Over the past
11 years, the BAPS Sanstha’s research centre, AARSH,
has organised many seminars and conferences on spirituality
and philosophy.
On 22 December 2003, the Sanstha hosted a seminar on ‘Integration
of Philosophy in Life’ at the University of Madras.
Many distinguished scholars of philosophy, including, Ramanujacharya
Pujya Shri Yatiraj Jeer Swami and Pujya Chakravarti Swami
participated in the seminar.
At the start of the seminar, the Vice Chancellor of Madras
University and holder of many national and international patents,
Dr S.P. Tyagraj, described the selfless service of BAPS volunteers
in many fields.
Then Prof. Prahladacharya, Vice Chancellor of Rashtriya Sanskrit
Vidyapith, Tirupati, and well-known throughout India for his
expertise in Sanskrit, said, “Like Madhvacharya, Bhagwan
Swaminarayan has promoted a dual approach: both the Shrutis
and Smrutis are given importance, life as a householder or
a renunciant are both considered as important, both bhakti
and dharma are necessary in life. Pramukh Swami Maharaj also
has this approach. He honours scholars of all philosophical
beliefs.”
Dr. K.K.A Venkatachari, former Director of Anantachari Indological
Research Institute, Mumbai and AARSH, Gandhinagar, described
how Pramukh Swami Maharaj explains the philosophy of Bhagwan
Swaminarayan to people so that they can apply it in their
daily lives. Representatives of AARSH, Viveksagar Swami, Shrutiprakash
Swami and Janak Dave also addressed the seminar.
In his blessings to the seminar, Pramukh Swami Maharaj said,
“Avatars, acharyas and devotees incarnate on earth to
explain the ultimate truth to people. If knowledge of dharma,
atma and Paramatma is attained, the soul is liberated.”
At the end of the seminar all the scholars and invited guests
were presented mementos..
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