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What are Satsang Examinations?
Ans: Satsang Examinations are exams that teach us
about the basics of the Hindu Dharma and Swaminarayan Sampraday.
As part of BAPS activities, Satsang Exams have been playing
a basic role in inspiring and teaching thousands of devotees,
young and old, with the knowledge of Vedic, cultural and
Satsang values. Satsang Exams were the dream of Yogiji Maharaj,
realized through the inspiration and efforts of Pramukh
Swami Maharaj. This programme has flourished since 1972.
The Satsang Exams activity started with 56 centers in 1972
and today has multiplied to 1200 centers all over the world.
Thus far, 500,000 devotees have appeared for the graded
nine-level Satsang Examination courses. The exams are held
in February for most countries, but centers in India hold
the exam in July. The exams are available in Gujarati, Hindi
and in English.
By taking Satsang Examinations, we learn about the history
and traditions of Hindu Dharma and the Swaminarayan Sampraday.
Since it is Swamishri’s wish that everyone should
take these exams, by taking them we earn his blessings.
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What is the Ghar Sabha?
Ans: ‘Ghar’ means House-Home. Sabha means
spiritual discourse.
Ghar Sabha is a handloom which brings together the threads
of love, by understanding and knowledge, and weaves them to
create a strong family fabric.
Ghar Sabha gives an individual self-esteem, a feeling of belonging,
to be a fibre of the family fabric.
Ghar Sabha is a bridge of love between individual members
of the family.
Ghar Sabha is a ‘school’ which educates each family
member. Ghar Sabha is the Satsang Sabha of the whole family.
Satsang moulds the individual. It sows the seeds of morality
and teaches one to took within. It teaches one to look at
one’s faults and to imbibe only the good attributes
of others. Devotion to God increases. One develops humility.
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How should one do the Ghar Sabha?
Ans: The
Ghar Sabha should preferably be held in the evening after
Arti, Thal and dinner. It should last for about 20 minutes.
The sabha could be as follows :
1. Dhun – 2 minutes (Chanting the Swaminarayan
mantra)
2. Kirtan – 4 minutes.
3. Scripture reading – 15 minutes.
With time, and as the family members become more interested
and involved, the duration could be increased to 30 minutes
or an hour. The scriptures to be read should be light reading,
such as : The Parables of Yogiji Maharaj, the Satsang Kathas
of Yogiji Maharaj, the Satsang Shikshan examination booklets,
the life histories, and Swamini Vato. The children in the
Ghar Sabha, can sing Dhun, Kirtans or read simple booklets
such as Ghanshyam Charitra, etc. |
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