Pramukh Swamis Life PART 5.1 >> As Guru - Spiritual guide & BAPS - TopicsExpress

Pramukh Swamis Life PART 5.1 >> As Guru - Spiritual guide & BAPS Head “In the good of others lies our own...” This maxim by Pramukh Swami Maharaj is not only an inspiring call for all humanity, but also reflects the spirit of his services to man and society. Pramukh Swami is approached by many followers for guidance in all aspects of life. Devotees frequently take to him matters of personal, family, and business affairs and seek his guidance. This type of communication is thought to be an important aspect of the guru-disciple relationship. Accordingly, Pramukh Swami spends much time counseling devotees in person or by letters or telephone. Women cannot directly receive advice from Pramukh Swami due to his vows as a sadhu in the Swaminarayan tradition that prohibit him from interacting directly with females. Women have to ask male relatives to approach Pramukh Swami on their behalf, or have written messages sent to him to ask for guidance. Pramukh Swami Maharaj has said that the purpose of his providing advice on such a range of matters is not to establish the devotees in business or to enable them to become wealthy, but to relieve them of anxieties about mundane affairs so they can attend to their spiritual progress. On 23 January 1971, Yogiji Maharaj left this world. Pramukh Swami, the perfect disciple, became Pramukh Swami Maharaj to fulfil the role of the perfect spiritual master. Over the past 40 years, under his able leadership and guidance, BAPS has become a global socio-spiritual organization. What was, over 100 years ago, a small institution with a few hundred devotees and a handful of sadhus, is now a dynamic worldwide organization with over 1100 mandirs, over 3,850 centres, 17,500 weekly satsang assemblies (children, youth and devotees), over 880 sadhus and a million followers spread in five continents. The Swaminarayan Akshardham complexes at New Delhi and Gandhinagar have won international acclaim and renown as centres which reflect India’s ancient history and culture, and inspire universal ideals. Out of his compassion for humanity, he has made over 17,000 village, town and city visits and sanctified over 250,000 homes in India and abroad. He has read and replied to over 700,000 letters, and personally counselled over 810,000 people. Swamishri himself leads an austere life, without personal gains or comforts. Possessing nothing, asking for nothing, wanting nothing, he goes around giving his all. Despite his age, he travels from tiny tribal huts to modern metropolitan cities all over the world, to promote morality and spirituality. At his tender word, thousands have left addictions and walked the path of God. In addition to meeting with and providing spiritual guidance to devotees during his international visits, Pramukh Swami has also met with other religious and civic leaders. Professor Brian Hutchinson notes that in speaking with these individuals, Pramukh Swami “consistently emphasizes what religions hold in common and advocates cooperation between them with the purpose of uplifting the moral and religious life of mankind.” His striking humility, profound wisdom and simplicity have touched many. His love for mankind and respect for all religions weaves a fabric of cultural unity, interfaith harmony and universal peace. On March 6, 2013, Pramukh Swami Maharaj appointed Sadhu Keshavjivandas, also known as Mahant Swami, to answer questions and provide guidance to the follower-devotees of the faith, citing health issues and old age as preventing him from meeting devotees in person. (From BAPS) Jay #Swaminarayan :)