BST Flashcards

What are the four core beliefs every Hindu has?

Murti Puja (worship of murtis), Avatarvad (belief in incarnations), Karmavad (belief in karma), and Punarjanmavad (belief in reincarnation)

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?

Bhagwan 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 Bhagwan, we become humble, and the understanding that we are das of Bhagwan 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 Bhagwan).

What are the five eternal entities?

Jiva, Ishwar, Maya , Brahman, Parabrahman

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 Bhagwan.

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.

How many names of Bhagwan are listed in the Sahajanand Namavali?

108 names of Bhagwan Swaminarayan are listed.

What does the word “Guru” mean?

“Gu” - Darkness or ignorance, “ru” - remover. A guru is someone who removes you from darkness within and brings you towards the light.

What is the meaning of "Bhakti"?

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

What is vairagya?

Detachment from worldly pleasures.

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 Bhagwan.

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.

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 Bhagwan, helps overcome difficulties, and purifies the heart.

What is offered to Bhagwan during Annakut?

Many food items are offered to Bhagwan during Annakut.

What is Dev Podi Ekadashi?

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 Ekadashi?

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

What is Jal Jhilani? What is its significance?

Jal Jhilani 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 Bhagwan’s guidance.

What is the Bhagvad Gita?

Dialogue between Arjun and Krishna Bhagwan, taken place during 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 5 eternal entities: Jiva, Ishwar, Maya, Brahman and Parabrahman.

List the three principal deities of the Trimurti.

Brahmaji, Vishnu Bhagwan, and Shivji.

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 our worldly ties, and strengthens one’s bond with Bhagwan and the community.

What is Makar Sankrati? What is its significance?

Also known as Uttarayan, it symbolizes the dori (string) as niyams we take and shows if we follow our niyams, no matter how far the Satpurush is physically we will always be connected to him.

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

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

List the four yugas in order.

Satya Yug, Treta Yug, Dwapar Yug, Kali Yug.

What is the role of meditation in spiritual development?

Meditation helps calm the mind, focus on Bhagwan, 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.

What happens to worldly attachment through devotion to Bhagwan?

Worldly attachment decreases and love for Bhagwan increases.

Why is good moral conduct necessary in spiritual life?

Moral conduct keeps the mind pure and supports devotion to Bhagwan.

Where was Ram Bhagwan born?

Ayodhya.

Who wrote the Ramayan?

Valmiki Rushi.

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 Bhagwan.

What is the relationship between Akshar and Purushottam?

Akshar is seen as the perfect and eternal servant of Purushottam. Purushottam is forever present through the pragat Satpurush.

What is the concept of "Maya"?

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

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 murti of Bhagwan, signifying reverence, humility, and devotion to Bhagwan. Also signifying that Bhagwan is the center of our lives.

What is avatarvad?

For the liberation of infinite souls, Bhagwan himself takes birth on earth and reestablishes Ekantik dharma.

What is the meaning of "Vairagya"?

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

Where was Krishna Bhagwan born?

Mathura.

What is the role of Prarthana overcoming obstacles?

Prarthana connects one to Bhagwan, 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.

Where was the first Mandir for BAPS?

Bochasan.

Who is supreme Bhagwan?

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?

Aksharbrahman and Shriji Maharaj's Akshardham.

Where was the first Mandir in North America built? What year?

Flushing, NY, 1974.

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 Bhagwan 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, Mala small book containing essence of all the shastras, loin cloth, and a Shaligram/murti.

What direction should we face when we do puja?

East or North.

Why did Shastriji Maharaj leave Vartal Sanstha?

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

What year was BAPS established?

1907

What are the 6 reasons Bhagwan came down to earth?

1. Spread Supreme Upasana: To impart knowledge of his divine form as Purna Purushottam (the Supreme God).

2. Liberate Past Avatars and Devotees: To grant Akshardham to devotees doing tap for many years.

3. Establish Ekantik Dharma: To establish dharma, gnan, vairagya, and bhakti.

4. Bless Parents: To give moksha to his parents, Bhaktimata and Dharmadev.

5. Remove Adharma in the world: Removed practices to sati, and violent yagnas

6. Liberate Countless Souls: To liberate souls through the association of his ideal devotee, Aksharbrahma.

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

Murti-puja is the worship of Bhagwan’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 siddhant?

To become aksharup and attain the eternal company of Bhagwan in Akshardham.

What is the solution to all family problems?

Gharsabha.

What are the 5 nirjala fasts?

Swaminarayan Jayanti/Ram Navami, DevShayani Ekadashi , Jal Jhilani Ekadashi, Janmashtami, Prabodhini Ekadashi.

How does one develop the quality of humility?

By always considering oneself as a servant of Bhagwan 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 Paramhanso compiled the Vachanamrut?

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

Which Mandir was Mahant Swami Maharaj the Mahant of?

Mumbai/ Dadar Mandir.

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 Bhagwan, where liberated souls reside in eternal bliss.

Who wrote the Bhaktachintamani?

Nishkulanand Swami.

What is the meaning of “Purushottam”?

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

What is the meaning of “Satsang”

“Sat” - true, “Sang” - company. When combined, Satsang means staying connected to Bhagwan Swaminarayan, following the guidance of the Satpurush, and living with the good company of fellow devotees.

What six mandirs did Bhagwan Swaminaryan build?

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

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 artis?

Mangla, Shangar, Rajbhog, Sandhya, and Shayan.

Sadhu Keshavjivandas was appointed as the Mahant of which mandir?

Dadar Mandir in Mumbai.