Tag: Bhagwan Swaminarayan
The Importance of Wisdom
In a recent episode of Satsang Conversations, the discussion took listeners on a deep and introspective journey through the teachings of Bhagwan Swaminarayan in Vachanamrut Gadhada Section 1, Number 16. Hosted at the serene BAPS Mandir in Houston, Texas, the episode featured a dialogue with Swami Bhaktivardhandas and other devotees, reflecting on the profound message of wisdom (Vivek) outlined in this Vachanamrut. Understanding Wisdom: The Power of Self-Reflection The conversation began with an exploration of how wisdom is defined in Vachanamrut Gadhada I-16. Bhagwan Swaminarayan explains that a true devotee, one who possesses wisdom, has the ability to distinguish between [Read More…]
Power of Repentance: Lessons from the Vachanamrut
“If a person has performed the prescribed atonement, then whoever still considers him a sinner should himself be known as a sinner.”— Vachanamrut, Gadhada Section 1, Number 10 These words of Bhagwan Swaminarayan are striking in their clarity and moral force. They do not merely speak about forgiveness—they redefine responsibility. They turn the mirror away from the one who has erred and place it firmly before the one who refuses to let go. Repentance That Restores the Soul Atonement Is Not Symbolic—It Is Transformative Mistakes are part of human life. No jiva walks this world without faltering. But Bhagwan Swaminarayan [Read More…]
Lyrical Reflections: Without a doubt, attain Akshardham adored
Devotion is not a passing emotion or a comforting feeling—it is a path of resilience, surrender, and unwavering resolve. In the powerful bhajan Karie Raji Ghanshyam Re, the revered poet-saint Nishkulanand Swami distills the essence of bhakti into one central truth: make God’s will your own. When the devotee’s only aim becomes pleasing the Lord, life itself finds its true direction. This bhajan does not merely inspire—it challenges. It asks whether we are truly ready to align our lives with God’s will, no matter the cost. Making God the Center of Everything Pleasing the Lord Above All Else The bhajan [Read More…]
The Power of Self-Reflection: Lessons from the Vachanamrut
“The jiva looks at objects externally, but it does not look at its own self.”— Vachanamrut, Gadhada Section 1, Number 20 These words of Bhagwan Swaminarayan gently but firmly expose a habit we rarely question. We look outward constantly—toward people, possessions, situations, and outcomes—yet we seldom turn our attention inward, toward the one who is seeing, thinking, desiring, and reacting. This, Bhagwan Swaminarayan teaches, is not merely distraction. It is ignorance. The Jiva’s Habit of Looking Outward Seeking Everywhere Except Within The jiva is endlessly occupied: Our attention flows naturally toward what is external. We analyze the world, form opinions, [Read More…]
The Power of Faith and Courage
In the Swaminarayan tradition, the kirtans composed by Brahmanand Swami, such as Harijan Sacha Re, Tekna Mele Re, Jo Hoy Himmat Re, and Pet Katari Re, are powerful hymns that inspire courage and devotion. These kirtans were written during a time when being a Swaminarayan devotee was fraught with challenges. Kings like Vajesinh Darbar of Bhavnagar opposed Bhagwan Swaminarayan, punishing devotees like Rupabhai, who endured immense suffering for their faith. To uplift the morale of these devotees, Bhagwan Swaminarayan instructed Brahmanand Swami to compose these kirtans, which emphasize inner courage and unwavering faith in God. The Essence of Courage The [Read More…]
Transforming Jealousy into Growth: Lessons from the Vachanamrut
Jealousy is not a stranger to any of us. It appears quietly—when we see someone else’s success, discipline, virtues, or recognition. Often, we try to suppress it or feel guilty for experiencing it. But Bhagwan Swaminarayan offers a remarkably compassionate and practical way to deal with jealousy—not by denying it, but by transforming it. In the Vachanamrut, Gadhada Section 1, Number 4, he gives a teaching that reframes envy into a tool for spiritual growth. “One should imbibe the virtues of the person towards whom one is jealous.” With this single sentence, jealousy is no longer an enemy—it becomes a [Read More…]
Journey from Ignorance to Enlightenment
Spiritual wisdom has a timeless appeal, and one such reservoir of profound teachings is the Vachanamrut, a collection of discourses by Bhagwan Swaminarayan. In a recent episode of the podcast Satsang Conversations, a panel of spiritual leaders and seekers came together to unpack the layered wisdom of Vachanamrut Gadhada Section 1 – 20. The discussion took place in the serene setting of the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in London, UK, and was guided by Pujya Paramtattva Swami, Pujya Tyagratna Swami, and a devoted participant, Sandeepbhai and Yogmurtibhai The Ignorant of the Ignorant The podcast began with the central question of [Read More…]
Choosing Light Over Darkness: Lessons from the Vachanamrut
A Fistful of Sand: The Power of Positivity and Self-Reflection Imagine standing on a sunlit beach, the warm sand under your feet. You gather a fistful of sand and hurl it toward the sun, only to find it falling back into your eyes. This vivid imagery, used by Bhagwan Swaminarayan, captures a profound truth about human behavior. When we insult or demean others, we are not harming them—we are harming ourselves. Just as the sun’s radiance remains unaffected by the thrown sand, a person’s true light and worth remain untouched by negativity. The act of criticism or insult is like [Read More…]