With the blessings and inspiration of Pramukh Swami Maharaj, and in the presence of Sadguru Pujya Mahant Swami, Anandswarup Swami and Gnanpriya Swami from India, more than 1,100 karyakars from across the UK and parts of Europe attended the National Karyakar Shibir at BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, London on Sunday 23 June 2013.
The theme of the shibir was ‘Aksharna Jharukhethi’, drawing references from what Swamishri sees from the balcony as sadhus and devotees gather for his darshan. The shibir thus focussed on the spiritual concepts of antardrashti (introspection), asmita (pride) and samarpan (sacrifice).
Some of the experiences with Swamishri from Sarangpur were shared via a video presentation in the opening session, which also included a discourse from Gnanpriya Swami who spoke about keeping Bhagwan Swaminarayan and Swamishri at the fore front of one’s thoughts during one’s seva.
Mahant Swami reflected upon whom we have attained (God and Guru) and for whom we are performing our religious duties. He continued to elaborate upon striving for their blessings and introspecting continuously while performing seva.
Breakout sessions for departments and mandals were organised before and after lunch to enable karyakars to discuss key issues that relate to their more specific activities.
Further guidance and encouragement came from the closing session where Anandswarup Swami spoke about Swamishri’s wishes for karyakars, focussing specifically on developing one’s personal Satsang. Mahant Swami then closed the shibir with an enlightening address on understanding the importance of seva and remaining humble while performing it.
The positive spiritual messages throughout the day enthused and guided all the karyakars towards earnestly doing their best.