GEETA MAITRI MILAN, USA: Harmony Beyond Borders

GEETA MAITRI MILAN, USA

with Pujya Swami Ji - 1st Oct 2023

वीडियो देखने के लिए स्कैन करेंWatch the video

Harmony Beyond Borders

A bright October morning in 2023 dawned on the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Temple in Robbinsville, New Jersey, USA. Excitement buzzed in the air as the Geeta Maitri Milan event unfolded, graced by two spiritual giants: Param Pujya Swamiji Shri Govinddev Giri ji Maharaj and Param Pujya Swami Bhadreshdas Muni ji Maharaj. The stage, adorned grandly, soon filled with eager attendees, their voices resonating with prayers and chants.

As the Swamijis arrived, a divine aura seemed to radiate, enveloping everyone in warmth and reverence. Their presence, like a comforting embrace, touched the hearts of all present. The proceedings began with a prayer recitation-

वसुदेवसुतं देवं कंसचाणूरमर्दनम् | देवकीपरमानन्दं कृष्णं वन्दे जगद्गुरुम् ||

Following a solemn prayer that set the spiritual tone for the gathering, Dr. Sanjay Malpani ji, the National Executive President of Geeta Pariwar, took center stage to extend a warm welcome. In a gracious and eloquent welcome speech, Dr. Sanjay Malpani ji not only greeted both the revered spiritual leaders and the assembled attendees but also provided a comprehensive introduction to the multifaceted activities orchestrated by Geeta Pariwar.

With a touch of enthusiasm, Dr. Sanjay Malpani ji elucidated the diverse spectrum of Geeta Pariwar's initiatives. These encompassed the nurturing environments of Bal Sanskar Kendras, the reach and accessibility of online Geeta learning programs, the virtual sanctuary

of e-Sanskar Vatika, the melodic recitations of Vishnusahasranama Stotra, the protective verses of Ramaraksha Stotra, the devotional hymns encapsulated in Hanuman Chalisa, and a myriad of other endeavours dedicated to spiritual enlightenment.

Dr. Sanjay Malpani's articulate presentation not only welcomed the spiritual luminaries and attendees but also painted a vivid portrait of the expansive and inclusive nature of Geeta Pariwar's noble undertakings. His words served as an enlightening prelude to the spiritual feast that awaited the eager hearts and minds gathered in the divine embrace of the Geeta Pariwar community. He painted a beautiful picture of Geeta Pariwar as a family, not an institution. He spoke of the Geeta's universal appeal, a source of light for all regardless of age, culture, or background. His words resonated especially with the younger generation in the audience, sparking a desire to connect with their roots and embrace the Gita's timeless teachings.

After Dr. Sanjay Bhaiya ji's speech, Dr. Ashu ji Goyal International Working President at Geeta Pariwar, who was addressing the event via zoom, spoke about Geeta Pariwar's aim and future plans to spread Geeta across the world. With his visionary leadership, he took the audience on a captivating exploration of Geeta Pariwar's ambitious plans for the future. He also discussed Geeta Pariwar's progress during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting its transition from an offline to an online platform. He gave a detailed introduction to the work and philosophy of Geeta Pariwar, explaining how it started small and grew into a large organization over time.

Then the moment came everyone had been waiting for - the discourses by the Swamijis themselves. Each word dripped with wisdom, offering profound insights into the Geeta's verses. First, Param Pujya Swami Bhadreshdas Muni ji Maharaj shed light on the path to inner peace. His words instilled a sense of calmness and equanimity in the gathering. He emphasized the core values of a true devotee – freedom from malice and seeing the divine in everyone. Drawing parallels with true friendship, he urged the audience to extend love beyond borders and boundaries.

Quoting the Bhagavadgeeta, he highlighted the importance of being a friend to all living beings and fostering compassion.

Addressing a common dilemma faced by many, Swami Ji delved into the challenge of balancing emotions and responsibilities. He likened this struggle to the moral dilemma

Arjuna faced on the battlefield, torn between duty and emotions. Arjuna's emotional turmoil, as depicted in the Gita, became a profound example of how even the strongest individuals can be overwhelmed by emotions.

Reflecting on Arjuna's emotional journey, Swami Bhadreshdas Maharaj Ji described it as a profound psychological example. He highlighted the significance of Arjuna's dual surrender – at the beginning and towards the end of the Geeta. This surrender marked a transformative understanding and acceptance of duty.

Exploring Arjuna's restless mind, Swami Ji shared Bhagavan Krishna's wisdom on practice and detachment. The advice emphasized regular practice to steady the mind, akin to the wind settling down with time. Detachment, he explained, wasn't about staying away but about not letting external factors control one's inner state.

