Raymond Williams: In the past 15 years the Akshar Purushottam Sanstha has progressed tremendously. What are the reasons for it?

Swamishri : Principally it was the dream and wish of Bhagiwan Swaminarayan that the message of the Sampradaya reach all people, young and old alike, and benefit them. It was also the wish of Gunatitanand Swami, and the wish and effort of Shastriji Maharaj that people know of the Akshar Purushottam philosophy. Similarly, it was the wish of Yogiji Maharaj and he explained this knowledge to educated youths. He established the youth forum and gradually the Sanstha began to progress. After the demise of Yogiji Maharaj, the Sanstha's work got a momentum. There was an increase in the number of sadhus. They travelled to villages and places in India and abroad. The number of mandirs started growing. There was a new introduction to family home discourses (ghar sabha) for individual consolidation. The Children's and Youth forums started doing various satsang activities. There was an increase in the number of publications.

Essentially it was the wish of the Gurus and the establishment of the Children's and Youth Forums. The progress is also due to today's means of modern technology. The creation of Akshardham and the use of modern technology is inspiring many today. The London mandir is also another fine work through which people are getting impressed and inspired. The magazines and TV medias gave a very good coverage and opinion of the mandir.

The progress of the Sanstha is due to the religious feelings of people and the travellings of sadhus.

Raymond Williams : What have been the changes in your teachings and practices in the last 15 years?

Swamishri : We have made no changes in the teachings and practices given by Shriji Maharaj. We preach against things that disturb and present obstacles in one's spirituality. For example to use discrimination while watching TV programmes.

Raymond Williams : What are the effects of TV, Internet, Computer on religion?

Swamishri: Science and technology have produced things to provide information and knowledge - and that is a good thing. But we tell people to refrain from the bad pictures, advertising of drugs and smoking which damages and harms one's (moral and spiritual) standard of life.

Raymond Williams: What are your plans for the Sanstha for the next 10 years?

Swamishri : That the message reaches to more and more people. That satsang centres and mandirs grow. The publications reach out to more and more people. As new thoughts come and as things become conducive, the planning is done and the progress increases. Along with this there is also an increase in social activities. The work in the tribal areas to uplift them is another increasing horizon of our activity.

Raymond Williams : After your heart attack, bypass surgery and failing health, how do you cope with the rising progress of the Sanstha?

Swamishri : The progress is due to God's wish and the blessings of the Guru. There is no feeling that 'I am the doer and it is being done by me.' This health (of ours) be it good or bad is all due to His wish. And to get work done is also His wish. So whatever that happens is due to His wish. We will do services through this body as along as He wishes. Ultimately the progress is due to His wish and from one, another gets ready to continue the progress. God's work always continues and goes on.

Raymond Williams : Do you have any suggestions about any points to include in my book?

Swamishri : Yes, our philosophy. Philosophy of Atma and Parmatma, Akshar and Purushottam is sanctioned by the shastras. The words Brahm and Parabrahm mean to become Akshar-roop and offer devotion to Purushottam (God).