Ramanand Swami was a great Vaishnava saint who had traveled extensively throughout India, preaching the teachings of Lord Krishna. He was known for his deep devotion to Lord Krishna and his ability to perform miracles.
When Ramanand Swami met Swaminarayan, he was immediately impressed by the young man's spiritual knowledge and devotion. He recognized Swaminarayan as a great soul and decided to initiate him into the Uddhava sampradaya.
The initiation ceremony took place in Piplana, Gujarat. Ramanand Swami gave Swaminarayan the names Sahajanand Swami and Narayan Muni. Sahajanand means "one who brings eternal happiness" and Narayan Muni means "sage of Narayana."
After the initiation ceremony, Ramanand Swami instructed Swaminarayan to travel throughout India and preach the teachings of Lord Krishna. Swaminarayan did as his guru instructed and traveled extensively throughout India, spreading the message of love, devotion, and non-violence.
More about Ramanand Swami
Born in Ayodhya in 1738, Swami Ramanand, the spiritual guide of Lord Swaminarayan, led a remarkable life that left an indelible mark on the Swaminarayan Sampradaya and beyond. Early on, his yearning for spiritual truth propelled him to leave his family and embark on a pilgrimage across India, seeking guidance from renowned gurus and immersing himself in diverse philosophies. His initial association with the Ramanuja Sampradaya led him to embrace the Vishishtadvaita doctrine, which emphasized a devotional path towards Lord Krishna. However, Swami Ramanand's spiritual journey took a momentous turn when he received divine initiation in a dream from Ramanujacharya himself, solidifying his role as an acharya within the lineage.
Fueled by his profound devotion to Lord Krishna, Swami Ramanand established the Uddhava Sampradaya, a spiritual path centered on the principles of bhaktiyoga. He championed the cultivation of unwavering love and devotion towards Krishna through devotional practices like chanting, kirtan, and selfless service.
Key Teachings:
Bhaktiyoga: Cultivating love and devotion towards Lord Krishna through chanting, kirtan, and selfless service.
Satsang: Regular association with holy people and scriptures for spiritual growth.
Nishkam Karma: Performing actions without attachment to their fruits, focusing on duty and service.
Varnashrama Dharma: Upholding the Hindu social order and fulfilling one's responsibilities within it.
Ahimsa and Non-violence: Respecting all life forms and avoiding harm to any living being.
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