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- 28
June 2004 (V.S. 2060, Ashadh sud 10) Monday, Orlando, FL
Pramukh
Swami Maharaj Arrives in Orlando
In the welcome assembly, senior devotees formally welcomed Swamishri
and senior sadhus with various garlands.
In his blessings, Swamishri explained the importance of mandirs
and asked everyone to take full advantage of them. He also described
the rarity of attaining God, His holy Sadhu and the human body,
and explained its proper use by worshipping God and attaining
liberation.
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- 29
June 2004 (V.S. 2060, Ashadh sud 11) Tuesday, Orlando, FL
Kirtan
Bhakti Din
On this auspicious day of Dev Shayani Ekadashi, the onset of
Chaturmas, sadhus sang many kirtans, keeping the assembly engrossed
in God for over two hours at the Bob Carr Center for Performing
Arts.
The Attorney General of the State of Florida, Hon. Charlie Crist,
was present and felicitated Pramukh Swami Maharaj.
In his blessings, Swamishri explained, “With this human
birth, we must attain the bliss and abode of God and liberate
our souls. This can be done by taking refuge in God, developing
faith in God, and abiding by His wishes.”
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- 30
June 2004
(V.S. 2060, Ashadh sud 12) Wednesday, Orlando, FL
Evening
Programs
Devotees from all over the Southeast region gathered in the
Orange County Convention Center in Orlando to offer their respects
and devotion to Guruhari Pramukh Swami Maharaj on the celebration
of Guru Purnima.
In this special assembly, sadhus sang the glory of Guruhari
Pramukh Swami Maharaj through the verse, “Shobho sãdhu
gune sadã saral ne…” Sadhus took turns explaining
different parts of the verse, describing different virtues Swamishri
possesses, including his detachment from the world, simplicity,
and vast knowledge.
Kishores also presented Swamishri’s qualities through
dramas and lively dances. They gave Shri Harikrishna Maharaj
and Swamishri a grand welcome on a dharmarath into the assembly.
Following this, Swamishri was greeted by the Mayor of Orlando,
Buddy Dyer, as well as a Commissioner of Orange County, Homer
Hartate. Swamishri blessed the assembly, describing the qualities
of a true guru as explained in the Hindu scriptures. At the
conclusion of the assembly, all devotees were given a divo to
perform arti of Shri Harikrishna Maharaj and Swamishri.
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- 1
July 2004
(V.S. 2060, Ashadh sud 14) Thursday, Orlando, FL
Yuvak
- Yuvati National Convention
Yuvaks and yuvatis arrived from all over North America to take
part in the National Convention at the Orange County Convention
Center in Orlando, Florida.
In the welcome assembly, yuvaks heartily welcomed Shri Harikrishna
Maharaj on a palanquin and Swamishri on a chariot, dancing all
around them. The theme of the convention, ‘Vicharan’,
was explained by senior sadhus, who recounted incidents from
over the years of the physical and mental hardships Swamishri
has endured on his divine travels.
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- 2
July 2004
(V.S. 2060, Ashadh sud 15) Friday, Orlando, FL
Yuvak
- Yuvati National Convention
Delegates of the Yuvak-Yuvati National Convention started off
their day by having darshan of Pramukh Swami Maharaj as he performed
his morning puja in front of a beautiful replica of Sarangpur's
Yagnapurush Smruti Mandir.
Following this, sadhus spoke in great detail about both Swamishri's
life message of doing good for others, as well as Bhagwan Swaminarayan's
eternal message of attaining peace in this world and the next
by following basic rules of conduct.
Swamishri also blessed the morning assembly with his presence,
playing a ‘Mukhpath’ game with the yuvaks.
Swamishri also visited the exhibition at the National Convention
site, which included a replica of Gondal's Akshar Deri, a section
with large-scale pictures of Swamishri's vicharan, and a section
about important Hindu scriptures.
In the evening session, the Guru Purnima festival was celebrated.
Sadhus described how the true guru is the closest to God on
earth, as God resides in every pore of his body. They also explained
how true guru pujan is not merely physical reverence for the
guru, but by abiding by his every desire.
