Yesterday, the world saw the departure of a global spiritual leader. Param Pujya Pramukh Swami Maharaj, spiritual Guru of Boachasanvasi Akshar Purushottam Sanstha (BAPS) passed away at the age of 95, following over 70 years of service that profoundly changed the world.
His time as the fifth successor in the lineage of Gunatit Gurus saw the BAPS movement expand into a global phenomenon. Travelling the world and visiting more than 17,000 villages and cities, he worked tirelessly in the Sewa (selfless service) of others and the promotion of Sanskaars (Dharmic values). Some of the most prominent leaders in the world have paid tribute to the life he leaves behind, including Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi.
Yajur Shah, National President of NHSF (UK), said “Param Pujya Pramukh Swami Maharaj changed the world. He guided millions on the spiritual path and today the world will feel aggrieved for the loss of a global giant. We are incredibly fortunate to have had such a personality guide so many of us and we must take inspiration from the life that he led, the change he sought in the world and his achievements. His legacy must spur us on to take his message of global peace to the world. I express my sincerest condolences to all his followers and the world.”
A profound and visionary thinker, he paved out a glorious future for the world at large. First and foremost, he saw the world as a single family. He said “When one sees God in everyone, then the sentiments of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ are born. Then no one is seen to be different.” He believed that in order to change the world, one must be willing to change themselves, stating “Character is the foundation. If it is kept firm and intact, the monument of life upon it will be unshakeable. If character is lost, the monument will soon tumble. Keep all thoughts and actions pure.”
Hundreds of Hindu students are followers of the BAPS movement here in the UK. Many will be conducting darshan for the departure of their Guru and at this time, we, at NHSF (UK), shall extend our most heartfelt support and prayers to them.
For further information on the life of His Holiness, please do take a moment to visit http://pramukhswami.org/life
A few words from National Committee member, Madhav Dave:
I was less than a year old when I was fortunate enough to have my first darshan of Param Pujya Pramukh Swami Maharaj (Bapa).
As my Dad put me into his lap, I crawled, wriggled, babbled and slobbered before setting my teething gums into his feet. Whilst the sadhus and Bapa laughed, my Dad reached forward quickly in embarrassment, hoping I hadn’t caused offence. Bapa, however, wasn’t anywhere near as fussed as my Dad was, or as fussed as any of us would be if we were covered in an unknown baby’s saliva! He was happy to let me continue playing. Bapa’s saintliness kept me softly chewing on his feet in silence as the sadhus looked on, smiling.
Why am I telling you about the time I played in Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s feet?
Because in many ways, saints are like trees. They are strong, towering personalities, taking all into their shade. They offer the sweet fruits of their wise words and ask for nothing in return. They’re rooted into the earth, but reach into the sky, touching both worlds and everything in between. Before a saint, we can all become children again. We can sit in their lap and forget responsibilities, desires and difficulties, and empty ourselves of our anguish. We can come into the shade to take shelter from the rains of life that drench us from time to time. We can play as children do. Sitting at the feet of a saint is being in a carefree world. And in that sense, Pramukh Swami Maharaj was a true saint. He was a big, big tree for our samaj.
For decades, his simplicity and innocent ways drew not only millions of people, but esteemed minds and world leaders. He was the inspiration for Mandirs that resurrected an age of Indian art long lost. He vastly expanded the BAPS organisation whilst being its leader, put Hindu Dharma on political and family agendas alike and provided the youth with an ideal to strive towards.
Most importantly, his saintliness had a strange attraction about it. Anyone who came into contact with him felt blessed. He gave, gave and continued giving, taking nothing in return, just like a tree, like the saint he was. My words would do no justice to him, so I’ll attempt no further.
Our samaj has lost an irreplaceable figure. However, the Hindu tradition celebrates the passing of saints as it marks the day they merged into that which they spent their lives worshipping. So whilst this day is filled with grief that we have lost the physical frame we looked upon with such admiration and respect, we are consoled that this tree will continue giving its shade, its fragrance and its fruits to all who come.
Jai Swaminarayan!
“Saints are like trees…They give shelter to whoever cares to come, be it a man, woman, child, or an animal. If you sit under a tree it will protect you from the weather, from the scorching sun as well as from the pouring rain, and it will give you flowers and fruit. Whether a human being enjoys them or a bird tastes of them matters little to the tree; its produce is there for anyone who comes and takes it.” – Sri Sri Anandamayi Ma
Authors: Yajur Shah, Madhav Dave