In the presence of Ishwarcharan Swami and Anandswarup Swami, a special Kishore-Kishori Milan was held at BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, London, on the morning of Saturday 24 September 2011.

The theme of the event was based on the Satpurush – a continuation of the National Kishore-Kishori Mandal Shibir held on 31 July 2011. Kishores and kishoris streamed through the gates of the Mandir from all areas of the country in the morning and settled for the opening of the session, which began with the deep pragatya by Ishwarcharan Swami before both Ishwarcharan Swami and Anandswarup Swami were introduced and welcomed with garlands.

The opening video reminded everyone of the greatness of the Satpurush, which was explained in depth by Anandswarup Swami who discussed the strength of Swamishri’s divinity which so many have experienced from one brief meeting or glimpse. Through enlightening prasangs, he continued to describe the universal affection Swamishri has for sadhus and devotees. He concluded by expressing the three means to understand his divinity – through his actions, contemplating on prasangs revealing his greatness, and understanding the manner in which lives have been transformed through their association with him.

Kishores and kishoris then separated into small groups to discuss the concept of atmabuddhi (deep attachment) and the methods to achieve this, the benefits from becoming attached to him, and techniques to overcome the obstacles that are faced in this spiritual progression. Through the contribution of young satsangis and the experiences of senior karyakars, everyone developed a new understanding to bring themselves closer to Swamishri.

Ishwarcharan Swami then addressed the key questions that kishores and kishoris have asked in relation to the Satpurush, i.e. how one can develop dradh atmabuddhi for him. Ishwarcharan Swami expanded upon the method revealed by Bhagwan Swaminarayan which include observing the Satpurush’s agna, tap (penance and sacrifice), seva, and unwavering focus on spiritual activities. He also emphasised that one must have faith in the words of God.

The day proved to be a great success, allowing everyone to re-assess their motivation and understanding of Swamishri and learn from the experiences and wisdom of both Ishwarcharan Swami and Anandswarup Swami.