BAPS: Mission, Philosophy & Global Spread from My view

BAPS: Mission, Philosophy & Global Spread

Introduction

Established in 1907, the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) is a worldwide Hindu organization dedicated to the collective spiritual and social progress of society by promoting harmony between individuals, within families and amongst diverse communities.

Since 1971, under the leadership of His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj, BAPS North America has been serving with an emphasis on:

     

 • Spirituality
 • Family Unity
 • Cultural Heritage
 • Humanitarian Services
 • Child and Youth Development

Mission

BAPS                      aims to serve communities, families and individuals by:

CARING                   for their spiritual, cultural, social, physical, emotional and educational needs.

INSPIRING               all towards a pure and peaceful way of life:Filled with character, love, tolerance and harmony; Free from addictions and vices; Rooted in the values of co-existence and service.
SUSTAINING                       the universal values of Hindu culture.
FOSTERING              faith and devotion in God through Satsang.

Child & Youth Development

The true prosperity of our world lies in our children and youth. The values we instill in our children and youth today will allow them to mold their lives for a better future. BAPS promotes personal development of our children and youth through an emphasis on spiritual, family and cultural activities.

BAPS Children’s and Youth Activities have helped our youth become responsible and contributing members of society. These character-building and inspiring activities include the following:

• Children’s Sabha (Spiritual Assemblies)
• Art Classes
• Parents’ Awareness Forums
• Cooking Classes
• Assemblies for Students on College Campuses    
• SAT Classes
• Educational Awareness & Tutoring
• Career Fairs
• “Experience India” Trips    
• Language Classes
• Festival Celebrations          
• Music Classes
• Folk Dances & Musical Performances      
• Yoga Classes
• Athletic Events & Tournaments    
• Conventions
• Outings & Educational Retreats
  Cultural Heritage

Hindu culture is a beautiful mosaic of art, music, dance, cuisine and festivals with roots dating back thousands of years. BAPS celebrates Hindu culture through various cultural events and educational programs.

Through various activities, BAPS encourages younger generations to experience the beauty and richness of Hindu culture and to develop a sense of identity and pride in their heritage.

BAPS is an integral part of the Indian American community in North America in celebrating our shared culture.

The Value of Family

Emphasizing the value of families, BAPS encourages parents and children to regularly hold ghar sabha - a gathering of family members in the home that provides a platform for spiritual development and mutual understanding.

During the 15 to 30 minutes of ghar sabha, family members pray, read and discuss spiritual and inspiring literature. They also discuss issues facing one another or the family to foster open communication.

BAPS also stresses the importance of family meals or samuh bhojan - a family dinner in which all members put aside other obligations and spend time together eating, talking and enjoying each other’s’ company.

In mandirs, BAPS organizes parents’ meetings where parents learn how to improve communication with their children and develop unity within the family, while children learn ways in which they may better understand their parents.

BAPS emphasizes the need for communication, love and understanding as a means to achieving family unity. It also provides methods to maintain family harmony.

Satsang: Spiritual Guidance

Satsang is association with the Satpurush (God-realized Guru), Bhakta (devotee) or Bhagwan (God). It is practiced through devotion to God, the study of scriptures and observance of dharma (code of conduct).

Satsang provides deeper knowledge of the atma (soul) and God. Through this knowledge, one develops the patience, courage and understanding to face the ups and downs of life with stability and peace of mind.

This same transformative power helps to free individuals from addictions and remove inner vices such as lust, ego, anger, envy and greed.

One of the primary means for strengthening one’s personal Satsang is weekly Satsang Sabha (spiritual assembly), organized in every BAPS center around the world. Here devotees come together and enjoy spiritual discourses, scriptural readings and devotional singing.

