In The Joy of Others Lies Our Own HH Pramukh Swami Maharaj

In the Joy of others lies our own

A short glimpse of the life and achievements of HH Pramukh Swami Maharaj

There are hundreds of coaching books that teach you various ways of dealing with life situations. Never ever has there been a book written about the life of a Hindu Sadhu containing lessons from his life.

This is a unique educational tool as the readers gets a glimpse of the life of a Sadhu and even more unique is that we will share some incredible basic life lessons from someone that actually practises them.

To start off, how many teachers do you know that work for nothing other than to help humanity, have only one purpose in life which is to introduce all individuals from all walks of life to the God within him.

This book is all about humility, purpose of life, love and respect, patience and working to benefit everyone - all unheard of life lessons. You will not learn to make more money, or how to have more of everything, you will simply learn about how to become happy by actually not wanting anything!

HH was born in an average family home in a village in India (photo) and when he died at the age of 96 he had established temples, schools and hospitals  in almost all the continents of the world. The Sanstha(2) has a following of over 10 million devotees worldwide, each one an ambassador of his virtues. He has received accolades from various Parliaments etc. and, most importantly, built a workforce of over 100,000 volunteers who had been inspired to give time (seva) as part of life. 

Yet he personally had two pairs of Dhotis, no bank account, and practised 5 vows of detachment - his attachment was only to God and his  purpose was to introduce everyone to God, help all to live a life free of addiction, commit to spreading harmony and truly understand that the purpose of life is to be responsible for all that is around us and be a good sevak(3), never expect to receive credit and only to participate in making the world a happier place without waiting for the result. One piece of advice he gave was not to engage in breaking someone else's stick or trying to make your stick bigger, not to bully nor to bring someone else down, only to show that you have a higher purpose of reconciliation, forgiveness, harmony and love.

 The life lessons we will explore are from his childhood right up to his death.

I hope you will enjoy reading about this wonderful soul who I was privileged enough to know and serve. Many individuals from all walks of life, even those who met him for as little as 5 minutes, have commented "if God was to exist on earth, it would be in him because he and his action can only be described as divine".

It would be appropriate to end this short introduction by summarising his life’s message:

In the joy of others, lies our own

In the happiness of others rests our own,

In the progress of others rests our own.

Tribute to Jay Lakhani: British Hindus reflect on his enduring legacy that will live on for generations

heoretical physicist and global speaker Shri (Dilip) Jay Lakhani passed away peacefully at home on December 4, aged 72. It was a sad day for the British Hindu community as they bade farewell to the adored and well-respected scholar and pioneer of Hindu studies in the UK.

Author of 'Hinduism for Schools' (2005), 'Primary Hinduism' (2006), 'Special Times: Hinduism' (2009) and 'A Journey Through Life in Hinduism' (2010), Lakhani was the first Hindu tutor at Eton College and was known for his popular GCSE and A-Level Hinduism classes, which he ran up and down the country.

how we can transition from a ‘fixed mindset’ to a ‘growth mindset’

In part 2 of his talk on seeking excellence in personal development, Mangalnidhidas Swami explores how we can transition from a ‘fixed mindset’ to a ‘growth mindset’ to ensure that we are continuously improving ourselves.

Originally from Houston, Texas, USA, Mangalnidhidas Swami graduated with a degree in Psychology and Biology from Harvard University. After completing his first year of an MBA at Yale School of Management, he left to commence his monastic training in India, where he was ordained as a sadhu by His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj in 2003. He remained in India for 8 years, studying Hindu scriptures, world religions and Swaminarayan history and theology. Mangalnidhidas Swami currently serves at the BAPS Swaminarayan mandir in Robbinsville, New Jersey, USA, from where he oversees the English publications for BAPS across North America. He himself has authored and translated several articles, chapters and books, including the two-volume biography of Aksharbrahma Gunatitanand Swami. He is an accomplished speaker, having spoken widely on Hindu teachings and values around the world.

How to cultivate the attitudes and virtues

Mangalnidhidas Swami begins to unpack how to cultivate the attitudes and virtues that are necessary to actually achieve excellence.

Originally from Houston, Texas, USA, Mangalnidhidas Swami graduated with a degree in Psychology and Biology from Harvard University. After completing his first year of an MBA at Yale School of Management, he left to commence his monastic training in India, where he was ordained as a sadhu by His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj in 2003. He remained in India for 8 years, studying Hindu scriptures, world religions and Swaminarayan history and theology. Mangalnidhidas Swami currently serves at the BAPS Swaminarayan mandir in Robbinsville, New Jersey, USA, from where he oversees the English publications for BAPS across North America. He himself has authored and translated several articles, chapters and books, including the two-volume biography of Aksharbrahma Gunatitanand Swami. He is an accomplished speaker, having spoken widely on Hindu teachings and values around the world.

