be known as Bhagwan Swaminarayan.

SOCIAL REFORMS AND WOMEN’S ACTIVITIES

Bhagwan Swaminarayan’s practical spirituality appealed to and attracted people from all strata of society, helping them to regain their lost values and piety. He taught his householder disciples basic moral codes and inspired them to abstain from alcohol, meat-eating, dishonesty, adultery and improper habits of manner and diet. Such was his divine magnetism that he attracted 3,000 youths to be ordained as sadhus (Hindu monks) to lead an austere life of devotion to God and service to society. Among his leading ascetic disciples was Aksharbrahma Gunatitanand Swami.

SACRED TEXTS

Through his discourses, Bhagwan Swaminarayan revealed the Vedic doctrine of Akshar-Purushottam (Bhakta-Bhagwan), teaching that one must become Aksharrup ('like Akshar') and worship Purushottam to attain Akshardham, the divine abode of God. His spiritual teachings were compiled in his presence by four of his most senior and learned sadhus to form the Vachanamrut shastra.

Bhagwan Swaminarayan initiated many spiritual and social projects in order to remedy society’s ailing conditions and re-ignite fading spirituality. Among other activities, he operated alms-houses, built and replenished wells.

He reformed society which was downtrodden with abhorrent customs, such as the drowning of new-born girls in milk (dudhpiti) and the burning of widows at their husband’s pyre (sati pratha). Bhagwan Swaminarayan denounced such practices and actively worked towards their elimination. He raised the status of women by educating them and encouraged them to take a leading role in their communities. Bhagwan Swaminarayan revolutionised the social landscape by establishing women as an integral part of society. Today in BAPS, women’s activities are integral to its progress.

He was succeeded by: Brahmaswarup Bhagatji Maharaj (1829-1897), Brahmaswarup Shastriji Maharaj (1865-1951), Brahmaswarup Yogiji Maharaj (1892-1971), Brahmaswarup Pramukh Swami Maharaj (1921-2016) and, currently, Pragat Brahmaswarup Mahant Swami Maharaj (b. 1933). In his own lifetime, countless devotees revered Bhagwan Swaminarayan as Purushottam – Supreme God.

MANDIRS AND SUCCESSION

Bhagwan Swaminarayan built six magnificent traditional shikharbaddha mandirs to serve as centres of spirituality and service.

But of all the various aspects of Bhagwan Swaminarayan’s legacy, the most important was his promise to remain ever-present on earth through the manifest form of Aksharbrahma, the God-realised Sadhu.

It is this succession that has sustained the ideals of Bhagwan Swaminarayan in their pristine form. The first in this spiritual succession was Aksharbrahma Gunatitanand Swami (1785-1867).

CELEBRATING BRITISH HINDU CONTRIBUTIONS

Yogvivekdas Swami

A very inspiring event at the iconic Neasden Temple ‘Celebrating British Hindu Contributions’ on 19 May 2023 brought together over 40 diverse Hindu communities from around the UK to celebrate the wide array of contributions from British Hindus. The Head Swami of the Neasden Temple Sadhu Yogvivekdas Swami delivered the welcome speech.

Namaste, Jay Swaminarayan, and a very warm welcome to everyone present here today. I am honoured to welcome you all for this very special celebration of British Hinduism at Neasden Temple.

Today’s event is OUR event – an event for ALL Hindus across the country. His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj, the spiritual leader of BAPS, has organised this event for us to celebrate our collective contributions, to learn from each other, to be inspired, and to make meaningful connections with one another. This is Mahant Swami Maharaj’s vision for our gathering today.

In 1991, when Pramukh Swami Maharaj placed the foundation stone of this mandir and in 1995 when he inaugurated this mandir – on both occasions, he echoed one sentiment: he said this mandir is for all people and that this mandir will serve Sanatan Hindu Dharma, it will nourish faith in God, and it will bring peace to all those who visit. So I’m sure Pramukh Swami Maharaj is delighted at this event organised tonight, as the mandir is serving the purpose for which he had created it.

As we know, Hinduism is the world’s oldest living religion, with a rich cultural and spiritual heritage. Over the years, Hinduism has spread across the world, and today it is practised by millions of people, including those of us here in the United Kingdom.

We are gathered here today to celebrate the rich cultural and spiritual heritage of Hinduism in Britain.

Today’s event is an opportunity to deepen our understanding of the rich and diverse spiritual traditions that make up British Hinduism. Today’s event is an moment for us to connect with each other. Today’s event is a time to celebrate our shared values and to honour the valuable contributions that British Hindus have made and continue to make to our society.

So it gives me great pleasure – on behalf of guru Mahant Swami Maharaj and everyone who is a part of the BAPS Swaminarayan Hindu fellowship in the UK – to welcome you all to this evening titled ‘Celebrating British Hindu Contributions’.

I pray to all our Hindu deities, gurus and sages that we are all collectively enriched and inspired this evening. Thank you.

BAPS Shri Swaminarayan

Mandir, Neasden hosted an inspiring community event on 24 May 2023 in the presence of His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj and esteemed guests from all over the country. The event was a testament to unity, community service, and interfaith harmony.

Paramtattvadas Swami gave an amazing and inspiring intro of HH Mahant Swami Maharaj.

Ihavesix minutes. Six minutes to introduce someone who embodies the millennia of goodness from the Hindu faith.

Six minutes to explain how he is the sixth direct spiritual successor in a tradition that is over 200 years old, revealed by Bhagwan Swaminarayan at the turn of the 19th century.

Six minutes – well, five and a half now – to unpack not just a Hindu

CELEBRATING COMMUNITY FAITH, SERVICE & GLOBAL HARMONY

spiritual leader, but a being, an inspiration.

In the video earlier, we got a glimpse into some of his work, his teachings, values, and some of his contributions to humanity. His life is indeed an example for us all in our quest for personal peace and global harmony.

But if we could go beyond the physical…

Yes, he has created 350 temple in the 7 years that he has become the worldwide guru of BAPS. That’s one a week!