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- 3
July 2004
(V.S. 2060, Ashadh vad 1) Saturday, Orlando, FL
Yuvak
- Yuvati National Convention
Swamishri entered the morning assembly on the third day of the
convention in a special way. The entire sabha was set up as
if Swamishri was going on a padhramani to a devotee's home.
As Swamishri entered, sadhus sang the traditional kirtan that
is sung when sadhus go on a padhramani, “Ãj mãre
orde re…” Following this, arti and thal were offered.
Then the devotees asked Swamishri questions about how to lead
a good life. Swamishri spoke about this at great length, explaining
that living an ideal life leads to a better family, which ultimately
leads to a better society.
After three days of gaining insight into Swamishri's continuous
vicharan for the benefit of others, all yuvak and yuvati delegates
were inspired to improve their personal lives and society overall.
The theme of the day was ‘Our Journey,’ a quest
now for yuvaks and yuvatis to do something for Swamishri.
Throughout the day, sadhus described incidents of yuvaks who
had sacrificed monetarily, physically and mentally for Swamishri.
During his blessings to the evening assembly, Swamishri talked
about the glory of his gurus’ efforts. Despite his ceaseless
travels around the world for the good of others, he emphasised
that his vicharan is nothing compared to the vicharan of his
gurus.
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- 4
July 2004
(V.S. 2060, Ashadh vad 2) Sunday, Orlando, FL
Yuvak
- Yuvati National Convention (Morning)
After three days in Swamishri's divine presence, all yuvak and
yuvatis who had attended the National Convention bid a sad farewell
to Swamishri. They all had darshan of Swamishri's morning puja,
after which all yuvaks met Doctor Swami, who gave them convention
mementos. These mementos included a small murti of Nilkanth
Varni that Swamishri had sanctified after his puja.
Later on in the morning, Swamishri performed pujan of murtis
to be installed at two new hari mandirs in Tampa and Savannah.
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- 4
July 2004
(V.S. 2060, Ashadh vad 2) Sunday, Orlando, FL
Kishore
- Kishori National Convention (Evening)
Kishores and Kishoris from all over North America, Australia
and New Zealand arrived in Orlando for the beginning of a National
Kishore-Kishori Convention in the presence of Swamishri and
senior sadhus.
Swamishri entered the evening welcome assembly in a traditional
way with the beating of drums and the blowing of a conch shell.
As Swamishri made his way down a red carpet through the middle
of the convention hall, several kishores danced with joy while
all other delegates proudly waved BAPS flags.
During the welcome assembly, kishores and kishoris viewed several
multimedia presentations and listened to speeches by sadhus
describing the theme of the convention, ‘Vicharan’.
In his blessings to the kishores and kishoris, Swamishri spoke
about the necessity of pleasing God. “If we please God,”
he explained, “all worthwhile endeavours are accomplished.
We should not desire anything else but to please God.”
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- 5
July 2004
(V.S. 2060, Ashadh vad 3) Monday, Orlando, FL
Kishore
- Kishori National Convention
In this morning session, kishores and kishoris were inspired
to lead a Swaminarayan way of life. The ultimate aim of this
way of life is to be liberated from maya and attain salvation.
Sadhus eloquently described the norms, rules, and incidents
related to the theme. Satsang knowledge games helped delegates
enhance their knowledge about Swaminarayan history and facts,
as well as take more challenging niyams. Swamishri took great
interest in the games and asked a few questions himself.
In his blessings to the assembly, Swamishri explained the importance
of having faith in God and His holy Sadhu. He also provided
guidance for living a pure life.
In the evening assembly the Jal-Jhilani festival was celebrated
with Shri Harikrishna Maharaj being taken on a boat ride. This
symbolises the need for God and His holy Sadhu to help our souls
cross the ocean of maya for ultimate redemption.
Throughout the programme, delegates learned about the history
and international growth of BAPS through speeches by senior
sadhus and multimedia presentations.
In his blessings to the assembly, Swamishri described the reasons
for the growth of Satsang, and explained how this growth can
be sustained in the future. At the conclusion of the assembly,
Swamishri lovingly bathed Shri Harikrishna Maharaj, and all
delegates received sanctified water.
