BAPS Better Living

Faith is often described as something we either have or don’t. But what if faith is more like a muscle - something that becomes stronger through use?

In Part 2 of this conversation with Pujya Chaitanyamurtidas Swami, we turn from understanding faith to actually living it. The discussion explores what faith does in everyday life, how it shapes the way we respond to difficulty, and how spiritual practices, environment, and repetition can help faith become steadier and more natural over time.

The conversation also looks at an important tension: if faith grows through practice, how do we know we are genuinely deepening spiritually rather than simply becoming accustomed to a routine? And what should stronger faith actually look like in the way we think, act, and relate to others?

This episode invites us to see faith not as a fixed quality, but as something that can be exercised, tested, and strengthened.

This is Part 2 of a two-part conversation on faith with Pujya Chaitanyamurtidas Swami.

Windows Into Wisdom explores timeless spiritual ideas through thoughtful, practical conversations for everyday life.

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On the evening of Wednesday, October 14, BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Atlanta, Georgia, hosted its inaugural Executive Forum, featuring an insightful address on living a “Value Added Life” by Pujya Brahmaviharidas Swami.

The forum brought together over 100 distinguished executives, presidents, board members, and senior leaders from leading companies for an evening of reflection, meaningful dialogue, and inspiration. The discussion explored how timeless values, purpose, humility, and forgiveness can enrich leadership, strengthen organizations, and create a lasting positive impact on society.

The inaugural gathering marked an important step in fostering connections between business leadership and timeless human values, inspiring leaders to pursue not only professional success but also a truly value-added life.

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In this episode of the BAPS Better Living Inspired Series, psychiatrist, physician leader, founder, and lifelong learner Dr. Sejal Mehta shares why she continues to evolve, serve, and pursue new possibilities at every stage of life.

From building a career in psychiatry and leading within the medical community to launching a nonprofit and exploring responsible AI in healthcare, Dr. Mehta’s journey is grounded in one central belief: purpose doesn’t diminish with time - it deepens.

In this conversation, we explore:

• Why it’s never too late to learn, grow, or begin again
• How faith and spiritual values can shape leadership and service
• Moving beyond the limits we internalize
• Finding purpose through our careers, families, and communities
• Why service can become a way of life rather than something separate from it

Her message is simple: Life is beautiful. Life is short. Make every moment meaningful.

#BAPSBetterLiving #InspiredSeries #Purpose #Leadership #WomenInLeadership #WomenInMedicine #MentalHealth #LifelongLearning #Service #FaithAndLeadership #PersonalGrowth #HealthcareLeadership #PurposeDrivenLife #BAPS

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This episode of Dharmic Life explores smartphone and social media addiction through personal experiences, research, and a dharmic lens.

Today, digital platforms are intentionally engineered to capture our attention through constant notifications and endless feeds. This has fueled the rise of “doomscrolling,” a habit known to negatively affect our mood, mental well-being, and relationships.

In fact, rising smartphone use has coincided with a sharp increase in youth depression, anxiety, self-harm, and sleep deprivation. Meta has faced billions of dollars in legal claims over allegations that its algorithms harm young people.

But this struggle is nothing new. Hinduism has long explored the concept of maya and offers a path to overcome it. Bhagwan Swaminarayan’s teachings in the Vachanamrut reveal how we can regain control of our minds through awareness, better habits, purposeful living, and spiritual practice.

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Faith is often spoken about as something we either have or we don’t. But is it really that simple? And does having faith mean believing without questioning?

In Part 1 of this two-part conversation with P. Chaitanyamurtidas Swami, we explore the idea of faith from a thoughtful and practical perspective. We look at why faith plays such a central role in spiritual life, how it relates to reason and trust, and whether the way we rely on people, systems, and knowledge in everyday life can teach us something about faith itself.

The conversation also wrestles with some of the questions that can make faith difficult: What happens when belief feels uncertain? How should we think about doubt? And if faith should not be blind, what makes trust reasonable?

Rather than asking us to simply believe more, this episode invites us to think more carefully about what faith is, where it comes from, and what makes it worthy of our trust.

This is Part 1 of a two-part conversation on faith with Chaitanyamurtidas Swami.

Windows Into Wisdom explores timeless spiritual ideas through honest, thoughtful conversations about the questions we encounter in everyday life.

