A national Sanyukta Mandal one-day shibir was held in the presence of Pujya Doctor Swami on Sunday 27 September 2009 at BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, London. Over 1,240 members of the Sanyukta Mandal eagerly arrived to learn more about the Vachanamrut – the theme of the shibir.

Following the opening video, a live procession enacting a scene from the time of Bhagwan Swaminarayan introduced the Vachanamrut and its compilers to the delegates, providing a lively opening to the event. After the traditional deep pragatya, Prabuddhamuni Swami discussed the aims and objectives of the shibir, after which Amrutvihari Swami explained how the Vachanamrut contains the essence of the Hindu scriptures. Yogvivek Swami later spoke of the historical and current relevance of the Vachanamrut, before which Pujya Doctor Swami elaborated further about the spiritual teachings of the Vachanamrut.

After lunch, Anandpriya Swami described the personality of Bhagwan Swaminarayan and Manoharmurti Swami explained the significance of the opening paragraph in each Vachanamrut. Tyagprakash Swami thereafter shared useful methods to practice Satsang in one’s daily life.

Touching and inspiring prasangs from the life of Pramukh Swami Maharaj were narrated during the evening session by Shukmuni Swami, highlighting how the Satpurush is the ‘living shastra’. Pujya Doctor Swami concluded the shibir with an inspiring discussion of the power of the Vachanamrut and the ideals from the scripture that are essential in one’s life.

The delegates thoroughly enjoyed the shibir and all departed with a richer appreciation of the Vachanamrut, its teachings, and its place in one’s daily life.