BAPS Mandir in Atlanta, GA Celebrates Swaminarayan Jayanti
Shanti Through Samjan
April 16, 2016 - The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Lilburn,
GA celebrated the 235th birth anniversary of Bhagwan
Swaminarayan, a celebration referred to as Swaminarayan Jayanti
by the devotees of BAPS. According to the Hindu calendar, this
day also celebrates the birth of Bhagwan Shri Ram. This year’s
celebration centered on the theme of “Shanti through Samjan,”
imparting knowledge on how to attain elevated levels of peace
through spiritual understanding.
The Swaminarayan Jayanti celebrations were organized by local
youth volunteers with much zeal and devotion. Children and youth
dedicated weeks leading up to the celebrations to organize a
heartfelt production. With classical devotional songs and dance,
they illustrated examples of staunch devotees from Bhagwan
Swaminarayan’s time through to modern day who never faltered
from their spiritual path despite countless hardships in their
lives. Skits were performed reflecting on Bhagwan Shri Ram’s
spiritual attainment, which allowed him to remain at peace even
during his fourteen years of exile. Citing examples of
historical devotees, the program highlighted how a spiritual
aspirant can thrive in his/her day to day life as well as
spiritual journey. The performances relayed that one’s spiritual
journey can begin at any stage in one’s life and that age and
gender are certainly no barriers in this path.
The theme also took the audience through five types of samjan
(understanding): Atma vichar, Sarvoparipana vichar, Sarva
karta-harta vichar, Prapti-mahima vichar, and Rajipa vichar.
These thoughts extol the idea of gaining true, spiritual
understanding through realizing one’s self as the Atma, knowing
the glory of attaining Parabrahma, the all-doer, and leading a
life in accordance with Parabrahma’s wishes and commands. These
thoughts provide practical ways on thriving in one’s spiritual
journey.
Swaminarayan Jayanti also carried a much greater significance in
the lives of the devotees who had fasted for the whole day in
honor of Bhagwan Swaminarayan and Bhagwan Shri Ram. Many had
chanted dhun for hours at length to offer their devotion and
engage their senses in Parabrahma.
The Sheriff of Gwinnett County, Sheriff Butch Conway, was in
attendance and remarked at the intense youth involvement in the
celebrations and other BAPS activities and programs. He added,
“I really appreciate the Indian community and BAPS for the way
you promote values with your children.”
The Swaminarayan Jayanti program connected with the members of
the audience to bring them together to commemorate the birth and
legacy of Bhagwan Swaminarayan. Today, the continuation of this
journey is seen through His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj, who
tirelessly inspires his devotees to lead a life infused with
spirituality and greater purpose.
About BAPS
The BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS), a worldwide
socio-spiritual organization is dedicated to community service,
peace and harmony. Motivated by Hindu principles, BAPS strives
to care for the world by caring for societies, families and
individuals. Through social and spiritual activities, BAPS
endeavors to produce better citizens of tomorrow who have a high
esteem for their roots. Its 3,300 international centers support
these character-building activities. Under the guidance and
leadership of His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj, BAPS aspires
to build a community that is morally, ethically and spiritually
pure, and free of addictions.
About Pramukh Swami Maharaj
His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj, the fifth spiritual
successor of Bhagwan Swaminarayan, has inspired millions of
people across the world to lead a God-centered, morally pure
life. As the present leader of BAPS, Pramukh Swami Maharaj has
traveled extensively, emphasizing the importance of family
harmony, community service and spiritual progress. He embodies
the essence of Hindu life. His compassion for humanity,
universal wisdom and striking simplicity has touched many world
religious and national leaders.
For more details, please visit
www.baps.org
|