Parenting From The Bhagavad Gita: Part 2

Family unity can help us flourish in the face of modernity’s challenges. Brahmasetudas Swami continues to reflect on Krishna’s approach in the Bhagavad Gita and helps us learn how to apply it at home in this, the second episode of a special three-part mini-course on parenting.

Parenting From The Bhagavad Gita: Part 1

Brahmasetudas Swami reveals some insightful and practical lessons from the Shrimad Bhagavad Gita for parents and children of all ages over a special three-part mini-course.

Brahmasetudas Swami, Originally from Virginia in the United States, Brahmasetudas Swami graduated with a degree in journalism and political science from the University of Southern California before being ordained as a sadhu by His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj in 2006. He has been studying Hindu scriptures, classical Sanskrit and Indian philosophy in India for 16 years and has a Master’s degree in Vedanta (Hindu Theology).

You’re On Mute! Two Powerful Ways To Get People To Listen

Everyone wants to be heard! In this episode of ‘Timeless Hindu Wisdom’, Paramtattvadas Swami unpacks two powerful ways in which we can get people to listen to us

Learning From History: Bhagwan Swaminarayan and the British

Learning From History: Bhagwan Swaminarayan and the British

My Life, My Choice: Wisdom from the Mahabharat

About the Speaker: Divyamurtidas Swami was raised and schooled in London, UK, before being ordained as a sadhu by His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj in 1986. He spent the next six years training as a sadhu in India where he studied Hindu scriptures, Swaminarayan literature and philosophy, and world religions. Divyamurtidas Swami then served in Kolkata for 20 years overseeing youth and community outreach activities for BAPS in West Bengal as well as the construction of the new traditional mandir in Kolkata. Divyamurtidas Swami currently serves at Swaminarayan Akshardham in New Delhi where he is responsible for various guest services. He has also travelled extensively and helps lead BAPS activities in East and South East Asia, including China, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand. He is an accomplished speaker, regularly delivering insightful talks on Hindu values and teachings to professionals and youths around the world.

We are in the midst of Adhik maas, but what is Adhik maas?

We are in the midst of Adhik maas, but what is Adhik maas?

Mass means 'month' and Adhik means 'additional'. 

Pujya Yogvivek Swami, Head Sadhu of the Neasden Temple explain.

Fighting the Ravana Within

Who is the evil Ravana? 

In this special Diwali episode of 'Timeless Hindu Wisdom', Paramtattvadas Swami asks how we can fight - and defeat - the evil Ravana within.

Ultimate Faith

In the final part of this sequence of 'Timeless Hindu Wisdom' talks, Brahmaviharidas Swami brings his exploration of belief to a climax by introducing ultimate faith.

Brahmaviharidas Swami brings his exploration of belief to a climax by introducing ultimate faith.

Abdul Kalam learnt the value of ....

- reasoning and thnking from Socrates "

- truth from Galelio

- non-violence from Mohandas K Ghandhi

- of forgiving from Nelson Madela

- equality from Abraham Lincoln

- compassion from Buddha

... find out who did he learn the value of "faith in God" from?

With Trust Comes Faith

Brahmaviharidas Swami further explores belief and how faith leads from trust.

How to Stop Worrying?

How to Stop Worrying? Are you worried about this question?

Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar shares easy tips to stop worrying & overcome problems in life.

Great Religions of the World can't Withstand 2 Logical Questions

Since time unknown to mankind, we have been finding solace in our faith in God. Though many religions have come and gone and there still are many. Almost all the religions began from the sheer enlightenment of human consciousness and later turned into comforting the fears of the unknown in human mind. But, in today's times due to technological development and our intellect-oriented education system, the audacity of faith have begun to weaken. In this video, Sadhguru talks about the two fundamental questions that all the great religions cannot withstand. This is an eye-opening insight given by Sadhguru, about the things that have kept humanity confused since ancient times. A must watch video for all.

With Trust Comes Faith

In the third part of this sequence of 'Timeless Hindu Wisdom' talks, Brahmaviharidas Swami further explores belief and how faith leads from trust.

What is Ekadashi

Learn the importance of Ekadashi in Hinduism from Pujya Yogvivek Swami, head of the Neasden Temple.

Success Through Self-Belief

In the second part of this sequence of 'Timeless Hindu Wisdom' talks, Brahmaviharidas Swami explores the idea of self-belief and its role in a successful life.

Belief: A Lifeline

Brahmaviharidas Swami explores the idea of 'belief' and its enduring power to transform our life.

Wisdom from the Upanishads

Wisdom from the Upanishads. Secular in their content and universal in their appeal, these compositions have life affirming secrets that contain ideas about life, the universe and everything relevant from the 700BCE to the 21st century. Computer engineer, journalist and children's author, Roopa Pai is the co-founder of Bangalore Walks and the winner of the Crossword Award for "The Gita for Children". She has published over 20 books, including the fantasy-adventure Taranauts. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community

Syncing to God’s Playlist: Winning the War

BAPS's Pujya Bhaktivardhan Swami continue to explore popular Hindu bhajans about the power of prayer.

