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Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha or BAPS is a branch of the Hindu Swaminarayan sect with more than 1,000,000 followers worldwide and a greater presence outside South Asia than any other Hindu group [Williams, 2001]. Formally established as BSS (Bochasanwasi Swaminarayan Sanstha, later becoming BAPS) on June 5, 1907 CE by Swami Yagnapurushdas (Shastriji Maharaj), BAPS describes itself as "a socio-spiritual organization with its roots in the Vedas, revealed by Bhagwan Swaminarayan in the late 18th century."
Mission statement:
BAPS' mission statement is:
Founded on the pillars of practical spirituality, [BAPS] reaches out far and wide to clear the confusions and questions in our moral, social and material world of today. It teaches a way to lead a peaceful life. Its strength lies in the purity of its nature and purpose. The Sanstha strives to better the world by consolidating character in societies, families and individuals. This is done not just by mottos and slogans but by mass motivation and individual attention, through elevating projects for all, irrespective of class, creed, color and country. The Sanstha's universal work has received many national welfare awards and the affiliation to the United Nations. Its international network has flourished into 9,090 Youth, Children and Women centers, over 770 sadhus, 55,000 volunteers and the dedication of over one million followers.
The hallmark of the Swaminarayan devotee is that he or she devoutly begins the day with puja and meditation, works or studies honestly and donates regular hours in serving others. He/she observes the five principal vows: No Stealing, No Adultery, No Alcohol, No Meat, No Impurity of body and mind. Such moral purity and spiritual surety add a deeper brilliance to all the hundreds of social services performed for a better life.
Activities
Religion & spirituality Over 600 Mandirs (temples) and 9090 centres in 45 countries. All activities are centred around religion and God, but are not exlcusive to devotees. Devotees attend weekly assemblies at their nearest Mandir or centre where they pray, study scriptures and meet other devotees.
Social field Special social campaigns have encouage people to give up smoking, drinking, drugs and antisocial behaviour. Bone Marrow drives and Blood drives are regular activities of BAPS Care, the charity founded by BAPS.
Cultural field Children learn through stories and rhymes, teenagers through multimedia and sports, youths through discussions and dramas, the elderly progress through scriptural reading, discourses and introspection. Activities range from music classes, to scripture study, to fitness.
Relief activities
Province of its influence Prominent in Gujarat, India and amongst NRI Gujarati community members. Its international network has grown into 2,710 Youth, 4,070 Children and 1,320 Women centers, 770 sadhus, 55,000 volunteers and over one million followers [Williams, 2001], with more than 600 temples and 9090 centers in 45 countries.
Leader Today the Sanstha is led by Pramukh Swami Maharaj. Pujya Pramukh Swami Maharaj is the fifth spiritual successor of Bhagwan Swaminarayan and the present leader of Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha. He is both President of the organisation and, and the Guru of devotees. According to his followers, Pramukh Swami Maharaj represents the essence of Hinduism, leading an life of celibacy, without personal wealth or comfort.
BAPS Today BAPS has enjoyed much success in promoting its message in India and abroad. This partly lies in its approach, which is characteristic of other monotheistic religions — namely their centralization and huge organizational strength, their emphasis on community, their notions of salvation through belief in Shri Swaminarayan Bhagwan(Lord Swaminarayan) as the supreme Lord and adherence to strict doctrine. Many mainstream Hindus find themselves attracted to this and start identifying with BAPS. Although some see only minor theological implications in such an alignment, others see the doctrinal differences as quite distinct.
Whilst BAPS is essentially a spiritual organisation with over 600 temples and 9000 centres in 45 countries, its social work is also recognised internationaly - particularly by the UN, with whom BAPS holds consultive status. BAPS has set up a separate charitable trust - BAPS Care which oversees all its social and humanitarian works.
Notable Projects
External links
End of suggested edit
Start of suggested edit:
Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha or BAPS is a branch of the Hindu Swaminarayan sect with more than 1,000,000 followers worldwide and a greater presence outside South Asia than any other Hindu group [Williams, 2001]. Formally established as BSS (Bochasanwasi Swaminarayan Sanstha, later becoming BAPS) on June 5, 1907 CE by Swami Yagnapurushdas (Shastriji Maharaj), BAPS describes itself as "a socio-spiritual organization with its roots in the Vedas, revealed by Bhagwan Swaminarayan in the late 18th century."
Mission statement:
BAPS' mission statement is:
Founded on the pillars of practical spirituality, [BAPS] reaches out far and wide to clear the confusions and questions in our moral, social and material world of today. It teaches a way to lead a peaceful life. Its strength lies in the purity of its nature and purpose. The Sanstha strives to better the world by consolidating character in societies, families and individuals. This is done not just by mottos and slogans but by mass motivation and individual attention, through elevating projects for all, irrespective of class, creed, color and country. The Sanstha's universal work has received many national welfare awards and the affiliation to the United Nations. Its international network has flourished into 9,090 Youth, Children and Women centers, over 770 sadhus, 55,000 volunteers and the dedication of over one million followers.
The hallmark of the Swaminarayan devotee is that he or she devoutly begins the day with puja and meditation, works or studies honestly and donates regular hours in serving others. He/she observes the five principal vows: No Stealing, No Adultery, No Alcohol, No Meat, No Impurity of body and mind. Such moral purity and spiritual surety add a deeper brilliance to all the hundreds of social services performed for a better life.
Activities
Religion & spirituality Over 600 Mandirs (temples) and 9090 centres in 45 countries. All activities are centred around religion and God, but are not exlcusive to devotees. Devotees attend weekly assemblies at their nearest Mandir or centre where they pray, study scriptures and meet other devotees.
Social field Special social campaigns have encouage people to give up smoking, drinking, drugs and antisocial behaviour. Bone Marrow drives and Blood drives are regular activities of BAPS Care, the charity founded by BAPS.
Cultural field Children learn through stories and rhymes, teenagers through multimedia and sports, youths through discussions and dramas, the elderly progress through scriptural reading, discourses and introspection. Activities range from music classes, to scripture study, to fitness.
Relief activities
Province of its influence Prominent in Gujarat, India and amongst NRI Gujarati community members. Its international network has grown into 2,710 Youth, 4,070 Children and 1,320 Women centers, 770 sadhus, 55,000 volunteers and over one million followers [Williams, 2001], with more than 600 temples and 9090 centers in 45 countries.
Leader Today the Sanstha is led by Pramukh Swami Maharaj. Pujya Pramukh Swami Maharaj is the fifth spiritual successor of Bhagwan Swaminarayan and the present leader of Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha. He is both President of the organisation and, and the Guru of devotees. According to his followers, Pramukh Swami Maharaj represents the essence of Hinduism, leading an life of celibacy, without personal wealth or comfort.
BAPS Today BAPS has enjoyed much success in promoting its message in India and abroad. This partly lies in its approach, which is characteristic of other monotheistic religions — namely their centralization and huge organizational strength, their emphasis on community, their notions of salvation through belief in Shri Swaminarayan Bhagwan(Lord Swaminarayan) as the supreme Lord and adherence to strict doctrine. Many mainstream Hindus find themselves attracted to this and start identifying with BAPS. Although some see only minor theological implications in such an alignment, others see the doctrinal differences as quite distinct.
Whilst BAPS is essentially a spiritual organisation with over 600 temples and 9000 centres in 45 countries, its social work is also recognised internationaly - particularly by the UN, with whom BAPS holds consultive status. BAPS has set up a separate charitable trust - BAPS Care which oversees all its social and humanitarian works.
Notable Projects
External links
End of suggested edit