Festival of Inspirations by BAPS Shines a Spotlight on Faith’s Influence and the Guru’s Guiding Light

HI INDIA NEWS DESK
ROBBINSVILLE, NJ- BAPS hosted a special cultural program with the theme, ‘My Guru, My Guide,’ at the Swaminarayan Akshardham in Robbinsville, New Jersey on August 5, 2023. As part of the Festival of Inspirations, the program delved into the profound role of a guru as a guiding light and mentor, helping individuals navigate life’s most challenging moments by fortifying their faith in the divine.

The event commenced with musicians from diverse backgrounds presenting devotional songs. Pujya Brahmviharidas Swami, a distinguished speaker, expounded on the guru’s role, emphasizing that a guru is not merely a source of guidance and protection, but also a conduit that connects us to the divine. He cited the examples of Pramukh Swami Maharaj and His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj, both of whom have steadfastly guided countless individuals through their lives via letters, phone calls, and personal counseling.

The sacred bond between a guru and a shishya (disciple) is a timeless hallmark of Hinduism. A genuine guru has the power to inspire and transform the disciple’s life. Just as children look up to their parents, students to their teachers, athletes to their coaches, and employees to their leaders, disciples look to an ideal guru to attain inner stability and realize their true selves. The presence of a true guru fills one’s heart with love, compassion, and enlightenment. It quenches the eternal thirst for purpose and lights the way to the divine.

Through humanitarian endeavors such as establishing educational institutions, research centers, and disaster relief operations, His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj and His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj have spread goodness through their tireless efforts. At the age of 89, Mahant Swami Maharaj stands as an exemplary guru who embodies not only divinity and profound spiritual wisdom, but also teaches disciples to cultivate unwavering faith in the guru’s teachings, as he did with his own gurus.

Reflecting on the virtues that a true guru instills, Sadguru Pujya Ishwarcharandas Swami, a senior swami at BAPS, remarked, “Patience, tolerance, and trust allow you to serve selflessly. With faith, everything is possible. We are fortunate that our guru, Pramukh Swami Maharaj, instilled such faith in us. Thanks to his inspiration and the selfless service of thousands of volunteers, the BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham stands as a bastion of faith for the millions who will pass through its doors.”

The assembly was graced by several esteemed guests. Mr. Arthur Kapoor, President and CEO of Health EC, lauded the Swaminarayan Akshardham as a testament to Hindu values and culture. “This will resonate for generations… Whenever you find darkness around you, visit the temple; you will witness the illumination you’ve been missing.” Mr. Kapoor, a visionary entrepreneur with expertise in data-driven patient care, was accompanied by his wife, Mrs. Sangita Kapoor. Also present was Mr. Narsimnh Kappula, Director for the World Hindu Economic Forum, and his wife, Mrs. Pratiba Kappula. Mr. Kappula, co-founder of Ace Info Solutions, collaborates with U.S. Security Council representatives to nurture better international relations. In his address, he expressed, “As Hindus, it’s crucial to preserve our culture, especially among the youth. BAPS is setting an exemplary standard in this regard.”

The program, featuring inspiring talks by senior swamis, heartfelt speeches by distinguished guests, and a reflective Q&A session with Mahant Swami Maharaj, highlighted how a guru serves as a guide in discerning one’s true purpose and strengthening faith to achieve the seemingly impossible. The event concluded with a joyous dance paying tribute to the guru who leads individuals towards goodness and the divine.

Witness forthcoming events from the Festival of Inspirations LIVE at https://na.baps.org.