More than 350 devotees from France, Belgium, Germany and Ireland attended a Satsang Shibir on Sunday 9 August 2015 at the Théâtre du Gymnase in Paris. It was held in the presence of sadhus from London as well as visiting sadhus from India.
Entitled ‘Maro Haribhakta’, the shibir focused on the key characteristics of an ideal devotee based on the teachings of Bhagwan Swaminarayan. These ideals were explored through a variety of mediums, including discourses, devotional songs, videos and a drama.
The shibir began with the lighting of divas before a video presentation provided the audience with an inspirational overview of some ideal devotees from the past.
Bhagyasetu Swami began the discourses by discussing the identity of a spiritually elevated devotee.
Yoginayan Swami then explained the importance of observing a moral code of conduct to progress in all walks of life. His analysis was supported by a montage of video blessings from Pramukh Swami Maharaj.
Sadhus also explained the concept of faith in God and Guru, referring to practical examples of how a devotee can develop a profound sense of conviction.
Gnanpriya Swami concluded the learnings by encouraging the gathering to reflect upon the spiritual greatness of Bhagwan Swaminarayan and his spiritual successors, drawing upon inspiring examples of devotees who have demonstrated this understanding in their spiritual endeavours.
The following day, a Satsang Sabha was held in the presence of Atmaswarup Swami with chief guest Yves Pépin, creative consultant for the multimedia water shows at Swaminarayan Akshardham, New Delhi and Swaminarayan Akshardham, Gandhinagar.