SATSANG PROGRAMS:

   • Satsang Sabha

   • Celebrations of Festivals

   • Cultural Programs

   • Satsang Shibirs (Seminars)

   • Samuh Puja (Group Worship)

   • Seva (Volunteer Services)

   • Goshti (Group Discussions)

   • Group Outings

MORNING PUJA

An essential personal practice for strengthening one’s personal satsang is daily morning puja (worship). Every BAPS Swaminarayan devotee begins his or her day by performing the morning puja, which involves mansi (meditation), introspection,  mantrajaap (spiritual chanting), prayer and scriptural reading. Regular practice of morning puja strengthens spiritual values and devotion to God.
  Mandirs & Cultural Centers

To cater to the needs of the individual, family and community, Hindu scriptures and traditions have prescribed the following three types of mandirs: Shikharbaddh mandir, Hari mandir and Ghar mandir.

Shikharbaddh mandirs are built according to the ancient texts of Hindu architecture. These magnificent structures, made from hand-carved stones, are masterpieces of ancient art and architecture.

BAPS Shikharbaddh mandirs are also typically adjoined by Satsang Activities Centers, which provide facilities for various cultural, social and spiritual activities.

These mandirs’ facilities include: Prayer & Assembly Hall, Children’s and Youth Activities Areas, Classrooms, Exhibitions, Dining Area, Gardens and Gift Shop.

Hari mandirs, although not made from stone like traditional Shikharbaddh mandirs, also provide similar facilities for spiritual, cultural and social activities.

Ghar mandirs are small mandirs in devotees’ homes, where family members gather for puja, morning and evening Arti (prayer) and Thal (offering  of food).

Bhagwan Swaminarayan (1781 - 1830)

Born in 1781 in northern India, Bhagwan Swaminarayan brought about a social and spiritual renewal to a society plagued by corruption and immorality. He revitalized the values of Sanatan Hindu Dharma and established the Swaminarayan Sampraday. He inspired devotees to live moral and spiritual lives by observing five basic principles: addiction-free living, vegetarianism, refraining from stealing, abstaining from committing adultery and maintaining purity of the mind, body and soul.

Gunatitanand Swami (1785 - 1867)

First spiritual successor of Bhagwan Swaminarayan. He extolled Bhagwan  Swaminarayan’s true glory as God through his inspiring discourses, profound saintliness, matchless wisdom, and constant rapport with God.

Bhagatji Maharaj (1829 - 1897)

Second spiritual successor. He had an intense desire to worship God and serve his Guru, Gunatitanand Swami. His life is a story of tremendous effort to follow the wishes of his Guru. Although not a saffron- clad renunciate, his spiritual enlightenment singled him out as successor. 

Shastriji Maharaj (1865 - 1951)

Third spiritual successor. He was a profound scholar of Sanskrit and ancient Hindu scriptures and a magnetic orator. He founded the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha and propagated the core philosophy propounded by Bhagwan Swaminarayan - to worship Purushottam (God) along with Akshar, His ideal devotee.

Yogiji Maharaj (1892 - 1971)

Fourth spiritual successor. He was a great visionary. who, with an ever-smiling and joyous visage, devotion, love and tolerance attracted many young people to spirituality. He initiated many young, learned swamis and started BAPS youth & children’s activities.
 

Pramukh Swami Maharaj

His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj is the fifth spiritual successor of Bhagwan Swaminarayan and the present leader of BAPS.  He leads an ascetic life of lifetime celibacy without personal wealth. His compassion for humanity and caring nature have touched and inspired countless people.

His inspiring call, “In the joy of others, lies our own...” reflects the spirit of his life and work. Pramukh Swami Maharaj has travelled from large cities to remote villages to foster love, peace, harmony, spirituality and faith within individuals - irrespective of race, class, creed or color. His unique combination of spirituality and leadership inspires hundreds of thousands of devotees around the world.

