July-August 2014 Issue: 02

The first step taken by a baby signifies and represents an

innumerable amount of aspects. The maturity, the strength, the will,

the risk, the passion are all simply portrayed out when that child takes

that first step spanning only a few inches in length. However, there’s

always a key piece of the puzzle that gets overlooked. The time, the

effort, the love that the parents had for their baby all contributed to

that first moment lasting only a few seconds but bringing about great

joy. These parents don’t expect the child to repay them for their

support; they themselves are the best gift the child will ever receive.

However, it is the child’s duty to thank them for such a priceless gift.

In this manner, Shreeji Maharaj is a mother and father to every

individual. He’s provided us with the life we have today with fresh

food on our plates and a roof over our heads everyday alongside a

great opportunity to be successful in the world. Furthermore, He has

protected us from the dangers of this world which we are vulnerable

to. Nevertheless, like any parent, His only wish is that we keep Him in

our hearts.

One’s first step is physically miniscule yet monumental. In

comparison, one’s first initiative in “thanking” Shreeji Maharaj for

His support is physically minute yet highly

symbolic. Saying a prayer every morning in

front of Shreeji Maharaj for a mere two

minutes could serve to be your baby step. It is

only a fraction of your day but it is the initiative

that you have taken which truly matters. Taking

that first step reveals the multiple steps of

opportunity following it. But you have to be

firm in taking the risk to build off of that

baby step because “it is not enough to

stare up the steps – you must step up

the stairs” (Vance Havner).

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When one accepts Satsang and becomes a devotee of God, they

become happy in every field of life and even after their death. There

are three types of happiness: physical, financial, and psychological.

Physical: A devotee does not harbor habits such as drinking,

smoking, and other harmful aspects. Hence, they have a minimum

chance of acquiring diseases and therefore, by the grace of God, they

will be physically healthy.

Financial: Worldly people waste unnecessary money in

addictions such as smoking, drinking, gambling etc.…whereas a

devotee leads their life according to the commands of the

Shikshapatri and thus saves money that others would waste.

Sadguru Shri Gunatitanand Swami says in his talks that,

“Kusangina Felma Satsangina Rotla,” meaning that worldly people

waste money in useless entertainment compared to with such

money a devotee nourishes his whole family by providing them food,

water, clothing etc…

Psychological: By nature, the soul becomes happy by the

satisfaction of mental desires and miserable by the breaking of

mental wishes. On the other hand, a devotee is beyond this condition

of mind because a devotee always follows God’s wish instead of their

personal mental desires. God is the source of all happiness therefore

a devotee will always be happy.

Kalyan (Ultimate Good): It is the promise of Supreme Godhead

Shreeji Maharaj that, “Marajanane Antkale Jarur Mare Avavu…” I

will surely come to take my devotee’s to Akshardham at the time of

their last breath. Therefore, a devotee of Maharaj becomes free from

the cycle of birth and death and attains the divine abode of God

(Akshardham), wherein they enjoy the everlasting bliss of God.

Shashtri Mukundswarupdasji Swami

Benefits of Satsang

Narendra Modi ran an effective campaign in the run to the Indian

elections this year and the BJP won a mammoth of 282 seats by itself.

The campaign had impressive slogans and banners but I think it was

mostly fueled by the goal that it set. The goal of securing 272+ seats in

the election. Alongside, the continuous focus on the goal achieved the

results for the campaign.

Goal + Plan = Success

We can very clearly see the

outcome when we have a goal set

for ourselves. For us we can

easily set a goal for ourselves and thwith the 200 anniversary of the

Vachnamrutam coming up in

2020. For some reason, I just call

the campaign “Vancho 262,”

signifying the 262 Vachna-

mrutams. This we must do out of

our love for Shreeji Maharaj. We

can choose to read the entire

Vachnamrutam once, twice, 11,

25, 51, or even 108 times from

now until early 2020. I know that

I am just s imply trying to

increase the “Paath” count, but

there is a great benefit in taking

up such a vow, setting that goal,

and working towards that goal.

