Compilation by By Rajkumar Manickam

When a group of BAPS Swamis came to Kauai late last year, they invited Bodhinatha, beseeched him would be more apt, to attend the amazing 100 Jayanti Celebrations for Pramukh Swami Maharaj. It is an important milestone in Swaminarayan history. Bodhinatha said yes, and flew to the venue a few days back. He gave a short talk, which is below in both text and video form.

This was his report from India about the day:

"We visited the celebrations on day 26. The scale of the exhibitions is what first strikes you. 600 acres of displays with an average of 100,000 devotees present at anytime during the day. For the first few hours we were shown sample exhibits, such as movies for adults, youth dances, game areas for the children, a replica of the Akshardham compound and temple and newly-crafted statues of Pramukhswami. Next we participated in the Africa evening assembly during which I gave a five-minute talk. Dinner was next, followed by a meeting with the current guru Mahantswami Maharaj. Quite an impressive event, worthy of some coverage in Hinduism Today."

Here is the text of his address, sent by Niraj:

Talk by Satguru Bodhinatha Veylanswami
"In today's troubled world, many thoughtful individuals are concerned with bringing greater peace into the world. A temple such as the Swaminarayan mandir helps individuals find more peace within themselves, which in turn brings greater harmony into their homes, which in turn brings greater tolerance and unity within the community. Certainly, the many mandirs established through the inspiration of Pramukh Swami Maharaj including those in the African countries of Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania and South Africa will continue generation after generation, helping Hindu values, traditions and customs flourish as well as contributing in an unseen way to making the world a more peaceful place.
"A second important aspect of the Swaminarayan mandirs is how they will influence the current and future generations of children. With most schools focusing solely on secular studies, there is a need for children to learn traditional values in a religious setting such as this. In other words, it is not enough to simply learn to read and write, children also need to learn what to read and write. The concept of what it means to be a successful adult needs to include not only wealth and family, but also the principles of a pious life, virtuous conduct, fulfilment of duty to the family, community and country, and regular worship of God and guru in the mandir and in the home shrine.
"In our 2004 visit to the opening of the Houston mandir one father proudly told us about how his two sons devoted their entire summer working all day in the construction of the Houston mandir. We were quite impressed at the extent of their dedication. Through the inspiration of Pramukh Swami Maharaj, BAPS is an excellent model for other Hindu organizations to follow in successfully involving youth in the construction and subsequent activities of mandirs worldwide."

Today we received this artistic sketch of Satguru Bodhinatha Veylanswami and love it. It is the work of Zsolt Novak who is living in Italy and teaching engineering at a university. It's done on a plaster canvas with a roughness nicely contrasting the refinement of the subject. And the subtle splotches of color on the pottu and the earring are fantastic. Thank you, Zsolt. You can get a larger copy of it below:

Download it here

Satguru Bodhinatha Veylanswami and Sannyasin Shanmuganatha are in India today, invited to two major events, one in the south and another in the north. Today's post covers the Bengaluru event, and the Ahmedabad happenings will be coming in the next day or two. The parapatetic swamis were greeted in Singapore on their way to India, and a number of satsangs and devotee sharings took place. Then came the major event at Kailas Ashram in Bengaluru (that's Sr Sri Jayendra Puri Swami on the stage with Bodhinatha yesterday). Here is Satguru's note about the day:

"We spent the morning and early afternoon at Kailas Ashram. The Ashram called the event SATKARMA-BHAKTI-JNAANA SAMMELANAM. A visiting swami from Italy was there with quite a few of his devotees. Total group attending seemed to be a few thousand. Events were a blessings for the new rajagopuram, breakfast, and a lengthy tour of Sivaratnapuri Temple of Health. Next we had talks in the auditorium. My address to the assembly was about half an hour long. Our friend Dr. Karthikeyan publisher of Life Positive Magazine was also an honored guest and gave a short talk. Then another grand meal to end the event. Sri Sri Jayendra Puri Swami gave us a armful of gifts for the monks and monastery. We gave him a very special mala of our Kauai rudraksha beads. All in all it took about eight and a half hours from leaving the hotel to returning.

"A second event followed at the hotel at 5 PM. Sundaramurthi Sivacharya came with two assistants from the Veda Agama Pathasala. Wonderful meeting with one of the leading Sivacharyars in the world."

Introducing Satguru Bodhinatha Veylanswami's Publisher's Desk editorial for the January/February/March, 2023 issue of Hinduism Today Magazine:

"I know a spiritually awesome individual. He is able to quickly calm himself when upset, to transform unhappiness into happiness, to inspire those who are discouraged, and always finds time to listen to the stories and concerns of family and friends. Would you like to be introduced to this amazing person? It’s easy. Just look into a mirror. Yes, that awesome person is you. But it is not the outer you—the body, the intellect or the emotions. It is the spiritual part of you, the soul, the atman, the immortal presence you can sense by looking into your eyes...

At his 80th celebration, Bodhinatha was presented with a marvelously inlaid chowki, a small table on which he places his lunch-with-the-monks each day. It was hand made with (we think) walnut and maple woods. If you look closely, the craftsman also made four matching coasters. Wonderful gift for our Satguru, one that he will use each day.

Dear Bodhinatha,

With your generous donation and blessings, we have purchased a small, motorized three-wheel vehicle. Thank you so much.

This year the major logistical challenge we have been facing relates to transportation. As you know, we travel to the villages far and wide, distributing care packages for the most needy people, including pregnant mothers and malnourished children. Also, we distribute seedlings to poor farmers. Because of the nationwide gas shortage, we are having a very hard time hiring vans to do this job. We are able to obtain very limited supplies.

This three-wheel vehicle uses very little gas to run. This will enable us to more efficiently provide services to the people.

Again, Thank you so very much for your blessings and support.

Love, Thondunathan

Photos from Satguru Bodhinatha Veylanswamis 80th Jayanti celebration. The day began with a homa, invoking divine energies into several kumbhas. These blessed water pots were then poured over Satguru in a once-in-80-years guru abhishekam. Following that there was a very short padapuaja and vibhuti blessing for those present. Speaking of presents, Satguru was also given many wonderful gifts by devotees. Next everyone sat to enjoy a Bharatanatyam dance by Priyanka Raghuraman. The day's events concluded with lunch and cake! Our thanks to Rajkumar Manickam for these wonderful images. Jai Satguru Bodhinatha Veylanswami! Aum Namah Shivaya

Today marks Satguru Bodhinatha Veylanswami’s 80th Jayanthi! For an auspicious occasion such as this, the mathavasi's of Kauai Aadheenam—with the help of close members and devotees of our parampara—have arranged a special puja and abhishekam in honor of their guru.