Syncing to God’s Playlist: Winning the War

BAPS's Pujya Bhaktivardhan Swami continue to explore popular Hindu bhajans about the power of prayer.

Syncing to God’s Playlist: Key of Courage

Pujya Bhaktivardhan Swami explore popular Hindu bhajans about the power of prayer

Syncing to God’s Playlist: Draupadi’s Prayer

Bhaktivardhan Swami explore popular Hindu bhajans about the power of prayer. With his upbringing in the US, Bhaktivardhandas Swami earned a degree in Economics from Rutgers University in New Jersey before being ordained as a sadhu by Pramukh Swami Maharaj in 2004. He spent the next 8 years training as a sadhu in India where he studied Hindu scriptures, Swaminarayan literature and philosophy. Bhaktivardhandas Swami currently serves at the BAPS Swaminarayan mandir in Houston. He regularly delivers talks on Hindu values and teachings and is an accomplished singer having performed around the whole as well as on BAPS audio publications. His insightful talks infused with his melodious singing have enthralled people around the world.

The Secret Revealed: Part 2

Tyagprakashdas Swami continue exploring 'secrets' from the Mahabharat on how to be loved, free of sorrow, wealthy and happy.

The Secret Revealed: Part 3

Tyagprakashdas Swami conclude exploring 'secrets' from the Mahabharat on how to be loved, free of sorrow, wealthy and happy.

The Secret Revealed: Part 1

Tyagprakashdas Swami explore 'secrets' from the Mahabharat on how to be loved, free of sorrow, wealthy and happy.

Wisdom, Knowledge, Stability

Chaitanyamurti Swami explore how to stabilise the mind through knowledge and wisdom.

Inner Space

Chaitanyamurti Swami explore the world of the mind, our 'inner space', and how it can help us cope with the current global crisis. The 30-minute talk included a short Q&A.

Krishna’s Flute: The Sweet Sound of Fulfilment

BAPS Swaminarayan Sudhu Pujya Snehmunidas Swami further explore Krishna’s flute and what it can teach us about coping with the current global crisis

Krishna’s Flute: From Flat to Flexible

Flexibility is 

- Accepting the unexpected 

- Affirming God must have a plan

- Adjusting happily

- Adapting

Krishna’s Flute: From Flat to Flexible

Krishna’s Flute: Forging Fortitude

Session 8 sees Snehmunidas Swami explore Krishna’s flute and what it can teach us about coping with the current global crisis. The 30-minute talk included a short Q&A. Originally from Toronto, Snehmunidas Swami undertook a degree in Pharmacy in Detroit before being ordained as a sadhu by His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj in 1997. He spent the next ten years studying Sanskrit and Hindu scriptures in India. Snehmunidas Swami currently serves at the BAPS Swaminarayan mandir in Chicago. He regularly delivers engaging talks on Hindu values and teachings in conventions and seminars across North America. He is also the author of a book titled ‘Truth from Under a Tree’ which explains the spiritual teachings of Bhagwan Swaminarayan in an engaging and contemporary manner for children and youth.

Hanuman’s Leap, Isolating The Ego

Click Here for Hanuman's Leap: The Power Within You is Never Locked Down

In the Second Part of Hamuman’s Leap Pujya Yogananddas Swami explores teachings from the Ramayan and how they can help us cope with the current global crisis. The 30-minute talk included a short Q&A.

Originally from the USA, Yogananddas Swami graduated with a degree in Chemistry before being initiated as a sadhu by His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj in 2005. He studied Hindu scriptures in India for 14 years and has a degree in Purana-Itihas (Scriptural History) as well as a Master’s in Vedanta (Indian Philosophy and Hindu Theology). He is a prolific and accomplished speaker, having spoken extensively on Hindu teachings and values around the world.

Credit:- BAPS, Neasden Temple, London

Hanuman’s Leap: The Power Within You is Never Locked Down

Click Here for Hanuman’s Leap: The Power Within You is Never Locked Down

Pujya Yogananddas Swami explores teachings from the Ramayan and how they can help us cope with the current global crisis.

The 20-minute talk was followed by a short Q&A.

Originally from the USA, Yogananddas Swami graduated with a degree in Chemistry before being initiated as a sadhu by His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj in 2005. He studied Hindu scriptures in India for 14 years and has a degree in Purana-Itihas (Scriptural History) as well as a Master’s in Vedanta (Indian Philosophy and Hindu Theology). He is a prolific and accomplished speaker, having spoken extensively on Hindu teachings and values around the world.

Credit:- BAPS, Neasden Temple, London