Shilanyas Ceremony of new BAPS shikharbaddh mandir Jamnagar

Jamnagar has been known since ancient times as Little Kashi, and sanctified on numerous occasions by Bhagwan Swaminarayan and the parmahansas of the Swaminarayan Sampraday.

Jamnagar is also an important industrial center of Gujarat.

There, on Wednesday 8 October 2008, the auspicious Shilanyas Ceremony for a new BAPS shikharbaddh mandir was performed by Pramukh Swami Maharaj.







For more information please visit www.baps.org

Balparayan at Bangalore BAPS mandir

Janmashtami Ustav Atladara

HDH Pramukh swami maharaj celebrated Janmashtami utsav at Atladara. Find photos of the divine utsav.

Rakshabandhan Celebration at VVNagar 2008

HDH Pramukh swami celebrated Rakshabandahn at VVNagar. Find photos and video of the event here.

એક નારી સદા બ્રહ્મચારી

મુલાકાતો દરમ્યાન એક યુવકે સ્વામીશ્રીને પૂછ્યું : 'ગૃહસ્થાશ્રમમાં બ્રહ્મચર્ય કઈ રીતે રહે ?'
સ્વામીશ્રીએ કહ્યું : 'ગૃહસ્થને તો 'એક નારી સદા બ્રહ્મચારી.' એક પત્નીવ્રત. એણે બીજે વૃત્તિ ન રાખવી. પત્ની સાથે વ્યવહાર, પણ બીજી કોઈ પણ સ્ત્રી હોય તો એને મા ને બહેન સમજવી. અને અમારે સંતોએ અષ્ટ પ્રકારે બ્રહ્મચર્ય રાખવાનું હોય.'
યુવકે પૂછ્યું : 'મૅરેજ ન કરીએ અને બ્રહ્મચર્ય રાખવું હોય તો આ સાધુનાં કપડાં પહેરવાં જરૂરી છે ?'
સ્વામીશ્રી કહે : 'ના, એવું કંઈ નથી. ઘણા આ રીતે રહ્યા છે. પણ આ કપડાંમાં એટલું જ ધ્યાન રાખવાનું કે ક્યાંક લપસી ન જવાય.'

(તા. ૩-૬-૨૦૦૪, એડિસન)

Rakshabandhan 2008

Rakshabandhan

HDH Pramukh Swami Maharaj's sevak Sadhu Narayancharan swami ask this ashirvad 2 years back on the holy day of Rakshabandan.

Bapa in Vallabh Vidya Nagar Chatralaya

After a long time HDH Param Pujya Pramukh swami maharaj is visiting Vallabh Vidya Nagar Chatralaya. It is well known truth that bapa loves chatralaya's yuvaks so much. Find some of the photographs of this divine visit.

Happy Birth Day to SHRI KRISHNAJI ADA

Shri Karsanjibhai Indraji Vyas, who was popularly known as Krishnaji Ada, was born on auspicious day of Shravan sud 5, Samvat 1890. He was great devotee of AksharPurshotam. Lets celebrate Kirshnaji's birthday by remebering some of his prasangs.

Nischay of Gunatitanand Swami as Akshar brahm:

Once, the Krishnaji Ada accompanied some satsangis to Junagadh for the darshan of Aksharbrahman Gunatitanand Swami. At that time, in accordance with Swami’s wish, Bhagatji Maharaj was delivering religious discourses there. In the course of one discourse, referring to Swami, Bhagatji Maharaj said, “The one who is seated is Akshar and the one that sleeps is also Akshar. Only if you accept Swami as Akshar, will you be able to go to Akshardham.” When Karsanjibhai heard these talks regarding the glory of Swami, he thought, “This Swami seems to be great. He is compared with Dattatray, Jadbharat and Rishabhdev. But what is his real form?” Bhagatji Maharaj instantly read his mind and pointing towards Swami he said, “This Swami who seated here is Mul Akshar, the dwelling place of the Maharaj. Let us go to him/ask him. He will confirm what I am telling you.” Swami endorsed Bhagatji Maharaj’s words, “It is as Pragji says.” This statement cleared all the doubts from the minds of the devotees and they were all convinced about Swami’s divinity.