And yes, he continues to nourish the 1200 temples already created by his predecessor His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj. Each mandir, like this Neasden Temple, is a source of goodness which spreads its rays of service, love, and devotion across the communities they inhabit.

And yes, he’s established 13 academic research institutes around the world – in Canada, in the US, in Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa, Australia, and here in London – all established to advancing research on our understandings of peace and harmony, engaging freely in the spirit of academic discourse and debate.

Yes, he has inspired hundreds of publications that elaborate on the

ideals of worship, service, devotion, and morality.

Yes, there over one thousand of us monks under his leadership…

All of this goodness, positivity, and harmony, emanating from each of these temples, institutes, and publications around the world is ultimately stemming from the direct and consistent guidance of Mahant Swami Maharaj.

Every single activity, event and service project within BAPS is the direct result of His Holiness’s energy, guidance and vision.

He is an active leader at the age of 89. Day in day out, through regular phone calls, video calls, letters and meetings, he generates, creates, and guides. Every second is used in the service of others. I have personally seen this. There will be only a minute where he is waiting for somebody, and in that moment he will take a phone call or reply to a letter or meet someone.

Never looking out for himself. With no regard for his own self. In 1998, he underwent bypass surgery, and in the same year he travelled to over 384 villages. That’s a new village every single day. The following year, he visited 580 villages, in 2000 651 villages, and in 2001 613 villages! These are staggering numbers, but beyond the digits, what

Paramtattvadas Swami

does it reveal? It shows the level of love, harmony and spirituality he has fostered through these travels. Visiting a village means multiple home visits to counsel families and mend broken homes, it involves spiritual assemblies and discourses, and ultimately these visits consist of sitting one to one with individuals to guide them, relieve them of miseries, and help them advance spiritually. Travelling on dusty roads, in bullock carts, in vans, cars, tractors. Arising at 3.45am and sleeping at 11 o’clock, with only a little rest in the afternoon, he is a living example of working hard for the pursuit of harmony.

And despite leading so much, creating so much and receiving so much global acclaim, if we look at him, he is always so serene, so light, so humble, and so peaceful. The secret behind this is his innate and strong faith in God. We can see before our very eyes today, he exudes a natural humility and grace. It is the integrity, genuine-

ness, love, and truthfulness that so many experience with him.

For decades, he wakes up daily at 3.45am and then sits in meditation and prayers for 45 minutes. In that time he individually remembers countries, cities, and people and prays for their peace and wellbeing. This is the internal spirituality, and pure intent which are the core of his being.

His life’s work is to connect others to God and to make others live a spiritual, moral, and joyful life. For years, he has been discoursing for an average of two hours every day and the depth of his teachings reflect the extent to which he lives them. All those who have heard his teachings appreciate the startling depth and authenticity of them.

In 2020, at the age of 86, Mahant Swami himself wrote a scripture comprised of 315 shlokas called the Satsang Diksha for contemporary everyday spiritual living. The scripture spans a range of top-

ics from living harmoniously within the family and community to offeri ng devotion to God with pure intentions. It can serve as a roadmap for personal peace and global harmony.

I had six minutes to encompass all this and so much more. I’m sure I failed miserably. So much of your work and values, your wisdom remains unexplored. I am learning each day.

What I can say, from personal experience, is that in your presence, we find peace. We know love. We are inspired.

You are a global ambassador of peace, love and harmony.

We are honoured to be in your presence today. Your creations inspire us, for sure, but even more so, your integrity, your humility, your purity, and your hard work and selfless, unconditional love, and the teachings which you embody inspire us.

OUR GOAL IS TO RELIEVE WIDESPREAD POVERTY, DISTRESS AND SUFFERING WESTCOMBE CHARITABLE FOUNDATION

“For over 50 years the Westcombe Group has successfully built and managed property portfolios. We came from humble beginnings and believe that giving back is an essential part of our work.

Our philanthropic arm, the Westcombe Foundation, has changed lives across the world.

EDUCATION & WELLBEING

Earthquake in Nepal 25 April 2015: Westcombe Foundation provided emergency support such as food, drinking water, blankets, tent/tin roof, sanitation and water supply and building support such as corrugated tin sheets.

Mumbai toilet block

The foundation opened a school toilet block in Mumbai, promoting cleanliness and health in the school, as well as encouraging teenage girls to continue attending classes during menses.

Mass Wedding

Westcombe Foundation organized a Mass wedding ceremony for 2 consecutive years 2018 and 2019 for the people of the economically weaker

HEALTHCARE

Cancer Hospital

Kubir Cancer Hospital in Jamnagar was decaying through lack of infrastructure and funding, Westcombe Foundation provided new medical equipment that led to this becoming the first hospital of its kind in Gujarat.

Leukemia Hospital

Westcombe foundation set up the Apollo Leukemia Hospital Trust in Mumbai and funded a chemotherapy unit.

Jaipur foot project

Through the Jaipur Foot Project the foundation made a generous donation of 160 wheelchairs and business tricycles, 50 limbs and food for 20 children’s homes and 30 prosthetic feet for people all over the country. The foundation donated walking aids to more than 100 disabled residents, as well as food for

From Nepal to Nairobi, and India to England through its goal to relieve widespread poverty, distress, and suffering.”

“One of the main societal problems in the UK, and across the world, is homelessness. Too many people don’t have access to the safe and secure housing which they deserve. Through our very own housing association, the Dholak Partnership, Westcombe Group provides affordable homes, such as those rented to key workers during the pandemic.”

and the underprivileged section of the society.

Clean water facilities at schools

Westcombe identified Government Primary School Phase 2 as one of these schools & took the initiative to transform this scenario through Yuva. Construction or Renovation of Clean Water Stands and Dishwashing Area and Installation of Reverse Osmosis Units. Our contribution helped bring smiles on the faces of 630 students by transforming schools in Chandigarh,

Punjab.

Ongoing: Guide Dogs – Blindness changes everything

Through the Guide Dogs charity, we endeavour thousands of people with sight loss to lead confident, independent and fulfilling lives.

Ongoing: Sense – Disability isn’t a barrier, lack of support is!

Through Sense charity we take action to help individuals with disabilities adapt to today’s world in a way that allows them to thrive.

