Hindu Philosophy and Swaminarayan Satsang Practice Flashcards

This set of flashcards covers key concepts from the Hinduism and BAPS Satsang lecture notes, including core beliefs, scriptures, rituals, and the life history of the Guru Parampara.

According to the notes, what is considered a 'disservice'?

To highlight others’ avguns (negative qualities).

What are the four main beliefs of Hindus identified in the study guide?

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

What are the names of the four Vedas?

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

Who recited the Mahabharata to Ganeshji?

Ved Vyas.

Which eight parts of the body touch the floor during a 'sashtang dandvat pranam'?

Forehead, nose, chest, hands, feet, mind, vision, and speech.

What are the nine forms of devotion listed in the notes?

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

Name the five eternal entities.

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

Which step of Ashtang yog is Samadhi?

The $8^{th}$ step, or last step.

What is the significance of the Jal Jhini ritual?

Thakorji is taken across a body of water in a small boat or palanquin, symbolizing Bhagwan’s divine leelas and the devotee’s journey across the ocean of life.

Who were the five Pandavs?

Yudhishthir, Bhim, Arjun, Nakul, and Sahadev.

What are the four stages of life in Hindu philosophy?

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

What is the principle of reincarnation regarding the soul's journey?

The soul repeatedly takes birth as animals, insects, humans, etc., through the $8.4 \text{ million}$ life forms until freed from desires and flaws.

What is 'Avatarvad'?

The belief that for the liberation of infinite souls, God himself takes birth on earth, reestablishes Ekantik dharma, and fulfills the wishes of his devotees.

What is the full name of the Sanstha and who established it?

Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS), established by Brahmaswarup Shastriji Maharaj in $1907$.

How long did Nilkanth Varni’s pilgrimage last?

$7\text{ years, } 1\text{ month, and } 11\text{ days}$.

What were the two boons Sahajanand Swami asked for from Ramanand Swami?

1. That any distress destined for a satsangi befall him instead. 2. That if a satsangi is destined for the begging bowl, that bowl comes to him so the satsangi never lacks food or clothing.

Name 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, and Devanand Swami.

What are the four pillars of ekantik dharma?

Dharma, Gnan, Vairagya, and Bhakti.

What are the five nirjala fasts?

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

What are the 'panch vartmans' of a sant?

Nirman (No ego), Nissneh (No attachment), Nirlobh (No greed), Nishkam (No lust), and Nisswad (No taste).

List 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 four key principles in the BAPS upasana?

Pragat, Sarvopari, Sakar, and Sarva Karta.

When and where was Bhagwan Swaminarayan born?

In Chhapaiya on April $3, 1781$.

What was Shastriji Maharaj’s childhood name and his initiation name?

Childhood name: Dungar Bhakta; Initiation name: Sadhu Yagnapurushdas.

What is the initiation name of Pramukh Swami Maharaj?

Sadhu Narayanswarupdas.

When and where was Mahant Swami Maharaj born?

In Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh on September $13, 1933$.