12 July 2004 (V.S. 2060, Ashadh vad 11) Monday, Toronto, Canada
Pramukh Swami Maharaj Arrives in Toronto
After concluding a series of conventions for children, teenagers and youths, Swamishri arrived in Toronto. Swamishri was received by kishores dancing enthusiastically, after which he formally opened the Swaminarayan Haveli in accordance with Vedic rituals.
During the evening welcome assembly, kishores performed a lively welcome dance. Thereafter, distinguished guests welcomed Swamishri. Acharya Kishoreji Vyas from the Kanchi Koti Pitham, founded by Adi Shankracharya, was present in the assembly and he spoke about Swamishri's efforts to preserve Hindu culture and values.
Finally, Swamishri, in his blessings, emphasised the rarity of acquiring a human body, which must be utilised in the worship of God. He also spoke about preserving traditional culture and values, and mentioned that children are the real wealth which must be nurtured. This can all be accomplished through the grace of God and His holy Sadhu.
13 July 2004 (V.S. 2060, Ashadh vad 11) Tuesday, Toronto
Kishore - Kishori Din
In the evening, during the main Kishore-Kishori Din programme, kishores presented a drama that illustrated the main problems they face in the school environment and the role of personal satsang as the solution to these problems.
In his blessings, Swamishri stated that the values and culture prevalent in India must also be practiced here. He also emphasised satsang and education, and the loving relationship that must be cultivated between parents and their children.
14 July 2004 (V.S. 2060, Ashadh vad 12) Wednesday, Toronto
Morning & Evening Programs
The Canada Yuvak Mandal presented a special presentation highlighting the virtues of a true sadhu during the evening cultural programme.
Senior sadhus then explained how each one of these virtues can be found within Swamishri.
Swamishri blessed the evening assembly by explaining that the only means to liberation is through the manifest form of God.
15 July 2004 (V.S. 2060, Ashadh vad 13) Thursday, Toronto
Morning & Evening Programs
In the evening the sadhus presented an excellent kirtan aradhana.
Afterwards, members of various Hindu communities described their experiences working with BAPS during the 2001 Gujarat earthquake relief efforts.
Finally, Swamishri, in his blessings, explained the importanceof kirtan bhakti through historical and contemporary examples. He also appreciated the collaborative efforts of different Hindu communities for the earthquake relief.
16 July 2004 (V.S. 2060, Ashadh vad 14) Friday, Toronto
Bal - Balika Din
During Swamishri’s morning puja balaks sang kirtans and played musical instruments.
During the evening Bal Din assembly, balaks presented a drama that symbolised the search for true happiness. They explained that true happiness does not lie in worldly pleasures, but in spirituality. Finally, Swamishri blessed the assembly stating, “All worldly pleasures are accompanied by misery. However, one who takes the refuge of God and His holy Sadhu, and follows the tenets laid down by scriptures, will ultimately attain happiness.”
17 July 2004 (V.S. 2060, Ashadh vad 30) Saturday, Toronto
Vishwashanti Mahayagna
Hundreds of devotees gathered to pray for world peace and harmony by participating in the Vishwashanti Mahayagna, or World Peace Prayer.
Religious figures from different faiths, including Buddhism, Christianity, Islam, Jainism, Judaism, and Sikhism, attended the Mahayagna to symbolise unity among diverse religions. They all greeted Swamishri and offered a prayer for peace according to their respective faiths.
The Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, Honourable James K. Bartleman, was also present on this occasion.
Swamishri concluded the prayers by blessing the assembly. He explained that in order to acquire peace, people must respect all religions, and must also see God in all by maintaining faith in their own religion. He thanked the religious figures and all who attended for being a part of the cause for peace.
18 July 2004 (V.S. 2060, Adhik Shravan sud 1) Sunday, Toronto
Murti Pratishtha
In the morning, Swamishri performed the Vedic murti-pratishta in the haveli, and for the first time outside of India, consecrated a murti of Shri Nilkanth Varni to which people can offer abhishek.
During the murti-pratishtha assembly, Swamishri described the glory of mandirs and the newly consecrated murtis. He explained that the more darshan one has of these murtis, the more peace one will experience.
In the evening assembly, Shri Ramesh Oza and Shri Bhagwat were in attendance. They both addressed the assembly and greeted Swamishri.