Page 14 - The Indian EYE 061623

SPECIAL FEATURE JUNE 16, 2023 | The Indian Eye 14

TOWARDS BETTER LIVING

A Mandir Stabilizes The Mind,

Inspires Nobler Living

A Mandir Stabilizes the Mind

aught in the merry-go-round of
materialism, the mind of man
Cfluctuates between a multitude
of turbulent thoughts which often
derail his life and cause misery. It is
not physical comforts man lacks, nor
is there a shortage of material plea-
sures - he lacks the stability of mind to
lead a purposeful, peaceful, and pro-
ductive life. This stability of mind is
provided by mandirs. Countless have
experienced the steadying influence
of mandirs in their lives. The divine
vibrations and energy radiating in its
vicinity have quelled many such turbu-
lent minds.
John, from East Ham in London,
visited the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan
Mandir in Neasden, London, and
commented, “I am not a Hindu, but
I am in love with this mandir. I would
visit every day if I could. I have no BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham, New Delhi, India
doubts that there is a force field of
tranquility around this mandir. Words on mandirs? Wouldn’t it be better to A Mandir Inspires Nobler Living ties of humility, self-control, toler-
cannot begin to describe how having devote those resources to constructing Today, man faces a crisis of char- ance, patience, etc. free people from
this mandir in my country makes me more hospitals and schools?” A more acter and the turmoil of widespread the bondage of material pleasures and
feel. Not a day goes by when I do not nuanced question could be, “Why are crime. Newspaper and TV headlines their consequences. Mandirs teach a
think of this mandir.” billions of dollars allocated to the film daily reveal the extent of the problem life that is pure in diet and habits; a
A mandir is the house of God. industry and cinemas? Could those faced by society. US Department of life free of addictions and other vulgar
Darshan of the murtis enshrined with- funds be redirected to enhance our Justice statistics for 2017 shows the tendencies.
in calms the wandering and confused healthcare and education systems?” extent of crime throughout America: BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha
mind and gives it direction. Regular This does not mean that schools and • A violent crime every 24.6 seconds Mandirs worldwide organize dead-
discourses, prayers, devotional sing- hospitals are not needed. They are, • A murder every 30.5 minutes diction campaigns and exhibitions.
ing, and meditation also have a pow- but so are mandirs - perhaps, even • A rape every 3.9 minutes As a result, hundreds of thousands
erful soothing effect. Many aimless more so. Man has both body and soul, • A robbery every 1.7 minutes of people have been freed from ad-
lives have been rejuvenated and given and both should be nurtured. • An aggravated assault every 39 seconds dictions to alcohol, smoking, drugs,
a true purpose. People have attained a Mandirs consolidate man’s faith • A burglary/theft every 22.6 seconds gambling, and other vices. Count-
satisfying balance amid the turmoil of in God and strengthen society moral- • A vehicle theft every 40.9 seconds less people, families and communi-
daily problems. Such is the power of ly, culturally, and socially. Schools will The problems of crime, suicide, ties have been saved from the dire
mandirs that they convert a person’s educate the mind, but who will edu- drugs, alcoholism, and gambling are consequences of such addictions.
negative, destructive, and destabiliz- cate the spirit? Hospitals will mend other disturbing features of soci- Having experienced the life-trans-
ing habits and emotions, such as ad- a broken arm, but who will mend a ety are similar for all countries - de- forming benefits of mandirs, many
dictions, anger, ego, hatred, etc. into broken heart? Cinemas, amusement veloped or developing. Hence, the readily volunteer to promote the mes-
positive, constructive, and stabilizing arcades, and discotheques will excite need of the hour is to arrest man’s sage of nobler living and rescue others
feelings of honesty, love, humility, the mind, but where will one go for moral decline and set him back onto trapped in the prison of harmful hab-
compassion, tolerance, and others. peace of mind? It is in these contexts the track towards eternal happiness. its and character.
Yet, there are some who in- that mandirs find their unique im- Mandirs inspire the values and virtues Amrutvijaydas Swami
quire, “Why spend so much money portance. necessary for a noble life. The quali- BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha

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