Our Values
Our Beliefs
The members of BAPS are part of the Swaminarayan Sampraday—the Hindu Bhakti Sampraday founded by Bhagwan Swaminarayan.
Our Beliefs
Basic Hindu Principles
Swaminarayan followers believe in the core Hindu principles, derived from the sacred Vedas. This includes many core Hindu concepts.
One God
Parabrahm is the one, ultimate reality.
Avataarvaad
Incarnations of God
Karma
Our current actions shape our future.
Punarjanma
Reincarnation
Guru
A spiritual leader
Ahimsa
Non-Violence
Our Beliefs
The Swaminarayan Philosophy
Bhagwan Swaminarayan revealed that there are five eternal entities: Jiva, Ishwar, Maya, Brahma and Parabrahma. He explained that Parabrahma, the supreme entity has a form, is the all-doer and is ever-present on Earth through His eternal abode, Aksharbrahma.
Moksha (Liberation)
Bhagwan Swaminarayan explained that jivas (souls) transcend maya and realize Ekantik Dharma through association with Akshar-brahma—the living God-realized Satpurush. Ekantik Dharma consists of dharma (righteousness), gnan (knowledge), vairagya (detachment) and bhakti (devotion) to God, which leads one to moksha (ultimate liberation).
In the state of moksha, jivas are liberated from the cycle of birth and death, transcend maya, become an Aksharmukta and offer pure worship to Parabrahma in Akshardham (divine abode of Bhagwan Swaminarayan).
(1781 - 1830)
Bhagwan Swaminarayan
Born in 1781 in northern India, Bhagwan Swaminarayan brought about a social and spiritual renewal to a society plagued by corruption and immorality. He revitalized the values of Sanatan Hindu Dharma and established the Swaminarayan Sampraday.
He inspired devotees to live moral and spiritual lives by observing five basic principles: addiction-free living, vegetarianism, refraining from stealing, abstaining from committing adultery and maintaining purity of the mind, body and soul.