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- 6
July 2004
(V.S. 2060, Ashadh vad 5) Tuesday, Orlando, FL
Kishore
- Kishori National Convention
The entire morning session was centred around helping kishores
and kishoris deal with peer pressure. Skits and real-life incidents
demonstrated the harmful effects of succumbing to this type
of pressure. Following this, sadhus offered valuable guidance
on how to remain firm in one's convictions in the face of peer
pressure.
After Swamishri heard about the pressures youths deal with,
he emphasised the importance of maintaining strong faith in
God and His holy Sadhu. Their commandments lead to purity of
the mind and body, and although people may not realise it, they
are for our best.
Kishores and kishoris observed the shraddh of Shastriji Maharaj
during the evening programme, commemorating the life and work
of Shastriji Maharaj.
Kishores learned about the hardships he faced, the struggles
he overcame, and his persistence and zeal for spreading the
Akshar Purushottam Upasana through skits, speeches, and videos.
Kishores also asked Swamishri to recount several personal accounts
of his experiences with Shastriji Maharaj and his efforts.
At the conclusion of the programme, according to tradition,
Swamishri served dudhpak to the sadhus, and senior sadhus served
all delegates present.
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- 7
July 2004
(V.S. 2060, Ashadh vad 6) Wednesday, Orlando, FL
Kishore
- Kishori National Convention
During the morning session, kishores and kishoris explored one
of the most important aspects of society – education.
Panel discussions, featuring successful college students and
graduates, along with lively skits and enlightening speeches
from sadhus highlighted the importance and necessity of hard
work in education. Doctor Swami also offered valuable guidance
on how to create a balance between education and satsang.
After listening to a debate about the pros and cons of going
away from home to attend college, Swamishri offered his blessings,
saying that no matter where one studies, one should be able
to keep God and His holy Sadhu with him by abiding by their
every wish.
In a special Guru Purnima evening programme, sadhus recounted
personal incidents of Swamishri's love expressed towards them.
The entire programme was organised around the kirtan, ‘Sant
vinã re sãchi kon kahe...’ which describes
the guru as being the only person capable of offering true bliss.
Swamishri was asked to explain how one can please one's guru,
and he explained in his blessings that one must keep the company
of the guru with no expectations, and readily accept any seva
given by him.
Finally, Swamishri sprayed coloured water on his beloved Shri
Harikrishna Maharaj. Thereafter, kishores joyously danced to
kirtans as they were sprayed with the sanctified water.
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- 8
July 2004
(V.S. 2060, Ashadh vad 7) Thursday, Orlando, FL
Kishore
- Kishori National Convention (Morning)
Four days of speeches, dramas, and presentations provided merely
a glimpse into the decades of Swamishri's tireless vicharan.
Kishores and kishoris present for this emotional and educational
convention better appreciated Swamishri's efforts to enhance
society and please his devotees, and felt inspired too.
On the last day of this convention, all delegates had darshan
of Swamishri's morning puja. After having sameep darshan of
Swamishri, everyone received mementos from the senior sadhus
that would help them remember both this convention, as well
as Swamishri's selfless sacrifices.
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- 8
July 2004
(V.S. 2060, Ashadh vad 7) Thursday, Orlando, FL
Bal
- Balika National Convention (Evening)
In the evening the Bal-Balika National Convention began. Hundreds
of balaks and balikas from all over North America, Australia,
and New Zealand arrived in Orlando to participate.
In the welcome assembly, Swamishri entered the convention hall
to a loving and enthusiastic reception from balaks and balikas.
Some balaks danced on stage while others energetically waved
streamers in the air as Swamishri made his way towards the stage.
In his blessings, Swamishri explained to all the children in
great deal what their typical day should be like, remembering
God from the minute they wake up until they fall asleep.
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- 9
July 2004
(V.S. 2060, Ashadh vad 8) Friday, Orlando, FL
Bal
- Balika National Convention
During the first full day of the Bal-Balika National Convention,
delegates explored the theme, ‘Vicharan Around the World’.
Before Swamishri arrived in the morning session, sadhus described
the uniqueness of Swamishri's worldwide and continuous vicharan,
and discussed in detail Swamishri's busy daily routine within
that vicharan.
Then balaks and sadhus played a game of musical chairs in Swamishri's
presence in which all those who lost the game were required
to take extra niyams.