He always preached, “Swami is Akshar and Maharaj is Purushottam.” He was very meek and humble. He would not hurt even an ant. His favourite couplet was:

“Nãne se ho nãne rahie, jaisi nãni dub,
Ghãs fis sab ud gayã, dub khub ki dub.”

Paksh of Shastriji Maharaj:

It was during this period that Shastriji Maharaj was studying the philosophy of the Gita from Jivanram Shastri in Rajkot. Many youths and devotees who had faith in Gunatitanand Swami were attracted towards Shastriji Maharaj, impressed by his piety and spiritual knowledge. However, some jealous sadhus and devotees could not stand the increasing popularity of Shastriji Maharaj. So, they decided to humiliate and insult him. They collected signatures on a statement which read, “Shastriji Maharaj should not be allowed to stay at Rajkot mandir.” They managed to get signatures from certain leading sadhus and devotees, too. The devotees, including Krishnaji Ada, who believed in the divinity of Gunatitanand Swami, resolved to back Shastriji Maharaj wholeheartedly. Himrajbhai, who was one of the leading devotees of Gunatitanand Swami, had signed the resolution calling for Shastriji Maharaj’s expulsion from the mandir. Himrajbhai was an influential man in the Rajkot mandir. When Krishnaji Ada learnt that he had signed the resolution, he severed all his relations with his gurubhai and dear friend, Himrajbhai, forever. He refused to see him again throughout his life. Although he was meek, Krishnaji Ada was very courageous in supporting the devotees of God.

BAPS Santha's base:

Due to continuous harassment from the sadhus and as advised by Krishnaji Ada, Shastriji Maharaj separated from Vartal mandir. In 1907 CE (Samvat 1963) Shastriji Maharaj built the first mandir in Bochasan and consecrated the metallic murtis of Akshar-Purushottam there. Now Ada started telling his followers to go to Bochasan. He used to say, “The Akshar-Purushottam philosophy which had so far remained restricted to a corner has now spread throughout the Charotar region. Therefore, those who want to talk about or listen to it openly should go to Bochasan.”

ZyanYagna Milan:

Ada inspired Vignandasji, Yogiji Maharaj and five other sadhus to come to Rajkot from Junagadh. They met Ada there. Shastriji Maharaj, too, was called from Sarangpur. This was the first historic meeting between Shastriji Maharaj and Yogiji Maharaj and it was Ada who had arranged this meeting. These two sadhus had manifest on earth to propagate the philosophy of Akshar-Purushottam. Ada was attacked from all sides for encouraging these sadhus, but he ignored everything. The Satsang shall forever remain grateful to Ada for introducing the illustrious pair of Shastriji Maharaj and Yogiji Maharaj.

Return to Akshardharm:

At 2.00 am on 10 October 1913 (Aso sud 11, Samvat 1969), Shastriji Maharaj and other sadhus were called from the mandir. Krishnaji Ada said, “Swami, Jai Swaminarayan. Now I am returning to Dham.”
Shastriji Maharaj selected a spot on the bank of the river Aji for the cremation. The cremation ground was purified by sprinkling holy water sanctified by Shriji Maharaj and then Krishnaji Ada was cremated.
Now a small memorial shrine stands there in honour of Krishnaji Ada. The place has become a place of pilgrimage for all satsangis.

Eclipse Rituals

Be it a solar or lunar eclipse, the rules to follow before, during and after the eclipse are as follows:

Before the eclipse:

• One should not eat 12 hours before the solar eclipse begins. One can drink water.
• One should not eat 9 hours before the lunar eclipse begins. One can drink water.
• In addition, one should not offer meals to God during this pre-eclipse period. However, one is allowed to perform arti, pray and sing devotional songs during this period.
• There may be times when the solar eclipse occurs before sunrise. Therefore one may see the eclipse only after the sun has risen. In this case, one should not eat after sunset the previous night.

During the eclipse:

• While the eclipse is taking place one should sit in one place, chant the name of God and sing devotional songs.
• One should observe a waterless fast while the actual eclipse is in progress.

After the eclipse:

• One should take a bath with one’s clothes on immediately after the eclipse.
• It is best to take a bath in cold water after the eclipse is over.
• The Satsangijivan, written by Shatãnand Muni, states that after one purifies oneself, one should offer donations according to one’s income. If donations are offered with love and devotion, one will receive appropriate returns as stated in the scriptures. It is in the joy of the Sun and/or Moon-god being released from the clutches of Rãhu that the devotees offer donations. Since sadhus have no money, they rejoice by performing puja.

For more information Please visit the FAQs.

Toronto 1st Patostav

The first anniversary of the inauguration of the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir was celebrated on July 13, 2008 with prayers, classical devotional music, discourses and children’s programs. Here is the slide show of this event.

Pramukh Swami From where?

Place and Date : 11th January, 1988. Bombay.

Swamishri was reading a handwritten magazine produced by the children of Borivali. In it, a child had written to Swamishri asking for his address.

Narayancharan Swami on behalf of everyone present asked, "Tell us then."

"Maharaj has said so Himself; hasn't He?" Swamishri said.

"But what?" the sadhus urged.

Swamishri explained, "When Shreeji Maharaj wrote the letter to the Queen of Dharampur, He signed off with 'From Anirdesh (the 'unpointable')'. Anirdesh means Akshardham. That is Maharaj's address. And wherever Maharaj is, there we stay in His constant service."

Pathway To Akshardham

28th August, 1989. Atladra. As Swamishri made his way to the room after the assembly, Dharmacharan Swami asked on behalf of Haka Bapu, an old devotee from Shastriji Maharaj's time. "He is asking, 'Am I to come along with you?' "

Swamishri affirmed, "Yes of course. Now he is with us all the way."

Dharmacharan Swami conveyed back the message. "Bapu! Your're fixed all the way to Bombay."

Swamishri corrected, "Not just Bombay, but all the way to Akshardham. We'll have to return him to Shastriji Maharaj won't we!"

"Jena guru Akshar hoy te Akshardham ma lai jaay ne Purushottam ne melave"  --Gunatitanand Swami Ni Vaatu

Art of Tact

Once Swamishri was taking his lunch at the Amdavad temple. Swamishri placed a piece of amrutpaak, a milk sweetmeat, from Thakorji's thaal into his mouth. It tasted off, but Swamishri's face gave nothing away. He subtly asked his attendant Krishnavallabh Swami to taste it. He agreed with Swamishri. Sitting in front of Swamishri was the head of the Sankari temple, Prabhuswarup Swami. Swamishri gave some to him to taste as well.

He too found it odd. Then Swamishri called the bhandari, Tyagswarup Swami, and asked him taste the amrutpak. He realized there was something wrong as well. But what?

Swamishri explained polietly, "It has been made from used ghee, that's why it's tasting off. Be more careful in the future for Thakorji's thaal. Use fresh ghee every time."

It was fascinating that apart from Swamishri, not even the experienced cooks could detect the fault with the amrutpak. But more importantly, everyone learned a valuable lesson in tact. Swamishri knew straight away after tasting the amrutpak what was wrong. He could have spoken up then, but instead he suggested politely only after confirming with others.

Soft words can be hard arguments. Many times there is no need to shout - if only the right words are used. Discretion really does out-weight eloquence. The right thing, to the right person, in the right place, at the right time, in the right amount, and in the right manner, is the art of tact in Swamishri's speech.

Guru Purnima 2008

Guru Purnima - Overview

Introduction

The day of full moon, Purnima, in the month of Ashadh is traditionally celebrated as Guru Purnima by Hindus. Also known as Vyas Purnima, the day is celebrated in remembrance and veneration to sage Ved Vyas. He is the Adi (original) Guru of the Hindu Dharma, who classified the Vedas, wrote the eighteen Puranas and the Mahabharat. On this day, the Guru is offered Pujan (worship)by the disciples. First we shall consider the role of a Guru in life.