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Why Relationships Feel Empty (and What to Do About It): Rethinking Love and Friendship Through a Spiritual Lens

In this BAPS Better Living Dharmic Life episode, Palak and Rakhee discuss a dharmic perspective on love, friendship, and faith. They explore how one small but powerful shift in perspective can transform the way we show up in our most meaningful relationships.

Drawing from their own experiences and practices, they explore a simple but powerful question: “Am I becoming the person I hope to find in others?”

Through Hindu teachings and spiritual practices - including seeing God in others, introspection, reflection, and faith—they share how shifting the focus from what we expect to what we can offer can help build deeper, more genuine connections.

Perhaps, the relationships we long for don’t begin with finding the “perfect” friend, partner, or person. Perhaps, they begin by becoming the person we hope to find in others.

Because sometimes, you are the missing piece.

#BAPSBetterLiving #DharmicLife #Faith #SpiritualGrowth #MentalWellbeing #HinduWisdom #BAPS

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Why do we know what is right, but still struggle to do it?

In this episode of Windows into Wisdom by BAPS Better Living, we sit down with Pujya Snehmunidas Swami to explore one of the most honest struggles in spiritual growth: the gap between knowing better and actually doing better.

Many of us have heard wisdom about patience, forgiveness, discipline, prayer, humility, and inner change. We may even feel inspired in the moment. But when life tests us, old habits, emotions, ego, and familiar patterns often take over.

So how does wisdom move from something we admire to something we actually live? How do we turn inspiration into practice? And what does real transformation look like in daily life?

Through a spiritual lens, Snehmuni Swami helps us understand how satsang, self-awareness, prayer, effort, and the grace of God and guru can help us move from knowing to becoming.

#BAPSBetterLiving #WindowsIntoWisdom #BAPS #SpiritualGrowth #SelfImprovement #HinduWisdom #Satsang #SnehmuniSwami #PramukhSwamiMaharaj #MahantSwamiMaharaj

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In this episode of the BAPS Better Living Inspired Series, we sit down with Payal Patel, Director of Business Development at Robert Half, to explore what happens when logic can only take us so far.

With a background in law, Payal shares how faith, values, and spirituality have helped her navigate difficult decisions, professional pressure, and moments when there is no perfectly logical answer.

Together, we explore how honesty, integrity, introspection, and faith can help us live with greater clarity and alignment, even when the easier choice is not always the right one.

Where in your life might you be relying only on logic when alignment is asking for something more?

#BAPS #BAPSBetterLiving #InspiredSeries #Faith #Spirituality #Purpose #Values #Integrity #Clarity #LivingWithPurpose

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Belonging in the Diaspora: A Dharmic View on Identity, Citizenship, and Seva

In this episode of BAPS Better Living’s Dharmic Life episode, Dhawal and Kashyap discuss identity and belonging as diaspora Hindus in North America. They explore how immigrants often feel tension between preserving Hindu practices and fitting into Western society, with Kashyap sharing experiences growing up as the only Hindu in his Alabama school and feeling embarrassed about rituals.

Framing the conversation around America’s 250th anniversary, they connect American pluralism (E pluribus unum) with Dharmic ideals and argue that belonging is less about seeking acceptance and more about personal responsibility, civic engagement, and seva.

They emphasize integrating multiple identities without ranking them, contributing to one’s community, and viewing Hinduism as a global way of life.

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Join US Congressman Pete Sessions as he shares his story of visiting India. In this candid conversation with Pujya Brahmaviharidas Swami, Congressman Sessions shares his deep regard for India’s culture and people. He shares his experiences seeing the industry, creativity, and especially the spirituality of the people.

He talks about his experiences meeting His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj and the deep impact it left on him.

In this episode, explore how spirituality helps us transcend cultural and national barriers to reach a higher level of empathy, humility, and community.

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Embodying Honor, Commitment, and Courage with Meera Amin

The values that sustain us through life's greatest challenges often become the foundation upon which we build our character, leadership, and purpose.

In this special episode of the Inspired Series, we are honored to feature Meera Amin. She is a Marine veteran, a Project Manager for the Chief Medical Officer at Disney, and a Doctoral Candidate in Whole Health Leadership.

As America commemorates its 250th anniversary, Meera's story offers a powerful reflection on service, resilience, and the enduring principles that shape both personal and professional excellence.

