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SPECIAL FEATURE NOVEMBER 03, 2023 | The Indian Eye 14

TOWARDS BETTER LIVING

Navigating Life with our Inner Compass

People often ask me, “Why do you go to a mandir (Hindu place of worship)?”

t’s a fair question. I spend countless hours at
the mandir, some devoted to prayers, some to
Idoing seva (selfless service), and other times
just simply hanging out with friends. All of this
takes place within the grandeur of the BAPS Shri
Swaminarayan Mandir in Beltsville, Maryland. As
a student, my daily life is a juggling act with numer-
ous responsibilities, making it tempting to overlook
something like practicing religion, which appears to
have lost its appeal in today’s “modern” generation.
Yet, amidst these demands, many young individuals
like myself do commit to set aside precious time to
matters of spirituality, faith, and worship.

Offering a concrete answer to this ques-
tion is not straightforward. People hold
diverse viewpoints on religion, some being
open to various faiths, while others main-

tain a certain skepticism. Though our in-
terpretations may differ, we are all bound
by a shared tapestry of moral values — an As a college student aspiring to become a doc- meaningful choices about my career and personal
intricate design that serves as our guide or tor, the path ahead is far from straightforward. life, the weight of responsibility settled in.
With countless options to consider and a multitude In those moments of uncertainty, the mandir’s
inner compass. Regardless of our ultimate of responsibilities to juggle — from research com- teachings provided an anchor of stability. I re-
goals in life, these moral values are a life- mitments to excelling in courses and staying con- called the values it had instilled in me — perse-
nected with family — finding clarity is a constant
verance, compassion, and a commitment to selfless
line which help propel us forward. challenge. Like a seasoned mariner navigating a service. The mandir acted as my moral compass,
complex course, I must skillfully navigate the ob- directing me towards a meaningful life regardless
Imagine a scene where life stretches out like stacles that arise. of the twists and turns that came my way.
an uncharted sea. Its relentless waves navigate us Amid this intricate journey, the mandir stands This experience illustrated the tangible impact
between the firm demands of responsibilities and as a steadfast refuge, guiding my choices, shaping of spirituality on my life. It was a reminder that the
the allure of desires. Amid this swirling expanse, my character, and offering renewed purpose. Just mandir’s teachings were not confined within its or-
where the world often obscures our purpose with as a lighthouse provides stability amidst the sea’s nate walls but had the power to shape my character
distractions, emerges the mandir as a steadfast turbulence, the mandir offers unwavering princi- and guide my actions, especially when life demand-
lighthouse. The mandir, as our lighthouse, em- ples to navigate life’s currents. And, just as a mari- ed clarity the most. In the face of newfound inde-
phasizes the moral values we should integrate into ner relies on a compass to brave uncharted waters, pendence and complex choices, the mandir’s wis-
our lives to better comprehend our purpose and the mandir acts as my moral compass, directing me dom became a guiding light, illuminating the path
live more fulfilling lives — promoting long-term towards a meaningful life regardless of the twists ahead and reminding me to stay true to my values.
growth. By instilling these necessary moral values, and turns that come my way. When posed with the question, “Why do you
we are prepared for future issues and position our- One moment where the mandir played a pow- go to the mandir?” my response resonates with un-
selves in an advantageous position, ready to over- erful role is when I had just begun college. My wavering certainty. For me, the mandir is a haven
come these difficulties. guru, Mahant Swami Maharaj, had provided me of purpose, an ever-present brilliance which high-
In our personal journey across the sea of life, with invaluable advice as I embarked on this new lights my long-term path. It prompts me to reflect
we often become engrossed in refining various as- chapter of life. Pursuing medicine had been my upon the underlying values that define my charac-
pects of our identity and shaping an “ideal self.” childhood dream, and his encouragement fortified ter. Moreover, in the face of ongoing life hurdles,
As we navigate life’s tumultuous waters, the teach- my determination to follow that path. However, it revitalizes my determination. The time I invest at
ings from the mandir propel us onward with an stepping onto the college campus, it soon became the mandir, surrounded by individuals like myself,
unshakable sense of purpose. It’s a commitment clear that life was different from what I had ex- is genuinely invaluable and leaves an enduring im-
to spirituality, faith, and worship that doesn’t im- perienced in the constant company of my parents print on my life.
ply retreat from the world, but rather a deliberate and family members. The freedom to make my Thus, the question beckons: how will you dis-
pause — a momentary halt to recalibrate our in- own decisions, both large and small, felt both ex- cover your own inner compass?
ternal compass, ensuring that our journey remains hilarating and overwhelming. From deciding how Pragat Patel
steadfastly aligned with our core values. to structure my study hours to making long-term, BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha

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