The Need of a Guru

The Sanskrit root "Gu" means darkness or ignorance. "Ru" denotes the remover of that darkness. Therefore one who removes darkness of our ignorance is a Guru. Only he who removes our ultimate darkness, known as Maya, and who inspires and guides us on to the path of God-realization is the true Guru. Students also refer to their school teacher or college lecturer as guru. The connotation of the word guru in this case is one who imparts temporal knowledge (Apara Vidya) and is thus accordingly offered respect.

Glory of the Guru
The Hindu shastras have hailed such a Guru immeasurably:

1. Gurubrahma Guruvishnu Gururdevo Maheshwaraha
   Guruhu sakshaat Parambrahman tasmai Shrigurave namaha
   
   Explanation: "The guru is Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh (Shiva), veneration to the Guru who is Parabrahman manifest."The second line of the couplet does not literally mean that the Guru becomes Parabrahman - God, rather he is venerated as if God is manifesting through him.


2. Guru Govind donu khade, kisko laagu paay,Balihari Gurudevaki jinhe Govind diyo bataay.
   
   Explanation: The Guru and Govind -God, are present before me, to whom shall I bow down first? Glory to the Guru since he showed me Govind.

Serving the Guru

Again the scriptures guide the aspirant:

(1) Shvetashvatara Upanishad (6/23) :Advocates worship to the Guru in the same manner as the deity - God, to attain all there is to attain on the path of God-realization:
Yasya deve para bhaktir yatha deve tatha gurau
Tasyaite kathitaa hi arthaaha prakashante mahatmanaha

(2) Bhagavad Gita (4/34) :The disciple should humbly pose questions to the Guru and please him by serving him. He will then impart the knowledge of God, so ordain the wise sages.

(3) Shrimad Bhagvatam :Bhagwan Rushabhdeva advocates his sons: Obeying the Anuvrutti - unvoiced wishes - of God and Guru is devotion.

(4 ) Vachanamrutam (Vadtal 5) :The aspirant should offer equal and intensely loving service to God and His sadhu. Then, despite being the lowest type of devotee who is destined to become a great-devotee after either two births or four births or ten births or even a hundred births, he can become a great devotee in this birth. Such is the fruit of serving God and His sadhu equally."

The phrase "great devotee" signifies moksha-salvation.

Therefore on the day of Guru Purnima, disciples introspect, and resolve to offer pujan and reverence to the Guru in mind, action and speech; implicitly obey his unvoiced wishes, commands, serving him as one would God and lauding his glory and redemptive attributes.

Every year, the Guru Purnima Festival, in the presence of Pramukh Swami Maharaj is celebrated with devotion and enthusiasm at Bochasan Mandir. An assembly from 8.30 am to 12.00 noon is held wherein bhajans and discourses by senior sadhus emphasize and sing the glory of the Guru. The festival is finally crowned with Swamishri's blessings and darshan - where thousands offer their reverence by filing past Swamishri.

Jeva main Nirakhya re - Sadhu Prabhuswarupdas

In 1986, Swamishri stayed in Sankari for eight days. On the second day he called me and said, "I was thinking about feeding the poor backward class people from the village. How many are there exactly?"

However, neither Ramanbhai, the sadhus nor myself were too keen about this idea as these people regularly got drunk and caused trouble, so why should we give food to people like that?

One day Swamishri went to an evening sabha in a neighbouring village. That night, a group of trouble makers came to the temple gate and asked for food. They had obviously been drinking. There was no food left and so the sadhus refused. Feeling insulted, they began to shout and caused a commotion. We heard about the incident when we returned late that night. The next morning we informed Swamishri and justified our argument not to serve them food. A disappointed Swamishri said, "Very well, we won't feed them after all."