20 children’s homes, eco-friendly stoves and solar lamps in the town of Nyeri.

Lions SightFirst Eye Hospital

In 2016 Westcombe foundation successfully funded The Lions Sight First Eye Hospital in Kenya helping with 250 cataract surgeries.

Mobility and care for the disabled

Westcombe Charitable Orphanage set up in Porbandar, Gujarat for children born without limbs. Water facilities

After witnessing the debilitating spread of malaria caused by the lack of pure clean drinking water the

foundation supplied fresh clean drinking water to households across Nairobi, saving many lives.

The Prince’s Trust

Westcombe foundation has been a principal sponsor of the Royal Charity Polo Day, an annual event for 3 years 2012, 2013 and 2015 at Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Berkshire estate. The foundation gave a sizable amount to the Prince Harry and Duke of Cambridge charities Sentebale operating in Lesotho to help the orphans and vulnerable children who are the forgotten victims of extreme poverty and HIV/AIDS epidemic.

VRAJ PANKHANIA

SHELTER

Acton Homeless Concern

We are committed to supporting homeless people and providing a helping hand in times of need, which is why we’ve partnered with Acton Homeless Concern to donate food, clothing and other essential items.

Old people’s home, Barnet

Our ongoing financial support to Barnet Asians old people association has allowed the voluntary group to maintain its services despite local

SPIRITUALITY

Ram Katha

Ram Katha in 2009 was recited by Morari Bapu at Wembley arena for 8 days.

Shiv Puran

Shiv Puran in 2016 was recited by Giri Bapu at Harrow leisure center for 7 days.

Shrimad Bhagwat Katha

Vrajbhai is naturally spiritual and believes in “serving others is equal to

COVID 19

Cryogenic tank

Through Sandipani Vidyaniketan Sanstha, Westcombe foundation sponsored a 21,000 liter capacity cryogenic oxygen tank dedicated to Bhavsinhji General Hospital in Porbandar.

Food bank Westcombe foundation in partnership with Trussell Trust and

Vraj Pankhania

Vraj Pankhania is the Founder and Chairman of Westcombe Group, and founder of the Westcombe Foundation - a philanthropic organisation focused on helping those facing homelessness and home insecurity in the UK.

Family is crucially important to Vraj, both with his own business, Westcombe Group, and with the Westcombe Foundation. The Pankhania family originally hails from the Gujarat region of India. Over 100

Westcombe

authority funding cuts.

Old people’s home, Vrajdham

Vrajdham is a home away from home accommodation built for the most vulnerable people protecting against the global Covid-19 pandemic.

Crisis.org

With our ongoing support to Crisis.org we assist people affected by homelessness to gain skills, build their confidence and make changes to overcome their homelessness.

serving oneself and serving oneself is equal to serving others”. Thus, keeping this belief in mind Westcombe Foundation sponsored and hosted various social and religious gatherings

in the UK for the upliftment of the society.

Shrimad Bhagwat Katha in 2018 recited by Ramesh Bhai Oza at Wembley arena for 8 days.

have successfully managed to meet the needs of the destitute, hungry and vulnerable residents during the pandemic.

Christmas meal

years ago the family travelled to East Africa, where Vraj was born. Vraj came from a humble background in Kenya and, having been forced to relocate to the UK, decided to start his own business.

Throughout his career, Vraj has been motivated by making a positive difference to people and communities in need of emergency support. Vraj has funded a wide range of philanthropic projects, inspiring him to create the Westcombe Foundation,

Working in partnership with national homelessness charity Crisis we have managed to provide people with a hot meal, Christmas dinner and a safe place to stay.

helping people by providing over £500k of support per year towards healthcare facilities and emergency aid, enhancing education, donating food and more.

Vraj Pankhania is on the list of Top 100 Influential People as one of their winners for the year 2023. The Top 100 programme highlights and rewards individuals who are truly influential, affecting and impacting society across a broad range of sectors.

If you would like to make a donation or contribute to Westcombe Foundation in any way, please don’t hesitate to get in touch by email: info@westcombefoundation.com

LETTER OF REVELATION BY PRAMUKH SWAMI MAHARAJ

On 20 July 2012, in the presence of senior sadhus, His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj revealed in a handwritten letter that Mahant Swami (Sadhu Keshavjivandas) would succeed him as the spiritual guru and president of BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha. This letter was read by Sadhu Swayamprakashdas (Pujya Doctor Swami), a senior sadhu of BAPS, on 14 August 2016 during a special prayer assembly in Sarangpur following the passing of Pramukh Swami Maharaj the previous day.

Swami Shriji

Shri Akshar Purushottam Mandir, 20-7-2012, Friday Shahibaug, AhmedabadShravan sud 1, 2068

I would like to inform all the sadhus and householder devotees of Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha, established by Brahmaswarup Shastriji Maharaj, Swamishri Yagnapurushdasji, that I appoint with happiness and joy, and in my fullest conscious state, Pujya Mahant Swami, Sadhu Keshavjivandas (Guru Gnanjivandas), as the President of BAPS, that is, as the guru, after my physical departure.

Jai Swaminarayan from Shastri Narayanswarupdas Guru Yagnapurushdasji

H HIS HOLINESS MAHANT SWAMI MAHARAJ

His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj (Swami Keshavjivandasji) is the sixth and present spiritual guru of BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha.

Mahant Swami Maharaj was born to Dahiben and Manibhai Narayanbhai Patel on 13 September 1933 (Bhadarva vad 9, Samvat 1989) in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, India. A short while later, Brahmaswarup Shastriji Maharaj, the founder of BAPS, visited Jabalpur, where he blessed the newborn child and named him Keshav. His family also lovingly called him Vinu.

Vinubhai lived in Jabalpur during his formative years, completing his primary and secondary education in an English-medium school. He displayed tremendous academic brilliance for which his teachers and peers regularly commended him. On one occasion, in his eighth year, he compiled an essay on moral science; specifically on virtues. The marker was astonished. The principal was

equally impressed upon reading the essay. He told Vinubhai, “At such a young age, you have such lofty thoughts. When you are older, you will definitely become a great priest.”