Let’s say we choose to read

the Vachnamrutam 11 times in

the next 5 years , so i t i s

a p p r o x i m a t e l y a c o u p l e

Vachnamrutams per year. In the

Vachnamrutam I have, it would

be nearly 1300 pages (front and

back) to be read in 365 days so

around 3 to 4 pages a day, that

again is around 8 minutes a day. I

know all of us can do this math

but if we think about it, we will

have created a discipline for

ourselves, taken our Indiryos

and Antahkaran off Maya,

directed them towards Maharaj’s

talks, and plan our mornings or

afternoons to accommodate the

reading alongside other aspects

towards that goal for 8 minutes

each day. I hope that you can see

how merely 8 minutes of your

time each day can strengthen you

exponentially each day.

Keyur Patel

Shreeji Maharaj came to this Earth with a specific drive and

motivation resulting in the mission to remove agnan, destroy

adharma, and spread dharma. However, one subtle reason for that

was Nishkam seva-dharma. Shree Hari’s appearance the ultimate example

of Nishkam seva-dharma. What does He expect in return? Nothing. Here we

present to you individuals who have selflessly followed behind the lead of

Shreeji Maharaj. It is our mission, to bless the readers of Divinity

with two such footprints of great individuals in each edition

therefore leading us closer to Shreeji Maharaj.

Footprints

Pujya Narayansevadasji Swami lived in Vadtal for some

time. His duty there was to serve Pama Bhagat, an elderly

and respectable Parshad. However, he was

one with a strict nature. Narayansevadasji Swami

served Pama Bhagat with his utmost dedication. Pama

Bhagat becomes very pleased with him and offered him

Shreeji Maharaj’s prasadi items. But Narayansevadasji

Swami refused to take it. He said, “I served you just to

please you. I don’t need anything in return.” Only one who has the

purest objective to please Shreeji Maharaj Himself and serve His

devotees would refuse such priceless items in return.

Pujya Manat Swami (Pujya Jogi Swami’s Guru), used to be

the Kothari in the Junagadh temple. He used to distribute

Gol (jaggery) and Ghee to those who needed

it. However, he took a niyam not to eat Gol and Ghee

himself. He provided Gol and Ghee to everyone, but he

himself refused to eat them at all. He served but refused

to indulge in the benefits of his own service. Such a

selfless nature represents one of the purest forms of

Nishkam seva-dharma.

From 24 April 2014 to 30 May 2014, Pujyapad Narayanprasaddasji Swami,

Pujya Mukundswarupdasji Swami, Pujya Harinivasdasji Swami, and Parshad

Manubhagat reached out to devotees in the cities of Phoenix, El Paso, San Diego,

Simi Valley, San Jose, Yuba City, Los Angeles, and Las Vegas. Akash Kukadia took

care of the Santos’ travel accommodations as they blessed these dedicated

devotees with their presence in their homes.

Satsang Vicharan: United States

North AmericaNorth AmericaNorth America

thIn honor of the 186 Antardhyan Tithi of Shreeji Maharaj, devotees of Gurukul

Dallas completed the recitation of over 33,000 Janmangal Stotram. On 07 June

2014, the devotees took great pride in honoring the significance of such a day

within our Satsang. They spent the entire day vigorously chanting the

Swaminarayan Mahamantra while being in such a divine atmosphere

Antardhyan Tithi: Dallas

NEWS

On 21 June 2014 with the presence

of Pujya Mukundswarupdasji Swami

and Pujya Shantipriydasji Swami,

regular bi monthly sabha was held at

Shri Kamleshbhai Shah’s residence

where Pujya Santos blessed the

d e v o t e e s w i t h t h e i r p r e s e n c e .

Furthermore, on this date, due to their

love towards Shreeji Maharaj, the devotees of Toronto held the

first class of the Bal Sanskar Sabha within their community with the

mindset of passing on the tradition of the Gurukul.

Swaminarayan Gurukul Dallas celebrated their annual Kite Flying Festival on

14 June 2014. Over 50 boys and girls enjoyed the day by flying colorful kites and

eating popcorn and popsicles for over two hours. Some of the parents also took

part and spent the day with their kids. Kids of all ages participated by flying their

kites during the clear windy day.

Kite Flying Festival: Dallas

In the divine presence of Pujya

Narayanprasad Swami and the Sant Mandal, the first ever Satsang Sabha was held on

31 May 2014 at the newly established Chicago branch of Gurukul USA. The devotees

had gathered to celebrate this great milestone that they had accomplished.

