BAPS Lecture Notes

Flashcards containing questions and their answers.

What are the main beliefs of Hindus?

Avatarvad (Incarnations), Karmavad (Karma), Punarjanmavad (Reincarnation), Murti-Puja (Idol Worship).

Name the four Vedas

Rig-veda, Sam-veda, Atharva-veda, Yajur-veda.

Who recited the Mahabharata to Ganeshji?

Ved Vyas.

What is the glory of performing pradakshinas?

God and His sadhu are the center-point of our life. By performing pradakshinas, we gain spiritual merits.

What is ‘sashtang dandvat pranam’? Why should we do them?

When the following 8 parts touch the floor: forehead, nose, chest, hands, feet, mind, vision, and speech, this is known as a sashtang dandvat pranam. By offering them to God, we become humble, and the understanding that we are das of God is strengthened.

What should one do after puja?

Bow to the murtis in the ghar mandir, bow down to your parents, and wish everyone ‘Jai Swaminarayan!’

What are the nine forms of devotion?

Shravanam (Listening), Kirtanam (Chanting/Praising), Smaranam (Remembering), Archanam (Worship), Vandanam (Praying), Dasyam (Servitude), Sakhyam (Friendship), Atmanivedanam (Self-surrender), Padasevanam (Serving the feet of God).

What are the five eternal entities?

Jiva (Soul), Ishwar (God), Maya (Illusion), Brahman (Cosmic Reality), Parabrahman (Supreme God).

Who gives the fruits (results) of our karmas?

Bhagwan Swaminarayan.

Which step of Ashtang yog is Samadhi?

The 8th step, or last step.

Why should we avoid attachment to material objects?

Attachment to material things hinders spiritual progress and diverts one’s attention away from God.

What is Fuldol? What does it represent?

Fuldol is a Hindu festival celebrated the day after Holi, focusing on devotion, flowers, and divine blessings. Mandirs are decorated, devotees sing kirtans, and saffron-colored water is sprinkled as a symbol of spiritual joy and purity.

What is the significance of chanting God's name?

Chanting God's name purifies the heart, connects the devotee to God, and removes negative energies and impurities.

What is the primary purpose of visiting a mandir?

To offer prayers, strengthen one’s devotion, and seek blessings from God.

What is the meaning of 'Bhakti'?

Bhakti refers to pure devotion and love for God, leading to spiritual liberation.

How should one practice detachment in daily life?

By doing atma no vichar and by understanding that everything in this world is temporary and by focusing on God as the ultimate source of happiness.

What is the importance of Guru in the Swaminarayan tradition?

The Guru provides spiritual guidance, knowledge, and helps lead the devotee on the right path to God.

What is Janmashtami? What does it represent?

Janmashtami is Krishna Bhagwan’s birthday, celebrated with great devotion, focusing on Lord Krishna’s life and teachings as seen through the lens of Bhagwan Swaminarayan’s philosophy.

What should a devotee’s attitude be towards worldly possessions?

A devotee should remain detached from worldly possessions, seeing them as temporary and not the source of ultimate happiness.

Why is it important to maintain good company (satsang)?

Good company helps one stay focused on the path of devotion, gain spiritual knowledge, and cultivate virtues.

What is the role of prayer in a devotee’s life?

Prayer strengthens one’s relationship with God, helps overcome difficulties, and purifies the heart.

How can one overcome doubts in faith?

By seeking guidance from Santos, reading Hindu scriptures, and meditating on God’s greatness.

What is Dev Podi?

Dev Podi Ekadashi (also called Dev Shayani Ekadashi or Ashadhi Ekadashi) marks the beginning of Chaturmas, the four-month period when Lord Vishnu is to enter a divine slumber.

What is Dev Uthi?

Dev Uthi Ekadashi (also called Prabodhini Ekadashi) marks the awakening of Lord Vishnu from his four-month slumber (Chaturmas).

What Jal Jhini? What is its significance?

Jal Jhini is a Hindu devotional ritual in which Thakorji is taken across a body of water in a small boat or palanquin. This tradition symbolizes Bhagwan’s divine leelas and the devotee’s journey across the ocean of life with God’s guidance.

What is the Bhagvad Gita?

Dialogue between Arjun and Krishna Bhagwan, taken place just before the Mahabharata.

Who were the 5 Pandavs?

Yudhishthir, Bhim, Arjun, Nakul, and Sahadev

What is the meaning of 'Gnan'?

Gnan refers to spiritual knowledge and wisdom, which helps in understanding the nature of the Jiva, God, and the universe.

Why is it important to remain humble?

Humility allows one to maintain devotion, reduce ego, and be open to spiritual growth.

What Raksha Bandhan? What is its significance?