In 1951-52, he came into the contact of His Holiness Yogiji Maharaj, the spiritual successor of Brahmaswarup Shastriji Maharaj.

Impressed by Yogiji Maharaj’s spiritual charisma and selfless love, he travelled with Yogiji Maharaj during his summer vacations. Yogiji Maharaj’s love drew the young Vinubhai closer towards him.

Vinubhai completed 12th grade at Christ Church Boys’ Senior Secondary School in Jabalpur. Thereafter, Manibhai’s family moved back to Anand where Vinubhai began further

studies. He enrolled at Vithalbhai Patel (V.P.) Science College and completed his prerequisite courses prior to transferring to Bansilal Amrutlal College of Agriculture in Anand.

Vinubhai graduated with a bachelor’s degree in agriculture, and through his association with Yogiji Maharaj he was inspired to take the path of renunciation. On 2 February 1957, Yogiji Maharaj gave him parshad diksha at the Akshar Deri in Gondal, and renamed him Vinu Bhagat. Then, Yogiji Maharaj told him to accompany him in his spiritual tours to look after his daily

correspondence and other services. On 3 July 1960, in Mumbai, Yogiji Maharaj initiated Vinubhai again as a parshad in a ceremony in which he initiated eight other youths as parshads.

In 1961, on the occasion of the Kalash Mahotsav of the BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir in Gadhada, Yogiji Maharaj gave bhagwati (saffron) diksha to 51 educated youths on 11 May 1961. The most senior among them, Vinu Bhagat was named Swami Keshavjivandas. Thereafter, Yogiji Maharaj instructed the 51 newly initiated sadhus to study Sanskrit in Mumbai. Swami Keshavjivandas was appointed as their head (‘mahant’) at Dadar Mandir in Mumbai. Hence, over time, he became respectfully known as Mahant Swami.

His outstanding virtues of austerity, self-control, devotion, humility and service earned him the blessings and joy of Yogiji Maharaj and Pramukh Swami Maharaj. In 1971, after the earthly departure of Yogiji Maharaj, he totally dedicated himself to Pramukh Swami Maharaj, the new guru, with the same devotion and allegiance he had for guru Yogiji Maharaj. His exposure to Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s pure saintliness and spiritual loftiness had begun in 1951, when he first met him. Since 1971, as per the wishes and

instructions of Pramukh Swami Maharaj, he has relentlessly travelled throughout India and abroad to inspire and strengthen satsang in countless devotees. He has also offered his services during the Sanstha’s megafestivals, in children and youth activities, the Akshardham projects, and other satsang activities.

Mahant Swami Maharaj’s profound discourses have enlightened countless devotees and well-wishers, and motivated them to adopt pious, addiction-free lives. His saintliness and devotion to Bhagwan Swaminarayan and gurus Yogiji Maharaj and Pramukh Swami Maharaj have left a lasting impression on innumerable devotees.

On 20 July 2012, in the presence of senior sadhus in Ahmedabad, Pramukh Swami Maharaj revealed Mahant Swami as his spiritual successor. Following the earthly departure of Pramukh Swami Maharaj on 13 August 2016, Mahant Swami became the sixth guru in the Gunatit Parampara tradition of Bhagwan Swaminarayan. His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj now presides as the guru and spiritual guide of countless devotees and helms the worldwide socio-spiritual activities of BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha.

Manor elebrations

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REVELATIONS BY

YOGIJI MAHARAJ AND PRAMUKH SWAMI MAHARAJ

Mahant Swami Maharaj's saintliness, purity, equanimity and devotion to God earned him the profound blessings of his gurus Yogiji Maharaj and Pramukh Swami Maharaj. Here is a selection of their revelations about his greatness.

YOGIJI MAHARAJ:

❀ If you want to please me, please Mahant Swami.

❀ Once Mahant Swami stamps [your passport], no one all the way up to Prakruti-Purush can block your entry [to Akshardham].

❀ In this way, if you worship Bhagwan, study Sanskrit and follow the commands of Mahant Swami and Pramukh Swami, then you will [become] like gold!

❀ The spiritual state [of Bhagatji Maharaj] can be seen in our Mahant Swami –Mahant Swami from Mumbai, Keshavjivandas Swami. If you haven’t had his darshan, then you must go to Mumbai. He has such an elevated spiritual state, he is devoid of ego. If someone honours him or insults him, it makes no impression on his mind.

❀ How can Bhagwan and the Satpurush be pleased? We have revealed Mahant Swami

to be great, so everyone should abide by his commands.

❀ Understand him [Mahant Swami] to be as great as [Gunatitanand] Swami. Understand his glory in this way. If you speak of his greatness in this manner, you will experience peace.

PRAMUKH SWAMI MAHARAJ:

❀ Doing darshan of Mahant Swami fills one with profound tranquillity. Everyone is captivated by his saintliness and humility, and he has always given me his unreserved support.

❀ While remembering Mahant Swami’s father, Manibhai

Narayanbhai Patel, Pramukh Swami Maharaj said, “He has gifted us a great gem. That great gem is Mahant Swami! That is the greatest of all gifts. Mahant Swami is such that his darshan bestows peace. He has been blessed immensely by Yogi Maharaj.”

HH MAHANT SWAMI MAHARAJ IMPRESSIONS OF SENIOR SWAMIS

Yogiji Maharaj told us two or three times, “If all of you live according to the agna (wishes) of Param Pujya Mahant Swami, you will all become Shriji Maharaj’s dearest devotees (malana manka).”

His saintliness, tolerance, patience and selfless love have attracted everyone to him. He appreciates the spiritual greatness of all sadhus and devotees. His inspiring blessings of samp (harmony), suhradbhav (fraternity) and ekta (unity) to all devotees are helping to propagate the Akshar-Purushottam upasana far and wide.

His ability to only see the positive and the potential in each individual has been an inspiration for us all. He maintains a unique combination of clear-sighted, visionary leadership with selfless humility.