First Satsang Sabha: Chicago

Bi Monthly Satsang Sabha: Toronto

With the arrival of Pujya Ghanshyam Swami and Pujya Dharmacharandasji thSwami on 06 June 2014, Gurukul New Jersey celebrated the 186 Antardhyan Tithi

of Shreeji Maharaj on 08 June 2014. In the honor of Shreeji Maharaj’s presence,

Gurukul New Jersey conducted the auspicious ceremony with festivities such as 12

hours of Akhand Dhoon starting from 5:30 in the morning. Devotees took great

pleasure in dedicating their entire day for Shreeji Maharaj.

Antardhyan Tithi and Akhand Dhoon: New Jersey

Due to their enthusiasm, dedication, and commitment towards Shreeji

Maharaj, the Dallas Gurukul Mahila Mandal took initiative and conducted their thfirst Satsang Sabha before the auspicious celebration of Shreeji Maharaj’s 186

Antardhyan Tithi on 07 June 2014. With the motivation to dedicate more time

towards Shreeji Maharaj, the group has planned to conduct such a Sabha regularly

once a month.

Mahila Mandal Monthly Satsang Sabha: Dallas

On 25 May 2014, Pujya Santo’s

traveled to Pennsylvania to bless

Ashishbhai Vaghasia’s new home by

performing a Mahapuja. Later that

evening, Pujya Santos and over 25

devotees conducted a small Satsang

Sabha at Ashishbhai’s house.

Satsang Sabha: Pennsylvania

The inauguration ceremony of Shree Swaminarayan Gurukul Nagpur in the

Indian state of Maharashtra was accomplished splendidly on 11 May 2014. In the

presence of Pujya Devprasaddasji Swami and Mr. Anil Sole (Mayor of Nagpur),

Guruvarya Shri Devkrushnadasji Swami inaugurated Gurukul Nagpur under a

great tradition. During the occasion, the children presented their cultural abilities

through different activities. Pujya Guru Maharaj then blessed the donor of the

land, Shri Tulsibhai Goti, and also blessed the newly admitted students on their

future success at Gurukul Nagpur.

Nagpur Gurukul Inauguration: Maharashtra, India

Bhayavadar Gurukul Inauguration: Gujarat, India

NEWSWorld WideWorld WideWorld Wide

By the blessings of Pujya Guru Maharaj, Shree Swaminarayan Gurukul

Bhayavadar in the Rajkot District was inaugurated into the Gurukul family on 09

June 2014. Pujya Ramanujdasji Swami, Pujya Santvallabhdasji Swami, and other

Santos went into every classroom reaching out to each and every student on their

first day of school and blessing them for their future.

SATSANG

Shree Swaminarayan Gurukul Rajkot

According to the desire of Guruvarya Shri Devkrushnadasji Swami, Shri

Bhaktitanaydasji Swami, Shri Aksharpriydasji Swami, Shri Bhajanpriydasji Swami,

and Shri Viraktajivandasji Swami set out on a journey across the major cities of the

United Kingdom. From 26 May 2014 to 26 June 2014, these Santos rejuvenated

Satsang within the homes hundreds of devotees.

Satsang Vicharan: Europe

Belgium Germany

United Kingdom

During their visit to Belgium, the Sant

mandal brought upon a vision of Shreeji

Maharaj within the daily lives of several

devotees who are into the diamond and

jewelry industry.

The Sant mandal visited Weingarten

University in Germany to renew their

memorandum of understanding. They

also met the mayor of Weingarten city

who was honored to meet the Santos.

iOS and Android

Immediate access to your Katha, Kirtans etc… with a simple tap on your smartphone.

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Janmangal Anushthan: United States

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Chintan Vora Shivam Sheladia Abhishek Savalia

Dallas Dallas New Jersey

thIn honor of Shreeji Maharaj’s 186 Antardhyan Tithi, by the guidance of

Santos, over 500 devotees’ participation from Dallas and New Jersey led to the

completion of 5 Janmangal Puracharan’s (55,000 Paath). Here we recognize the

top individuals for their commitment in helping us reach such a great result.

