Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) is a socio-spiritual organization based in India. It was founded by Bhagwan Swaminarayan in the late 18th century and re-established in its present form by His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj in 1971.
The organization is dedicated to the preservation and promotion of Hindu values and culture. It operates a number of temples, schools, hospitals, and charitable institutions around the world. BAPS is known for its emphasis on spirituality, morality, and service to others.
The organization has a global presence with over 3,300 centers and more than 1,100 sadhus (monks) and 55,000 volunteers serving in various capacities. The BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham complex in New Delhi, India, is a major tourist attraction, and the organization has also constructed several similar complexes in other parts of the world.
BAPS is also actively involved in a range of humanitarian and social initiatives, including disaster relief, education, healthcare, environmental protection, and women's empowerment. Its efforts have been recognized by various international organizations, including the United Nations.
BAPS has been led by several spiritual leaders, including Bhagwan Swaminarayan, Gunatitanand Swami, Bhagatji Maharaj, Shastriji Maharaj, Yogiji Maharaj, Pramukh Swami Maharaj, and currently, Mahant Swami Maharaj. The organization has a large following among Hindus around the world.
The BAPS organization believes in the following five fundamental principles:
God: BAPS believes in the existence of one supreme God, who is the creator, sustainer, and destroyer of the universe. This God is formless, eternal, and beyond human comprehension.
Scriptures: BAPS places great emphasis on the teachings of the scriptures, particularly the Vedic scriptures and the teachings of Swaminarayan. The organization believes that the scriptures provide guidance on how to live a virtuous life and attain salvation.
Guru: BAPS believes in the importance of a guru, or spiritual guide, who can help individuals attain spiritual enlightenment. The gurus in BAPS are believed to be direct descendants of Swaminarayan and are revered by the organization's followers.
Atman: BAPS believes that every individual has an immortal soul, or atman, which is separate from the body and mind. The ultimate goal of human life is to realize the true nature of the atman and attain liberation from the cycle of birth and death.
Karma: BAPS believes in the concept of karma, which holds that every action has a consequence. The organization teaches that individuals must perform good deeds and avoid sinful actions in order to accumulate good karma and attain spiritual progress.
BAPS also places great emphasis on moral values and ethical behavior. The organization teaches the importance of honesty, compassion, forgiveness, and self-discipline. It also emphasizes the importance of service to others and has undertaken a range of humanitarian initiatives to help those in need.
In terms of spiritual practices, BAPS encourages the regular practice of puja (worship), meditation, and devotional singing. The organization also places great importance on satsang, or spiritual fellowship, where individuals can come together to discuss spiritual topics and support one another in their spiritual journeys.
BAPS also places great emphasis on education, both spiritual and secular. The organization operates a range of educational institutions, including schools, colleges, and vocational training centers, to help individuals develop their knowledge and skills.
Overall, BAPS's philosophy is rooted in the teachings of Swaminarayan and emphasizes the importance of spiritual growth, ethical behavior, and service to others. The organization's followers believe that by following these teachings, they can attain spiritual enlightenment and lead a fulfilling life.
){kind=link}