From 8 to 13 January 2014, more than 800 teenagers and young adults from across the Asia Pacific region attended the BAPS Regional Convention 2014 at the Novotel Forest Resort in Creswick.
The convention, the first of its kind in the region, focused on the overall spiritual theme of “Ekantik”. Centred on the core teachings of Ekantik Dharma, attendees learned various ways to balance their spiritual and personal identities by incorporating aspects of gnan (knowledge), bhakti (devotion), vairagya (detachment), and dharma (righteousness) into their daily lives.
Delegates learned to strengthen their spiritual foundations and enrich their daily lives through insights from spiritual concepts found in Hindu scriptures and emphasised by Bhagwan Swaminarayan nearly 200 years ago.
Alongside spiritual discourses from Sadguru Sant Pujya Ishwarcharan Swami as well as other learned BAPS sadhus from India, USA and Asia Pacific, participants were also treated to a number of cultural activities, practical workshops, live stage performances and special programmes including a samuh puja session.
Inspired by His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj, BAPS encourages today’s youth to understand and embrace their roots, helping them preserve their identities and remain grounded in their faith and culture.
Published in The Indian Sun (Indian Newspaper in Sydney)
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