On May 7, 2020,
the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha was invitedto participate in the National Day of Prayer in the Rose Garden at the White House in Washington D.C.The National Day of Prayeris an annual event formally enacted in 1952 celebrating faith and prayer in the nation’s life.Today’s commemoration was all-the-more solemn due to the COVID-19 crisis affecting the nation.The event allowed the country to join together to offer prayers for those affected, our brave frontline workers and healthcare workers and for the recovery of our country.
President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence offered their prayersfollowed by prayers from religious leaders representing four of the major faith traditions –Christianity, Hinduism, Judaism and Islam.
BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha(B.A.P.S)was invited by the White House to participate. Harish Brahmbhatt, apujari of B.A.P.Swasrecognized at the prayer meeting and he shared a Hindu prayer of peace from the Vedas. Speaking at the prayer meeting, hesaid, “In these troubled times of COVID-19, social distancing and the lockdown, it’s not unusual for people to feel anxious or not at peace. The Shanti Path or the peace prayer, is a prayer that does not seek worldly riches, success, fame, nor is it a prayer for any desire for heaven. It is a beautiful Hindu prayer for peace, shanti. It is a Vedic prayer derived from the Yajur Veda.â€
This prayer was specially chosen due to the overarching theme that in all circumstances we should always pray for peace above all things.In conjunction with prayers during these trying times, BAPS, and its non-denominational, humanitarian arm, BAPS Charities,have responded to the coronavirus pandemic with a spirit of selfless service.
To date, in addition to other global efforts, BAPS Charities in the US hassupported hospitals and frontline workers by providing over 96,000 PPE and over 35,000 food and care packages. BAPS Charities has also provided financial support for equipment to hospitals around the country.For more details, visithttps://www.bapscharities.org/covid-19/
BAPS continues to providespiritual support through counseling, online religious services and ceremonies and, most importantly, regular prayer for those affected, our all healthcare workers, scientists and researchers, our leaders, and for all of humanity as we rise to face this challenge.
PRAYER
AUM dyauhu shantir, antariksham shantihi Prithivi shantihi, raapaha shanti, rokhadaya shanti, vanapastayah shantir vishwe devaah shantihi, brahma shantihi, sarvam shantih shantireva saama shanti redhi, AUM SHANTIH SHANTIH SHANTIH
TRANSLATION
May there be peace in the skies. Peace in space.May there be peace on Earth. Peace across the waters.May peace flow from herbs, plants and trees.May all the celestial beings bring peace.May peace pervade all quarters of the universe.May that peace come to all of us as well.
MAY THERE BE PEACE PEACE PEACE.
About BAPS
The BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) is a worldwide spiritual and humanitarian organization that is dedicated to community service, peace, and harmony. Motivated by Hindu principles, BAPS strives to care for the world by caring for societies, families, andindividuals. Through various spiritual and humanitarian activities, BAPS endeavors to develop better citizens of tomorrow with high esteem for their roots and culture. Its 3,300 international centers support these character-building activities. Under the guidance and leadership of His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj, BAPS aspires to build a community that is free of addictions as well as morally, ethically and spiritually pure. For more details,
please visit www.baps.org.
About BAPS Charities
BAPS Charities is a global charity active in nine countries across five continents. Volunteers drive its efforts, dedicating a portion of their lives in selfless service to others, both in their local neighborhoods, as well as globally. Working in five keyareas, BAPS Charities aims to express a spirit of selfless service through Health Awareness, Educational Services, Humanitarian Relief, Environmental Protection & Preservation and Community Empowerment.
From organizing Walkathons that raise funds for local and global needs, to supporting humanitarian relief in times of urgent need; from hosting community health fairs to sustaining hospitals and schools in developing countries, BAPS Charities provides an opportunity for individuals wishing to serve locally and globally.
For additional information on BAPS Charities and its international and local philanthropic activities, please visit www.bapscharities.org.
About Mahant Swami Maharaj
His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj is the sixth and current spiritual successor of Bhagwan Swaminarayan. He was ordained a swami by Yogiji Maharaj in 1961 and named Sadhu Keshavjivandas. As he was appointed the head (Mahant) of the Mandir in Mumbai, he became known as Mahant Swami. His devout, humble and service-focused life earned him the innermost blessings of his gurus, His Holiness Yogiji Maharaj and His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj. Mahant Swami Maharaj travels throughout the world inspiring people through his insightful spiritual discourses and disciplined conduct. His virtuous lifestyle and profound devotion to Bhagwan Swaminarayan and gurus are ideals toward which devotees strive. Mahant Swami Maharaj became the guru and President of BAPS in 2016 upon the passing of His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj, the fifth spiritual successor.
CONTACT: BAPS & BAPS Charities North American Headquarters
Phone: 732-777-1414
Email: [email protected]
SOURCE: BAPS
