By Anandananddas Swami
BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha
The journey towards success is often misconstrued as a linear progression, akin to fairy tale narratives. However, this path is invariably riddled with challenges such as pain, struggle, insults, and failure. These difficulties, though seemingly insurmountable, can cultivate virtues like wisdom, strength, courage, and success, especially when navigated with tolerance and compassion. A quintessential example of these virtues in action is Pramukh Swami Maharaj, whose life and actions demonstrated unparalleled tolerance and compassion.
Pramukh Swami Maharaj, a revered spiritual leader, exemplified tolerance and compassion in a way that transcended ordinary understanding. His response to a tragic terrorist attack in September 2002 at Swaminarayan Akshardham in Gandhinagar, India, is a testament to this. This attack, resulting in over 30 innocent lives lost, including a BAPS swami and young children, came at a time when Gujarat was still recovering from recent communal tensions. The expectation in such scenarios is often one of retaliation and further violence. However, Pramukh Swami Maharaj, despite provocations to respond with anger, chose a path of peace and tolerance. His prayerful response played a pivotal role in preventing further escalation of violence and was lauded globally by politicians, community leaders, and scholars.
His visit to the site days after the attack further illustrated his extraordinary compassion. He blessed the places of death with sanctified flowers and prayers, including the spot where the attackers met their end, praying for peace in the world and freedom from terror. This gesture of praying for the souls of the attackers was a profound demonstration of his belief in universal compassion, transcending the conventional responses of hatred and revenge.
Swamishri’s actions were not just about silent tolerance; they were active gestures of compassion, reaching out to comfort and heal. His approach to dealing with ill-mannered people with kindness and prayer was a reflection of his deep spirituality, which was the cornerstone of his popularity and respect. This spirituality was not just an abstract concept for him; it was a lived reality that influenced every aspect of his life and interactions with others.
His true success, drawn from spirituality, was not measured in material achievements but in the fulfillment and inner peace he found and shared with others. His influence led many to abandon vices and negative temperaments, opting instead for a life of serenity and fulfillment. This impact was enduring, evidenced by the profound effect he had on individuals like Brigadier Raj Seetapathy, the National Security Guard commando, who was deeply inspired by Swamishri’s response to the Akshardham attack and went on to promote this philosophy in various professional circles.
The legacy of Pramukh Swami Maharaj was evident in the diverse range of individuals who felt a personal connection to him, despite varying degrees of physical interaction. His innate ability to form lasting relationships based on his spiritual virtues drew people from all walks of life. The immense gathering on 13 August 2016, in Sarangpur, where some had never even met him face-to-face, reflected the deep emotional and spiritual bond they felt with him. His life and actions serve as a powerful reminder that the true measure of success lies not in material gains but in the ability to live a life of compassion, tolerance, and spirituality, impacting the lives of others positively and profoundly.
