- 2 April
2001 (V.S.2057, Chaitra Sud 9) Monday, Mumbai, 221st Hari
Jayanti Festival
Swamishri celebrated Shri Hari Jayanti - Bhagwan Swaminarayan's
221st birthday festival at the mandir. The festival commenced
at 7.00 pm with dhun and bhajans. The program was interlaced
with speeches, bhajans and a drama. Finally, Swamishri blessed
the assembly, elaborating upon the life and work of Bhagwan
Swaminarayan.
At 10:10pm, Swamishri, senior sadhus and the entire congregation
performed the birthday celebration arti. The festive ambience
was enhanced by the silver plated cradle in which Thakorji
had been placed, boys dressed as Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh,
children adorned as devas, Brahmins, and rishis awating at
Dharmadeva's house for the birth of Ghanshyam. Swamishri then
gently pulled the cradle to and fro with the resounding singing
of 'Sona na Bor Zule Dharmakishore...' The costumed children
danced with joy in celebration of the Lord's birth. The celebration
concluded with Jai's of Bhagwan Swaminarayan.
- 4 April
2001 (V.S., 2057, Chaitra Sud 11) Wednesday, Mumbai, Gandhinagar
This morning, Swamishri departed from Mumbai to Gandhinagar
to bless and welcome Mr. Bill Clinton in his visit to Akshardham.
- 5 April 2001
(V.S. 2057, Chaitra Sud 12) Thursday, Gandhinagar, Mumbai,
Dubai
Mr. Bill Clinton,
the former president of USA, was welcomed by Swamishri during
his visit to Akshardham (see
special report)
Swamishri departed from the domestic airport in Amdavad at
5.08 pm and arrived in Mumbai at 7.05 pm. The flight to Dubai
took off at 9.05 pm from Mumbai and landed at 9.50 pm Dubai
time (11.20 pm, IST). Swamishri was welcomed and honored at
the airport with garlands by the local devotees. On reaching
Shri P.D.Patel and Shri Rohitbhai Patel's home, Swamishri
retired to bed at 11.30 pm (1.00 am, IST).
- 6 April 2001
(V.S. 2057, Chaitra Sud 13) Friday, Dubai
- This morning Swamishri participated
in a maha-puja at the industrial estate of Ghanshyambhai
Pagrani and blessed the assembly. Swamishri and the accompanying
sadhus were also honored by the local devotees.
- In the evening, a special
assembly of invited members of the Indian Association
of Dubai was arranged by Shri Bharat Shah - leader of
the Indian Community and Shri Sunil Bhatia, Ashok Kotecha,
etc. at the Crown Plaza in Holiday Inn. The Indian Ambassador
HE K.C.Singh, the Indian Consul General Shri Ashok Mukherji
and more than 750 people were present in the function.
Dignitaries and guest speakers appreciated the BAPS earthquake
relief work in Kutch and Saurashtra. Finally, Swamishri
blessed the esteemed gathering, "... As long as we
have not realized our atma then all our endeavors are
worthless. We strive to acquire happiness through mundane
means but fail. Only the experience of God can provide
happiness. If one understands God to be the source of
happiness then one's goal can be attained. The experience
of God and atma will unshackle one from mundane attachments
and desires and provide mental equilibrium in times of
calamity.
" Here we find buildings are created from sand, whereas
the earthquake in Gujarat reduced buildings to sand. The
world is ever-changing. The happiness of body and wealth
is also fleeting. God is unchanging and still. If one
engages the mind in God, only then can it become still.
The more one internalizes this knowledge, the more happier
one becomes."
- 7
April 2001
(V.S. 2057, Chaitra Sud 14) Saturday, Dubai, Ajman, Sharjah,
Dubai
- After blessing a small gathering
in Ajman Swamishri traveled to Sharjah.
In his discourse to the devotees of Ajman, Swamishri said,
"Satsang means satpurush. Such devotion is possible
only through the association of a satpurush. We pray to
God to bless you with happiness in this world and the
world hereafter."
