Devotees across North America celebrated guru Mahant Swami Maharaj’s 88th birthday with a program centered on the theme of “Das na Das”, having a philosophy of serving others with humility. Through testimonials and skits, Swamis and devotees shared how deeply this value of serving others without ego is embedded in Mahant Swami Maharaj’s life.
Through examples, the program highlighted three aspects of Mahant Swami Maharaj’s humility:
Bhagwan na das (serving God): In following the legacy of the gurus before him, Mahant Swami Maharaj always prioritizes Hari Kirshna Maharaj (murti of Bhagwan Swaminarayan). Testimonials and videos conveyed his insistence that the individual carrying the murti of Harikrishna Maharaj always precede him despite being blocked in photographs and videos.
Guru na das (serving the guru): Narratives from his life as a young Swami revealed his firm adherence to the wishes of guru Yogiji Maharaj, driven not by fealty but rather a genuine desire to please his guru. Despite his name “Mahant”, meaning leader, his life’s work and example reveals one who serves. He lived guru Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s message of “Lead by doing” from his early days performing menial sevas, to his tireless travels cultivating spirituality and guiding devotees through life’s challenges to his present years serving as a guru to millions.
Bhakto na das (serving devotees): Devotees shared their experiences where Mahant Swami Maharaj seized opportunities to bend low and sincerely bow to devotees. His humility deeply evident each morning following his daily puja as he patiently bows to all present with folded hands, for he sees himself as the one who serves, not one who leads. His eyes meeting each devotee personally. An experience to behold.
The program covered Mahant Swami Maharaj’s humility in capturing actions so small, subtle, and natural; yet powerful indicators of the priorities within. Bhagwan Swaminarayan has said that sincere humility is an accelerated path to moksha. The program provided an important reminder to keep ego out of daily interactions and thought processes through the example of Mahant Swami Maharaj’s life of selflessness, service to others, and service to his guru.