26. Distinctive Features of Swaminarayanism

(1) The followers of this Faith come from all walks of life and they belong to different castes, classes, vocations and sects. It has absorbed one and all irrespective of their caste or creed. It welcomes all human beings with love and compassion and treats them as equals within the Satsang Fellowship.

(2) All those who embrace Swaminarayanism are enjoined to observe Panch Vartman -Five moral codes for the purification of mind and body. These five moral codes are:

The devotees shall-

a) abstain from all intoxicants

b) not eat flesh

c) not commit theft

d) not commit adultery

e) not defile others nor get defiled.

(3) The edifice of Swaminarayanism rests on four basic tenets:

Truthfulness

Non-violence

Celibacy-chastity

Worship of God the incarnate

(4) Lord Shri Swaminarayan has explained the nature of God in the light of all the four scriptures viz. Samkhya, Yoga, Vedanta and Pancharatra.

(5) The philosophy of Swaminarayan Dharma has incorporated:

a) Devotion with real understanding of the greatness and glory of God from the doctrine of Dvaitavada (dualism)

b) Sadhanchatushtaya (Four means of spiritual accomplishment) and Jivan Mukti (liberation of soul in life itself) from Advaita (the doctrine of Monoism)

c) Mode of Upasana or worship from Shudhadvaitam (Pure Monoism)

d) The concept of Sharir-Shariri Sambandha -relationship between 'body' and 'soul' and man's total surrender (Sharanagati) to His Divine will, from the doctrine of Vishishtadvaitam (Modified Monoism)

All these doctrines have been adopted, with their proper interpretation in the ideal philosophy of Shri Swaminarayan.

(6) This religion contains in its purest form, what is best in the spiritual and cultural traditions of India as well as what is noblest in all the great religions of the world.

(7) This religion is not exclusively spiritual or other-worldly. Being the religion of man, it teaches the art of living and provides guidance in our day-to-day life. It is also a pure Vyavahar Dharma -a religion of human relationship. Again, this religion has not been a monopoly of the rich, educated upper-classes. In fact, it is the universal religion of the masses, wedded to the principle of 'Unto this last.'

(8) This religion shines out with righteousness, renunciation, thirst for knowledge and austerity. With their right actions and spiritual fervour, the saints and householders of this faith occupy a special place in our society. Here, in an extremely pious environment, one can experience the soothing touch of divinity, the elevating effect of devotion that comes through the practice of self-restraint, selfless-service, charity, care and concern for the fellow beings. Whatever rituals, codes of moral conduct and religious instructions have been prescribed for the followers, are supported by truth and have redeeming effect on the practitioners.

(9) The ever-increasing span of this religion in India and abroad is the proof of its universality.

(10) It has crossed all the barriers of time and space and has become a religion of humanity, in the sense that even after thousands of years, it appears contemporary and will continue to deliver mankind from the bondage of ignorance.

Thus, Lord Shri Swaminarayan has shown His unique capacity to combine spiritualism with practical wisdom in the establishment of an all-embracing, universal supreme religion, promising redemption of the mankind. This is the proof of His being the incarnate God.