6 December 2009 (VS 2066, Vad Pancham ) Sunday, Vidyanagar
In the evening satsang assembly members of Anand bal mandal performed a drama ‘Jivishu Swamine Mate’ to commemorate BAPS Anand Mandir’s tenth anniversary. The drama brought to life the extraordinary stories of sacrifice and service by veteran devotees of Anand.
In conclusion, Swamishri appreciated the drama in his blessings, “The drama presented was most enjoyable because it revived memories about the services of devotees in the time of Shastriji Maharaj. They served with body, mind and wealth in testing times. They served to establish the knowledge of Akshar-Purushottam, to please Shastriji Maharaj and to be blessed with liberation for their souls.”
Formula for a complete life
6 December 2009, Vidyanagar
A satsangi youth sought Swamishri’s blessings on his birthday. Swamishri replied, “You must keep God (in your life) and do your work properly. These two things encompass everything.”Faith and devotion to God and fulfilling our duties and responsibilities in life are Swamishri’s mantras for a complete and satisfied life.
Vidyanagar
8 December 2009 (VS 2066, Vad Satam ) Tuesday, Vidyanagar
Swamishri performed the murti-pratishtha rituals of murtis for the BAPS hari mandir in Khajurdi.
13, Sunday; Annual Day Celebration: The special evening assembly programme was presented by students of APC. They sang a ghazal and performed a traditional dance. Outstanding student achievers were felicitated. A drama, “Ghadtar”, was enacted by APC students. It was based on the true story of a satsangi boy’s steadfastness in niyams and satsang during challenging situations. In his blessings Swamishri praised, “The drama presentation was wonderful and inspiring. All should take a leaf from it. Parents should also take inspiration from the drama. Yogiji Maharaj, who established this hostel, used to say that it is a college of brahmavidya. Whoever wants to learn brahmavidya should prepare himself like the main character in the drama. The boy was put through many trials and yet he did not give up in his resolve to remain steadfast in satsang niyams and daily puja.”
Four disciplines for students
8 December 2009, Vidyanagar
BAPS kishores were seated in the Akshar Purushottam Chhatralaya (APC) grounds in the morning for Swamishri’s darshan. When Swamishri arrived he blessed and inspired the tenagers, “All of you study well, do bhajan, do puja daily and abide firmly by the moral rules and disciplines (niyams).”
True progress
10 December 2009, Vidyanagar
While Swamishri was on his way to perform his morning puja, several fat APC students joked, “We progress immensely at APC.”
Swamishri asked in response, “Yes, do progress. But in what?” With these words Swamishri proceeded to the mandir hall to do his puja.
On returning after his puja, Swamishri explained the meaning of progress to the same students, “Firstly, it is very important to obey niyams. Then, after completing your studies, whether you live here or go abroad, you must not allow any type of addiction in your life. Don’t do anything that is wrong. Do bhajan regularly. Remember Maharaj routinely. Practice the principles of satsang and inspire them in others too. And whatever you’re gained here through satsang teach it to others. After coming into satsang true progress lies in advancing ahead.”
Swamishri revealed the essence of true progress to the youths.