Swamishri also took a ‘Walk Down Memory Lane’ in
which he was shown several pictures of himself, sadhus and devotees,
and was asked to describe the incidents related to each picture.
In the evening, Shri Harikrishna Maharaj and Swamishri entered
the Rath Yatra assembly in a rath. The evening programme was
about how Swamishri is the ideal charioteer because of his love
and compassion. Balaks showed that Swamishri is always willing
to make time for them, and sadhus relayed incidents of how Swamishri
touched their hearts when they were children.
Swamishri personally expressed his affection for the children
by playing a game with them called ‘Swami's Ruchi’,
and by saying, “I love you all,” during his evening
blessings to the assembly. Swamishri also celebrated the Rath
Yatra festival by giving Shri Harikrishna Maharaj a ride on
a remote-controlled rath, and guiding a blimp (small airship)
that would symbolically take the balaks and balikas to Akshardham.
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- 10
July 2004
(V.S. 2060, Ashadh vad 9) Saturday, Orlando, FL
Bal
- Balika National Convention
Balaks and balikas had a chance to learn about Swamishri's travels
for them, as the theme for the day was ‘Vicharan to My
Heart’.
Swamishri demonstrated his efforts to make children happy when
he arrived in the morning session by playing a game of pictionary
with sadhus and balaks. Swamishri first served as judge, but
then he himself drew pictures to give memories to the balaks
and balikas.
At the conclusion of the morning session, a question and answer
session was held, during which Swamishri explained the importance
of learning to speak, understand, read, and write Gujarati.
He also described how children can serve their parents, primarily
by behaving according to their parents’ wishes and by
respecting them.
Balaks presented a very creative evening programme, in which
they entered a ‘time machine’. They went back in
time to see first-hand what the time of Bhagwan Swaminarayan
and his spiritual succession of God-realised Sadhus was like.
They chose five different locations in time, starting with Bhagwan
Swaminarayan's time, and moving all the way through to Yogiji
Maharaj's time.
At each place in time, they learned about incidents related
to Bhagwan Swaminarayan and the guru parampara through speeches,
dramas, and dances. Sadhus also sang kirtans about Brahmaswarup
Shastriji Maharaj and Brahmswarup Yogiji Maharaj, which put
Swamishri, sadhus, and the delegates in a very joyous and festive
mood.
Swamishri also narrated his favourite incidents of Bhagwan Swaminarayan
and Shastriji Maharaj, and explained the importance of following
agna through an incident involving Bhagatji Maharaj.
Before Swamishri left the assembly, he personally served dudhpak
to the sadhus, as Shastriji Maharaj's shraddh was symbolically
celebrated. Then, senior sadhus served dudhpak to all the balaks.
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- 11
July 2004
(V.S. 2060, Ashadh vad 10) Sunday, Orlando, FL
Bal
- Balika National Convention
On the final full day of the National Bal-Balika Convention,
balaks played two games with Swamishri – one nonverbal
and the other verbal.
In the nonverbal game, ‘Vartan Vãto Karshe,’
Swamishri served as a judge for a game of charades played by
sadhus and balaks. In the interactive verbal game, balaks took
turns asking Swamishri various questions.
Swamishri patiently answered all questions in detail, describing
to balaks what they should learn by heart, narrating a parable
of Yogiji Maharaj and describing how he became a sadhu.
In the evening assembly, balaks and balikas observed Guru Purnima,
in which they offered their thanks to Swamishri for being the
ideal guru.
Balaks and balikas got a glimpse at some ideal disciples, such
as Aruni, Eklavya, and Satyakam Jabali through dramas. Then,
Swamishri demonstrated the extent of his guru bhakti towards
Shastriji Maharaj by narrating an incident about this, as well
as by singing ‘Shastriji Maharajno sang...’ Finally,
several balaks were recognised for their commitment to niyam-dharma.
Swamishri also played a game in which he guided a blindfolded
balak through an obstacle course, demonstrating the necessity
to put total faith in the words of the guru.
Finally, after arti and mantra pushpanjali, Swamishri sprayed
coloured water on Shri Harikrishna Maharaj. Thereafter, the
balaks, one by one, were sprayed with the sanctified water.
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