Pramukh Swami Maharaj has gifted us a combination of every perfect quality in the form of Mahant Swami Maharaj and has given him the responsibility of our spiritual liberation.

– Sadhu Ishwarcharandas

He lives a pristine life completely in consonance with his spiritually elevated teachings. That leaves a profound impression on everyone – young and old – who come into his contact. His talks penetrate deep into the hearts of his listeners, inspiring them and giving them strength to mould their lives according to his teachings.

Sadhu

Even though he was the ‘mahant’ of the mandir [in Mumbai], he was completely devoid of ego, ever accommodating and always inclined to do seva. He would give the sadhus and devotees apt guidance in regards to their personal matters by either meeting them in person or by writing to them. Even today, after becoming the guru for all of Satsang, he has immense affection for all sadhus and devotees.

– Sadhu Tyagvallabhdas

He speaks little, but his messages are profound in nature. He extolls the glory of Pramukh Swami Maharaj and often says: “After what Pramukh Swami Maharaj has accomplished, all I have to do is accept the garlands of honour and praises.

Pramukh Swami Maharaj has given a 1,000-year boost to Satsang, such that I do not have to do anything.” In this way, he continuously recognises and remembers Pramukh Swami Maharaj, placing all the credit at his feet.

– Sadhu Viveksagardas

– Sadhu Swayamprakashdas (Doctor Swami)

–

Bhaktipriyadas (Kothari Swami)

HH MAHANT SWAMI MAHARAJ

TEACHINGS

Mahant Swami Maharaj’s spiritual wisdom has inspired countless to lead pure and purposeful lives. Presented here are a few priceless excerpts of these profound teachings.

✿ God resides where there is unity, fraternity, compassion and humility.

✿ Only time with God and the Satpurush is auspicious. Without them, all time is inauspicious.

✿ Satpurush in Satsang is not a coincidence. Only after acquiring many merits have we been graced with his association.

✿ Fault-finding is like a termite that ravages devotees at their very core. Therefore, fear fault-finding and find the good in every devotee.

✿ One should abandon ego and possessiveness and then perform seva-bhakti. Then we will truly have made it. Otherwise, we will be nothing but sour.

✿ Remain subservient to each other. Within one’s mind, one should not believe oneself to be greater [than others].

✿ The allure of a satsangi lies in his or her niyams. One who stays within the boundaries set by our niyams is a nobleman. One who transgresses niyams is a thief.

SPIRIT OF SERVICE

1997, Bochasan. Mahant Swami was scheduled to speak at a student’s convention. En route to the assembly, Swamishri noticed a dirty old bag that was stuck to the ground. Swamishri gave his case for his glasses and the notes of his speech to Harinarayandas Swami and attempted to lift the bag with one hand. However, he was unable to do so because the bag was stuck to the dirt in the ground. Using both hands, he finally prised the bag from the ground. Many insects and frogs crawled out from beneath it. He placed the bag in a nearby dustbin. Only after washing his hands with soap did he proceed to the assembly to deliver his speech. The subject of his speech was laziness. Swamishri never harbours any laziness in any seva, irrespective of its scope or prestige.

GRACE UPON ALL

May 1987, Bochasan. At 11.00pm, Anandvihari Swami, then a yuvak, arrived at the mandir. He proceeded to clean Mahant Swami’s room. After Mahant Swami had bathed, Anandvihari Swami went inside to wash Swamishri’s clothes.

When he came out, he found Mahant Swami prostrating towards the bathroom. He asked, “Who are you prostrating to?”

Mahant Swami replied enthusiastically, “You have observed a waterless fast all day today, yet you have accepted the inconvenience of this seva. Furthermore, you have come all the way from Mumbai. Yogi Bapa used to be very happy upon seeing yuvaks and showered his joy upon them. So I was prostrating to you.”

1933

Born on 13 September 1933 in Jabalpur and named Vinubhai; Shastriji Maharaj affectionately named him Keshav

1952-1956

Completed secondary education and college education; received a Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture

1957

Initiated as a parshad by Yogiji Maharaj and named Vinu Bhagat

1960/1961

Initiated as a parshad again, and then as a sadhu by Yogiji Maharaj; named Swami Keshavjivandas and appointed as ‘mahant’ of Mumbai Mandir

1970

Spiritual tour of East Africa and UK with Yogiji Maharaj and Pramukh Swami; Inauguration of mandir in Islington, London

1977

Spiritual tour of North America with Pramukh Swami Maharaj

1981

Bicentenary celebrations of Bhagwan Swaminarayan in Ahmedabad, India

1985

Cultural Festival of India at Alexandra Palace, London

1986

Spiritual world tour

HH MAHANT SWAMI MAHARAJ TIMELINE

1988

Spiritual world tour with Pramukh Swami Maharaj in Africa

1990

Spiritual tours of North America and UK with Pramukh Swami Maharaj

1991

Ground-breaking ceremony of London Mandir; Cultural Festival of India in New Jersey, USA

1992

Centennial celebrations of Yogiji Maharaj; Inauguration of Swaminarayan Akshardham, Gandhinagar

1995

Inauguration of BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, London; Spiritual tour of North America

1996

Spiritual tour of Africa

1997

Spiritual tour of North America and UK

1999

Inauguration of BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Nairobi

2002

Spiritual tour of North America and UK

2005

Inauguration of Swaminarayan Akshardham, Delhi

2007

BAPS centennial celebrations

2009

Spiritual tour of Africa

2011-2012

Spiritual tours of North America and UK; Foundation stone-laying ceremony of Swaminarayan Akshardham in Robbinsville, New Jersey

2013

Entrusted by Pramukh Swami Maharaj with responsibility to guide devotees and sadhus for all personal matters; Spiritual tour of North America and UK

2014/2015

Spiritual tours of North America, UK and Asia-Pacific; Inauguration of mandir in Robbinsville and bhumital pujan of Swaminarayan Akshardham

2016

Becomes sixth spiritual successor of Bhagwan Swaminarayan; Bhagwati diksha to 44 parshads

2017

First spiritual tours (Africa, North America, UK and Europe) as guru

2022 Celebration of Pramukh SwamiMaharaj Centennial Celebration in Ahmedabad, India

2023

Second spiritual tour of UK

BAPS Shows the Way to Family Unity

Kaushik Joshi & BAPS Sadhus, Gujarat

The words of the song ‘Home, Sweet Home’ penned by John Howard Paine find relevance at all times and at all places, East or West. The poet says that the comforts and pleasures of home are far more desirable than the glitter of the world away from home. A home is where you cheer up due to the love and care of parents, it doesn’t matter if it is a small hut. Paine writes:

How sweet it is to sit beneath a fond father’s smile, / And the cares of a mother to soothe and beguile; / Let others delight amid new pleasures to roam, / But give me, oh, give me, the pleasures of Home. / To thee I’ll return, overburdened with care, / The heart’s dearest solace will smile on me there; / No more from that cottage

again will I roam, / Be it so humble, there is no place like Home; / Home, Home, Sweet Home.