LIFE & WORK:

• Initiated as a swami in1940

• Traveled to over 17,000 villages, towns and cities
in 50 nations

• Visited more than 250,000 homes

• Personally written more than 700,000 letters to comfort and guide individuals

• Delivered more than 25,000 discourses spreading the message of love, spirituality and faith

• Built more than 1,100 Mandirs and Cultural Centers worldwide to uphold the values and beliefs of Hinduism

• Initiated over 930 young individuals into a life of renunciation, spirituality and the service of others

• Created Swaminarayan Akshardham in New Delhi and Gandhinagar, Gujarat

• Created grand stone mandirs in Houston, Chicago,  Toronto, Atlanta, Los Angeles and Robbinsville

  Philosophy

The members of BAPS are part of the Swaminarayan Sampraday (Swaminarayan Faith) - the Hindu Bhakti Sampraday founded by Bhagwan Swaminarayan.

BASIC HINDU PRINCIPLES

Swaminarayan followers believe in core Hindu principles including: accepting the authority of the Vedas, the belief in Parabrahma (one supreme God), Avatarvaad (incarnations of God), Karma, Punarjanma (reincarnation), Moksha (liberation), Guru and Ahimsa (non-violence).

THE SWAMINARAYAN PHILOSOPHY

Bhagwan Swaminarayan revealed that there are five eternal entities: Jiva, Ishwar, Maya, Brahma and Parabrahma. He explained that Parabrahma, the supreme entity has a form, is the all-doer and is ever-present on Earth through His eternal abode, Aksharbrahma.

MOKSHA (Liberation)

Bhagwan Swaminarayan explained that jivas (souls) transcend maya and realize Ekantik Dharma through association with Akshar-brahma - the living God-realized Satpurush.

Ekantik Dharma consists of dharma (righteousness), gnan (knowledge), vairagya (detachment) and bhakti (devotion) to God, which leads one to moksha (ultimate liberation).

In the state of moksha, jivas are liberated from the cycle of birth and death, transcend maya, become an Aksharmukta and offer pure worship to Parabrahma in Akshardham (divine abode of Bhagwan Swaminarayan).

  Coexistence & Harmony

Guided by the Hindu tradition of celebrating unity in diversity, BAPS values living in harmony with others. Worshippers and visitors are welcomed with warmth and respect at all BAPS mandirs.

BAPS members, young and old, live harmoniously with their neighbors and proactively contribute to their community through a variety of service activities.

Believing that dialogue among societal and spiritual leaders is essential for peaceful coexistence, Pramukh Swami Maharaj has worked to foster communication with leaders of other cultures, religions and civic bodies. This effort has also led to BAPS participation in various inter-faith activities.

Thus, members of BAPS are responsible and contributing members of their local communities. They value their own cultural and spiritual heritage while respecting the beliefs of others.

BAPS Charities - Contributing to Society

BAPS Charities is an independent international charitable organization that has partnered with BAPS to inspire individuals across North America to serve their neighbors and communities.

For our volunteers, the concept of seva, or selfless service, means not just volunteering time or donating money, but being motivated by
a spirit of service to sacrifice for the greater good of the community and the world.

This spirit of service, as exemplified in the life of Pramukh Swami Maharaj, inspires our volunteers to donate millions of hours annually
in the service of our communities.

HEALTH & WELLNESS SERVICES

 

• Health Fairs organized annually in over 40 centers, benefiting over 13,000 individuals

•  Children’s Health and Safety Days organized in over
22 centers annually, benefiting over 3,500 children

•  Blood Donation Drives organized in over 25 centers annually, collecting over 1,100 pints of blood

• Flu Vaccination Drives organized in over 30 centers annually, benefiting over 3,200 people

• Over 5,300 individuals registered in Bone Marrow Drives

• Quarterly Health Awareness Lectures in over 60 centers

COMMUNITY SERVICES

•  Walkathons organized for the past 15 years giving financial support to community projects (local hospitals, children’s organizations, township entities, school systems, etc.). Over 15,000 walkers participate annually in 55 centers throughout North America

• Food & Toy Drives

EDUCATIONAL SERVICES

• Career Fairs & Scholarships

ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES

• Tree-planting campaigns

• Energy awareness

• Recycling projects

HUMANITARIAN SERVICES

For over 30 years, BAPS Charities has reached out during times of urgent need, first to assist, and then to empower people to return to their normal lives.