In this conversation, she shares insights on:

• Cultivating alignment between mind, body, and spirit
• The role of spirituality and core values in navigating life's transitions
• Lessons from military service and how the Marine Corps values of Honor, Courage, and Commitment continue to guide her leadership today
• Building a life of purpose through intentional growth, service, and self-reflection

Meera's journey demonstrates that leadership extends far beyond titles and accomplishments. It is rooted in character, guided by values, and expressed through service to others.

We invite you to listen to this meaningful conversation and reflect on the principles that guide your own path toward purpose, leadership, and lasting impact.

#InspiredSeries #Leadership #MarineVeteran #LeadingWithPurpose #WholeHealth #BetterLiving

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In this episode of Inspired by BAPS Better Living, U.S. Air Force officer and pilot Jaydevsinh Zala shares how his immigrant father’s unrealized dream of becoming a pilot inspired him from childhood, reinforced by seva (selfless service) and a desire to give back to America. Throughout it all, guidance from his guru and continuing to perform his daily ahnik (spiritual routine) helped him stay true to his roots, even during challenging times.

🎧 Tune in to hear how creativity, spirituality, and service can come together to shape a meaningful life.

#BAPSBetterLiving #InspiredSeries #BAPSPodcast #HinduValues #FaithInAction #Leadership #USAirForce #America250

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This episode of Dharmic Life on the BAPS Better Living podcast explores Dr. Tony Nader’s book The Power of Caring and why modern society, especially younger generations, faces loneliness, isolation, and numbness through distractions.

Joined by co-hosts Kashyap and Dhawal, the discussion engages Dr. Nader, a Harvard and MIT-trained neuroscientist, medical doctor, and leader of the Transcendental Meditation program, on how caring is transformative, rooted in deep spiritual foundation, and supported by biology (including brain wiring, oxytocin, and dopamine).

Dr. Tony Nader (www.tonynader.com) recounts his journey from Lebanon through medicine and research to Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, concluding that unity underlies diversity. The conversation covers dharma, “caring better” through conscious boundaries, avoiding caregiver burnout via self-care and meditation, the role of bhakti and love, and the difference between “having more” and “being more” for true fulfillment.

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In this episode of the BAPS Better Living: Inspired Series, we speak with Bawa Jain, Secretary General of the World Council of Religious Leaders, about his journey from a business family in India to deep involvement at the United Nations after his guru, Acharya Sushil Kumarji Maharaj, instructed him to stay in the U.S. and work with the UN.

Jain recounts building networks within the UN, chairing events during the UN’s 50th anniversary, and helping launch the 2000 Millennium World Peace Summit that brought together 2,000 religious leaders from 120 countries.

He shares reflections on guru-centered purpose, his relationship with Pramukh Swami Maharaj and BAPS’ support, and leadership as service rooted in sincerity, integrity, humility, and spirituality, including some dilemmas he faced.

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Life rarely unfolds exactly the way we planned. Careers shift. Relationships change. Expectations break. And sometimes, the hardest part is not what happened… but letting go of what we thought life was “supposed” to look like.

In this episode of Dharmic Life, we experience a discussion between Palak Shah and Rakhee Patel as they share personal reflections on navigating the unexpected turns life can bring. Together, we explore how faith, perspective, and trust in God can help us navigate disappointment, uncertainty, and change with strength and peace.

Because sometimes, life not going according to plan is not the end of something beautiful… it may be the beginning of becoming who we were meant to be.

Watch now and reflect with us on how to handle life when life doesn’t go as planned.

#BAPSBetterLiving #DharmicLife #Faith #SpiritualGrowth #MentalWellbeing #HinduWisdom #BAPS #InnerPeace #TrustTheProcess #PersonalGrowth

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What does it mean to live creatively while staying grounded in purpose and spirituality? In the latest episode of BAPS Better Living – Inspired Series, we sit down with artist and UX/UI designer Jaykishan Patel for a thoughtful conversation about creativity, career, identity, and the values that shape the paths that we choose.

From sketching the Atlanta Mandir as it was being built during his childhood to balancing professional design work, family responsibilities, and artistic passion today, Jaykishan shares how art has always been deeply connected to his personal and spiritual journey.

