More than 870 participants gathered at the BAPS Swaminarayan mandirs in London, Leicester and Preston over the weekend of 20 and 21 May 2017 to complete the first phase of ‘Be Ekantik’ – a Satsang development programme designed specifically for satsangis over 40.
Launched in January 2017, the aim of the two-phase initiative is to help nourish and consolidate Satsang knowledge through the reading of religious texts and observing daily Satsang practices for personal spiritual growth.
Participants from across the UK attended to present various aspects of the curriculum, while satsangis from nine European countries – Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Ireland, Poland, Portugal, Spain and Switzerland – presented over video-conferencing facilities.
This first phase of the adhiveshan included memorising and presenting scriptural teachings, with topics revolving around the history, beliefs, practices and traditions of Satsang, along with other practical subjects.
The year-long initiative has been meticulously planned, supplementing participants with a range of written and audio-visual guides, and additional support provided through group training sessions to help participants with preparation, best practices and motivation.
Jitendra Mistry, one of the lead volunteers behind the adhiveshan, shared, “The overwhelming response from the participants has been heartening. Some have been preparing for months, using the daily commute to and from work, evenings and weekends, car journeys, even while waiting in airport lounges and lobbies. These efforts have been rewarded because the judges were very impressed by the participants’ level of preparation and enthusiasm.”
Kamlesh Patel, a first-time participant of the adhiveshan, added his own experience. “I’ve seen my two daughters excel through the Kidz Ultimate Challenge last year, so I thought it was my turn to keep up with them and please my gurus Pramukh Swami Maharaj and Mahant Swami Maharaj. The whole journey has been thoroughly rewarding, for our whole family, as we’ve seen everyone growing together in our knowledge and appreciation of what this Satsang has blessed us with.”