From Wednesday, August 30, 2017 to Friday, September 1, 2017, over 1,100 BAPS volunteers convened at the Hotel Sheraton in Philadelphia, PA to attend the BAPS North American Leadership Seminar in the presence of His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj.
Centered on the theme of "Samp: Vartan, Vani, Vichar", seminar delegates gained a deeper understanding of Samp (togetherness) and how important it is, not only in their individual spiritual development, but also in working effectively with others in order to perform their roles as volunteers of BAPS. Through various skits and inspiring speeches by Sadguru Pujya Ishwarcharandas Swami, Pujya Anandswarupdas Swami, Pujya Narayanmuni Swami, and Pujya Atmaswarupdas Swami, attendees experienced practical examples of the benefits of focusing on unity as well as how best to overcome various challenges that may be faced in doing so.
Mahant Swami Maharaj also gave numerous blessings throughout the course of the seminar. In addition to emphasizing the importance of samp, he also offered practical nuggets of wisdom on how we can incorporate it into our lives including maintaining niyams and developing unconditional respect for one another. Overall, volunteers were inspired by the inspirational spiritual messages throughout the seminar and guided towards earnestly doing their best service.