An ideal home is one where a family imbibes values like selfless

love and respect, where there are no quarrels or discord, where the aged are cared for, where the members of the family have faith in God, and there are prayers and daily worship.

The definition of a family

Sociologists all around the world have tried to define a family but they have not been able to do so comprehensively. In 1990, Jane Traust, a research sociologist stated that there is no universally acceptable definition for a family since it is so complex.

However, sociologists Henson and Lynch (1992) gave the following situational definition of a family: “Any unit that defines itself as a family including individuals who are related by blood or marriage as well as those who have made a commitment to share their lives.”

The Western view of a family differs from the Eastern view. One Western model is a family with at least one parent and one child; the child could even be adopted. Some definitions even refer to couples who are not married, living together.

However, Indian sociologists speak of only two types of families: (1) a joint family including parents,

their married sons with their wives, unmarried sons, daughters and cousins, and (2) a nuclear family, comprising husband and wife, and their unmarried sons and daughters.

The breaking up of families

The burning problem of society is of broken families. The rate at which marriages are ending in divorce within a few years, is increasing day by day. The spouses separate and remarry, choosing different spouses, leaving the children feeling lonely and orphaned, suffering great mental stress.

The children then resort to drugs and become violent. This phenomenon is common in many countries, including India. Therefore, Pramukh Swami Maharaj constantly alerted youths and parents. Also, the influence of urbanization, modernization, alluring ads, the media, modern lifestyle and clashes of personal nature have played havoc with our joint families. Family members are often in conflict with one another. We read about the consequences in the newspapers: suicides, abductions, divorces, legal wrangles and murders.

Indian nuclear families are now being further divided, losing unity and respect. When the children become adolescents, they begin to behave arrogantly with their parents.

BAPS contribution to help preserve families

BAPS has had a long history of success in uniting families. The efforts of gurus of the Sanstha, have helped many families live a united and peaceful life.

Shastri ji Maharaj, the founder of BAPS, spent his whole life visiting the villages of Saurashtra (Gujarat) and

other regions, often on foot, ridding the families of addictions and superstitions. He helped unite them with the ultimate purpose of worshipping God.

Yogi ji Maharaj continued this mission. He focused on the youths, showering them with love and teaching them the lessons of moral restraint, discipline, respect and other healthy habits. He showed that each youth was capable of leading a thousand families.

Today, Yogi ji Maharaj’s great vision is alive and vibrant in the form of Sunday assemblies, Bal Mandals, Kishore Mandals and Yuvak Mandals. Due to these Satsang Centres, thousands of families are able to overcome addictions, adversities and the temptations of the modern materialism.

The great contributions of Mahant Swami Maharaj

Mahant Swami Maharaj continues to travel far and wide to fulfil the visions of his gurus. He receives scores of letters from devotees every day, and reads them carefully to resolve the rifts in the families. After careful consideration, he has suggested a sure cure: ghar sabha.

Explaining its impact, he says, “The family should get together for an hour in the evening and read religious texts. That will better your lives. This will in turn better the home, the society, the country and the world. We will then not need conferences for world peace.”

The BAPS has therefore focused its efforts on instilling peace at home from its foundation – teaching important values to children. Parents don’t have enough time for their children and remain busy with their vocations,

when they should strike a balance between the two and raise their children in a way that ensures their allround development.

Addressing a gathering of parents on 10 November 2006, Pramukh Swami Maharaj said, “What children expect from you is love. If you won’t love them, they will go astray. Shastri ji Maharaj used to bathe near a neem plant with the intention of nurturing it. The trees are still there in Sarangpur and Atladra providing shade and coolness. Similarly, you have to care for your children by giving them your time.”

On another occasion, Pramukh Swami Maharaj told an assembly of parents, “In today’s lifestyle, every-

one eats alone. They don’t meet each other. There cannot be oneness and this leads to misunderstanding and quarrels. Ghar sabha resolves all this.”

Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s ghar sabha cure has worked wonders, some examples of which are:

(1)a temperamental father overcame his anger,

(2)a wife who once opposed ghar sabha now participates regularly,

(3)a mischievous girl read Yogi Gita and turned obedient, and

(4)strained relations between family members have improved. There are countless more such experiences.

Contribution of BAPS Sadhus

BAPS has over 1100 dedicated sadhus who, under the guidance of Mahant Swami Maharaj, have been engaged in promoting family values by visiting homes.

The hostels run by BAPS are instrumental in shaping the lives of the youths in a healthy manner. In 2003, 17,500 trained BAPS children contacted 475,000 families to promote awareness for an ideal family.

Under the leadership and inspiration of Mahant Swami Maharaj, thousands of BAPS families have become closely knit with mutual warmth between grandparents, parents and children.

Ghar Sabha Experiences

Pramukh Swami Maharaj and Mahant Swami Maharaj have inspired and guided countless families to conduct a daily Ghar Sabha or Family Assembly. This

COULD REMAIN GUJARATI TO CORE

daily meeting of all family members has provided a uniqe forum for discussion, education and understanding. As a result this daily gathering has changed the lives of

Ashok C. Ashier, (in 1998) Businessman, London

We have been holding ghar sabha for the past 21 years, since my childhood when my parents and uncle used to read the Vachanamrut and Swamini Vato.

