Over the past 11 years, the BAPS Sanstha’s research centre, AARSH, has organised many seminars and conferences on spirituality and philosophy.
On 22 December 2003, the Sanstha hosted a seminar on ‘Integration of Philosophy in Life’ at the University of Madras. Many distinguished scholars of philosophy, including, Ramanujacharya Pujya Shri Yatiraj Jeer Swami and Pujya Chakravarti Swami participated in the seminar.
At the start of the seminar, the Vice Chancellor of Madras University and holder of many national and international patents, Dr S.P. Tyagraj, described the selfless service of BAPS volunteers in many fields.
Then Prof. Prahladacharya, Vice Chancellor of Rashtriya Sanskrit Vidyapith, Tirupati, and well-known throughout India for his expertise in Sanskrit, said, “Like Madhvacharya, Bhagwan Swaminarayan has promoted a dual approach: both the Shrutis and Smrutis are given importance, life as a householder or a renunciant are both considered as important, both bhakti and dharma are necessary in life. Pramukh Swami Maharaj also has this approach. He honours scholars of all philosophical beliefs.”
Dr. K.K.A Venkatachari, former Director of Anantachari Indological Research Institute, Mumbai and AARSH, Gandhinagar, described how Pramukh Swami Maharaj explains the philosophy of Bhagwan Swaminarayan to people so that they can apply it in their daily lives. Representatives of AARSH, Viveksagar Swami, Shrutiprakash Swami and Janak Dave also addressed the seminar.
In his blessings to the seminar, Pramukh Swami Maharaj said, “Avatars, acharyas and devotees incarnate on earth to explain the ultimate truth to people. If knowledge of dharma, atma and Paramatma is attained, the soul is liberated.”
At the end of the seminar all the scholars and invited guests were presented mementos..