In our conversation, he reflects on:
• How growing up around mandirs and Indian artistry inspired his love for creativity and design
• The realities of balancing passion, career, and family responsibilities
• Why resilience comes from understanding your “baseline” during difficult moments
• The importance of staying agile and open-minded when choosing a career path
• How spirituality and the guidance of a guru help navigate life’s many decisions
• Why ancient Hindu art and architecture continue to hold timeless cultural meaning
• The deeply personal story behind growing out and donating his hair to support his aunt during her battle with cancer

Jaykishan’s story is a reminder that creativity is more than self-expression - it can become a way of preserving culture, serving others, and staying connected to something greater than ourselves. Through art, spirituality, and daily discipline, he shares how purpose is not found in one defining moment, but rather, built steadily through the choices we make every day.

🎧 Tune in to hear how creativity, spirituality, and service can come together to shape a meaningful life.

#PurposeDriven #Spirituality #HinduCulture #IndianArt #InspiredSeries #BAPSBetterLiving #PersonalGrowth #bapsbetterliving

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In this episode of the Dharmic Life Podcast on BAPS Better Living, host Dhawal, Dr. Kashyap, and Rashmi discuss what organized religion really means and why it is essential for spiritual progress.

The talk delves into concerns that people have about organized religion, especially when relating to losing their individuality, falling into blind rituals, and the real scandals and hypocrisy that often come up.

Through it all, the participants address these real concerns through the lens of Hinduism, and their own personal experiences and growth through spiritual practice.

#BAPS #BAPSBetterLiving #DharmicLife #ModernSpirituality #OrganizedReligion #Spirituality

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What does leadership look like when it’s rooted in service? In the latest episode of the BAPS Better Living – Inspired Series, we speak with Dr. Angelina Mehta - a Gunnery Sergeant in the U.S. Marine Reserve and a Naturopathic Doctor who leads with both discipline and compassion.

Angelina’s journey spans two worlds that rarely intersect: the rigor of military service and the healing work of medicine. Yet for her, both paths share a common foundation - service to others. Growing up with a strong spiritual grounding and a deep culture of seva (selfless service), Angelina learned early that leadership is not about authority or status. It’s about responsibility.

In our conversation, she reflects on:
• How military leadership is built on trust, accountability, and shared sacrifice
• The Marine Corps principle that “leaders eat last” and what that means in practice
• How caring for patients allows her to serve people at their most vulnerable moments
• Why science and spirituality can complement each other in the pursuit of healing
• How the teachings of spiritual leaders like Pramukh Swami Maharaj and Mahant Swami Maharaj shaped her approach to leadership and humility.

Angelina’s story reminds us that true leadership is not about standing above others - it’s about standing with them. Whether in uniform, in the clinic, or in community service, she shows that the strongest leaders are those who serve first.

🎧 Tune in to hear how discipline, compassion, and humility can come together to shape a life of purpose.

#Leadership #ServantLeadership #LeadershipMatters #PurposeDriven #LeadWithPurpose #LeadershipJourney #bapsbetterliving

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In this episode of BAPS Better Living Dharmic Life, we explore what it means to be spiritual amidst practices like yoga, meditation, retreats, mindfulness, and decluttering.

Feeling spiritual is different than being spiritual. Often, we see social media performances where liking posts, sharing quotes, and other outward “spiritual” aesthetics replace real action and consistent inner work.

But true spirituality is striving for something greater than ego, aligning inner identity (soul vs. body) with outward conduct, and accepting moral weight in daily choices.

In this discussion, we talk about what a spiritual practice (sadhana) means as well as getting into why we need to embrace being guided by time-tested paths and teachers rather than rugged individualism.

We also share our own stories and analogies about growth, training, and living values even under hardship.

#BAPS #BAPSBetterLiving #LifeLessons #InnerGrowth #Peace #DharmicLife #Values

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Amar Chollera is an entrepreneur and global business operator whose life spans multiple continents - from growing up in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, to studying at UCLA and building a career across the U.S., UAE, and East Africa.

Through major life transitions - including the loss of a family member, stepping into greater family responsibility, navigating newly married life, and facing the uncertainties of entrepreneurship - Amar has remained deeply grounded in his faith and values.

In this conversation, he shares how spirituality and inner discipline have helped him stay steady through change, offering a powerful perspective on living with purpose in an unpredictable world.

#entrepreneurship #leadership #BAPS #Inspire #BAPSBetterLiving #LifeLessons #InnerGrowth #Peace

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