We find many temptations in our modern society, but thanks to ghar sabha they did not affect us. Yogiji Maharaj used to say, “We are known by the company we keep. We should not let others influence us. It should be other way round.” This is apparent in our children’s lives today because of ghar sabha.

Once, my eldest son, Darshan, had to go on a field trip from school. The school has predominantly English children. Some of their parents asked if Darshan was going. They wanted their sons to stay in Darshan’s dormitory. This surprised us, but it was because of Darshan’s good character. And that was thanks to our ghar sabha which we held daily as directed by Pramukh Swami.

It is now an integral part of our life. We feel we are meeting Bhagwan Swaminarayan and Pramukh Swami daily. The reading of scriptures has taught us lessons of service and dedication.

We use only Gujarati books in ghar sabha so that when the children go to the mandir they can follow the discourses. Ghar sabha is the reason why our children have been able to retain their Gujarati roots.

Often my father recollects his experiences with Pramukh Swami and his travels. This makes us feel

many individuals and fostered lasting family harmony. The following accounts reflect the profound effect that the daily Ghar Sabha has had on families...

proud of Satsang. Ghar sabha has also helped solve many of our family problems.

Obeying Swamishri and holding ghar sabha, has made our family united and strong.

THE WAY TO BECOMING A STAUNCH SATSANGI

Pankaj Patel, IT engineer, New Jersey

For two years my mother held ghar sabha on her own. Finally, her patience bore fruits and we also joined in. Of our six family members, I was influenced the most by ghar sabha.

I used to get angry very often with my children. My wife and parents did not like it, but ghar sabha did the trick. We read the BAPS publication, Swabhav Vash Sansar. It depicts how our innate nature plays havoc in life. Then we began to understand each other. So our ill-will gave way to healthy feelings.

Secondly, our children also became disciplined.Ghar sabha built confidence in them. They were inspired to go to school with tilak-chandlo. They became interested in our rites and rituals. They would recite shloks before their meals and would bow to the elders. They began to regularly visit the mandir. So, ghar sabha also improved their nature. We felt peace.

In our ghar sabha, we have placed emphasis on introspection. We prepare a chart in which everyone writes things he or she liked or did not like about the house or its members. We then make clarifications. This has brought us closer.

For example, I liked to read while eating, but the children wanted me to speak to them and enjoy; so I changed the habit.

Others often asked how we found time for ghar sabha. I was also pressed for time. But then we removed the TV and we had plenty of time.

I cannot list what ghar sabha has gifted us. Earlier, I used to go to the mandir, but did not pay attention to the discourses. Now, after starting ghar sabha I am able to understand them and I feel that my life has been influenced positively.

I feel that satsang is strengthened with ghar sabha.

GHAR SABHA ON CREMATION GROUND

Mahipatsinh Jadeja, Industrial Engineer, Rajkot

We have been holding ghar sabha since I became a satsangi in 1990. It has changed the atmosphere at home. The children learnt kirtans and how to give a speech. It raised their confidence. Both of my sons now are active members of the Yuvak Mandal. They do not eat out and for the past 18 years have not seen a film or watched TV. They visit the villages for satsang and help the villagers give up addictions.

They are now married. Their wives also do puja. They each have a son. We bought puja when they were born. Their parents do puja on their behalf. Also, we do not miss ghar sabha even if we get back home at midnight.

Once we had to go to the cremation ground. We were likely to get back late at night so we held the ghar sabha there! Some people were attracted and they joined us. We talked to them about the Vachanamrut, Bhagwan Swaminarayan and Pramukh Swami. Three of them now visit the mandir regularly.

Once we went to see my uncle who had cancer. He was nearing his end. So we held our ghar sabha at his place. His family did not like the idea, but my uncle did not say anything. I told him that if it troubled him, we would stop. Then he said he had not heard anything like this in all his 65 years. The ghar sabha lasted one hour. A few hours later he died. ---------------

COMMUNICATION GAP RESOLVED

Diptesh D Patel, New Jersey, USA

When we started ghar sabha six years ago, we didn’t know it would fill our lives with peace and joy. Thanks to it, my children have become cultured and they can understand our philosophy.

Ghar sabha has left a good impact on the children. Children are generally easily distracted. My son was interested in video games. But in ghar sabha, we would explain what it meant. Now he realizes that it is not good.

Ghar sabha has brought simplicity to our lives. Ghar sabha has also altered my approach towards others. Now I behave better with my parents.

My retired parents live with us. There were some differences between us. There were communication gaps also. For example, my wife would cook something different from what my mother wanted to eat. We resolved such differences through ghar sabha. We discussed the cooking timetable.

We cover different subjects in the ghar sabha, such as, education, health, general knowledge, satsangbased games and others.

We have installed the murti of Shri Harikrishna Maharaj where we conduct our ghar sabha. We offer food to him and dress him in varied clothes. We feel the divinity.

ARRCCEEL L T TO O A ALLL L I INNDDIIA A

GOA, DIU, DAMAN, GUJARAT, MUMBAI, PUNE,

(Compilation by : BAPS Sadhus)

PRAMUKH SWAMI MAHARAJ ILLUMINATES A GUIDING PATH

Pramukh Swami Maharaj has, on multiple occasions, described the tendencies and importance of family in one’s life. He says that, no matter how wise and intelligent people may be, there is discord at home: father and son, husband and wife, mother-in-law and daughter-in-law, and brothers and sisters are often at loggerheads. People tend to want things their way. That is the root cause of family discord. It is also the main reason for all political and professional differences.

However good a family may be, wealth drives a wedge between brothers. One begins to find fault with the other. This shatters the fabric of the family business, causing it to slide from riches to rags. If one lets go, there would be peace. There are many family issues and the only way to get peace is to cultivate wisdom and understanding, and to know the glory of God as he is. One should realize that one is atma, worship Parmatma and believe that he is the all-doer. All the pleasures and pains one experiences are due to the will of God. With such understanding, there is no misery. It is the ego which is at play in all quarrels. Even if one is not at fault, one has to forgive and forget. One should also cultivate Samkhya understanding, otherwise there will be no peace.

