Introduction

Hinduism has been preserved by its many streams and faiths. The richness and diversity has provided fuel for many spiritual paths, the ultimate destination of which is the same, the Supreme Reality.The Swaminarayan movement was founded by a great social and spiritual reformer, Lord Swaminarayan (1781-1830 AD). As a manifestation of God Himself, Lord Swaminarayan arrived on this earth during a time of great social and spiritual turmoil. But in the short span of 49 years, He addressed many social ills, revive Hinduism and provided a spiritual path, the Swaminarayan Philosophy, to last the ages.

He then embarked, on foot, on a momentous 7-year pilgrimage of over 12,000 kilometers in His search for a spiritual guide. At the age of 18, He ultimately reached His goal by adopting Ramanand Swami as His Guru in the state of Gujarat.

Guru Ramanand Swami initiated Nilkanth as a sadhu and gave him the name "Sahajanand".

To arrest the significant decline in social, cultural and moral standards, Lord Swaminarayan, through the Shikshaapatri (a sacred book of ethics), outlined the Hindu moral codes for everyday life. It provided practical guidance on familial, social, financial, hygienic, moral, and spiritual issues.

Lord Swaminarayan also initiated 500 ascetics, which were of the highest degree. Selfless and spiritually motivated, they practiced strict disciplines and continuously moved through society, carrying the message of purity. They helped abolish superstitions, addictions and inhumane practices such as Dudhpiti and Sati. They also dugged wells and set up alms-houses in times of famines and droughts.

The basic foundation of the Swaminarayan philosophy involves a principle called "Vishishtha Adwaitvad". This concept stipulates that the Lord can not dwell on this earth without His Divine Abode. Lord Swaminarayan referred to Anadi Mul Akshar Murti Shri Gunatitanand Swami, a God-Realized saint who had risen above all qualities to attain oneness with the Lord, as His Abode.

The observance of these vows would purify His followers lives and prepare them for spiritual advancement. For His sadhus, Lord Swaminarayan prescribed 5 primary principles called the "Panch Vartamaan".

The Holy Scripture of the Swaminarayan faith is called the Vachnaamritam and consists of a historical collection of 262 spiritual discourses delivered by Lord Swaminarayan in the Gujarati language. It is a catechism, filled with logic, metaphors and analogies, and divine revelations that provide philosophical and practical answers to the mysteries and questions of life.

The Swaminarayan Movement - Today and the Future

The Spiritual Succession

At the age of 49, Lord Swaminarayan left this earth for His Divine Abode. But in His teachings, Lord Swaminarayan assured his followers that he would continue to manifest on earth through an uninterrupted succession of Gunatit saints. Guided by these saints, Lord Swaminarayan's devotees would reach "Akshardham", or the Highest State of Consciousness.

The Ongoing Quest

The Swaminarayan order is arguably the fastest growing segment of the Hindu religion. Within the order are several branches, of which some of the most significant are mentioned below the present head of several branches:

• The Anoopam Mission - under the direction of Guruvarya Param Pujya Saheb
• Gunatit Jyot - under the direction of Param Pujya Pappaji
• The Yogi Divine Society - under the direction of Param Pujya Hariprasad Swamiji
• Represents the "Gunatit Samaj" founded by Param Pujya Kakaji

Each branch of the Swaminarayan order is led by a Divine Guru and all share the same goal espoused by Lord Swaminaryan: the continued moral, spiritual and cultural upliftment of humanity.