A speciality about Swamishri is that once he makes his mind up about a something, he does it.

On Jeth Sud 10 (the anniversary of Shreeji Maharaj's passing away) a devotee from Sankari, Somabhai, told Swamishri during his puja, "Today is my birthday so I want to give lunch to everyone, the sadhus, the devotees, the poor people from the village, everyone!" Swamishri was overjoyed. There and then he called me and informed me, "Today is Somabhai's birthday and he's going to feed everyone. Even the poor people from the village!"

In the end he got his way!

-Sadhu Prabhuswarupdas

Rathyatra Celebration Video

Lets look at the video of Rathyatra celebration.

Rath Yatra Celebration with Pramukh Swami

The ancient festival of Rath Yatra was celebrated in the presence of Pramukh Swami Maharaj in Sarangpur on 4 July 2008.

Thousands of devotees were present as Swamishri performed pujan and abhishek of the murti of Shri Nilkanth Varni to be consecrated in the Abhishek Mandapam in Bhavnagar mandir.

After his morning puja, Swamishri blessed the assembly, "If we give the reins of our life's chariot to God and his holy Sadhu, they will take us to Akshardham. just as Arjun discarded all his wishes and obeyed the Lord, we, too must obey the commands of God and make our life worthwhile."

Then Swamishri sat in a decorated chariot with Shri Harikrishna Maharaj. Senior sadhus performed pujan and arti of Shri Harikrishna Maharaj and the the rath yatra was celebrated by circumambulating the mandir,.

At the end, prasad was distributed to all.

This article is taken from www.baps.org.

London Satsang Video: Param Pujya Yogiji Maharaj and Pramukh Swami Maharaj

This video is compilation of Pu. Yogiji Maharaj's last trip to London in 1970 and then Pu. Pramukh Swami Maharaj's subsequent trips to London and other places.

Environment Awareness Rally By BAPS

SURAT: In recognition of World Environment Day, BAPS Charities organized a children's Environmental Awareness cycle rally to highlight some of the environmental issues and concerns that countries and communities face across the world.

The rally was held in southern Gujarat in Surat. It saw over 2500 young participants reach out far and wide to draw attention to climate change, conservation, pollution, toxins and waste management. Braving the sweltering heat, the participants weaved their way through the streets of the city.

The rally also had cycles equipped with microphones and speakers which broadcasted messages about environmental protection and what steps everyone can take to help tackle the issues. The volunteers of the organization have launched many environmental projects, including "Plant a Tree", an initiative that planted over 1.5 million trees.

Other environmental projects include initiatives on paper and aluminum recycling, with over 91 tons of foil collected for the latter. Its water conversation projects have also benefited various communities through the installation of trickle/drip irrigation systems. Most recently during "Earth Day", BAPS Charities participated in the Annual Earth Day festivities in Chino Hills, CA.

Over 30 volunteers planted and watered a total of 134 trees. Beyond its environmental projects, BAPS Charities community centers are constructed using environment friendly materials. The buildings utilize power saving LED lighting and employ management practices to ensure energy consumption is kept optimal and efficient.

On World Environment Day, BAPS Charities pledged to continue to highlight and bring awareness about environmental issues through community based projects, education and healthy construction practices.

Dar es Salaam's Kisutu Street is now Pramukh Swami Street

Famous Kisutu Street in the Dar es Salaam city centre, now apparently going by the name of ’PRAMUKH SWAMI’, Yakoub (The Deputy Mayor of llala Municipality) said his office received requests and suggestions for the new name from the Kisutu Ward development committee early last year, and in December the municipal council permitted the change of name. 

He conceded that many people are wondering how come the old ’Kiswahili’ name of Kisutu had been changed to the predominantly Indian name of ’PRAMUKH SWAMI’, but reiterated that all procedures were followed before the municipal council gave its approval. 

’’Since most of the people dwelling in ’PRAMUKH SWAMI’ (formerly Kisutu Street) are of Indian origin but still Tanzanian citizens, they have every right to bring their request for such a street name change, and if the request is sensible then the municipal council may grant it,’’ said Yakoub. 