- The evening assembly was
arranged at an industrial estate in Sharjah. A colorful
welcome dance was performed by children and after a few
discourses Swamishri blessed the assembly, "Through
business and worldly talks one acquires happiness for
this body. But to attain peace in one's atma, one needs
to talk about God. One cannot satisfy one's hunger by
placing a plate of gold or jewelry. It is our experience
that hunger can only be satisfied through food and thirst
through water. Likewise for peace of mind and atma one
requires spiritual discourses, and talks related to God
and dharma."
- 8 April 2001
(V.S. 2057, Chaitra Sud 15) Saturday, Dubai, Bal-Kishore Day
- Balaks and kishores sang
bhajans in Swamishri's morning puja
- At 10.45 am, Swamishri met
Sheikh Hamed Bin Majid Al-Qassimi - Minister of Justice
of UAE and cousin brother of the Sheikh of Sharjah - Sheikh
Dr. Sultan. Sheikh Hamed welcomed Swamishri in his palace
in Sharjah. He was impressed on learning of Swamishri's
effort in inspiring morality and peace in society. The
Sheikh said, "You are doing good work. Spreading
world peace can be done through saints like you ... I
hope this will not be our last meeting. I wish that we
meet again and again."
Before departing Swamishri presented the Sheikh with an
Amrut Kalash as a memento.
- In the evening, the balaks
and kishores presented a program of speeches and narration
on incidents from the life of Swamishri. In his blessings
Swamishri recollected incidents about Shastriji Maharaj
and Yogiji Maharaj.
- 9 April 2001
(V.S. 2057, Chaitra Vad 1) Monday, Dubai,
During an evening assembly
at Shri Lakha Lulla's Astoria hotel, a program of bhajans
and speeches were delivered by sadhus. Finally, Swamishri
blessed the audience, "From the day of birth, a person
is always engaged in action. He sees the world outwardly but
never looks within and neither inquires who he is. Because
of this ignorance he suffers the cycles of birth and death.
When he realizes his true self he will experience fulfillment..."
- 12 April
2001 (V.S. 2057, Chaitra Vad 5) Thursday, Dubai, Bahrain
At 6.30 pm, Swamishri
departed from Dubai International Airport and landed in Bahrain
after a one hour flight. Swamishri was welcomed by Dr. Prafulbhai
Vaidya, Jasbirsingh, Vinay Diwan and other devotees.
- 13 April
2001 (V.S. 2057, Chaitra Vad 6) Friday, Bahrain
The evening assembly
commenced at the BAPS - Center for Better Living with bhajans
and discourses. At 7.00 pm, Swamishri arrived and the balaks
performed a traditional dance. Then the youths performed an
interesting drama, 'Sant Param Hitkari'. Finally, Swamishri
addressed the special assembly of 750 invitees.
- 14 April
2001 (V.S. 2057, Chaitra Vad 7) Saturday, Bahrain
In the evening assembly,
two international businessmen Mr. Mohammed Ali Dadabai - member
of the consultative council of Bahrain and Mr. G.K.Noon were
present. Mr. Noon addressed the audience, "I have been
in touch with Swamishri for the last ten years. I have found
nothing but peace in his eyes. I am proud to have the association
of Swamiji." During his blessings, Swamishri said, "If
one attains the fluent knowledge of God then there will be
no misery ... In the house of God no one is small and no one
is big. Everyone is equal. God is one. If you attain the virtues
of truth, non-violence, compassion, etc. then you will attain
peace."
- 15 April
2001 (V.S. 2057, Chaitra Vad 7) Sunday, Bahrain
During the evening
assembly the youths performed a lively folk dance and a drama,
'Vyasani Gokaldas'. Then in his discourse, Swamishri emphasized
about the fleeting nature of everything in this world. Swamishri
honored and blessed Hasan Kamal - a renowned poet.
- 16 April
2001 (V.S. 2057, Chaitra Vad 8) Monday, Bahrain
- At 12.00 noon, Swamishri,
sadhus, the Indian Ambassador H.E. Surindersingh Gill
and leading devotees arrived at the Government House in
Manama city. Swamishri was led to the Private Office of
the Prime Minister Sheikh Khalifa Bin Salman Al Khalifa.
After the welcome formalities by the Prime Minister and
his cabinet ministers, namely, Minister of Foreign affairs,
Cabinet Affairs, Information & Broadcasting, Interior,
State, Environment and Housing; a dialogue, with Brahmavihari
Swami as the interpreter, took place between the Sheikh
and Swamishri.