• 2013 - Philippines Hurricane Haiyan Relief
• 2012 - Hurricane Sandy

• 2011 - Japan Earthquake

• 2010 - Haiti Earthquake

• 2008 - Hurricane Ike

• 2006 & 2007 - Gujarat Floods

• 2005 - Hurricanes Katrina and Rita

• 2004 - Southeast Asia Tsunami

• 2001 - Gujarat Earthquake

• 1999 - Orissa Cyclone

BAPS Charities is also a Founding Sponsor of the 9/11 Memorial & Museum in New York.
 

BAPS Worldwide

BAPS has been serving in countries throughout the world, including India, the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Portugal, Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, Singapore, Thailand, South Africa, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Botswana, Zambia and UAE.  Its global activities include:

  Spiritual & Cultural  Activities

• Over 1,100 BAPS mandirs worldwide
• Over 930 swamis
• 3,850 centers in India, USA, UK, Europe, Africa,
   Asia Pacific, Middle East

• 10,400 weekly assemblies for men and women,
   youths and teenagers

• 6,600 weekly assemblies for children
Environmental Activities

• Thousands of tons of paper collected
for recycling annually
• Thousands of water conservation projects
in hundreds of villages
• Millions of trees planted in thousands of villages
in India
Volunteers

• 55,000 volunteers worldwide
• 12,000,000 hours of service annually

Health Services

• 10 charitable hospitals and healthcare clinics treating
over 615,000 patients annually
• Since 1999, mobile medical clinics have treated 3.2 million tribal villagers free of charge
• Over 100 Medico-spiritual conferences have enlightened
over 20,000 doctors
• Over two million people inspired to quit addictions
• 165 diagnostic & specialized health camps treating
over 150,000 people annually
• Over 7,000 pints of blood collected in blood donation camps annually

  Educational Services

• 38 permanent facilities annually provide 12,000 students
with value-based education
• 55 schools built in disaster-hit regions
• Over 5,000 scholarships awarded annually
• Established the first award-winning Hindu School in London - 1992
Humanitarian Services

• Over 40 disaster relief operations successfully managed
• More than 1,800,000 hot meals served in the 2001 Gujarat Earthquake
• 4,190 homes constructed following the 2001 Gujarat Earthquake
• 51 villages served after the South Asia Tsunami in 2004
 

Swaminarayan Akshardham (Gandhinagar & New Delhi)

Swaminarayan Akshardham celebrates Hinduism’s ancient yet living culture in all its grandeur, beauty and wisdom. Offering a unique insight into Hindu traditions, the Akshardham experience provides an engaging journey of inspiration and enlightenment to all. Celebrated for its religious architecture, Swaminarayan Akshardham in Gandhinagar and New Delhi offer homage to
Bhagwan Swaminarayan as well as the avatars and great sages of Hinduism. These Mahamandirs were made possible through the selfless efforts of thousands of volunteers and craftsmen as well as the inspiration and blessings of Pramukh Swami Maharaj. They stand as a testament to the power of volunteerism and continue the BAPS tradition of devotion and service.

Swaminarayan Akshardham (Robbinsville, New Jersey)

Currently under construction, Swaminarayan Akshardham in Robbinsville, NJ will continue the tradition of Mahamandirs that began with Akshardham Gandhinagar and Akshardham New Delhi.  As part of a 167-acre campus, the Akshardham Mahamandir itself will serve as a fascinating introduction to the Hindu faith
as well as to Indian art and architecture. By expressing shared values and a message of universal peace, Akshardham will help foster greater harmony among all faiths and communities. Built to last a thousand years, Akshardham will be an enriching and empowering legacy for our community and country, helping transmit our universal spiritual values for generations to come.