A festival celebrating the bond between brothers and sisters. Sisters tie a protective thread (rakhi) on their brothers’ wrists ensuring brotherhood and sisterhood, and brothers offer gifts in return.

What is the role of scriptures in the life of a devotee?

Scriptures provide crucial knowledge, moral guidance, and the teachings needed to live a righteous life.

What is the importance of doing seva (service)?

Seva purifies the heart, removes selfishness, and strengthens one’s bond with God and the community.

What Makar Sankrati? What is its significance?

Also known as Uttarayan, it symbolizes the importance of keeping a strong connection with the Guru no matter how far he may be.

What are the four stages of life according to Hindu philosophy?

Brahmacharya (student life), Gruhastha (householder life), Vanaprastha (retired life), and Sannyasa (renunciant life).

Why is it important to respect elders?

Respecting elders helps cultivate humility, gratitude, and receive their blessings and guidance in life.

What is the role of meditation in spiritual development?

Meditation helps calm the mind, focus on God, and strengthens one’s connection with the divine.

What are the different forms of devotion?

Different forms of devotion include bhajan (singing praises), dhyan (meditation), kirtan (chanting), and puja (worship), thal (offering food) and many other ways.

How can one overcome anger?

One can overcome anger by practicing patience, tolerance, and focusing on the divine qualities of God.

How does devotion help in overcoming material desires?

Devotion to God purifies the heart, reduces attachment to material objects, and fosters a focus on spiritual goals.

What is the importance of moral conduct in spiritual life?

Moral conduct helps maintain a pure mind, facilitates devotion, and enables one to earn spiritual merit.

How does faith in God help during times of difficulty?

Faith in God provides strength, patience, and the confidence that God’s will is always for the devotee’s ultimate good.

What is ahimsa?

Non-Violence: All living things have souls. We should not harm or kill anything - not even mentally.

What is the significance of the festival of Diwali?

Diwali is a celebration of the victory of light over darkness, symbolizing the triumph of righteousness and devotion to God.

What is the relationship between Guru and God?

The Guru is seen as the representative of God, guiding devotees to connect with and serve God.

What is the concept of 'Maya'?

Maya refers to the illusory material world that distracts the jiva from spiritual pursuits and devotion to God.

What is the principle of reincarnation?

All living things have a soul and until we do not free ourselves from our desires, flaws and base-instincts the soul repeatedly takes birth as animals, insects, humans etc. (through the 8.4 million life forms infinite times).

What is the significance of Pradakshina (circumambulation)?

Pradakshina is a ritual where devotees walk around the deity, signifying reverence, humility, and devotion to God. Also signifying that God is the center of our lives.

What is avatarvad?

For the liberation of infinite souls, God himself takes birth on earth and reestablishes Ekantik dharma. He also fulfils the love and good wishes of his devotees.

What is the meaning of Vairagya?

Vairagya refers to renunciation or detachment from worldly pleasures and desires to focus on spiritual goals.

What is the importance of community in spiritual life?

A spiritual community helps support each other’s growth, provides inspiration, and offers a place for shared devotion.

What is the role of Prarthana overcoming obstacles?

Prathana connects one to God, invoking divine help, strength, and guidance in overcoming life’s challenges.

What is Holi?

The festival of colors represents the eternal and divine love of Radhaji and Krishnaji.

What is Guru Purnima?

A day to honor our guru Mahant Swami Maharaj and seek his blessings. It is observed on the full moon (Purnima) in the month of Ashadha (June–July).

What is the name of our Sanstha?

Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS).

Who established our Sanstha?

Brahmaswarup Shastriji Maharaj.

Which 5 mandirs did Shastriji Maharaj build?

Bochasan, Sarangpur, Gondal, Atladara, Gadhada.

Who started the Bal and Satsang Mandals?

Brahmaswarup Yogiji Maharaj.

What is the purpose of human life?

To become Aksharrup and worship Purushottam.

Who is supreme God?

Sahajanand Swami – Bhagwan Swaminarayan.

At what age did Ghanshyam Maharaj leave home?

11 years old.

By what name was Ghanshyam Maharaj known during His pilgrimage of India?

Nilkanth Varni.

How long did Nilkanth Varni’s pilgrimage last?

7 years 1 month 11 days.

When Ramanand Swami initiated Nilkanth Varni, which two names did he give to him?

Narayanmuni and Sahajanand Swami.

What two boons did Sahajanand Swami ask for from Ramanand Swami when appointed as the Head of the Fellowship?

1. “If your satsangi is destined to suffer the distress inflicted by the sting of one scorpion, may the distress of the stings of millions and millions of scorpions befall each and every pore of my body; but no pain should afflict your satsangi.” 2. “Moreover, if the begging bowl is written in the destiny of your satsangi, may that begging bowl come to Me; but on no account should your satsangi suffer from the lack of food or clothing.”