Work under way on £2m BAPS temple in Wellingborough, Northamptonshire

A new £2m Hindu temple could be opened within 12 months.Work has already started on the impressive domed building in the heart of Wellingborough, which will serve followers of the Swaminarayan sect of Hinduism.

Community leaders believe the temple in Mill Road will allow volunteers to serve a growing as 12,800 new homes are built in the town under the Core Spatial Strategy.
Eager to see how the new temple will benefit everyone, councillors could travel to the Neasden Temple in London to see how a similar building in Wellingborough might operate.
Castle ward member Shashi Dholakia, who has helped arrange a potential visit for later this year, said: "This is really bringing about community cohesion on a much larger scale.
"Wellingborough is expanding and this will be a focal point, being situated in a central part of the town. It will be really important once it's built."

Vice-chairman of Wellingborough Council's community committee Bob Patel said: "It is going to be just right for Wellingborough and wider Northamptonshire. People will be coming from as far as Daventry, Coventry and Northampton."
The old, house-based Hindu temple in Wellingborough has already been knocked down to make way for the more traditional structure.
After a planning application was approved last year work has started on constructing the outside shell of the temple, which will be made of marble imported from India.
The outside is set to be completed in six months' time and it is estimated that the inside of the building, which will contain prayer areas and rooms for community activities, will take another six months to complete.

The £2m building is being funded by the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir central organisation in London. Community leaders are keen to stress it will not just benefit Hindus.
Cllr Patel said: "As far as the community is concerned fundraising and activities will be done for lots of different people."

It is hoped that a visit to the Neasden Temple will give councillors a better understanding of Hindu culture, which is a major influence in Wellingborough because of a high Hindu population.
A report for today's community committee meeting at Wellingborough Council said: "The trip is about strengthening understanding of the temple project."

Earlier this year the council was criticised by the Audit Commission for its poor understanding of diversity issues.

Akshardham temple enters Guinness Book of World Records

The Akshardham temple in Delhi has made it to the Guinness Book of World Records for being the world's largest Hindu temple complex.

Michael Witty, a senior member of the Guinness World Record Main Management Committee, presented the awards to Bochasanvasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sansthan (BAPS) under two categories: Most Hindu temples consecrated by a single person and secondly, the world's largest comprehensive Hindu temple.

"His Divine Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj, internationally revered spiritual leader and head of BAP Swaminarayan Sansthan, has created and consecrated in accordance with the Hindu rituals, a world record of 713 mandirs (temples) in five continents between April 1971 and November 2007," the Certificate said.

"Amongst these, the majestic, ornately hand-carved BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham in New Delhi, India, stands apart as the largest Hindu temple in the world," it added.

"It took us three months of research, poring over the extensive architectural plans of the Akshardham and also those of other temples of comparable size, visiting and inspecting the site, before we were convinced that Akshardham deserved the title," Michael Whitty said.

The Akshardham temple in New Delhi is spread over expansive lawns covering an area of 86,342 square feet. It is 356 feet long, 316 feet wide and 141 feet high.

This is the first time that the Guinness Book has recognised a Hindu temple in its list of large religious structures.

Jeva Main Nirakhya Re - Sadhu Narayanprasaddas

On that same tour of Calcutta, an exhibition of my paintings had been arranged. One particular day, the famous Bengali writer Tarashankar Bandopadhyaya was scheduled to pay a visit to the exhibition. I happened to be stuck without a jod to accompany me to the exhibition. Everyone was busy in something or another, and besides, there weren't many of us anyway.

Understandably I was getting rather worked up. I was almost certain I'd miss the important appointment.

Swamishri somehow picked up on my frustration. "Come on," Swamishri called to me, "I'll come with you."

I was overwhelmed. Pramukh Swami? Come with me? It just didn't fit in my head! How could I possibly take Pramukh Swami with me? In the end though, Mahant Swami accompanied me. But I'll never forget Swamishri's offer.

