Navigating Life with Our Inner Compass

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

It’s a fair question. I spend countless hours at the mandir, some devoted to prayers, some to doing 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 numerous 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 question is not straightforward. People hold diverse viewpoints on religion, some being open to various faiths, while others maintain a certain skepticism. It is difficult to balance these viewpoints and appease each person you meet. Though our interpretations may differ, we are all bound by a shared tapestry of moral values — an intricate design that serves as our guide or inner compass. Regardless of our ultimate goals in life, these moral values are a lifeline which help propel us forward.

Imagine a scene where life stretches out like an uncharted sea. Its relentless waves navigate us between the firm demands of responsibilities and the allure of desires. Amid this swirling expanse, where the modern world often obscures our purpose with distractions, emerges the mandir as a steadfast lighthouse. While physical and emotional values can help us navigate, the lighthouse is crucial in pointing out potential hardships ahead. The mandir, as our lighthouse, emphasizes the moral values we should integrate into our lives to better comprehend our purpose and live more fulfilling lives — promoting long-term growth. Instead of merely tackling short-term hurdles, developing this mindset to address complex life issues is invaluable. By instilling these necessary moral values, we are prepared for future issues and position ourselves in an advantageous position, ready to overcome these difficulties.

In our personal journey across the sea of life, we often become engrossed in refining various aspects of our identity and shaping an “ideal self.” We might invest time in learning a musical instrument, dedicating extra effort to our careers, or honing our social skills. While each of these endeavors is rewarding, moral and spiritual values hold the potential to ignite fundamental changes in our mindset. As we navigate life’s tumultuous waters, the teachings from the mandir propel us onward with an unshakable sense of purpose. It’s a commitment to spirituality, faith, and worship that doesn’t imply retreat from the world, but rather a deliberate pause — a momentary halt to recalibrate our internal compass, ensuring that our journey remains steadfastly aligned with our core values. Thus, dedicating countless hours to other pursuits pales in comparison to the genuine tranquility found in rekindling a connection with our inner self.

As a college student aspiring to become a doctor, the path ahead is far from straightforward. With countless options to consider and a multitude of responsibilities to juggle — from research commitments to excelling in courses and staying connected with family — finding clarity is a constant challenge. Like a seasoned mariner navigating a complex course, I must skillfully navigate the obstacles that arise.

Amid this intricate journey, the mandir stands as a steadfast refuge, guiding my choices, shaping my character, and offering renewed purpose. It remains a constant presence, whether I face challenges or triumphs. Just as a lighthouse provides stability amidst the sea’s turbulence, the mandir offers unwavering principles to navigate life’s currents. Its influence is a reliable compass that revitalizes my determination and brings clarity to life’s complexities. In the intricate dance of academic pursuits and personal growth, the mandir’s constancy is my guiding light. It reminds me that amidst life’s choices and challenges, clarity can be found. Just as a mariner relies on a compass to brave uncharted waters, the mandir acts as my moral compass, directing me towards a meaningful life regardless of the twists and turns that come my way.

One particular moment where the mandir played an powerful role is when I had just begun college. My guru, Mahant Swami Maharaj, had provided me with invaluable advice as I embarked on this new chapter of life. Pursuing medicine had been my childhood dream, and his encouragement fortified my determination to follow that path. However, stepping onto the college campus, it soon became clear that life was vastly different from what I had experienced in the constant company of my parents and family members. The freedom to make my own decisions, both large and small, felt both exhilarating and overwhelming. From deciding how to structure my study hours to making long-term, meaningful choices about my career and personal life, the weight of responsibility settled in.

In those moments of uncertainty, the mandir’s teachings provided an anchor of stability. I recalled the values it had instilled in me — perseverance, compassion, and a commitment to selfless service. With each challenge that arose, I found solace in the mandir’s teachings, guiding me towards decisions that aligned with my inner virtues. The mandir acted as my moral compass, directing me towards a meaningful life regardless of the twists and turns that came my way.

This experience illustrated the tangible impact of spirituality on my life, not just in moments of tranquility, but in the crucible of life’s pivotal decisions. It was a reminder that the mandir’s teachings were not confined within its ornate walls, but had the power to shape my character and guide my actions, especially when life demanded clarity the most. In the face of newfound independence and complex choices, the mandir’s wisdom became a guiding light, illuminating the path ahead and reminding me to stay true to my values.

When posed with the question, “Why do you go to the mandir?” my response resonates with unwavering certainty. I embark upon this voyage to chart a course amidst sharp currents, and to revisit the foundational values that blaze a trail to genuine fulfillment. Just as a lighthouse stands unwavering amidst the ebb and flow of the tides, the teachings of the mandir stand as a steadfast constant amid the ever-fluctuating dynamics of the world. They serve as a reminder of our innate virtues, steering us with unyielding resolve towards a life that stands steadfast in its purpose.

For me, the mandir is a haven of purpose, an ever present brilliance which highlights my long-term path. It prompts me to reflect upon the underlying values that define my character. Moreover, in the face of ongoing life hurdles, it revitalizes my determination. The time I invest at the mandir, surrounded by individuals like myself, is genuinely invaluable and leaves an enduring imprint on my life.

Thus, the question beckons: how will you discover your own inner compass?

Pragat Patel, Student