'We do not build temples to show off': Brahmavihari Swami

Interview/ Brahmavihari Swami, in-charge (international relations), BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha

Brahmavihari Swami, who is in-charge of international relations of BAPS, is a motivational speaker and champion of humanitarian causes. He grew up in the UK and became a monk in 1981.

Brahmavihari Swami has played a pivotal role in the creation and design of various BAPS temples worldwide, and was the driving force behind the temple in Abu Dhabi. Excerpts from an interview:

Q/ What is the significance of the first traditional Hindu stone temple in the Middle East?

This temple is a great message of hope and harmony for humanity. A temple of love and harmony, when the world is being polarised. That is the role of a spiritual place.

From a cosmic level when you look at the earth, there are no borders. People create borders and divisions. People fight because of their mindsets. A temple like this will change the mindset of mankind, so that religions, cultures and values can flourish together. All people want is harmony. We can gift our children properties, luxuries and bank accounts, but if we cannot give them a world of peace and harmony, then what’s the point? If a country is huge but not in harmony, it is a rogue nation. If a family is rich but lives in disharmony, it is a broken home. If a company is multinational but internally disunited, it eventually disintegrates. Disharmony does more damage to life and the living. Perhaps, the greatest capital the world needs today is ‘harmony capital’.

Q/ There are more conflicts in the Middle East than anywhere else in the world. How will the temple help in promoting peace in the region?

Hundreds of people told me that a traditional temple, built of natural stone, of this magnitude, was not possible in this region. But, as hearts and minds connected, everyone connected, and it became possible. Genuine places of worship are a source of harmony. How can we talk about heaven up there, if we cannot create a little bit of heaven down here!

I believe this temple is genuinely a spiritual oasis for global harmony. When you are wedded to harmony, everyone welcomes you with an open heart. When the war began in Ukraine, Prime Minister Narendra Modi sought my help. We [the BAPS volunteers] went to Ukraine and Poland. We helped whoever was suffering. I remember meeting an Ukrainian child who could not speak English well. His parents were fighting in the war. He signalled that he wanted a toothbrush. We gave the boy a toothbrush, and he instantly smiled. Once the boy settled in, I asked him what he wants to be when he grows up. To our surprise, he did not say doctor, engineer, actor or footballer. He said he wanted to be kind. It brought me so much joy when the boy came to Dubai with his parents to meet me.

I have met the UAE leaders a few times. Our relationship has been based upon truth, transparency and trust. They could deeply relate to our journey of harmony. I have explained everything to the rulers, heart to heart. When we asked them why they gifted us land free of cost, they said, “You are good people, and you make people good.”

Conflicts occur for ideologies, identities and selfish reasons. Every country has its own challenges. We cannot generalise or negatively brand regions or nations. The UAE is peaceful, stable and progressive. It has taken tolerance and harmony to a new level, and created a climate of collaboration and coexistence.

The generous act of gifting a piece of land for a Hindu temple is in itself a millennial moment that has the power to influence humanity. It may seem small or personal, but the impact is universal.

Even after a thousand years the present rulers of the UAE will be spoken of with the highest regard and respect. Just as the message of Mahatma Gandhi was not limited to India, the generosity of the [UAE] rulers is a message to the whole world. The creation of the BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi has opened the gates to the rest of the world.

Q/ BAPS temples are known for their awe-inspiring grandeur and beauty. Are they so designed to spread awareness about India’s culture and spirituality?

We do not build temples to show off. We build temples to fulfil the deeper cultural and spiritual needs of the people. There is no strategy or hidden agenda. The emergence of temples has been natural, just as flowers don’t generate fragrance forcibly―it is their intrinsic nature. BAPS temples have flourished across the world because they serve society selflessly and ceaselessly. We have smaller temples in villages and larger ones in cities. Spirituality has to be gentle and natural. Where our devotees are capable, where the permission is possible, where the need is genuine, temples will be built.

Also, there is a need for authentic ancient temples in modern age. I believe the world is, rightfully, spending so much energy, resources and manpower for excavation of ancient ruins. If excavation is important, renovation and preservation are also important. Then what about regeneration? Art is saved by preservation but survives more through regeneration. One can start a ‘save the rhino’ campaign and collect money. But if one creates a farm for breeding rhinos that would help in the long term. Just like schools, stadiums and hospitals, temples, too, have to be built. They are an integral part of society.

Q/ Former president A.P.J. Abdul Kalam’s last book was about Pramukh Swami. It was Pramukh Swami who initiated you as a monk. What did you admire the most in him?

I admire everything about Pramukh Swamiji. I have met him thousands of times. Never once did I come out without getting more fascinated and inspired by him. The beauty of a person’s character is when you are inspired every time. They need not speak everything. Pramukh Swamiji was egoless. That is what touched Kalam, too. He also valued goodness. He was attached to the wellbeing of the world and was detached from personal desires. I had such a friendly relationship with Pramukh Swamiji. He treated me like his son.

One of the best diplomats in the world today [S. Jaishankar] told me that the temple in Abu Dhabi is “like a Cinderella story, which is turning fairy tales into reality.” In the times to come, he said, there will be legends about Swaminarayan sadhus having dialogues with Muslim leaders, just like the Buddhist monks who spoke to the Chinese emperors.

Q/ How do you assess Prime Minister Modi as a statesman and a global leader?

Modiji has created a different India, a relevant India. The worth of our nation at the world level has increased phenomenally after he came to power. Many years ago, when I became a monk Modiji was there in that festival to witness it. He is selfless, fearless. And he works hard. There were times when Modiji called me at one o’clock in the night to inquire about something. He is looked upon as a tough leader. But tough times need tough leaders. He believes that tough decisions have to be taken to take India to greater heights.