Nilkanth Babaria of Dallas Gurukul accomplished two degrees in four

years from the prestigious University of Texas. He completed Bachelors of

Science in Electrical Engineering with High Honors (Magna Cum Laude) and

Bachelors of Business Administration with High Honors (Magna Cum Laude).

We wish him the best in the future, as he will be working at Simmons &

Company International as an Investment Banking Analyst.

Name Paath Center

Vinaben Vaghasia 11000 New Jersey

Dhirubhai Babaria 2700 Dallas

Raojibhai Patel 2150 Dallas

Jayaben Babaria 4900 Dallas

Kanchanben Ramani 2251 Dallas

Jayashriben Sabhaya 2001 Dallas

Ushaben Rakholia 1321 New Jersey

Kamalaben Babaria 1250 Dallas

Induben Patel 1225 Dallas

Dollyben Patel 1051 Dallas

Name Paath Center

Sonalben Vekaria 1001 New Jersey

Kiranben Patel 1000 Dallas

Ramaben Thesia 1000 Dallas

Ajaybhai Sheladia 551 Dallas

Rasikbhai Vora 551 Dallas

Bhanuben Bhanderi 551 New Jersey

Ratibhai Thesia 550 Dallas

Nirajbhai Babaria 501 Dallas

Kantaben Vekaria 500 New Jersey

Soham Mangarolia 301 Dallas

Designed specially to

distinguish the kids who

have completed 100,000

mantralekhans by the

end of the 2014-year.

Cla

ss o

f 2014

Gurukul Dallas honored the thgraduating class of 2014 on the 24

of May. Parth Mirani and Shyam

Gajera kicked off the ceremony as

they briefly spoke about their

experiences at the Gurukul and how

Satsang impacted them within their

personal lives. The graduates then

received blessings from the Santos

and humbly accepted their plaques

for their accomplishments.01) Kashyap Dangar 02) Shyam Gajera 03) Priyag Babaria 04) Devak Mirani

05) Nimish Sutaria 06) Yash Sutaria 07) Parth Mirani 08) Nikhil Hirapara

Accomplishments

Upcoming Events

th th16 July to 14 October 2014

SATSANGYATRA 2014Pujyapad Guruvarya Shri Devkrushnadasji Swami’s

United States Canada United Kingdomu u

Date Location

16 July - 01 Aug NJ, NY, PA

04 Aug - 05 Aug Washington DC

05 Aug Richmond, VA

06 Aug Raleigh, NC

07 Aug - 09 Aug Charlotte, NC

10 Aug - 12 Aug Atlanta, GA

13 Aug - 14 Aug Camden, AR - Longview, TX

15 Aug - 25 Aug Dallas, TX

26 Aug - 03 Sep Chicago, IL

04 Sep - 06 Sep Phoenix, AZ

07 Sep - 14 Sep Los Angeles, San Diego, Simi Valley, CA

15 Sep - 16 Sep Boise, ID

18 Sep - 22 Sep Toronto (Canada)

23 Sep - 29 Sep Paramus, NJ

30 Sep - 14 Oct London (UK)

Events of Significance

Gurukul Summer Camp 17 July to 19 July Paramus, NJ

Guru Purnima Utsav 20 July Paramus, NJ

Janmashtami Utsav 17 Aug Dallas, TX

Murti Pratishtha Mahotsav 30 Aug to 01 Sep Chicago, ILst1 Patotsav 26 Sep to 28 Sep Paramus, NJ

For more information

Gurukul USA: (972) 646-0081 Shantipriy Swami: (972) 971-1755

Mukundswarup Swami: (480) 619-7887 Amrutjivan Swami: (201) 637-2487

Email: info@gurukul.us www.rajkotgurukul.org

For more information

Location

Gurukul USA in Chicago

30 Aug to 01 Sep 2014

With the divine blessings of Bhagwan Shree Swaminarayan and Gurudev

Shastriji Maharaj, we are pleased to announce the Pratishtha Mahotsav of Shree

Ghanshyam Maharaj commemorating the inauguration of Shree

Swaminarayan Gurukul USA in Chicago.

The Pratishtha Mahotsav will be splendidly celebrated from 30 Aug 2014

through 01 Sep 2014 in the auspicious presence of Guruvarya Shri

Devkrushnadasji Swami.

