Jai Swaminarayan,

When Param Pujya Mahant Swami Maharaj came to North America in 2017 for vicharan, he taught all of the balaks and balikas to become lions and lionesses instead of sheep. He taught that as balaks and balikas, we can be brave and have courage every day and in whatever we do. Bravery is a quality that allows us to stay strong and confident in both easy and hard times.

A great example of the quality of bravery is of Bhaguji. Bhaguji was one of Shriji Maharaj’s great devotees and also his personal bodyguard. Bhaguji was very brave and was known to be like a lion. In fact, everyone was frightened just by hearing his name.

Once Shriji Maharaj asked Bhaguji to protect Dada Khachar’s field. However, the village chief did not like Bhaguji. He offered a reward to anyone in the village that would hurt Bhaguji while he was in the field. The villagers were all fearful, but there were two brothers who accepted the challenge. Their names were Khabad and Mataro. They went to the field and there was a small fight in which Bhaguji was able to protect himself forcing the brothers to run away. Even though Bhaguji was able to protect himself, he had 18 wounds on his body that hurt him seriously. Shriji Maharaj, who was extremely pleased with Bhaguji’s bravery, personally took care of Bhaguji until he recovered.

Other villages heard this story and wanted Bhaguji to come and protect their villages. However, Bhaguji confidently stated “I only wish to stay with and serve Shriji Maharaj.”

From this prasang, we can understand that whenever we are faced with difficulties or struggles in life, we should stay strong, brave. We must remember that whatever we do, Maharaj and Swami are always with us. Pramukh Swami Maharaj and Mahant Swami Maharaj have always said, “I will always be with you.” Remembering these words, let’s be Swamishri’s lions and lionesses!

Until next time!

Jay Swaminarayan from the ‘kids.baps.org’ team