Later that day, I brought Tarashankar Bandopadhyaya to Dolatbhai's house for Yogiji Maharaj's darshan. A sharp and intelligent man, Tarashankar was quick to comment upon his first darshan of Yogiji Maharaj, "Your Guru seems as endowed as Ramkrishna Paramhansa; as powerful as God."

Tarashankar met Swamishri there as well and was deeply impressed with Swamishri's striking personality. He expressed his first experience in his Bengali-accentuated English, "This sadhu is worthy of being meditated upon!"

Ever since the beginning, Swamishri's enchanting personality could barely be concealed.

--Sadhu Narayanprasaddas

Chesta of Lord Swaminarayan

Chesta Pad which is recited daily at all Swaminarayan temples vividly describes Lord Swaminarayan's daily routine and habits.

Chaturmas Niyams

Extra Niyams for Devotees During Chaturmas

14 July to 9 November 2008

As instructed by Bhagwan Swaminarayan in the Shikshapatri and by the wish of guruhari Pramukh Swami Maharaj, devotees should undertake extra spiritual observances through the four holy months of chaturmas. This year chaturmas is from 14 July 2008 (Ashadh sud 11) to 9 November 2008 (Kartik sud 11). To please Bhagwan Swaminarayan and guruhari Pramukh Swami Maharaj, the following extra observances should be undertaken:

1. One month dharna-parna, chandrayan, etc. or ek-tana during the month of Shravan.
2. Extra malas, dandvats, pradakshinas as per one’s faith.
3. Daily read one extra Vachanamrut and five Swamini Vato.
4. Read parts 1, 2 and 3 of Yogiji Maharaj's biography.
5. Those who do not have a copy of Yogiji Maharaj's biography should read 'Yogicharitam'.
6. In accordance with the wish of senior sadhus, read the book 'Jena Gune Rijhya Girdhari'. Also, those who have facilities should listen to 'Pramukh Swami Maharaj's Amrutvani', Samput 12.
7. Inspire five people to give up addictions, become satsangis, attend satsang sabha and conduct a daily ghar sabha.

Note: During Chaturmas, devotees should not eat brinjals, white & red radish, sugarcane or mogri.

Real Growth

As Swamishri lay down to sleep, he was informed about Raju Dave's birthday. Then a sadhu told Swamishri, "For the last 15 years, Raju has not grown in height at all!" Swamishri commented, "It doesn't matter whether he grows in height or not. By growing in Satsang, everything is included. Nothing beats it. There is no better way to happiness. By progressing in Satsang, Maharaj is pleased. Progress in Satsang is real growth."

20-3-1993, Mumbai

Pramukh Swami's Advise On Marriage

In our increasingly independent, interactive and alluring society, social issues are burgeoning at an alarming rate. One particular issue that fragments the family is when a youth chooses to marry someone against the wishes of his or her parents.

A youth in London had decided to marry a girl who was not of the Gujarati community. His father and mother, both devotees, were pained and unhappy about his decision. Despite explaining to him not to marry, he remained adamant.

When Swamishri arrived in London in 1998, the father requested Swamishri to explain to his son. At first Swamishri was reluctant to do so because the boy did not know him. Finally, at the father's insistence, Swamishri called his son and advised, "As a satsangi you should understand as to how can you make your parents unhappy when they gave birth to you and raised you! If the girl really loves you, then has she accepted satsang? You have been friends with her for six years but has your influence changed her? Has she given up eating meat and drinking beer? Instead, you have started eating and drinking. She did not give up meat, and you are ready to forsake your parents! So, just think about it." Then Swamishri explained to his father, "I've talked to your son. Now he will do as it pleases him. You should imbibe the philosophy of the temporariness of this world (sankhya). Tell me, how many more years have you to live? So, engage yourself in bhajan (worship) and you will have peace and happiness."

Swamishri advocates that youths should always marry according to our tradition and with the consent of parents.

1998, London