At which place and how many paramhansas did Shriji Maharaj initiate in one night?

500 paramhansas, in Kalvani.

Which mahamantra did Bhagwan Swaminarayan give?

Swaminarayan.

Name some of the senior paramhansas (sadguru santos) of Bhagwan Swaminarayan.

Gunatitanand Swami, Gopalanand Swami, Muktanand Swami, Nityanand Swami, Shukanand Swami, Brahmanand Swami, Nishkulanand Swami, Premanand Swami, Krupanand Swami, Devanand Swami.

Who is the choicest devotee of Bhagwan Swaminarayan?

Gunatitanand Swami.

Who is Gunatitanand Swami?

The incarnation of Aksharbrahma, Akshardham.

Which prayer should be said before going to sleep?

O Maharaj! O Swami! O Pramukh Swami Maharaj! Please forgive me for the mistakes I have made throughout the day, knowingly or unknowingly. Please inspire me not to repeat these mistakes and wake me up early in the morning.

What are the four pillars of ekantik dharma?

Dharma, Gnan, Vairagya, Bhakti.

Who named Ghanshyam Maharaj?

Markandey Muni.

Who taught Nilkanth Varni ashtang yogi?

Gopal Yogi.

What is the main goal of human life according to the teachings of Bhagwan Swaminarayan?

To attain the ultimate spiritual bliss by serving God and following the teachings of the guru.

Nilkanth Varni did tapa in Pulhashram for how many months?

4 months.

What did Nilkanth Varni bring with him when he left home?

Begging bowl, small book containing essence of all the shastras, loin cloth, and a murti.

What direction should we face when we do puja?

East or North.

Why did Shastriji Maharaj leave Vartal Sanstha?

They didn’t support Akshar Purushottam Upasana, and believed only in Bhagwan Swaminarayan, and not in Gunatitanand Swami.

What year was BAPS established?

1907.

Why does God himself come to earth?

He holds all his devotees dear to him.

What is the significance of Murti-puja in the Swaminarayan tradition?

Murti-puja is the worship of God’s physical form to maintain a connection with Him, develop devotion, and seek blessings.

What is the ultimate goal of a devotee in the Swaminarayan tradition?

To become aksharrup (eternally divine) and attain the eternal company of God in Akshardham.

What is the solution to all family problems?

Gharsabha.

What are the 5 nirjala fasts?

Ram Navmi, Dev Podi, Jal Jhini, Janmashtmi, Dev Uthi.

How does one develop the quality of humility?

By always considering oneself as a servant of God and others, and by seeing everyone with equal respect. Truly embodying the quality of dasbhav and divyabhav.

How many years of Shriji Maharaj’s life on Earth are included in the Vachanamrut?

10 years.

What does it mean to live a life of discipline according to Bhagwan Swaminarayan?

It means to follow the moral and spiritual codes, engage in worship, and live according to the tenets of the scriptures.

What is the name of Yogi Bapa’s Scripture he wrote for us?

Yogi Gita.

Which Paramhansa compiled the Vachanamrut?

Gopalanand Swami, Muktanand Swami, Nityanand Swami and Shukanand Swami.

What are the qualities of a true devotee?

Humility, devotion, compassion, truthfulness, and faith in God.

What are the panch vartmans of a sant?

Nirman – No ego, Nissneh – No attachment, Nirlobh – No greed, Nishkam – No lust, Nisswad – No taste.

What was Bhagatji Maharaj’s profession?

He was a tailor.

What is the meaning of “Akshardham”?

Akshardham refers to the eternal, imperishable abode of God, where liberated souls reside in eternal bliss.

Who wrote the Bhaktachintamani?

Nishkulanand Swami.

What is the meaning of “Purushottam”?

Purushottam means the supreme God, referring to Bhagwan Swaminarayan, who is the avatar na avatari.

What is the significance of the Bhagavad Gita in the Swaminarayan tradition?

The Bhagavad Gita teaches the principles of devotion, duty, and renunciation, aligning with the values in the Swaminarayan tradition.

What six mandirs did Bhagwan Swaminaryan build?

Junagadh, Amdavad, Gadhada, Vadtal, Bhuj, and Dholera.

What are the 16 holy chinha (marks) on Maharaj's charanarvind?

Ashtakon, urdhvarekha, swastika, jambu, jav, vajra, ankush, ketu, Padma, trikon, kalash, gopad, dhanushya, meen, ardhachandra, and vyom.

What are the names of the five aartis?

Mangla, Shangar, Rajbhog, Sandhya, and Shayan.

Sadhu Keshavjivandas was appointed as the Mahant of which mandir?

Dadar Mandir - Mumbai.