BY SONAM MIRPURI
CHINO HILLS, CA - Vicharan, or the act of traveling for the personal and spiritual advancement of others, embodies Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s life motto, “In the joy of others lies our own.” Carrying forward the efforts and lifework of Pramukh Swami Maharaj, Mahant Swami Maharaj greeted devotees from around the west coast with...
CHINO HILLS, CA - Vicharan, or the act of traveling for the personal and spiritual advancement of others, embodies Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s life motto, “In the joy of others lies our own.” Carrying forward the efforts and lifework of Pramukh Swami Maharaj, Mahant Swami Maharaj greeted devotees from around the west coast with...
 |  |  |
personal and spiritual guidance through heartfelt blessings and thoughtful counsel.
Mahant Swami Maharaj’s visit marks the height of celebration for BAPS devotees at the mandir in Chino Hills who hosted festivities in honor of this grand occasion. The 10?day visit here began Aug. 1,wrapping up on Aug. 10, and included various daily programs for children, youth, and families.
Mahant Swami Maharaj dedicated his time to grade school and college-aged devotees during Bal Din and Kishore Din, two days of exciting programs in which senior Swamis covered topics ranging from the virtues of becoming kind and generous young people, to the relevance of spirituality in modern day living.
During the children’s program, `Keva Mara Swami,’ ` Eva Mara Swami,’ volunteers and Swamis led fun, interactive sessions that illustrated the identity of the` ekantiksant’, the highest level of Swami who has reached the `ekantik’ state, and taught them skills and tools to begin developing their personal spirituality during their youth.
Teenagers and college students took an emotional and thoughtful journey into the life of Bhagwan Swaminarayan during their program, titled `Je JeHariye Karyu Het, ‘ which explored the unique depth of His love and compassion.
In addition, they hosted Yuva Din for young adults and new parents as well as a family `shibir,’ or conference, for people of all ages with topics addressing everyday spiritual reflections, personal challenges, and life aspirations of all individuals.
Yuva Din focused on the theme, `Eva Sant ne Namuhu Seesh,’ where Swamis and volunteers explained what it means to practice devotion towards the `ekantiksant’ as a student or disciple, and how to imbibe the qualities of a faithful devotee Mahant Swami Maharaj’s blessings, coupled with several discourses from senior Swamis scheduled throughout each day strengthened the commitment of volunteers and devotees as they practiced lifestyles rooted in devotion, selfless service, family harmony, and unity. The women of BAPS celebrated Mahant Swami Maharaj’s visit with a cultural program hosted entirely by women, for women, themed `Mandiram: Param Shantidam.’
Dances, skits, speeches, panel discussions, and devotional songs offered the audience a colorful program which followed the stories of three fictional characters seeking spiritual self discovery. The program was wrapped in a profound message reflected in Mahant Swami Maharaj’slife, in which peace is found in the practice of devotion. By joining talents and exchanging ideas, individuals learned that spirituality is the bedrock of peace. Together each event served the comprehensive spiritual interests and needs of all devotees on the west coast and beyond, and strengthened their ties to Hindu culture and heritage.
Mahant Swami Maharaj’s visit marks the height of celebration for BAPS devotees at the mandir in Chino Hills who hosted festivities in honor of this grand occasion. The 10?day visit here began Aug. 1,wrapping up on Aug. 10, and included various daily programs for children, youth, and families.
Mahant Swami Maharaj dedicated his time to grade school and college-aged devotees during Bal Din and Kishore Din, two days of exciting programs in which senior Swamis covered topics ranging from the virtues of becoming kind and generous young people, to the relevance of spirituality in modern day living.
During the children’s program, `Keva Mara Swami,’ ` Eva Mara Swami,’ volunteers and Swamis led fun, interactive sessions that illustrated the identity of the` ekantiksant’, the highest level of Swami who has reached the `ekantik’ state, and taught them skills and tools to begin developing their personal spirituality during their youth.
Teenagers and college students took an emotional and thoughtful journey into the life of Bhagwan Swaminarayan during their program, titled `Je JeHariye Karyu Het, ‘ which explored the unique depth of His love and compassion.
In addition, they hosted Yuva Din for young adults and new parents as well as a family `shibir,’ or conference, for people of all ages with topics addressing everyday spiritual reflections, personal challenges, and life aspirations of all individuals.
Yuva Din focused on the theme, `Eva Sant ne Namuhu Seesh,’ where Swamis and volunteers explained what it means to practice devotion towards the `ekantiksant’ as a student or disciple, and how to imbibe the qualities of a faithful devotee Mahant Swami Maharaj’s blessings, coupled with several discourses from senior Swamis scheduled throughout each day strengthened the commitment of volunteers and devotees as they practiced lifestyles rooted in devotion, selfless service, family harmony, and unity. The women of BAPS celebrated Mahant Swami Maharaj’s visit with a cultural program hosted entirely by women, for women, themed `Mandiram: Param Shantidam.’
Dances, skits, speeches, panel discussions, and devotional songs offered the audience a colorful program which followed the stories of three fictional characters seeking spiritual self discovery. The program was wrapped in a profound message reflected in Mahant Swami Maharaj’slife, in which peace is found in the practice of devotion. By joining talents and exchanging ideas, individuals learned that spirituality is the bedrock of peace. Together each event served the comprehensive spiritual interests and needs of all devotees on the west coast and beyond, and strengthened their ties to Hindu culture and heritage.
RSS Feed
