Saintliness, or sadhuta, is not a mundane degree, honor, or title. It is a supreme virtue that bestows inner peace, purity, and happiness. To transform and elevate a debased person requires a moralizing catalyst, and to exalt a moral person into a saint requires spiritual sadhana and divine grace.
India is a mosaic of diverse people, beliefs, practices, and much more. Among this wide spectrum, swamis have been revered as the custodians of culture and faith, and the liberators of souls. The Hindu shastras sing eloquently about associating with a bona fide sadhu for moksha. Even spiritual poetry and bhajans proclaim the glory and virtues of a God-realized sadhu.
Swami Keshavjivandasji, popularly known by countless as Mahant Swami Maharaj, lives for the good of others. His persona is simple, straightforward, and natural. There is not an iota of flamboyance about him. He speaks, but never to impress or overwhelm anyone. Complaints, demands, or expectations have never been a part of his life. He is neither vexed by hardships and discomforts nor puffed up with pride in times of honor and praise. He harbors no hate or infatuation for anyone or anything. He respects all, sincerely and heartfully, and showers all with his selfless love and compassion. Though soft-spoken, his discourses are born of deep reflection, unique insight, and divine experience. His pristine humility and divine radiance convince one that he is from a divine realm.
Mahant Swami Maharaj, the sixth spiritual successor of Bhagwan Swaminarayan, exemplifies true humility in every aspect of his life. September 3rd, 2017, was a historic day, as it marked the ceremonial placement of the first pillars inside BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham North America in Robbinsville, New Jersey. During the assembly, decorative pillars were placed on the stage to symbolically represent the pillars that would support the vast Akshardham. The pillars depicted Bhagwan Swaminarayan’s senior disciples, Muktanand Swami and Nishkulanand Swami.
When Mahant Swami Maharaj entered the stage, he appreciated the decorative pillars. Little did he or the audience know that the stone disciples depicted on the pillars were actually children. Although surprised, Mahant Swami Maharaj saw them as if they were the original disciples of Bhagwan Swaminarayan, and he touched their feet.
Even after the assembly, when the two children asked for blessings, Mahant Swami Maharaj humbly responded, “Who am I to bless you? I should bow to you and touch your feet.” His ability to see divinity and greatness in everyone allowed him to touch the feet of a child in a packed assembly. Truly, he is the epitome of humility.
As we celebrate his birthday on September 26, 2024, we honor Mahant Swami Maharaj as the embodiment of divine humility. His life teaches us to serve selflessly, live with simplicity, and see divinity in all.
-Lenin Joshi
BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha
