An incarnation of peace

August 6, 2006

An incarnation of peace A visit by His Holiness Swamiji inspires local followers of Hindu reformer Lord Swaminarayan

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The News Journal ROBERT CRAIG

His Holiness Acharya Swamishree visits a home in Red Lion. He is traveling to U.S. cities to speak to Hindu followers of Lord Swaminarayan.

His Holiness Acharya Swamishree’s visits remind devotees of Lord Swaminarayan of his teachings.

Nirmal Patel, 7, holds prayer beads, used to help saturate the consciousness with God.

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By GARY SOULSMAN

The News Journal

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With prayer beads in hand, Gary Patel begins his day chanting the name of Lord Swaminarayan.

The Brandywine Hundred man regards Lord Swaminarayan as an incarnation of divinity.

With good reason. In the early 19th century, many miracles were attributed to him, and he reformed Hindu practice in the Indian state of Gujarat, where he is regarded as one of the most prominent historic figures.

There is still a strong following of Lord Swaminarayan, and in recent decades Gujarat families have brought their devotion to Delaware, says Patel. He estimates that more than 200 local families are devotees, among the world's 5 million followers of Lord Swaminarayan. Those followers affiliate in various sects.

Followers typically greet each other with "Jay Swaminarayan" (Victory to Swaminarayan) and repeat the Lord's name as a mantra, seeking to infuse their thoughts with higher ideals. Morning and evening, many people worship at altars in their homes and periodically travel to Secaucus, N.J., to worship at a temple built in his honor in 2001.

On Wednesday, Patel and local followers gathered at the Nur Temple in New Castle for a visit from His Holiness Acharya Swamishree, a world leader of Swaminarayan devotion. Local Hindu followers compare him to a pope.

The 64-year-old Acharya Swamishree, sometimes known as Swamiji and "bapa" (father), arrived in the United States from London July 31 for a two-week visit, traveling to different American cities.

Earlier this week, The News Journal talked with devotees about their faith. Below is an excerpt of that conversation.

How would you explain Lord Swaminarayan to someone who knew nothing about him?

God incarnates from time to time to re-establish dharma or right action and the rekindling of love. In 1781, such an event occurred in a village in northern India when Ghanshyam Pande was born. It's said that by the age of 10 he mastered the Vedic scriptures. At 11, he left home to walk about India on a seven-year quest to explore spirituality and find a teacher. In Gujarat he found that mentor and eventually began to teach himself, his dialogues becoming a source of philosophical wisdom and his 212 sayings (Shikshapatri), outlining how to live a devout and moral life. He had an enormous impact on religious and social conditions in his part of the world, establishing a following that continues to this day.

What are some of Lord Swaminarayan's teachings?

•Practice nonviolence. That extends to food, which is why vegetarianism is a recommended practice.

•Saturate one's consciousness with God, which is why using a mala (prayer beads) to recite the Lord's name at the start of day is an excellent idea.

•Cultivate forbearance and self-control in regard to anger and desire.

•Engage in activities that are of service to God and his people. Such good works occupy the senses, purify the mind and please God.

•Avoid impurities such as tobacco and alcohol, tea and coffee.

•Express proper regard for others -- "If you can't wish anybody good, don't wish them bad."

Why does His Holiness Swamiji visit with devotees around the world?

It's said that we are in the Kali Yuga Age, one of the worst times for sin and corruption. So we need spiritual rejuvenation. His Holiness comes to remind devotees of how to live by the highest ideals. He's also here to celebrate the fifth anniversary of the Secaucus temple.

He gives talks of instruction and encouragement. Recently he talked about how the tongue can do a lot of bad and good. It can make friends or make enemies.

There is no bone in the tongue but, if you're not careful, the tongue can lead to your bones being broken.

As followers, you refrain from preaching to win new converts?

Yes, people need to follow their heart and mind when it comes to devotion. We don't believe in saying my religion is better than yours. Our motto is live and let live.

But if people are moved to follow Lord Swaminarayan, that's a wonderful thing.

Contact Gary Soulsman at 324-2893 or gsoulsman (AT) delawareonline (DOT) com.

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