A special all-day event was held for yuvaks and yuvatis in the presence of Mahant Swami Maharaj on Saturday 20 May 2023 at BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, London.
Titled ‘Brahmanand’, the programme led delegates on a spiritual quest to understand and experience the eternal bliss of God.
The day began with thematic bhajans and scriptural recitals delivered by youths during Mahant Swami Maharaj’s morning puja. A special invitation prayer and card were offered to Swamishri, who, during his blessings, emphasised that true happiness is derived from faithfully worshipping God.
Sadguru Tyagvallabhdas Swami and Anandswarupdas Swami offered further guidance on experiencing lasting happiness during a mid-morning session, focusing on daily devotional practices as a source of inner fulfilment.
The evening programme – a live cultural production of sketches, dances, video presentations and devotional songs – began with a group of youths conversing on the temporary happiness found from objects and attractions of the world. The performers revealed that brahmanand is realised by building a spiritual connection with Bhagwan and the Satpurush, abiding by their wishes, and perceiving divinity in all others.
These concepts were reinforced by Tyagvallabhdas Swami, Anandswarupdas Swami and an uplifting medley of kirtans that introduced the importance of realising the full glory of our prapti (spiritual attainment).
Mahant Swami Maharaj’s entrance to the assembly was incorporated into the insightful production. The ‘town crier’ hailed his arrival and gathered the villagers for a memorable welcome, which included a vibrant dance.
An interactive session with Swamishri began thereafter, which brought to life various episodes that portrayed how his oneness with his gurus has remained unwavering amidst various adversities and difficulties. The session revealed how, with a full realisation of prapti, Swamishri was able to remain perfectly balanced throughout these challenging moments in his life.
Mahant Swami Maharaj provided a collection of treasured memories whilst practically underlining key messages from the programme. These included stamping an instant photograph that he had taken of the audience with the word ‘divyabhav’, and removing a wooden piece labelled ‘man gamtu’ (acting according to one’s personal wishes) from a Jenga block. His concluding words conveyed the essence of realising eternal spiritual happiness: “Prapti is greater than your problems. Knowing who you have attained is the key to experiencing brahmanand.”
A series of emotive poems had been prepared for this occasion, which were narrated throughout the evening by various yuvaks. A final poem and a special prayer were recited to Swamishri, before an uplifting dance drew the journey of brahmanand to a conclusion.