Gunatitanand Swami effectively says that only the right understanding leads to happiness. If one has it, even the poor feel happy, and without it even the rich feel ill at ease.

When does such understanding remain? Daily Satsang and reading of our religious texts will answer all our questions. We should turn to mala jap, worship, visit the mandir and hold ghar sabha for harmony in the family. Ghar sabha is a cure for all discords, but this is not understood. Even if there are ver-

bal duels, hold ghar sabha and sit together.

Parents spend money on their children, but they have failed to reach their hearts. Parents don’t spend time on their children, sharing thoughts or listening to them. This distances both father and son and when he grows up, he tells his father to leave home.

A boy once told his mother to ‘get out’ of his home. The mother said, “My son, do you realize what you are saying? I have brought you up and educated you by putting in hard work and by grinding grains to feed you. Now that I have grown old, you should care for me. I have spent a lot of money bringing you up and now you want me to get out?”

The son was educated, so he said, “You breastfed me. So just tell me how much I have to pay for the milk?”

If this boy had been brought up in a religious environment and persuaded to give up bad company, he would not have asked his mother to leave home. He would have thought of serving her, knowing that she had brought him up and fed him, while she herself remained hungry at times.

When we were kids, our mother washed our nappies and fed us while going hungry herself. We can’t begin to imagine her suffering. Is it fair to disown our mother when we have grown up?

This would not happen if parents cared enough to know their children and share their thoughts. Children should develop affinity towards parents and feelings are developed through satsang and ghar sabha.

Men tend to care more for their spouses after marriage and should care for them. But there is a family too, and it is their duty to care for their parents when they fall ill. A wife refuses to live with her mother-in-law. Where would the old go? You should spare a thought for the fact that you too, are going to grow old, and will be treated likewise. Ghar sabha and daily satsang are the sure cures for this.

Fathers also don’t get the respect they deserve, with sons treating whatever the father says as nonsense. The father spends money on raising and educating the son, and because of that, the father’s wisdom is negated.

This is the scenario we have today. The only way out of it is satsang, ghar sabha and spiritual discourses. If the family members sit together, even for half an hour and hold ghar sabha, this will slowly change the atmosphere at home.

Every morning should begin with puja, worship and a visit to the mandir before work. After dinner you should sit together to read spiritual books and worship God. You should narrate stories from the shastras and share news of each family member’s difficulties and successes; how they tolerated and cared for their family. Then only can you learn to pass through such times united.

We think that happiness lies in riches, whether it is money, bungalows, cars, flying by plane or trips abroad and other materialistic things. Unhappiness lies in not cultivating a spiritual understanding. We may have all the riches, but without a proper outlook, we end up having verbal duels. We lose respect for one another and family unity dies. This would not happen if we talk lovingly to the children, share both meals and worship with the family. This way, love and respect grow for one another and there will be no disputes. We should try to find out each other’s problems.

God is the source of all peace and if we take refuge in him and worship him together, there will be no differences. We should sit together at least once a day, but we don’t even have time for that. Some waste time till late evening by dining out, having drinks and eating meat, so how can there be peace in the family? There should be respect for all spiritual injunctions.

Ghar sabha is very important, but we find it tiring because it is often the same spiritual story. Yogi

ji Maharaj used to relate a parable about a farmer having a small farm on which he grew only grams and had to eat them in a variety of ways. Once, he didn’t have his lunch and by evening he was very hungry. He asked for food and his wife served the same thing. The husband got angry, saying, “The same food?”, to which the wife said, “You only have grams to make dal or roti and it is only with this that you will be able to satisfy your hunger.” So, we speak of worshipping repeatedly because that is the only thing which will bring peace and happiness. When you fall ill and take medicine, you get well slowly. It takes a few days or even months to follow the regimen.

Similarly, worship is the only way to resolve all differences and that is universally true for all. Everyone in the family should make it a point to put an end to discord in the family and hold ghar sabha. Worshipping God has that magic. Results are not attained quickly. There are members with different natures and you cannot change nature overnight. It’s not that easy and requires time and patience. Getting cross with each other doesn’t really help. It is only with love and understanding that we can find harmony.

We honour the injunctions ‘Matru devo bhava, Pitru devo bhava’, but how should one deal with their temperaments? Often a person’s nature only dies with them, leading the children to ask, “How long do we have to bear with them?” But our culture emphasizes tolerance and you might argue, “How long?” and I would say till we leave for Akshardham. We have to thank our parents for bringing us up, feeding us and educating us. We should not forget this and should be grateful to them.

We have to develop an understanding. If we take the nature of a person as it is, there would be no problems. Ghar Sabha educates us on this.

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╙¾³Ь³Ъ ¿Цє¯, ³İ અ³щ ¯щ§ç¾Ъ ¸ЬĩЦ §ђઈ³щ કÃщ»Ьє, ‘આ ¶Ц½ક ·Ц╙¾¸Цє Âє¯ કы ²¸ђ↓´±щ¿ક °¿щ!│

╙ğç¯Ъ ¿Ц½Ц અ³щ ¢ђºЦ ╙¿Τકђ³щ કЦº®щ ¸³¸Цє ╙Ãє±Ь ²¸↓³Ц ºЪ¯╙º¾Ц§ђ ¯ºµ ´а¾↓Ġє╙° અ³щ અ®¢¸ђ  ¹ђ ïђ. ¸є╙±ºђ અ³щ Âє¯ђ³ђ એ¸³щ ´╙º¥¹ ³ ïђ. ÂЦ²Ь¶Ц¾Цઓ³Цє ³ ¢¸¯Цє ¾¯↓³°Ъ, ¯щ¸³Ц ĬÓ¹щ અ·Ц¾  ¹ђ ïђ. 17 ¾Á↓³Ъ ¾¹ એª»щ 1951 ÂЬ²Ъ ¯щઓ §¶»´Ьº ºΝЦ. ¸╙®·Цઈ³ђ

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અЩÆ³ÂєçકЦº અ³щ Ĭ¸Ь¡ ç¾Ц¸Ъ

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