Positive Resolution for the Future

With a Pariwar of nearly 7.5 million, Swami Bhadreshdas Muni Ji announced a positive resolution – to introduce the Geeta to more than 100 million people. Recalling past resolutions at the Akshardham temple, he expressed joy and gratitude, highlighting Swami Govindadev Giri Ji Maharaj's guidance as an incredible blessing. Acknowledging the collective journey, he invited everyone to hold onto the teachings, assuring that the secrets of the Gita would effortlessly unfold in their lives.

Following the awe-inspiring and soul-stirring discourse by the esteemed Param Pujya Swami Bhadreshdas Muni ji Maharaj, the spiritual ambiance was further enriched as Param Pujya Swamiji Shri Govindadev Giri ji Maharaj started delivering his speech.

In his speech, Swamiji first expressed immense joy in sharing the wisdom of the Bhagavad Gita with the audience. While reflecting on his lifelong contemplation of the Gita's teachings since the age of 15, Swamiji noted that the joy experienced in sharing this wisdom at Robbinsville surpassed all previous endeavors.

Swamiji acknowledged the unique spiritual essence of the event held on American soil. While Bharat (India) naturally fosters spiritual discussions, the presence of a large and spiritually awakened audience in America was truly remarkable. He emphasized the universal relevance of the Bhagavad Geeta, foreseeing a day when all people in America would yearn for its profound wisdom. He urged everyone to strive to spread the teachings of

the Geeta, ensuring its benefits reach everyone.

Drawing parallels between Arjuna's dilemma in the Geeta and real-life situations, Swamiji highlighted the importance of discernment in decision-making. The Geeta, he explained, guides individuals to navigate conflicts within themselves and make choices aligned with their higher duty. He shared a key takeaway from the Geeta - the importance of never giving up in life. Quoting verses that reprimand Arjuna, he stressed the significance of maintaining confidence and self-belief in the face of life's challenges.

Swamiji compared life to a game of cricket, with the Geeta serving as the strategy guide. Encouraging everyone to play the game of life with enthusiasm and determination, he emphasized the need to balance the pillars of the mind in the face of joy, sorrow, gain, and loss.

Highlighting the Geeta's guidance on becoming dear to God through the practice of reading and spreading its teachings, Swamiji praised the dedication of the Geeta Pariwar members and saluted the volunteers for their hard work. He also emphasized unity and friendship within the Geeta Pariwar, regardless of educational backgrounds. He urged members to prioritize sincerity and dedication, stating that devotion and service with sincerity are more valuable than mere knowledge. Comparing the work of the Geeta Pariwar to running a perfume shop, Swamiji emphasized the continuous benefit of being in proximity to the divine through regular Geeta reading. The fragrance of the Geeta, he assured, would linger in their lives, bringing continuous success.

Swamiji correlated physical and mental well-being with readiness for the divine practices of Yoga. Emphasizing the significance of consistent study of the Bhagavad Geeta and a steadfast commitment to global welfare, he delineated this as the route to life's triumphs. Swamiji conveyed his association with the Geeta Pariwar and underscored the transformative influence of wholeheartedly embracing the teachings of the Geeta.

In conclusion, Swamiji expressed gratitude to all members of the Geeta Pariwar, confident that their efforts would ensure the contemplation of the Bhagavad Geeta persists in the lives of many. He congratulated everyone on their commitment to this divine journey and encouraged them to keep moving forward together.

The culmination of the event was a heartening ceremony where Geeta-Vratis and the newly formed Team 11 USA were felicitated by Param Pujya Swamiji Shri Govinddev Giri ji Maharaj. Rupal didi, attending the event from the Zoom meet, announced the names of Team 11 members as Swamiji bestowed blessings upon them, their faces aglow with pride. Witnessing this recognition of selfless dedication served as a powerful reminder of the ripple effect of even the smallest acts of service.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows on the temple grounds, Dr. Ashu Bhaiya ji delivered a concluding speech filled with gratitude. He thanked both Swamijis, organizers, volunteers, and every single attendee for contributing to this extraordinary day. He ended with a call to action, inviting everyone to embrace the spirit of seva and become active participants in Geeta Pariwar's mission.

The Geeta Maitri Milan wasn't just an event; it was an awakening, a reaffirmation of faith, and a celebration of community. It left all attendees with hearts brimming with gratitude, minds buzzing with newfound understanding, and souls yearning to share the light of the Gita with the world. As they stepped out of the temple, carrying the echo of the Swamijis' words and the warmth of shared devotion, they knew that this was just the beginning of a beautiful journey – a journey of self-discovery, guided by the eternal light of the Geeta.