The Mahila wing of BAPS North America marked the birth of Bhagwan Swaminarayan and Bhagwan Ram with celebrations centered on the theme of "Param Ekãntik Aavya". Param Ekãntik Aavya means the arrival of one who possesses an ideal spiritual state. Women of all ages had participated in programs aimed at educating the audience on the four pillars of achieving the Ekãntik state. These programs included skits with entertaining characters, dances, and talks.
The four pillars, Dharma (religious disciplines and duties), Gnan (spiritual knowledge), Vairagya (renouncement of worldly pleasures), and Bhakti (devotion) are complex principles. The skits and discussions presented the practical application of the four pillars to one's life in a manner that the audience could relate. A series of short skits relayed how Gnan can help one overcome life's challenges, how sincere Bhakti creates a constant connection with God, how understanding Dharma allows us to make the right choices in life. These are all stepping stones in the path to achieving the Ekãntik state.
The skits incorporated events from the life of Marayada Purshottam Bhagwan Ram, highlighting his adherence to Dharma, his duty in the most trying of circumstances. His life story of sacrifice, loyalty, and understanding set a timeless example for our conduct. Bhagwan Swaminarayan was born in the modern times 233 years ago. He revived the principles of Hinduism, and established Ekãntik Dharma as a means to achieve Moksha. He emphasized as the scriptures do, the need of an Ekãntik Satpurush: A real life example to guide us all in this endeavor.
Pramukh Swami Maharaj, in all situations of life, has never compromised in abiding of dharmik practices, has eschewed worldly pleasures, and has offered devotion with one desire, to please God. The celebration provided an understanding of what it means to be Ekãntik, and a realistic means of continuing our journey to becoming Ekãntik under the guiding example of Guru Pramukh Swami Maharaj.