Shree Swaminarayan Gurukul USA would cordially like to invite you, your

friends, and your family to attend the celebration honoring the official

establishment of Gurukul Chicago.

Shantipriy Swami: (972) 971-1755 u Mukundswarup Swami: (480) 619-7887

Popatbhai Radadia: (847) 800-7800 u Maganbhai Vekaria: (847) 602-7195

Events of Significance

Shri Hari Yaag Shrimad Satsangijivan Parayan Samuh Mahapuja

Murti Pratishtha Annkut Darshan

Shree Swaminarayan Gurukul USA

401 S Evergreen Ave., Arlington Heights, IL 60005

Phone: (847) 780-1123, Email: chicago@gurukul.us

Shreeji Maharaj in the Shikshapatri asked His devotees to undertake extra spiritual

observances during the 4 holy months of Chaturmas. This year, Chaturmas is from 09

July 2014 (Ashadh sud 11) to 03 Nov 2014 (Kartik sud 11). Based on one’s capacity,

devotees can choose between vows such as those mentioned below...

v Extra Mala, Dandvat Pranam, Pradakshina v Reciting Janmangal, Kirtan

v Lis tening to Katha-Var ta v Reading the ent i re Vachnamrutam,

Bhaktachintamani, Nishkulanand Kavya, Swamini Vato etc.

v Undertaking one meal (Ektana), Dharna-Parna, or Chandrayan during the

month of Shravan (27 July 2014 to 25 Aug 2014)

Note: During Chaturmas, devotees abstain from consuming eggplants, white or

red radish, sugarcane, and mogri.

CHATURMASCHATURMASCHATURMAS

Shri Krushna Janmashtami

UTSAVUTSAVCordially INVITES you, and your friends your family to celebrate this auspicious occasion

Date: Saturday, 16 Aug 2014

Time: 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm

Venue: Shree Swaminarayan Gurukul, USA

621 Park Vista Rd., Plano, TX 75094

09 July 2014 to 03 Nov 2014

st1 Patotsavst1 Patotsavst1 Patotsav

You are INVITED stto attend and celebrate the 1

Patotsav which will be even more spectacular

than the fabulous Pratishtha Mahotsav

celebrated last year.

26 to 28 Sep 2014

Events of Significance

26 to 28 Sep: Shrimad Satsangijivan Parayan

28 Sep: Patotsav, Samuh Mahapuja, Annkut

Bal Sanskar Sabha v Gujarati Class v Music Class

Swaminarayan Gurukul USA

Paramus, NJ

(201) 882-5815 nj@gurukul.us

Phoenix, AZ

(480) 888-8743 phoenix@gurukul.us

Chicago, IL

(847) 800-7800 chicago@gurukul.us

Los Angeles, CA

(714) 779-8166 la@gurukul.us

Dallas, TX

(972) 423-1755 dallas@gurukul.us

www.rajkotgurukul.org

Shree Swaminarayan Gurukul USA conducts weekly Bal Sanskar Sabha for

youths. The classes are conducted for different age groups from 3:30 pm to 5:30

pm every Saturday or Sunday depending on the location.

®

Editor: Sanyam Sheladia

Editorial Assistant: Keyur Patel

Contributors: Sohil Virani, Ankur Bhuva

Design/Graphics: Gurukul Arts

Divinity magazine is currently being published by Swaminarayan Gurukul USA bi monthly. For any comments or sugges�ons as well as subscrip�on informa�on, please email us at with your name, phone divinity@gurukul.usnumber, and mailing address.

Publisher: Swaminarayan Gurukul USAAddress: 621 Park Vista Road Plano, TX 75094Phone: (972) 423-1755Email: dallas@gurukul.us

17 to 19 July 2014

gurukul summer campNew Jersey, USA

Through the Camp the Kids will LearnHow to be an ideal devotee

How to be an ideal family person

How to be ideal and excel in education

Stories of individuals who act as our idols

Morning:

Puja, Breakfast, and Learning

Noon:

Prasad and Sports

Afternoon:

Kirtan, Interactive Session,

and Prayer

Camp Schedule

Guru Purnima will be

celebrated on 20 July 2014

with great pomp.

On 21 July 2014, a tour of

New York City will be

conducted.

Events of Significance