Sheikh: We are happy to welcome you in Bahrain.
I know you have been received and honored by many leaders
throughout the world, and are held in high respect. It
shows what place you occupy in people's hearts.
Swamishri: It is all due to God's grace. We are
all His instruments and serve society according to His
will.
Sheikh: I am aware of the good relation
you shared with our late Highness Sheikh Isa, and I hope
you extend your stay in Bahrain for several more days.
Your presence and work bring peace and this is very important
in today's world... and your people - all Indian people
are very good citizens. They are our friends.
Swamishri: ... We are pleased by your love for
India and Gujarat.
Sheikh: I have seen a photo of the London Mandir.
It is a wonderful monument. Amazing! A lot of effort has
gone into its creation. Throughout, there is peace and
divinity in it. I believe whatever that is done with faith
and love, with the united efforts of so many people succeeds
in creating peace. It seems what Swami has done, has been
done by God.
The Sheikh was all praises for the spirit of volunteerism
behind the creation of the mandir in London. The BAPS
earthquake relief work impressed him further. On hearing
about Swamishri's message of peace at the Peace Summit
in UN and personal meeting with Mr. Kofi Annan, the Sheikh
opined, "I offer my good wishes to Swamiji and wherever
you go, may you be successful. Whoever provides the needs
of people, is great in this world!"
While going through a brochure on Akshardham monument
the Sheikh was amazed and inquired of its details.
In conclusion, the Sheikh said, "Forgive me for spending
only a little time with you. But when I come to India
I will come with enough time. Today is one of my busiest
of days ... But still, I can always spare time for friends."
Swamishri then conveyed his good wishes and blessings
for the King of Bahrain - Sheikh Hamad and the entire
country. Swamishri presented an Amrut Kalash to the Prime
Minister. After a group photo session, the Prime Minister
saw Swamishri to the steps of the Cabinet House. The 24
minute dialogue was cordial and memorable.
- The evening public assembly
was arranged at the hall in Sheraton Hotel. A kirtan-bhakti
program enthralled the audience. The Indian Consul General,
Shri Rajiv Sahare, welcomed Swamishri with a garland and
addressed the assembly.
After Swamishri's blessings, the kirtan-bhakti program
continued.
- 17 April
2001 (V.S. 2057, Chaitra Vad 9) Tuesday, Bahrain
During the evening
assembly, several dignitaries and government officials were
felicitated and blessed by Swamishri, namely: The Indian Ambassador,
H.E. Surindersingh Gill; Personal Secretary to Minister of
Health, Mr. Suleman Bu Ali; Bangladesh Ambassador, H.E. Anwar
Gulam Alam; Personal Secretary to Minister of Labor and Employment,
Mr. Sadik Sehali; Director of Press and Publication, Mr. Ibrahim
Nur; Mr. Mummed Nur Sultan, Mr. Ali Hasana, Dr. Ahmed Jasim,
and the renowned poet Mr. Hasan Kamal.
The Indian Ambassador and Mr. Suleman Bu Ali addressed the
audience. Finally, Swamishri focussed on the temporariness
of this world and the benefits of having faith in religion.
- 18 April
2001 (V.S. 2057, Chaitra Vad 10) Wednesday, Bahrain
In the evening assembly,
after a discourse by Viveksagar Swami, a Bhangada dance was
performed by Jasbir Singh and youths. Thereafter, a drama
'Pragat Ki Pahechan' was enacted by youths.
In his blessings Swamishri said, " God is weighed by
devotion. He has created the infinite universes and all priceless
things in this world. God has created pearls, placed gold
in earth - all for the happiness of mankind. To please God
one needs devotion from one's heart. He is not appeased by
empty devotion ..."
- 19 April
2001 (V.S. 2057, Chaitra Vad 11) Thursday, Bahrain, Kuwait
At 5.05 pm, Swamishri
landed at Kuwait International Airport. Swamishri and sadhus
were welcomed by Dr. Mukesh Delwadiya, Harish Derasari and
other devotees.
