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America

The BAPS’ Festival of Inspirations Explores the Power of Faith and the Role of a Guru as a Beacon of Light

BAPS hosted a special cultural program themed, ‘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 explored the role of a guru as a beacon of light and a guide to help navigate life’s toughest challenges by strengthening one’s faith in the divine.

The program commenced with musicians from different walks of life singing devotional songs. Pujya Brahmviharidas Swami, a renowned orator, spoke on the role of a guru as more than just a guide from darkness to light and a guardian of morality; as one who brings us closer to God. “A guru is not just a guide and guard; he is the gateway to goodness and God.” He provided examples of Pramukh Swami Maharaj and His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj, both of whom have guided thousands of people throughout their lifetimes through constant letter responses, telephone calls, and personal counseling.

  The sacred bond between guru and shishya (disciple) is a timeless hallmark of Hinduism. A true guru can 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, a disciple looks to an ideal guru to gain inner stability and realization of one’s true self. The presence of a true guru fills one with love, compassion, and enlightenment. It quenches one’s eternal quest for purpose and illuminates the path to the divine.

Through humanitarian activities such as the creation of educational institutions, research centers and disaster relief operations, His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj and His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj have inspired goodness through their tireless efforts. At the age of 89, Mahant Swami Maharaj serves as an exemplary guru who not only embodies divinity and deep spiritual wisdom but also teaches one to become an ideal disciple by cultivating unwavering faith in the guru’s words, just as he did with his own gurus.

Remarking on the virtues that a true guru inspires, Sadguru Pujya Ishwarcharandas Swami, senior swami BAPS, opined, “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. Owing to his inspiration and the selfless service of thousands of volunteers, the BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham stands as a center of faith for millions who will walk through it.”

Several honorable guests attended the assembly. Mr. Arthur Kapoor, President and CEO of Health EC, shared his appreciation of the Swaminarayan Akshardham as a testament to our Hindu values and culture. “This will stay with you for generations... In life, if you ever feel like you have darkness around you, just come to the temple, you’ll see the lights come on to you, you’ll see the light you have been missing.” Mr. Kapoor is a visionary entrepreneur with expertise in data-driven patient care, and was accompanied by his wife, Mrs. Sangita Kapoor. Also in attendance was Mr. Narsimnh Kappula, the
Director for the World Hindu Economic Forum, along with his wife Mrs. Pratiba Kappula. The co-founder of Ace Info Solutions, Mr. Kappula partners with representatives on the U.S. Security Council to foster better relationships between countries. In his speech, Mr. Kappula expressed, “As Hindus we have to preserve the culture, especially among the young generation. What BAPS is doing to this end is exemplary.”

Through inspiring talks by senior swamis, heartfelt speeches by distinguished guests, and a reflective Q&A session with Mahant Swami Maharaj, the program highlighted how the guru serves as a guide to understanding one’s true purpose and strengthening one’s faith to make the impossible possible. The program concluded with a jubilant dance in honor of the guru who leads one to goodness and to God.

Watch future events from the Festival of Inspirations LIVE at https://na.baps.org.