The Toronto BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha celebrated the Guru Purnima Samaiyo on July 28, 2002. A blissful murti of Shreeji Maharaj adorned in white garments and bright red headdress further enhanced the beautiful backdrop of the stage. Upwards of 600 people partook in the celebrations and were overcome with a deep sense of gratitude towards Pramukh Swami Maharaj.
The program was interspersed with kirtans, a drama, pravachans and video presentations. In his pravachan, a satsangi articulated the difference between a material debt which can be repaid someday with effort, however, guru roon can only be repaid in kind. He emphasized the fact that we as satsangis are indeed extremely fortunate to have an unparalleled guru in Swamishri who constantly gives of Himself and never asks for anything in return. He provided the audience with only a glimpse of the magnanimous divinity of Swamishri and the unfathomable debt we owe Him. He continued to provide food for thought as to how can we even begin to repay such an enormous debt. He reminded us that we can merely attempt to repay a fraction of the debt by practicing what he summarized as 'The Ten Commandments' - Ghar Sabha, Ravi Sabha, Nitya Puja, Tilak Chandlo, No Television, No eating out, Personal Satsang Vikash, Unity and Total Submission to Swamishri.
Through a humorous drama, yuvaks and kishores adeptly delivered the message of 'Dharmado' in accordance with Shikshapatri. The drama clearly distinguished between 'Dharmado' and other monetary donations. Through a video presentation, the audience was updated of the haveli construction. He provided a general timeline and the target dates for various milestones in the construction. Yuvak launched the 'Family Walk for Family Values' with a video presentation of past Walkathons. This year the Walk has been scheduled for September 22, 2002. He invited one and all in the audience to participate in this event for family harmony.
Through a video darshan accompanied by the kirtan 'Vandan Kariye Karodo.. Swami Charano' one was able to catch a glimpse of Swamishri's twirl of the index finger, Swamishri's Charanarvind (lotus feet), Swamishri's genuine and innocent laughter, Swamishri's Walk, Swamishri's sheer devotion for Thakorji and many other facets of His divine personality.
In an address to the assembly, sadhus' provided insight in to the true meaning of Guru Purnima. The audience was encouraged to reflect and introspect on the immense effort that Swamishri unconditionally puts forth for the betterment of one and all. Furthermore, we should introspect on the quality of our efforts to truly venerate the intense efforts of our Guru - Swamishri. Building the haveli is a challenging task and is an opportunity of 'giving' of ourselves to emulate what Swamishri continually does. We should lead our lives according to Swamishri's principles and desires will itself be the truest form of guru pujan.