During the evening assembly Swamishri blessed the devotees,
saying, "Inner peace cannot be attained through a predominance
of mundane affairs. By prioritizing satsang in one's life
one finds peace of mind ... The human birth and this satsang
is priceless. We have this human body, but through satsang
and the God-communion sadhu one comes to understand how to
use it to attain moksha ..."
- 20
April 2001 (V.S. 2057, Chaitra Vad 12) Friday, Kuwait
More than 110 devotees
participated in the maha-puja (prayers for peace), in the
presence of Swamishri and senior sadhus.
The evening assembly was held at the Indian Embassy auditorium.
The Indian Ambassador, H.E. Prabhu Dayal, lauded the BAPS
activities and Swamishri's personality to an august gathering.
Swamishri then blessed the Ambassador and appreciated his
assistance for his stay in Kuwait.
- 21
April 2001 (V.S. 2057, Chaitra Vad 13) Saturday, Kuwait
The evening assembly
commenced in the Indian Embassy auditorium. After discourses
and bhajans, Swamishri finally blessed the audience, saying,
"This human birth has been given for offering devotion
to God and attaining liberation, but not to indulge and enjoy
the worldly pleasures. The worst misery in life is that of
birth and death (janma-maran). No one can remedy mental anguish.
It is God only who protects one from such pain and misery.
As long as there is igorance one has to suffer the cycles
of birth and death. This ignorance means 'I'ness and 'Mine'ness
...
"The body requires food to survive. Similarly, to 'survive',
the atma's food is 'bhakti' for God. Through 'bhakti' it acquires
strength and grows spiritually. When one attains a God-communion
sadhu, only then does one become liberated from 'I'ness and
attain atma - realization. Thereafter, by offering bhakti
to God does he attain liberation and eternal happiness ..."
- 22
April 2001 (V.S. 2057, Chaitra Vad 14) Sunday, Kuwait, Muscat
At 8.20 pm, Swamishri
departed from Kuwait for Muscat. During the 1hr.45 minutes
flight, Swamishri became engrossed in chanting the rosary.
The plane landed at 11 pm Muscat time
(1 hr ahead of Kuwait). After the official VIP customs procedure,
Swamishri was welcomed by Kanakshi Khimji, Bakulbhai Mehta,
Vijaybhai Solanki, community leaders and devotees. He retired
to bed at the residence of Bakulbhai and Dilipbhai Mehta at
12.45 pm.
- 23
April 2001 (V.S. 2057, Chaitra Vad 30) Monday, Muscat
The evening assembly
was held at the Krishna Mandir hall. The president of the
Hindu Mahajan and renowned Shri Kanakshi Khimji offered a
shawl and honored Swamishri. The assembly agenda of discourses,
bhajans and Swamishri's blessings delighted the audience.
- 24
April 2001 (V.S. 2057, Vaishakh Sud 1) Tuesday, Muscat
At 5.05pm, Swamishri
was welcomed at the palace of H.E. Syed Saif Bin Hamed Bin
Saud Al-Busaidi, the Minister of the Royal Court of Oman (Diwan)
and one of the close ministers of Sultan Kaboos of Oman.
H.E. Syed Saif gave a warm handshake to Swamishri, sadhus,
Kanakshi Khimji, Ajitbhai Hamlai, Bakulbhai Mehta, Dilipbhai
Mehta and others.
During the dailogue, Swamishri praised the law and order and
peace prevailing in the country.
H.E. Syed Saif responded, "We thank God for peace in
our country and we take care of foreigners residing here.
We have old ties with Indians, so we do not treat them as
foreigners."
H.E. Syed was further impressed on hearing about the BAPS
socio-spiritual activities, London mandir, earthquake relief
work and Akshardham monument.
After the 25 minute meeting, Swamishri blessed him and wished
him well. On presenting the decorative Amrut Kalash, H.E.
Syed Saif was elated and thanked Swamishri.
In the evening assembly, Shri Suresh Virmani, a noted industrialist
of Oman, praised the BAPS earthquake activities. Swamishri
then blessed him.
- 25
April 2001 (V.S. 2057, Vaishakh Sud 2) Wednesday, Muscat
At 11.45 am, Swamishri
departed from Muscat and arrived in Mumbai at 3.30 pm (IST).
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